The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1895-07-04

haps to meet the fate that had been in
tended for her. Riding up the creek on
the bank nearest the Confederate lines,
he approached a wood. This he entered,
crossed the creek unobserved and emerg-
ed to see the men by whom the escaping
party had been chased returning toward
the ridge. Not caring to be questioned
by them, he rode back into the wood un-
til they were in a position not to see
him. Then he trotted slowly to the ridge
and over it, making his way back to
his tent.
It was now broad daylight. As he
dismounted he noticed a detachment of
cavalry marching on foot, under the d.
rection of an officer, toward the house
where Miss Fitz Hugh had been con-
fined. On arriving there they halted,
and the officer went inside. In a few
minutes he came out and strobe over to
Colonel Maynard's tent. The colonel
had gone in. He had thrown off his
cavalry jacket and was waiting for what
was to follow. The officer entered the
tent, and not recognizing Maynard,
shorn of his beard, asked for the colonel
commanding.
II am Colonel Maynard.
''Ah! did not recognize you, colo
mel. Ihave just called for the spy in the
house where expected to find her and
was told by the sergeant that he had de-
livered her soon after midnight to two
men bearing an order from you"
"Well?'
II suspect something must be wrong.
Was the order a forgery"
"No."
''Then the prisoner is in your keep
ing?"
"No."
Escaped"
eyes"
The officer was too astonished to ask
any more questions at once.
"Who is responsible?" he asked pres
emily.
II am
"You?'
"Yes, I. You will march your men
back to camp. You need not make any
official report of the matter unless you
choose. Twill report the escape myself.
The officer bowed, and with the same
establishment on his face that had been
there throughout turned from the tent,
and going to the men standing in the
road marched them back to camp.
Colonel Maynard came out of his tent,
and mounting his horse rode to the
headquarters of his division command
or. He rode slowly, his head bowed al
most to his saddlebow. Refining up be-
fore the generals tent, he sent in his
name by an orderly, and was soon ad-
mitted.
General, he said, II have come to
prefer charges.
Indeed, said the general "Why
not forward them in writing in the reg
ular way?''
1T is because of the person against
whom I am going to prefer them.''
''And that is?''
myself
The general looked at him with a
puzzled expression.
oOAO1OA, oAO JOU al.
''No, general
II suppose it would be ridiculous to
ask man if he is all right here?" and
he tapped his forehead with his finger
II am sound of mind and body"
"Well, we'll, colonel, what does it
all mean? It's too early in the morning
for joking" and the general yawned.
II have to report that the spy left in
my charge has escaped and through my
connivance.
GOOD Lord!" exclaimed the general.
''That is serious matter.
Maynard remained silent.
"And the explanation"
"There is none"
The general looked into the melan-
oholy eye Of Colonel Maynard and felt
a cold chill creep over him. He knew
there was some reason for the act which
would explain if not excuse it.
Colonel, you are dashing fellow,
with a tinge Of romance in your nature.
I trust you have not yielded to an alb
surd notion as to taking the life Of a
woman"
mo. / have not
"Then give me some explanation. I
fear it will go hard with you, but will
do all I can for you if you can give a
satisfactory reason"
have no reason to give.
"Of course I must report the matter.
Better speak now. It may be too late
hereafter. -
II have reported the fact. That is all
the report have to MAKE
"Then, colonel, it is my duty to Or
der You to your tent under arrest. You
may leave your sword here with me, if
you please. An order will be issued
placing Colonel -, next in rank, in
charge Of your brigade"
Colonel Maynard unlocked his sword
from his belt and handed it to the gen
eral. Then he rode, back to his tent, and
- he entered it he felt that he had left
his former self outside; that, ~ in the
case Of . fallen oomrade, he would new
or SEQ this being Of the past again. As
for his present self, that, if suffered to
live. could only live . life in death.
A court martial was convened 70 t1y
Colonel Maynard with a. much dispatch