Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1916-03-16
THE RED MIST
A Tale Il Civil Strife BY Ranall Parish

me in some food. So went back to
my seat on the box, and waited, my
eyes on the iron, and my mind eagerly
working on some plan which seemed
feasible. had q half dozen keys in
my pocket, and broken cartridge
| shell in my belt-nothing else avail.
able. The searchers had stripped me
clean. A careful survey of the floor
revealed only twisted nail. but there
was something caught in the iron bars
of the window; from where l sat it
looked like the half of a broken horse
shoe. got up to see, but quickly sat
down again--there was someone at
the door.
It opened, and soldier stood aside
while two men entered. One was Fox,
the other heavy-set. gray mustached
0mcer. in the uniform OF colonel of
infantry. The captain greeted me
gravely. and extended his hand.
Il would far rather meet you as l
did BEFORE" he said, "but war gives
US no choice"
| Il took my chances and have no
complaint" answered heartily, for
liked the man. Il presume there Is
no doubt rs to my fate?"
Il fear not, but the matter is not in
my hands, for which / am grateful
This is Colonel Pickney, in COM
mand."
l bowed, and our eyes met. The face
confronting me was strong and reso-
lutte, its expression that of regret.
"A very young man, Captain Fox"
he said to his companion, (which fact
adds to the unpleasantness of such
duty. Your name is Wyatt?"
Yes, sir"
you claim connection with the Con-
federate service-an oficer?"
"A sergeant of artillery, SIR
| He cleared his throat impressively.
You have the appearance of an
intelligent man, Sergeant Wyatt. and
must realize the seriousness of your
position. / am sure need not dwell
upon the fate which befalls spy
when captured by the enemy. In
your case there seems to be no de-
Tense possible-you wear Federal uni
form; were within our lines, and pa
pers have been found on you of
most Matchmaking character 1t is
my understanding you make no de-
NAL"
None, whatever, sir; It would be
useless
There Is always way in which
mercy can be extended" he went on
earnestly. Doubtless you possess in
formation which would be Of the ut
most value to US. I shall gladly use
my influence on your behalf If the
circumstances warrant"
glanced aside at Fox, and caught
the look Of appeal in his face; then
back into the expectant eyes of the
4 colonel.
You have authority to make me
this propositions" asked quietly.
Il am In command Of this camp, and
pledge you my influence with General
Ramsay"
I stood motionless q moment, en-
deavoring to straighten the matter out
in my mind. When spoke it was as
briefly as possible.
81 can only thank you. Colonel
Pickney, and respectfully decline. I
will not answer your questions. sir"
Fox gripped my arm, and as l
glanced at him, was surprised to
see . mist Of tears In his eyes.
Wyatt" he exclaimed, making no
pretense at calmness. do not be hasty
In your decision. would not counsel
you to any act of dishonor, but surely
some compromise is possible. not
only ask you to consider the situation
from your own standpoint, but also
from ours. accompanied Colonel
Pickney in the hope might have
some influence" He hesitated an In
slant, AZ though doubtful Of his words.
perhaps should say. my boy, that
another urged me to come"
| Another"
"Yes-a lady"
My head swan. my heart beating
ike triphammer
"Do-do you mean, Captain Fox.
that she actually asked you to urge
me to save myself by such an act?"
mo. Wyatt: not that. She request
ed me to accompany Colonel Pickney,
and do all could on your behalf"
/ drew a long breath of relief, my
mind clearing, my resolve strength
ened. She did care then! God knew
I was glad; and she had not urged
me to An act Of dishonor. And knew,
understood wished me to real
/ ize that she was not Indifferent to my
fate. that her interest was not dead;
and she had sent the message to me
by the only man she could trust to
rightly deliver 1t. My heart light
ened, and my lips smiled.
Il thank you for your message, Cap.
tain Fox" said sincerely, clasping
his hand. "Tell her how glad it made
me. But It cannot change my deci-
sion; / will answer no questions"
This is your final reply. sergeant?"
the colonel's voice had hardened; his
eyes had lost their friendliness. Good
day, sir"
The door opened to the rap of his
knuckles, and the two men passed
out, neither one glancing back at me.
The sentry asked question, and
heard Pickney answer:
Eyes, set the food within, but let
no one communicate with the prisoner
except on my written order. will
have another sentry posted above"
A soldier entered, bearing camp
ration and pannikin Of water, and