Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1892-02-12
IN THE ENEMY'S HANDS.

1t was while was out on foraging
expedition during the war that ! met
face to face Mrs. Grant Wetherbes, once
Kate Cornell, an old flame OF mine, who
had almost broken my heart when she
married, five years before.
When she invited me to enter the PLAN
tation for tea, forgot at once that was
in the enemy's country, and readily ac-
cepted, sending my men away. The tea
was dispatched, and we returned TO the
parlor, but my fair hostess would not
hear me speak Of departure yet. ! mus:
play one game OF chess and drink some
d that superb sherry was wont to praise
her fathers cellar.
Chess and sherry, with one of the most
beautiful women south OF Mason aud
Dixon's linel
was but man, and yielded, though
! knew that our line had passed or,
and that / should have a hard. and,
perhaps, risky gallop to overtake
them.
The chess had advanced but little
way, and | was conscious of spending one
of the happiest hours of my existence,
when the door Of the room in which VIC
sat was thrown open. and Ave gentlemen,
in the uniform Of officers Of the Confed.
crate service, entered
As quick as lightning | glanced into
the faces of the three ladies who were my
entertainers. and as quickly / became
convinced they were innocent. Fortn.
nately. l was enabled 10 preserve my
presence Of mind, and when Mrs. Wether-
bee said, Captain Foote, allow me 10
present Colonel Ashby," rose quickly,
and, taking his hand, responded:
II am happy to meet one OF whom
have heard SO much.
| Then, with an introduction TO tho
others of the party, we became seated.
i can not help admitting that there was n
momentary embarrassment with all the
| party, and for a minute nobody spoke.
1t required the tact of women TO rec
tify this; it was rectified instantly, and
the conversation flowed smoothly. Our
chess was dropped, but our sherry WAS
discussed, as well as every topic but that
| of war.
This was a tabooed subject, and not
one word was uttered upon either side
| that would have led the most careful list.
ener to believe that we were soldiers war
ring against each other.
! 1t would be useless to deny that during
this time my mind was running on all
things besides those upon wIichI v'
| talking knew that was Colonel ASH
| by's prisoner, though there was just the
shadow of a doubt whether lie meant to
enforce the forfeit.
At last the time came when must
bring the matter to an issue, and arose
! 10 depart. Whatever the end might b..
| did not intend that Ashby or his friends
should see it in my face or in my man
ner of taking leave that l for an instant
suspected such termination to our in.
/ terview.
In fact, had made up my mind not to
be taken without a struggle; aud il was
but few nights before that two of our
| officers had been captured while upon a
/ visit to some fair ones outside our lines.
and the incident served for some hard
| Jokes on the now imprisoned amoratos.
bade my fair entertainers good night,
regresting that il would be SO long ere
should see them again, and advanced TO
do the same by Colonel Ashby and his
| friends. but found them on their feet
aud preparing also to depart.
shall never forget the minute that 6
took us TO reach the piazza. IL seemed
an age had picked up my sword by
! the way, having unbuckled and stood it
| in a corner Of the room when ! sat down
to chess. and grasped it tightly by tie
scabbard in my left hand, prepared TO use
it on the slightest demonstration.
Ny horse stood fastened within a few
feet, and felt that if / once got over his
back had no fear Of the whole party
II was Just dark, and we all stood an
instant looking out upon the landscape.
Every moment / expected the words,
Captain, you are my prisoner, when !
| noticed q look Of intelligence pass be-
tween the colonel and has adjutant.
/ grasped my sword tighter, and
looked in the direction of their eyes, and
with a great bound Of the heart saw
my own men coming slowly up to-
ward the house.
Whether they were deceived and be-
lieved them a squad Of their own in
the dim light, or really knew wha.
they were and trusted TO my generosity.
could not tell, but after they had fairly
emerged into the road / turned toward
my companions, and, with one glance
into their inscrutable faces, extended
my hand to Ashby.
Il must bid you good night. colonel.
! Isee a file of my men coming up for ns.
aud il would be unpleasant for YOU 70
meet them.
Good night, captain, thank you,p
was all the response, and in moment
was on my horse and had joined nay men,
who had returned that they might warn
me Of several wandering parties of rebs :
they knew to be out. and prevent me
from being picked up.-Bcston Gly5s.