The National tribune., 1901-01-24

lie now Slackened MS speed somewhat
to rest his jaded steed, and, dropping the
reins, allowed him to take n moderate
walk, while he himself fell into a deep
reverie over the events of his trip.
On this occasion he had been very sue
cessful in his work in the rebel Capital,
| and had, so far, effectually escaped any
| suspicion as spy. Considering the watch
full vigilance that at this time was main
tanned by the rebels, Curtis had indeed
done well; and it was with feelings Of
| thorough satisfaction that now, near the
close of his arduous journey, and when
| he felt reasonably secure from being mo-
Tested, that he relaxed somewhat his usual
| vigilance and allowed himself and animal
| a much-needed rest.
IN THE HANDS OF GUERRILLAs.
He was not however, destined to get
| through so easily as he had anticipated.
| As he entered a small clump of timber,
| and while he was unsuspectng Gs rny
| danger, on account of The nearuess TO the
| Union camp, two mounted mon suddenly
made their appearance from the side of
| the road, and from where they bad been
concealed in the bushes, and. h, ling their
cooked weapons at his head, commanded
hun to halt.
At the same instant men came pour
ing in from both sides of the woods that
| here skirted his path, and almost pcfore
he could realize his situation, or who We're
his assailants, he was oveTpowered, taken
from his horse and securely bound.
He soon discovered his captOrs wcrh Il
band of guerrillaS. who had been chartered
i'll the grove, and he had by the mercst
chance stumbled right into their midst.
While he was quickly debatin: in his
mind his chances for escape, and his prob
able fate ut their hands, he was led into
the presence of the Captain of the band,
who, with few of his followers, had
evidently been sleeping about a campfire
that had now burned low, leaving only 4
bed of glowing embers, that east a faint
light on the swarthy faces of the rough
looking men that now grouped yawnngly
about it awaiting his coming.
Who have you hcre?' asked the Cap
tain, as the party eScOrting Curtis came
up.
Don't know. Capten,' Technically an
swered one of the men; I'VE jest now
found him and handed him in here with
out askin' him emmy questions; but here
he is; you can talk to him yourself"
Curtis was now unbound and led for
ward and stood facing the Captain. AS
their eyes met the recognition was mt
tual and instantaneous. In the man that
stood before him my operative recognized
no less parsonage that Dan MCGOWAN.
At the same moment MCGOWAN saw
who it was that had 50 unexpectedly fallen
lHtO IdIoo, Win "lthHu luNSu
and horrible oath he sprang forward
and. clutching him by the throat, ex-
claimed:
by -, / have been looking FOR you
for some time; it is my turn now"
1t was evident that the fellow, in his
rage, meant murder; but Curtis, who was
both brave and cool, besides being strong
and active. wrenched loose from his crap,
and springing hastily backward he dealt
him with rho uiditv Of Iiuhtninp q
erful blow between the eyes, that fClled
him like an OK. Then. before the lockers
on could scarcely realize what had taken
place. he leaped over the form of the
PROSTATE man, and disappeared in the
darkness of the wood.
The Captain by this time regained his
feet, and showering curses upon his men
for Il pack of cowardly idiots, started off
in pursuit, followed by half-score OF his
fellows, who now, in order to co1ciliate
their enraged leader, determined 20 retakc
the detective at all hazards.
Fortunately for Curtis he had been al
lowed to retain his weapons, and being
fleet Of foot he had but little to fear.
He soon succeeded in eluding his pur-
suers, and shortly after daylight found
his way into the Union camp.
He then reported to me with his d.s-
patches from Richmond. and related his
adventures here recorded.
l ought to state, however, that he did
not, at that time, inform me of his pro-
posal to Miss Harcourt; but remain
ing with me until the close of the war,
during which time he made many trips
to and fro between Richmond and the
headquarters of the Federal army. after
the struggle was ended and we botn had
retired to private life, he as salesman
in business house in Chicago, l to my
business as detective in the same city,
then it was he related the story If his
courtship. AS for the Harcourt family.
they made their way to the North by the
aid of my operative and young HarcouPt,
md the cOurtship between Curtis and the
daughter WAS kept up until the close Of
the war, when they were married
Dan MCGOWAN was killed in an attack
that his party, led by him, made ON a
band of our scouts.
| would fain have dwelt longer on the
work of young Curtis. and noted more
ninutcly the Importance of his labOrs in
the Secret Service, but lack of space and
time compel me here to drop him with the
passing comment that he was an excellent
operative. and that he so faithfully and
efficiently did his work that the subter-
rancan headquarters. with its corps of
operatives, never did the Union cause any
PRACTICAL harm, but great deal of good, |
in furnishing intelligence OF the move
ments and intentions of the rebel forces. |
TO be continued.)