The National tribune., 1899-11-23

was quite convenient for me to come this
far on my journey this evening. She
knew nothing of the real cause of my I'M
expected appearance, and it was question
in my mind as TO whether l ought to tell
her or not. After supper she invited me
to the parlor, and she at once began to talk
of the war, saying she had understood that
over in my State all conscripted men were
being arrested as deserters; that the militia
was in camp and securing the country for
conscripts.
"Your- information is correct" said l.
''Then, sir. perhaps I can surmise the
cause of your unexpected visit this even
ing" she retorted. But, oh, no; it can't
be possible that you are fleeing for refuge,
You can not only be turning your back
upon your own country in the darkest
hour of its peril. but by this act blasting
every hope for an honorable and useful
life in the future. to which you have always
aspired! o. if | were only a man. how
1 wolld teach YOU lesson in patriotism
by shouldering my musket and marching
to the fronti'
Miss Edith" said I, "you talk very
prettily. and grow quite eloquent.but You
represent a wicked and unjust cause.
Your surmise is correct. / am fleeing for
refuge. and know not where / will find
safety The Government 10 which you
refer so eloluently is not my country. !
owe my allegiance to that country only
that is represented by that beautiful en-
blem Of the free, the Stars and Stripes.
1t is true this is my native land, and love
its mountains. but l can not and will not
fight for n Government that seeks to en-
slave me, and whose cornerstone is slavery.
Yes" said she; ''but what will you do?
You can not escape. Besides, you are
risking your life in the attempt"
a know" said l, "the last statement is
true There are men in my country who
would be cowarily and mean enough TO
take my life; but my purpose is to try to
escape, and get TO the Union army, and l
have faith that, if the God in whom trust
notices even the fall of a sparrow, He will
deliver me from the hands of my enemies.
And, now, Miss Edith, have made clean
breast of it to You as TO my purpose for the
future In the morning ! viii bid you
good-by. having perfect confidence that
you will not betray me till [ am beyond
the reach of all those who would do me
harm"
at grieves me- said she, that you have
determined on this course, but l assure you
that, come what may, no word or deed Of
mine shall ever do you harm. viii shield
and protect you so far as it is in my power
to do" and laying her hand on my arm.
and the tears yelling up in her eyes, she
said: "As You are determined on this
course, pray that God will guide you,
and that you may safely reach your des-
lNaT-p,,d "a roach of ananiCS ~
A NIGHT SURPRISE.
1t was now between and 10 o'clock,
and time to retire for the night. / went to
my room, and had just got comfortably
settled in bed and began to wonder what
another day would bring, when suddenly
1 heard the rafting of horses hoofs on the
stony highway My heart leaped to my
throat My first impulse was to spring
from my bed and try to make my escape
from the house, and then, not knowing
whether or not there was real danger, |
thought that would be cowardly. Nearer
and nearer they approached, when sud-
denly they halted in front of the house. !
knew then ii WAS too late, and / at once
began TO try to nerve myself for whatever
might happen. In less time than it takes
to tell it they had surrounded the house
and were making an alarm at the front
door.
They were admitted by Mr.. Carroll.
heard the question asked if I was there,
which was answered in the affirmative.
1 then arose and began to dress myself
and when l was dressed walked into the
room.
Maj Long Cor that was his name) laid
lnn oh cold.
"Sir, you are my prisoner"
81 acknowledge your authority, Major,
and realize that am" / replied.
At this moment Miss Edith came dash
ing down the stairway, her long, dark hair
hanging loosely over her shoulders, and in
fit of excitement began to plead with
Maj. Long to tell her what he was going
to do with me.
young lady, you seem to be very much
interested in this young man." he replied,
"and ! say to you that he is unworthy Of
your recognition, much less of your con-
fidence and friendship. He is traitor to
his country; and deserves no mercy at our
hands"
At this remark the hot blood mounted TO
my forehead, and Strengthening myself to
my full hight / said:
"Sir, that is an insult. ! stand here
helpless, your prisoner, and no one but a
coward would insult a prisoner. The
future will tell which Of us is the traitor,
you or |; and as to mercy, do not ask it.
All ask is that treatment due me as your
prisoner"
At this he seized me roughly by the
shoulder.
"SSir," said he, 81 would advise you TO be
careful no W you talk. You are insane, or
perhaps worse, in love" (pointing his finger
at Miss Edith), 81 know not which; but ]
do know you are not in love with your
country. We will now change your occu.
patton, and put you at something else be.
sides riding over the country and shouting
for Lincoln"
"Yes, sir" said l, 81 am in love with
Liberty"
By this time my horse was ready.
bade Miss Edith good-by, and We hurried
from the house. Mounting our horses
we started back toward North Carolina
After going perhaps a mile we came tc
where the road passed through a low gar
in the mountain, and Maj. Long ordered
the men TO stop, saying they would re.
main there and guard the road through the
night, and capture any others who NIGH,
try TO escape by this route. We dismount
ed, and | was carefully guarded till dav
light. Maj. Long had seven men will