IX. — “SEND ME A COPY.—IN CANADA!”
Nothing was more surprising in this singular man than these sudden appearances at places and times when you least expected him.
I had parted with him in Spottsylvania, on the night when he “deserted” from the enemy, and rode into our lines; and he was then the secret agent of General Stuart. Now, he reappeared in the city of Richmond, with an excellent understanding, it was evident, between himself and Mr. X——-!
Our greeting was cordial, and indeed I never had classed Nighthawk among professional spies. General Stuart assured me one day, that he invariably refused all reward; and his profound, almost romantic devotion to Mohun, had deeply impressed me. Love of country and watchful care of the young cavalier, whose past life was as mysterious as his own, seemed the controlling sentiments of Nighthawk; and he always presented himself to me rather in the light of a political conspirator, than as a “spy.”
His first words now indicated that he was a secret agent of the Government. He seemed to have been everywhere, and gained access to everybody; and once more, as in June, 1863, when he appeared at Stuart’s head-quarters, near Middleburg, he astonished me by the accuracy and extent of his information. Political and military secrets of the highest importance, and calling for urgent action on the part of the Government, were detailed by Nighthawk, in his calm and benignant voice; he gave us an account of a long interview which he had had at City Point, with General Grant; and wound up as usual by announcing an impending battle—a movement of the enemy, which duly took place as he announced.
Mr. X——- listened with close attention, asking few questions.
When Nighthawk had made his report, the statesman looked at his watch, said, sotto voce, “Midnight—too late,” and added aloud:—
“Come back at ten to-morrow morning, my friend; your information is highly interesting and important.”
Nighthawk rose, and I did likewise, declining the courteous request of Mr. X——- to prolong my visit. He held the door open with great politeness and said, smiling:—
“I need not say, my dear colonel, that the views I have expressed this evening are confidential—for the present, at least.”
“Assuredly,” I replied, with a bow and a smile.
“Hereafter you are at liberty to repeat them, if you wish, only I beg you will ascribe them to Mr. X——-, an unknown quantity. If you write a book, and put me in it, send me a copy—in Canada!”
A moment afterward I was wending my way through the shrubbery, thinking of the curious personage I had left.
At the gate Nighthawk awaited me, and I scarcely recognized him. He had resumed his red beard, and green glasses.
“I am glad to see you again, colonel,” he said benignantly; “I heard that you were in the city and called at your lodgings, but found you absent.”
“You wished to see me particularly, then, Nighthawk.”
“Yes, and to-night, colonel.”
“Ah!”
“I know you are a friend of General Mohun’s.”
“A very sincere friend.”
“Well, I think we will be able to do him a very great service by attending to a little matter in which he is interested, colonel. Are you disengaged, and willing to accompany me?”