General Nelson's Scout 6

General Nelson's Scout 6

"Where?"

 

"At Danville."

 

"Impossible; you are an impostor."

 

"You are mistaken. I rode to Nicholasville in time to catch the ten

o'clock train to Lexington, thence to Louisville."

 

Those present looked at each other in surprise. The feat to them seemed

scarcely possible.

 

"Your message," said Mr. Spear, "must be important to demand such haste.

Where is it?"

 

"Here, sir," replied Fred, handing him the letter. Mr. Spear hastily

tore it open and read:

 

 

DANVILLE, KY., July 21, 7:00 P. M.

TO THE UNION MEN OF LOUISVILLE:

 

I have just received news of the defeat of our forces at Bull Run.

Even if Washington falls, we must not despair. Kentucky must be

held for the Union. Thank God, I have organized enough troops to

hold Central Kentucky against any force the disorganized rebels can

bring against us. Our great danger is your city. Hold Louisville,

if her streets run red with blood. Do not let the loyal officials

be driven from power. Call on Indiana troops if necessary. Don't

hesitate. Dare anything to save the city.

 

NELSON.

 

 

"Gentlemen," said Mr. Spear, "the advice of Lieutenant Nelson should be

followed to the letter. The city must be saved, peaceably if possible,

by force if necessary."

 

There had been a few in the assembly who had hesitated on the expediency

of using force, but the ringing words of Nelson had completely won them

over. Louisville was to be held for the Union, come what might.

 

"And now," said Mr. Spear, "in the name of the loyal citizens of our

city, let us thank this brave boy."

 

Fred blushed, and then stammered, "This is not all, gentlemen." Then in

a modest way, he told of his overhearing the conversation between Major

Hockoday and Morgan, of his plan to get possession of the letter, and

how well he had succeeded. "And here, gentlemen," he continued, "is the

letter."

 

There was a murmur of astonishment, and Mr. Spear, taking the letter,

broke it open and read:

 

 

LEXINGTON, KY., July 21st, 10 P. M.

J. T. TOMPKINS, LOUISVILLE, KY.

 

Honored Sir:--The news of the great victory in Virginia will kindle

a flame from one end of Kentucky to the other. By the time this

reaches you, I trust Washington will be in the hands of the

Confederate army, and Lincoln a prisoner or a fugitive. Now is the

time to strike. The State Guards are eager, but owing to the stand

of the State regarding neutrality, it would not be wise for them to

begin a revolution in favor of the South, as that action would

bring the Federal troops down on us, and we are not strong enough

yet to resist them. With you it is different. You are at the head

of a powerful secret order known as "The Knights of the Golden

Circle." The State is not responsible for your acts or those of

your organization. During the excitement of to-morrow organize your

order, and hurl the cowardly and traitorous city officials of

Louisville from power. The State Guards will not do anything to

prevent you, and many, as individuals, will help you. Act promptly

fearing nothing. See that not a single Union rag is left waving in

Louisville by to-morrow night.

 

Signed: MAJOR C. S. HOCKODAY,

_State Guards_.

 

 

For a moment the men looked into each other's faces without a word;

then there came a storm of indignation.

 

"The cowardly, traitorous wretch!" was the exclamation heard on all

sides. "Forewarned is forearmed," said Mr. Spear, grimly. "Gentlemen, I

think we shall be fully prepared for Mr. Tompkins and his 'Knights of

the Golden Circle,' What say you?"

 

"That we will!" was the cry of all. "Mr. Tompkins will get a warm

reception."

 

Then they crowded around Fred and nearly shook his hand off. But he sat

silent, and at last looking up with burning cheeks, stammered:

"But--but, I lied--to Conway."

 

He said this so earnestly, and looked so dejected that the company at

first did not know what to say; then they all burst out laughing.

 

This hurt Fred worse than a reprimand, and the tears came into his eyes.

Mr. Spear seeing how it was, at once commanded attention, and said:

"Gentlemen, our levity is ill-advised. This boy is as truthful as he is

brave. As he looks at it, he has been guilty of an untruth." Then

turning to Fred, he took him gently by the hand, and said: "Your action

is but a fitting testimonial to your truthful nature. But be comforted.

What you have done, instead of being wrong, was an act of the greatest

heroism, and you deserve and will receive the thanks of every Union

man."

 

"Do you think so?" asked Fred, faintly.

 

"I know so, and not only this, but your action may save hundreds of

lives and our city from destruction. Let the good that you have done

atone for the deception you practiced towards Captain Conway."

 

Fred felt relieved. Then he was told he must have some rest after his

terrible ride and the exciting events of the night. He was ushered into

a darkened chamber, and not until after he had lain down, and the

excitement under which he had labored began to pass away did he realize

how utterly exhausted he was. Tired nature soon asserted itself, and he

slept the peaceful sleep of the young.

 

When Fred awoke, the house was very still. He looked at his watch, and

to his surprise found it was after ten o'clock. Hurriedly dressing, he

went downstairs, where he met Mrs. Spear, and when he apologized for

sleeping so late, she told him she had orders not to awake him, but to

let him sleep as long as he would. "But come," she said, "you must be

nearly famished," and she led him into the dining-room where a tempting

meal was spread.

 

What puzzled Fred was, that although it was so near midday, the house

was darkened and the gas burning. Every shutter was closed tight. Mrs.

Spear appeared nervous and excited, and the servants looked as though

frightened out of their wits. Although everything was so still in the

house, from out-of-doors there arose a confused noise as of the tramping

of many feet, the mingling of many voices, and now and then the sound of

wild cheering as of an excited mob. Fred looked inquiringly at Mrs.

Spear. She smiled sadly and said:

 

"This promises to be a terrible day for Louisville. But for the

forbearance of the Union men, there would have been bloody fighting

before this. The news of the Confederate victory in Virginia has crazed

the rebel element. It is thought an effort will be made to overthrow the

city government. If there is, there will be bloody work, for the Union

element is prepared. Companies of men are in readiness all over the city

to spring to arms at a moment's notice. I fear for my husband, I fear

for all of our lives, for Mr. Spear is a marked Union man." She stopped,

choked back a sob, and drawing herself proudly up, continued with

flashing eyes: "But Louisville will be saved, if husband, house and

everything go."

 

Of such metal were the loyal women of Kentucky. Fred hastily swallowed a

cup of coffee, ate enough to appease his hunger, and announced his

intention of going out on the street.

 

"You must not," said Mrs. Spear; "my husband left special word for you

to remain indoors. There is danger out."

 

Fred smiled. "That is just the reason I shall go out," he answered,

quietly.

 

"Then, if you must go," replied Mrs. Spear, "here is a weapon," and she

handed him a superb revolver. "You may need it, but do not use it except

to protect your own life, or the life of a Union man. This is the order

given to all loyal citizens. Do nothing to provoke a quarrel; keep

silent even if insulted, but if a conflict comes, protect yourself."

 

Fred thanked her, promised to be careful, and went forth into the city.

Through the principal streets, vast throngs were sweeping, acting as if

bereft of reason. Everywhere the Confederate flag was waving. Union

flags were being trailed in the dust and stamped in the mire. Cries for

Jeff Davis, and groans for Lincoln were heard on every hand.

 

As time went on, the mob grew more violent. "Down with the Yankees!"

"Kill the nigger-stealers!" "Kentucky is no abolition State!" "Death to

the Lincoln hirelings!" were the cries which echoed and re-echoed

through the streets. Soon stories of outrages, of private grounds being

entered and flags torn down, of brutal beatings began to be heard. The Unionists began to gather in knots and resent insult. Yet each side seemed to dread the beginning of a real conflict.