The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1895-02-28
CHAPTER TX.
CIPHER DISPATCHES.

1t was about u week after tho arrival
Of Colonel Maynard ut tho Fain plauta-
tion. Ho had returned to his heaGquar-
tors. Laura was sitting at work OH some
part Of the recruits" uniform, while
the rain from September storm beat
against tho window panes. Souri, was
with her, and rs Colonel Maynard was
expecting orders to cros8 tho river with
his brigade tho two had secured Sou
ri's promise to remain at the plantation
till the close Of the campaign which
was about to open. Souri, was up stairs
administering to tho wants Of tho
younger Maynard, to whom she was do
voted. Ho dropped to sleep, and leaving
tho chamber Oh tiptoe sho descended to
the sitting room. AS sho entered sho
glanced out Of the window.
GOOD graoious If there isn't Miss
Baggsp'
They saw through tho rain horse
and buggy making rapid turn through
the gateway.
"Who's Miss Baggs?" asked Laura
quickly
II mot hor when coming from tho
north. She got through tho Union
lines by playing the part Of n country
girl. met her again on this side, md
sho was lady. She's coming up to tho
veranda."
Bobby Loe oamo up tho driveway ut
such rapid gait as 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 SEQ what she wants, Souri,.
You've mot her before. -
Souri, went quickly to the door.
Whom she opened it and Miss Baggs
saw the girl35ho had mot between the
lines, for moment her countenance
brightoned. Then suddenly her express
sion changed Oh remembering that Sou
ri was Union girl.
"I'vo no time to explain anything.
Call sonlo one, quick, to drive my bug
gy to the barn and hide me-
Now, Souri, knew well enough that
Miss Baggs was working in tho cause
Of tho Confedoracy. But sho saw
woman III trouble, and this in her eyes
obscurcd all else. Sho ushered Miss
Baggs into tho room where Laura sat.
'"This girl wishes to rest with us
awhile. I'm going to talzo her horse to
tho barn. "
Without waiting for reply sho went
out, and jumping into tho buggy drove
it around to tho barn. There aho direct
cd Uncle Daniel, who ruled tho stables
Of tho plantation, to put both horse and
buggy inside and shut tho doors. Hav-
ing seen this attended to, she went back
to tho house.
Meanwhile Miss Baggs stood face to
faco with Laura Maynard.
"This is a Confederate household, I
beliovc," said tho fugitive.
"It is''
"Thank God, you aro one OF ours"
"No."
"What, Fcderal?" She turned pale.
"No."
'"rhcn for hoavon 8 sake toll mo what
you are. "
II an n Confederate married to a
Union officer"
IEcro wcro quick successive flashes
of hope and fear Oh Miss Baggs' counto-
nance.
And you will not give mo up?'
"Givo you up! What do you mean?"
81 am III the Confederate scoret sery.
leo. 1 have just boon recognized by n
Union soldior--n cavalryman. flo was
not mcHntcd, whiio I was in my buggy.
heard him cry halt. gave my horse
tho whip, and before tho man could
mount WAS away and soon turned bo.
hind wood. There is a forl. in tho
road. l took the left road, leading hero.
He must have taken tho other, which
leads nowhere. rIc will discover his
mistake, turn back and take tho right
road This is the first house he will
pass, and ho will surely como in to ask
If you have seon me. -
"Well?"
You will not betray me?"
Laura thought Of tho coming Of her
husband one night months ago, flyino,
rs this woman was flying, for his lifo,
mo, rest easy OH that score. will
do all can for YOU
There was but little time for action
ior the words were scarcely snolxen ho.
fore cavalryman dashed past on tho
road. He was throwing mud and wotor
behind him, his boots heavy with moist
Tennessee clay. Noticing the house
as Miss Baggs predicted" ho drew rein
ahu ChlolCd viz SoVC"Ny. NluluH TO
tho voranda, ho shoutcd
"Hello, therol'
''Get in thoro, quick" said Laura,
pushing tho hunted woman into closet.
Then going out onto tho veranda she
stornly demanded Of tho man what ho
wanted.
"Did J'ou SEQ woman 60 by here
just now in Nh old farnf buggy?"
No such person has passed."
"Sure?'
"Sure."
Are you people hero Union or Con.
federate?'
"Both."
You must excuse me, ma am, but
l think Ill look about for myself o
bit"
"You will do no suoh thiua.D