►*.%,* ,.r CAPTAIN'S ERIDE. _ A TALE OF THE WAR, IIKKRINGT'TN. 3ro. if «< RALEIGH: V ^:>^^ \'l B. V.I IT ! IS )4. ■ . n -r-'K ^^^ <^ ^ THE CAPTAIN'S BRIDE, 's A TALE OF THE WAR, BY W. P. IIERKINGTON, Zed N. C Cavalry, Anther cf "Tie Refugee's Niece," "The Dewertor's l>augbler/' ttc. ^J^ ^^V!^ :t >L^.,I^^^ Entered according to Act of Congress, m the year 1864, by WILLIAM B. SMITH, in the Clerk's Office of the Diatrict Court of the GonTederate Stat^i for the District of Pamlico ot North Carolina^ Kv J,' TO C. PERKINS, ESQ., MEMBEK OF THE S. C. LEGISLATCEE, IS THIS LITTLE STORY MOST RR8FECTFULLY DEDICATED, Ao AN nUMDLE TRIBUTE OF GRATITUDE TO me Ki^roNr.ss and berevolknce, by his ever ^jratrful waed, THE AUTHOR. 77ZXLO THE CAPTAIN'S BRIDE. CHAPTER I. As the dawn begaa to disperse the darkaess trom tiio earth, and the golden azure mouDting the eastern ekiea, foretold the birth of a new day, the sharp jarring peal of a rifle cannon rent asunder the calm morning air, and echoed and re-fchoed among the hills and swamps of the surround- ing country. In a few minutes a cavalryman rushed in camp, his charger at his topmost speed. The bugler sound- ed the alarm, and after some hurried confusion, Oaptaia Hor*on formed his company of Partizan Rangers in line of battle. *' The enemy are advancing !'' said the much excited cou- rier, and as he spoke another jar from the rifle field-piece shook the earth beneath their feet ; and was followed by % volley of small arms. *'Take sixteen men and support the picket, reconnoitre the enemy's strength, and hold in check at the creek as long as possible. When you are over-powered fall back to the mill bridge, where I will make arrangement.s to fight a.s long as our supply of ammunition lasts." These orders were given by Captain Horton to Lieuten-* ant Emitson, and were immediately put in execution. This occurred a few days before the commencement of tha memorable seven (Jays battles around Richmond. All the troops, except enough to watch the movements of the ene- my at his several points of occupation, were removed from the department and concentrated to take part in that san- guinary conflict to save the Capitol of the country. T7iZio Captain Horton with his gallant little band of one hun- dred well mounted Partizans was left unaided to confront the enemy numbering five hundred infantry, a battery of artillery, and a company of cavalry, occupying one of the towns in the department of North Carolina. The enemy -were, however, well acquainted with Captain Horton. Time and again had he pounced like an eagle upon their unsus- pecting credulity, and bore away their out-posts, their for- aging and scouting parties — until his name alone had be- come a terror to their imaginations. Notwithstanding this Captain Horton did not slumber with this fearful odds against hirb. He saw a,t a glance, and appreciated, the res- ponsibility that had devolved upon him. Tliousands of rich farmers, strainin*g every nerve to make sustenance for the ^army, looked to him for protection against a thieving ene- my. Every day defenceless women and children thronged his camp begging with tear-bedimmed eyes to be saved from the hands of a ruthless foe. Added to these, h(ias well .'.\^ most'of his men were fighting for their very hearth-stones. ..The town occupied by the enemy was situated upon the northern bank of one of the principal rivers in the Old North State. The river ran in almost a direct line east and west, and intermingled the crystal waters of the Blue Ilidg'3 inountaiBS with those of the great Atlantic. This added a 'now arm of strength to the enemy, as the t'uqt was naviga- ble several miles above the town, up which, with his boats he could lay waste to the surrounding country. But as he .had few boats that could operate on the river owing to its narrowness, and its undulating banks, beiiind which con- cealed riflemen, were more than an equol in a contest, even ■with these huge monsters Captain Horton had few fears from that direction. Making almost a right angle with one inclining somewhat to the west, wound a large creek, and emptied i^s waters into the river a mile above the town. — On both sides of this creek were dense mirey swamps so that to cross it was impossible, except at the several public crossings at which were in former times built bridges. Bj way of the direct road leading from the town to where Cap- tain Horton had taken his position to the crossing of this stream was seven miles. Five miles farther on ran another stream parallel with the first, and emptied also its waters into the river. Across this latter stream was the mill bri ^ge referred to in Captain Ilorton's order. When he was lel't without the least hope of aid from any quarter, his first pre- caution'was to destroy all the bridges crossing this first stream : seeir.g of course, the fruitlessness of endeavoring to keep the enemy within the town. This offered 4lie firs^- impediment to an advance. AVherever a crossino- raio;ht bo effected, it woiild be done at a fearful loss of life ; and when this T^as done a- greater impediment yet had to be met at the i^[iill bridge where, as C^^ptain Horton saif, they cuuld never pass so long asiiis supply of ammunition lasted. This first reek, though Jttopted by Captain Horton asa' picket line, yet the conn tr J' beyond it was not entirely abandoned. The enemy did not dare to advance beyond the range of the guns mounting the irerst-work surrounding the town, except with almost tlielr entire command. Captain Horton had the one plan, and its alternatives ever before his eyes ; if the enemy advanced directly upon his po- sition to give him battle as above described ; but if he choose to pass him b;/ unnoticed after crossing the first stream, and, advancing through the country in a different direction, his alternative wa9 to transport his cemraand to the opposite side of tlie river, marshal his available force, cut the ene- my's communication, and harass his rear until a force could be concentrated in fr nt to stop his advance. As he promised Lieutenant Emitson, the necessary dispo- sitions were made at the bridge to give the enemy a hand- some reception. He was patiently waiting the return of the Lieutenant, and the advance of the foe His monotony would now and then be broken by the report of the cannon at the bridge; but nothing more. 3 ^' Surely,'' he said, "Emitdon lias not allowed them to cross undisturbed." The Lieutenant returned very soon, *' The enemy have driven back our pickets from the creek and are throwing up an entrenchment/' said he, handing the Captain a note backed with a pencil. '^ They no doubt intend to re-build the bridge," said the Captain opening the note. "What disposition have- you made of the picket. Lieutenant." " I ordqjjed them to fall back beyond the range of the en- emy's guns ; and to resume the watch. I have a scout also concealed at the creek to watch the enemy's dero-onstrations." The note read as follows : " Captain Horto]^ :— I have just time to write this note and convey it across to your pickets. The Yankees do not intend to advance farther than to drive off your picket and establish their own in their stead on this, side of the creek. Give yourself no alarm ; but of course be vigilant. Cross the creek at the old landing and I will meet you at the little hillock on this side at four o'clock, p. m.. Then I will tell you all. There is no danger at that place. Tours in much trouble, Estellb." 'Captain Horton folded the note and placing it in his coat pocket ordered his men back to camp, evincing in his coun- tenance a look of excited curiosity intermingled with disap- pointed satisfaction. CHAPTER ir. Four o'clock found Captain Horton faithful to tho re- quest. He had prostrated himself upon the little gum hill surrounded except on one side bj a dense forest. On this Side a narrow strip of high land led to an opening beyond. How long seemed every minute of delay, with nothing, to keep him company save perhaps a little summer bird drawn hither by curiosity to take a close examination of this mon- ster^ who had dared to trespass upon its haunts. Distinct- ly audible to his ears sounded the axes of the enemy fortify- ing the position taken by them in the morning* *' Are they human like myself," he soliloquized, '^ made by the same God, ruled by the same supreme Deit}-, occu- pying the same continent, speaking the same language, who have mothers and sisters like myself, and s+ill we are dead- ly foes : seeking each other's lives.'' With such thoughts us tliese passing through his mind lie passed away one long, long hour. *' She will not cotne. Something has happened,'" ho said as he rose and stretched liis gaze in the direction fro.ni whence he had come, and was now about to return. A low whisper greeted his ear. He started and turned quickly on his heel. Hie eyes met a human form. It was Estelle. The beautiful fairy formed, the terrestrial angel, Estelle ; the only object that bound his heart to earth, that V7hicli animated and urged him on to deeds of valor in the hour of trial and peril. Estelle was a far oif scion of the Normon French, and in her bright black eyes she showed still the spirit of her intrepid ancestry. As their countea- 4inces met she forced a smile. * 10 " "Yon have been waiting I reckon, Captain." ^^ Yes J Estelle/' he answered, grasping her extended hand, " I h ave been here one hour or mere. What has cansod your flelay ?" ** My brother, whom you know holds a commission in the Federal army returned home this morning. To establish a force between my home, and your command is the cause of their advance. They will return when ho lias accomplished the object of his visit." , " Pusillanimous policy. But such selfish motives seem. to 'actuate even the head of their Governmetit. I am not surprised. But Estelle, what is the object of your brother's visit?'' • "^ He has come," said she, choking down, a sigh, '* to force me into a marriage with Ed. Alston, whom from mj childhood I have never looked upon otherwise than £is a friend. He accompanies my brother dresssVin Yankee uni- form. I have treated him very c.olly; and as they know of our attachment, they watch me eontinually. This has ]l>8en the cause of my delay." ■*' Fiends! incarnate," said the Captain seating himself upon the earth and drawing her down by his side. They can n'ever succeed while the blood in my veins runs warm. But you had'better go with me now, and continue with my mother or some of your friends until " "No, I will not be driven from my home. I will, stay to convince them of their folly." Hardly had these words es- caped her lips when a hurried footstep behind them con- vinced them of an intrusion. Captain Horton caught his hand upon his pistol holt and attempted to rise. . But too late. Two pistols were presented to his head, and a stern voice shouted ^^ resist and you shall die." Estelle caught his arm and whispered, ^^ forbear." " Estelle," said her brother in a pedantic voice, ^' I ought to discountenance you hereafter as my sister." *^ You are at liberty" to do so," she answered in a firm veiee. 11 ^•' While I Lave "been away striving to restore peace to the country, my only sister has been carrying on a disgraceful alliance with '' ^' Its false ; and the intimation is unworthy of a broth- er," she interrupted. '* Yes, you have brought disgrace upon me by this alli- ance with an enetny to me and to all mankind, and a traitor to his country." This insult almost caused the blood in Captain Horton's veins to take lire. But what could he do ? " Disgrace upon you ! A traitor to his countrjj .''' she an- swered smilingly, '• beautiful language for one who has brought disa'race upon his family by selling his hoiior and his birthright foyVne j-aultrpsum of a comiyjission in a van- dal army-^an army who wars .upon defenseless women and children — a band. of disgraceful thieves and cut-throats. - D6e?! not the word traitor burn upon VoUr li;-' 'r^'' '• X would take this' abuse from no one el '. . •'■ Nor world I take your intimations from any one else." • But your eloiuonce will not alter my determination. .1 have come to jsec the consummation of am.irriage between Alston and yourself, and it shall be.' ** It shall never be. I do not Ibve iiim, and I will never marry one whom i do not love. So desist brother ; you can- not force me, I am ready to die, but to yield^never !" . '*' I am your senior and will be your advisor. I know that you are betrothel *"> •^'J^<^^^ Mr:"! ^'^'" engagement shall be fulfilled.' '■' Would you. consign me to a life of misery ? Is this the brother who promised a dying mother to watch over my wellfare. Oh ! faithless humanity,'' said she, bursting into tears, '* have I a brother, and yet not one triend in this wide world whose hands are unbound to save me." " Miss Estelle," said Alston stepping forward, '^ say that you have never made the most solemn vows to me, and I will release you at once from the engagement." 12 *' I may have done so Mr. Alston in jest ; but Heaven knows that I have never loved you ; and your unmanly con- duct now makes me hate you." ^^No Estelle/' said the Lieutenant, her brother, "this traitor has poisoned your mind, and his life shall pay the forfeit." Captain Ilorton could no longer keep down the anger that these cowardly insults had aroused in his nature. He sprang to his feet, drew his repeater from its holster and said : ** feir, my life is not worth a farthing to me now, and these cowardly insults shall he printed here^upon fhe brow of this little hill in characters of blood." Estelle rushed fearlessly betw^n the two presented pis- tols, and caught Captain Horton's arm. ^* It is madness Captain, do not sacrifice your life, but live for my sake.'' ' ^ I give Estelle into your charge. Accompany her home," said her brother, addressing Alston. "I can go alone," said Estelle. But Alston took her arm and forced her away. ''Deliver your pisfc 1 to me," said the Lieutenant to Cap- tain Horton. Just ait this moment a noi^e on the opposite side of the hill attracted their attention, and a detachment of Captain Horton's men rushed upon the hill. The Lieutenant see- ing the peril ©f his position, covered himself by Captain Horton and made a precipitate retreat. *^ Stand aside Captain," shouted Lieutenant Emitson, *' Hold Emitson ! hold!" said he, '^ the enemy are only a few hundred yards from this place-" The enemy had already been attracted to the place, and is-ere then in view. '* I anticipated this treachery. Captain," said Lieutenant Emitson, " and have made all possible haste to your relief." '* Say not ' treachery' Lieutenant, but * misfortune.' Oh ! 13 could your arrival have been but one minute earlier ! Pool Estelle," said he rubbing his hands, '^ but I will release her or loose my life in the attempt."' ^* We all owe them a debt of revenge,'' answered tLe Lieutenant. As the enemy were now bearing dov^n r.pon Ihem, they were compelled to retreat. , Captain Horton returnei to his camp with his ylaus f;r the release of Estelle fully decide:! upon. By taking his men twelve miles up the creek he could cross at a ford known only to himself, and in four hours he could come up exactly 'n rear ot the enemy's position. This he resolved to do^ Loping, notwithstan Jing the fearful odds that he would have to encounter, with the advantage of a surprise in a night at- tack, to be aWe if notliing more, to recover Estelle and take licr within hie own lines. The plan was put in execution, and at jKq4joiir of eleven when t)ie enemy had retired to slumber in peaceful security Captain Ilorton hurled his hundred furious horsemen like an avalanch^into their camp, which lay in an hundred yards of Estelle's home. Tlie enemy tied in every direction panic Ptrickim and dismayed ; biU Olptain Ilorton was so eager for the prize, -iie rushed headloi g in front of his ^cominand, and his «hors« stumbling, precipitated hii^, eenseiCS^ upon, the earth in the midst ot ttie enemy, when, of bourse, he fell iuto tl'.eir^hands. Lieutenant Eraitson assumed 'com- ]nand, and still continued to urge his men upon the enemy, dealing a peifect malestorm of death in their midst ; but he hurdled them in a mass finally upon the banlcs of the stream, where they either had to fight or surrender. Taking advan- tage of the disorder into which tlie contest had thrown tho horsemen, ihey commenced a stuhliorn resistance, and from advantage of numbers, very soon so far ecovercd as to be able to make an assault upon Lieutenant Eraitson^s confused column. Hjs resisted it with spirit, but finally had to fall back, thereby leaving Captain Horton a helpless prifon?- ia the hands of the enemy. CHAPTES III. Estelle had heard the attack made on the Yankee camp, and had divined its object. She ever felt sure of the defeat of the expedition ; but she did not anticipate the trouble that awaited her. As soon as the men were restored to quiet, and there was no probability of the Rebels returning, her brother made haste to apprise her of bis victory ^' We have-given those impertinent midnight assassins a decent thrashing ; and what is more cheering and glorious, their chief, — 7/our lover is aimaonev, safe into our hands," said he in a boasting and menacing manner. For a minute she was speech-less, for what could she say. The case, if true, and she could not doubt it, was hopeless. " He is a prisoner of v/ar, isn't he brother?'" she asked at ]ast in a humiliated voice. " No, he has torfeited Jbhe respect due a prisoner of war,. and is held subject to my orders and disposal ; and Estelle unless you make amends for your impertinence this after- noon, you shall witness his torture . With this threat to subdue her indomitable will, he left her to her own thoughts. She past the night in indiscribable anguish — ^between hopo and dispair. A thousand plans for his release passed through her mind, but were all attended with some insurmountable obstacle. The night— -a sleepless one past away at la t. Her pillow was drenched with her tears Only one Lope cheored her troubled bosom. She reso ved to try her powers of persua- Bion upon the heart of her brother. Surely he was Ker broth^ €r. The same blood courted each others veins* She heard 15 him promise a dying mother to love and take care of her.*: — It could not be that one year 's association, with heartleee companions even, had made him a brute. She expected his sympathy. She was not the same stubborn Estelle of yes- terday. Her spirit was crushed and she must yield. She arranged her toilet, and hastened to the parlor, where she expected to find her brother alone. But not so. She found him accompanied by Alston, who vere making merry over that greatest curse to the human family, the Bacchana- lian Board. ^ The sight of Al^n and her brother's dissipation, arouse d her ire anew, but she must suppress it now, and giving Al- ston one look that made his guilty cowardly soul crouch like a whipped car, she beckoned her brother to one side. He rose and followed her into another apartment. When he took a seat, she knelt by his side. "The humiliation of that proud spirit and not penitence, caused a tear to course its way over licr flushed cheek. *' Brother," said slie,^ " I have knelt here to ask tlie re- lease of Captain Horton. I am your sister; and as such ] make this request. You are my only relative that I know of on earth — and therefore the only rource from which I cmti expect sympathy and protection. "Your last weds to our dying mother ^m this room, was a most solemn premise to look after my wcllf.re in- life— ^ to guard my destiny. fSurely memory and soul have not both forsaken yon. If so, let reason tell }ii)e \ ou an injury, iind who only holds a political opinion averse to your own, and remember brother if you sacrifice hinj to your malice, you sacrifice .also a si s^ ter's happiness. H^ is tlie object of my choice. ' He loves mo and I love him. I am engaged to him, and I can lovo no'ne other. Nowl)rother, I have told all ; and will you re- lease him? I on yesterday, in a fit of passion, caused by your insults might Iiave sai I many hard things to yea ; for '^hich I feel^Borry thia morning, and am willing to make any 16 aTDends tliat you may ask. I ask only one reasonable re- qtiest, when that is grahted then I, brother, am your ser- Yant. If I am never to see him again, it will at least be a ■consolation to me to know that he is unharmed/' "You are through, I suppose, and you are quite an hum- ble little sistei^tliis morning," he said in sneering ridicule. — Eut Estelle my plans are fixed— my promise is given.— The blood of fifty of my comrades, the work of liis hands last night cries in tones of thunder against Captain Horton, while the moans of an. hundred wounded men call curses lipon his head. He shall never marryig^^ou. But neverthe" less, he can have the opportunity of taking the oath of alle- giance to the United States,, and thereby save his life, if you will promise to'marry Alston immediately, and go lisorth.'' The heartlessness of this proposition soiit a pang of sor- row to her Jieart, and crushed her soul beneath a load of dis- pair. She saw that her plan was not successful . Ail seem- ed lost. She rose up, seated herself upon a sofu, and bury- ing her face in her hands bursted into a violent fit of grief. But necessity is indeed the mother of invention, and when almost- the last ray of hope had fled, something seemed to suggest another plan to her mind. It was 'based on decep- tion, and as deception is a wonian's fort, it gave Iier new hope.' " I have thrown grass," she thought, " and it avail- ed nothing, I am excusable now to try vrhat virtue there is in a stone." ** Brother, I anjiwillrng to make any, aln:ost any sacrifice to save Captain Hor ton's life, but he will ndt take the oath. If yo^ will agree to release him unconditionally, and I can love Alston, and I will try, I will consent to your proposition and give you a positive answer this evening." *' I will also make up my mind by that time," he answer^ ed. • She drew her pencil from her pocket, wrote a few words % on a piece of paper, folded it, handed it to her brother, and requesied him to hand it to Alston. He received it with a 8mile of satisfaction and departed on the mission, ^h.^ wrot^ - t ^ also a short note to Lieutenant Emitson, and by means of an under-ground telegraph, in tho ...n.-c^ ,>+' r^^ 1^,^^^^. ^^ ^^g [traced in his hands. In a few inlimtes Alston made hi^ appearance, for the note requested an interview. He looked awkward and agitated, but it was a part of lier plan to re-assure him. ^- Take a scat Edward,-^ she said smiling. . This a^-itated him more. ^'I reckon," she resumed, ''that you have thought my conduct very strange. It is my disposition you know to make my love matters romantic ; but I reckon now I have carried the matter far enough, and I have conclude<:l hereafter to make our meefiii"* nmro :j tpp-iI^'o. Y.-^-.^ -^^-v^-x pardon my littl^ frivolties. " Certainly Estellc, certainly !': lie said with the greatest emotions of delight, ' I have been very silly not to have seen more clearly into the n? a tter, before, but you irirls are always capable of decepti(' " But," she answered . '' l vet, 1 want us to f^urpriso M- ''All vighi: " Come this cvenrng at"o u clock and we will .take a walk to our old play ground, and talk over the pleasures ol by- gone days. I hayc wear^ied myself with this excitement, and yon must excuse me until then," and rising froni her seat she presented him a bouc';h o^ arhoivitac. • . Springing to his feet, he departed in .a perfect .ecstacy oG surprise and delight. Estelle smiled at the successful execu- tion of the ground-work of her scheme CHAPTER lY. All was quiet in the Yankee encampment. The day was spent in burying the dead t^hat had fallen the previous nigtit, and preparing against another like surprise. The hoar of three arrived, and faithfal to promise came Edward Alston, unspeakably elated with glowing anticipa- tions of the future. Little did he think that the halter was prepared for his neok, and that with his own hands he was to tie the fatal knot* Estelle might be censured by the world, but whatever others w&xQ disposed to say she cared not, she was determined to exhaust all the means at her command to defeat her brother's plans, and save un- harmed the object of her affections at all cost. She ir^et Alston at the door with a smile, and taking his arm, they set off for the proposed evening's walk. The walk to the old play ground upon the bai.ks of the creek was spent in ra«irry conversation, in making araeuda for past olibnces and explanations.^ As they neared the edge of the stream, four Confederate soldiers stepped from be- hind an e2ca7ation in the bank?, and in a decided voice lold Alston that he was a prisoner. He was dismayed and thunder STuek. There was lo farther neco^slty for de- cent on on the part of E telle. Her plan was fui ly devel- oped. Giving the guard some hunied instructions, they bore their ch'^Jge away. Estelle watched them uniil thej were beyond all danger, when she hastily retraced her foot- steps btt-ck to the h>us**. Now the dreadful ordeal had to he passed. She must meet an unreasonable brother exas- jnerated by defeat. Wiiat might he uqi do V iiut in the ipirit of the true heroine she resigned herself to the nnal- terable decrees of fate, and bowed her spirit in humble submission at the shrine of fortune. She halted at thd door to nerve her courage for the erasrgencj, and to place a little dagger that she wore in her bosom in a convenient position. She entered the parlor and found her brother eeated s-noking a cigar in dreamj reverie. Her fjotstep aroasod him: "Why E-itelle," he said drowsily, "you did not walk long. Where is Edward?" *'In the hands of Lieutenant Emitson," she answered decidedly.' He sprang to his feet in amazement. ** Say that again E^t-elle !" "In the hundfj of L'emenant Emitson— a hostage for Captain Horton," fehe repeated. ♦» I'll be -," sai i he in the most vi )lent fit of pa-sion, "if I intend thuf to be boffltd and bullied from my purpose by mortal uiackind — woman — sister — no, by— not even by my mother. 1 swear by eternal, Heaven if Edward Al- 8t«)u, a United States soldier, is not returned to th^s house by to-morrow noon, thatlwiil burn before your eyes this out* la\yed villian/Horton. Do you remember that? Atd then if one hair on Alston's head is molested, I will place yoa ib the hind? of the commander of this departratut to Btand the consequeiic s." "i mcasurei tbe distance," aijswered Ea^elle coolly, "betoic 1 be^^an the j«.»uruGy. But brother, whatever moasare v<.n meet to CiiptaiQ Hortoi.^ nhal! be measured to Edward Alston again. Your vain threats will not daunt ray spirits nor aHer my purpose.' The feal is sft and stamped, 'an eye for an e^e, a tooth for a tooth.' I care not what the consequences may be to myself." He strode like a fraotic mauiac b ack and forth across the room. He saw the fruitlessness, of endeavoring to im- timidate a spirit that feared not death. He felt that he was defeated — hopelessly defeated. He halted before her and looked in her countenance. He yaw there depicted the in- flexiblti determination — the case-hardened will. ' What could he do ? His, fiendish nature could have ci-uahed her from existena^.e, but he feared to attempt it. "Heretofore," he said, ''I have been lenient towards you jEstelle, but hereafter I shall alter my purpose. I %' 11 send over Captain Horton in exchange foV Alston, but you shall be incarcerated in one of the darkest dungeons in Fort "Warren, where you shall eke out your life in igno- miny and shame, where pity nor mercy can never reach you. Where you shall never see a human face, except of Mm who will come to tantalize you." ^' I am consoled," said she smiling, for the thought that Captain Horton was to be set free had brightened her hopes, " to know that none of your hellish prisons are so dark but that the sunbeams of mercy irom Heaven can- penetrate their gloom. And there, even there, I will laugh at your folly, and hold sweet converse with that God who causes it to -rain upon the just and upon the unjust." He lelt the room, and locking the door, took the key with him. His threat was a dreadful one. . She pondered its consequences alone. But she felt consoled. She had gained ^ victory^ though it might be dearly bought. Then in her mind she saw Captain Horton free once more. She hoped — yes slie hoped — but what did she hope. From a window slic could see all that transpired in the camp. She wept lor two hours over her fearful destiny.— ''1 have no friend save my God, and He has forsaken me," she sobbed. She turned her eyes again to\kirds the camp, and saw her brother accompanied by Alston walking hur- riedly towards headquarters, and eogagedin eager conver- sation. She felt that Captain Horton was free. There was too, some excitement. She fell upon her knees and in an biumblej submissive prayer, thanked God 21 that although she was to suffer herself, that she had been the means of Baving all that she loved on earth from an ig- nom'Dious death. The tears that accompaniedthis prayer were analized in heaven. As she re-sea+ed herself, a whizzing souod attracted her attention, and then a deafening crash. A shell buKted in the Midst of the Yankee camp and enveloped it in a sul- phurious smoke, another, and still another crash in quick succession until ihe houies trembled with the vibrations. Confusion and paoic siezed upon the men, and they ran in every direction, while excited ; officers were swearing and endeavoring to restore order. Videttes from the rear came in at break-neck speed shouting *'the Rebels Kave crossed the creek above and are advancing to cut oft our retreat." This made the consternation complete, and a general stam- pede, leaving accoutrements and equipage, ensued. From a position taken for that purpose Captain Ilorton could witness thecmeray's movement. His command had been strengthened by a regiment of Infrantry and four pieces of Artillery. The Iniautry had been sent to cut oft the enemy's retreat, while Captain Horton with his compa- ny for a support had attracted the enemy at the creek, with the artillery to drive him from his position. But when this was done Captain Horton could not eftcct a xirossiug ; and' when he sawthat the enemy made s<> hurrijed a retreat he ordered the tiring to cease, and, accompanied by Lieu- tenant Emitson, he -crossed tlie creek to see the spoils of his victory. The»'e were still some stragglers hntering in the abandoned camp, l^y making his way through tho woods he evaded their observation aid gained the house,* where he hoped to hear what had become of Estelle. Be- fore the gate stood an ambulance, with two horses before it. He at once divined its' object and though he felt that he was incurring a fearful risk, yet something had to be done, and done quickly. By chance he got within a i^w pacea of the door, and stopped to take an observation' ol 22 the'Tntenor. K(*nr t>ie center of the room sax ji^Bteue, ner hands bonncl and her head renting upon a table weeping, lier brother" and Alston were making fome hurried pre- parati ms to leave. '' X^ matter what danger attends it I will at<-empt to res- cue her," whispered Captain Horton to Lieutenaat Eniit= son. " It is best" nnswe^ed' the Li-^utenant '^onr f^rce may not be ah'e to in'e»('e!»t +hem, owing to some ao<^ideDt." At.ihis njome' t they found that they were discpver^d; and leveing their pist Is thpv fired, tnd imnoediarely rush- ed into the house, where simoltarieonsly both pa''tie8 dis- ch:ir^;ed tbp^r pistols at each other. Lieutenant Emitson sank upon hi^ knees lifeless. When the smoke cleared away, Captain Horton ioand himRelf in a few p^cea of Ab Btoiu Hiid Estelle's brother prostrated near him a corpse. A fiingle combat ensued. Alston fii-ed his pis ol, stru'k Captain Ilorton's' right arm and so pa'a ized it that his pi.>tol dr(^p[»ed from hi^ handnpon the fi'^^>r. C:ipta'n Hor- ton quickly perceived tha? ihi-sacci'^ent, hiid placed him in a fearful dilemm's?. A st« n was re cocking h\^ pistol ^o d's- patoh him.' In that moment of di9pv)ir,.wiih hi^ left hand he grasped Alston by the throat, «nd thebi^ddonne^^of riie a^^saalt bore hiTi to rhe Hoor a^d ki!->cked his pistol from his hand, but the loss of tlje use of one of ois bands gave Alston the f^dvi^ntage, anl he ne^^rly resr^lined bis pistol when E'- telle, having extricated b<-r band^.from thethonsrs, rudied to tho two^comba ant-^, raised herd.jgcrand tjiraat its ^baf-p roint into Alston's heart, with, ii slight tremor of his frame and a horrid contortion of his countenance bis nnmaid' Swint pa^'*- awav. at. the. Ir^nd^ ol her Wiioso.earth- ly happiness he had aought to destroy. Tii tv.ce fCi ? to ini>rcept tne fly-ng enemy were delay- ed and (iKlTiOt accomplish their ot-ject. Captain Horton soon recovered trom his wound, which •v^^as ver> shght. The vVorld said that Estelle was worthv and ought to be- conie "The Captain's Ba^ide," and she did. But who shall fill the place of Lieateui-mt Emitson ? — Thrice noble hero! He hnd tallen. He offered up him- self a living sacriiice upon the altar f his country, and his blood had -fij'ed the cup of f-iendsiiij i-o the brim. Whose children ^-L^ I, and call Lim ^'/'toWc^? snaq j^g^ up ISTE^ PUBT.TOATTON"3. BY WILLIAM B. SMITH. • JUST ISSUED: THE CAPTAI^^S BRIDE I A THRILLING TALE OF THE WAR. BY W. D. HiLKRlNGiOX, 3kd N. C. Cav. Neatly bound* ia paper, price - - • - • - - $1.50 This charming ^tory hn^ bepn pronounced by both the pre<^s and the public as Qtie ot the most delighifal coiiinbuLiuus tliat has been made to Poliie Soiuhfrn Literature. Upon receipt of the price it will be mailed to an v part of the Confede- racy poBtagi prepaid. A liberal dificount to tbe Tritd?. IN PRESS: C A.*S TI^^sTE OR, THE MAID OF MIRKLAND, (ILLUSTEATKD,) £Y EDWARD EDGEVILLE. FRICL 31.50. # THE DESERTER'S DAUGHTER, 4 Talo Founded upon roal. incidents of tho War iu Nortlk Carolina. BY W. D. HKRRINGrON, Sbo N. C. C.WALRY. 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