The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1886-05-27
The Double ESCAPE.
BY CAPTAIN JAMES MoUNTFoRD.


the subject of conversation; and, between
a pause in the argument, the Colonel re-
marked:
81 think the majority of the so-called
spies who suffered were perfectly innocent
of any such intention. had narrow es-
cape myself.
ave are listening for the story, uncle,
cried his niece; you must be very cautious
in your speech, or you will be forced into
the relation OF story.
The Colonel smiled.
IAN old man is seldom unwilling to re-
late his adventures, " he said, land am not
of the number of those who are"
Everyone was becomingly attentive, and,
after short silence, the Colonel continued
as follows:
"Maior B and had been schoolfel-
lows later in life we were friends. At the
commencement of hostilites we joined OPP
posite factions. He was Tennessean;
had imbibed the politics of old Massachu-
sets, and our difference of opinion was
very natural.
Nevertheless, our friendship did not
change, and when nay duty brought me
within twenty miles of his plantation, he
invited me to pay him visit.
"The change from the hard fare of the
camp to the company and table of my
friend was pleasure l was not likely to re-
fuse.
"The Union troops We're at that time VIC
torious, and although the command to
which Major B was attached had their
quarters quite near, l anticipated no danger
"Atiring myself in plain clothes,
started upon my visit reaching the Major
residence at noon.
81 was made very welcome, and passed n
pleasant day. But l could not fail to see
- Nfa1
grave, which was unusual with him, his
merry disposition being well known.
"After nightfall, when We were seated III
the Majors private room, engaged with
cigars and talk, limited that he seemed un-
commonly serious.
Il am serious, Frank, he said, with a
grave smile, 'and l believe l should tell.
You why
81 thought he should, and as I requested
his confidence, he said that all his fear was
for me.
Indeed cried I, 4 am very comfort
able Just at present. How joyful all my
comrades would be were they in the same
situation.
Il doubt it, was the Majors reply. We
have advanced our lines, and you are now
within them. received the news soon
after you came. Your danger is heightened
by the fact that spies have been doing con-
siderable damage lately
And I'm liable to be shot if caught, ehY
Il am afraid So
"The subject was dropped for the time.
II was merely suspicion, and might not
be fulfilled. We became very lively as the
evening waned; but our conviviality was
suddenly dashed by the entrance of SER
want.
"The blacks eyes were almost starting
q, ,,,1 he inf in
excited whisper, that posse of soldiers
were approaching the house.
"This news was confirmed by the sound
of men and horses in the yard without
"'Come into my bed chamber cried the
Major, leaping TO his feet. IF there is
any danger it will allow us time to prepare
for it.
"He hurried me into another apartment,
and, locking me inside, went to review his
visitors.
in five minutes he returned, his face ex-
pressive of the utmost concern.
It's Captain Trock,' he said, with n
company of soldiers. He's my enemy, and
would like nothing better than to bring me
into trouble. He told my wife he was in
search of spy, who had been seen III the
neighborhood. He certainly suspects you
to be in the house.
"This speech disturbed me not little. To
be executed as n spy was, even in idea, sim
ply horrible. III have to run for Il, L
said
"'Yes, but you are liable to be captured,
and then nothing is gained. Here's my
uniform and he threw the articles upon
the floor. Dress yourself Immediately and
slip out of the window
Il have thought since that this was not
very sound advice. Should / be discovered
Al. -. .Ne, I,.a,.
colors, would be almost beyond pardon.
"As it was, was allowed no time to think,
and quickly began to metamorphose myself.
was fastened by the sound of loud voices,
raised to a suspicious tone, without; and, "a
moment later, 1 slipped through the win
dow.
@If he thought about il at all, the Major
doubtless supposed that / would remain
skulking near the house until the foes had
left the premises; but / was driven away
by seeing soldier approaching just as 1
reached the ground.
"He did not observe me, and stealing
around to the front of the house, reached
the road and started away upon the run to-
ward the Union lines.
II hurried along for something like q
mile, and began to regain my confidence.
There was no moon, but the numerous stars
gave sufficient light to warn me of the pres
ence of foes should they appear, and also,
unfortunately, TO discover me to them.
"Major B. had said the Confederates
had advanced their lines. and / expected
every moment to be challenged.
"Still l must proceed. The danger be-
hind was just as great, and far more certain.
Suddenly heard the sound of horses in
the wood on the right hand. / guessed that
the foes were there, and leaving the open
road in haste, passed among the trees upon
the left.
81 stole along for some distance, and be-
gan TO think | was to make clean escape.
But fate was against me, and when ] saw
two soldiers standing beneath tree direct
ly upon line with myself, and not over a
dozen feet away, gave myself up for zone
of the lost.
"But they did not seem to have observed
me, and, hating Immediately, / hoped
darkness would screen me from their eyes
"Five minutes stood there, motionless
The fellows were talking together in semi