Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1892-03-26
IN THE ENEMY'S HANDS.

1t was while l was out on foraginS
expedition during the war that ! met
face to face Mrs. Grant Wetherbee, 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, l forgot at once that was
in the enemy's country, and readily ac-
copied, 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. l must
play one game Of chess, and drink soma
o; that superb sherry l was wont to praise
five years before, when it made part Of
her fathers cellar.
Chess and sherry, with one of the most
beautiful women south of Mason and
Dixon's line!
was but man, and yielded, though
l knew that our line had passed on,
and that l should have a hard, and,
perhaps, risky gallop to overtakc
them.
The chess had advanced but little
way. and was conscious of spending one
IF the happiest hours of my existence,
when the door of the room in which VIC
sat was thrown open, and five gentlemen,
in the uniform of officers of the Confed.
crate service, entered.
As quick as lightning l glanced into
the faces of the three ladies who were my
entertainers, and as quickly l became
convinced they were innocent. Fortu-
natelv. l was enabled to preserve my
presence of mind, and when Mrs. Wether-
bee said, captain Foote, allow me to
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 the
others of the party, we became seated.
can not help admitting that there was a
momentary embarrassment with all the
party, and for minute nobody spoke.
1t required the tact of women to rec.
tify this; it was rectit1ed instantly, and
the conversation flowed smoothly. Oul
chess was dropped, but our sherry WAS
discussed, as we'll as every topic but that
of war.
This was 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 which l was
talking. l knew that l was Colonel Ash
by's prisoner, though there was just tho
shadow OF doubt whether he meant to
enforce the forfeit
At last the time came when | must
bring the matter to an issue. and | arose
to depart. Whatever the end might be.
did not intend that Ashby or his friends
should see it in my face or in my man.
uer of taking leave that for an instant
suspected such termination to our in.
terview.
In fact, had made up my mind not to
be taken without a struggle; and it was
but a few nights before that two of on,
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.
babe my fair entertainers good night,
regretting that it 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
and preparing also to depart.
shall never forget the minute that it
took us to reach the piazza. 1t seemed
an age. had picked up my sword by
the way, having unbuckled and stood il
in corner Of the room when sat down
to chess, and grasped it tightly by the
scabbard in my left hand, prepared to use
it on the slightest demonstration.
My horse stood fastened within few
feet, and l felt that if | once got over his
back had no fear of the whole party.
1t was just dark, and we all stood an
instant looking out upon the Landscape.
Every moment l expected the words,
Captain, you are my prisoner" when
noticed a look of intelligence pass be-
tween the colonel and his adjutant
grasped my sword tighter, and
looked in the direction of their eyes, ami
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 VIVA,
they We're 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.
l see file of my men coming up for me,
and it would be unpleasant for You to
meet them"
Good night, captain, 1 thank you"
was all the response, and in a moment
was on my horse and had joined my men,
who had returned that they might warn
me of several wandering parties of "rebs
they knew to be out, and prevent ms
from being picked up.-Boston Globe.
There have been eight national fam.