The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1895-03-28
CHAPTER XVIII.
A STRANGE MEETING.

Ratigan was so exhausted as to be
only ablo to give Maynard few do.
taohod sentences, conveying somo idea
as to what no had accomplished There
was l1ttle that it was essential should
be told except that Colonel Fitz Hugh
would meet him between tho lines as
soon as ho could get there. Casting
glance at his watch, Maynard noticed
that it was 20 minutes to 10. Tho dis
tance to tho point Of rendezvous, as noar
as they could estimate it, was two miles.
Every minute was precious. 1t would
bo midnight before they could meet, and
then they would only have about six
hours in which to take measures to se-
euro o roprieve. They could only do 30
by communicating with general head
quarters, some 10 miles away. In any
event tho oaso was desperate. However,
Maynard had beon used in his scouting
days to sudden transitions and had him
self escaped from prison OH tho very
night before his intended execution.
Calling his strikor he bado him saddle
Madgo, who, he knew, could carry him
over the ground at no laggard pace, and,
ordering a mount for tho corporal at tho
same timo, the two waited impatiently
till both animals were led up before tho
tent.
Mounting, they began to climb tho
Pea Vino ridge. Ratigan, who had been
over the ground, led the way. They
reached the top Of tho ridge, and tho
corporal pointed out the position on the
creek, duo west Of Ringold, where they
were to meet Colonel Fitz Hugh. Do.
scending the slope, they came upon
Union vedotto and were challenged with
the usual words, "Who comes there?"
''The colonel commanding, with all
orderly, inspecting vedettes. "
They wero advanced, gavo tho ooun-
tersign and passed on. Taking route
between two roads and meeting no more
guards. they cautiously approached tho
place Of rendezvous.
On reaching the bank Of the creek
they descended it, the corporal riding
ahead and peering through the darkness
to discover what they woro looking for.
Presently the dark figure Of horsoman
emerged from q olump Of trees on the
opposite bank and rode forward toward
the creek. Ratigan saw him, and, believ-
ing him to be somo ono in attendance
upon Colonel Fitz Hugh, called:
'Oireland. +"
''To tho rescue,' called tho man in
low voice, md rodo up to the margin
Of tho creek.
Tho two men arranged that Colonel
Fitz Hugh and Colonel Maynard should
advance to tho respective places they
themselves occupied rs soon rs they had
withdrawn. Then, wheeling each rode
back to his principal, and in a few mo-
ments moro tho Union and Confederate
officers faced each other from opposite
banks Of tho creek. Tho distance be-
tween them at this point was but few
yards, and tho night was not SO darl,
but that they could plainly SEQ each 9TH
or. The equestrian figures stood silent,
each waiting for the other to speak
The only sound came from tho gurgling
of tho stream which flowed between
them.
"You arc Colonel Fitz Hugh, 1 be-
lievo." said Maynard.
II am. Irecognize Colonel Maynard =
voice."
II heard yours last OH q certain even.
ing year ago I evening memorable
to both Of us. Then you gayo me my
life, and by doing SO placed yourself in
a position to be shot for traitor to
your cause''
'Not for your sake, colonel-for tho
sake Of another. -
ut matters not for whose sake the
aQt remains. Ouoe before you spared
me when you found mo under a roof
which covercd"-
'"Then respected the laws Of hospi-
tality, sacred in tho south. Let us not
dwell OH these nattors, colonel. Let us
proceed with that upon which we havo
met for consultation.
"You are right Timo presses. Your
sister stands convicted of tho Same Of
fense as mine at tho time Of which wo
have been speaking and sentenced to
dio at sunrise We meot to concert
method to save her. -
"At my request. But any proposition
must como from you, Colonel Maynard.
am unfamiliar with tho feeling on tho
part Of those III power in the Federal
army as to executing sentenoo of death
upon woman.
circumstances which I cannot OK
plain, for they pertain to tho situation
In which these two armies arc placed,
render tho feeling against your sister
very severe" "
"You have suggested my oxorting in
fuelco from our sido?"
'It was your sister who suggested it,
have littlo faith in it"
"What did you proposo?"
"That which your sister would not
accept"
"And that wasp
Maynard whispered in a STRANGE say
ago tone:
'"To uso my authority as command.
ing tho brigade charged with hcr keep
ing to place her within your lines.
"And now?'
II liston for somo suggestion from
you"
''I can think of mono except, with
your permission, to enter a protest over
tho signature Of our commanding off,
GERS of highest rank. "
cit would avail nothing"
'"Thcn thcro is nothing to savo hor
from this sacrifice, which, though she
has always been prepared for it, and
doubtless will now mcot it, like tho ro-
markablo woman shO js with boron,inc,