The Prisoner of the Mill; or, Captain Hayward's "Body Guard" — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
The Prisoner of the Mill; or, Captain Hayward's "Body Guard"
John Stuart Mill · en
“And does she love you, William?” asked Alibamo, smiling in spite of
herself at the tableau enacting before her.
“_Of course I do!_” replied Sally, proudly and triumphantly, as if a
victory had been won.
“There—there! Do you hear that? Now, don’t you pity me? I believe I am
the most ugly cuss in the world. I never thought anybody would ever love
_me_, and now I find out the gal as I wants most is just the one as does
love me! Oh Lordy, I’m sick, I do believe!”
“All right!” Wells responded, with a smile.
“All right! Not by a blasted sight, sir! Did _you_ think it all right
when you loved Miss Mamie, and thought you had to swing?”
“What! You talk in riddles. Explain.”
“_I’ve got to be hung!_” he roared, but, whether with pain or delight,
none could tell.
“Why, _you_ didn’t have any thing to do with hurting the captain?” cried
Sally, as she advanced toward her beloved.
Nettleton gazed at her an instant with a most singular expression, and
then replied:
“Miss Long, never let suspicion cross that delicate bo— mind of yours,
but like the true turtle-dove, put your trust in the uprighteousness of
your future lord and master, what is to be hanged all on account of the
first time you wrapped them delicate arms of yourn around my long neck.”
“William, what do you mean by being hanged?” asked the General.
Nettleton then went on to relate the agreement he had made with Price,
to return, and undergo the punishment which was about to be inflicted
upon him when that General interfered. He declared his intention of
returning at once, as his “furlough” had run out, and as a “man of
honor” he must return.
“And do you really intend to return?” asked the General.
“_Of course I do!_” replied William, with something of scorn and much of
pride in his tones.
“William, think for a moment. You are now safe. You are with one who
loves you, and with whom you can be happy. Why will you return?”
“General, don’t argue this point with me. I said I would come back, and
darn me if I don’t!” Nettleton started, after having shook the hand of
his friends.
“Stay a moment, Nettleton,” said the General. “I have a letter from
General Price with regard to you.”
Nettleton paused and listened, as the commander, opening the envelope,
read:
“Camp near Cassville, Nov. 12th, 1861.
“_To General ——, greeting_: