Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1895-03-27
CHAPTER XVIII.
A STRANGE MEETING.

Ratigan was so exhausted as to be
only able to give Maynard few de-
tached sentences, conveying some idea
as to what he had accomplished. There
was little that it was essential should
be told except that Colonel Fitz Hugh
would meet him between the lines as
soon as he could get there. Casting
glance at his watch, Maynard noticed
that it was 30 minutes to 10. The dis
tance to the point of rendezvous, as near
as they could estimate it, was two miles.
Every minute was precious. 1t would
be midnight before they could meet, and
then they would only have about six
hours in which to take measures to Sc
cure reprieve. They could only do so
by communicating with general head
quarters, some 10 miles away. In any
event the case was desperate. However,
Maynard had been used in his scouting
days to sudden transitions and had him
self escaped from prison on the very
night before his intended execution.
Calling his striker, he bade him saddle
Madge, who, he knew, could carry him
over the ground at no laggard pace, and,
ordering a mount for the corporal at the
same time, the two waited impatiently
till both animals were led up before the
tent.
Mounting, they began to climb the
Pea Vine ridge. Ratigan, who had been
over the ground, led the way. They
reached tho top Of the ridge, and the
corporal pointed out the position on the
creek, due west Of Ringold, where they
were to meet Colonel Fitz Hugh. De-
scending the slope, they came upon q
Union vedette and were challenged with
the usual words, "Who comes there?"
"The colonel commanding, with an
orderly, inspecting yedottes. "
They were advanced, gave the coun-
tersign and passed on. Taking route
between two roads and meeting no more
guards, they cautiously approached the
place of rendezvous.
On reaching the bank Of the creek
they descended it, the corporal riding
ahead aud peering through the darkness
to discover what they were looking for.
Presently the dark figure of horseman
emerged from clump of trees on the
opposite bank and rode forward toward
the creek. Ratigan saw him, and, believ-
ing him to be some one in attendance
upon Colonel Fitz Hugh, called:
"Oiraland.."
s'To the rescue" called the man in q
low voice, and rode up to tho margin
Of the creek.
The two men arranged that Colonel
Fitz Hugh and Colonel Maynard should
advance to the respective places they
themselves occupied as soon as they had
withdrawn. Then, wheeling, each rode
back to his principal, and in few mo-
ments more the Union and Confederate
officers faced each other from opposite
banks of the creek. The distance be-
tween them at this point was but a few
yards, and the night was not so dark
but that they could plainly see each 9th
er. The equestrian figures stood silent,
each waiting for the other to speak.
The only sound came from the gurgllng
Of the stream which flowed between
them.
"You are Colonel Fitz Hugh, be-
lieve." said Maynard.
liam. Irecognize Colonel Maynard's
voice"
''I heard yours last on certain even
ing q year ago-an evening memorable
to both Of US. Then you gave me my
life, and by doing so placed yourself in
= position to be shot for traitor to
your cause
"Not for your sake, colonel-for the
sake of ;;.!otler."
"It matters not for whose sake; the
act remains. Once before you spared
me when you found me under a root
which covered"--
"Then I respected the laws of hospi.
tality, sacred in tho south. Let US not
dwell on these matters, colonel. Let US
proceed with that upon which We have
not for corcultotior, -