The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1903-02-12
"THEY ENJOYED HOUR CONFIDENTIAL CONVERSATION"

The Chief of the band received hi.
guests with Chesterfeldian grace anC
ELUSIVE welcome, his demeanor in greeting
the ladies being especially courtly. The
mans manner and appearance were il
strange and striking contrast to his sur
roundings. Evidently he was educated
and cultured-as mild hammered mar
as ever scuttled ship or cut throat
In command he was supreme, his followers
watching his beck and will, seemed ready
to obey his every behest.
COnceiving himself to be needlessly and
grossly insulted by his superior officer, who
struck him with his sword, Serg't Newell
of the Federal army, General Cox's com.
mand, unable to brook such indignity, had
retaliated, in the passion of the moment
by knocking the officer down and beating
him with his musket. Realizing the con.
sequences of SO grave breach Of disci.
Mountain, where by reason of his superior
fitness he became the Chief of the band
collected there. The force of circum.
stances had made him an Ishmaelite
Having gracefully assured his visitors
"That Highland halls were open still
To wildered wanderers of the hill"
the Chief turned to Harding and said:
Sir, the presence of the ladies is evidence
that you are in trouble. If I can be Of
service to you, please command me-"
Harding stated clearly and honestly the
circumstances that had driven him a refu-
gee to the mountain. The Chief replied
that he had suspected as much. Extend
ing his hand, he said: "My friend, there
should be a strong bond of sympathy be-
tween us. Our troubles are similar" He
then briefly told his OWE story.
A WARNING.
"Soon will this dark and gathering cloud
Speak on our glens in thunder loud"
In private conference, Capt Newell
informed Harding that he had infor,na-
tiOi, perfectly reliable, that the COnfed-
crates were preparing to attack him. The
waning, he said, could not be ignoicd.
II he failed to evacuate Sp,oK's Cavern.
his capture was certain-only question
cf time, and short time at that. The
Confederates, then forming at Staunton,
were formidable. They were greatly supe-
ricr in numbers. The infantry, some $50
or 200 strong, would be accompanied By
McNcil's Partisan Rangers, who were
familiar with North Mountain and the
surrounding country. Continuing, he said:
IL rave determined to lead my band
northward, without unnecessary delay. In
case we safely reach Pennsylvania or
Maryland, the Confederate deserters will
nave Hothins 10 lear. Iney Will De wei
received. With the Federal deserters,
myself included, the reception will not be
so cordial, However, we must take the
chances. We cannot stay here. Possibly
We may find refuge in Canada"
Harding cOncurred in the wisdom of
NeweIs views OF the situation and his
ueGlsion paseg tnereon' put he had diff
KNOWING that he Gould no, OWN Will, eo curse.
retnrn 70 he hon. mnt fn no. will s.ies
valley bo th"rnit tIot ~ IL iat ne awag IN lne
for MIGHT nnss;h i"s ms ." WIZ hu anu uausn,
ser;ons m,;sg;v;nns y Sro 81 4 oui ne nau
ever confnrr;na !s;th hor Que foth mums, nov
az nr"mnt,v en M'n ronei,, tatner ana .noIn.
matter sp far as she was conc seea 'ne
substance har snoaoh was was ce ,ho. III
Moabitish damseI. Ruth. "Jntreot mo n .nt
to leave thee, or to return from following
after thee: for whittier thou goest, will