The Friends—The Proposal—The Rejection—The Fate.
'Tis sweet to die for one's country!—Old Maxim.
The alarm caused by the firing of the gun had entirely subsided, as nothing was discovered. Upon questioning the guard, he stated that he was suddenly seized, and thrown violently to the ground. But, before he could recover his surprise and fire, the form had disappeared among the trees. Some believed that spies were lurking about camp, while others attributed the alarm entirely to the imagination or fear of the guard.
The morning dawned, bright and beautiful. Hayward had entirely returned to consciousness; but was unable to converse, and appeared to notice nothing which transpired around him. He did not even speak to, or recognize, his fair attendant, Alibamo. At times his words were of home—his friends were called upon—and then he would remain silent.
The army took up its line of march. Hayward was transported as before, and at each night was kindly cared for by Alibamo and the other attendant, who still were permitted to remain with him. At last they reached the grand prairie, west of Springfield, and encamped for the night.
"Is Captain Hayward sufficiently recovered to converse?" asked Price of Branch.
"Oh! yes; he is rapidly recovering. His wound is not so serious as at first supposed. It is true he is quite weak from loss of blood, but still strong enough to be dangerous. It is my advice that he be removed from the main army, as his friends will spare no trouble to rescue him. We are to have a battle very soon, I suppose, and we may lose him, even if not defeated, as the body-guard will dash to the point where he is held, and attempt his rescue; and you know, general, we might almost as well attempt to meet lightning as that fanatical set of cut-throats. They are, I am told, the choicest men out of a hundred thousand, and fight for the mere love of the fun."
"Where can we remove Hayward, that he will be secure until he entirely recovers?"
"From this point to Springfield, and thence through Arkansas to Memphis."
"But he is a spy, and must hang!" replied Price.