The Border Spy; or, The Beautiful Captive of the Rebel Camp: A Story of the WarHazelton, Harry
History
The Border Spy; or, The Beautiful Captive of the Rebel Camp: A Story of the War
Hazelton, Harry
Dime novels; United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Fiction
Around the camp-fires were crowds of listless men and boys, who watched
the approach of their commander with calm indifference. He passed on in
silence, occasionally returning the salute of his officers, but did not
pause until he reached a tent located upon a high bluff, and almost
concealed from view by a thick growth of oaks. Around this tent were
others, less grand in appearance, which were occupied by the leaders of
his army. Stretching for some distance below, was an open field, over
which were scattered rude tents, of a great variety in form and
appearance. Bed blankets, worn and various in their colors, were
stretched across poles, at either end of which was placed a supporting
stake, cut from the surrounding branches. All looked comfortless.
Mingled with these were seen rows of small canvas tents, giving the
encampment more of a warlike aspect. The arms were also varied in their
patterns. Some of them bore the appearance of the regular United States
army rifle, while others were the ordinary hunting rifle or shot gun.
Occasionally were to be seen soldiers in uniform, but in most instances
the rough blue home-spun was worn.
As the Indian passed through the camp, his eyes wandered carelessly over
the scene. When Price reached his tent, an orderly arose to receive him,
and the general said:
"Send a corporal and ten men to my tent."
Then turning to Johnson, he added:
"You are known, and will require no escort beyond our lines. I shall
question this Indian closely, and perhaps use him. Go!"
"Yes, general," replied Johnson, and turning he departed.
By this time a large number of officers had gathered near the tent of
Price, and silently awaited the examination of the Indian, who they
evidently supposed to be a spy from the Union army. Unconscious of their
presence, or at least appearing to be so, the Indian stood with folded
arms before the tent of the rebel general.
In a few moments Price appeared, pausing directly before the Indian.
Their eyes met, and for some time they regarded each other in silence.
At length Price asked:
"What is your name?"
"Me Indian--brave!"
"You are an Indian chief!"
"Me no chief!"
"Do you know me? I am chief here. Look around you--behold my warriors.
They are all brave. They will conquer the enemy. If you will bring your
warriors and fight with me, your hunting grounds will be safe, and your
fathers' graves sacred. If these invading robbers should conquer us, you
will lose your grounds; the graves of your sires will be polluted by
their unholy touch, and you and your people made slaves! Will you fight
with us?"
"Ugh!"
"What do you mean by that?" asked Price.
"Me ask chief."
"What is your name?"
"Red-wing."
"To what tribe do you belong?"
"Osage."
"Red-wing, don't attempt to deceive me. I can read your very thoughts!"
"Cowwewunk!"
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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