p!^!?:E 10 CENTS ^fcite !ES;0f J\pYENtURE^M\l^^:M)NIOhJ VOL. 7. Phil thp ^rniit-'^f' * f'S'^"'^^ Beaurejarfs Dispatcli I Mill IIIC UUUUll BY CAPTAIN ILIAN VERNE. es Phil Lamonte, the Union scout, capturing the Confederate dispatch-bearer. THE WAR LIBRARY. PHIL, THE SCOUT ; A Fight for Beauregard's Dispatches A Lively Story of Shiloh's Bloody Field. BY CAPTAIN ILIEN VERNE. ■ CHAPTER A stormy night in Western T Desolate though the scene was and full of evil suggestions, on this night a man was crouching iu the shadows ot the low grow- ing trees surrounding a handsome Southern residence. He had been an hour in making his way up from the highway, which stretched, heavy and black, toward the Tennessee River, for iu every direction about the building ran the beats of vigilant rebel senti- nels, guarding the quarters of Colonel Font- neroy. Now flat on his face, crawling over the cold wet grass, now dashing quickly across a narrow opening, and now dodging into the shade of some dense growth of shrubbery, the bird of the tempest had finally reached a point from which, by extreme care, he could peer through the window, half hidden by a thick ivy-vine, into the room where sat the Confederate colonel. As he pulls aside the dripping vine the light from within talis for an instant full in his face. It is that of a man who has been hunting for something till every line on his counten- ance is plowed deep with watchful anxiety untiring and „ravery undaunted. Could we have seen his entire form we would mark how uncouth yet serviceable was the attire he wore; how unkempt was his whole appearance, like that of one whose own hands alone performed the task of pre- face ijkwhich may be traced determ tion unJfBlding, vigil; —.>:-: As this singular man turned his gaze upon the face of Colonel Fontneroy, a glare came into his eyes like that seen in those of a beast hungry for prey, and a smile almost ghastly in its hideousness lighted up his hard feat- ures. Hark ! He whispers ! " Aha ! At last, at last, my brave colonel, 1 have found you ! Found you ! Ay, and to-night shall you learn ot my presence, and know that my vow is not forgotten, w^ill this be the last time I visit you? No; I must see you still nearer; must meet you face to face, and wriug from your accursed lips the words for which I have waited so long. And yet, may not my waiting for this, cheat me of my purpose? If I thought it^ but no; it shall not be done now. I will wait. Justice is on my side. Ha ! he is not alone. Well, it matters not." The hand of the stranger sought his breast. A moment later it held a weapon which glittered in the lamp light as it shimmered through the damp leaves. He stroked it lovingly, as one might fondle a child, and muttered words inaudible to all but himself. Inside that room the rebel colonel had sat alone all the evening long. His pen had traced page after page, hur- riedly, till there lay on the table before him a pile of manuscript wet with ink. Once or twice the door had opened softly. An inquiry had been made, and an answer given. When the hands of the clock on the man- jtel denoted ten a footstep woke the colonel from bis labor. Looking up quickly he saw a fair young lady, with eyes and hair dark as midnight, and lips of the loveliest red. " Laura!" he exclaimed, springing up and seizing the hand she extended toward him with a smile. " Yes, Laura," she replied. " You did not txpect me." " Through this storm, no. Why should I ? It seems almost madness in you to attempt it. See, you are drenched through and through." He lifted her cape, which was indeed wet, as if it had been dipped in the river. " Pshaw ! What care I for such a storm as this! Why, this is grand. It is only the lightning which makes me tremble. When suob t»mpests come I hide away out of reach «t tk« Bleem and roar. To-night is nothing. Fhy I have ; here Can you not guess to-night?" There was something in the tone and the look which made the heart of the Confeder- ate officer leap madly. , , ^ Well did he know what had brought Laura Doane thither in spite of night and storm. " I can guess, Laura," be said, his voice as- suming a gentler tone. " But don't you think it a great deal to risk ? How did you pass the guard?" "I had some trouble, that is true. Your men hold their watch over you well. Colonel Fontneroy must be much beloved by them. It was only by producing the letter you sent me last that I was allowed to come withm the lines. You remember in that you gave me some instructions to follow in case I should ever want to come here?" " Did I ? I had almost " " Forgotten it, you mean," interrupted the girl, seeing himhesitateforan instant. There was a tone of reproach in her voice. "No— no; I did not mean that; but you see I have been so busy of late. It would not be surprising if some things did escape my memory, would it?" "If you are satisfied with your explanation, I surely ought to be. You men do not think so much about these things as we do." Laura Doane was watching the face of her lover closely. Did she mistrust him ? We shall see. The colonel bit his lip. It was evident that he felt disturbed. The girl oame to the rescue. " But your letter -erved me well. It gained me entrance here." " And you bring us news." "No. I did not come for that. There is nothing new outside. The Union troops are resting still. When they do strike, the blow will be terrible." " Skeptical as ever in regard to the justness of our cause, I see. If I were to tell you that we strike first, what then ?' " Colonel Fontneroy, I believe that right is on the side of the Confederates. You have not heard me say aught to the contrary. What I do say is, secession never will prevail. It becomes more and more evident every hour. Disaster is all that awaits you." " You forget that our people are becoming more thoroughly aroused than at any previ- ous time since the war opened. When churches, court houses and every public in- stitution give up their bells for use in found- ing cannon, it shows that the hearts of our citizens believe in rebellion, and will stand by it to the last." "Yes, I remember all this; but let me ask if that metal ever reached the founderies ? Y'ou know, as well as 1, that it fell at once into the hands ot the Unionists. So ends your beautiful illustration. Night rests with the North. It will crush out this loyal, patriotic South. Look at what you have just lost at Fort Donelson and Island Number Ten ! It will always be thus here- after." The Confederate colonel remained silent for a moment. The lefereuce to these recent disasters to the Confederate arms chafed him. " And I have come to-night to ask you once more it you will not give up this fight- ing. It IS against fate and against reason." "Laura!" " It would kill me if anything happened to you. I know it." There shown in the girl's eyes a tender light which could not be mistaken. Inter- preting it, the Confederate winced and moved in his chair uneasily. Still the girl bent her piercing gaze upon him. " You do not really wish me to stop where I am now, do you ? I have great hopes for the future." " Hopes greater than facts warrant. Don't think I want to blight any real ambition of yours. Forgive me, won't you, for saying this? But I cannot think you are truly de- sirous of following this life. If it should, by any chance, lead to the glory you dream of, do you believe it would satisfy you ?" " You have too many questions to-night, Laura," said Fontneroy, rising hastily, and beginning to pace the room. " I can state my position in this matter very briefly. The South has right on its side. I feel that I ought to do all I can to aid her cause ; and, God helping me, I will not swerve from what I deem a duty." that you may gratify this blind ambition! Well, it may." "You wrong me; I do not forget my friends. I think of you often, Laura." " As a friend, only ?" It was wonderful how quickly she grasped at every word, which tended to show that the love she bore him was not fully returned by this haughty Southerner. Her passionate nature demanded, measure for measure, the affection she gave. And it was evident she would brook no trifling. " Laura, dearest, I cannot understand why you speak thus," said Fontneroy, seeming to throw aside all restraints, and speaking in a different manner than he had assumed in the course of the interview. "You know 1 look upon you as my dearest friend. Don't pain me by vour unjust words. I cannot re- trace my steps, now the war is upon us. I hold a position ot trust, and would be a traitor were I to abandon it. I am sure your prophecy of evil will not be fulfilled. We now have on foot a scheme, the issue of which will, I doubt not, turn the tide in our favor. I cannot speak further of our plans, even to you ; but I ask you only to wait pa- tiently a few days longer before;you abandon hope of our success." " I could wait forever for anything you ask!" the girl said, as she lifted the hand of the Confederate to her lips. " Perhaps I am down-hearted to-night. I cannot drive away from my heart the feeling that harm will come to you if you do not let war go and come back to me." " I will come back to you with love all the stronger for waiting ; and I can't help think- ing you will be glad to share the glory I am winning, too, by and by." •'Give me the love and you may keep the glory!" said the girl, gently, as she rested her head for a moment on the breast of the rebel officer. Then springing up she sala ^ quickly : " I must be away. I have staid too long already. Molly will scold me soundly for this anyway." "Ah! Molly. She is still with you, then?" " Oh, yes ; the dear girl is so devoted to me that she cannot endure it if I am out of her sight an instant." " She hopes to convert you, maybe, to her political belief." " It cannot be done. Even Molly is admit- ting it at last." Then she heard a footstep outside, and placing her hand in that of Fontneroy, whispered: " Good-night, dearest. Do be very careful, for my sake!" Another instant and she was gone. Colonel Fontneroy threw himself into his chair, and placing his hands upon his fore- head muttered to himself : " What a demon I am ! Heavens, how that girl ean love. Had I known it sooner— why, it is like playing with fire to even suggeSlK^ that I am not hers body and soul. What can I do? Certainly there must be some end to this. I ought to have told her long ago. If her evil words should come true " The words died on his lips. The sharp ring of a pistol woke the night air. Colonel Fontneroy threw up his arms wildly, and uttered a terrible cry, then fell headlong across his table. Through the window before him which had been slightly raised, something fluttered to the floor. A close view revealed the fact that it was a stiletto. It pinned to the carpet a piece of paper. CHAPTER II. ^ ON DANGEROCS GROUND. The same night. Not far from the hour when the Confeder^ ate colonel was engaged in conversation wiiu. Laura Doane, a man rode hurriedly up the gravel walk leading from the road. Flinging himself from the saddle, bespoke a single word to the soldier who confronted him at the door and sprung up the steps. As the light from within fell upon him it revealed the face ot a young man, clad in the gray uniform adopted by the Confederacy. He was handsome as an Apollo, with a form which seemed built for deeds of brav- ery and endurance. His eyes, dark and pierc- ing, seemed to take in at a single glance the entire room and its occupants; and a smile curled his lip, as he strode to the great fire blazing in the old-fashioned fire-place. Seeming to recognize iu the new-comer a man who would demand at once respect and obedience, the group about the sparkling fire made way for him, and for some mo- ments contented themselves in surveying him from head to foot in a manner savorirg much of suspicion. THE WAR LIBRARY. It was a time when both Uniou aud Con- federate troops were every moment on their guard against characters whose movements or appearance in any manner indicated that they were not what they represented them- selves. Especially was this true of the men who utood and sat under the roof beneath which the young stranger had .just come. Seemingly unconscious of the scrutiny be- iitowed upon him, the man stood for some minutes passing and repassing his bauds through the genial flames, his eyes Uxed be- fore him, as if his thoughts were for the mo- ment on things far distant. " Been out some time. I reclcon," finally ventured one of the bystanders after waiting some time for the stranger to breal£ the si- lence, which had fallen over the room when he entered it. Starting up from his reverie the young man replied, with a laugh : "Look like it, don't I?" At thesame moment he cast a glance down at his high cavalry boots now heavily spat- tered with mud, and his garments steaming before the Are. ",Yes, f have had a long ride. A long ride, gentlemen, and such a one as I don't want again on a night like this. Ugh ! what a storm !" As the words were spoken, a gust of wind hurled the rain iu sheets against the win- dows olXfxe fine old mansion with a mourn- ful sound ; and almost involuntarily those present crept nearer the wide open flre- l>lace. ■' From what place have you come this pvenitig, stranger?" continued the first npi'aker, evidently of a more inquiring turn tliau his companions. "You see, we're anxi- ous lo get any news from outside just at present." The young man replied without a mo- ment's hesitation: "I came last from Island Number Ten." "Ah I" Something almost like a groan run around the assemblage at mention of this place, the scene of recent disaster to the Confederate forces. •' The name seems familiar to most of you. Were any of you there the other day ?" " Every man of us," was the reply ; " and, stranger, we don't like the sound of the word, naturally. But how is it that you're getting here at such a late day? There must be something up. What delayed you 60 long?" There was a tone of suspicion In the voice. It was bound to come out. Noticing the expression very speedily, the stranger drew himself up before the tire. _L'.Yoii don't suspect me, I hope." " Who said we did ?" was the somewhat short query. " The question was civil enough. What fault have you to find with getting to think they'l it? " Who is in command here?" The tone was one which admitted of no delay. "This house is the quarters of Colonel Fontueroy at present," said one of the com- pany, who had not spoken up to this mo- ment. " I have the honor to have command of the guard to-night." " Then you're the man I want to see. It is plaiu that some cvf those fellows suspect me. What reason they have for it is more than I can imagine, unless it be on general princi- ples. I want to tell you that no man here has purer Soulliern blood in his veins than I. I am a citizen u{ the soil on which we now stand. I was bnin here and spent my boy- hood among these hills. But I am not going to ask you to take my word foi it. Look at these papers, i)lease; they will tell you all you want to knowabout me." With these words he placed in the hands of the Confederate officer a package of letters. Hastily running them over, the captain gave them back to the j^oung man, and turn- mg to his subordinates, said : "It's all right, boys; this man is eutitled to our oonfldeuce. He has letters from head- quarters to Colonel Fontneroy." Then he added, addressmg the stranger : " I am afraid the colonel is too busy to- night to see you. I don't suppose you will care about waiting till morning." ■; Certainly not. But I must see him early. It is of great importance that the object of my coming should not be delayed a moment longer than can be avoided." Apparently accepting the words of their leader as final, and removing all reasonable doubt as to his loyalty, the Confederates at once renewed the free and easy conversa- tion in which they had been interrupted. The warm fire seemed conducive to gar- rulity, and the tendency was increased by the sound of the heartless rain outside. Perceiving tliat he had succeeded in dis- pelling suspicion, the young man seated himself beside the Confederate captain, who said, in au apologetic luauuer: " You can't wonder that our men are be- coming more and more watchful regarding strangers. This vicinity is overrun with Union spies at present. Every day they are being run in. These parts are hot for them, however, and I 1 begin to give us a wide birth soo The young stranger acquiesced. Who that know the situation would have thought it strange that the Confederates used every possible means in their power conceal their movements from the eagle eyes of the indomitable Union general who was even at that moment hastening to super- cede them at Corinth ?" There had been in the late repulses sus- tained by the Confederates, other lessons than those conveyed by the overwhelming losses of life and treasure, lessons which they intended to make available in the future. Foremost among these lessons was this : Seciecy regarding every operation, however insignificant. This, primarily, was the reason why such watch was kept up along the lines. But ho w little did this resolution ultimately avoid, history tells us in words so plain that no rep- etition is needed. Everywhere the scouts of the Union forces penetrated the most carefully guarded camp of the Confederates; everywhere the actions of their own troops were followed as by gaze omnipotent, and in every unsuspected quarter they found that they had not been so sly that the wary Unionists had not detected them. For a moment silence fell upon the group. The eyes of the young man still rested upon the fire iu apparent unconcern at the con- tinued gaze kept up by the soldiers about him. "Too much care cannot be exercised in this matter," he said, at length. " It is frequent- ly the case that men we least suspect are closest on our trail. I judge something is afoot among you, captain," he continued, turning suddenly toward the man he ad- dressed. " I had not a Utile difficulty my- self in passing the sentry to-night, though I had the countersign and these letters to back me. At one time I thought I was about to fail. What is the meaning of such extraordi- nary precautions?" " Ah ! then you have not heard the latest ? You are far behind the times." " How should I be aware of anything hich is passing here? You forget, captain, feels his pride insulted. tell yo that I am just in from a long absence. There gathered more closely about the couple a half score of Confederate privates. Among them was the man from whose lips had proceeded the words of suspicion when the stranger first entered the room. Unawares to him, the never resting glance of the young man had seen in this man, ac- tions which he did not like. He knew from them that the letters he had showed the captain upon the strength of which he had been proclaimed worthy of confidence, had not removed from his path one who would prove an enemy, and who would not hesitate to strike him at the first opportunity. The question asked by the young man had the effect of bringing this individual to the side of the captain. Leaning over his shoulder as he sat in front of the grate, he whispered something in the officer's ear. From the muttered oath which the cap- tain uttered when he heard the words spok- en - 1 could be inferred that he placed no re- liance in them. With a gesture of impatience he returned to bis conversation with the young man at his side. As he did so the soldier thus thrust from the captain strode quickly, though quietly out of the room. Silently though this little piece of acting had been going on, there had not^the slight- est part of it escaped the notice of the stranger, but nothing in his manner betray- ed that fact. He listened in apparent unconcern to what the captain was saying. "You understand that this matter must be kept a profound secret with you," the Con- federate said. "If it should get to the ears of the Yanks it would ruin everything. We can depend upon you ?" " Sir, what more can I say to satisfy you upon that point?" demanded the young man, sternly, and with the air of one who early education one of you." Rebuked thus, the captain continued : " In yonder room sits Colonel Fontnorov, who, though inferior in rank to General Beauregard, is really his superior as a sol- dier. By him has there been devised a plan by which we hope to do much toward regaining what we have lost within the past few weeks. This very night a mes- senger went out of this camp bearing dis- patches." " Dispatches ? To whom ?" " Valuable information and instructions to Van Dorn and Price. Within two hours after they receive those dispatches, there will be on the move a force of men which will enable Beauregard to carry out the plan just referred to." "And that is " " Nothing less than " "Geutlemeu, I proclaim yonder villain a Union spy ! Arrest him on the spot!" The words sent a thrill through the heart of every man present, and all turned toward the speaker. Hardly had the sound of his voice ceased to ring through the room when the young stranger thus accused cleared the group at a single bound, and before a step could be taken to arrest his course he stood at the door. Whirling when the opening had been reached, he displayed in each hand a gleam- ing revolver. Leveling them upon the Confederates, ho exclaimed in a clear voice, which sounded to those present like the tones of the trum- pet of doom : "lam what that man has called me. I will say more. I told you I was born among you. It was true. 1 stand at this moment under the roof of the house where 1 first saw light. I have a right to say what I will here, and I shall do it. I am Phil Lamonte, the son of old Jared. I see you remember him and me. I have come back here to find my home held by a band of traitors. Take it and do as you will with it. When you want me, seek me on the track of the messenger, who is bearing the dispatches to Price and Van Dorn !" The next moment the intrepid youth bounded down the steps and out into the darkness. Just then a shot sounded in the room of Colonel Fontneroy ! CHAPTER III. BETWEEN TWO FIBES. When Laura Doane left the presence of Colonel Fontneroy she ran down the walk, stopping Lot until she reached the road. Here she groped about in the darkness till she found the horse, which had brought her thither, fastened to asapling but a few paces from the gateway. Springing lithely upon the animal's back, she galloped away through the storm. Only a short distance had she gone, bow - ever, when the sound of the shot fired by the night bird through the window in the room of the Confederate ofllcer, rung through the air. Drawing up her horse the girl turned her head iu the direction of the noise and listened long and earnestly. "A shot!" she whispered, "and from the Lamonte mansion. What can it mean? At this hour it bodes no good. I tremble at "'-^ that evil n hat called forth that report. Am I foolish? Fond heart, be still ! Nothing shall harm him Hove. It must not, must not be! " In an instant she had wheeled the animal sharply about, and dashed madly back over the course she had just covered. Nearing the mansion the sound of voices commanding and the thunder of heavy foot- steps fell upon her ear. Lights flashed "every- where. The entire grounds about the great building seemed alive with troops. As the girl was leaving the road for the walk leading to the door, a hand was laid on the bridle of her horse, and a soldier said : "You cannot pass. Any attempt to do so will prove fatal to you !" "But I must pass!" exclaimed the girl. " You know me. I am Laura Doane." " Did you tell me you are the daughter of General Beauregard himself I would not let you enter now. In fact, I am not sure that I oughtnot to arrest you till we know the source of that shot up yonder just now. Ton came from the maDSion iust a moment ago ?" " I did." ^ NcU THE WAR I.iliJilAiiy. » evil be- •• And from the presence of Colonel Font' neioy ?" "T'es. But wliy do v.Mi a.- fallen him? Speik, qiiii'k.- "He was shot in liia i i liy some one un- known. That is all I can lell you." •'Shot!'ahiieked tUegirl, wildly. "Shot, and you will not let me see him. I must go on ! Remove your hand or I will strike you. you know not what you are doing." She raised her riding whip as she spoke, and urged her horse onward up the drive. But the soldier retained his grasp and half a doBeu companions leaped to liis assistance. The borse reared frantically and almost unseated the girl. Another cry of terror broke from her lips. Through the darkness suddenly there plunged a horseman, before whom the Con- federatee retreated in haste. The hlows he dealt from side to side about him with the butt of a heavy pistol fell with such violence that no one cared to stand before tlicm. " Unhand that woman !" he said, in a low, commanding tone. " Tou have no right to beset her in this way. Back, you scoundrel, or I will strike you down!" he exclaimed, thrusting himself upon the spot where a rebel was holding the girl's horse by the bridle. Startled by this unexpected and vigorous attack the mandroppea his hand and crept back into the shadow of a thick cypress. Then grasping the reins himself, the stran- ger guided the animal he rode and that upon which the girl was seated back into the highway. Stupefied for the moment, Laura remain- ed silent in her saddle, wondering who this unknown person was. It was only when they were far out of reach of danger that she said : "I do not know who you are, sir, but I must thank you for your kindness, and beg you to leave me now. I am beyond any pos- sible harm now, and I must return to the house yonder." "Return! Madness. It would be but to rush into deepest peril. Have you not seen that already? Pardon me for refusing to grant your request. It is not through any wrong' intention on my part that I do it." " Tou do not understand— I cannot tell yoa my reason for asking what I do. I must know the truth about the shot I heard at the mansion. (Colonel Fontneroy is " "Suy no more, miss. I know what you would say; and I promise you shall soon know what you wish. We must go on now, however, as every moment this place is be- coming more daugerous. The Confederates will be swarming in every direction present- ly. It yoa will accept my attendance home, then I will return and asc«rtain all I can about the matter." Silently acquiescing, the girl urged her steed forward at the top of his speed. She felt she could trust herself in the hands of this man, and relying upon the thought she determined to give him his own way. The house occupied by the Doaues was a beautiful one, standing several rods from the highway, in the midst of grounds the loveliest of the vicinity. When the two reached it, the stranger turnt-d up the path as if he had been ac- qntiinted with the locality for a lifetime. The wonder of Laura was momentarily ■deepening. Who was this stranger? Bringing their horses to a standstill before the door, they dismounted. Hardly had they done so when a flood of light streamed through the opening, and a young girl holding a lamp high above her head met them. "Laura, oh. Cousin Laura! You don't know what a fright you have given us all. Why, we have hunted high and low for you, you naughty girl, all this great house over. And when we found that Tom was gone from the stable we gave you up for lost." " Molly, I wish I were lost. Oh, why must it be ! Why must it have happened !" Rushing up the steps and past the aston- ished girl, who stood holding the light, Laura disappeared in the house. Flinging herself, all wet and cold as she was, upon a sofa she gave way to a passion- ate outburst of tears. Molly, with a sad expression on her pretty face, turned toward the young man who still kept his position at the foot of the steps, saying, in a choked voice : " Sir, you must know somethiug about the cause of my cousin's grief. Tell me, I pray you, what has taken place to pain her so." Advancing a little so that the light rested fnll on his features, the stranger was about to reply when Molly sprung forward, a cry of surprise escaping" her. " Phil !" she exclaimed. The young man held out his hand. "Yes, Molly, it is I, though I hardly ex- pected you would know me." I "Know you! Oh, Phil ! As if lever could forget yo:? ! Come in out of the rain and tell nie how it happens that you are here to- night, and what is the matter with Laura." Phil Lamonte gladly obeyed the invita- tion. In days ^one by many and many had been the time when he had sat under that roof, listening to the charming voice of Molly Grarae and her cousin, the proud, passionate Laura Doane. Those were the days when he was the only d prospective heir to old Jared La- naught but youth's bright dream Though never a word of love had passed between him and the golden haired Molly, each knew the heart of the other, and slept in the sweet consciousness that those hearts beat in unison. But the spirit of enterprise had seized the ambitious Phil. In the Far West for three years he had wooed the fickle goddess of fortune, and his wooing had not been in vain. Meanwhile the aged Jared had been gath- ered to his fathers, leaving the wide estate in the hands of a few overseers who ruled the negroes who remained with a high hand. Then war blew its brazen blast over the land; and Phil, notwithstanding he had been born a Southerner, saw, with an eye more far-reaching than his kinsman at home, that right was with the North— that the South would be crushed in the end. High in his heart burned the love of home and friends, but brighter still shone the lamp of patriotism. So he had come back to the old plantation, but to find it in thegrasp of Southern hordes who thought not of the owner as they burn- ed and plundered. Seeing this state of things he had resolved to oast his lot with the North, He did so, and was once again in (he old country, this time with a mission. Following Molly into the house, he re- plied : " It would take too long for me to tell you what brings me home again. Only this will I sav now : I am Bghting tor theLnion." " For the Union f Oh ! Phil, how glad I am to hear you say that! But your clothes— they do not agree with your words. They are those of the other side." "They cover a suit of the truest blue, Molly. See." He opened the breast of the Confederate uniform, displaying a coat of deep blue. " But why are you disguised? Can it be you " " I am a spy, Molly. Tu-uight I have learned something which may prove of the greatest importance to our generals Before this time I should have been on my way. Y'our cousin, Laura, has detained me, as you "Does Laura know that you are Union in sentiment?" "No; and Molly I want you to keep it a secret tor me for the present. I don't know on which side you stand, save through one little word you spoke a moment ago; but I know for the sake of the old tiroes 1 can trust you." The eyes of Molly glistened. " No heart in all the Union army is truer to the cause than mine, Phil. Your secret is safe. But, Laura, hark ! What was that ?" " The sound of of horses' feet on the gravel walk!" exclaimed Phil, as he peered through the window. " Either they want Laura, or they have tracked me hither. I am afraid in any case I shall bring you into trouble by remaining here. If I am quick I may be able to escape by a back way. Can you show me out?" " I will see. Here, come quickly !" The girl bounded out of the great parlor into a hall leading to the rear of the bouse. Pulling open a door she looked cautiously The late! aid there was "Yes, but how? That rhat " Y'ou may be able to understand better than I when I tell you that Colonel Fontne- roy was shot not an hour ago in his quar- ters." "Great heavens! shot, Colonel Fontneroy ! Now it is plain to me. Poor Laura— poor Laura''' Molly sprung from the chair in which she had been sitting, and put her little hand up to her head, as if trying to comprehend the full meaning of the news she had just "You are sure? There can be no mistake? Was the wound fatal ?" " That I caunot tell you. I have promised Laura that I would return and learn all the particulars possible. I must not delay longer." He rose as he spoke. "Back again? Oh, Phil! I am afraid you ought not to do this. May there not be dan- ger ?" " I will not conceal the facts from you, Molly. It will be dangerous for me to re- trace my steps into the Confederate camp. " I have been detected, and nothing but the shooting of Fontneroy has kept me from be- ing pursued. My promise to Laura shall be kept, however. Not yet has the word nf Phil Lamonte been broken." Let her gaze rest where i a man on horse. Hurriedly withdrawing, she shot the tiolt in the lock, whispering: "It's no use, Phil. They are everywhere. We must tiy somewhere else." At that moment a loud rap was heard at the front door, and a hoarse voice said : " We want Phil Lamonte." CHAPTER IV. .4 ST.4RTI,TNG ACCUSATION. The pistol shot which strue'i down the Confederate colonel brought to his roous- every man in the spacious Lamonte man- sion, and for a moment nothing was thought of but to ascertain the exient of the injury done by the blow. Even the guard outside deserted their posts, and left the coast clear in all direc- tions. Captain Drury, who was in command of the guard, was the first to reach the side ol the wounded officer. Raising hii 1 from bis lalli u p. ition he car- sofa, Tied him as carefully as jiossible to and laid him upon if. "Call Surgeon l>e Jiirrietle at once," he commanded, and half a dozen men sprung tc obey his bidding; for the proud cohmel, though sometimes severe with his men, was a favorite with all Si an (3 there was a deep silence in the apartment. "The wound is severe, but not dangerous.' said De Jarnette, after :! lew moments. ^'Tf^ was a singular shot. I i aiinot understand it. It looks as if it had nut been intended to kill, but to injure terrii'iv. Who knows any- thing about this affair!" The question recalled to their senses the soldiers crowding around. For the first time the query presented itself: Who did the shooting? In a twinkling the search for the midnight assailant was commenced. Rallying from his state of inconsciousuess, Colonel Fontneroy was in a short time able to relate all he knew of the shooting, which was nothing further than jlhat from some source a bullet came crashing through hie left breast. Then he became insensible. Search revealed that the old ivy vine out- side the window had been disturbed, and the sash even then stood up a little way. In the hurry, consequent upon the alarm, no one had noticed the stiletto which stlUre- mained pinning to the floor a bit of paper. Here was a clue. Directly it was discovered that it was brought to Surgeon De Jarnette, who pulled the paper from the point of the weapon and handed it to Colonel Fontneroy. With hands white and trembling the officer unfolded the note and glanced at il. But a single word met his gaze. That word was: "Justice!" The pallor which had hitherto overspread the face of Fontneroy heightened till he was deadly pale. For an instant he leaned back upon his pillow, his eyes closed, and the piece of paper crumpled between his clinched fln • lloiv is it, colonel? Does that reveal any I 111 ml: iliiit laii be of use to us?" II \< ;n (he voice of Captain Drury. ■Vi's; no— (hat is— I cannot tell you now. Tins is nothing, I assure you. It will be of no use to try to trace the fellow. I know liini. Curse him! I know him, and know bow ilaiigerons he is! But what am I sav- THE WAR LIBRARY. tog ? Leave me with the dootor, (.aptain. I waut him to tell me how badly I am hurt. Let the villain who fired upon me go for the present. By and by I will meet hiiu again taoe to face." Led by the captain, the soldiers vacated the room, leaving the wounded man with the Burgeon. Although the colonel bad expressed the wish that no pursuit .-ihould be given, there were reasons « iiy t'liptaiu Urury determined to go in search of the intruder. He half believed Phil Lamonte was oon- ne(!ted with the firing of that shot. At any rate the young man had deceived him and drawn from his lips information which might prove fatal to the Confederate plans. Smartmg under this unconsciousness, Urury summoned a band of trusty men and hurried out upon the road. For some time he hardly knew which way to turn. Then falling in with the men who had just had the encounter with our hero, he learned that he had ridden away with Laura Doane, in the direction of the home of the latter. "Ha! So she is concerned in this matter, is *he? It looks like a conspiracy. If it is, I'll ferret it out, if it costs me the entire night. This wav, lads, " he shouted. " To the Doane almost certain he had something to do with the shot at Colonel Fontneroy." Ua>ihing up the road through the rain, which still came down in torrents, the band rapidly made their way toward the house of the Doaues. The night was intensely dark. Not a foot in advance could they see. The mud splashed heavily under the feet of the horses. Upon reaching the mansion. Captain Dru- ry commanded his companions to surround it and permit no one to pass. Though it was .believed that the Doanes were friendly to the Confederacy, it was known that ifoUy Grame's heart was true to the stars ami stripes, and the story told by the guard of the flight of Laura with the daring young scout lent a shadow of suspicion to even her fidelity to the Southern cause. Mounting the steps to the porch. Captain Drury pounded loudly upon the heavy oaken panel with his pistol, at the same time ex- claiming: " We want Phil Lamonte I" Hearing this peremptory demand, Laura sprung from the couch upon which she had . thrown herself and hastened to the door. The light from the brilliant chandelier withm, resting upon her features,8howed that they were tear-stained and full of anguish. " You bring me news from him— from Col- onel Fontneroy. What is it? So he " "He is badly hurt, that we can tell you ; and we are here after that young dare-devil, Phil Lamonte, who came here with you just now. It's no use to say he is not here. We've found your horse, and he is wet and foaming outside, and we know he is here." " If he is, I do not know it," said the girl, brushing away her tears and growing the beautiful and haughty Laura again. " A stranger rescued me from the hands of a number of vour ill-bred men as short time ago; but it was not the man you name. Phil Lamonte has not been in these parts in years. You are mistaken." "I tell you we are not. I have seen him this night with my own eyes. You cannot make me think ycmr story is true. You may as well know, liistas last, tliat you and lie are under suspicion as having been connect- ed with tlie wound received by Colonel Fontneroy to-night."' "It's a lie!" cried the girl, fiercely. "I won't listen to such a base accusation. It is a foul plot against me. It shall fail ! I scorn you all." She stood proudly erect, facing the hard- featured Confederates as she spoke, and her keen eyes flashed at the insult placed upon What ! she accused of intrigue in bringing about this blow upon Colonel Fontneroy/ Why, she loved him ! She would have given her life to save his. The idea was too preposterous, and stepping back into the room she was about to close the door, when the Confederate officer put up his hand and hissed through his clinched teeth: " You give me the lie and your scorn in the same breath. I am not the man to take either, even from the lips of a woman. Now we will search the house." The captain took a step forward That instant a pistol touched his forehead and an ominous click woke the echoes of the room. The hand of Laura Doane held the weapon. She was now pale as the driven snow, but there was a look iu her face which boded no good to the rebel before her. "I am but a woman, sir, but I tell you this," she said, in a voice which thrilled the hearts of her listeners. " No man enters here save over my lifeless body. I am a Doane. All my life long I have lived among the people of Tennessee. My heart's best wish has been for the success of the Con- federate cause. But if this is the manner in which you conduct your warfare; if you, sir, are a specimen of the Southern soldier, I am done forever with you. I am innocent, God knows it, of the charge you bring against me. As for the young man you seek to implicate in conspiracy with me, I know nothing. He may or may notbeguilty asyou allege. I do not believe he is. If he is under this roof, he shall be protected to the last. I dare you to enter further !" Recoiling a little, the Confederate stood for a moment irresolute. He rebelled against being thwarted in his , a man of great brute strength, before which few would care to stand. There was a villainous look in his evil eyes, as he heard the words of the fair maiden. Was he indeed to be foiled by her ? Foiled, never! Watching her closely, he leaped forward, and striking up Laura's arm, bore her with terrible force to the floor. Scarcely had she touched the floor when a figure sprung out of the shadow, and Phil Lamonte appeared on the scene. He had divested himself of the Confederate uniform, and stood clad in the Union blue. At one blow he hurled the rebel captain to the floor. Then turning to the band of soldiers crowding to the threshold, he ex- claimed : Will you try to imitate the example of monte. You know me of old. Come on if you will!" Staggering to his feet, the captain yelled, fiercely : "Yes, we know you, and you shall know us better before we are through with this matter; you traitor! You're the man we came here after, and, by Heaven, will take you dead or alive ! If you want to carry the battle into this house, so be it. Up, boys, and avenge the blood of our colonel ! The Confederate drew his pistols and rush- ed almost blindly forward. He was met by a blow from the fist of Phil Lamonte, which sent him again reeling backward. But the fight was no longer with this man Incite-i by words of their leader, half a score plunged through the doorway to sup- port him. It was a moment of peril. One man and two women against a host of armed soldiers. As the rebels one by one crossed the threshold the powerful arm of the young man laid them low. As yet not a shot had been fired. But each moment Phil expected to hear the dreadful sound of a pistol. And it came. shot „ „g uu,„u.^ close to the head of the daring Phil In the space of a second there came an an- swering report from the weapon of Laura Doane. It could hardly have missed some oue in that living wall, and a crv of distress showed that it had taken effect Another shot! This time the finger of Molly Graiue sped the bullet. Like heroines of old these two were de- fending tliHirpnternal castle. With I.;nn;i the coiitrc.lling thought was no loi]i.-( I- I li:ii ,.| Idv.' fi.r t lie seceding South. She hail i.Miivi-il tli;it ln-r jiutriotism would be wastnl on iiu-ii so ()evnid of true man- hood as these. Fierce though this coutest was, and loud as were the outcrys that went up, above the din, the ears of the gallant Phil suddenly heard the sound of horse's feet clattering up the sandy walk, and peering through the doorway he saw coming out of the shadow a single horseman. Listening, he expected to hear sounds in- dicating a bitter struggle outside, for he felt that this must mean help for him, and he was right. He saw tlie horseman fiitting hither and thither among the rebels blocking up the space before the house; heard dull yet crushing blows and watched the band of as- sailants dwindle away till not one was left; all had fled howling into the storm and dark- ness. Then a man bounded up the steps and halted before the surprised persons he ba