Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1868-02-27

to his face. Whatthen? He could be court-mar-
tailed for "disrespec6ul language to superior Of
fcer," it is true; but that would be rather dan
gerous resort; for Walton could prove his charges
correct, and then comes another court-martial the
nature of which would be anything but pleasant to
the redoubtable Captain.
However, Lamotte consoled himself with the re-
Election, that he had money and, certainly, no
man knew better than the Captain, what money
could do for william.
An hour after, boat darted through the beau
tiful waters of Charleston harbor, and among its
passengers, were Major Leeand Captain Lamotte--
the former, a weak ineonsiderate, foolish old man
the latter, a contempibleswel .-'..'.-
'Hold on !'' exclaimed Walton, suddenly rising
from his seat in the boat, and looking about him.
"Where are you steering?"
"Never mind about that, old fellow |" replied
the stranger at the helm. ...'. ..
"But you are heading the boat towards Morris
Island, man! Don't you see, that Sumter is to
the left of us? We should have been nearly up
to Sullivan's Island by this time The first thing
you know, shot will remind you Of your mistake.
"a shot from what quarter?" asked the stran-
ger, indifferendy. ...... ....... d.
s'From Forts Sumter or Johnson" replied
Walton, preparing to shack water" "Don't you
see that few more strokes of the oar will bring us
within range of both batteries ?"
''They will not open fire upon us," said the
stranger. 1.-THE rebel picket-boats take this route
every night. If we are hailed from either quar-
ter am in possession of the countersign, and can
respond promptly"
'In possession Of the countersign l' exclaimed
Walton, in amazement. Impossible! But, ad-
mitting that you are-it is full mile out of our
way to take this roundabout course. What are
you doing, Cato?" "-..
The negro had quietly laid aside his oar, and
was padding slowly and cautiously forward.
''The fact of the matter is simply this, said
the stranger, now throwing aside all diSsuiao, 81
am Captain in the United States Army, andam on
my way to Gilmore's headquarters with valuable
and important information, respecting the contem-
plated movements of the rebels. I have been a
prisoner at Andersonvile- escaped; and now, for
the first time in nine months, find an opportunity Of
rejoinng my comrades. I do not intend to be
thwarted in my designs rest assured of HatF'
And the Captain drew from his bosom naval re-
peater.
"Then, I am undoneJ" exclaimed Walton, des-
pairngly, as the realities of his situation, and the
utter helplessness of his condition, flashed upon
him. ''For Gods sake, let me throw myself over
board, and swim to Sumter You can get clear
long before I reach the Fort.
"Hushl" said the Captain. "You will be
thrown overheard mighty soon, and without the
possibility Of swimming either, if you create the
slightest alarm. I do not propose harming your
person. or causing you to do violence to your prin-
ciples. I would not, if could, make you a trait
or to the cause which you have espoused-though
many time has that game been tried upon me
by rebels. do not wish you torow another foot;
nor in any conceivable way, assist in my escape.
Change places with me, and let me do the rowing
while you sit quietly in the stern. Upon our arri-
val at Morris Island, will place in your hands a
hundred dollars i'm greenbacks-better than several
thousands of your rebel currency-and see to it,
that you be returned at daylight tomorrow, un-
der flag of truce, to any of the Notifications in the
harbor, which may best suit your convenience
Your boat will, also, accompany you. Twill add
by way of consolation-that full statement, ex-
planatory of your presence within our lines, shall
be made in writing, and delivered to the parties
communicating with our flag of truce. Is this sat
isfactory? If not, then, these shall bel" And
he presented brace of pistols at the breast of
Walton.
Walton instinctively glanced towards Cato, but
the rays of the setting moon revealed in the sullen
and defiant countenance of the negro, the assu-
rance, that no assistance was to be expected from
that quarter.
"You are in position to dictate your own terms,
SIR" said Walton. II presume that, under the
circumstances, those which you have 30 graciously
proposed must be considered generous. The Pc
cuniary reward for my involuntary services, how
ever, spurn. I shall hodyou to the faithful per-
formance of the remainder Of your promise. l
am powerless to oppose you now
Walton changed positions with the Captain
without further ceremony, wondering all the while
at the brave daring of the entire plan Of opera
tions. The moon was now down, and the heavens
dark and lowering. To all appearances, nothing
was easier accomplished, than quietly, and with
mu1fled oars, rowing uncnallenSeu ou' VI lhe nai
bor As it was, the boat had already passed Fort
Sumter, without stop or hindrance OF any kind,
though every sweep of the oars must have been
distinctly heard to considerable distance. Poor
old Sumter was even then undergoing a heavy
bombardment from Gilmore batteries, making the
passage of the boat hazardous in the extreme
Walton was soon after startled from reverie,
into which he had fallen, by loud voice, just a.
head, demanding:
"Boat ahoy What boat is that p
The entire party were brought to their feet by
the sudden and unexpected challenge; and, look
ing out upon the dark waters darker line OF
objects appeared upon the surface, from the midst
of which, came, once more, the challenge, what
boat is that? Speakl-or we fire J.
Gas you hope for mercy at the hands Of your
God" said the distracted Captain, addressing him
selfto Walton tell me truly, what boats are these2
A Confederate outpost, or -?'
"Third and LAST time What boat is that 2'
rang out the same voice ahead.
Confederate picket-boat, Number three !" cried
out the Captain, with desperate emphasis.
A momentary pause ensued. Then, fringe OF
fire hung for an instant over the objects in the dis
tance, and the hot lead hurled and crashed into the