The National tribune., 1899-06-29

And now the night wore on, and the
husband was expected every minute.
Aunt Eliza was not afraid, and she had
resolved ut first that her daughters should
not leave their chambers. SO, turning the
key IN the lock, and softly deposit;ng it in
her pocket, she descended to entertain
alone. But let us return to Mr.. X, who
had, he thought, left the horses in safety.
CIhey were quietly taken that same night
by the band of raiders on their march,
and the same number of worEout animals
left in their places. He wended his way
home. The night was warm and serene,
and he logged along until in sight of his
premises. Did his eyes deceive him?
Several fires were kindled here and there,
around which groups of men could be out
lined The neighing and stamping Of
horses was heard. Was it a gypsy camp?
Was it Morgan? Here his thoughts were
rudely interrupted by hand laid on his
bridie-rein, and an order TO diSmount.
Discretion being the better part of valor, he
surrendered, and was taken TO Headquar-
terS a prisoner.
Explanation revealing the relations ex-
lsting between the prisoner and the lady OF
the house Gust now engaged in culinary
affalrsD, he was graciously given the free
dom Of the house, but warned not to at
tempt to break through the picket guard
and give the alarm to any militia or armed
force. AS he entered the kitchen, situated
in wing OF the farmhouse, his crestfallen
air Immediately aroused the attention of his
wife; he was man OF few words, and but
few were needed to undeceive her and
reveal the real situation.
Her wrath broke all bounds, and, dis
regarding her husbands warning TO be
| careful lest worse should happen, she
hastily deposited the dish she was about to
serve to the guests upon the table, and
! hastily re-entered the dining room, and
confronting the General, accused him OF
e0yrD n
raking," as she Afterwards expressed it,
some sound advice, and ended by denounc-
ing the whole so-called Southern Con-
federacy.
The General did not attempt to stop the
current OF abuse, but listened quietly, and,
rising, bowed courteously, and thanked
mother (as he had addressed her during the
evening" for her hospitality, and declared
1t was shame to deceive, ETC., but that all
was fair in love and war, and expressed his
regret that so much pluck and spirit was
enlisted on the wrong side"
The inferior officers now scattered over
the house in search of booty. The valu-
ables had been secreted several days be-
fore, except watch Of trif1ing value and
some jewelry, all of which were appro-
prlated. Wardrobes were overhauled, and
every article OF mems apparel appropriated.
=, AT II O'Clock the camp was broken up,
the men were in their saddles, and off with
all speed possible. Only those having an
army bivouac on their premises can inn
agine or know the destruction and desc
lation which the morning light disclosed.
Whole panels of fences had been burned,
shrubbery trampled down, the premises
strewed with broken crockery, empty milk
and fruit cans, feathers from defunct fowls,
etc.; the crib and granary had disappeared,
and saddle nor bride nor halter could be
found. Two of the raiders, sorry speci-
mems of the flower of Southern chivalry,
sick and wounded, were left behind, and
soon found temporary home in the County
Jail. The chief actors in this episode have
long since passed away. One at least was
accorded a chapter in history. Aunt
Eliza was heroine, and was accorded due
honor, and indemnity was offered for all
losses sustained on the memorable night
when she entertained Gen. Morgan.