The Lost Despatch

by Natalie Sumner Lincoln

  CHAPTER XIII

  FOR THE CAUSE

  Captain Gurley pushed open the rickety gate impatiently, and strode upthe walk to "Page Hall" with jingling spurs and clanking saber. Therambling old house, with shutters askew, bore mute testimony to thefallen fortunes of its owner. The paint was peeling off the tallpillars, and the boards of the gallery shook ominously under Gurley'sweight.

  "Miss Page done say yo' was ter walk inter de pawler, Marse Cap'in,"said the old darky, bowing and scraping on the threshold of the opendoor, "an' Miss Nancy'll be down d'reckly."

  Gurley followed the old man in to the big, square room, and waited withwhat patience he could muster for Nancy's appearance. When she finallyentered the room she was dressed for walking.

  "Do you think the authorities would allow me to send a telegram, John?"she asked, after a few words of greeting.

  "I don't know, Nancy; Colonel Smith is very strict. But I can ask him.Is it important?"

  "Aunt Metoaca has just received a letter from our cousin, Mrs. Green,saying that her house was burned to the ground, and she is homeless. SoAunty wants to telegraph her to go to our house, and that we willreturn to Washington at once."

  Gurley's face fell. "Oh, don't say you are going away. I am sorry aboutMrs. Green's misfortune; but surely your servants can take care of herin your absence?"

  "Mrs. Green is a cripple, and we fear the shock and exposure at thetime of the fire may make her ill. Aunt Metoaca also feels that sheshould be with her cousin in case she is financially embarrassed by herloss."

  "I will escort you to the telegraph office, Nancy, and try and arrangeto have your despatch sent at once. But I call it beastly hard luck,"grumbled Gurley, as they sauntered through Miss Page's garden and intothe main street of the town. "I have hardly seen a thing of you; youspend your entire time with Bob Goddard...."

  "Reading to him," supplemented Nancy calmly. "It is the least I can do,John, when you think that he was injured in trying to protect me."

  "I wish to gracious my eyes had been blinded by the explosion of thatpistol," exclaimed Gurley bitterly. "Then perhaps I might have enjoyedsome of your society."

  "For shame!" Nancy stopped and glared indignantly at her companion. "Doyou think my society compensates for a ruined career? Think of beingdoomed to a life of dependence upon others--in darkness for the rest ofyour days!"

  "It must be horrible," agreed Gurley contritely. "I spoke hastily,Nancy, and without thought. Doesn't the surgeon hold out any hope thatBob may recover his sight?"

  "He has advised Major Goddard to consult Doctor Boyd, and I think heexpects to return to Washington soon to be under the latter's care."

  "I sincerely hope he recovers. Goddard is too fine a fellow to have hislife blasted by such a fate," said Gurley earnestly, ashamed of hischurlishness. "I did hope, Nancy, that you would remain in Winchesterfor the fox-hunt on the 28th. Colonel Young has secured three redfoxes, and a large pack of hounds from the people in the neighborhood.It promises to be great sport. Do postpone going away until March."

  "I wish I could, John, but I fear it is out of the question. Is thisthe place?"

  "Yes; this way."

  The sentry in front of the house paused and inspected them carefully,then, recognizing Gurley, allowed them to pass. Gurley held the dooropen for Nancy, and stepped after her into the room. She glanced withinterest at her surroundings; the bare walls, worn pine furniture, theoperators' tables with their telegraph equipments, the shelves ofbatteries, and at the half dozen men who filled the room. Seeing awoman in their midst all conversation ceased, and the officers rose andhurriedly pulled on coats and removed hats. Considerably embarrassed,Nancy hesitated, and Gurley came to her rescue.

  "Colonel Smith," he said, saluting a tall gray-haired officer who stoodby the stove, "this is Miss Newton. She has a pass from PresidentLincoln to Winchester, and is visiting her relative, Miss Lindsay Page.Miss Newton desires to send a telegram to Washington for her aunt, MissMetoaca Newton, who is also visiting Miss Page."

  "I already know your aunt, Miss Newton." The colonel advanced and shookhands warmly. "What is the message you wish to send?" He listenedattentively to Nancy's explanation. "If that is all, Miss Newton, Iwill have the despatch sent to Washington as soon as the wires arefree. Wilson, will you clear that table and give Miss Newton some paperand ink. Now, if you will sit here," pushing a chair before the table,"you can write your despatch at your leisure."

  "Thank you, Colonel!" Nancy bowed gravely to the officers who made wayfor her, and, seating herself, she toyed with the pen a moment.

  The officers reseated themselves and resumed their interrupted chat,glancing covertly at Nancy as often as they could. Colonel Smith andGurley were standing by the window so deep in conversation that neithernoticed the flight of time.

  Nancy wrote down Mrs. Green's temporary address in Washington; thenpaused to compose her message. The telegraph instruments kept up anincessant clicking. Almost subconsciously she listened to theinstrument nearest her; apparently the sender was having trouble ingetting his message over the wire. A dash--two dots--another dash--thenquickly the instrument woke to full life, and Nancy realized with fastbeating heart that she was reading off a despatch of vital importancewith the same ease as the Union operator who was receiving it. Herlessons in the War Department in Richmond were not wasted.

  With a desperate effort Nancy controlled herself, and sat withimpassive face as she dallied with her pen. The instrument stoppedsounding, the despatch was given to a waiting orderly, and Nancy wrotea few words on a fresh piece of paper and signed her aunt's name. Thenshe rose.

  "I hope this message is not too long," she said, handing the paper toColonel Smith. "It took me some time to condense my aunt's message."

  "It is all right. I will see that it is sent myself. Please give mycompliments to your aunt," and the gallant colonel escorted her to thedoor.

  "I have to see Colonel Edwards a moment, Nancy," said Gurley, as theystarted to retrace their steps to Miss Page's. "Do you mind going tohis house with me?"

  "Oh, no."

  "This way, then. Do you see much of Captain Lloyd?"

  "No," Nancy was devoutly thankful for the fact. "Why do you ask?"

  "His face puzzles me--an elusive likeness to some one I have knownformerly, and whose name I cannot for the life of me recollect. I havean idea the fellow avoids me."

  "Perhaps ..." A man in nondescript clothes slouched along the sidewalkjust ahead of Nancy. As he stepped back to allow her room to pass hestraightened up and looked her squarely in the face. Nancy's voice diedin her throat.

  "What did you say, Nancy?" asked Gurley, whose attention had beendiverted by the bolting of a horse down the crowded street.

  Nancy's lips were dry and she moistened them with her tongue beforeanswering. "Perhaps Major Goddard can tell you something about CaptainLloyd. They seem to be warm friends."

  "That's a good idea. I will ask Bob the next time I see him alone."They stopped before an old mansion which Colonel Edwards had taken forhis quarters, and Gurley led the way inside the broad hall. "Now,Nancy, if you will wait in this side room," conducting her across thehall, "no one will disturb you here."

  "Don't be long, John."

  "I won't," and Gurley carefully shut the door behind him as he wentout.

  Nancy walked over to the window, raised the curtain and looked out intothe street. The stranger in nondescript clothes was standing in frontof the house talking to the corporal of the guard. He produced a soiledpaper, at sight of which the corporal signed to him to enter. Nancy,sure that she had been seen by him, dropped the curtain into place andreturned to the mantel. She drew out a piece of paper and a smallpencil and, leaning on the mantel, wrote rapidly. She had just finishedwhen the hall door was cautiously opened. Quickly she crumpled thepaper in her hand; then, seeing the intruder's face, she stepped intothe center of the room. The man entered and closed the door gentlybehind him.

  "George!" Nancy's voice was no more tha
n a whisper. Are you mad?Suppose you are recognized?"

  "It is not likely to happen. Don't be so worried, Nancy," theConfederate moved swiftly to her side and caught her outstretched handin both of his. "One of Young's spies was captured inside our lines. Iam using his pass and his clothes. Believe me, I am running nounnecessary risks. Tucker told me you were here. I laid my planscarefully, so as not to involve you if my disguise is penetrated. Haveyou any news for us?"

  "This despatch has just come for Sheridan; it is of vital importance,"Nancy unrolled the paper. "It is in cipher. I have not had time totranslate it, so just jotted down the words and put the key at thebottom."

  "Good." The Confederate took the paper and concealed it about hisperson. "General Lee has recommended arming the blacks."

  "What!"

  "It has become a military necessity," briefly. "Columbia has surrenderedto Sherman; we have evacuated Charleston, and the Yanks under GeneralGilmore are occupying the city. All the ammunition and provisionsstored there and in the vicinity were destroyed." Nancy uttered anexclamation. "We are in such straits we cannot find money to replacethe loss," went on Pegram bitterly. "Our currency," he shrugged hisshoulders expressively, "in Richmond gold is 4,400 per cent, premium;the women and children are suffering daily privations there which----"

  "George, can't you take me with you to Richmond?" broke in Nancypassionately. "I will gladly endure all and every privation; for I amsick, _sick_ of worming secrets from trusting friends, and spying uponthose who shelter me."

  George Pegram looked at her aghast. "Nancy, Nancy, what are you saying?"Then, glancing more keenly at her, "You are over-wrought, child. Youwon't feel the same after a good night's rest."

  "_Rest_, did you say? I feel as if I could never rest in peace again. Itell you, George, I am living under the shadow of the gallows. At nightI dream the noose is fastened about my throat, and wake myself feelingfor the rope."

  "Poor child!" He stroked Nancy's hair soothingly. "You have done usinestimable service. Lee told me that he had the greatest admirationfor your ability and pluck."

  Nancy smiled wanly. "Thanks, George, for telling me that. But I fear mydays of usefulness are over; I am already suspected. Captain Lloyd, ofthe Secret Service, is dogging my footsteps, waiting and watching for afatal slip on my part, so far without success. But you know the fate ofthe pitcher that went too often to the well."

  "I will back your quick wits against any man's. But I never thought tofind you lacking in courage, Nancy."

  Stung by his tone, she drew back. "How dare you say such a thing! I amnot afraid to face danger. It's--it's--this life of deceit that iskilling me."

  "The end justifies the means, Nancy. Remember your oath to a dyingman."

  "I have remembered," proudly, "and in keeping it have forgotten sex,and played the part of a man. But," more calmly, "I can be of littleuse now that I am suspected."

  "You are wrong, Nancy. We are fighting against time now. Soon, verysoon, the Confederate States of America will be recognized by theforeign powers. Lee has come to the conclusion that Petersburg andRichmond must be abandoned; that only in the mountainous regions uponthe borders of Virginia and North Carolina can the war be protracted.He wishes to get his army safely out of Petersburg. Therefore, it isimperative that we know Grant's plans so that we can checkmate them.Your place is in Washington, Nancy. Your father gave his life for theCause, would you do less?"

  "He died an honorable death--while I----" Nancy's voice broke; then ina different tone: "You must go, George, every moment may increase yourdanger. Tell General Lee I am still fighting for the Cause."

  "For the Cause!" echoed her companion. "It claims us all! God blessyou, Nancy."

  He threw his arms about her and, stooping, pressed his lips to herwhite cheek; then stood transfixed as the hall door swung slowly open,disclosing a Union officer facing them on the threshold. Nancy's lipsmoved, but no sound escaped her. Her terrified eyes stared unblinkinglyat the newcomer.

  "Is any one here?" asked Goddard slowly.

  Nancy's muscles relaxed and she leaned limply against the Confederate.She had forgotten that Goddard was blind. A slight pause--then shespoke.

  "It is I, Nancy Newton. I was so surprised to see you without yourbandages that it quite took my breath away. Nor did I realize you werestrong enough to leave your quarters."

  Goddard's sad face had brightened, and he made a hesitating stepforward. "My orderly brought me over here, as I wished to say good-byeto Colonel Edwards. I am practicing finding my way about alone." Heturned directly toward the Confederate, who, watching with breathlessinterest, was waiting to take his cue from Nancy.

  "Won't you sit by me over here?" Nancy went forward, and gently pilotedGoddard to the sofa by the window. She turned and nodded her headtoward the open door, and with catlike quickness the Confederate stolefrom the room, closing the door behind him. Nancy's knees shook underher, and she sank on the sofa by Goddard, trembling in every limb.

  "I have waited in my rooms all day long, hoping you would come."Goddard reached over, and felt about for Nancy's hand, and she placedher cold fingers reluctantly in his. "Are you having a chill?" heasked, alarmed.

  "Oh, no; my hands are always cold," with well-simulated lightness; thenshe hastened to change the subject. "I am glad you are so much better."

  "Thanks. Doctor Scott is very much encouraged by my improvement, andinsists on my going to Washington to-morrow. He says I must see DoctorBoyd."

  "And he is right."

  "I know." Goddard hesitated. "I should have gone last week, but--but--Icould not bear to leave you."

  Nancy flushed warmly. "Aunt Metoaca and I return to Washington on thesame train with you. So you see we will not be separated--yet."

  "God! how I wish it could be never, my darling!" The words seemed wrungfrom Goddard. His face laid bare his secret. Then pulling himself upabruptly: "I--I--ask your pardon--Miss Nancy--pay no heed. For themoment I forgot--my blindness. What I would ask in happiercircumstances cannot be spoken now."

  Nancy's answer was drowned in the sudden rush of feet outside, and theshout: "Corporal of the guard, this way!"

  The door was dashed open, and Lloyd, followed by a file of soldiers,strode into the room.

  "Arrest----" He stopped short and gazed blankly at Nancy and Goddard.One searching look around showed him they were the only occupants ofthe room.

  "What is the matter?" demanded Goddard, much startled.

  "We are searching for a rebel spy who entered Winchester with a falsepass. The corporal thinks he saw him enter this room thirty minutesago."

  "I beg pardon, Captain; it might have been Major Goddard that I saw. Itis dark in the hall, and I did not see clearly," interrupted thebewildered corporal.

  "How long have you been in this room, Bob?" asked Lloyd sternly.

  Nancy's fingers closed convulsively over the edge of the sofa.Goddard's sightless eyes were turned for an instant in her direction.

  "Nearly three-quarters of an hour, Lloyd," was the tranquil answer.