The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-06-07


ceeded in arousing quite storm of indigna-
ton against the abettors of this proceeding.
''But the paper itself is still in the hands
of Lieutenant Hayes, you say p,
eyes, the general SO informed me. -
Then shall still pursue the course had
marked out before you went"
"And that is
my own affair, my dear, SO ask no ques-
tons that might become embarrassing in the
future" tw
"Well, 1 trust you fully, and if you deem it
inadvisable for me to know, just yet, will
restrain my impotence until such time as
ycu care to make me acquainted with your
''Do so, my dear, and therein show how
very sensible you are; but you look weary,
go to your chamber, my love, while attend
to some household duties-I will join you
presently" and Laura went on to her room.
AS soon as Zera found herself alone, she rung
her bell and said to the attendant who an
swered it
"Send Holden to me- !"
He came in an instant. bowling, hat in
hand, to receive the commands of his
mistress.
"Come in and close the doorl Have you
fully rested from your journey ?"
, "Yes, my lady, fully"
''Then listen to me- You are aware that
Col. Taylor has been arrested and is still in
prison. Since our arrival in the city have
ascertained beyond question that the whole
matter has been done at the instigation of
Warren Hayes, for sinister purposes of his
own, not now necessary to detail But to &C.
complish these purposes he used the letter
intrused to my care when we went from here
to the Southern camp, and which was
lost How it came into his possession do
not know; but he has it, and it is now on
his person. That letter, Holden, m,tst-I say
natst-be recovered. BY remaining in his
hands it will work infinite injury to my friends
and may consign the good old colonel to long
imprisonment, and perhaps death. Lieut.
Hayes has left the city, but I have no doubt
can be traced-he must be traced, and what is
more, that paper must be returned to me-
Now you understand me, when do you set
out?" and the fierce black eyes almost
glued themselves ON the countenance of the
retainer.
Gas soon as I can discover in which direc-
ton the man has gone; in few hours at
farthesti"
"Take this purse, you may need tit con-
tains enough for every possible exigencyl"
"Should it become necessary, my lady, to
use violence, what then?"
"Use it, she cried, stamping her foot in
high displeasure, "why do you ask me such
question. When 1 tell you that this paper
must be recovered, Imean that nothing human
must interpose an effectual obstacle to its
possession. Do you understand me noao sir?"
"Yes, my lady" said the man, bowling his
head until his forehead almost touched the
floor, "paIdon me for angering you, my lady;
it is my misfortune. To hear is to obey
your commands shall be complied with"
"Forgive me, Holden, if I've grieved you,
my old and faithful servant, she said, with
smile of winning sweetness, "but the loss of
this paper has given me and my friends I'M
imaginable trouble; and 1 do SO want it back
again before it works more injury"
'And you shall have it, my lady, or old Ned
Holden will lay down his life in the attempt
to get it. Farewell, my lady," he bent his
body before her, and STOPPING, kissed her
hand, "you will not see me again until 1
bring the paper" and he vanished through
the closing door.
"There goes brave and faithful heart
death and life he accepts at my hands, as if
l were the controller of fate nor is there one
in all my train but what would do the same.
They have no law but the commands of a
young and inexperienced girl-it is an awful
Well was born to it-itsuits
me " and she laid her face upon her hand
and sat musing silently. The memories of
her short young life came thick around her.
so young it had not been happy.
Its springtide had vanished in land of strife, |
and the summer of her girlhood was now be- |
set with the dark anxieties which menaced |
her friends. But in that young head was an |
intellect rarely given to woman-subtle, quick |
to perceive, and ready to suggest expedients;
few were her equal in a game of wits; and |
when exigencies arose to call into exercise the |
latent powers of her mind, the measures she |
adopted were bold, far reaching, daring and
decisive; and they were always practicable
These are the elements out of which great
statesmen and warriors are formed. Being a
woman, she could be neither in the estima-
ton of the world-had she been man she
would have been both.
care you alone, Zera?" 1t was Laura who
spoke. Coming into the room silently she
had found her young hostess indulging
Dreamy reflections which threatened to last
"No; the memories of the past are all
around mel"
"Then will not intrude," turning to go.
"Stay-it has lasted long enough-my
nerves are beginning to shake. and my lips
% tremble with emotions too strong for con-
rol 1t is best to break up conference Of
Al