CHAPTER V.
_Hayward in Camp--The Spies--The Maiden Alibamo--The Interview with Price--The Perilous Situation._
Columbia's sons! the heavens above us Sent angels of glory, who brought down our stars! With part of heaven's blue Which they gave Washington, And through him to you, When first you begun To form our proud standard. Then lacking the bars, Columbia's daughters exclaimed, "Those who love us Must add to that portion with streams of their blood, Binding it to the blue and the stars, though a flood Be required."
_Colonel Weeks._
It was about ten o'clock in the morning when Captain Hayward left hisfriends, and proceeded toward the camp of General Price, which was aboutfour miles from the spot where the horses had been secured and the partyconcealed. Several of the picket guard were passed, who came at once tothe shoulder arms and salute, as Hayward approached. He soon reached theguard-house. Here the inspection was a trifle more critical, althoughthe captain passed within the lines without the slightest difficulty. Hewalked along as one familiar with the place, his eyes surveying eachsurrounding object at a single glance, and seeking, among the betterclass of tents, one which, by the rebel flag, he could recognize asheadquarters. But he could not readily find the general's tent,concealed, as it was, among the trees. Soon, however, he met one of therebels, wearing the shoulder-straps of captain, and his sash worn in themanner indicating an "officer of the day." Hayward saluted, and asked:
"Will you take me to the general's tent?"
"You are a stranger here?" asked the officer.
"Yes."
"You come from below?"
"From below Springfield--from McIntosh."
"Anything important?"
"Yes, but it is for the general's ear first. If _he_ chooses tocommunicate with you, very well; but I shall not!"
"Oh! your pardon, sir. You will find the general's tent to the right, onthe hill yonder, just in the edge of the woods. He is now examining aspy--an Indian!"
Hayward saluted the officer, and passed on toward the spot indicated. Hehad proceeded but a short distance, when he saw an Indian dart fromamong the trees, and run as if for life. Several shots were instantlyfired after him, but without effect. It was but an instant beforeseveral horsemen appeared, and dashed after him at a furious speed. Theypassed Hayward, and were soon out of sight.
Hayward passed on, and soon reached the general's tent. He was informedby an orderly in attendance that Price had just left in pursuit of theIndian spy who had just escaped, and might be absent some time.
"These red devils are slippery as eels," said the orderly, "and I doubtif they can overtake him."
"Well, I am in no particular hurry," replied Hayward. "I come fromMcIntosh with messages for the general, and I will await his returnhere."
"Then you are a stranger in our camp?"
"Yes, I have just arrived!"
"Well, sit down. Take a cigar--and here is some excellent brandy. Helpyourself."
"You appear to be well provided for," said Hayward, lighting a cigar.
"Better with drink than anything else. But I can offer you something toeat, such as it is."
"Thank you, orderly; but I was well supplied at a farm-house thismorning. However, I will drink with you. Fill, and we will drink to thegeneral, and success to our cause!"
"I will drink that in a pint bumper," said the orderly, as he drainedhis glass.
"That is excellent," said Hayward.
"Take another."
"I don't care if I do!"
"Still another!"
"I don't care if I do!" replied Hayward again, in a singular tone.
"Oh! you have been with McIntosh, sure," said the Orderly, who madehimself very familiar with his new acquaintance. He had evidently beenalready very familiar with the brandy, and was getting very drunk. "Ishould know you had drank with Mac many a time. That is always hisreply, and we use it all over the camp--Don't care if I do," and theorderly drained his glass again. Hayward pretended to drink.
"What news do you bring from Mac?" asked the orderly.
"I expect it is advice to retreat!"
"Oh! he need not have sent us that advice!"
"Why, I thought General Price had determined to make a stand here!"
"So did I. But he won't now. Mum's the word, you know, if I tell you!"
"Oh! yes, mum!" answered Hayward in a confidential tone.
"Well, you see, the general sent out spies several days ago, and hethought they were taken, or had played him false, because they didn'tcome back. But they did come this morning while the general was absent,and brought these papers. The general was so busy examining the Indian,that he did not see them, and I forgot to tell him they were here."
"What do the papers contain?"
"A plan of the federal camp--the names and description of all theprincipal officers, even General Fremont, and their entire force inround numbers--their guns--kind of rifle which the infantry use, and, infact, all the particulars, even to where they post their pickets."
"Orderly, do you think we can successfully contend with their army?"
"I _know_ we cannot! They have more fighting men than we, and are muchbetter armed."
"What shall you do, orderly, if Price does make up his mind to fight?"
"You won't betray me?"
"Not if you tell me in confidence."
"Well, then, before the fight begins, _I_ shall run like the devil, andget out of the way. Those d----d abolitionists don't take me prisoner,if I can help it!"
"Then you are convinced Price would be whipped?"
"I _know_ it!"
"I am of your opinion, orderly. But Price has determined to fight. Hehas great confidence in his position here, and thinks that he can whiptwice his number. Let mo look at those papers!"
The orderly passed the papers to Hayward.
"Now, let me tell you, orderly, _I_ think it is all folly for Price tomeet the federal army, even if he has a strong position. You know theyhave sixty--some say eighty thousand men, and four hundred big guns--andyet Price thinks he can successfully meet--What do I see! Why, thispaper states that the federal forces only number thirty or thirty-fivethousand, and that they have less than two hundred guns! Oh! this is amistake. Those men who brought this information, I will swear, are Unionspies, and are deceiving General Price, merely to get him to fight. Now,I _know_ the federals have more men than represented here, and if Pricehas determined to meet them with their sixty thousand what will he do ifled to believe there are only thirty thousand? Why, he would advance atonce and lead us all to death."
"What shall we do?" asked the orderly, evidently alarmed.
"Why, Price _must not see these papers_!"
"How can it be prevented?"
"Let me keep them!"
"But the spies are down at their tent, and as soon as the general comes,they will return and tell him all."
"How many are there?"
"Only two!"
"They must not be permitted to deceive the general, and lead us all tocertain destruction. Have them arrested at once, and put them in theouter guard-house--stay, and to prevent their communicating this falseinformation to the men--as it would soon reach Price--have them gagged!"
"I will!" replied the orderly. He left the tent, and soon returned,saying:
"They seemed somewhat surprised when I told them they were found out.But they are properly attended to."
"I do not think that our general's position here is as strong as hethinks it to be. Have you a drawing of his defences?"
"Oh! yes," replied the orderly. "Here is one I drew for my owngratification."
"I will examine it at my leisure," remarked Hayward, as he glanced overthe paper, and then placed it in his pocket. "But, now be very carefuland make no mention of this matter to Price. What is that?"
"That singing?"
"Yes--that is an extraordinary voice, and is that of a female!"
"Oh! yes--that is a captive bird. But, if you will walk in thatdirection, I will introduce you to Captain Branch, and perhaps you canget an opportunity to converse with her."
Captain Hayward and the orderly left the tent, and proceeded in thedirection from which the sound emanated. At last Hayward paused andsaid:
"By heaven, that will never do; she is singing the Star-spangledBanner!"
"Oh! she _will_ do just what she pleases, in spite of any of us. You hadbetter not say anything to her against that song, or you will get moreof her tongue than will be agreeable to your feelings."
They paused before the tent, around which were lounging a number ofofficers. The orderly introduced Hayward to Captain Branch, and said:
"The gentleman is somewhat curious to see your beauty."
"He shall be gratified. Walk in, sir!"
Both Branch and Hayward entered the tent, and many of the officerscrowded around to witness the introduction.
"Alibamo--darling--allow me to present you to a friend--an officer inour army."
"_Present_ me anywhere, and to any one, and I will rejoice, if they willonly take their presence out of my sight," replied the maiden. Thenturning to Hayward she said:
"Pardon me, sir. I did not intend to be rude to you!"
"I have nothing to pardon, sweet lady," replied Hayward kindly. "Speakplainly. I admire candor, and never wish to constrain the speech of anyone--more especially a lady, and one so beautiful!"
And beautiful she was, indeed. Her form was almost fairy-like. Hergolden tresses fell upon a neck of spotless purity--her cheeks so clearthat you could almost see the soul shine through them, leaving its tingeof beauty; and those eyes looked as if they opened first in heaven, andcaught their brightness from a seraph's gaze, as flowers are fairestwhere the sunbeams fall. But, when she turned that gaze upon you, onecould not fail to discover an expression of determination and firmnesswhich could scarcely be expected in one so gentle in appearance.
"You are inclined to flatter," she answered, with a smile. "But if youare so willing others should express their sentiments without restraint,I may hope you were not offended because I was singing a favorite songof mine when you entered my tent."
"Not at all, dear lady. I should be pleased to listen to it again."
"Would you? Then you shall be gratified!"
And Alibamo, seizing her guitar, began the song. As she proceeded, analmost deathly silence was maintained by those around.
What was the meaning of this silence--this apparent thoughtfulness? Whydid not the rebel hordes _compel_ this female to cease her song oftreason to them! Ah! the good old times, when their fathers and our ownwere fighting side by side, in freedom's holy name, and under the Unionbanner's folds, came freshly to the mind and heart of each, and causedthem to long for just such times again, and for the glorious prosperitywhich was enjoyed by our country, while that "Star-spangled Banner"waved free and glorious. They thought of streams of blood--blood whichhad, and must still flow, mingled with tears--hot, burning mother'stears.
Perhaps, too, they were thinking of their own homes, prosperous andhappy, till traitors arose, and striking down the standard which wavedover them, planted in its place a treacherous emblem, reeking with thepollution of a bad cause.
Or, perhaps they were meditating a return to the dear old flag, butfeared to do so. Fear that they might not, like the prodigal, bereceived with open arms, and fear that, in the outset, they would beoverpowered and dealt with as mutineers.
Oh! come back, deluded, mistaken sons of freedom's soil! Come back, yewhose fathers shed their blood to consecrate our land to liberty, forever! Let your base and calculating political leaders deceive you nomore! Be no longer tools for their use and to be only used for theiraggrandizement! Come back to the country that loved you and has so longgiven you its protection! Come, acknowledge your wrong--seek protectionunder our starry flag, and fight for it. You shall receive itsprotection, and be once more ranked as the sons of Columbia.
As she ceased singing, she turned to Hayward and said:
"Do you not admire the song?"
"I admire the singer, lady, but you must excuse me if I do not speakwith regard to the sentiment, before you."
"You admire candor. Why not express your sentiments before me? You_look_ like a gentleman, and I love occasionally to meet a gentleman,even in the rebel ranks."
"No doubt our views are different, lady. But I trust we will not beenemies nevertheless."
"We may not be personal enemies here. But if you will change thatuniform you wear, for that of a Union officer, I will promise that wewill be friends."
"I could not consistently do so at present, lady!"
"Why not?"
"When my country is in danger, do I not share it? Thus to take this off,would be to endanger myself and my country's cause."
Alibamo gazed at Hayward a moment, but it was met with a look ofindifference.
"Yes, you are in danger. You belong to the so-called Southernconfederacy, and you, with it, are in danger of destruction. Why notcome back to the Union--the glorious _old_ confederacy. Why not comeback and fight for the cause _your_ fathers died to win. Why not fightunder the glorious stars and stripes. See _I_ wear them as an apron,even here in this rebel camp. And I tore up a confederate flag to makethis. The glorious stars and stripes--oh! how I love them. Our fathersgave them to us pure and spotless, their stars glittering brightly, andtheir stripes waving free. If they _must_ be stained, it will be by theblood of our fathers' sons who are fighting to replace them on everyspot where they _have_ waved, but by traitorous hands been strickendown. And they will be placed there. They will yet wave over your homeand mine!"
"Lady, you will pardon me, but I cannot longer listen to you. If I donot act as I _think_ is right, it will be something new for _HarryHinton_."
Alibamo started. She trembled violently, but recovering herself-possession, she said:
"Mr. _Harry Hinton_, I could not accuse you of dishonor. Forgive me if Ihave wounded your feelings by being rude. And to show you my esteem foryou--that is so far as I can feel esteem for my country's enemy--you maykiss my cheek at parting!"
The gallant captain stepped forward, and taking the lady by the hand,the kiss echoed throughout the tent. But a _very_ close observer wouldhave noticed that Hayward kissed the lady _on, or very near_, the ear!
"Adieu! I trust to see you again!" said Alibamo, as Hayward left thetent.
"You are fortunate," remarked the orderly, as he proceeded toward thetent of Price.
"In what particular?" asked Hayward.
"In winning that lady's heart."
"Do you think I have?"
"It is very evident she is smitten with you. Ah! here is the general."
Hayward entered the tent of Price. The general merely looked up, but didnot speak.
"I come to you from McIntosh, with information," said Hayward, as hesaluted the general.
"Then you are welcome. Be seated, will you drink?"
"I don't care if I do?" answered Hayward, laughing.
"That sounds natural," said Price. "But how is my friend Mac?"
"Well, but very impatient."
"Why is this?"
"I would speak with you alone," said Hayward, glancing toward theorderly, who, without waiting further notice, left the tent.
"We are alone," said the general.
"The message sent is merely a verbal one, and perhaps of no very greatimportance, as you may have heard it from your own scouts. But, it isthis. McIntosh is in constant communication with an officer of thefederal army. He is informed through him, that their strength is greatlyover estimated by our forces; that their available forces, if compelledto give battle at once, will be less than twenty thousand, and hisadvice is to meet the enemy at once."
"I cannot meet even twenty thousand!" said Price, despondingly.
"Not in this stronghold?"
"Not even here, as I _must_ count the chances of defeat. Should theenemy adv
ance upon us, they will attack us from the rear, thus cuttingoff communication, and in case of defeat, our situation would not be apleasant one."
"Of course you will not meet them, unless certain of success. Mac knowsthe position and strength of the enemy, but was not so fully informedwith regard to your situation. He says, if you think retreat advisable,he will meet you at Springfield."
"Are you to return?" asked Price.
"That is as you may direct, general."
"You will return to-morrow, and tell Mac to join me at Cassville. I amnot able to get reliable information from Warsaw, and my camp has beenfilled with the federal spies for the past three days. Two have justescaped this morning. I know that the bridge at Warsaw is nearlycompleted, and that the enemy will move in a few days. I shall marchto-morrow."
"It will take five or six days to reach Cassville. Shall I tell Mac tomeet you immediately on your arrival?"
"Tell him to camp near Wilson's creek, and await orders. If the army ofthe federals advance as they have done, that is, only one divisionseveral days' march ahead, I shall attack them at Springfield. I was afool that I did not meet them at Warsaw, when they were thus situated."
"Fremont will be in the advance, I suppose?"
"Yes, with his famous body-guard, and the division under Sigel, in allabout eight thousand. I long to meet Sigel again, and that famousbody-guard."
"I believe the friend of Mac is an officer in a battalion also acting asthe body-guard of Fremont."
"What battalion is that?" asked Price.
"I believe they are called the Benton cadets."
"Ah! yes. I am expecting a messenger here every moment, with thedescription of all the officers attached to Fremont, and among them is acaptain belonging to the cadets, whom I am anxious to meet."
"What is his name?" asked Hayward.
"His name is _Harry Hayward_! senior captain of the battalion."
"Why do you wish to meet him more than any other officer?"
"Because I met him once face to face, and he taunted me!"
"Did he know you, general?"
"No, he did not dream who I was."
"Where did you meet him?"
"It was at a farm-house, beyond Warsaw. I was there in disguise. Thiscaptain rode up and asked for a cup of water, and as I was standing atthe well, I gave it to him. I asked the strength of the army, and hereplied that they were much stronger than there was any occasion for. Iasked him if he thought Price would not fight, and he replied that therebel army might possibly be induced to meet us if they had a decentgeneral, but with such a d--d cowardly old fool as Price for theirleader, we should never catch them."
"Would you know him again if you should meet him?" asked Hayward, withapparent indifference.
"I do not think that I should. He had been riding during the whole ofthat day, and was so completely covered with dust that his features werenot visible. But when one of my men returns, he will have his exactdescription. I instructed him to be particular about this officer."
"How did you ascertain who he was, at the time you met him?"
"While I was conversing with him, the adjutant rode up and handed him aletter. He opened it and threw the envelope on the ground. I picked itup, and thus learned who he was."
The remaining portion of the time, until nine o'clock in the evening,was passed in ordinary conversation. Hayward did not care to showhimself about camp. He well knew that the guard-house held twoprisoners, bound and gagged by his order, and accused of being spiesfrom the federals, who were in reality rebel spies, and true to theircause. He knew they had both, or at least one of them, seen him, andwould recognize him at once. He had his own description in his pocket,written by one of them, which had by the merest chance been preventedfrom falling into the hands of Price. However, time passed on, andnothing like suspicion was manifested, that Hayward was not just what herepresented himself. Nine o'clock came. The countersign was out, whichthe general readily gave to Hayward. Tattoo had scarcely ceasedsounding, when a sergeant appeared at the tent-entrance and said:
"General, one of the prisoners accused of being a spy, wishes to seeyou. He says his information is of vast importance."
"I know of no person charged with being a spy whom we have as prisoner!But it is possible some of the morning prowlers have been caught."
"He says he came direct from Warsaw where you had sent him."
"Strange!" said Price, musing. "Tell him I will be at the guard-house inan hour. Stay. Bring him to my tent at ten o'clock."
The sergeant departed.
"Will you excuse me a moment?" said Price, turning to Hayward. "I haveletters to write."
"Certainly!" said Hayward as he left the tent.
Hayward walked leisurely along, until he reached the outer guard-house.He was here challenged and giving the countersign, passed out. Heproceeded rapidly to the place where his friends awaited him, and foundthem all ready for orders, and for action.