Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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V aaMSttaaam^^aMBMMg? LEWI1 .^,; l?RIST' [ ^ &? Inbuilt lainilg |lfh)spaptr: /or % promotion tf tfcr folitital, gotial, ^gricnltorat a^ feudal jintrrrsts of ftt Sfnij. VOL. 14. YOBKYILLE, S. C., THUESDAY, FEBRTJABY 27, 1868. 3STO. 9, Jin Original ^torw. . For tbe ?orkrille Enquirer. V TEE LOYE 0F_ LILIAN LEE. * A STORY OF THE WAR. . P BY CLAUDE FORRESTER. 1 CHAPTER I. f! "And now, Liliau," said Major Lee, putting his c arm around tho neck of his daughter, "so we really b are alone, eh ! I have made several unsuccessful a attempts, since my arrival, to have a little private v conversation with you. Having cornered you, at e last, you had better make an unconditional surrender; and, sitting right down here, listen to what I a have to say." j< "That you have failed to find an opportunity to X converse with me before, is certainly no fault of n mine," said Lilian, playfully fingering the star up- tl on her father's coat collar. "What, with General Stanton, Colonel Hoyt and Captain Lamotte, it U seems to me your entire time has been monopolized it with military affairs,- to the utter neglect or for- c< getfulness of mother and myself." p "A reproof, eh!" said the Major, gnawing the si ends of his moustache. "How do you know that I have been either negligent or forgetful ? And if tl you are not assured of the fact, why do you make ii the charge ? These are not the times, Lilian, for t< the gratification of our likes or dislikes. If it were, d I might, possibly, find it more agreeable to have h less to do with the gentlemen referred to.". n "Now, dear papa !" said Lilian, coaxingly, ci "don't mind what I say! I was only jesting, and V.&VA nnt vet learned the weight of words; or, per- si haps, 1 should have omitted what I have so thought- ft lessly spoken. It does seem tooliard, though, that the little time you are with us, should be broken into by these august looking sons of Mars. Sons " of Mars!?heaven save the mark!" And Lilian m laughed aloud and curled her pretty lips in the utmost contempt "Foolish child!" muttered the Major; then, it with an anxious and troubled expression of countenance, he said: "My dear Lilian, to which of p the gentlemen do you refer? The General, Colo- V nel or Captain ? Or do you embrace them all in that look of contempt and scorn, which was so un- d< becoming to your pretty face? If so?why? Ex- 01 plain yourself." ic Lilian did not, for a moment, imagine how tl much importance the Major attached to her reply. y< Did not know that he was, with soldier-like tact, u ^ feeling her position, preparatory to an attack. "The General, papa, is, no doubt, an excellent " disciplinarian; the Colonel, a very handsome offi- ft cer on horseback, and an exoellent judge of block- ? ade wines." tl "Ton my word!" exclaimed the Major, after a C hearty laugh; "but what of the Captain?" And ti the Major's fine face became unusually grave. w "He is positively contemptible, sir!" d The Major whistled; moved uneasily about the V sofa; took a pinch of snuff, and finally got up and a walked to the window. "It is a matter of little consequence to me," tl said he, suddenly turning and re-occupying his po- u sition upon the sofa, "what may be your opinion p of the other officers alluded to; but, I must con- c< "fess, tliat the manner in which you express your- p self concerning Captain Lamotte, surprises and grieves me." q "Recollect, papa, that Tarn simply giving my si mini/Hi nf their merits from a military point of o view." 4 4Iiideed!'' said the Major. ' 'And you consider e yourself capable of forming a correct opinion upon matters, which you are entirely ignorant of, eh? 'Pon my word! you should be immediately placed upon the Military Board of Examination!" 44A position, which I could certainly fill with ? greater justice to the applicant and honor to my- 0 k self, than ever Captain Lamotte did," said Lilian, Q t with a flushed cheek. v ^ ."And, pray, what are you driving at now?" e asked her father, looking wonderingly into his g daughter's angry face. 4'To bear you speak, one a would suppose, that you had been a disappointed n candidate for military honors, yourself. You cer- ti tainly have no cause to feel angry with the decis- Q ions of a Military Board." e 4'Many a grey jacket is worthier of starry collars j, and gilded sleeves, than those who sport them," s said Lilian, the color coming and going upon her t, beautiful cheeks." v "You are very impertinent!" said her father. f "But none the less truthful," said Lilian. Theu, 1< suddenly remembering the personal nature of her s remark, she said quickly, and with a fond look of affection into the thoughtful face of the old soldier 1 beside her: "Here is a case in point I How much s worthier, dear, brave papa, is this worn and faded j coat of the three stars, so dashingly conspicious c upon that of General Stanton! What has he done t to merit them?" a "That is not for you to say, my daughter," he t said, kissing her upturned face. "If circumstan- \ ces afforded him the opportunity, the General ^ would, no doubt, acquit himself with honor to his s ^ rank. It is" very unfair to condemn a man without I a trial. It is impossible to predict, with certainty, I how any officer will behave in action. But?to a change the subject?let me hear why you hold t Captain Lamotte in such contempt You alluded, \ in this connection, to his decisions while a mem- i ber of one of the military boards. What special case do you refer to ?" 1 "That of Sergeant Walton," said Lilian, with a 1 deep blush. 1 "Walton!?the name is familiar to me!" said , - - - * i .< ii ... i. :i: ; the Major looking tnougnnuuy up 10 uie ucwug, j and stroking his beard. "Ah! I remember now! j The young man was elected to fill a vacancy in ( Lamottc's company! Did not pass examination, l if I mistake not." 1 "And every man, composing that board, forfeit- . ed his claim to anything like justice, rank or gentility. Walton was examined in Hardee's Tactics, ] the Articles of War and Ariuy Regulations. It ] was agreed upon, before hand, to puzzle aud an- , noy him by an unusually severe examination; but | Sergeant Walton failed to reply correctly to but five ] or six questions, and left the room, feeling perfectly satisfied, in his own mind, that the board would | K report favorably. You know the sequel." ( "But you certainly cannot attach the blame to Captain Lamotte. He was onjy one; and their j were three or four officers composing the board." , "In the first place, papa, this Lamotte used ev- , eiry effort to oppose Sergeant Walton's election. . His influence and even liis money was made use of , in favor Df the other candidate?a private in the | company. If I mistake not, this, of itself, was ] conduct unbecoming an officer. When the result ( of the election was made known, Lamotte made no effort to conceal his anger and disappointment; but publicly swore, that, if money and influence could prevent it, Walton should not pass his examination." "Goodness alive!" exclaimed the Major, "in what way did you possess yourself of all these particulars?" "Hear me out, papa," said Lilian, her eyes kindling with indignation and her bosom heaving convulsively: "I have the proof at hand to convict that board of drunkenes3 during the entire examination. Lamotte was the only sober man among them, and he plied the poor victim with question after question, making a false report at the temination to his dozing companions.'' 4'Beware Lilian I?these are very grave charges!' aid the Major, in consternation. "The proof is lit hand," said Lilian; "aye, and rorse than all this. After the result of the Ser eant's examination became known, and when h( ras lying ill with pneumonia in a hospital in thii ery city, Lamotte secretly prevailed upon the un irincipled Surgeon to send him, under guard, tc he camp, on foot, and a distance of seven miles, lere he was confined to the limits of his own ten! or two weeks, on tho untried and unconvicted barge of absence without leave. Finally, he wai roken of his office and reduced to the ranks?anc 11 this without a Court Martial, and through the rily influence of this valorous, bedizzened, and ontemptible Captain Lamotte!" "Either you have been dreaming, or Walton if fool, or Lamotte is a villian!" said the old Ma >r. "If these things wero really so, why did no! Valton prefer the charges and demand a courtlartial. That he did not do so, goes far to prove lie falsity of the whole matter." "It proves nothing whatever, but his utter con ?mnt fnr the narties imDlicated. Ho cared noth ig for the office; took no part whatever in th( ontest; was even absent when the election tool lace. Once before he waived his right to office, imply to oblige and gratify a comrade." Major Lee arose and walked meditatively aboul tie room. After a few moment's silence, he said, i an undertoue?as if speaking to himself: "This i occur in my own regiment!?Captain Lauiott* 0 such a thing as this ?'' Then, turning to Lilian, e added, in a tone of determination, "I shall imlediately look into this matter! Where is mj 1P?" "Where are you going, papa?" asked Lilian, arting to her feet, and cliDging wildly to hei ither. "Directly to camp." "What for?" asked Lilian, much agitated. Your leave of absence does not expire until tolorrow afternoon.'' "I will return, with Walton, by the next boat." "Why, with him, papa? You surely do not itend to ?." "Ha!" exclaimed the Major, a flash of light enetrating his mind. ''Whence this agitation on Walton's account?" "But, consider, papa!" exclaimed Lilian. "Yon a not propose implicating your daughter in this itrageous affair? What was spoken, was spoken 1 the utmost confidence; and I cannot consent lat you should make it the basis of any action, in )ur official capacity. That would be taking an fair advantage of me." "Nonsense!" said the Major, rather sternly. I haye no intention of implicating you in the afiir. I shall simnlv inform Walton what has been )raraunicated to me. If he admits the truth oi lese statements, I shall bring him face to face with aptain Laraotte. Justice shall be done to all pares. A fieri have disposed of this matter, you ill hold yourself in readiness to explain this evient interest, which you have exposed, in young Walton. In the meantime, I shall consider him good-for-nothing, impertinent rascal I" "Who received in his own bosom, the swordlrust intended for his Major!" said Lilian, trimphantly; "and rallied the remnant of his cornany at Secessionville, while his gallant Captain >wered and trembled in a neighboring bombroot'!" The Major turned to reply; but, coughing t uick, restless and impatient cough, he turned uddenly upon his heel, and walked rapidly oui f the house. "What have I done !?Oh! whathaveldone!' xclaimed Lilian, glancing about the room. "Ills well we cannot see What the end will be." Captain Lamotte had become acquainted witl lilian at an evening party, given at the resident f her father, during the visit of Jefferson Davis t< -'harleston. Since then, he had contrived, in sorai 'ay or other, to visit the family very often, auc ventually became desperately in love with Lilian he, however, gave no encouragement to his pas ionate overtures of love; but in every conceivabli tanner gave him to understand, that his impor unity was anything but agreeable to her. Th< Japtain was by no means dlscomfittcd by this un xpected repulse; but, with characteristic meaness nmediately set to work to put aside the chief ob tacle in his path. In doing this, he did not hesi ate to resort to very dishonorable means; for hi ras a man of no principle whatever; and, asid rom his prepossessing exterior and almost fabu dus wealth, was calculated to attract but little con ideration. He was not long in making the discovery tha Lillian's affections were engaged in another quarter ind, no sooner did circumstances point out the ot ect upon which her love was bestowed, than tha ibject became the target upon which he proceede o try his skill. The conversation between Lilia ind her father has revealed to the reader the cap ain's exceeding novel and pitiable method of re enging himself upon a successful rival. No method, however, could have been half s uocessful in intensifying and maturing Lilian' ove for Sergeant Walton, than that made use c >y Lamotte, to destroy it. Her real lover becam i thousand fold more an object of an interest, b, hese very persecutions; while he, who aspired t vin her by these subtle aud contemptible meas ires, became more and more despised and scorned In this extremity, Lamotte, knowing Majo Lee's influence over Lilian, revealed his affection lis disappointment and "whole course of love," t ler father. He succeeded, beyond his highest es pcctations, in enlisting the sympathies of the Ms ior, who, by the way, felt himself complimented b ;he Captain's preference, and conceived the mate ir consummation most devoutly to be desired. Th Major was poor ; the Captain exceedingly wealth} With most men, that is an irresistable argument md Major Lee was very much like most men. The very next day the Major made it a point t Lave a private interview with his daughter, and t bring into action all the reserved forces of hisinfli enee, and authority, if necessary, in the Captain behalf. But, Lilian, expecting something of th kind, so managed the conversation, sis to render proposition of marriage to Captain Lamotte, froi Ler father, utterly out of the question, under tl circumstances. As has been seen, no such proposition was made for her father saw very clearly, that, to hope f< the least cncouragment, Captain Lamotte mui make it appear that the grave charges were fata and prompted only by malice and ill-will. If th Ko rlnno?and he did not entertain a doubt c UVU1U Mv V?VM? ??? the subject?the re-action in Lilian's mind migl be safely calculated upon, and that re-action woui 3ertainly be favorable to the Captain. CHAPTER II. "Lilian!" The voice was familiar to her; so, starting hu riedJy to her feet from the old sofa, upon whit she had thrown herself after her father's hasty d parture, Lilian drew aside the curtains and look( eagerly out into the garden. "I am in trouble, dear Lilian," said Edwai Walton?for such it was?"and come to you f advice." "Why Edward!" exclaimed Lilian, in a tone anxiety. "You here? How can you be so rasl I thought you had returned to camp long agi For heaven's sake, what is the matter ?"., ' "When I bade you adieu, this morning, dear Lilian," said Walton, "it was my-intention to re1 turn to the island by this afternoon's steamer; but - having several hours to spare, I ventured to lie i down awhile, on my return home. I "was so fa3 tigued that I fell asleep; and when I awoke, the steamer had gone. What shall I do ?" > "This is very unfortunate!" said Lilian, musingly. "How long was your leave of absence, t Edward?" 1 "It expires at tattoo this evening, when I shall i be expected to answer to my name at roll-call," I said Walton, uneasily. i "Or be reported absent without leave ?" asked 1 Lilian. "Of course." i "Then it imist be prevented I" said Lilian with an emphasis. "1 would not have such a thing to t occur just now for anything in the world. Captain Lamotte would magnify it into desertion or somei thing equally suitable to his purposes. Is there no other steamer for the island ??have you en quired?" "I have enquired, Lilian, but the next steamer 3 does not leave the city until to-morrow morning." ; "Then, you must walk it!" said Lilian. "What!" exclaimed Walton, smiling in spite of the unpleasantness of his situation. "My Lilian t has surely forgotten the location of our camp!" i "Pshaw !" said Lilian, in a tone of mingled im? patience and sadness. "What am I thinking a! bout! It escaped my memory altogether, that i your regiment had been ordered to Sullivan's Isl and during your leave of absence. The case looks ' very formidable, Edward." "Is it possible, think you, to get the loan of your i father's boat?" asked Walton, anxiously consult' ing his watch. "That's just it!" said Lilian, with animation. I am so glad you thought of it Father is not in the city at present, but without the slightest hesi tatiou, I authorize you to make use of it You know where to find it, I presume." "Yes; but how about the key? You know - that the boat is attached to an iron ring, by a chain, and that the ring upon the wharf is locked to the i chain." i "Wait a moment," said Lilian, suddenly disappearing from the window, i The moment was an age to Walton, for the > shadows of twilight were gathering fast, and he 1 was anxious to be gone. Lilian soon returned, 1 however, bearing the precious key with her. 1 "And now, dear Edward," said Lilian, handiug 1 him the key, "do not lose a moment. For my sake, make every exertion to reach the island before roll-call. Cato is a capital hand at the oar. I saw him a moment ago, wheniu search of the key, 1 and he promised to accompany you and bring the f boat back. Ah! here he is now. Good-bye!" 1 "Good-bye, dear, dear Lilian!" said Walton.. " "Give yourself no uneasiness on my account I I have ample timo to row twice the distance." And, ' snatching a kiss from her flushed cheek, he turned ?' away and walked rapidly after Cato. II The negro was not disposed to be overtaken, however; so Walton allowed him to keep on the ' "even tenor of his way," while he stopped awhile ' at his mother's residence to inform her of his con' templated method of returning to camp. Here he ' remained much longer than he supposed; and, on reaching the wharf sometime after, found Cato. who had been waiting for him, in close conversa1 tion with?what, to him appeared, to be?a Con' federate soldier. ^ "I hope you don't mind doing a good turn to a reb, like yourself, sir," said the stranger, as Edward approached the party. "My time is limited," said Edward, unlocking the boat from its fastenings; "but if the favor you wish to ask will not detain me in granting, perhaps I may be able to oblige you. What is it? 1 Be quick about it I" i "Your servant here, informs me that you are go5 ing to Sullivan's Island. Now, you understand, i it is absolutely necessary for me to be there before 1 roll-call to-night. The confounded steamer leftme, before I could get ready to start." "So we are in the same fix, it seems," said Ede ward. "A wouud in my arm will prevent me from be5 ing of much assistance to you," continued the stranger, "but I will pay you handsomely right ' now and here if ." "Don'tmention it!" said Walton. "You can steer, I presume." e " Yes; I can do that much for you," replied the e stranger. "Then jump in! Be quick about it, man I It * is almost dark." Cato and the stranger exchanged glances; but Walton was pushing off the boat, and did not ob1 serve it. > ^ "Well, Major!" said Captain Lamotte. "What success?" n "Bad!" replied Major Lee, with an emphasis. "Then she authorizes you to give me no hope ' whatever!" said the Captain in a half angry, hall disappointed tone. "I said nothing of the kind," said the M^jor. ? "But you have evidently- failed to obtain her 1 consent," said the Captain, your manner expresses that much. ^ "The devil it does!" said the Major. "Why, sir, I did not attempt to obtain herconsent to anyr thing. Before 1 could do so, she flanked me?aye I * flanked?me, sir!" r "How, Major??flanked you?" If "She did that! Why, Captain, she got that 0 little proposition of yours surrounded in such a manner, that it was utterly impossible for me to get it out! To be plain with you, Captain La^ motte, she has heard something detrimental to your character, as a gentleman and an officer." r "Sir!" exclaimed the Captain .indignantly. '. "Don't get into a passion about it," said the ' Major; "for that will not help matters at all.? Q What, concerns you, just now, is to establish your ! innocence of the charge. As a mere matter ol . policy, the sooner you set to work about it the betpg ter; for, I assure you, frankly, that, until I find these reports untrue, I cannot, consistently, act the a mediator between my daughter and yourself." "But, my dear Major," saidLamotte, "I should ie certainly have expect' i you to have shielded my character from defamation, upon this, or any other ,. occasion. But, pray what are the specifications ?'' )r "Come this way," said the Major; "and I will gj specify particulars as we walk. Let me assure you, ? however, that I do not credit a word of these rejg ports, and that I merely mention them to you tc ,n give you an opportunity of making a favorable impression upon Lilian and to humiliate and punish Ij a rival in your love affairs, who has, for the furtherance of his own plans, no doubt, given circulation to these shameful charges." "You have reference to Edward Walton I ] could swear to it!" saidLamotte, with compressed lips. "TTov it frnrn wo " Knid the Maior. to accuse :h any mail unjustly! But hear what I have to say; e- and then judge for yourself." -'d The Major then related exactly what he had heard from his daughter's lips in reference to La rd motte's conduct to Walton, concluding by advisar ing the now ennfged Captain to resort to irnmedi ate measures, which would be most efficient in di? of abusing Lilian's mind of the unfavorable irapres i ? sions which these reports had begotten and, at th< d! same time, lower her estimation of Walton's char acter. In the meantime, the Major advised the Captain to nccompany him to Sullivan's Island. While there, the Major would converse with Walton on the subject, and the Captain could stand outside the tent and listen to the conversation. In this way he could hear whether or not, Walton repeated the charges. "But how are we to get to Sullivan's Island now ?" asked the Captain. "The last steamer left several hours ago." "Ripley's boat leaves as soon as the moon is down, which will not be more than a half hour from now." crBut she goes to Fort Sumter, and has no signals for the island," said Lamotte. "We can readily ascertain the nature of tho&e signals, when we reach the fort," replied the Major. "Once there, Elliott will see to it," that we reach our point of destination." Had Captain Lamotte been manly enough to speak the truth, he would have oonfessed that the aspect of affairs alarmed him amazingly. He did not relish the idea of thus agitating what had, forhinatoln fny Jiim fillifln infrt n AogA rtllm TTft knew very well, that Walton would not only repeat the charges in his hearing, hot substantiate them to his face. What then ? He could be court-martialed for "disrespectful language to a superior officer," it is true; but that would be rather a dangerous resort; for Walton could prove his charges correct, and then comes another court-martial, the nature of which would be anything but pleasant to the redoubtable Captain. However, Lamotte consoled hiu.dclf with the reflection, that he had money; and, certainly, no man knew better than the Captain, what money could do for a villian. An hour after, a boat darted through the beautiful waters of Charleston harbor, and among its passengers, were Major Lee and Captain Lamotte? the former, a weak, inconsiderate, foolish old man; the latter, a contemptible swelL "Hold on 1" exclaimed Walton, suddenly rising from his seat in the boat, and looking about him. "Where are you steering?" "Nevermind about that, old fellow!" replied the stranger at the helm. "But you are heading the boat towards Morris' Island, man! Don't you see, that Sumter is to the left of us? We should have been nearly up to Sullivan's Island by this time! The first thing you know, a shot will remind you of your mistake.'' "A shot from what quarter?" asked the stranger, indifferently. "From Forts Sumter or Johnson," replied Walton, nrennrintf to "hack water." "Don't VOU sec that a few more strokes of the oar will bring us within range of both batteries ?" "They will not open fire upon us," said the stranger. "The rebel picket-boats take this route every night. If we are hailed fVom either quarter, I am in possession of the countersign, and can respond promptly." "In possession of the countersign I" exclaimed Walton, in amazement. "Impossible I But, admitting that you are?it is a full mile out of our way to take this round-about course. What are you doing, Cato?" The negro had quietly laid aside his oar, and was paddling slowly and cautiously forward. "The fact of the matter is simply this," said the stranger, now throwiug ?5ide nil dlaguioo, "I am a Captain in the United States Army, and am on my way to Gilmore's head-quarters with valuable and important information, respecting the contemplated movements of the rebels. I have been a prisoner at Andersonville?escaped; and now, for the first time in nine months, find an opportunity of rejoining my comrades. I do not intend to be thwarted in my designs!?rest assured of that!" And the Captain drew from his bosom a naval repeater. "Then, I am undonej" exclaimed Walton, despairingly, as the realities of his situation, and the utter helplessness of his condition, flashed upon him. "For God's sake, let me throw myself overboard, and swim to Sumter 1 You can get clear long before I reach the Fort." "Hush!" said the Captain. "You will be thrown overboard mighty soon, and without the possibility of swimming either, if you create the slightest alarm. I do not propose harming your person, or caasing you to do violence to your principles. I would not, if I could, make you a traitor to the cause which you have espoused?though many a time has that game been tried upon me by rebels. I do not wish you to row another foot; nor, in any conceivable way, assist in my escape. Change places with me, and let me do the rowing; while you sit quietly in the stern. * Upon our arrival at Morris Island, I will place in your hands a hundred dollars in? greenbacks?better than several thousands of your rebel currency?and see to it, that you be returned at day-light to-morrow, un, der flag of truce, to any of the fortifications in the harbor, which may best suit your convenience. Your boat will, also, accompany you. I will addby way of consolation?that a full statement, ex' nknatorv of vour nresence within our lines, shall be made in writing, and delivered to the parties communicating with our flag of truce. Is this sat isfactory? If not, then, these shall be!" And he presented a brace of pistols at the breast ol Walton. Walton instinctively glanced towards Cato, but the rays of the setting moon revealed, in the sullen and defiant countenance of the negro, the assurance, that no assistance was to be expected from that quarter. "You are in a position to dictate your own terms, , sir," said Walton. "I presume that, under the i circumstances, those which you have so graciously proposed, must be considered generous. The pei cuniary reward for my involuntary services, however, I spurn. I shall hold you to the faithful performance of the remainder of your promise. ] i am powerless to oppose you now." Walton changed positions with the Captain without further ceremony, wondering all the while ' at the brave daring of the entire plan of operations. The moon was now down, and the heavens . dark and lowering. To all appearances, nothing i was easier accomplished, than quietly, and with muffled oars, rowing unchallenged out of the bar1 bor. As it was, the boat had already passed Fori ' Sumter, without stop or hindrance of any kind, though every sweep of the oars must have beer distinctly heard to a considerable distance. Pooi | old Sumter was even then undergoing a heavy i i i * *?/i;i DomDarament irom urumore d tuv . passage of the boat hazardous in the extreme. ? "Walton was soon after startled from a reverie, into which he had fallen, by a loud voice, just ai bead, demanding: "Boat ahoy! What boat is that ?" The entire party were brought to their feet bj the sudden and unexpected challenge; and, loot ' ing out upon the dark waters, a darker line o: I objects appeared upon the surface, from the midsl of which, came, once more, the challenge, "Whal ! boat is that? Speak!?or we fire !" I "As you hope for mercy at the hands of youi God," said the distracted Captain, addressing him I self to Walton, tell me truly, what boats are these' A Confederate outpost, or ??" " Third and last time 1?What boat is that ?' rang out the same voice ahead. ' 'Confederate picket-boat, Number three I'' criec out the Captain, with desperate emphasis. 5 A momentary pause ensued. Then, a fringe o fire hung for an instant over the objects in the dis i tance, and the hot lead hurled and crashed into th< midst of the terrified party. Terrified! Aye! a brief .terror to the unfortunate Captain and treacherous negro; for the former plunged forward into the briny waters, with a wail of mortal agony, and the latter fell dead in the boat. "Surrender! surrender!" cried out Walton, clinging madly to the riddled and sinking boat "Confederate picket boat, number three, eh!" said a triumphant voice, from a boat advancing from the line. "Let's see what sort of craft is our namesake!" And the real Number Three, threw her grappling iron aboard of Walton's sinking wreck, and drew her into closer quarters. "Who are you any how?" asked a Bix-footer at the bow, as Walton hastily and unceremoniously clambered aboard. "Where are the rest of you?" "There were only three of us," replied Walton. "One fell overboard, mortally wounded, I have reason to believe. He was a Yankee officer. There lies.anothcr, in the bottom of our boat He is a negro." "Aha!?and you are the third, eh! Negro or Yankee 7?which f "A Confederate soldier I" said Walton. "And deserter I" added bis unknown interrogator. "A nice party!?'pon ray word 1 Well! we will take a good look at you when we reach old Sumter." Walton was speechless. The magnitude of the charge; its extreme plausibility; the absence of all proof of innocence, together, with the fearful consequences, tDI flashed upon his mind in an instant and overwhelmed him with alarm and terror. As boat after boat came up, and their crews became aware of the circumstances of the case, poor Walton heard nothing but jeers, curses and mocking laughter from all sides. The line of pickets was again posted; one of the boats returning to Fort Snrater, with Walton as a prisoner, and his wrecked boat as a prize. CHAPTER m. A month had elapsed, since the occurrence of the incidents alluded to in the last chapter. During that time Edward Walton was confined in Charleston jail for the supposed crimes of desertion and treason; and, so far as circumstantial evidence went, the charges seemed pretty well substantiated. The public had been informed through the newspapers, that Walton had deserted from his regiment during a brief leave of absence, and had made an attempt to steal out of the harbor, during an unusually dark night There was no doubt whatever that he intended to communicate valuable information to the enemy on Morris' Island, as several papers were discovered concealed upon his person, the contents of which clearly established his guilt Something of this character was the article in the local column of the next morning's papers. JNow, the tacts ot the case?so iar as those concealed papers are concerned?are simply these: The Yankee Captain was really the bearer of those papers. He had sewed them under the lining of his overcoat. In rowing, he found the coat too warm, and threw it upon the seat and sat upon it When shot, he was standing; and, falling almost immediately into the sea, of oouree, the overcoat remained in the boat The difficulty was, that Walton's version of the affair was believed to have been a cunning device, concocted simply as a shield from the consequences of his guilt The presence of a Yankee officer in the boat was doubted altogether; and the general impression was, that Walton and the negro alone, composed the crew, when fired into by our boat . pickets. As a natural consequence of all this, poor Walton was brought up to the city under guard, and hurried ignorainiously through the public streets to the Charleston jail, there to await a trial by court marshal. Captain Lamotte, who had reached Fort Sumtei just as the prisoner had been brought in, was an eager and delighted listener to the story of pooi Walton's desertion and capture. He immediately set to work to make a calculation as to the effects of the news upon Lilian, and how far the circumstances of the case might go, in weaning her from her attachment to the prisoner, and justifying further advances on his own part To his utter surprise, however, he discovered, in conversation with Lilian, some days after, thai his hopes and expectations were groundless. She believed her lover's explanation of the circumstances of his capture, to be correct in every particular, and passionately declared his innocence of the crime imputed to him. "Indeed, sir," she said, at the termination oi the interview, upon which Lamotte had built sc much, "so far as my affection and respect for him is concerned, I assure you, most solemnly, thai were he actually guilty of a thousand times more , than he has been so cruelly accused?nay! were he the veriest villian upon the face of the earth? . the knowledge of it would not lower him in mj heart's affections, even for a moment, nor efface I the memory of his name from my mind, through, out all the years to come." But Lilian did not know her own heart Itwaj the full consciousness of his innocence?her stead? fast and unalterable faith in his honor and "patriotism?that made her speak thus; and what tcat said, was said only to rebuke the ungenerous spirit of her persecutor, and to banish forever from hif sordid heart, the last vestige of hope. And Lamotte went from her presence in wrath. "My dear Lilian," said Major Lee, "I have re1 sorted to every conceivable measure to break the charm that binds j'ou to this unfortunate man. It is infatuation, madness and stubbornness thus to conspire against your own interests. Your an; tipathy to Lamotte is unreasonable and silly. The idle and malicious reports you have heard in reference to his character, doubtless, have their origin in i the personal dislike and prejudice of their author. i At any rate, there is no evidence to convict the Ckptain of the unsoldier-like and ungentlemanlj i conduct imputed to him. ; But, admitting these reports to be true?what i has Lamotte's conduct and behavior to his men it camp, to do with his proposition of marriage ? A ; severe disciplinarian as an officer, does not, neces i sarily, make a bad man as a husband. And rei member, too, that if he has been betrayed into ex" pressions of harshness, and even official acts of in' justice, those expressions and acts were only dis rected towards the man whom he conceived to b< i - 1 1 1,1 _ i an enemy, xms may De, ana aoumiess is, moral ly wrong; but is it not, also, perfectly natural, hu . man nature being what it is? Lamotte?like all other men?has his weakness es and vices. You would not be worthy of a fault ' less man. If "Walton had not so rashly rushed be tween him and the accomplishment of his fondesi f desire and ambition, Lamotte would have died t sooner than give him occasion of offence. I knov k him to be, upon the whole, a passable man; anc if a man can 'pass muster' among his fellows r he is, certainly, good enough for all practical pur - poses." ? "Dear papa," said Lilian, "why urge aproposi tion, which you know 1 cannot but reject ? Put ' ting aside my personal dislike of Captain Lamotte? are you not aware that my faith is pledged ti I Walton. To put an end to these daily persecu tions, I assure you before my Maker, that nothinj f but compulsion will make me the wife of a mai - whom I abhor and despise." i And thus, for the time, terminated an interview which had consumed the entire morning. The Major had entreated, oo&xed, expostulated and reasoned to no purpose whatever; and Lilian now fondly hoped that the matter was settled, and forever at rest In this, she was much mistaken. Day after day, her father renewed his efforts in Lamotte's behalf, until, finding his exertions not only fruitless, but actually tending to strengthen and establish Lilian's objections, he changed his tactics and commenced the use of threats, much to the dismay and alarm of his now terrified daughter. So long as argument and expostulation ruled the conversation, Lilian had nothing to fear; but now, when threats of compulsion came so passionately from the lips of one, whom she felt well-assured, meant exaotly what he said, her poor heart reeled and staggered from the position she had held so long, and, bursting into tears, quietly left the room. The next morning a- noto waa plnood upon tha waiter, upon which Lilian's breakfast was carried X. 1. - -1_ 1.? A ! xl X. -L- J co ner cnamoer. opening cue iiuuj, ouu reuu, iu her father's well known hand: "Lilian.?I propose making one more attempt to wean you from your folly, before resorting to harsher measures. I perceive by the morning papers, that Edward Walton has been court martialed, and found guilty of desertion. He is condemned to be shot to death with musketry about a week hence. The sentence has been approved^ and will most assuredly be carried out, unless you interpose to prevent it Become Mrs. Lamotte, before the day of execution?and Walton shall bo saved I Refuse?and you seal his doom 1 Your Father, Charlton Lee." With an admirable presence of mind, and an effort of self-control equal to the occasion, she sei ed a pen lying upon the table, and, with a steady hand wrote upon the back of the note, "a respectful refusal.'' Commanding the servant to hand it instantly to her father, she locked the door; and falling upon her knees beside her bed, gave free , vent to her emotion in a wild, long wail of agony and a passionate flow of tears.. What was to be done ? Where was the path of duty under circumstances of thischaracter ? What would Walton advise? Would not the poor, persecuted man prefer the execution of the cruel sentence, than live to behold her the bride of his bitterest enemy? Was existence worth a price like this? Sueh were the questions, that came thronging upon her mind, as she arose from her knees and stood thoughtfully beside the open window. Had not her thoughts been monopolized with the terrible responsibility resting upon herself, her attention would certainly have been arrested by certain peculiar motions of a soldier across the street. She was turning to leave the window, when the soldier caught up a pebble and threw it against the sash. Looking inquiringly out, sho noticed, for the first time, that he was endeavoring to call her attention to a bit of white paper, which he held in his hand. . Lilian immediately went down stairs, and out into the garden, when the soldier crossed the street, threw the paper through the iron railing; and, pausing a moment to satisfy himself that it had fallen into proper hands, walked rapidly away. The paper?which had been folded into a di-1 minutive size?contained a communication which : ran as follows: "Mv own Lilian ; General Stanton's regiment having been ordered 1 to Virginia, I thought it might afford you some deI gree of consolation to know, that after this week, the unnatural persecutions of your father will cease ; for awhile, and Captain Lamotte's presumption come to an end. In the meantime, consent to save me. even at the (apparent) sacrifice of yourself; ana all may yet be well. Lamotte and your father have visited me twice, during the week. They asi sure me, that, they can save me from the terrible - fate ^waiting me, if I only succeed in influencing you to become the bride of the Captain, three or four days from now. Once you consent, they agree to set me at libertv. They have satisi fied me, that they will faithfully redeem the prom ise, if you yield to their wishes in this matter, r Captain Lamotte is necessarily obliged to leave ! with his regiment on next Thursday evening at nine o'clock. Yours Hopefully, 1 Edward Walton." Lilian read the letter again and again. Its contents were evidently meant to leave the impression 1 upon her mind, that her coasent to Lamotte's ' proposition wonld further the interests of the wri1 ter as well as her own. It was very hard for the poor girl to understand how that could be. She 1 never, for one moment, suspected deception. The ' reader will probably see, at once, that the letter , was a forgery. It was concocted by Captain Lamotte, with the sanction of Major Lee, Ihey be1 lieving that in Lilian's frame of mind, she would | agree to anything that held out the remotest hope ' of her lover's release. The gigantic deception was ! successful!?more so, indeed, than either the Ma: jor or Lamotte had ever expected. Lilian accepted the Captain's offer of marriage. ***** *** Thursday evening came at last; and Lilian, in her bridal attire, enfered the church, accompanied by Captain Lamotte and a host of friends. It was ' observed by many, that the bride was deathly pale; that she turned at the altar, and gazed hurriedly, ? t v i . jf 1 _1 Dut anxiously aDouc tne cnurcn. The ceremony began; but Lilian appeared utterj ly unconscious of what was taking place, until aroused by the question. "Wilt thou take this man to be thy wedded husband?" Then, she started and was'observed to tremble violently from head to foot. Turning deliberately around, her eyes gave another rapid glance around the church, : and, uttering a suppressed exclamation of despair, she clutched wildly at the altar railing to support i her sinking form. The clergyman hesitated a moment and looked f wonderingly towards the pew occupied by the Ma jor and his family; then, in a loud voice, continued, i "Then, I pronounce you man and ?." The sentence was interrupted by a strange sound, like some heavy, body rushing through the air, and rapidly ' approaching the building. A moment after, a terrific crash; an indescribable and confused noise of ; broken glass, falling bricks and plaistering, ending i in an explosion, which shook the church to its very . foundations, extinguishing the lights and creating the greatest panic and alarm. "Oh! my God!" exclaimed a voice near the al tar, in tones of indescriblc agony and despair. The majority of the congregation immediately ' fled; but a few stout-hearted veterans remained, ' and these procured lights and rushed to the altar to ascertain the cause of that shriek of agony, and " to render what assistance was necessary under the circumstances. The glare of their lamps fell upon - the ghastly face of Captain Lamotte, who lay rigid in death beside the altar. His throat and chest were horribly mangled and he was literally covered t with blood. Lilian lay beside him, in a swoon; i her bridal attire bedabbled and wet with the heart's J blood of her relentless persecutor, but unfortunate 1 man. ? The circumstances of the catastrophe were soon - ovnlnlnpfl The ehurch had been struck by a Parrott-shell from the enemies' batteries on Morris - Island. Lamotte, as far as could be ascertained, had been struck by a fragment of the pulpit, which was literally torn to pieces by the explosion of 5 the shell immediately beneath it ? .. 7 a ' 'Lilian I Lilian I'' exclaimed her father, rushing breathlessly into her chamber, "I have tidings of , joy for your poor heart I Nay I?do not get up! Lie just where you are, &Dd promise me to be calm. You have been very ill, dearest" "Tidings of joy for me, papa?" and the poor girl smiled incredulously. "Edward Walton has been reprieved, and ?. There now!?1 feared as much." And the Major rushed forward and caught his daughter in his arms. "'Twas but a momentary weakness, papa," said Lilian. "I am better now?it was so sudden, you know." "I am an inconsiderate old fool to excite you thus, dear Lilian 1" said the Major, adjusting the pillows on the lounge. "So?lie down again, my poor, wronged Lilian! We will talk over the matter, when you feel better." "Nay, papa! Tell me all about it now. Suspense, under these circumstances, would be unendurable." >. "I have nothing more to tell you, my dear," said the Major. "Everything was conducted in the customary form of a military execution. . luur Walton was marched up and down the open square of soldiers as usual, the band played a dirge and the prisoner turned, when reaching the open end of the square, and boldly faced the firing party. I heard the order: 'Ready 1* and turned away my face; then 'Aim!' I was about to vacate the place, when another order from the commander of the squad arrested my attention. That order was 'Recover arms I' Immediately after, Walton was taken charge of by the squad, and marched out of ? the square." And thus, dear reader, ended the whole affair. Edward Walton rejoined his regiment in Virginia, a few weeks latter, and nothing more was heard of his execution at that time. Circumstances have transpired since the war, however, which lead to the inevitable conclusion that General Beauregard and President Davis?both of whom were in the city at the period alluded to?were sufficiently impressed with the innocence of Walton to justify them in shving him from the execution of the sentence of the Court Martial. There were grave doubts on the subject, however, and it was thought best to subject him to this terrible mock execution, the firing party alone being let into the secret Walton distinguished himself in Virginia, by the most brilliant gallantry and heroism. He returned to the city soon after the war, with a star upon his coat collar, and,many an honorable scar upon his person. He is now living in Canada, and Lilian is with him; in what capacity, the reader may readily guess. Oaks Planted by Squirrels.?It is a curious * circumstance, and not generally known, that many of the oaks which are called spontaneous, are planted by the squirrels. The little animal has performed the most essential service to the British Navy. A gentleman walking one day in a wood belonging to the Dnke of Beaufort, near Trevhouse, in the county of Monmouth, had his attention diverted by a sqirrel, which sat very composedly on the ground. He stopped to observe his motions; in a few moments the squirrel darted like lightning to the top of the tree beneath which he had been sitting. In an instant, he was down with an acorn in his mouth, and began to burrow in the earth > with his paws. After digging a small hole, he stooped down and deposited the acorn; then covering |it, he darted up the tree again, frra moment, he was down with another, which he buried in the same manner. This he continued to do as long as he thought proper to watch him. , The industry of this little animals is directed to the purpose of securing himself against want in winter, and, as it is probable that his memory is not sufficiently retentive to enable him to remember the spots, in which he deposited every acorn, the industrious little fellow, no doubt, loses a few every year. A few spring up and are destined to supply the place of the parent tree. Thus, is Great Britain, in some measure, indebted for her mercantile greatness to the industry and bad memory of squirrel's.?Merry's Museum. AN ELEPHANT STORY. A gentleman, who had been for many year0 a resident in India, had a very fine elephant of noble size, which we will call Indra. It was?under thq charge of two keepers, named Selim and Saadi, who alternately took care of it During the month that it was under the charge of Selim, the younger keeper, Indra had plenty of food and was kindly treated. On the other hand, Saadi, the other keeper, was a drinking man, and spent the money allowed for Indra's food in arrack and bang, a spirit extracted, I believe, from hemp. The elephant was of course neglected daring the month that he was under the charge of Saadi. One day, both the keepers happened to be upon his back when he was taken to the river; before he left the water he suddenly turned up his trunk, and passing Selim, who was seated nearest to his ears, he seized Saadi round the waist, and plunging the wretched man into the river, held him under the water till he was drowned. Selim trembled, for he thought he also should be a victim to the animal's anger, bat Indra knew who had been kind to him, and quietlysnffered himself to be led home, apparently satisfied with the vengeance he had taken. This account shows how sensible to kindness is the poor, half-reasoning elephant Read an Houb a Day.?An English paper ' tells of a lad who at fourteen was apprenticed to a soapboiler. One of his resolutions was to read an hour a day, or at least at that rate, and he had an old silver watch, left him by his uncle, which he timed his reading by. He stayed seven years with his master, and said when he was twenty-one he knew as much as the young squire did. Now, let us see how much time he had to read in, in seven years, at the rate of an honr each day: It wonld o kkr Vi/vnra toVmoH ftf- fViA rate of flicht readinar UC UVU1U, .. ? Q w hours, per day, would be equal to three hundred and ten days, equal to forty-five weeks, equal to twelve months?nearly a year's reading. That time spent in treasuring up useful knowledge, v would pile a very large store. Surely it is worth trying for. Try what you can do. Begin now.? In after years you. will look back upon the task pa the most pleasant and profitable you ever performed. Whiskey.?The New York World states that ' whiskey can now be bought for $1.10 per gallon, with the revenue receipts added. It is said that it can*be bought in this State at $1.50, tax receipts added. And yet the government tax, alone, is $2 per gallon. This is a strange game to outsiders. Whiskey at $1.50 and the tax paid 1 How much water is put in it, and what do the revenue officers make per gallon ??Raleigh Sentinel J6T An Illinois paper, in noticing the death of a "worthy citizdh," says: As a neighbor, he was , kind; as a miller, upright His virtues were beyond all price, and his flour was always sold at a fair rate." No truth in it.?A telegram in the New York World denies the rumor, transmitted from Charleston, that General Canby is to take the place of General Meade, and Colonel Sickles to be returned to this District % fiSTThe Philadelphia Masons are to take fire years to build a seven hundred and fifty thousand dollar temple, with a tower nearly three hundred feet high.