The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-10-26

girl nineteen or twenty years old
stood one afternoon ON the yeranda
Of a house In Tennessee, shading her
eyes from the sun. looking off on to
lower ground in the distance. She was
watching a group of horsemen. en-
deavoring to determine whether they
belonged to what were then the Con
federate states or to the Federal army.
There were about thirty of them, one
riding a tri1e ahead, half Il dozen next,
while the rest followed at a distance
of about thirty PAGES. They carried
no flag by which the side on which
they fought might be recognized. but
instead of the dust colored appearance
of Confederates they were of a dark.
fish hue indicating that they wore the
Federal blue Had the girl been more
familiar with soldiers she would have
recognized them for a general, his
staff and his escort
They came on up the gradual rise in
the ground till they reached the house.
where their leader drew rein. and, see
ing the girl on the veranda. said:
tOulu We Sel SOllle supper mere!
Alice Claybourne. like most of the
young people OF the south. had been
captivated by the spirit of rebellion,
and her hatred for the invaders of f,er
beloved south was intense. But II
must be said to the credit of the south
ern women. strong ms was their ami
mostly against the Union soldiers. they
had the good sense to give what they
had to eat to their enemies whenever
It was applied for. Alice said that she
would ask her mother and went inside
while the soldiers remained in their
saddles without She soon returned to
say that there was very little to eat in
the house. but they could have what
there was.
The general and his staff dismount-
ed, gave their horses to the care of
orderlies and went up on the yeranda.
The escort went into camp In the
yard Among the officers was a lieu
tenant twenty-five years old. who as
he stepped up on to the porch where
Alice stood looking forblddingly at the
party, gave her one Of those pleasant
smiles that rest so becomingly on the
lips of certain persons. Bob Murray
In the uniform of lieutenant and aid
de-camp was In his element. He was
handsome, reckless and imperturbable.
No amount OF fatigue could ruiile his
good nature. and that winning smile
of his was ever present. Alice Clay
bourne secretly surrendered to 1t,
though outwardly she steeled herself
against 1t. She coldly turned away
and went into the house.
The general and his staff took up
their headquarters In the house. the
general occupying the parlor on the
ground floor adjoining Aliees own
room. Having partaken Of the scant
supper furnished him and his staff, he
retired to the apartment and, calling
his chief of staff. entered into consul
tation with him. Between the parlor
and Aice's room was door. and Al
ice could hear their voices. though not
what they said. But by standing on
a chair and listening at transom she
could hear every word.
After prolonged dialogue the gen
eral called the orderly standing at his
door and directed him to order Lieuten-
ant Murray to report to him at once.
Murray entered, and the general said
to him:
Lieutenant, we have another bit OF
secret service work for you tonight.
Are you ready for itT'
always ready for anything you or
der. general
"Weli, l have learned during the day
that John Morgan has swooped
around our tanks and Is making a
raid In our rear. He Is making bee
line for the wagon train. loaded with
supplies for our troops In northern
Alabama. and will doubtless reach 1t
before tomorrow noon. | wish man
to ride through tonight and order the
cavalry at Shelbyville to re-enforce
the train guard. There are SO many
scattered Confederates and disloyal
citizens between here and there thnt
doubt II u courier can get through
except in multi. and | would suggest
that you dress yourself as country lad
and work your way In that disguise"
Eyes, general"
After some conversation as 10 route,
time of starting. etc, Murray left his
commander to make his preparations
for the Journey. He well understood
the danger. for. since he bore written
information and n written order, while
In disguise, II captured. he was sure
to be hanged for spy. But he had
secuted both in uniform and in dis
guise and had become somewhat ac-
customed to the risk. About 7 o'clock,
dressed In q butternut suit, he mount
ed a horse on which a sheepskin had
been strapped In lieu of saddle and
started down the road
At the same time Alice Claybourne
ISSUED from the barn In the rear of the
house and, striking a lane running
parallel with the road. started In the