Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1886-04-03

said I, "for I really have pass from
General Bragg, which will be found
among my effects at home"
"We only have your word for that, -
returned the lieutenant, 'sand it's not
our business to accompany people home
to see what they've got laid away
there
"And is it your business to hang every
southerner You see abroad in citizens
dress?" I boldly and rather sharply de-
maded.
"Well, every able-bodied man that
doesn't join the army ought to be hung -
he replied, land Morgan has told us not
to waste time. bringing in prisoners"
"And for what would you hang me?''
I demanded.
"For being spy"
"Don't you think General Bragg
needs spies to tell him what the Yankee
generals are doingT'
"But you are one of the traitors that
takes the information the other way."
Il deny it, and you must prove it be-
fore you hang me-"
"No, you fool, I'll hang you first. Out
with the rope there, Blodget, and let us
put an end to this talk
"Men," said I, firmly, and with an ex-
ternel appearance of calmness, for I felt
my life depended upon keeping this
blood-thirsty leader from carrying out
his wicked design, 'if you obey this mad
order, you will be guilty of numbering a
man as loyal as yourselves, and who has
been risking his life beyond your lines
to bring General Bragg intelligence OF
the number and movements of his foes.
demand to be taken to his headquarters,
and let him decide whether I am friend
or foer'
These remarks seemed to produce
some effect upon the men, and, through
them upon the leader.
They consulted together, beyond hear
ing of myself; and at the close 1 heard
one of them say, in positive tone:
''It would be risking too much with
out proper court martial first, and I'll
have nothing to do with it."
81 wash my hands of it." said an
other. .
"And Ir' 'sAnd r. "And II" respond
ed several others
"Well, then, forward, and we'll do it
according to law" conceded the ieutel-
ant.
The squad then rode forward to the
next village, taking myself and the other
man along as prisoners.
As it had now begun to grow dark,
my captors quartered themselves on a
farmer who lived on the outskirts of the
village; and along with the other pris-
oner, was confined in sort of corn
barn, with couple of men set to guard
us. they being stationed outside of the
building.
Hearing music shortly after, 1 called
to the guard to know if there was any
other military force in the village
"a detachment of Colonel Forests
command" was the answer.
''Oh, then, pray get one of your COM
rades to inform the officer in command
that Alfred Hammer, General Braggs
confidential spy, is here in durance, with
his life threatenedr' said l.
CAL rightH was the answer.
sand you will get your liberty, and I
shall be hung like dogw said my COM
panion, in low, Responding tone.
IF I get my liberty I may be able to
save you," I replied.
''Oh, heaven grant that you CAM
First tell me the truth, and fear not
that I will bstray you," I whispered.
''Are you really in danger?"
~ believe 1 am"
'Is there no one about to vouch for
your loyalty to the south?''
81 fear not''
"Are you loyal to the south?'
''Can you doubt il? ?"
Il do.'
'You think 1 am union spy"
'What do you say yourself! Come
now-the solemn TRUTH
eff 1 should say yes, what effect would
it have upon your"
81 should feel that your life is really |
in danger"
"And you would abandon me to my
fate?"
81 fear I should be compelled to work
the harder to save you"
sand you would try to save me?"
81 would not like to see any fellow
being suffer"
"Well, you seem to have good heart,
and 1 will put my life in your power. I
am Union spy
1 grasped his hand, and told him to
keep up his courage, and make no such
confession to any one else.
In few minutes the door opened, and
an officer, whom knew, entered, with a
light.
'.Ah, Captain Benton" 1 exclaimed, 81
was never more rejoiced to see you in my
lifer'
"Why, it is you, Harmerr' he returned,
quite cordially. What are you doing
cooped up here?"
"Ask him who wanted to hang mer'
I, pointing to the lieutenant of
cavalry, who had entered just behind
him, and who was now, I fancied, look
ing not little crest-fallen.
Il viii vouch for him, Ruggles, as be-
ing one of General Bragg's confidential
meny" said Captain Benton, turning to
the lieutenant.
"He had no pass" said Ruggles, land
SO I felt it to be my duty to"
"Oh, that is all right" interrupted the
captain. 'You did your duty in arrest
ing him, of course, and now do mine
in setting BIN free"
On being asked if he knew the other
prisoner, he replied in the negative.