Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1895-02-26
CHICKAMAUGA.
By Captain F. A. mitchell.
tCopyright. 1894. by American Press Associa-
tion.)
CHAPTER TX.
.r,.t,x.rn Htcn r.rtrt,c

ters. Laura was sitting at work on some
part of the recruits" uniform, while
the rain from September storm beat
against the window panes. Souri, was
with her. and as Colonel Maynard was
expecting orders to cross the river with
his brigade the two had secured Sou
ri's promise to remain at the plantation
till the close of the campaign which
was about 10 open. Souri, was up stairs
administering to the wants OF The
Younger Maynard, to whom she was de-
voted. He dropped to sleep, and leaving
The chamber on tiptoe sho descended to
the sitting room. As she entered she
glanced out OF the window.
Good gracious! IL there isn't Miss
Baggsp
They saw through the rain a horse
and buggy making a rapid turn through
the gateway.
Who's Miss Baggs;" asked Laura
quickly.
Il met her when coming from the
north. She got through the Union
lines by playing the part Of country
girl. met her again on this side, and
she was lady She's coming up TO the
veranda-
Bobby Lee came up the driveway at
such rapid gait rs to astonish the two
women looking out of the window. The
horse had scarcely stopped in front Of
the house when Miss Baggs, throwing
down the reins. rushed up the steps and
knocked loudly at the door.
Go and see what she wants, Souri,.
You've me. her before.
Souri, went quickly 10 the door,
| When she opened il and Miss Baggs
saw the girl she had met between the
| lines, for moment her couutenapcs
Frightened. Then suddenly nor express
sion changed on remembering that Sou
ri was Union girl.
I've no time to explain anything.
Call some one, quick. to drive my bug
gy to the barn and hide me. 2"
Now. Souri, knew well enough that
Miss Baggs was working in the cause
Of the Confcderacy. But she saw a
woman in trouble, and this in her eyes
obscurod all else. She ushered Miss
Baggs into the room where Laura sat
This girl wishes to rest with Us
awhile. I'm going 10 take her horse 10
| the barn.
Without waiting for a reply she went
out, and jumping into the buggy drove
| IL around tu the barn. There she direct
| ed Uncle Daniel, who ruled the stables
of the plantation, to put both horse and
buggy inside and shut the doors. Hav-
! ing seen this attended 10. she went back
TO the house.
Meanwhile Miss Baggs stood face to
face with Laura Maynard.
This is a Confederate household. !
believe. said the fugitive.
"It is.
THANK God, you are one OF ours. "
"No.
"what, Federal?' She turned pale.
"No."
"'Then for heaven s sake tell me what
you are.
II am Confederate married TO a
Union officer.
There were quick successive flashes
of hope and fear on Miss Bags counte-
nance.
And you will not give me up?'
Give you up? What doryou mean:
II am in the Confederate secret sery-
ice. l have just been recognized 10y u
Union soldiCr-a cavalryman. He was
not mounted, while was in my buggy.
| heard him cry halt / gave my horse
the whip, aud before the man could
| mount was away and soon turned be-
| hind wood There is fork III the
road. | took the left road. leading here.
He must have taken the other, which
leads nowhere He Will discover his
mistake, turn back and take tho right
road This is the first house he will
pass, and he will surely come III to ask
if you have seen me.
"Well:"
"You will not betray me!"
Laura thought Of the coming OF her
husband one night months ago. flying,
as this woman was flying, for his life.
"No, rest easy on that score. will
do all l can for You.
There was but little time for action,
for the words were scarcely spoken be-
fore a cavalryman dashed past on the
road. He was throwing mud and water
behind him, his boots heavy with moist
Tennessee clay. Noticing the house.
as Miss Baggs predicted, he drew rein
and entered the gateway. Riding up to
the veranda, he shouted:
"Hello, thereP'
"Get in there. quick" said Laura,
pushing the hunted woman into closet.
Then going ont onto the veranda she
sternly demanded Of the man what he
wanted.
"Did you see woman go by here
just now in an old farm buggy"
mo such person has passed. "
"Sure?"
"Sure"
"Are you people here Union or Con-
Federated"
"Both.
"You must excuse me, ma'am, but
l think III look about for myself a
bit. ;"
"You will do no such thing"
"Why not?"
Because this house is protected by u
safeguard.
'That doesn't include rebel eInissa-
ries. shall make search.
IF you do, you will regret it. "
"Why?'
II shall report you to Colonel May.
nard, commanding the -th brigade.
lyon have some influence with the
colonel, l suppose, said the soldier.
puzzled.
II should have. I'm his wife "
1.-THE devil you are, in an under
tone. Then aloud: well, ma'am, If
you are Colonel Maynard's wife, that
ends it. don't see how Union colo.
nel's wife can give aid and comfort to
o rebel telegraph worker, for that's
what the woman is, and lifting his
hat he rode away.
Returning to the parlor, Laura found
Souri, there, just from tho barn. The
closet door was opened. and Miss Baggs
stepped out.
rs he gon."
"Yes."
Taking Laura's hand. Miss Baggs Gov.
cred it with kisses; then turning to Sou
ri she threw her arms about her neck.
Mrs. Fain came into the room, and
seeing a stranger drew back.