Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1894-07-14

Winter had fallen upon mountain and
valley, upon the blackened ruins of once
happy homes. upon blood spot and buri-
al ground. While things had gone very
quietly at Rest Haven they had not
gone well. Now and then detachment
of Federals or Confederates had galloped
past on the stony road, but they had
left the family in peace. Letters no
longer came and went. The country
was in the hands of the Federals, and
many of the inhabitants had fed away.
The Percys would have gone before win
ter set in but for the state of the moth
er's health. They were waiting and
hoping that she would SO mend that
she could be moved, but she did not.
One autumn night party of raiders
had taken away the horses, and after
that Uncle Ben had to make his trips
on foot as he secured the country in
search OF provisions to keep the family
going. In spite of the high prices and
general scarcity of all necessaries he
managed SO well that nearly every want
was supplied in some way. On two oc-
casions beyond the one mentioned Fed
eral accommodating parties left supplies
at the house, and once Captain Wyle
sent store of articles which could have
only been gathered at considerable cost
and trouble. Both sides pitied the
unhappy and defenseless situation of the
family, which was only one of hum
dreds. The sufferings of the southern
women during the war have found no
historian, and the heroism displayed by
them in the face of peril and adversely
has not gone down to their children on
printed pages. Who could write it?
Where would he begin or end? In no
epoch OF history were mothers, wives
and daughters called upon for greater
sacrifices, nor Were sacrifices ever SO
cheerfully made. Brave. patriotic, en-
during, and yet no state or community
has reared a marble shaft on which is
engraved the words of praise and COM
mendation so justly their due.
When Marian became convinced that
if Mrs. Baxter had any plan afoot it
was TO play the spy and forward the
cause of Captain Wyle, she did not let
the matter worry her. A sort of truce
was declared between the woman and
Uncle Ben. and yet he did not cease to
suspect and to watch her. He found
out that Ike had been exchanged and
had reJoined his company, and on two
occasions he had good reasons to believe
that the man secretly met her in the
neighborhood of the house Owing to
the interruption of the mails, it was only
at long intervals that Marian heard fl ON
Royal kenton. For month previous
to the battle in which be was captured
she had heard no word from him. When
news came, it was from Captain Wyle
himself on his second visit TO the Ha-
ven. His company was acting as a
guard for wagon train of forage gath
cred In the valley, and his STAY was
brief. While his welcome was fairly
cordial, he realized that circumstances
were not propitious for any approach 10
the subject nearest his heart. and he
forced himself TO be content with gem
eralities. Incidentally, as if the matter
was Of little or no moment to her, he
| mentioned the fact of General jackson
having become suspicious of kenton
and suggesting the detail which was
made and of his having heard only a
day or two before that the Federals had
descended on the post and captured the
| entire Confederate command. What he
| added was both false and cruel-viz.
that it was rumored that Kenton was
among the Confederate killed.
If the captain hoped that Marian
would betray her real feeling, he was
not disappointed. As she received his
information every vestige of color fled
from her face, and she seemed about to
faint
"You-you say it is SO rumored?"
she gasped.
only rumored. but
But you believe the rumor will be
confirmedT"
II must say that do. Mr.. Kenton
was. | believe, friend of yours. and of
course the news of his death will shock
and grieve you. He and l would also
| have been friends but for his. to say the
| least, disloyal conduct toward the cause
be for some reason best known to him
Self espoused."
Captain Wyle. you wrong him. liv-
ing or dead" exclaimed Marian as she
! Va oNct iViotii TIC suCCk CduSeu
by report of the rumors. He enlisted
| because he was imbued with the same
feeling ! hope you were-a feeling that
he owed allegiance to Virginia first of
all"
He has acted very strangely for
Virginia patriot, I must declare" said
the captain.
How Strangely" she demanded as
the color began to return to her cheeks
and her eyes to fash.
Every one in my company firmly
| believes he Joined us that the Yankees
might have a spy within our lines"
"And who made them believe it?
Royal Kenton has periled his life in the
cause oftener than any man in your
company or regiment! Tell me of one
single Instance where an honest. I'M
biased man could have questioned his
loyalty!'
why was he left behind. detailed
to guard stores, and that at General
Jackson's SUGGESTION" asked the cap
| tain.