The National tribune., 1900-11-15
SPY OF THE REBELLION
Continued from first paseJ

there would be bl0Odshed In consequence.
Webster, whose relations with the Gov
eminent were of so intensely loyal a char
acter, was filled with regret at having al
lowed himself to become a party to a
conversation which would lead to such
serious consequences. He was resolved,
however, to maintain his position. To show
signs of weakness, therefore, would be
dangerous. if not fatal, to him, and he
stood bravely in front of the angry mob,
who had drawn back at the sight of the
revolver which he Ieveled so menancingly
at them.
Only for a moment, however, did the
crowd stand awed and irresolute-one mo-
ment of silence, in which every man ap-
peared to be deciding for himself his
course of action. Then one tall, stalwart
man stepped from their midst, and nav
ing his hand toward his companions, he
cried out:
Come on; he is only one against 20,
and we will take him, dead or aliver'
The crowd took few steps in advance,
and Webster had braced himself to re-
ceive their attack, when suddenly, close
behind him, stood q form, and a loud
voice cried out:
stop, gentlemen, where you are! This
man is no traitor, and l will defend him
with my life" and the muzzles of two
revolyers ranged themselves beside that
presented by the suspected, but undis
mayed detective.
Involuntary the crowd stood still at
this unexpected arrival of reinforcements
and Webster, who had recognized the
voice, looked up in surprise and relief at
this unlooked-for, though timely, assist
ance.
l had arrived just in the nick of time,
and l was resolved to defend my undaunt-
ed operative to the last.
At this moment the proprietor of the
hotel entered the saloon, and in a calm
voice and quiet manner attempted to sub
due the angry feelings of the bystanders.
Gentlemen" said he, there need be no
trouble about this matter; Mr.. Webster
can fully explain his position, and 1 think
the best plan would be for you all to repair
to the Office of the Mayor, where any ex-
PLANTATION can be given"
II AMI perfectly willing to do that" said
L; Il know this man, and will answer for
him under any circumstances; we will &C
company you to the Office of the Mayor at
once, and l think can convince him that
he is no spy"
This proposition was eagerly accepted
by some and reluctantly by others, and
finally the entire party marched out of
the hotel on their way to the Office of the
chief magistrate of the city; Webster and
myself walking together.
The crowd increased as we went on, and
frequent calls were still made to hang
the traitor" but no further attempts were
made to modest us, and we reached the
office without any event of troublesome
nature occurring.
The noise of the crowd attracted the
attention of the Chief of Police, who, dur
ing the temporary absence of the Mayor,
was in charge of affairs of this nature, and
he came to the door to ascertain the Oc-
casion of the tumult.
As the crowd, with Webster and myself
in the van, reached the steps which led up
to the municipal office, | at once recog
nized the Chief of Police, having been
connected with him some time before in
the detection of some burglars from the
city of Pittsburg, and that officer was not
slow to identify me as the detective who
had frequently enabled him to secure the
desperate criminals whom the law had at
various times pursued.
As we reached the platform where the
officer was standing / stretched forth my
hand, which the Chief cordially grasped.
why, Mr. Pinkerton, what are you do
ing here!" inquired the Chief, with some
surprise.
Il have come to defend one of my men,
a rebel spy, but who is loyal to the core"
L answered, laughingly.
II will take care of that" replied the
Chief, 'and your word is sufficient for
me-" at the same time extending his dis
hand and warmly greeting Web
ster, who stood beside me.
AS the crowd noticed the evident &C
quaintance and good-feeling that existed
between the reputed spy and their Chief
Of Police, they drew back instinctively,
while some of them looked as if they We're
not insensible to feeling of shame. The |
Chief realized the state of affairs at once,
and turning to the now crestfallen and |
'ubdued gathering, he addressed them:
Gentlemen, / will be responsible for |
he loyalty and integrity of these gentle |
men, and you will instantly dispense"
The leaders of this assault on Webster |
OOked terribly ashamed of themselves |
when they found how ridiculously they |
lad been acting, and as the door of the
Jhief's Office closed on our retreating fig
Tres they slowly and silently retired.
In an hour afterwards, when Webster
md l returned to the hotel, we found the
gentlemen who n short time before were
anxious to hang him, awaiting our ar
iVai, and we received from them their
heartfelt apologies for their hasty and
conduct, all of which were
eceived with n spirit of good nature that
Won the regard of all present, and when
he time of ougSdeparture arrived they ac-
us to the depot in a body and
,heered us Justify as the train slowly
moved away.
Thus an adventure which promised to
,e very serious in its results terminated
n manner satisfactory to all, and Web
ter and myself, instead of being lynched
~ Pittsburg mob, departed in safety
IN our journey, and arrived in Cincinnati
lpon the following day, prepared to re-
.eiye from Gen. Mcclellan such instruc-
ions as were deemed necessary by him for
he furtherance of the cause in which he
vas engaged.
CTo be continued)