Harry Hazelton

“ Mamie sprang suddenly to the ground. In doing so, she had collected all her strength, and, as she sprang, the concussion had thrown Branch backward, and he was falling over the ledge. He caught a small sapling in his fall, and there the villain hung, suspended over this dreadful gulf, only by the frail twig. He turned upward an imploring glance, but did not speak. He gazed below, and a thrill of terror shook his frame.
"Your hour has come!" cried Hayward, as he approached the edge of the cliff.
"No! no! me—me!" cried the Indian, stepping forward.
"Oh! save me!" groaned Branch. ”

“ It is our notes of victory. Do you not love those sounds?"
"They become only such as you. The most barbarous savage would scorn to exult thus over a single fallen foe!" said Alibamo, her eyes flashing with indignation.
"Oh! taunt! I love to hear it. It makes my hatred for your captain deeper. And for every word of insult you have spoken, or do speak to me, I'll revenge myself on him. And you shall see it all. See, he moves—he opens his eyes! Let him gaze around."
"Harry! Harry!" called Hayward in a faint voice. ”

“ For some hours, Hayward and his sister were permitted to remain alone. Night was fast approaching. Nothing was heard without, but the coarse laugh and jests of the soldiers. As Hayward held his sister in his arms, he murmured:
"Would to God she could ever remain unconscious, or die to-night. I feel that a fate far worse than death awaits her, when I am gone, and to-morrow will surely be the fatal day. Oh, may God in his mercy protect this darling one!" ”

“ Then, as if suddenly recollecting herself, she turned to the attendant and said:
"Oh! do not betray me, I beg—I implore!"
"I ain't no such darn skunk. Let me tell you something."
The attendant spoke in a whisper. Alibamo started, clasped his hand, kissed it convulsively. "Dear, good fellow!" she said through her tears.
"There—oh! don't—O Christopher!—I shall have to blubber, and then all will be up with us!" cried the fellow, as he twisted and hopped around the tent like one suffering pain. ”

“ Harry seized the apron, and commenced waving it, and Alibamo began to sing.
"Silence!" cried Hayward, who came up at that moment. "Silence that traitorous song. And give me that ensign of abolitionism. For shame, young man. Love has made you blind. Don't you see that the lady's apron which you are waving is a federal flag? It may be very romantic to meet young ladies at midnight on a moonlit-rock, and whisper love-tales; but you, sir, must not wave such things as this, merely to conciliate angry brothers. Now, go to camp, sir, and if I catch you at such tricks again, I shall order your arrest. ”

“ Then turning to William he said:
"Go back to the horses, and don't kill any one else to-night!"
"I won't, captain, unless they are enemies or cowards," replied William, as he turned to depart.
"I would trust that fellow with my life," said Hayward, gazing after Nettleton.
"But you were saying, captain, if you did not return by eleven o'clock, we should know you were arrested. What shall we do in that case?"
"You can do nothing. Return to camp and leave me to my fate. However, I apprehend no such danger. But, Harry, you spoke of a beauty whom you love, and who is a prisoner. ”

“ Yonder it rolls, along the mountain's base, now leaping, rushing onward, like a giant army charging a deadly foe, lashing its banks as if it longed to break from its restraint, and charge the world. And there it strikes the mountain's side, and for a moment falters. It will turn aside defeated! Will it? No! It is no coward, and the mountain yields—the mountain falls—the Osage breaks the barrier, and rushes on. ”

“ It was at this moment that the brother of Alibamo, as narrated in the second chapter, creeping near the rock, had overheard her words, and had cried, "Then you are not my sister!"
"It is my brother! my own brother's voice. He has been near—has heard all!" shrieked Alibamo. Then checking herself, she said, in a low tone: "He thinks you a rebel, Harry! He forswears me! How can I undeceive him?"
"The guard has fired upon him. The camp is aroused—they are beating the long-roll. ”

“ Captain Hayward opened his eyes, and gazed around. His face while sleeping had worn a smile, but it had faded.
"Good morning, dear friends," said Hayward. "You have been watching with me all night, I fear."
"We have slept, however—that is, I have slept," answered Alibamo.
"I fear but little. You must not do this, Alibamo; you will sink under the fatigues you impose upon yourself. You will require all your strength. And have you slept, Nettleton?"
"Do you think I'd be such a darn skunk as to sleep when I might be doing something? ”

“ It seemed as if the fiend which urged on the actions of that bad man, had, from very shame, left his breast, and he silently took the lead, and with Alibamo by his side, the squadron set off at a rapid rate.
For many miles they kept on their course toward the camp of the rebels. At length they turned their direction across the mountain. As they ascended to the summit, Alibamo asked:
"Whither are you going, Branch?"
"Look yonder. Don't you see the army moving. It is our army. We are going to Springfield."
"You are retreating like cowards as you are!" replied Alibamo, with a sneer. ”

“ When I visited the camp of the rebels last week, what was my surprise to meet her. I learned her history, and I found she was detained as a prisoner. But it is growing late. In ten minutes we must meet the general. I will explain all this at some future time."
"Ah! here comes Nettleton. I want him," said the captain.
Nettleton entered the tent.
"William, tell me which you prefer: to serve in the ranks, or to act as my body-guard?"
"Why, captain, I want to remain just as I am. Why? You don't want to have me superceded, do you?"
"Oh! no; but why do you object to being in the ranks?" ”

“ Branch ran directly toward a narrow pathway, which was the only passage to the valley below, and which wound down the steep by the side of a sharp, rocky ledge. Beneath this ledge was a frightful chasm, at the bottom of which were a hundred sharp rocks, which had been broken off the height, and fallen into the depths below.
"Ah! I will triumph yet!" cried Branch, as he reached the ledge, and was about to spring down the narrow pathway. But, Fall-leaf confronted him, and Branch sprang back.
"Ah! the rock—the precipice!" he cried, and darting for the ledge he stood upon its very verge. ”

“ But in an instant he recovered his self-possession, and said:
"I was conversing with General Price—not you, sir."
Branch bit his lips, but did not speak.
"Well, Captain Hayward, I must speak plainly, and I know you prefer I should do so. It is a pity such a man as you should die, and by the rope. I would much prefer to have met you on the battle-field, but it is too late now. The sentence of your crime is death, and but one thing can save you." ”

“ Johnson, I confess I fear to meet that man Fremont. And yet I hate him with a bitterness which poisons all my joys. Tell him we number seventy-five thousand fighting men, well armed and disciplined. That we are strongly fortified, and for them to advance would be certain death. Tell him it is a mistake that my soldiers are discontented, but will all fight to the last. ”

“ There is one of their fires," said Margrave, as they approached the oak grove. The party verged their course, and, in a few moments, were within a hundred yards of the camp, concealed almost entirely by the thick wood through which they were passing. Here they paused.
"The darkness favors us!" remarked Margrave. "The moon which was shining so brightly last night, is now entirely obscured by thick clouds. We must wait until after tattoo, and then enter the camp in different directions."
"No—me alone!" replied Fall-leaf. "You—you—me, go—all get kill—no help Alibamo! Me go now! I get kill—you go. ”

“ Alibamo gazed at Hayward a moment, but it was met with a look of indifference.
"Yes, you are in danger. You belong to the so-called Southern confederacy, and you, with it, are in danger of destruction. Why not come back to the Union—the glorious old confederacy. Why not come back and fight for the cause your fathers died to win. Why not fight under the glorious stars and stripes. See I wear them as an apron, even here in this rebel camp. ”

“ At the brow of the hill, directly in front, and near the edge of the wood, was the line of rebel infantry, numbering eighteen hundred, all their available force having been brought to that point.
The eyes of Zagonyi glanced rapidly over this scene. Some thirty of his bold guard had already been stricken down, either killed or wounded. It was enough to appal the stoutest heart. But the major did not flinch—his followers were firm and confident.
"We can spare thirty men to charge their cavalry," said Zagonyi; "lieutenant, will you lead them?" ”

“ They are, I am told, the choicest men out of a hundred thousand, and fight for the mere love of the fun."
"Where can we remove Hayward, that he will be secure until he entirely recovers?"
"From this point to Springfield, and thence through Arkansas to Memphis."
"But he is a spy, and must hang!" replied Price.
"Such ought to be his fate, I confess. But policy dictates otherwise. He is much beloved by the army, and their revenge would be terrible."
"Do you fear their revenge, Captain Branch?"
"Not for myself, general, but for those of our army who might be taken prisoners. ”

“ Perhaps we can serve you in this matter."
"Yes, Harry, we will try," replied Elsler; "but will you not give us the remaining portion of your adventure?"
"Have I time?" asked the adjutant, turning to the captain.
"Oh! yes, true love affairs are usually short but sweet. I presume it will not take you very long to speak of bright eyes, ruby lips, flowing tresses, and soft whispers—sighs, and all that kind of nonsense. Go on."
"Captain, I know you think lightly of love, but wait until you have seen Alibamo. You will love her, too. ”

“ Let me accompany them back to Springfield, and restore them to the arms of their friends!"
"Indeed!" replied Branch with bitterness. "You are very kind, and I have no doubt the ladies will thank you. But I do not understand exactly how you are going to prevent me from doing as I please. Pray be good enough to explain."
"I will! Men, you are enemies to the federal soldiers only, not innocent women. Seize that cowardly captain, and I will return with the ladies, and restore them to their friends. ”

“ But let me enjoin on you to be firm whatever may occur. Even though you see me march upon the scaffold, be firm, and hope. Remember what you said; it will only be death! If my enemies wish to torture me, the more keenly feel, the more they will exult. Hark! Some one approaches. We shall not long remain in ignorance. Remember, darling, let not a word or even a tear betray more than ordinary emotion."
The door was thrown open, and Branch entered. Hayward seated himself upon a rude box and Mamie knelt by his side.
"How is your wound, captain?" asked Branch. ”

“ From one of the limbs a rope is hanging. It is for your neck. You are to die to-morrow at three o'clock."
Hayward did not move a muscle, but Mamie, with a groan of agony, half suppressed, threw her arms around her brother's neck, and clung the closer.
"It will be interesting to die thus, noble captain, knowing that your friends are but a few miles distant. And those lovely arms which now encircle you, will not wish to clasp your neck when you are cold in death. ”

“ Upon one of these jutting turrets, stood the speaker. His large form rose above the mountain oaks, standing as he was upon its most elevated point. But a close observer could not fail to notice that he was ill at ease. His eyes were restless, and as they wandered from mountain crag to the valley below, and thence to the far-reaching prairie in the distance, his frame trembled, and his fingers convulsively clutched his long iron-gray locks, as they were streaming in the morning wind. ”

“ At last Captain Hayward ordered a halt, and the party dismounted. The horses were secured to the surrounding trees, and Nettleton and the negro left to guard them.
"Come with me, comrades," said Hayward, as he took his course toward the river's bank.
In a moment they were seated by the side of the rapid Osage, entirely concealed by the thick growth of underbrush by which they were surrounded.
"It is better that our servants should not hear our conversation," remarked Hayward. "And now, gentlemen, we must lay our plans. I wish every one to speak freely. You know our object, of course." ”

“ At last the news reached me, even in my cell at Springfield, that Fremont was coming. My wounds were healed, and I resolved to escape. Oh! how I longed for freedom. And why? First, that I might once more clasp my father and my sister in my arms, and then join Fremont. I watched for opportunity, and soon it came. I escaped at night, by the assistance of Fall-leaf, an Indian chief. I started at once for home. I was crossing the mountain this morning, when suddenly I came upon the outposts of Price. I saw my deliverer a prisoner, and bound. I did not hesitate, and by a stratagem, released him. ”

“ They were ascending the hill, upon the summit of which was a thick wood, when Hayward said:
"Do you see those lines of infantry just within that grove. They are rebel soldiers; it is the guard necessary at the execution of one man! Branch, don't you fear that these two half-fainting women will rescue me?"
"They might do it—they are the only ones who can!" replied Branch.
The cart had passed the wood through a line of soldiers formed on either side, and reaching the Fair-Ground, it was driven within the enclosure, and halted near the scaffold. ”

“ Alibamo was already seated in a rough cart which stood before the door. Hayward assisted his sister into it, and then entered himself, but stood erect, while the females were provided with seats. As they were driven onward, Branch rode by their side upon his horse. A crowd were following after them, and taunts and jeers were heard on every side.
"Oh! that I had a sword within my grasp, and was free from these shackles for a moment, I would teach those curs civility," cried Hayward.
"Oh! it won't matter to you long," said Branch. ”