The National tribune., 1901-01-24
SPY OF THE REBELLION.
Continued from first page

tidings wasEap3thing but encouraging to
those who had hoped that q final and de-
cisive battle would be fought at Yorktown
and the further advance of the Union
| troops effectually checked.
Mcclellan $ vigorous preparations, how
ever, for protracted siege had decided
the rebels that it would be useless to risk
a battle here, and they consequently deter
mined to eyacuate he place, wlIich they
did on May D, and by noon of the same
| day McClellans army had broken camp
and was in pursuit. With such celebrity
did he make his movements, and so close
! ly did he press the ConrederateS that or
| the following day they were compelled tC
make stand. and here was fought the
battle of Williamsburg, in which tine Ieb
els were defeated, and continued their re-
| treat toward Richmond.
The Army of the Potomac now cOntin
ued its advance with all the rapid:ty tho
bad condition of the roads would permit
having for its base of supplies the York
River. until, two weeks later, it rested
between the Pamunkey and the ChicKa
hominy. 1t was at this stage of affairs
on the Peninsula that Curtis was on his
return trip from Richmond. With his
passes in his pocket. his dispatches secure
ly concealed about him, and his trusty
horse as his only companion, he set out
for his long ride to Wilson's Landing and
the headquarters of the Union army.
1t was his purpose to stop by the way
long enough to ut least inquire after the
health of the Harcourt family, aad learn
how they had Jared during his absence.
So, pushing rapidly ahead, toward the
close of what had been beautiful day in
May, he near nightfall found himself at
Farmer Harcourt's door, where he was
most cordially welcomed.
His faded horse WAS led tO the harm ia
be watered and fed, while he was soon
resting his tired limbs in an easy chair
while waiting tempting supper that was
almost ready for an appetite kecniy whe.-
ted by his long and hard days ride.
His object now was to stop long enough
to rest himself and horse, and then push
on by night and endeavOr to reach the
Federal lines by daybreak. Mr.. Harcourt
informed him that they had not been mo-
Tested by MCGOWAN since his former visit,
and that it was reported that he had
formed a band of guerrillas, and at their
head was pillaginS and robbing the peO-
pie in an adjoining County.
He is an INSCRIPTIONS villain.' OBJ
served the old gentleman, land | confess
| stand in no little dread that he may
pay us Il visit at any time, in which case
if we escape with our lives, we may CON
slider ourselves fortunate. | have" he
added fully made up my mind 20 take
my family, leave my home here. and, If
possible, 90 North, where a man of my
way of thinking can life in security and
peace. If | We're younger l would en-
list but my fighting days are past
Il trust you may soon be able to get
away from here" said Curtis; land as the
Union army is now advancing up the
Peninsula. you can, l think, with little
danger, make your way into its lines"
He then informed him of the evacua-
ton of Yorktown and of the retreat of
the Confederates, and advised him to
hasten his arrangements to go North
while this opportunity afforded him a way
to do so with safety.
After the evening meal was over the
family seated themselves on pleasant lit
tie porch that ran along one side of the
Old-fashioned house. facing the west and
in the deepening twilight they sat and
talked over the trying times, and united
in their wishes for speedy termination
of the fratricidaF col fict.
Thus the evening passed until about 10
o clock. when my operative informed his
friends that he must take his departure.
as he was determined if possible, to reach
the Union lines by daybreak
The whole faniily urged him to pass the
night with them; but finding him bent on
going, his horse was ordered to the door,
and he prepared TO take his leave.
He shook hands with the good farmer
and his wife, and looked anxiOusly around
for Mary; surely, she would bid him good
by before he went away; but she was no
where to be seen. He even fingered Il few
moments, hoping she would return: she did
not, however, put in an appearance; so,
leaving bis regards for her with her pa
rents. he mounted his horse, and with
heavy heart rode down the long narrow
lane that led from the house to the main
road.
\ HAPPY MEETING.
lie could not understand why the girl
should have absented herself just as he
was taking his leave. Could it he that
he had III any way offended her, that she
should avoid him on purpose? Revolvin.
the matter in his mind. and feeling tina
hereafter he would take pains to avoid
the Harcourt mansion, he now approachc
the terminus of the lane, still buried IL
thought, when his horse, becoming fright
ened, SHE'D slightly to one side Hastily
raising his eyes he saw, to his amazemcnt
the object OF his thoughts standing b.
the roadside.
He checked his horse. and in a tone
that betrayed his astonshment, exclaimed
You here, Miss Nary
Yes she answered, evidently Il little
OnluSed' Il wanted to see you q little
while alone. | trust you will pardon me
for adopting the means | have TO secure
Il short talk with YOU
By this time Curtis had dismounted. and
was standing at her side
We'll, what is it, Miss Harcourt?
am happy to be at your service in any way
in my power"
Thank you" she answered. hastily.
You have placed me under obligations to
you, but i venture tonight to ask one ia
vOr more"
1T is granted already" said Curtis.
Thanking him again, she proceeded:
You know. my brother is in the Union
army, and have not heard from him for
several weeks; | wish you would try to
get this letter to him, and, if it is not ask
ing too much" she added, hesitatingly,
will you kindly bring me his reply, or at
least some word that l may know he is
safe and welly
Curtis took the letter from her hands
and depositing it safely in an inside pockef
Of his coat, he said: Il will do my best
TO deliver the letter, and should not re-
turn soon with an answer you may know
unavoidable has detained me-"
As he stood there gazing earnestly into
the sweet face. of his fair companion. n
sudden purpose to then and there declare
his love for her came into his mind With
him to resolve was to act. Extending his
hand he took hers in a friendly clasp, and
said: Miss HarcOurt, am going to bid
you good-by, with the hope of seeing you
again very soon; bnt L will not conceal
from you the fact that, in the fortunes of
war, it is possible that we may never meet
again. Under those circumstances than