# \ I \ "%, < r* f p * THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE; OR, The Mysterious Companions OF OLD JOHN BROWN. MARY E. JACKSON, STAUNTON, KANSAS. ST. LOUIS, MO.: W. S. BRYAN, Publisher. 1881. Copyrighted, 1881, by MISS MARY E. JACKSON. DEDICATION. TO MY FRIEND, MISS ANNIE CHILDRESS, Of PAOLA, KANSAS, I humbly and affectionately dedicate this story. THE AUTHORESS. 1125479 PREFACE. SANNAH MOORE said, " All for the best," and thus we find it through life, if we can bring our minds to dwell upon the bright and reject the dark sides of life's pictures. In perusing this book there will be found dark pictures, yet bright ones predominate. Thus it is in the history of any people. Now while our glorious Republic flourishes and history lives there will ever exist a picture in the gallery of Time, depicting the passing scenes in Kansas during her struggle for Freedom. " Ad astro, per aspera" the motto of our State, is well chosen. If any State, through tribulations, trials and asperities became one of the stars constituting our glorious Union, Kansas is the one. It is twenty-four years ago, whe-i the boom of the invader's cannon and the rattle of his musketry, re- plied to by the detonating crack of Sharpes' rifles in the hands of Captains Brown's and Cline's men, was heard at Osawatomie. 6 PREFACE. The writer, then a little child, living near, heard the fearful sounds of that memorable battle. Even the shouts of the Missouri leaders urging their men to charge upon the block-house were heard. Thus growing up amidst these scenes, a true nar- rative of those early days has been penned. To-day as she sits by her window listening to the rattle of the wheels and the whistle of the locomo- tive at Osawatomie, her thoughts revert to the de- struction of that town twenty-four years ago to-day by the torch of the invader, and with Hannah Moore she exclaims, " All for the best." STAUNTON, August 30, 1880. CONTENTS. CHAPTER. PAGE. I " Dickey Deane's " Home, ... 9 II The Silver Case, 13 III Mr. Leland and the Stranger, .... 18 IV Aunt Nancy's Story, --..-. 21 V The Mysterious Stranger, ----- 27 VI Pat Devilin, - 33 VII The Independent Band, - - ... 37 VIII The Mysterious Strangers Again, ... 41 IX Ona's Success, ------- 46 X Hay den in Trouble, -.---. 54 XI The Slanderer, ------- 62 XII Pat Devilin's New Home, ----- 64 XIII Ona at Work, 68 XIV Hay den goes West, --.-.- 73 XV The Slanderer Foiled, ----- 77 XVI Hayden and Pat on the Plains, - 83 XVII Sir Charles in Europe, ----- 0/3 XVIII The Kidnappers, - - 95 XIX" Bill Quantrell," His Early Life, - 102 XX Foiled, ... ,05 XXI The Meeting, 114 XXII The Widowed and the Widower, 125 XXIII Ona in Washington, 128 XXIV The Death Bed Scene, 132 XXV Another Death-Bed Scene, ... - 142 XXVI The Forged Letter, 148 XXVII The Beginning of Trouble in the West, - - 156 XXVIII Caught, 159 XXIX Sadness, 166 XXX Ona's Plan, 173 XXXI "Dickey's" New Home, - 179 XXXII Roderick Leland, 189 XXXIII Captured, 192 XXXIV The Trial, 200 XXXV Two Years of Rest, 205 XXXVI Kansas Territory Organized, - - - - 211 XXXVII At Osawatomie, 214 XXXVIII At Lawrence, - - 217 XXXIX The Plot, 220 8 CONTENTS. CHAPTER. PAGE. XL Hayden's Surprise, --.-.. 226 XLI Dickey at Work, ------ 229 XLII The Prisoner's Escape, ..... 238 XLIII Ava Haynes, 244 XLIV John Brown's Home, - - - - - 251 XLV " Dick Richards " Suspicioned, ... 255 XLVI The Storm, 264 XLVII The Babe of the Prairies, - 268 XLVIII A Scene in the Border Ruffian's Camp, - - 273 XLIX " Dickey" in John Brown's Camp, - - 280 L The Stranger, ..----. 285 LI A Western Home, -.---. 291 LII The Battle of Black Jack, ... - - 300 LI 1 1 Arthur Holmes Shot, - 304 LIV The Companions, ------ 307 LV The Missing Spy, 3 12 LVI The Wicked Flee, 3 1 ? LVII Ava and Kate, 322 LVIII The Kilt and Kritle, 3 2 5 LIX The Battle of Osawatomie, ... - 333 LX General Blair, ...---. 339 LXI The Surprise Party, 345 LX 1 1 More Plotting, 349 LXIII General Blair's Departure, ... - 356 LXIV The "Jayhawking" Boy, 359 LXV Hayden's Surprises, ..... 364 LXVl A Western Woman, 3&9 LXVII Kate's Trouble, 372 LXVHI The Missing Child, 37& LXIX Mr. Leland Goes Home, - 3 8 3 LXX Kate in the East, 3 s6 LXXI At'Harper's Ferry, 392 LXXII Too Late, ,39^ LXXIII Quantrell in Kansas, 399 LXXIV Mr. Leland at his Early Home, - - - - 404 LXXV The Douglas Estate, 49 LXXVI " Dickey Deane " in Europe, - ... 418 LXXVII Quantrell, the Murderer, ----- 427 LXXVIII Dedication of John Brown's Monument, - - 43 1 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. CHAPTER I. "DICKEY DEANE'S" HOME. FINE mansion, built in the old Scotch style. The surrounding grounds artistically ar- ranged. In front of the door, to the right of the path, stood an evergeen : a cedar, which had been brought from the far West, and bore no resem- blance to its fellows. At the door of the mansion two persons were standing. Such was the beautiful scene we gazed upon as we journeyed through the old Granite State on a frosty morning in November, 18 . The mansion was the home of Roderick Leland, a Scotch nobleman who had fled to America, years before, for the preservation of his life. Among the freedom-loving Americans he had found friends, and soon won the love and esteem of all with whom he associated. By his industrious habits he had amassed a fortune, and after leaving the city where he had labored, he found himself among the White Moun- tains, beneath whose tallest peak he built his man- sion home, and brought thither the belle of Boston as his happy bride. 10 THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. Yes, Leona Deane, the gayest of the gay, had left the fashionable world, where she had reigned queen of all the gay circles, and, with her chosen husband, had settled among this wild scenery, declaring that until now she had never realized the full meaning of " true happiness." Ten years had scarcely passed, when death crossed that threshold and carried away the beautiful young \vife and mother. A sweet-faced girl of eight sum- mers stood by the bedside of the dying mother, while the fond father held a laughing, blue-eyed baby-boy in his arms, which he presented to the^ dying woman for a parting kiss, as his own tears rolled as drew-drops from his face upon the hot and fevered brow of her whom death had claimed. Thus home was robbed of its choicest jewel, and sorrow reigned for years. Six years have passed, and we see those two per- sons standing at the door of Cedar Hall, watching the first snow-fall of the season: a gentleman of some forty-five years, and near him a young miss of fourteen. They were Roderick Leland and his daughter Ona. He had lived with his children and servants since the death of his wife, and had given his exclusive attention to teaching them, never miss- ing an opportunity to avail himself of anything that would prove advantageous to them. Ona had grown to be not only surpassingly beautiful, but also very intelligent. "What a beautiful tree!" exclaimed she, as she watched the snow-flakes falling upon the boughs of the cedar tree. " I never before observed it was so THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOM IE. 1 1 different from those on the lawn. Where did it first grow, papa? Did you plant it here?" "No," said Mr. Leland, stepping out in the falling snow. " This tree came from the West, years ago ; it has a romance of its own : it also has a secret to keep." " What is it, papa? I should like to know." " I will tell you, for in so doing, I only obey the injunction laid down in the written pledge, but I must exact the promise from you that you will keep the secret and obey the instructions contained in the pledge. The present, to my mind, is a fitting op- portunity to convey this sacred trust to you. Yes, in the first snow-fall of the season, and on the anni- versary of your fourteenth birth-day." Ona was somewhat surprised, yet said, " I will keep the secret, papa, and endeavor to live up to the precepts of anything that teaches to be great and good." Mr. Leland took a silver locket from his pocket, saying, " Here is a silver case; within its lids you will find the lesson you are to learn. This was given to me by two masked men. They also brought the tree which you so much admire. We planted it here by the light of the moon ; it now belongs to you, and if all works well, you will, sometime, visit the spot where it grew. You will find that there is a great work before us. You have reached that age when you should lay some plan of life. Learn to depend upon yourself. Be neither a drudge for some man, nor a slave of fashion. Men labor for fame and hap- piness, why should not women do the same? Let 1 2 THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOM IE. not your favors be bestowed upon any on account of wealth or position ; treat all deserving ones with the same kindly, genial courtesy. Be true to your- self and you will always be prosperous and happy. I shall be absent a few days in Boston, which will give you ample time to reflect upon what I have said." " Yonder comes a carriage, containing, no doubt, some of your abolition friends," said Ona. " Good- bye, papa," she exclaimed, as she hastened to her room, while he sought his library to arrange some papers, preparatory to starting for Boston, to attend a meeting of the Anti-Slavery Party, of which he was an enthusiastic leader, and the carriage, as Ona had suggested, contained some of his co-laborers in that work, Cedar Hall, his home, being a favorite resort of the adherants of that party. Such was the home, the surroundings and the instruction of Ona Leland, better known to the world as " Dickey Deane, The Spy of Osawatomie." As Mr. Leland stood arranging his papers, his thoughts reverted to the scenes of his early life among the Highlands of Scotland, and the Kirk of Glenarreu. His meditations were interrupted by the entrance of a stranger, whom the servant had an- nounced. In those brief moments he had thought, almost expressed, his thoughts audibly. " What is to happen! I am so nervous this morning, some evil seems to be approaching. It cannot be that in Scotland they have learned of my home, ferreted out my seclusion, after so many years have elapsed. To be sure, I can not always hope to be thus se- THE SP Y OF OSA WA TOM IE. \ 3 eluded. The time must come when all will be known to the world. I will be bold." Thus his thoughts flew to the past, present and future, until, thinking of the stranger awaiting him in the parlor, he cleared his face of the sad expression which had gathered there and repaired to the parlor, to enter- tain his guest. The stranger was a young man, scarcely twenty years old. He was very handsome, his costume indicating that he belonged to the aristocracy of England. When Mr. Leland entered, he was perus- ing a paper which he had taken from a neatly-ar- ranged table, and observing the entrance of his host, he laid it aside. Mr. Leland beheld him with amaze- ment, at last stammering, " Who are you?" as he fell, unconscious, to the floor, much to the surprise of his visitor, who thought, " What can have so un- manned this proud being before me?" as he called his servant to assist his prostrate master. CHAPTER II. THE SILVER CASE. ONA tripped through the hall and up to her room, closing the door behind her. She stood before a large mirror, which reflected back a beautiful image. She viewed herself as she slowly shook the melting snow-flakes from her blue I 4 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. velvet dress and heavy black cloak. They clung with more tenacity to her golden curls which, her father had frequently told her, resembled her aunt Theodocia's, who was a pet sister whom cruel cir- cumstances forced him to leave, yet whose image time could not erase from his thoughts. Ona thought, at this time, of the remarks her father had frequently made regarding that sister. The presence of the silver case in her pocket, led her to investigate it more thoroughly. On one side was engraved a negro, bound in chains, while a white man stood near, ready to break the chains with a heavy axe. Under this was engraved, " If our na- tion prosper, the slave must be free." " We cannot be prosperous while the clanking of chains is heard in the land." On the other side was engraved a woman reaping a field of grain, while the sheaves stood thickly around her. Beneath were the words: "Women sow and reap. Why not own and rep- resent?" " A lesson taught on each cover," said Ona. Opening the case, she discovered a thin sheet of paper, closely folded, which she removed and read carefully. After which she exclaimed, " What a pledge ! What a lesson taught by it ! Can I ever live up to all that is there prescribed ? There is so much work to do! Can I be of any use in that work? I shall put forth every effort for the benefit of the oppressed? I may never hope to become a Madam Roland or a Joan of Arc, yet I am deter- mined to follow out the obligation imposed upon me by and through this pledge. This must be kept a THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 15 secret. I must not disclose its contents." Thus soliloquizing, she read and re-read, until she became entirely familiar with its contents, after which she replaced the paper in the case, and locked it safely in a secret receptacle, where she knew it would be safe. "What can I do in such affairs, with none to coun- sel? none from whom I can ask instruction? I dare not ask regarding what I most desire to learn. I must know. I shall go immediately and ask papa." Saying which, she hastened to the hall on the way to the library, just as the servant announced the stranger. Gliding noiselessly to the banister, she looked down upon the stranger as he passed through the hall below. She started back in surprise. Never before had she beheld so handsome a person as this richly-attired Englishman. " I surely have seen him! No/ It is his resemblance to the picture of Lord Byron that causes his appearance to be so familiar," said she, as she gazed in silence and ad- miration. At last, recovering from her surprise, she turned to search for Aunt Nancy, who had been a member of the Leland family since Mr. Leland's marriage with Leona Deane, whose childhood days had been watched and guarded by the same Aunt Nancy. She had remained with the family and cared for the children with a solicitude that would well become many mothers. She was bound to the family by no other tie than that of friendship, cultured by long association. She was poor, but possessed a strong and well-balanced mind, well stored with a knowl- 1 6 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. edge of the world and its ways. She had taken the place of mother to Mrs. Leland, when she was left an orphan, at an early age, dependent entirely upon the charity of relatives. Her sufferings of mind, during that time, had been related frequently to Mr. Leland, during their married life, and the impression made upon his mind had, no doubt, influenced him, in giving instructions to Ona, and advising her to develop some plan of life, which, should circumstan- ces prove adverse, would place her in a position where she would not be dependent upon the charity of friends. Ona found Aunt Nancy in the nursery, endeavor- ing to put Robie to sleep. She entered, and seat- ing herself quietly at the window, awaited Aunt Nancy's leisure. She soon became lost in contem- plating the beautiful scenery by which the mansion was surrounded, made more beautiful and entranc- ing by the weird circlets of snow, which festooned every bough, and hung in immense wreaths over every projecting rock. She was, at last, aroused from her reverie by Aunt Nancy, who exclaimed, suddenly, "Where have you been, Ona? or where are you going ?" " I have been out upon the lawn watching the snow." "Why are you so sad? Is it the snow, dear?" " No, I love to watch the snow-flakes fall. I feel well, but I am sad because I have nothing to do, I have no other troubles. I am fourteen years old, to-day, and have, as yet, developed no object in life." SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 17 "Nothing to do, child ! when this great world is full of the poor and ignorant, who need your assist- ance, and yet you have nothing to do! You, with all the luxuries of the world, yes, all that wealth can procure, and yet you are unhappy ! " " Yes, Aunt, I am unhappy, because I have noth- ing to do. What is your advice ? shall I get mar- ried ? " " No ! no, child, never get married, that is, not until after I am dead." " Why so, Aunt? " " Because, you can be something more than a mere drudge or showy flower in this life. You have a bright, active and intelligent mind that should be devoted, in youth, to something that will give you fame, wealth and happiness." " Were you ever married, Aunt Nancy?" " Yes, I was, and to my sorrow," and she bent down over the. crib where Robie lay sleeping, to hide the tears which came to her eyes, in spite of all she could do. Is your husband dead?" " No, he is living." " What is his name ? " " Guy Wren." " Guy Wren ! " said Ona to herself. " Yes, Ona, I have been married, and am sorry to say it. If I had known of one-half of the trouble 1 was compelled to endure, I should have remained single, but I did not dream of trouble when I was young, and was only a child when I married Guy Wren, that is, a child in the experiences of the ways 1 I S / //. : .SV ) OS OSA IV 'A LVM1E. of the world," and she bent over the sleeping child again. " Tell me the history of your life, Aunt, it may, perhaps, be a lesson to me." CHAPTER III. MR. LELAND AND THE STRANGER. * v|JEFORE assistance could arrive, at the call of _D the stranger, who had imperfectly called, on account of his own excitement, Mr. Leland had recovered and occupied a chair, looking ghastly pale. The stranger rose from his sear, not fully re- covered from the excitement, and approaching Mr. Leland, said : " My name, Sir, is Hayden Douglas I am sent here by the Anti-Slavery Society of Bos- ton, on important business." " I understand," answered Mr. Leland, motioning him to a seat, at trie same time closing the door, while Hayden drew from his pocket a large roll ol papers which Mr. Leland, who seated himself on the opposite side of the table, received, and appended his name to each paper. But very few words were- exchanged during the operation; Hayden did not wish to ask questions, and Mr. Leland, although anx- ious to know, dared not ask the young man who he was, or where he came from. After Hayden withdrew, Mr. Leland ordered his THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 19 carriage, and was soon on his way to Boston, follow- ing closely his recent visitor. Mr. Leland was unhappy. The stranger had left him with a heart-sickness which he had never be- fore experienced. When contemplating the recent episode, he trembled as men seldom tremble. As he sat in his carriage watching the falling snow, he lived over his past life. He, in imagination, revisited the scenes of his childhood the highlands where he roamed, a happy, good-natured lad ; his mother, father, two brothers and his only sister, the pet of all. Then came his days at school; his early days at Rugby; his happy days and genial companions at Oxford ; the vacation days when he visited his home, accompanied by a gay young English class- mate; the rambles and sports among the heather. Then came sad thoughts, brought about by the pres- ence of Hayden Douglas. Where was that com- panion of his youth ? Moldering in the grave laid there by the hand that had been grasped in friend- ship. The thoughts of that companion sent a chill to his heart. It was now twenty-five years since that time. Yet it now rose up with striking distinctness ; he, with gun in hand, returning from hunting in the mountains, saw his friend, sitting beneath a large tree, pencil in hand, sketching a view of the land- scape. The next moment he stood beside that friend, in the agonies of death. It was only a mo- ment he tarried to staunch the life-blood that was flowing from his breast, made by a ball from the gun in Roderick Leland's hand. Roderick, seeing that his friend was dying, picked 20 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. up his gun, and under cover of the approaching dark- ness, made his way out of the country where he would be recognized. Ere many days he found him- self on a vessel bound for the city of New York. Thus he severed his connection with the land of his birth, for fear of unjust censure for a careless act. He had never communicated with his friends, and had not heard even indirectly from any of them ; while they, believing him to have been murdered by highwaymen, had ceased to search for him. He loved his life, and feeling that he had disgraced him- self and his family by the murder of his friend, re- solved to spend the remainder of his days in seclu- sion in America. He was troubled when thinking of his visitor of the morning. " I know he has Gor- don blood in his veins, and looks the picture of Cyril the day I killed him, but it cannot be he is of that family. No, he is from another branch of the Gor- dons. Hayden Douglas! " he said slowly. " I know the Douglases, but he is not of that family." Thus Roderick Leland mused to himself as he journeyed toward Boston. At dark he stopped at a wayside inn, but his morning visitor had passed on to the next one. Mr. Leland was disappointed when he learned that the young Englishman had passed an hour before his arrival. His slumbers were dis- turbed by seeing his old-time friends pass before him, yet he could not address them. When morn- ing came, he was haggard and worn, as though he had not closed his eyes during the night. Being weary, he did not look over the names on the regis- ter at the hotel. Merely signing his name at the THE SP Y OF OSA WA TOMIE. 2 1 "Oakland House," he withdrew to the room assigned him, ordering his refreshments sent up. The tread of footsteps on the hall did not molest him, neither did the merry voices in an adjoining room disturb him. Could he have raised the curtain which conceals from view those who are near, he would have dis- covered those whom he thought far away; he would have been surprised, had he known who occupied the adjoining room, but he was still, in imagination, far away in Scotland, when kind repose came to his weary eyelids. When he descended to breakfast, there were none at the table whom he knew. Hav- ing finished his meal, he withdrew to the bar-room just as two Englishmen entered the dining-room. They were of the upper class, and showed by their dress and manners that they had spent but a brief time in America. CHAPTER IV. AUNT NANCY'S STORY. * *~V7~ES, the story of my life would be a lesson _1_ for any girl, Ona, but it may be of no use to you, if you have made up your mind to marry." " I do not expect to marry for a long time, and then I want a good man, so please tell me the story 22 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. of your life, and I will glean from it the lesson it contains, and heed your advice." "Well, it is a long story, but sad and true, too sad for a young mind, like yours, to comprehend. I may not tell you all, but sufficient for you to know what I have suffered, both in mind and body. My father and mother were poor, they had a small farm and stock enough to keep them in comfortable circum- stances, and at sixteen I commenced teaching. school for my support. I had been educated at home, and I felt as proud as any young girl could feel, when I came home with the earnings of my first school. I saved nearly every dollar, and during vacation, worked for my clothes. I went on in this way, with- out change, for several years. When I was about twenty-four years old I met Mr. Wren, a singing teacher. He was educated in all the English branches, but expressed a preference for music, and while attending one of his schools, I became ac- quainted with him. He seemed so earnest in his at- tentions to, and in expressing his regard for me, that I felt assured, in my own mind, that he really loved me. I knew nothing of his people, and had been taught to look upon the bright side of life, to judge the faults of others lightly. Generally speaking, if a man has not stolen a horse or murdered a fellow- being, he is a good man. But I am wandering from my story. I do not know as I loved him, as women sometimes do, but I know, I never loved any one else. In course of time we were married. My parents were well pleased and thought I had done remarkably well in being so happily settled. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 23 " Two weeks afterward we went to the farm he had bought, bought with money saved from my teach- ing. I had not seen the place until I went to stay. I was really sick at heart, when I saw the desolate and neglected place. The house, a log one, and small at the best, was open between every log, so that a cat could have jumped through anywhere. No work had been done towards making it comfort- able. I went to work arranging the furniture, which I had purchased with my own money, before we were married. He sat reading the paper while I worked. As the days passed, he did nothing, ex- cept go to see his folks, who lived about a mile from us, and occasionally go to the post-office. Cold weather came, and the house had not been repaired. My early teaching had been, that men should rule and women must obey, and not speak on any busi- ness, unless consulted. But, one day, I ventured to speak, in a hesitating way, about the house needing repairs, and suggested that, if he would procure the lime, I would point and fix it up for winter. Then came a volley of abuse. He was reading, as usual he threw down his paper and began cursing me. I shrank back in fear and crept out that night and cried until I was sick. I ought to have died for being so foolish as to stay longer with him, but I did. His mother scolded me from day to. day. She said, I spent too much time keeping house, I had better be doing something to make my way, and not wait for Guy to have me to support. Two years passed, and if I had not had an abundance of bed clothing, we would have suffered from the cold. I had gone 24 THE SP Y OF OS A W ATOM IE. to work, as his mother had told me to. I served, wove and spun for the neighbors, taking in pay all kinds of provisions and produce, while he sauntered about, playing cards, and not earning a cent. That will give you an idea of my married lite, child. I had married a man simply because he was stylish and had plenty of book-learning." "Were his people good, Aunt Nancy?" "They were not. He was just like his father. The way you bring up a boy, is the way he will always be ; k is the truth. Mind what I tell you. That family expected the women to be slaves, just as any other uncivilized family expects, the same as the Indians do. You know, Ona, that all the prim- itive tribes make slaves of their women. Years passed on and we still lived in the miserable hut. I had two children, a boy and a girl. The boy was two years older than the girl. I had to work to keep them from starving. When the boy was fourteen, we sold our land, and bought a house near the vil- lage. I was better contented. I was further from his folks. I could take in washing, and my boy could run of errands and earn for himself a few dollars. I had still heavier burdens to bear. Wren was of a jealous nature. I never dared sit down at the table with men. If I did, he would surely curse me. He abused me constantly about different men who brought and came for their washing. Abuse had become part of my life. When sickness came, and death took my two children within three weeks, you may be assured I was then sad and miserable. They had been a great support to my aching heart. But THE SPY OF QSAWATOMIE. 25 they were gone. I soon left home, and went to work by the week. We had been married twenty years, and my household goods were all worn out. Not a single article of any kind had been bought for the house. I did not weep at the thought of leaving home. I went to the house where your mother lived, and there I found a good home, and when she mar- ried Mr. Leland I came to live with them." "What became of Mr. Wren?" asked Ona. " I do not know. When I first left him, I left a note telling him I had left and was never coming back, because, during the previous night, he had so abused me that I was afraid to sleep, lest he should murder me during the night. The next morning, after he had gone to town, I left and kept hid, telling your mother and her aunt regarding his cruel treat- ment. Soon after they moved to Boston, and I went with them. I often saw him passing on the street, but he never found me. I have told you my story. What do you think of it?" " I think, aunt, you had more patience and a bet- ter temper than I have. I would have left him the first time he abused me." " That would be the proper course to have pur- sued, but it is all past, and I care not to recall one moment of that life." "What can I do, Aunt Nancy?" said she, at the same time thinking of the conversation between her father and herself that morning, and comparing it with the sayings of Aunt Nancy. " I mean, what can I do that will make me useful and of benefit to others? " 26 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. " I do not know, Ona, what you can do. Y^u must think of this for yourself and see what you cm do, and if you can devise no plan, I will then a:-,-; t you. There is one thing I would suggest. Every woman should learn to cook and attend to ordinary housework at least." Ona went to her room. "I am free to do as I wish. I will begin at once. I must see all the girls in the neighborhood this afternoon." Seating her- self at the desk, she soon had written a note of invi- tation to each one of them, and going to the kitchen, she sent Walter Strawn to deliver them immediately. Ona's home was an elegant mansion, while her village companions lived in log houses or pine cot- tages, yet that made no difference with Ona Leland. She had not been taught to value people by their surroundings, and she had fully determined, since she had listened to her father's instructions, and heard Aunt Nancy's story, to assist in the elevation of her sex. Walter had gone to deliver her messages, and re- pairing to the kitchen, she saicl, " Mary, I wish you would prepare tea for my company, this afternoon, and allow me to assist you." Mary looked up surprised, exclaiming : " You help me? What do you expect to do?" " I wish to learn to cook and become familiar with the manner of doing housework." Mary knew Ona Leland sufficiently well to un- derstand that she was determined to do as she pro- posed. " Do you want to begin now?" asked Mary. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 27 " Yes, if you please," and putting on a neat apron, she went to work in earnest, assisting in the preparation of dinner. She remained in the kitchen until the arrival of her young friends ; then, repair- ing to her room, she arranged herself neatly, to en- tertain her company, eight or ten happy, laughing girls, who were ever anxious to visit Ona, and al- ways happy in her presence. She was so situated as to be able to contribute to the happiness of her associates; her neatly arranged and commodious home being, to them, a pleasure as well as a won- der; their fathers being mechanics and occupying humbler, yet none the less happy, homes. After tea they adjourned to Ona's private room, where they were surprised by her carefully closing and locking the door, retaining the key. CHAPTER V. THE MYSTERIOUS STRANGERS. 'AYDEN DOUGLAS left Cedar Hall a little perplexed at the strange actions of Roderick Leland, but he was so bewildered by the recollection of the soft, blue eyes peeping over the banister, that more serious matter would rest only temporarily in his mind. " I believe I am in love with her," he said to himself. " She is his daughter. I have certainly met him some place, or, at least, 28 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. have heard his name." Thus soliloquized the yourg nobleman as he was hurriedly driven toward Bostoi . He was some two hours in advance of Mr. Le- land. Alighting at a hotel, he entered the reception room, where he found a middle-aged man awaiting him. Their meeting was cordial, Hayden being the first to speak, asking : " Did you find the library?" " Yes, and will have them ready to send off to- night." After supper they repaired to the room which they occupied together. Hayden was soon absorbed in a new story in a late London paper he had just re- ceived, while the older gentleman proceeded to ar- range a number of dusty books which lay upon the carpet. One by one he opened them and noting the name upon the fly-leaf, placed them carefully in boxes, preparatory to shipping them to England. They were a portion of a library belonging to Lord Gershom, and were left to his relatives, the greater part belonging to the gentlemen in whose possession they now were. Lord Gershom was an exile and had spent his last days in Boston, and was laid away in a quiet grave- yard without pompous display, as would have been the case had he died in England. Hayden read some two hours, and then com- menced some of his wild pranks, such as whirling tables and chairs upon one leg, without disturbing their contents, such as books, lamps and brushes, at the same time singing some pathetic love song, ac- centing each syllable clearly and distinctly, while his THE SPY OF OSAWATOM1E. 29 companion worked away, seemingly unconscious of his presence. The sole cause of his unrest being he had nothing else to do. Ten o'clock found Hay- den in bed, his companion still poring over his musty volumes, examining each one, as though he expected to find something that had been lost for ages. Pick- ing up a rusty-looking book, entitled " Scottish Chiefs," he opened it, and starting in glad surprise, he beheld beneath the name of Lord Gershom an- other name. Could his eyes deceive him ? No ! there it was, the name of Roderick Leland, written in a truly Scotch hand. The stranger turned each leaf carefully, but that was all he could find, and turning to it again read that name, Roderick Leland. " He has written that name with his own hand ; but when was it written?" No clue was to be found as to that. " Roderick surely lives, for this book was published since he disappeared. Can it be that he is living ! " said the Englishman, as he again turned to the name. "No, he is not alive, or he" would have returned ere this time. But this name ! Who put it here to tor- ment me ?" When Hayden awoke the next morn- ing he did not observe that his companion had not retired during the night, or was, even now, looking pale and careworn. Had he but spoken one word regarding his meet- ing with Mr. Leland, years of anxious care and ex- pectation would have been avoided to two persons, who had sought each other for years. But he did not mention the scene at the Leland mansion to his companion, yet it was frequently in his thoughts. When they sat down to breakfast, neither was aware 30 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. that the object of his solicitude had just disappeared. After breakfast, Hayden entered the bar-room, but meeting with no familiar face, he started out, with- out a definite idea as to where he was going. Sud- denly he came face to face with the small, smooth- faced man who had persuaded him to join the Anti- Slavery party. This was their first meeting in America. " Captain Brown ! I am glad to meet you," said Hayden, as they cordially grasped hands. " May we be ever seeking the right for our fellow-beings, and to ever instruct each other as we meet from day to day. Let me say, further, Captain Brown, I am ready for any work you have in hand." "Be ready, Douglas, I will call upon you some day, ere many years go by." " Some one is watching us," said Hayden, and they separated, Hayden going on down the street, where he saw Mr. Leland, standing in a group, consisting of members of the Anti-Slavery Society. He could not catch Mr. Leland's eye, for he was too deeply engaged in conversation to observe a pass- ing stranger. Hayden continued his walk down the street, returning in half an hour. As he passed the group of men the second time, he observed that his friend Brown had become a member of the group. He paused sufficiently long to note the topic of con- versation, and sauntering leisurely along until he reached the hall where the society were to assemble. Although the hour was early, many members had already arrived. He looked for his companion, but he had not yet arrived, neither did he arrive with the THE SP Y OP OS A WA TOMIE. 3 1 crowd at the opening of the meeting. Mr. Leland and Capt. Brown entered together. Boston was the birth-place of Abolitionism, and the home of the most earnest workers in the cause. As the members came in, Hayden recognized but few that he had met at previous meetings in New York. A number of ladies were present at this meeting, a peculiarity he had not observed else- where. At the close of the meeting Mr. Leland addressed the audience, complimenting them upon the pres- ence of ladies, and gave a few broad hints favorable to women taking part in their work and doing what they could in assisting to overthrow the institution of slavery, which he regarded as the greatest crime the American people had tolerated. Not slavery of Africans alone, but the slavery of women also. Hayden looked in astonishment at the speaker. A new train of thought, which had never before been presented, took possession of his mind. Women as slaves! He had traveled through the Old World and saw the women bearing heavy bur- dens, but he never once thought that they were compelled to work, while the husbands, fathers and brothers were spending their time in the grog-shops. He had seen the German and English women carry- ing the hod, and hitched, like brutes, to water-sleds. They were women, and if Americans could complain of the treatment their women received, what should England say regarding such treatment among her poorer classes? "It is time some one should wake up to this matter," he said to himself. " We must do 32 TU SPY OP SAW ATOM 11-.. as Mr. Leland had said, 'Educate both sexes, and make them equal in all positions. In that lies all the hope I have of making them free.' " The meeting adjourned for dinner. Hayden found his companion still busily engaged in packing his books. Mr. Leland descended the steps of the rostrum to converse with some of the ladies of the society. Little did he think of the new torch he had lighted by speaking in favor of the freedom of women. Such words were sown on good ground, and took deep root in the minds of many thinking, reasoning men. Yet there were some, both men and women, whose minds were narrow and warped by the con- tamination of previous customs, who scoffed at the remarks. Such persons were neither capable of do- ing nor being anything more than common help or laborers, because they had neither energy nor enter- prise to make an effort tending toward their indi- vidual elevation. Mr. Leland was aware that he had touched tender chords in many minds. Some beat responsive and in unison with his ideas; others the opposite, but he did not waver. Some one had to begin the battle, and he was ready at any time to champion the cause of liberty. Energy was never lacking in any of his undertakings. At dinner he saw Hayden and another English gentleman by his side. He recognized Hayden as the same person who had visited him. A shade of gloom passed over his brow as he noticed Hayden's gaze settle upon himself. He took no particular THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 33 notice of Hayden's companion. He was thinking of the youthful form he had left lying on the green sward twenty-five years ago, as he continued his dinner in silence. CHAPTER VI. PAT UEVILIN. WHILE Mr. Leland and his fair daughter stood watching the falling snow-flakes at Cedar Hall, another scene was being enacted far away across the broad Atlantic, in the city of Dub- lin. Two boys sat in the doorway of a bread shop ; the elder deeply engaged in repairing an old-fash- ioned carpet-sack, while the younger sat, for some time, a silent spectator, finally exclaiming, " Are you going to leave us, Pat?" " Yes, I am, but who told you I was going ?" " I heard you tell those Americans that you were going to leave for the United States some time this week." " Yes, Mike, I am going, but don't say anything about it until I am well out of reach." Pat Devilin, the elder of these two Irish boys, was about seventeen, while the younger was not more than ten years old. They sat in the doorway of their father's shop while he had gone to dinner. Pat was stitching the carpet-sack in which he had stored 34 THE SPY OF OSAIVATOM1E his few articles of clothing, and a supply of bread and cheese for his lunch until he had secured quar- ters on the vessel that was to take him to America. " I am going now, Mike, before father comes back, and remember, don't you tell him where I am until I have had time to cross the channel to Liverpool, and grasping his sack, he held out his hand to his brother saying, " I will send for you before long, so don't fret or tell any one about my going," and joy- fully started away. The boys' father had died when they were young. Their mother had married again, but fortunately, they had a kind and indulgent step-father, who fur- nished Pat with a liberal allowance of spending- money, which he had saved until he had sufficient to pay his passage to the New World. Mike shed a few tears as he watched the receding form of his brother. When his father came he left the door without saying a word. Pat found a light craft almost ready to leave for England, and he en- gaged passage. The Captain had known Pat for years and did not suspect that the lad contemplated leaving Ireland forever, neither did Pat tell him. When ready to leave Liverpool, the Captain searched for Pat, but he was not to be found. Pat had wandered down to the dock as soon as he could leave the Captain unnoticed. There he found an American ship ready to sail for the New World. " The Lone Star," said he to himself, after he had taken passage and was on board. As he gazed in admiration upon the stars ajid stripes floating aloft, he questioned that flag in his mind as it majestically THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 35 floated in the light breeze. " Silken flag ! I wish you could talk, and then you would tell me all I de- sire to know. Did you wave over the people in their strife for freedom ? Are you a comrade of the one in which the brave Count Pulaski's form was wrapped after he had given his life for the liberty and freedom you proclaim ? I have read of your floating over a lone grave on an island in some inland sea. I can- not tell why I love you more than I do the flags of other nations, but I do, my heart beats with rapture and joy on beholding thy bright colors. I, too, may acquire honor and fame in the land, whose freedom thou dost represent." He gazed until his eyes were moist with fast gathering tears, and turning away, he gazed out upon the broad expanse of waters. The ship was plowing through the mighty waste of waters with her weight of human beings from all parts of the world, each seeking the land where free- dom reigns and oppression will soon be unknown. As Pat's thoughts reverted to the scenes of his home life, his heart grew sad. The thoughts of leaving all that was near and dear to him, neither were they dis- pelled when sweet sleep came to his tired eyes, he thought of his mother weeping as she knelt by the side of the cradle containing his baby sister, griev- ing over the conduct of her lost boy, although alive and well, she could think of him only as lost. The next morning Pat felt more cheerful. The sun shone out bright and clear, and Pat thought nothing of last night's troubles as he stepped on deck. There was a charm for Pat about that Amer- ican ship ; everybody was busy ; no idlers were seen 36 THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. among the crew, and he wished within that he was a member of that crew. As he turned his attention to the passengers, he observed a gentleman of about sixty years, who occupied an easy-chair. He saw that the old gentleman eyed him closely. Pat was anxious to know what caused the proud Englishman to devote so much attention to him, a poor Irish lad. He felt uneasy, lest he should prove to be some gen- tleman from Dublin, who would embrace the first opportunity of sending him back to Ireland. So he shied around and kept away from the old gentleman. The next day, as Pat was perusing an old Amer- ican newspaper, he was surprised, on looking up, to behold the same gentleman near and watching him as closely as he had done on the preceding day. "Can you read, my lad?" asked he, in a kind and friendly tone, drawing near. "Yes, sir; I am reading an American paper which a passenger loaned me." " Where are you from, my lad?" " I am from Dublin, sir." * " Are you going to remain in America?" "Yes, sir." " Going there to make a great name for yourself? " " I hope so, sir," said Pat. But little did he think that there was a work to be accomplished in that New World in which he would take an active part, and in so doing, enscribe his name high upon the Temple of Fame. "How long shall you remain in America?" con- tinued the old gentleman. "Always, sir; I am never going back to Ireland." THE SPY Of OSAWATOMIE. 37 Are your parents living?" " My mother is, sir. My father was drowned at sea/' " What is your name ? " "Devilin, sir: Pat Devilin." " Devilin ! What was your mother's name ? " " My mother's name, sir, was Lena Burns." " Lena Burns ! " gasped the old man. " Is she liv- ing in Dublin? " " Yes, sir, I left her on Monday last." "I knew you, Pat, when I first saw you. You have found a friend, Pat Devilin," said the man, coming near to Pat. "Your mother, Pat, is my daughter." CHAPTER VII. THE INDEPENDENT BAND. WHEN the girls found themselves locked in Ona's room, they looked at Ona in sur- prise, then looked at each other. What, thought they, is to be done ? Some trick of Ona's, some sleight #f hand performance, was the object of their playmate's fastening them in. She being the cknowledged leaderjn all their sports, Ona was the first to speak. " Girls, be seated, please. I have a new game, a play we have never yet learned." Each miss seated herself with surprise and expectation de- picted upon her countenance. 38 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. Ona felt embarrassed, but she remained standing and addressed her hearers in a low, sweet, serious voice, saying : " Girls, I am fourteen years old to- day, many of you are about the same age. I want to tell you, that this morning I formed new resolu- tions and partly developed new plans by which my after life is to be governed, and I earnestly desire your co-operation. I have called it a ' new play ' for the purpose of enlisting your attention more thor- oughly, yet it will have its bearing upon our whole lives. First, I am determined to acquaint myself with several useful trades, and in so doing, endeavor to elevate myself above the station generally al- lotted to woman. Will you join me in the under- taking?" " My gracious ! What can we do ?" exclaimed Lillie Brooks. " You can accomplish anything you earnestly un- dertake, as for me, I shall learn to cook, make watches, clocks, and such articles," said Ona. "You work? indeed, Ona Leland?" laughed Lil- lie Brooks. " Yes, I don't expect that my father will live al- ways, and if he should lose his property, what should I do in my present circumstances regarding a knowl- edge of work. It is true, I could teach school, but why not do something I like better and make more money ?" " You must be going crazy, Ona ?" said Sallie Strawn, and all joined in a hearty laugh at the ab- surdity of the idea of her being crazy. Ona smiled at their sport. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 39 " I will do what I can," said Lillie Brooks, "but I do not know what to do first." " What does your father do?" asked Ona. " He makes brooms." " Then that would be a good place for you for a while." " Me make brooms? Who ever heard of a woman making brooms ?" " What do you do at home ?" " I milk the cows, churn, help do the washing and cooking, and ever so much." " Did you ever assist your father in the shop ?" " Yes, indeed, several times." " Is it hard work ?" " No, not very." " As hard as churning and washing ?" "No, no, not half so hard." " Why then could women not work at such work." "O ! It would look so odd, that's all." " But don't you suppose the first lady teacher seemed odd, as she took her place ? I think she did. Then is there any reason we should wait for some- one to begin this work?" " You are right, Ona," answered a number of the girls at the same time. " How many of you will be ready to join me in this work ? Are there any ?" " Yes," said some half-dozen, " I will, if my mother will let me." " I will attend to that part, if you will only set your hearts entirely upon trying to be something more than drones and drudges," continued Ona. 40 7// SPY OF OSAIVATOMIE. " Now I will take your names and the calling or oc- cupation you prefer, if you wish me to assist you," said she, producing pen and paper. " I shall sign first, then you who wish to sign, can do so, I will fill out the preamble to-night, as it is growing late," and so saying, she signed her name with " Baking, Watch- making and Repairing " appended as her chosen trades. Soon each one in the room had chosen a calling, and their names added to Ona Leland's on the little page. " Now, what can we do, Ona, about finding situa- tions, so we can learn the trades we have chosen?" asked some. " I will attend to that if you desire me to do so, I will secure a place for you to serve your apprentice- ship in, myself with the rest. Now let me say, you must be as still as ' mice in the meat-chest.' Do not whisper one word, even to your own folks, keep all your business to yourselves, and you will prosper better in all your undertakings. I can talk to your parents with better prospects of success than you can, and if any one opposes, I can, I think, easily overcome their opposition." Thus ended the first meeting of the " Independent Band." THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. CHAPTER VIII. THE MYSTERIOUS STRANGERS AGAIN. HAYDEN and his companion sat side by side, but the old gentleman did not observe the one at the opposite end of the table, but sat with his head bowed down. A shadow was upon his countenance. He had spent a sleepless night over the book which contained Leland's name. Mr. Leland was the first to leave the table, as he left the room the mail was carried in. A letter was handed to the old gentleman; breaking the seal he read it carefully two or three times. " Is it from Theo. ?" asked Hayden. " Yes, it is from Theodocia, I must go soon. I shall leave this afternoon." " Why so soon? Can you not defer your journey and attend the meeting this afternoon ?" "No, Hayden, I cannot break my promise to Theo- docia." " I do not ask you to break your promise, Sir Charles, but I would like for you to attend this meet- ing, if you can possibly do so. I know how deeply you are interested in Theo.'s welfare, and realize fully the comfort your presence would convey to her mind. Could I feel that my presence would con- tribute to her welfare, however small the degree, I should forego any other engagement in order to ac- company you to her bed-side. Be the bearer to her 42 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. of my most kindly regards and sympathy. Good- bye." Thus the two friends parted, one to wend his way back to England, where a weak, worn and weary woman waited to bask once more in the sunshine of his smile, and again listen to his cheerful, kindly voice which had often, in times past, dictated words of advice and wisdom. The other watched the coach conveying his friend until it was lost to view, and mechanically wended his way to the hall where the society assembled, but it had lost, for the time, its interest. His thoughts were away in Merrie England, or following his de- parted friend. Hayden remained in Boston two days, when he proceeded to Washington, where he intended to pass the Winter. In that year occurred one of the most important events that had ever been recorded in the history of the world. The introduction of the electric tel- egraph, the construction of which created an excite- ment which called together people of all nations and climes, who assembled at Baltimore and Washing- ton, making those cities all aglow with life, vivacity and intelligence. Hayden had traveled over the greater portion of the Eastern and Southern States, gathering up the political views and observing the general customs of the people. From these observations he had drawn his own conclusions. The striking contrast pre- sented to his rnind by the customs and habits of the different sections, were indelibly impressed upon his THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. 43 mind. In the one, each man followed earnestly some avocation in life; the population was active, energetic, industrious and intelligent. In the other section, where idleness prevailed, there was little energy manifested, and intelligence was the excep- tion instead of the rule. The people were indolent, slow in movements, languid in the expression of their countenances; both mind and body in a dor- mant condition. Being of a joyous, happy temper- ament, Hayden's ideas assimilated more readily with those of the people of the East than with those of the South. Yet he admitted with the candor be- coming a gentleman, that the natural acquirements of many of the Southern people were of a superior quality, and when the energies were called into play to develop the mind, success crowned the effort, producing many bright lights in the world of lit- erature, science and politics. The three political organizations had caused con- siderable excitement this year in Washington City. The Anti-Slavery had for the first time appeared as a distinct party, and put a candidate for President in nomination. With this party Hayden Douglas be- came identified. He liked their precepts and their energy. Although an alien, he loved the Americans and their ways far better than he did his own early companions and their principles. He saw intelli- gence in every household in the New England States, and women were not slaves. They sat at the ihead of the table, and conversed freely on topics religious, scientific, political, and, in fact, any subject of conversation was readily handled by them as well 44 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. as by men, and with the fluency and ease of the nobil- ity of his own country. Free speech is allowed, and why should not woman be free to express her opin- ion upon current questions commensurate with her intelligence? One day, as he and an English friend were walk- ing down the avenue, he remarked to that friend af- ter this manner : " We English will learn from the Americans, in fact, we can not help it. If we asso- ciate with them, their principles of liberty and free- dom will fasten upon us. We may not immediately recognize the change; possibly not until we again mingle with our own countrymen at home. Then our minds will revert to scenes and incidents in America, and the habits and manners of American people will rise up before the eyes of our minds, and in comparing them with those at home, we will be compelled to decide in favor of American principles, as tending to harmony, arrangement and general beauty. Notice, for instance, the deference shown here to women ; no matter what the habiliments may be, whether plain calico or royal purple and er- mine, and observe further, the effect of such univer- sal equality upon the women themselves. All classes are courteous, kind and seemingly happy, a cheerful smile ever plays upon their countenances ; not to the detriment of regality. No ! No ! the same indepen- dent expression is behind that smile, and through it gleams with more beauty. I tell you, that right here in America is where the grand thought was con- ceived and will be fully developed, declaring woman to be the equal of man in everything." THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 45 Hay den Douglas was of an impulsive nature, an enthusiast in everything in which he became inter- ested. Endowed with finer feelings than the major- ity of men, he grasped readily the finer points of every thought; the heavy and more burdensome was left for those of a more argumentative turn of mind. While others were laying the solid foundation stones, he \vas reveling among the frescoes of the super- structure. Leisure hours were spent in cultivating the nr.ise, and frequently fine sentiments would flow from his pen. Gifted and schooled in social eti- quette, he enjoyed the society of the Americans, and still further resembling them in his restlessness of disposition, he felt at ease in their midst. When the entertaining season opened, none entered upon its pleasures and enjoyments more readily than did Hay- den Douglas. One day, at dinner, he received a letter; he broke the seal and read the few lines which it contained. It was written in a feminine hand. After reading it a number of times, the pallor heightening in his face at each reading, he withdrew to his room where he threw himself upon the bed and gave way to sobs and tears, as he contemplated the sad news. He was thus thinking and grieving over his sadness, when some one approached his door and rapped gently. Hurriedly arranging his collar and brushing his hair, he prepared to answer the summons. 46 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. CHAPTER IX. ONA'S SUCCESS. WE next find Ona Leland sitting near the large oven in a baker's shop. She remained si- lent for some moments, her mind reviewing the past, not of her own life, but of that of her an- cestors, of which she felt more than an ordinary de- gree of pride. Yes, she was proud that the crim- son blood which coursed through her veins was tinged with the pure Scottish blue blood of the Clanronald family who fought under Charles Ed- ward on the fatal field of Culloden. Ona Leland was a Macdonald in her bold determined manner. Her father's mother was a sister of the brave Mar- shal Macdonald of Bonapart's army, who, when he had merited the displeasure of the Great Soldier, through his defense of Moreau, the " Hero of Hoh- enlinden," was relieved of his command, but through the necessities of war was reinstated and retrieved the smiles of his chief, and at the same time won his Marshal's baton for invincibility and stubborn fight- ing at Wagram, where he broke the enemy's center and carried the tri-color of France triumphant to the opposing camp. Ona had imbibed his spirit and de- termination. She was bold, daring and firm, fully determined to overcome every obstacle that tended to hinder her progress. Flattery was a poison drop in her cup; open, candid and outspoken, she praised THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 47 wherever praise was due, she censured where blame belonged ; ever endeavoring to inculcate into the minds of her young friends the same power to dis- tinguish right from wrong and as readily choose be- tween them. Her thoughts had wondered to her illustrious an- cestors ; she had reviewed their actions with pleasure to herself when her reverie was disturbed and the object of her mission brought to her mind by the entrance of Mrs. Jones, the proprietor of the shop, to whom she spoke, saying : " Mrs. Jones would you like an apprentice for two or three months?" " I don't know, we have tried two boys and they were worthless, and I told Mr. Jones we would never try any more." "Would you take two good, industrious girls?" " I don't know. How old are they ?" " Fourteen years old." " Who are they ? Do they live near ?" " Yes, they live near the village. I am one and Ida Brown is the other?" " Well, I do declare ! You learn to cook, Miss Ona ? You cooking with those little white hands ? What can you be thinking about ?" " I desire to learn to cook and do general house- work, I may be compelled to do so some time, and if I learn now, I shall be prepared when circum- stances require it." "Well! Well! Will wonders never cease? The idea ! You compelled to cook, as rich as your father is. Why, I am surprised ! Roderick Leland's daugh- ter learning to cook ?" 48 THE SPY OF OS All' ATOM IE. "Mrs. Jones, I am no better by nature than you are, and perhaps not as good by practice. I know I am not in cooking, for I know nothing about it." " Well, if you are determined to learn, come on when you get ready and I will teach you and Ida Brown all I can." " We will come next Monday morning," and Ona turned her steps toward the broom-factory of Mr. Brooks, to intercede for his daughter Lillie. After talking an hour in a persuasiv.e manner, she convinced Mr. Brooks that she was taking the proper course. " Three out of eleven provided for," said she, thinking herself fortunate. The tailor, watch-maker and dry-goods merchants were each visited, and the proprietors seemed greatly surprised to find young girls applying for such posi- tions. Had they made application in person, they would not have been so fortunate, perhaps. But Ona, being rich and independent, had considerable to do with the favorable view taken of her applica- tions in behalf of her young friends. She had to find places for but two more. She accordingly called on Mr. Black, a dry-goods mer- chant, who welcomed her obsequiously, by saying: " How do you do, Miss Leland ? I am happy to see you this mornin'g. I am always pleased to have the ladies call, and more especially you. I* could not keep store if the ladies were as hard to please as the men are. I was saying to Mrs. Black last night that this would not be a hard world if men were as good- natured as women. What do you think about the women and negroes voting, Miss Ona?" at the same THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 49 time patting her familiarly on the shoulder, " Do you think they will some time?" I" I do not know," she replied, stiffly. " Well, I would like to see you at the polls voting. Really I would, Miss Ona." At length Ona found opportunity to state her errand. Mr. Black turned pale and red by turns, and finally found courage to express his opinion. " Really, I do not need any one at present, except on Saturdays, and then Mr. Briggs, the teacher, as- sists me. He is a young man and very anxious to accumulate money with hard labor; he is a good clerk. I pay him one dollar and a half a day." " But, Mr. Black, those two girls could do a great amount of work in one day without costing you any- thing, except a little trouble in instructing them." " It does seem to me that women are growing bolder and more presumptuous every day.- I do not think it becoming for women to seek or occupy posi- tions outside of their calling. Such actions, on their part, unless prevented, will bring our country into disgrace." " Mr. Black, is it any more debasing for women to clerk in business houses than it is for the wives of some merchants to chop wood?" asked Ona, the Macdonald fire of her nature rising to its full height, s she administered this gentle reminder to Mr. Black of his home affairs, and hastily bidding the old flatterer adieu, she called at Mr. Crowell's store. He was of a different character slow to speak, and reserved in manner toward strangers. He met and ddressed her in a kindly tone as she entered, 3 50 THE SPY OF OSAll'ATOMIE. * Her interview with Mr. Black had excited her somewhat, but Mr. Crowell's kind tone and gentle manner reassured her, and she soon made known her errand. Said he, in reply : " Yes, I will take two appren- tices, and be glad to get them, besides I will agree to do a good part by them." Pleased with her success, she hurried home to make known her plans and partial success to Aunt Nancy, not forgetting to report her interview with Mr. Black. " I am not surprised to hear of Mr. Black's talking as he did. He is just like his sister, Mrs. Dr. Harris, who, it is generally adaiitted, is the meanest woman in the neighborhood. I have known the Black fam- ily a long time, and have yet to learn that they pos- sess any redeeming quality." " Why, I thought they were good people," said Ona. "No, they are not, and it is well for your friends that he refused to take them, and let me say more, you and your young friends will be vilified and slan- dered unmercifully by Mrs. Harris for this step you have taken. It matters not what any person does that brings them before the public, even in the re- motest way, Mrs. Harris is sure to find something to condemn in their action, and if she can find no good open ground, she is sure to manufacture something especially for the occasion. If you do not hear from her, I am wonderfully mistaken." Ona, in deep meditation, withdrew to her room. As she was laying aside her wraps, she thought of THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. 5 1 er promise to assist Mary, the cook, in preparing supper. While thus engaged, she was called to the hall, where she met Walter Strawn, a young man who was in her father's employ. " What do you wish, Walter?" " I have a present for you, Miss Ona. Please step to the door." Following him to the door, she beheld on the lawn a beautiful sleigh. "This sleigh is for you, Miss Ona. I made it during leisure hours, and secured the trimmings of Mr. Smith, byassisting him gather corn, on pleas- ant nights, last fall." " I thank you kindly, Walter, for the beautiful present, and I assure you I shall prize it highly as an evidence of your industry. I see I shall need an outfit of cushions for my sleigh, and I authorize you to procure them. Here is twenty dollars; what- ever sum is left, you can devote to your own use. I feel confident that you will use it properly." Walter accepted the money with many thanks, and in a brief time procured the necessary upholstering for the sleigh. During the afternoon, Ona had the horse hitched to the sleigh, and accompanied by Aunt Nancy and Robie, with Walter for driver, called on the parents of the girls who had chosen to become clerks in the various shops. She found some of the parents opposed to the scheme, and in order to accomplish her purpose, she was obliged to pay them certain sums per week out of her personal funds. Aunt Nancy and Robie remained in the 52 THE SPY Of OSAWATOMIE. sleigh until they came to the last house. It was the home of Walter Strawn, where Sallie, his only sister, lived with his feeble mother and three small boys. Sallie was a favorite of Ona's, and they were fre- quently together. The dwelling was of logs, stand- ing on some unimproved land belonging to Mr. Le- land. No carpet covered the slab-floor, and only a rude fireplace gave them warmth. On the bed, in one corner, lay Mrs. Strawn, pale and emaciated. Ona soon made the object of her visit known. "No, Ona, Sallie cannot go. I am not able to do the work, besides she has no suitable clothes." Ona glanced toward Sallie, who was standing at the window, weeping silently. Then turning to Walter, asked in a low tone, "What can we do?" "I do not know. I would like to have S.illie go, but you can see from our surroundings that \ve are not able to hire any one to assist mother if she goes away, and it is too far for her to go and return each day." "Can we not rent a house in the village so Sallie can board at home and attend to her duties in the store?" " Yes, if we had the means to spare," said Mrs. Strawn. " Walter has sufficient to pay the rent a month or two. After that we can make some arrangement that will prove satisfactory. So cheer up, Sallie ; all is for the best." The next morning Ona and Walter drove to the village. Walter was sent on a tour of inspection and inquiry, from which he soon returned, saying : " \ THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 53 find but one vacant house. It is a large one with five rooms." "That is not very large. Let us drive around and see it." After an examination, Ona said: "This is the very house. How much rent do they ask?" "Three dollars a month, cash down." " Here is the money; go and secure it while I see if I can find some one to clean it." Walter went out, and Ona passed down the steps leading to the alley where Mrs. Fox, the washer- woman lived, who received her with the exclamation : "Goodness sakes ! where under the sun did you come from? Are you lost, Miss Ona?" " No, Mrs. Fox, I came to see if I can employ you to clean this house near yours, so Mrs. Strawn can occupy it." " Of course I will clean it, and not charge a cent for the work. I am so glad Mrs. Strawn is coming back to her old home, for this once belonged to Mr. Strawn, as did the whole village, but he got sick, and soon he had to sell all he owned." " Did he own and lay out this village," asked Ona. "Yes, my child, he did, and it makes me mad to see some folks living in style, while Mrs. Strawn is so poor." Ona felt a greater anxiety than ever about the family since she had learned that they had once known better days. " I will send Walter over this afternoon with a cooking stove and he can assist you, so that you can finish the work to-day." 54 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE, As she was about to leave, she saw a woman hur- rying towards where she and Mrs. Fox were stand- ing. " That," said Mrs. Fox in an under tone, " is Mrs. Harris, she is out on some slandering expedition, I know, for she is unusually excited over something." As Ona departed, the Doctor's wife entered say- ing, " Good morning, Mrs. Fox, you had an early visitor this morning, was it that Leland huzzy ?" Ona's cheeks burned with vexation as she heard the remark of the Doctor's wife, and she felt inclined to return and defend herself against the unjust as- persion which she felt would follow the introductory remark of the Doctor's wife. CHAPTER X. HAYDEN IN TROUBLE. JTAYDEN DOUGLAS opened the door and was .1 1_ surprised at beholding an acquaintance in the person of Arthur Holmes. " I have found you at last, Mr. Douglas, but why are you so pale? Are you sick?" " No, I am not really sick, yet I am suffering some- what from indisposition, induced beyond doubt by a severe headache." Arthur Holmes was of English parentage, born in America, and as regards his habits, manners and sym- THE SP Y OF OSA WA TOMIE. 5 5 p:ithy, he was wholly American. Hayden had been prepossessed in his favor at their first meeting, and as the acquaintance grew, he had learned to depend upon him for favors, which he would otherwise have been compelled to forego. "No doubt you have a headache, I should, were I compelled to stay in this place, and my object in calling upon you at this time is to cordially invite you to make your home with me. I need not tell you that my father's house is commodious, and I am earnestly seconded by him in extending this invita- tion to you." " I am at a loss for words to express my apprecia- tion of your kind invitation. I have more than once felt a repugnance when contemplating my surround- ings at the hotels. I long for the comforts of home life. I hope you will not deem me inconsiderate in thus readily accepting your kind offer." "Thank you, you are doing our house an honor, and I hope, under our home administration, to see the rose's bloom soon again upon your cheeks." Even with bright anticipations of congenial sur- roundings and associates, the gloom cast upon Hay- den's brow by the reading of that letter would not be dispelled. Arthur watched him closely, to ascer- tain, if possible, the cause of his melancholy. Dur- ing their conversation one day, Hayden voluntarily communicated to Arthur the cause of his sorrow, his history from childhood to the present time, conclud- ing with this remark : " To you alone have I com- municated all that I know regarding my own history, and you can readily imagine, when contemplating it, 56 THE SPy OF OSAWATOtflti. that my gloomy spells are not mere delusions, but are based upon grounds sufficiently strong to cause me to appear sad and dejected at times." When we have sad thoughts and brood over them, we are apt to be depressed in appearance, but when we meet one whom we can trust, and converse freely regarding our troubles, our minds are sensibly re- lieved of their burdens. Thus it was with Hayden, from the day he recited his troubles and grievances to Arthur, he appeared more cheerful than he had been for months. He mingled with cheerful com- pany and became a regular attendant of all the fash- ionable parties and entertainments with which Wash- ington is replete. None became so popular with both sexes as Mr. Douglas. From among the many fair ones that graced Washington with their presence, none were fairer and more attractive than Lillie Calhoun. By an af- finity unexplicable, these two young persons had sought each other's society. The devoted attention of Hayden was kindly appreciated by Miss Calhoun, and his ardent words, as he expressed his heart- utterances, met with a reciprocity of feeling on her part. We pass over the various entertainments dur- ing that unusually gay winter, until the last, which was designed with an elaborateness that far surpassed anything that had preceded it. The invitations were out, and the stately mansion of the Arnolds was resplendent with light, and rare flowers decorated the rooms. Caterers from New York and Philadelphia vied with each other in the costly and symmetrical table ornaments. Special mes- THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 57 sengers were in attendance from the tropics, bearing the richest fruits and choicest viands. The grand, the elite, the bon-ton of Washington were to meet for the last time during the season. Many who had actually surfeited of amusements, felt the early fer- vor coursing through their veins and were preparing to grace the stately halls with their presence. Guests began to arrive at an early hour. Among the first were General Haynes and his family, of At- lanta, Georgia. Their entrance created a sensation among the guests already assembled, as they took their places in the elegantly furnished parlors. Ava Haynes, the oldest daughter, was a warm friend of Lillie Calhoun, whom she soon sought out and led quickly into the conservatory. Ava was very beautiful and had, until Lillie came, reigned as the belle of the city, but she manifested no displeasure toward the sweet Southern beauty who had superseded her, but rather more earnestly sought her friendship. She was not of the true, pure, con- fiding nature of Lillie. She had, in the early season, become acquainted and flirted with Hayden, and was charmed with the young Englishman. She felt vexed when she saw that his most earnest attentions were bestowed upon Lillie. Her deportment toward either manifested no pique, and she chose Arthur Holmes as her most intimate friend. While she, to all appearance, was infatuated with the attentions of Arthur, she harbored away down, deep in her heart the determination that she would not surrender the effort to win the attentions of Mr. Douglas. As she and Lillie passed through the hall, she 5 8 THE SP Y OF OSA IV A TOMIE. glanced quickly into each apartment to discover if either Hayden or Arthur were present. Not seeing them, she felt relieved, and began the conversation by saying: " Lillie, you are looking better by far to-night than I ever saw you. You are grand ; you are su- perb, and I am really sorry to be compelled, by a sense of duty, to speak upon a subject that, no doubt, \viil cause you to feel sad." " Ava, do not keep me in suspense. I cannot imagine what your remarks may be, but if they are 'prompted by a sense of duty,' I humbly bow to the shrine of that duty." " I hope you will not censure me. My object in calling you aside, is to convey to your mind the fact that certain reports derogatory to the social standing of Mr. Douglas are current, and as a friend I thought it best to advise you, that you may no longer com- promise yourself by associating with him." " I can not be other than surprised at the asser- tion you have just made, Ava. I have known Mr. Douglas and have associated with him, to a greater or less extent, more than others, and have yet to experience the fact that his deportment has been other than that of a gentleman. You must be more explicit in your accusations, otherwise I can not give them credence." " My information, dear Lillie, does not affect his deportment. It refers more directly to his social standing. It is his parentage." "O, indeed! Were his parents poor?" " No, not that. It is rumored that his genealog- THE SPY OF OSAIVATOMIE. 59 ical record is not legally traceable. In fact that he is a son of the erratic Lord Byron, whom he wonder- fully resembles, and I believe it is true." A wild light gleamed from the eyes of Lillie Cal- houn. A pallor overspread her face as she reeled, and would have fallen to the floor, had not a strong arm been thrown around her. Hayden was ap- proaching, and heard the last words, " it is true," when he noticed the reeling girl, and sprang for- ward in time to receive her in his arms ere she fell- He held her a moment, himself almost unconscious. As suspended animation resumed its office, and she fully realized her surroundings, the quickly-re- turning blood mantling her cheeks, she stepped back, rejecting his kindly-offered assistance, ex- claiming : " Can such be true ! Am I to be thus cruelly robbed of all budding joy and anticipated happi- ness ! " Although Hayden felt that he was in some man- ner connected with the statement of Ava which had affected Lillie so strangely, yet he desired to learn from her own lips the cause of her perturbation. Therefore he followed Lillie, she not being cogni- zant of his presence until he addressed her as she stood in the brilliantly-lighted hall, asking : " Why, Mjss Lillie, are we to be thus suddenly deprived of your company?" She turned quickly, and recognizing him, said: " I wish yo'u would order my carriage, Mr. Doug- las. I desire to return home. My indisposition is so great that I cannot longer remain." 60 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. Hayden offered her his arm. and leading her to one of the many beautiful parlors, saw her comfortably seated and departed on his mission. Soon Lillie passed from the house escorted by Hayden. By the sparkling gas jets Ava Haynes saw him assist her to enter her carriage, himself fol- lowing. Ava felt annoyed at the prospect of losing Mr. Douglas, as she had planned to dispose of Lillie only, hoping then to secure Mr. Douglas for herself. But being disappointed, she endeavored to forget Douglas, and to all appearance was quite happy when she found Arthur Holmes by her side. As they sauntered leisurely from the crowd, Arthur said quietly, " What has become of Miss Calhoun and Mr. Douglas ? Have they spirited themselves away, hoping to bask in scenes more celestial?" " Lillie was suddenly attacked with a sick head- ache, from which she suffers so much annoyance, dear girl, and Mr. Douglas, feeling troubled on her account and for her safety, has accompanied her to her father's residence." Ava knew that she was telling an untruth, she knew that Lillie Calhoun was heartsick, made so by the cruelly false insinuations conceived in her own malicious brain and uttered by her own perfidious lips. She knew that her own despicable mind had evolved the poisonous words which went like viper tongues to the heart of the gentle and loving girl. Hayden on the journey home spoke but few words to Lillie, which she answered in sad, dejected tones. As he assisted her to alight from the carriage, he said, " Now, Miss Lillie, before we part, please tell THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 61 me what has so wounded your feelings and placed such a seeming barrier between us?" " I cannot," Mr. Douglas, it would be useless for me to repeat what I have heard. It is enough foi me to bear it, without inflicting pain upon you by reiterating. Allow me to bid you good-night." She was gone. Hayden wended his way to the residence of Mr. Holmes, entering his own room, he threw himself into a chair, his mind tormented with conflicting thoughts, his heart beating rapidly in un- certainty. He attempted to review the past, but his excited and bewildered mind could fix itself on nothing definitely, further than his anxiety to fathom the reason of the sudden withdrawal of considera- tion for him on the part of Miss Lillie. Said he "she has learned, from some source, my past history, no doubt and with additions ad fur it it in." Thus cogi- tating he fell asleep, and was aroused only by the entrance of Arthur, who jokingly said : " You, too, are sick, old boy, I suppose because Miss Lillie experienced so sudden an attack of head- ache ?" " No, I am not sick," said Hayden, "but I am in receipt of bad news, is what causes my apparent de- pression." " I will not, to-night, inquire the particulars of your sad news, for I am too sleepy. I will hear it in the morning, at which time I can sympathize with you as fully as now, when I am tired." Thus speaking, the light-hearted youth withdrew md was soon asleep in an adjoining room. 62 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. CHAPTER XI. THE SLANDERER. S. HARRIS ! Why should you speak so harshly of one who never did any harm to any one and is trying to do all the good she can ?" said Mrs. Fox. " I don't think she is doing any good, just think of what she was adoing yesterday morning, agoing all over town begging of men to take those green coun- try girls and teach them to be ladies. * Why, Mrs. Fox, I cried last night until I was almost sick, just athinking of these innocent girls being ruined." " Mrs. Harris, I think they will do very well. They go into the shops and stores by twos, and what harm caft come of their learning some trade?" " They will make harm of it, and one thing I want to know, who will there be to do our work in the kitchen, if those low-down girls try to come up with us ? I don't intend they shall ever associate with my girls." " Mrs. Harris ! I have to work hard, yet I am well pleased to hear of these girls having easy lives planned out for them, and I am glad that Strawn, if it is a small village, has one brave, intelligent girl in the person of Ona Leland." " You may think she is something above the aver- age, but I don't, and I told brother if he had taken in those girls, I should have disowned him." THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 63 Mrs. Fox did not indulge in gossiping, neither ciiil she uphold tiio.se who did so, but when Mrs. Harris introduced her brother, Mr. Black, and inferentially held him up as a paragon of perfection, she could not repress her indignation, and addressing Mrs. Har- ris, said : " If your brother never does a greater wrong than assisting those girls, he will be sure of a seat in Heaven, and if he would cut more wood and feed- the hogs at home, perhaps his own wife would be a happier woman." " Mrs. Fox, you know that my brother's wife is nothing more than a crazy old woman, and she is fit only for a drudge." " She may be crazy now, Mrs. Harris, but she was not when she was a girl at school. I knew her well, and have often spoken of the smart girl Mr. Black got for a wife when he married Ella Carmean." " You may think so, but I don't," said she, as she hastened away, to the great pleasure of Mrs. Fox, who well knew that Mrs. Harris was anxious to have some one join with her in abusing her neighbors, es- pecially the women. When she left Mrs. Fox, her temper was at its ex- treme height. She could not bear to be crossed in the least thing she undertook in defaming any one, and the only wonder is, that she did not include Mrs. r ox in her category of those deserving abuse for the >old stand she had taken in defense of the girls. >he knew of one person who would sympathize with ler, it was her brother. She accordingly wended her way to his place of business, there to give full vent to her vituperations. 64 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. CHAPTER XII. PAT DEVILIN'S NEW HOME. VJC^/AT'S new found friend and grandfather was an JL Englishman, known as Sir Richard Burns. His daughter, Lena, had married against his wishes and he had disinherited and disowned her. She had gone with her husband to Ireland, and her relatives ceased to hear from her; they supposed sin was dead. Her father's heart softened toward her when she had gone, and he inwardly and silently grieved and blamed himself for his hasty and incon- siderate action, yet he would not publicly put forth an effort to find her, being governed in such matters by a false family pride. Feeling assured that Pat was really a son of his long-lost Lena, he felt proud of him, and often found himself gazing unconsciously into the face of the noble-looking lad. In his features he could trace the lineaments of the lad's mother, his own proud daughter. From the boy's eye flashed the same determined look that he beheld in the expression of his mother, when she chose between wealth and sta- tion and the man whom she worshiped with a wealth of love gold could not buy, although he was pecu- niarly poor. Pat, on the other hand, did not feel elated at the prospect of being tied to his wealthy relative. He had started out to make a stir upon the busy stage of life alone. His plans were not matured, but he THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 65 felt since he learned that he was to be the especial charge of his grandfather, that he had not in reality gained the freedom for which he had so ardently longed. As days rolled on, Sir Richard became more ar- dently attached to his grand-son. Pat found his feel- ings changing toward the kind old gentleman. Sir Richard spared no effort to make Pat happy and com- fortable, and soon after they landed in New York, Pat was wonderfully surprised on being conducted to one of the largest and finest dwellings in the street where his grandfather resided. " Pat," said Sir Richard, " this is my home, and I want it to be yours." " Thank you, grandpa, I will stay with you until I find employment. I promised Mike I would send him some money as soon as I could earn it, so he, too, could come to America when he is a little older." " I will furnish you all the money you may need for yourself, besides allowing you to send some to Mike all in good time." Pat expressed himself as well pleased at the kindly offer of his grandfather, as well as with his luxurious surroundings. Yet, with all its grandeur, it was not his own quiet, happy home in Dublin, where his sad- faced mother was thinking of her boy who had wan- dered far to distant lands; where his brother Mike, as he found himself alone, would drop a tear as he thought of Pat, so far away; where little Mary was looking anxiously from the window for his return, expecting some new toy each da}'. When Pat would think of those at home, the tears would voluntarily 5 66 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. chase each other down his cheeks, until he would arouse himself by saying: "Never mind, boy, the time will come when you can send for them to come to happy, free America, and then all will be well." One day, after his grandfather had called him to his library, he said : " My good lad, here is some money to send to Mike. Tell him I sent it with my kindest regards." Pat stood a moment in silence, and then, in a fal- tering voice, said : " May I send some of it to sister Mary? She will be disappointed if I do not send her something as well as Mike." " Pat, girls should not expect to get money as a present. They have no use for it, and it is not cus- tomary to consider them the equal of boys, or to treat them as well." "I know it is not customary to treat them so, grandfather, but custom does not make it right. I shall never treat my mother or sister in any such way. They are as good as Mike or myself, and de- serve equally good, if not better treatment. And more, I will leave any country whose customs are like those of England, in that respect. That is why I am in America to-day. I admire their laws, and love the freedom which their customs give." " What do you know of America ?" "What I have read and heard from Americans who visited Ireland." " Do you think you shall like it on account of the respect shown to women ? Are you in sympathy with the idea that women should enjoy the same rights that men have in public affairs and in inherit- ing property ?" THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 67 " Ye;, sir, I would like to see a general law pass d which would make my mother and sister my equal." " Pat, what has turned your head on that subject ?" " It is not turned, sir, I have always believed that was the right way. I know of one circumstance that I can never forget." " What was it?" " Well, sir, a gentleman, an Englishman, had two children, a son and daughter. He sent the son to school, and being confined to the house for a number of years, he compelled the daughter to remain at home and care for him, which she did until he died. When his will was read, it gave all his possessions to the son with the understanding that he was to care for his sister until she married. The son began trav- eling and when he returned he was penniless, having lost his money in gambling and thrown it away in dissipation. The daughter was by force of circum- stances compelled to make her own living. To-day she is working herself almost to death to earn a miserable small sum in a dress-maker's shop." " Well, Pat, should not women work as well as men ?" "Yes, sir, and they should have opportunities to become educated as well as men. With an educa- tion and a share of her father's property, that girl could have done well in life and been well cared for." " Pat, I think you only see one side of this ques- tion ! " " I hope not, sir, I remember a remark frequently made by my mother, who said, " She would rather bury her children when small, than to be so unrea- sonable in the division of her property." 68 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. Sir Richard made no answer to this remark. He began to think there were two sides to the subject. He thought of his own roving son, who sent to him frequently for hundreds of dollars, which he never denied him ; but his daughter, who had married Pat's father, had never received a cent from him, and she had nursed him and managed in every possible way to make him comfortable, when she was at home, yet he had never before so considered the matter. Pat's conversation had struck a tender chord. Turn- ing to Pat, he said, " Come to my library again to- morrow morning, I will then make arrangements to send you to school and at the same time send some money regularly to your mother for her to distribute among the children or use as her judgment may dictate." Pat left the room highly elated in spirits, to anx- iously await the coming of the morrow. CHAPTER XIII. ONA AT WORK. ONA LELAND stepped into her sleigh with an angry frown upon her brow, which was soon dispelled as she thought of the Strawn fomily. " I wish we had a stove for mother," said Walter, as they drove toward home. "I must endeavor to find one this afternoon." THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 69 " I was thinking that that stove in the wood-shed would answer for a while. It is comparatively good, and was rejected by papa only on account of its being too small for our use. I can polish it myself. There is also a good heating-stove in the cellar. It requires some trifling repairs on the door. You can leave it at the shop when you take the cook-stove." Walter and Ona set to work immediately on their arrival home. They brought the cook-stove from the wood-shed. Ona soon found the furniture be- longing to it, while two of the men assisted in load- ing it, together with the heating-stove, on the heavy wood-sled. One of the men accompanied Walter to assist in placing the stove in the house. The smith soon repaired the broken door, and ere long the stoves were in position. The man brought a load of wood, which he cut in proper lengths. The fires were started, and the house soon became comfort- able. After the sled had gone, bearing the stoves, Ona asked Aunt Nancy and Mary to assist her in fitting up a carpet from the many rejected ones at the Le- land mansion. "I have instructed Dick to procure the dimensions of each room. I want to surprise Walter as well as the balance of the family," said Ona, and they began to unload old chests and search the closets, bringing from the various receptacles pieces of both new and old carpet, besides three sets of green damask cur- tains, which were too short for use at home All hands went to work sewing and piecing the strips of carpet, and when Dick returned they were ready to ;o THE SPY OF OSAll'ATOMIE. fit it for the three rooms of which he had the meas- urements. "There is a piece of oil-carpet in the garret, which will do for the kitchen. It has some holes in it, but they will come on the edge of the room as it is small." The next morning Ona asked Walter to have the large sled filled with straw and driven to the gate, as she had some articles which she wished to take to town. Walter was surprised, after various bundles were loaded, to see Miss Ona, wrapped in her rich warm cloak, climb into the sled. But greater was his surprise when he found those bundles consisted of carpets for making his mother's new home more comfortable. .Walter was delegated to purchase some tacks and ask Mrs. Fox to assist them. By the united efforts of the three, the carpets were down and the stoves polished by noon-time. After dinner the windows were cleaned and the curtains hung. "That is really a cosy house now," said Mrs. Fox, as Ona went with her to dinner. Walter having gone for a further supply of wood. The next morning Walter took Ona's sleigh, and Dick the wood-sled, and carried his mother and her family with their scanty furniture to their new home. Great was the surprise of Mrs. Strawn and Sallie when they were invited by Ona to occupy the com- fortable house as their home. Mrs. Strawn's feelings could not be controlled, she sank down overcome, when her mind reverted to the past; to the time when she had in affluent circumstances occupied this house; to the time when her husband was living and THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 71 comfort and plenty surrounded her, then she lived over again the trials, tribulations and hardships she had endured since his death. Now, that comfortable surroundings were again hers, she lifted her heart in silent, yet fervent prayer, to the Great Ruler, asking that from the abundance of His good gifts He would bestow liberally on one who had thought kindly of the widow and orphans. Ona had brought some favorite house plants to ornament the sitting-room, and all felt joyous and happy. What a change had taken place in a brief time ! From the dark, dingy, desolate log-house to the large, warm rooms, well-lighted, comfortably furnished, and pleasantly located. While the family were joyous and happy when contemplating their changed surroundings, their happiness did not ex- ceed the happiness of Ona, who felt that she had found a work to do that brought its recompense in smiles and happy heart-beats. She soliloquized, " If I could only visit the cities where are many poor families, I would do more than is being done for them. I would enlist the sympathy of the wealthy, and have them appropriate articles cast aside by them, toward the amelioriation of the needs of the poor. Why should we keep stored away as rubbish that which would make many families comfortable. I know it is a sin to be so thoughtless and pen- urious." She was right. We should think of those who are more needy than ourselves and contribute to their comfort, according to our means. Many an article of clothing and furniture we could, 'without feeling the loss, donate to such purpose. 72 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. On Saturday evening Mr. Leland returned. Ona was overjoyed at seeing him. She told him what she had done during his absence. " You have done well, my child, for one week. May you continue in well-doing as you grow older." " I wish I had sufficient money to purchase that house for Mrs. Strawn," said Ona. " How much will it require, my dear?" "Three hundred dollars." " That certainly is cheap. I will give you that amount, and you can buy it and present it to her." " I would much prefer that you purchase it, papa. I am inexperienced in the matter of deeds and prop- erty transfers." "I will hold the matter under advisement," con- tinued Mr. Leland. On Monday morning the apprentices made their appearance. They were industrious girls, happy and cheerful as could be. Ona seemed to be the only sad one among them. Her father had been sum- moned to go as a messenger to Mexico, and his business would detain him some months. Ona had been deprived of his society but a few days at any time previous, and she could not feel other than sad at the prospect of being separated for so long a time as the immediate future promised. He accompanied her to the village and purchased the house for Mrs. Strawn, giving the deed into Ona's possession, to be delivered that night. He called upon his friend, Mr. Crowell, to whom he entrusted his business transactions, with the care of his family, until his return. Bidding Ona good-bye, he started THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 73 for Washington City, to receive instructions prepar- atory to continuing his journey to Mexico. The girls were soon busy at their respective labors, not dreaming of the terrible storm of scandal that was gathering around them. CHAPTER XIV. H A Y D E N GOES WEST. A "\THAT in the deuce was the matter last V V night that you did not return to the party, Hayden ? " " I can assign no definite reason, but I suppose some one has been interesting him or herself in a manner prejudicial to my affairs." "It can not be. You certainly are mistaken." "I feel confident I am not mistaken." "What do you know to confirm your suspicions?" " I accidentally overheard part of a conversation between two persons. Of course my surmises do not form sufficient grounds for an open accusation, yet the impression left upon my mind by occurrences which immediately followed, and the futility of an attempted investigation afterward, leads me to imag- ine that my surmise, as stated to you, is correct." " What did you learn from Miss Lillie ? " "Not a solitary, direct expression, pro or con. Her evasive answers only add inferentially to the strength of my surmises." 74 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. " Well, let them all go, is my advice. Do not suffer your mind to be worried over ' trifles light as air.' These little peculiarities and differences often arise in a life-time, and I believe that ' indifference-' is the best application we can make to overcome such fric- tion. Let's away to breakfast, I am hungry." Hayden mechanically followed Arthur into the dining-room, piqued because he could receive no sympathy from him. Arthur was too light-hearted and frivolous to grieve over the loss of a friend, when he could convince himself that he, individually was not to blame. Hayden was different, honorable, honest, candid and affectionate, he could not battle with circumstances, especially, such as were adverse to the promptings of his heart's sympathy and af- fection. After breakfast they strolled upon the street, each with a different motive. Arthur to enjoy the exhil- arating effect of the pure atmosphere and bright sun- light, both of which Hayden was unconscious, as he peered anxiously into the various carriages carrying visitors to the trains, on their way home. He hoped to get but a glimpse of one fair face, but it came not and his despondency hung like a cloud over him as he returned home. Entering their room, Arthur said, " Now that the season is over, Washington will be virtually dead until next* winter. Your introduction has been an exciting one, and up to the present seems to have produced a gayety in your feelings which you did not possess when I first met you. Now that you are sad, which I hope may not be your lot eternally, I sug- THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 75 gest that we search for more inviting fields, for I, light-hearted as I am, cannot endure the ennui of Washington ' out of season.' What say you to a trip to the West ?" " Start to-day, if you choose, I am ready at any time. Anywhere to forget the past. Away to the mountains of the West where I can look from some lofty peak upon the rising sun which lights a civili- zation that has been to me a cheat and a delusion." " We cannot start to-day. We shall have to go to St. Louis and from there I know not where, before starting for the West." The morning papers of the next day contained news of the departure from the Capital of several prominent families, among which were the names of the Calhouns and Haynes. " Good-bye to Southern friends," said Arthur, laughingly ; but Hayden felt a pain pierce his heart, and inwardly expressed a strong desire to hail the first cab and follow -them. Where the treasure is there will the heart be also. In a few weeks the young men were in St. Louis, preparing for the trip overland to the West. "How are you going, Arthur? In a buggy?" " No, indeed, we shall be fortunate in obtaining passage in a large farm-wagon, and I assure you, we will be more fortunate if we retain it and our scalps to return with." ' As they were searching for an appropriate outfit, they were accosted by a lad of about seventeen, who said: "Hello, is this you, Arthur?" 76 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. " Yes, Pat, how did you ever get to America ?" " I did not walk all the way, I assure you. How have you been since I saw you in Ireland?" " I have been well, Pat. When did you arrive ?" " Last fall " and Pat related incidents of his voy- age to America; the finding of his grandfather, and facts of his regard for and influence over the old gen- tleman. Arthur had traveled in Ireland and become ac- quainted with Pat and Mike Devilin, and recognized Pat readily on meeting him in St. Louis. " What are you doing here, Pat? " " We are preparing to go West." "Going West! Who is going with you?" " Grandpa and two men. One they call Brown." " Where are they now, Pat ? " " Back on the corner where I met you." " I want to see them. Let's go now." They retraced their steps, Hayden bringing up the rear. Pat halted before a small group of men, and introduced Arthur and Hayden to his grandfather and Captain Brown. Pat watched Hayden closely. He had seen many handsome men, but he thought Hayden far exceeded any he had ever seen in per- sonal beauty. He dared not question Hayden as to who he was. When the friends separated for the night, Arthur induced Pat to accompany himself and Hayden. When they were safely ensconced in their room, Pad plied Arthur with questions concerning Hayden. To an interrogation of Pat's, Arthur an- swered : " Yes, I know his history, Pat, but it should not THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 77 concern us. Why are you so anxious regarding him ? " "Because I think he is a relative of Lord Byron." " Did you ever see Lord Byron ? " " No, I never did, but I have seen his picture fre- quently." " He does resemble Lord Byron in appearance, besides he writes well, but we should not judge peo- ple by their appearances." "Why not, Mr. Holmes?" "Because here in America there are so many na- tionalities represented that we can not judge one by the other. Persons from one country may resemble those from another, when we know that no relation- ship can exist between them." When Arthur had finished the last remark, he found Pat safely enclosed in the arms of Morpheus, oblivious of passing events. CHAPTER XV. THE SLANDERER FOILED. Foolish woman ! what can you gain By flounting out those words of shame ? A just reward on earth you'll meet, Ere you approach the Judgment seat. RS. HARRIS walked rapidly to her brother's store, where some half-dozen idlers sat around the stove. A glance around the room conveyed to her mind that none were there ;8 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. who would fail to agree with her. Seeing her brother approaching she said hastily: "Good morning, brother!" "Good morning!" returned he in a gruff tone. " What has brought you here so early ?" " I came in to see if you were as crazy as the rest of the men in this village." " I am not crazy. I do not comprehend you ! What do you mean ?" " I mean what I said. The men have all gone crazy about accepting the services of them hateful, no account girls, who have come to town to learn trades." " I do not know. It seems they have and " " It seems to you. Don't you see, when your eyes are open?" " Yes, I see what is coming. Those girls will all be ruined, and " "I say they are ruined now," put in Mrs. Harris, "when a girl takes one step in the wrong direction, she is lost right there, and lost forever. Those girls are lost to the world now, and I feel sorry for them and their families." " I know they are lost, sister, I would have given Ona Leland some good advice, but she has so much of the old man Leland's fire in her eyes, that I was afraid to undertake it." " What has been done ?" asked one of the loung- ers. Mrs. Harris soon informe^d him as to what the girls had done, and added, " That everybody is talking about them already, and the young ladies in town THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 79 are not going to associate with them, and they need not come out to church, for we have fully decided to 'turn the cold shoulder' on them. Just to think of their impudence, coming to town to learn a trade. I think they will be gadding on the streets all the time or buggy-riding with their employers." " Yes," said Black, "that will be the talk." " It is already, and that is why I came to see you. I thought, perhaps, I would find one or two of them here, clerking for you." " No, I was too sharp for them." " I am glad there is one sensible man in this town. Just think of them, they look like being city ladies, don't they? 1 hope they will sink down to perdition. They had better stay in their own sphere. Who is there to do our work when they get too nice to work. I am not going in the kitchen to make a slave of my- self when those country girls are sailing 'round so fine, I am bound on that. The idea ! They setting type and measuring goods with all the dignity of a man. I won't stand that," blurted out the woman, as she, almost out of breath, brought her hand down heavily upon the counter. " I don't see what we can do about it, sister Sarah ?" " Why, get them out of this, is the only way, of course, and I will commence this very day," said she as she flounced out of the room. The next day she made several calls and told at each place what she had heard. How that the peo- ple were not going to put up with those girls staying in those shops, and that there was talk about them 8o THE SPY Of OSAWATOMIE. already in the stores. " I don't blame the men for talking," she would invariably say, and edge it off with " I know I would, if I was in their places." By Monday noon she was raving. She had seen the girls, after dinner, returning to their work, ami turning to the Doctor, her husband, said she was go- ing out that afternoon to see what was going to be done. " I think you had better remain at home, as I have to go out in the country to visit a patient, and shall not be able to reach home before night." She sank down and cried as though her heart was broken, until the Doctor had gone, when she hastily donned her wrappings and sallied forth upon her mission. She called first upon Mrs. Fox, whom she found washing. "Didn't you wash this forenoon?" enquired she. " Yes, I did my own washing, but I am now wash- ing for Mrs. Strawn." "What! Mrs. Strawn! This poor woman over the alley ! What has she to hire with ? " " Walter pays me fifty cents a week to do their washing for them." " He had better keep his money and let that lazy Sallie get to work." " Sallie is not lazy, Mrs. Harris. She is far from it." " Well, you may think so, but / cannot see it in any other light. The whole family are worthless, except to eat." " Yes, they have what some term the worst dis- grace of all, hanging over them they are poor. I THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 81 knew them when they first came here; when Mr. Strawn was alive and had plenty of money. Then they were fine folks, but, it is true, now they are poor. Their property was sold before they could make arrangements to pay their doctor's bill and such other things as they were compelled to have. I am glad Mr. Leland has bought that property for Mrs. Strawn." " Done what ! " gasped Mrs. Harris. " Mr. Leland bought that nice residence this morn- ing, and gave it to Mrs. Strawn." " Well, I declare ! that shows what the Strawn family is. What right had Roderick Leland to be giving them a house?" " I think they need friends from somewhere." " Do you think they are better than the rest of us? " " By nature they are good people, and have been unfortunate. Why should they not be assisted ? " " You are blind, Mrs. Fox ! Don't you know it is a disgrace for any one to do as Mrs. Strawn has done and her family are doing? I know it, if you don't." " I can't agree with you, Mrs. Harris. So you need not complain of them to me." Mrs. Harris was offended and hastily departed. She had intended calling on her brother, but she re- traced her steps, stopping in to see how each neigh- bor was getting on and relating what she had heard, adding that the widow Strawn and Roderick Leland were going to be married. By the time she reached home it was all over town that Mr. Leland's trip to Mexico was a humbug; 5 82 THE SPY OF O SAW A TOM IE. " that, in fact, he was soon to return and marry the widow Strawn " and that they were to live at Cedar Hall, and Aunt Nancy was to go to the village and take care of the children of the Strawn family. Such were the various reports that Mr. Crowell heard on his return home at night Mrs. Harris had called on his wife and told her the news. Mr. Crow- ell merely said : " Three Black Crows." The following morning Mrs. Harris started out to consult her brother. She found the store full of idlers, as usual. She was bold, although she feigned modesty. In a moment she " opened her batteries'' of abuse upon the Strawn family, and the girls who were serving apprenticeships in town. She reiter- ated her statements of the previous day with the " purchase of the house by Mr. Leland " added. Black stood with his back toward the door, en- grossed with the narration of his sister, and did not observe the entrance of Mr. Crowell, who stood an unobserved auditor of all that was being said, until at the mention of Mr. Leland's name. Then con- cluding he was right in his suspicions as to the source of the "talk" of the community, he walked up close to her, saying: "Now, Mrs. Harris, if you are through, I will say a word. I have heard your scandalous remarks per- s >nally this morning, as well as heard of your vile talk at previous times throughout the village. I shall be glad if you desist from further gossiping on this subject, especially about these innocent girls whom I have promised to protect, which I propose doing. All other means failing, I shall appeal to the majesty of the law for their protection." THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 83 Mrs. Harris quailed before the positive words of the stern-countenanced man, and drew back in si- lence. Black stood speechless, while the crowd of loafers gathered close about the stove, fearing an onslaught from the bold, upright man who had thus summarily silenced Mr. Black and his more vituper- ative sister. With his last remark, Mr. Crowell withdrew from the store. Mrs. Harris soon followed, without a word in defense of her own dear self or brother. Black became absorbed with his books, and the crowd of loafers left one by one, until none remained. CHAPTER XVI. HAYDEN AND PAT ON THE PLAINS. LAyLMOST a week was spent in St. Louis before fdLJL the travelers could pursue their journey. Wagons were to load, and everything made secure before starting on " the trail," as the road was called, which they followed in crossing the country. Not one of the party from the East, except Captain Brown, had ever experienced the rudeness of " camp life." The only hardships they had undergone was in crossing the Atlantic. They gazed in astonish- ment as the long line of wagons, each drawn by six ules, passed by, while the drivers rode one of the heelers. At last came the empty wagons which 84 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. were to carry the travelers and their baggage. The constant cracking of the .whips and swearing of the drivers were annoying to men who had been accus- tomed to refined society. " My first meal in the open air," said Sir Richard, as he sat down to the long rude board which took the place of table. Tin cups, pie pans, coarse iron spoons and heavy steel knives and forks took the place of china and silver ware. Bacon, beans, black coffee,- rancid butter and miserably prepared bread, constituted the one course for dinner. The meal was not relished by the sight-seers, but the bracing at- mosphere of the country, with abstinence from din- ner, gave them a relish for supper that would have made any meal, however crude, palatable. As time passed on, they began to admire the primitiveness of camp life, although at night they were often weary of the trouble and vexation of the slow journey. The days were passed in watching for wild game, which they killed to take the place of old bacon and dried beef, which on account of its toughness, Pat had named China meat. Said Pat, in a letter to his mother, "We have, in- deed, jolly times, your father is too old to fully ap- preciate the fun there is in ' camping out.' After a long day's travel and many interesting sights, it is excellent sport to gather around the camp fire and listen to the thrilling stories told by the teamsters, who have frequently conducted strangers across this country. Stories of adventures on the plains are the predominant features of the evenings' conversation." During the journey, after they had advanced well THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 85 into the wild country, Pat caused a sensation which will be remembered by many of the old teamsters on the trail to Santa Fe. The day was dark, a heavy mist falling, which promised that an unusually dark night would follow. As they came near their camp-ground the wagon- master called out lustily, "Corral to-night ! " "What does he mean by that?" asked Pat of the teamster. " He's afraid of wolves ; watch and see how it is done," answered the teamster. Pat stood by to see the "corraling" done. The wagons were placed in a circle, the mules were placed on the inside, while the camp-fires were built on the outside. Pat soon learned that the country abounded in wolves and that such a night as this was generally favorable for their depredations, and the precautions taken by the wagon-master were really necessary. As they sat around their fire, wolf stories were told by the score, until Pat's nerves were so unstrung that in imagination he could see wolves in all direc- tions, with their green eyes glaring upon him from the Egyptian darkness which surrounded the camp. When the time came for retiring, Pat was anxious to sleep upon the high bed, made by placing plank across the sideboards, thus converting each wagon into two beds, but Arthur" would not agree with him. They had scarcely crept in bed, when the yelp of a wolf near by, almost took Pat's breath. He covered his head with the blankets and nestled close to Ar- thur. When he fell asleep, he dreamed that wolves had attacked the train on all sides and seemed deter- 86 THE SPY OF OSAWATOM1E. mined to destroy his life especially. He began to defend himself by kicking and scratching. Above were sleeping Brown, Hayden and Sir Richard. Pat gave them a lift at his first kick that aroused them. They called to him to lie still, but Pat, still asleep, and in his dream closely beset by wolves, began kicking harder and faster. At length the planks were displaced and down came the three men on Pat and Arthur. The fall aroused Pat who was really fright- ened, until he heard the voice of his grandfather reprimanding him by threatening to disinherit him, if he continued to prove so cowardly. During his kicking, Pat had injured one of his toes, which gave him great pain and afforded a theme for jesting and amusement among the teamsters, who took delight in teasing him about his wolf scare. Hayden and Pat became fast friends and passed a great deal of their time together. Hayden knew how fearful the Irish are of wild beasts and reptiles and his killing of many snakes that Pat had found, caused the boy to think him very brave, and thus for protection, he remained with Hayden. Pat had not seen all of the peculiarities of the Western coun- try. Thus far the days and nights had been balmy and pleasant, except an occasional threatening storm which blew over. They were now some three hun- dred miles west from St. Joseph, it was near the last of May. As they wended their way westward, a dark cloud loomed up directly in front of them. The zig-zag lightning played across its face at inter- vals. It was too far away to hear the accompanying thunder. It approached. Pat was watching it THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 87 closely. Some seconds after an unusually vivid flash of lightning a low rumbling sound was heard, Pat clung closer to Hayden. The wagon-master dashed past each wagon on his fleet pony, shouting, " Cor- ral, boys !" The train was drawn in a close circle, the mules unhitched and secured, and all were await- ing the result. The storm came booming on, first a strong wind, which carried an immense cloud of black dust and charred weeds, the debris of the last fire, followed by a deluging torrent of rain, which seemed to pour its whole force upon the wagons and mules of the train. Vivid lightning flashed upon all sides, sharp peals of thunder echoed everywhere, and the coarse voices of the teamsters, endeavoring to quiet the af- frighted mules, all created a scene Pat did not care to behold, at least so we suppose, as he sought out a wagon and was soon hidden under the blankets and biding. After the storm had subsided, Hayden searched for his new friend, Pat. At last finding finding him ensconced among the blankets, addressed him by asking: "What is the matter, Pat?" "Nothing, Mr. Douglas, only I don't admire the w;.r that has been going on." " Why, my boy, there has been no war." " I tell you I call such a racket as that, war. 1 don't like this part of the country." " You have not seen all that is to be seen here, my lad. We will soon see the Indians and their wig- wams, and the towns of the little prairie dogs, and a thousand other things." 88 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. "Well, I'm tired of this place, and don't think I care to see more of it." The storm had passed. The thunder rumbled in the east, while the sun shone out as she shines only in the West. Hayden gazed rapturously on the scene before him the beautiful landscape, clothed in green ; the larger rain-drops glistening in the sunlight like so many diamonds; the refreshing breeze following the storm ; all awoke the finer feelings in Hayden's na- ture. And Pat even regretted having hidden during the tumult. We will not follow our travelers during the sum- mer months as they saunter about the streets of Santa Fe. Suffice it to say that they spent the time pleasantly with Spanish guides, riding up and down the valleys ; climbing the foot-hill ranges ; chasing deer and antelope, and deporting themselves gener- ally as men who are determined to extract pleasure from every draught in life. In September they determined to return to New York. Pat had begun to love out-door life, and urged Arthur and Hayden. to remain, but as they had nothing in common with the West, Pat's entrea- ties were in vain. In answering one of Pat's ques- tions one day, Hayden said: " Man is happier in his primitive life, that is why the camp-fire has its charms for us; it is the wild nature lurking within us, and yet we can trace our civilization back through our progenitors for centu- ries. The white child soon becomes wild, but it is almost impossible to civilize a wild man. Even in THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 89 childhood they are wild, and it seems impossible to eradicate the wild principle." "Are all wild people mean?" asked Pat. " No, they are of different dispositions, similar in that respect to the white race. Yet it is generally understood that all uncivilized and barbarous races are cruel to their females, they being made the slaves and drudges of the men." " I think there is a sprinkling of the wild in our- selves," said Pat. " What do you mean, Pat ?" "Just what I say. Women are not treated as they should be. What is your opinion, Mr. Douglas?" " I have studied that matter carefully. I have cause. My whole life has been clouded, because of that great bugbear that woman must be silent; have nothing to say or do, except to do as she is told by the proud 'lord of creation.' I am determined to see what I can do in their behalf." "And I'll do the same, Mr. Douglas." " Very well, Pat, here is my hand. We shall meet in after years. Don't forget what you have promised me. Now farewell." In a moment Sir Richard and Pat were gone. The above conversation took place in a Boston omnibus. Pat had bidden his friend Hayden fare- well, to visit his grandfather's home in New York. Hayden sat thinking of the change a few hours could bring about. Friends separated, perhaps to meet no more. When comfortably seated in his room at the hotel, he felt sorry that the autumn winds had warned them of the approaching winter, 9 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. which drove them from the plains, as it does the buf- falo and deer. .Thought he, "I must find something to busy my brain about. Inactivity kills a man far more surely than disease." While thus musing, a message appeared, apprising him that he was needed in the village of Strawn, in New Hampshire, immediately.' CHAPTER XVII. SIR CHARLES IN EUROPE. SAYDEN DOUGLAS and Sir Charles bade each other farewell as the latter departed for Europe at the summons contained in the let- ter received when he was wondering over the name of Roderick Leland, which he had found in the dusty book. The letter Sir Charles read that morning caused a deep feeling of sorrow to fill his mind, which was plainly depicted upon his countenance. As the ship bounded on its way through the blue, laughing waves, none was as anxious as he to set foot on English soil. The day came at last, when the passengers landed at Liverpool and were soon hurried across to London. Immediately upon his arrival, he hastened to a small white cottage in the suburbs. The blinds were closed, and a death-like stillness reigned over all. With a trembling hand he rapped upon the door. It was gently opened by a handsome, well-dressed girl. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 91 "And you have come at last, Sir Charles," said she, in an undertone. " Yes, Viva, I have come home. How is Theo- docia ? " " She is very poorly to-day," replied the girl as she conducted Sir Charles into an adjoining room, where, upon a snow-white bed, lay a beautiful wo- man. Her black, glossy hair and lustrous eyes adorned the most regular features ever met with. One glance at that face invariably compelled an- other. It was a French face. It was surpassing beautiful, made more attractive by the flush which always accompanies that fell destroyer, consumption, which had laid its grasp upon this beautiful being at the bidding of the grim monster, Death, whose in- satiety is ever grasping for the choice flowers of the land. The sufferer opened her eyes as the new- comer approached her bed. Recognizing him, she said, calmly: "You have come, brother?" " Yes, Theodocia, I have come," said he, bending over the frail being, " I came as soon as I received your letter, written by Viva." " I was sorry to be compelled to write to you ask- ing you to come, and would not have done so had it not been your earnest and last request when you bade me adieu." " My purpose was to come soon, and only has- tened at your request, which did not interfere the least with my business." "Where is Hayden? Did he come also?" " No, he did not come, but would have done so, 92 THE SPV Of OSAIVATOMIZ. had Viva's letter intimated that he would be looked for along with myself." "I do not desire him to spend his time while young, in earnest solicitude regarding me. I am pleased that he is away. I would prefer to have him away, where his thoughts will be free and untram- meled. His life has been one of sorrow and gloom, may it be brighter in days to come." Sir Charles' thoughts dwelt upon the book which he had in his pocket containing the name of Roder- ick Leland, which he desired to show to her, but fear- ful of exciting her he refrained, and finally deferred doing so until to-morrow, whep she would be better. But many " to-morrows " came and went and they still watched by the bedside of the woman who daily grew weaker, at last becoming unconscious of those around her. In her delirium she talked of childhood days in Scotland, of Hayden on the plains, for whom she seemed to be searching, yet she could not find him. She at length opened her eyes and gazed about her. " Has Hayden come ?" asked she. " No, Theo., he has not come." "Tell him I am sorry to have him gone at this time, but I cannot wait longer, I feel that my last hour is at hand. How gladly do I welcome death that frees me from a life of grief and misery. Bury me in some quiet cemetery, place a plain marble slab at my grave, mark the dates of my birth and death, and then my name Theodocia, ' she of the broken heart.' " ' As she uttered the last word, she quietly crossed over the dark " River of Death." THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 93 The next afternoon a few friends followed the hearse from the cottage, while the only mourners were Sir Charles and the simply attired young lady who leaned on his arm. As they wended their way slowly toward the cemetery, they passed near a large mansion, whose shadow fell across their path. " My God ! must even her funeral procession be shaded by that gilded home of sin," said Sir Charles as he observed the place and its shadow. As he noticed the form of a gaily attired lady pass one of the win- dows, he thought, " You may smile and strive to gather happiness at the expense of home, joy and comfort to others, but a just retribution will follow you, and your punishment shall surely come.. She, whom you by vile machinations robbed of home, husband and name, is now passed from earth away, and as her angelic form joins the band of redeemed saints, and her sweet voice adds to the melody of the heavenly choir;- just so surely will the avenging angel record your name upon his book, for a just rendering of justice in the great hereafter." He and Miss Viva returned by another street to the now desolated white cottage, where he secured everything, and settling with the servants, locked the doors and drove to his own home, a fine residence in the fashionable part of London, saying to his griev- ing companion, "Viva this shall be your home when not at school." "Thank you, Sir Charles, I can never properly ac- quit myself of the obligations I am under to you, who has proved indeed my friend." The housekeeper conducted her to an elegantly 94 THE SPY OF OSAWATQMIE, furnished suite of rooms, informing her that they were designed especially for her individual use. The young lady, a mere child almost, surveyed the apart- ments briefly. Upon the wall hung two pictures, as she approached she found them to be portraits. One was a lovely girl, apparently in her teens, the other a handsome youth, whom she thought at first glance to be Hayden. " No," said she, " it is the picture of some one I never met, or I should be able to recognize the beautiful face." A gloom was cast upon her brow when she ventured to ask Sir Charles concerning the portraits. " Those belong to the family, Viva, and not until Theodocia is avenged, will they be placed in the family gallery, so do not ask more concerning them." Viva remained but a brief time at the mansion of Sir Charles, that gentleman early made arrangements for her to enter school, which she soon did, thus leaving him alone with his servants. He did not write to Hayden until some weeks af- ter the funeral. The letter did not reach him until his return from the West. Almost a year had passed when it came to hand, just as he was preparing to leave for the village of Strawn. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 95 CHAPTER XVIII. THE KIDNAPPERS. MR. LELAND returned from Mexico late in October. He found all the girls yet at their work where he had left them, except Ona, she had left the bakery and was now at work in the jewelry store. The others were now receiving com- pensation for their services, and their employers were remarkably well pleased with them. Mrs. Harris, had, after being warned by Mr. Crowell, desisted from further persecution of the members of the " In- dependent Band," as the girls' organization was styled. Ona gained permission of her employer to spend a week at home on the return of her father. Mr. Crowell had informed her of the slander inaugurated by Mrs. Harris, after it had been suppressed. She accordingly related her information of the affair to Mr. Leland with the account of her progress in the calling she had pursued. " You have accomplished much for one of your age, but the work, my child, is just beginning," said Mr. Leland. The next day being the Sabbath, Ona attended the village church as was her custom. Although the weather was unpleasant, by reason of the snow which had fallen the previous night, quite a number were present. Among the attendants Ona observed 96 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. two strangers. The mere glance she gave them re- 'Vealed the fact that they were rough and desperate men. They occupied a seat just behind where she sat with some children who were members of her Sunday school class during the "Summer season. During the service the men were constantly whisper- ing, but Ona could not learn the subject of conver- sation, nor could she distinguish their words, until as the doxology was being announced, she heard one of them say, " I learned that they have gone to Northfield and will return on Wednesday night sure." "At home Wednesday night," said she to herself, after services were dismissed, and taking another look at the men, she found them of sallow complex- ion and a peculiarly mean expression of countenance. Watching them as they entered the village hotel, she accompanied Mrs. Strawn home, and sending one of the boys to Cedar Hall to advise her father of .her purpose of remaining in the village until the next morning, quietly entered the hotel and secured a room opposite the one assigned to the strangers. She withdrew to her room early on the plea of in- disposition. Carefully closing her door, she sat down to wait. Some two hours passed before they came to their apartment, she extinguished her light and slightly opened her door. She heard them securely fasten their door. In her stocking feet she silently moved across the hall and took up her position near their door. At first she could hear only the murmur of their voices, not being able to distinguish their words. She stooped and applied her ear to the key- hole. They were speaking in a low tone. Soon THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 97 they spoke louder and she was enabled to note their conversation. She was amply repaid for her daring. She had heard all she desired to know. She with- drew to her room, where securing her shoes and wrappings, and taking the lamp, crept quietly down stairs to the kitchen where she left it burning on the table, as she hurried out of the back door. The weather was growing colder. The snow was nearly a foot deep and still falling, but she thought not of wind or snow as she hastened toward Cedar Hall. Wearied with her walk through the deep snow and against the cold, piercing, driving wind, she reached her home. For some time she thought she should be unable to arouse the inmates, as her sum- mons remained so long unanswered. She had al- ready repeated her summons. Presently the door was opened by a servant who was surprised at find- ing Miss Ona there at such an unusual hour. " I have some strange news for papa, please notify him of my arrival and say that I shall wait for him in the parlor," said she to the servant. On receiving the instruction of the servant, Mr. Leland hastily attired himself and repaired to the parlor where Ona was awaiting him, she having re- plenished the fire and was drying her shoes, when he entered. He soon learned the nature of her errand, and after considering a few moments, he repaired to his library, where he wrote a brief note, which he in- structed a servant to deliver to the party addressed, in Concord, as soon as possible. " Take the fastest horse, and do not spare him," said he, in giving fur- ther instructions to the wondering servant. 6 9 S THE SPY OL< OSAWATOMtE, The servant hastened away, and Oiui expressed her intention to return to the hotel. Her father ob- jected, but after hearing her reasons, he withdrew his objections, and taking her up behind him on his horse, she was soon left near the hotel. She glided into the kitchen, where she found the lamp as she had left it. Going, noiselessly, to her room, she was soon asleep. Mr. Leland continued on to Mr. Crowell's, whom he aroused and informed of the facts that Ona had learned, which surprised that gentleman very much. Mr. Leland rode rapidly home, to await further developments. When Strawn was first located, a family of blacks by the name of Curry, had settled near the village- They had belonged to a Baptist preacher in Vir- ginia, who had given them their freedom. They came to this quiet mountain village and had here found a home among the whites. Every one had a good word to say of the Curry family. They were indus- trious and thrifty. Their little home was paid for, and they had improved it wonderfully. A neat white cottage and a beautiful lawn in front, were the pride of Mrs. Curry. She labored hard to keep the place in order, while Mr. Curry was busy on the farm. They had four children, the oldest a boy, about twelve years old. When Ona Leland heard those two men talking in church concerning some one being in Northfield who were expected home on Wednesday night, she well knew to whom the parties referred. She knew that the Curry family had gone to that place to visit THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 99 their former master, who now resided there. She also knew of their expected return on the night men- tioned by the strangers. As soon as she heard the remark made by them in the church, she felt that any concern such men would express for any colored family, boded no good to that family. Her only object in attempting to learn more, which she did at the hotel, was merely to confirm her suspicions, and as we before remarked, she was amptly repaid for her daring effort by hearing their entire plan can- vassed between them. The next morning she arose early. When break- fast was announced, the strangers came in and seated themselves beside the girl, who now, that she knew their plots, could see " rascal " plainly depicted in each of their countenances, although they talked loudly of their appreciation of the neighborhood and their purpose of buying property and settling there. They left during the afternoon, informing the land- lord they would return on Wednesday. Mr. Leland, Mr. Crowell and Ona were the only persons of the entire village who knew the object of the strangers. They thought it advisable to notify only members of the Anti-Slavery Society, which Mr. Leland had already done by dispatching the messenger to Concord. On Wednesday, about noon, the two persons re- turned, as they had said they would. Late in the afternoon, a large covered wagon approached the tavern, from which three men alighted. " They have come," said Mr. Crowell to Ona, as he met her on the street, 100 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. " Yes, I observe they have, are you prepared for them?" " I do not know, no one has come yet, but I feel assured that our friends will be here all in good time." Ona entered the sitting-room of the hotel as if she was a regular boarder, manifesting the utmost indifference for those around her. The two strangers occupied different parts of the room. She watched them closely, as the new arrivals entered. As each one entered, merely a glance of recognition was given, not one word spoken. They had their horses cared for and partook of their supper with great glee, perfectly unconscious that their vile plot was known to the child who sat at the same table. Ona went up stairs, leaving all in the sitting-room. In a few minutes she passed down another way and hastened home. " Walter, are there any strangers here ?" she asked innocently. " Yes," said he, " there are about a dozen men in the parlor with Mr. Leland." She clapped her hands joyfully, much to Walter's surprise, and hastened to her room. Taking a seat near the east window, she could note the arrival of the Curry family, when the light which they would necessarily make, should show from their room win- dows. She sat there a few minutes and observing the light, and at the same time seeing the strangers pass, exclaimed " they have come, we must be off! " She rushed down and calling her father, told him that the Curry family had reached their home, and also that the strangers were passing that way. THE SPY OF OSAIVATOMIE. 101 As she passed the door, she observed among the guests one man, who on account of his remarkably beautiful appearance, both in feature and dress, at- tracted her especial attention. " That is the stranger I saw here one year ago, he closely resembles por- traits I have seen of Lord Byron, even if he is masked," thought she as she ascended the stairs to her look-out at the window. Out in the cold the men glided from Cedar Hall with Mr. Leland as guide. When they had ap- proached sufficiently near to observe any demonstra- tion that should be made against the house, they secreted themselves behind some fallen trees in the snow. A half hour passed when a small form, en- veloped in a long cloak, approached and giving the signal of the party, joined them. Not a word was whispered by any one as they watched the house near them. " Listen ! " whispered one, "they are coming." Soon two figures cautiously approached the rear of the cottage, just as the light was extinguished by the unsuspecting inmates as the last one retired. In a moment the two in the garden were joined by three more, who came from the timber in the rear. All was quiet for a half hour, and the watchers began to grow uneasy, lest they had fled. But they soon came hurrying around to the front door, the foremost carrying an uplifted axe, with which to break down the door. 102 THE SPY Of OSAWA'IOMIE. CHAPTER XIX. "BILL QUANTRELL" HIS EARLY LIFE. rVtTHAT is the matter, Chatty Granger?" V V asked Mattie Starr, the village school- mistress in a quiet little village in Ohio, as one of her pet pupils came in crying. "Oh, Miss Starr! I saw some boys killing some" kittens out yonder. They were pulling them to pieces alive, and they were such pretty kittens." Miss Starr hastened out with pointer in hand, to prevent the boys acting so cruelly. They saw her approaching, and fled, leaving a little white kitten, the last of four, dying. She returned to the school-room, heart-sick, ex- claiming : " Never was there so much cruelty prac- ticed in any place as there is here, and I am sorry that one of my otherwise best pupils is the ring- leader." " It is Bill Quantrell," said two or three of the children at once. " Yes, I know who it is. He will be guilty of something worse than killing innocent kittens, unless he changes his nature by careful cultivation of right doing," continued Miss Starr. " I hope somebody will kill him before long," sobbed Chatty. " Oh, no, Chatty ! that would be wrong." Late that afternoon every eye was turned upon THE SPY OF OSAWATOM1E. 103 the mean, sneaking-looking boy of some twelve or thirteen years, who walked into the room and took his seat. He was tall and slim. His complexion was of a sallow tinge ; his eyes pale-blue, and his hair a dirty white. His head was small and round, yet heavy above the ears. "Such is the picture of the meanest boy in the village of Osage. The children looked at him, and then at their teacher. She glanced at the cruel boy, but he was, seemingly, engaged with preparing his lesson for the next day. Not until the last bell tapped did he lay aside his books. "Stay here, William Quantrell, after school is dis- missed. I wish to talk with you," said Miss Starr. He hung his head and resumed his seat. After the children had departed, Miss Starr seated herself at the desk, dreading to begin the reprimand she felt it her duty to give the boy. Finally she said : "What will become of you, William, if you continue to act cruelly toward animals ? " He made no answer, and she continued : " Such cruelty will lead to something worse as you grow older, if not checked while young. You must inaugurate a reform. I have heard so much regard- ing your cruelty since I came here. The wanton killing of those innocent kittens this morning being the first that has come directly to my notice, I could not let it pass without saying something. You can- not restore the life of those kittens, and I do not propose to punish you. I only want to impress upon your mind the cruelty of such acts. How unmanlike 104 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. they are ! I hope you will not be guilty of such acts in the future. You have heard of men who slaugh- tered their fellow-men, have you not? Well, no doubt, they began their career of crime when young, by being cruel to birds and beasts, and made no en- deavor to cultivate a different nature, until they sought for higher objects to destroy, and finally ended their days in the penitentiary, or suffered themselves a felon's death. Let me say again, You must do better, otherwise you will soon be practic- ing your cruel acts on your companions, instead of brutes. Now go home. I have said all I ever intend to say to you." He gave her a scornful, vicious look, as he turned to leave the house. What influence could a kind- hearted girl have over such a demon mind as he pos- sessed ? Every person in the village feared him, lest he would do them some mischief. One time, the sexton's daughter entered the church to ring the bell, he followed near, and when she had entered, he closed the door and locking it, threw the key in the creek near by. One boy witnessed the trick, but dared not speak of it. Such was the early life of one who has done the world much harm and whom we will meet during the turbulent times in the West. -rr-TJS .S'/'K OF OSAIVATOMIE. 105 CHAPTER XX. FOILED. A~\ 7~AIT until they break down the door, bc- V V fore we start," said one of the watchers as they arose from their hiding-place. The axe came down on the door, splintering it considerably and arousing the inmates, who called out, "Who's there?" No answer came from the outlaws as the axe again fell and another panel was broken. The family were thoroughly aroused by this time and were out of their beds. "John, bring me the teakettle from the fire-place," exclaimed Mrs. Curry. " I will scald the villains." John appeared with a kettle of hot water and a dipper ; before the door could be broken down Mrs. Curry had thrown the hot water through the broken panels. In vain did they attempt to force open the win- dows, and upon the house they went, tearing off the roof. " I will watch here and you mind the chimney, John," said Mrs. Curry. One attempted to pass down the chimney, Mr. Curry seized a bed and threw it on the fire to smoke him out. Mrs. Curry had to abandon her place at the door to guard a window which was giving way. Two of 106 THE SPY OF OSAIVATOMIE. the villains were anticipating this opportunity, and kicking down the already shattered door, rushed in before the frightened inmates could offer further re- sistance. " Come on boys," shouted the two who had en- tered the room. Down they came from the roof and rushing in, ex- claimed, " let us gag first and tie afterward," and seiz- ing the two nearest, proceeded to gag them. The family were so frightened they knew not what course to pursue, it being nearly a mile to the near- est house. The silent watchers with revolvers in hand were soon on the spot. Rushing through the door, they soon surrounded the kidnappers, who were tak---n en- tirely by surprise. Now they were bound instead of the colored family. " Some one has betrayed us," said one, and .each looked wildly at the others. The kidnappers were tied and the Curry family set free. They could not tell who their deliverers were, for they all wore masks except one little, blue- eyed one, who wore a long cloak and jaunty cap with a blue tassel on one side. After the confusion had subsided, a messenger was dispatched to the village to procure a wagon to con- vey the prisoners, and also to notify the proper au- thorities of their arrest. As they sat awaiting the arrival of the wagon, Mr. Leland, still under mask, endeavored to learn from the prisoners their inten- tions toward the members of the Curry family in thus assaulting their home. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 107 Douglas Hayden's thoughts were in another direc- tion. He knew that he had entered the same house he had visited one year previously. His thoughts were not so much of the excitement his presence had caused Mr. Leland, as they were of the handsome blue eyes he had observed watching him from up- stairs. Now that the kidnappers had been secured, he took a cursory view of those whom he had as- sisted in the work. Soon he saw a pair of blue eyes watching him from under a jaunty cap. Could it be they were the same he saw a year ago at the Leland mansion ! They were very much like the same ! He sauntered near to the wearer of the jaunty cap and impressive eyes, and after a few common-place remarks, politely inquired her name. The eyes were cast down ; a flush suffused the face and neck, as, in a trembling, low voice came the words: "Dickey Deane." Hayden was more perplexed than ever. " Dickey Deane ! " said he, thoughtfully, as he turned away to meet the new arrivals with the wagon. When he would have resumed the conversation, " Dickey Deane " was gone ! The next morning Hayden took the stage to Con- cord, none the wiser as to whom he had met, yet all the while cogitating over the name of " Dickey Deane." When the prisoners were taken charge of by the civil authorities, the masked men dispersed, and friends gather in to congratulate and comfort the Curry family. The news of the capture of the kidnappers spread 108 THE SPY Of OSAWATOMIE. far and wide, and long before noon an immense throng of people had gathered on the streets of Strawn, many of the indignant populace shouting, " Hang them ! hang them ! " At the preliminary trial they pleaded "guilty," and were held over for the next court. They said they intended carrying the Curry family South, to sell into slavery. The whole village was in a state of excitement as to who had betrayed these men. Many offered any sum to know. Ona was at her customary work, and none suspected her, she being but a woman, and in those days women never did a good deed in the es- timation of men unless to look in various ways after the especial comfort of the "lords of creation." The prisoners were kept in town that night. Mr. Leland was one of the guards appointed to watch over them, he having returned from Cedar Hall, where he had gone to rest. None knew who the prisoners were. When asked that, of course had given names,' yet Mr. Leland and Mr. Crowell knew, by the expression of their countenances, they were giving assumed names, and they communicated their suspicions to Ona. The villains were anxious to converse with each other, but no opportunity for so doing was given by the vigilant guard. With one exception, their appearance would not be called attractive, and that one attracted especial attention on account of its repulsiveness. None could look upon him without being convinced that he was a man of vice and crime. Women gazed THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 109 upon him with a shudder. As his villainous eyes gleamed upon them from under heavy brows, they conveyed to the mind of the observer, the true proto- type of a murderer. After the excitement had died away, Ona called on Mr. Crowell, who was seated at his private desk, writing. "I came in," said Ona, "to ask if you have any idea as to who sent for these villains. Some one must certainly have informed them regarding the presence of the Curry family, as well as of their isolated situation." "I had never thought of that," said he, " bttt I think you are rigl.t. These men would never have found their way to this secluded place without infor- mation from some one acquainted with the surround- ings. I wish we 'could procure satisfactory informa- tion as to who the person is." " 1 have a plan by which, I think, I can ascertain, but before saying anything regarding it, I must see papa and have his advice." Ona returned to her work. Mr. Crowell sent for Mr. Leland and communicated to him Ona's sus- picions and said, " I feel that she is right." " Yes," said Mr. Leland, " why did not we think of this in the first place. We must ascertain, if pos- sible, who this serpent is, that is dwelling in our midst." " Ona says she has a plan that seems feasible to her, she wishes to consult with you regarding it. I have every confidence in her ability, although I know nothing of her plans." 1 10 THE SP Y OF OS A IVA TOMIE. "If she has given the matter proper consideration, I shall have no hesitancy in allowing her to under- take it. Ona has already been our greatest help in intercepting these villains." Mr. Leland sent for her and the three consulted for some time. When they separated she went to the house where the prisoners were held. She told the lady she desired to remain there all night, as her father was one of the guards, and she would feel much safer near him. The lady consented and Ona made herself at home. She went to first one room and then another, examining each door and its fas- tenings. At last she found one that suited her, and informed her father which it was. When the prisoners were ready to retire, Mr. Le- land selected two of the most loquacious and locked them in that room, being careful to noiselessly unlock the door. In one corner of the room was a large closet con- taining cast-off clothing, in fact it was a general re- ceptacle for old rags. Ona had secreted herself in this closet before the prisoners were brought in, and had made herself a snug little bed of the old cloth- ing. The bed in the room was located conveniently near the closet. She lay there with the door slightly open. After the men had retired she found that the pocket of the old coat she had chosen for a pillow contained some snuff and she was fearful the inhaling of it would cause her to sneeze and thus betray her presence. She gently pushed the coat out of her way and settled down to await developments. In about an hour one of the men said : THE SP Y OF OSA WA TOM IE. 1 1 1 " I wonder if we are alone ?" "I don't know," said the other. " I will light a paper and see," continued the first speaker. " No ! no ! " said the other, " they would think we were at some plan to escape, and would place a guard in the room.'' Ona trembled, lest they should inaugurate a search and find her. She was confident they had heard her as she shoved the seat along the wall. A few minutes passed, when one said, in a loud whisper: " What is your name? and where did you meet the other boys? " " My name is Jackson. I met them at Concord. What is your name ? " " Guy Wren. I have been in this business fifteen years. I have an old woman here I would as soon kidnap as any nigger, if I could only get the chance. She lives with that fair, curly-headed fellow with blue eyes, one of the leaders of the party that captured us." "Why did you leave her? " " She was not worth a cent to work when she be- gan to get old, and I did not want to keep her. It is enough for an old man like me to take care of himself; so I did everything I could to make her leave. She has considerable money by this time, and I am bound to have it, if I have to kill the whole Leland family to get it. I have a friend here who keeps me posted on her affairs the same one who let us know about this nigger family who have es- caped*this time, besides getting us into a heap of trouble." 1 1 2 THE SP V OF OS A WA TOM IE. " Who is your friend ? " "His name is Black. He runs a store in this vil- lage, but makes more money in other ways. He would have got three hundred cool, if we had got these niggers South." Ona had heard the entire conversation, and from it had learned, not only that her surmises were cor- rect, but also who the person was that had given the information. They continued to talk about other matters until near two o'clock the next morning. When she was convinced that they were asleep, she crept from the closet. Closing the door carefully, stole softly out, and seeking her own room, retired. In the morning she went to Mr. Crowell's store, where her father met her. She told what she had learned. Mr. Leland had not before manifested the least degree of excitement, but now he became thor- oughly aroused. The threat that his family were to be murdered, was more than his nature could endure. Their first action was to write a note to Mr. Black, informing him of the knowledge of his complicity with the kidnappers, and advising him to leave the country immediately, which was signed " Citizens." Mr. Leland accompanied the prisoners to the county town, where they were to be tried. They were found guilty of " disturbing the peace," and fined, except Guy Wren. Mr. Leland had him sent to jail to await another court. Ona said to her father, " We will not tell Aunt Nancy that Wren was among the prisoners." " For the present, while he is in jail, we will say nothing about it to her, but we must, in time, give THE SP V OF OS A WA TOMIE. \ 1 3 her sufficient information to place her on her guard, for he might, if he is cleared, do her some harm, possibly murder her. Oh ! such a thought is hor- rible. Is there not some process of law by which such men can be kept in imprisonment?" " Not under our present system, my daughter. Evil-minded and wicked, as such men are, they have their friends, parties who can use them for dirty-work, who upon the grounds of ' sympathy ' will help them when they are in trouble." After paying their fines, the outlaws left for Bos- ton, leaving Wren behind. Ona, when considering the past, was more thor- oughly convinced of the truth of Hannah Moore's saying, "All for the best." Had I not secreted my- self in the closet, Wren would have been at liberty, and in all probability, would have killed all of us, to secure Aunt Nancy's property and all he could carry of ours, but now he is safe. Upon further consideration they concluded to in- form Aunt Nancy, which Ona did on the following Sunday. " That is what I have expected since I left him," said she. " Yet I have endeavored to say as little harm of him as I could, in fact, none publicly, I am sorry he is in jail, but while he is there I am safe." Ona was weary on retiring, and did not awake until the family had eaten breakfast and Mr. Leland gone to the village. " It is now one year since papa gave me that locket," thought she, as she glanced from the window, the snow reminding her of the time. 1 14 THE SP Y OF OSA WA TOMIE. CHAPTER XXI. THE MEETING. By the window I am sitting Watching feathery snow-flakes flitting, And my mind is slowly sifting Thoughts that have so long been drifting Toward this one, for whom is breaking The heart that has long been aching. / I \ HESE were the lines Lillie- Calhoun wrote in JL her diary as she sat by the window in the up- per parlor of the " Grand Central," a hotel in Washington, on the same morning that Ona Leland was thinking of what she had accomplished during the past year. Lillie having finished the lines placed beneath them the date, Nov. , 1845. Closing the book, by some mishap it fell from her hand and rattled down to the pavement below. She leaned from the win- dow to note its location and became absorbed in watching the falling snow, when she again turned her attention to the book, it was to see a young gentle- man lift it from the snow and glance upward to see where it came from, but no one being visible, he put the book in his pocket. Lillie sat thinking of the loss of her book until her mind drifted into another channel. She thus so- liloquized : " A year ago to-day, I came here happy, happy in the bloom and freshness of youth, happy THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOM IE. 1 1 5 in bright recollections of the past, and cheerful an- ticipations of the future. But now how is all the brightness of the past dimmed ? How is all the pro- spective lustre of the future tarnished ? Why is fate so unjust, to raise our hopes and then ruthlessly dash them to the ground ? Why is society so cruel, that we must ostracise an affinity that is given only by heaven, in obedience to its arbitrary rules? Why did I come here again ? Why did I not remain in the seclusion of my own, heretofore happy, Southern home ? I thought to live down in the whirl of excite- ment the heart lonliness that makes even Washing- ton a solitude. I thought to meet him for whom my heart yearns. I thought to meet him and learn from his own lips that ' report ' was a falsifier. I may never see him. Could I but tell him my sorrow and troubles, I know I should no longer brood over them, even if his ear was not turned in sympathy to- ward me. Even if his heart is turned to adamant, my mind would be relieved of an oppressive burthen and my heart of a crushing weight. I will wait and see." She was very pale, a shadow had gathered upon her brow, an anxious, expectant look flashed from her eyes, to be followed by an expression through which one could seemingly look into the depths of her heart and there read its sorrow and feel its pain. She had visited many of the watering-places dur- ing the summer and had spent the autumn in Canac 1 . Many were the admirers that begged for the sun- shine of her smile, but she turned from them all. She was indeed a true woman ; she loved but one, ii6 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. and that one alone could restore the roses to her cheeks. Among the gay and beautiful that graced the mag- nificent parlors of Washington society, the inquiry was often made regarding Miss Calhoun, the belle of the previous winter. She could not be persuaded by her friends to ap- pear in company, and yet she remained at the hotel. She returned but few calls and those were of her most intimate friends. The winter had almost flitted by and she had neither seen nor heard of Hayden, yet she felt sure he was in the city. Ava Haynes called, but never mentioned the name of Hayden. Her purpose was severing the friendship between Lillie and Hayden, and further than that she had no anxiety. Often Lillie drove out alone, hoping for even an accidental meeting with him. One bright day, in the latter part of February, she was driving very slowly, feeling sad and dejected, as she met carriage after carriage, often recognizing some familiar face. At length she noticed one bearing the coat of arms of an English nobleman, attended by servants in livery. As the carriage approached, she took par- ticular notice of its inmates. She started in surprise and anguish of mind, for there sat Hayden Douglas and by his side sat Ava Haynes. One glance told her how she had been betrayed by the heartless Ava. She saw her triumphant glance as they passed, but Hayden did not lift his eyes, he seemed in deep meditation and did not observe the sweet pale face of Lillie. THE SPY OF OSAIVATOMIE. 117 Mortified and dejected, she returned to her room, where she gave vent to her sorrow and grief, through the volume of tears, that no power of will could re- strain. Then, for the first time, she realized the en- tire selfishness of the world. She thought of how Ava had poured into her ears vituperative evidence of the social standing of Hayden, and after prejudic- ing the mind of her auditor against him, quietly and hypocritically appropriated him as her friend, and gloating over her success in poisoning the mind of a fair and virtuous woman against a true and just man. Amidst her sorrows, the triumphant glance of Ava would appear before her mind's eye, and arousing her pride, she determined to not tamely submit. She soliloquized : " Next Wednesday evening is that set apart for the last entertainment of the sea- son. Shall I attend? Yes. I shall advise none of my purpose. I shall address Madam DeL'ind imme- diately to forward my new dress. I shall have my pearls reset." She acted accordingly, sending her maid to post the letter and leave her jewelry at Barnes' for repairs. She seemed a different woman. That one scene had changed her nature. Expectation of the future infused new life in her system, and vivacity gleamed from her eyes and glowed upon her cheeks. She felt a determination to vindicate herself, and if need be, assume the aggressive against one who, in the person of Ava Haynes, had acted so falsely. The day before the party, much to Lillie's sur- prise, Ava made a passing call. She was coolly re- ceived, and treated reservedly. She soon became 1 1 8 THE SP Y OF OS A \VA TOMIE. aware of the coolness of her reception and the haughtiness of her entertainment, and made her adieu, fully realizing, at last, that she had acted unbecomingly, and feeling that her duplicity had been detected, but feeling that she had secured the friendship of Hayden, her misdeeds gave her little anxiety. On Wednesday Lillie's new wardrobe arrived, and was carried to her room so secretly that not even the inquisitive servants imagined the contents of the- box. Late in the afternoon she opened the box and shook out the beautiful and costly blue satin dress, which was elaborately trimmed with laces and flowers. Accompanying the dress were shoes and stockings to match. Calling her maid, she began her toilet. Her hair was tastefully arranged; a cluster diamond held some of the longer curls in place, while from among the loose ones peeped a small bouquet of /orget-me-nots. She stood before the mirror, arrayed in her hand- some dress. She was startled at the reflection. On her neck glittered the beautiful pearls; a diamond brooch held a bunch of forget-me-nots at her throat; curls floated around a brow denoting intellect and refinement, while her low dress displayed the shape- liest form ever beheld. For the first time, she felt a degree of pride never before experienced. "You are so pretty, Miss Lillie," said her maid, "I am glad you are going out to-night, for Miss -Ava's maid told me that you would not appear any more, because there was a young man you wanted, and that Miss Ava took him away from you, and THE SP Y OF OSA WA TOMIE. \ 19 you were staying at home, dying of a broken heart." " Does Miss Haynes tell her love affairs to her servants?" asked Lillie. "Yes, marm, I think she does, for they always tell me who Miss Ava loves, and I suppose she always tells them." " Whom does she love now ?" " I forget his name, he is the son of some English lord, and is very rich. He has the finest carriage that has ever been in this country." Lillie felt grieved at herself for allowing her cur- iosity to lead her to seek information from her servants. She had fully determined that those who had vituperated Hayden to her, should yet feel her influence. She made no reply to the volubility of words used by her maid. The last entertainment of the season was to be held at the unassuming residence of Senator Taylor. The parlors were already crowded when Lillie, leaning upon the arm of her escort, entered. Her companion was a stately and handsome young naval officer, her cousin. Many were the handsome faces already there, but none compared in beauty of fea- ture, harmony of attire, and happy expression with the beautiful blonde who had just entered. Her eyes sparkled as brightly as her diamonds. The general murmur of admiration which greeted her entrance, attracted the attention of Hayden, who was enjoying himself, seemingly, by conversing with Ava in an adjoining parlor. As she passed the apai - ment their glances met momentarily. Passing from the room into the conservatory, she seated herself near a table laden with choice flowers. 120 THE SPY OF OSA1VATOMIE. As she sat admiring the elaborate arrangement of the flowers, the hum of admiring voices proclaimed the entrance of some attractive or important person- age. As she arose from her chair to observe the new arrivals that were calling forth such an expression of admiration, her eyes fell upon a face fairer than her own, a face that had never known cosmetics, a face which shone with the pure whiteness of nature's own coloring, while her cheeks glowed with the bright tints of the rays of the setting sun. Her lips were cherry red, half parted in a pleasant, winsome smile. Lillie gazed upon the stranger with delight. " I love that child, for she is only a child in appearance ; how gracefully she moves from room to room. What a halo of youthful, exuberant joy and happiness seems to surround her. How tastefully she is dressed, how everything harmonizes with her complexion. Her dark blue silk and white-rose trimmings, those silver snow-flake 'resting on her golden curls are true to nature. She is pretty. She has no knowledge of her attractiveness and that fact lends grace to her movements and adds more beauty to her appear- ance." As Lillie toyed with her fan, thinking of the beau- tiful girl, she heard a step by her side, turning quick- ly, she beheld an extended hand and heard a well- known voice exclaim : " I have found you at last, Lillie ! " It was Hayden ; he had sought for her as soon as he could, without abruptness, relieve himself of the care of Miss Ava. They conversed a few minutes, when Hayden pro- THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. \ 2 1 posed a promenade. Taking his arm they moved leisurely from parlor to parlor, so wrapt in their own thoughts and expressions, as to be entirely un- conscious of the murmur of delight expressed by others at their appearance. They passed near Ava, but Lillie seemed not to regard her presence. "Look, Haydtm, can you give me any information regarding that beautiful child-lady standing near the piano?" " I can not positively say who she is. I did not hear the announcement of her name, after she had created such a sensation by her entrance," said Hay- den. " But I am quite positive I saw her one year ago last autumn in New Hampshire. I had but an imperfect view of her face, but her eyes attracted my especial attention by their brilliancy." " I became entirely enraptured at her entree this evening, and even now am compelled to admit that I am deeply in love with that fair young being." "I am surprised. I was not aware that ladies ever became enamored of other ladies." " I hope, by the assurance I have given you re- garding my feelings for that lady, that such a state- ment will not surprise you in the future. I have lady friends whom I love ardently, aye ! devotedly." " Perhaps, Miss Lillie, it was of one of those lady friends you were thinking when you let your book fall from the window." " I have not the faintest idea as to what you refer." As he produced a handsomely bound, gilt-edged day-book, she exclaimed: "That is certainly my book. How did it come in your possession, Hay- den?" 122 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. " I picked it up on the day of my arrival here, as I was passing the 'Grand Central." On opening it, I saw it was yours. Let me assure you, Lillie, the sight of your name, in your familiar hand, brought again into active life the feeling which had not died only become dormant in my breast. My heart throbbed with a new and stronger pulsation than had been its wont since I parted with you last winter. I felt a delicacy in approaching you to-night, but my observation of the occasional sad expression that would intrude itself upon your countenance, led me to feel that I was connected with your thoughts, as you have been with mine, since we last met. I have repeatedly asked Miss Ava concerning you. She invariably told me that you hd returned home soon after the season opened, and not seeing you, I was led to believe such was the fact. Perhaps it may have been, and that you have only returned to be present at this grand 'break-up.' ' "No, Hayden, I have been in the city all winter. 'Tis true I have been out but little. Miss Ava has called upon me at my hotel frequently. I am sur- prised that she should endeavor to impress you with the idea that I was not in Washington." " Since we have again met, and understand each other 'as of yore,' I will not repeat other remarks regarding yourself made by Miss Ava, which I now know to be false. We will let it all pass, and hope that the great firmament of the undeveloped future may contain brighter constellations than has fallen to our lot in the past." When Ava saw Lillie and Hayden together, she THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 123 at once realized that her plots were discovered, yet she felt no admonitions of an accusing conscience for her perfidious acts. Ava Haynes was not the woman to love or ar- dently cherish a love extended to her. Her only desire seemed to be to excel others in attracting the attention and winning the admiration of men. She was not beautiful, even if she was attractive. She was a perfect dissembler. She desired to so impress each new acquaintance, that he would bow humbly to her slightest wish and acknowledge her as the reigning queen of his heart. Such an influence she never could wield over Hayden ; although he seemed charmed with her presence, and happy in her society, yet she never could induce him to speak of love or adoration. She felt piqued at the failure of her plans, but not a line of her countenance indicated the inward feeling. " When may I look for a return of my book ?" said Lillie to Hayden. " Miss Lillie, since this little book has fallen into my possession I have cherished the hope that I would be permitted to retain it, and now since I have met you, let me earnestly entreat that I may not be denied the pleasure so fondly hoped for. I am about to sail for England and in my previous contempla- tions of that voyage and its- following travels, I as- sure you this little book has played a prominent part. It has and shall be a reminder of happy days in the past, and I now hope it may prove a talisman which will vouchsafe still more happy ones in the future. I am loth to part with it," 124 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. * "You may retain it, Hayden, but let me ask, how long shall you remain in England ?" "I had thought I should never return to America, but I have very recently changed my mind. The time will come when I shall feel-that I must return. In fact it is a duty I owe you Miss Lillie, to not al- low the future to be overcast with shadows, as the past has been, when such can be so easily dispelled by the sunshine of love. So you may anticipate my return as soon as I can possibly arrange the business which calls me away." " Be assured Hayden, I shall look anxiously for your coming." " What rapturous music," both exclaimed in a breath. "Who is the performer?" querried Lillie. They entered the next room and beheld seated at the piano, the same sweet-faced girl. She was sing- ing an old Scotch song, her voice so sweet and earn- est in its appeal, so life-like in the rendition of the sentiment, so affecting in its execution that tears dimmed the eyes of her auditors. Hayden stood by Lillie after the song was ended, conversing on various topics, especially the dangers attending an ocean voyage. As the time of parting drew near, he detached a beautiful ring from his watch-chain, placing it on her finger, said, " Let this be a momento of my love for you ; wear it while life lasts and may the hand that it decorates cool my fevered brow and press my burning cheek, as I pass happily away to prepare an arbor for your coming in a world where love reigns supreme." THE SPY OF OSAWATOM&. 125 With light happy hearts, joyous thoughts, and bright anticipations, they parted. He to wonder why people, aspiring to be considered refined and intellectual, could debase themselves as Ava had done, and only for a selfish motive. She, woman- like, to forget the past with its sorrows and grievan- ces, and to live in the sunshine of the immediate present, and contemplate the lustrous brightness of the future opening before her. Even her dreams partook of the same nature, she dwelt in realms of bliss, perpetual joy flowed as a stream to make glad her heart. CHAPTER XXII. THE WIDOWED AND WIDOWER. ( AjFTER Mr. Black received the note conveying JT\ the knowledge of his complicity in the Curry family abduction, he made hasty preparation to leave the village. He was wondering who had betrayed him. He was enraged beyond all question, on account of the turn affairs had taken. His nat- urally vicious temper demanded some one on whom to reak his vengeance. None other appearing, he vented his spleen upon his innocent wife, by furi- ously beating her. She was so badly bruised that she was unable to leave her bed for days, and for attention she was compelled to depend upon the charity of the neighboring women. 126 THE SPY OF OS AW ATOM IE. Black sold his store to his wife's cousin and de- parted for the West, failing to induce his wife to accompany him, she, in fact, not being able. News eventually reached Strawn that he had joined the Mormons. Mrs. Black made a comfortable living by boarding her cousin and his wife. She frequently assisted him in the store and became an excellent saleswoman, and now that she was no longer under the domineering influence of her brutal husband, her refinement and intelligence became noticeable and truly appreciated. Thus she experienced greater enjoyment than at any time since her marriage. While Black was making preparations to leave, Mrs. Harris was expressing much sympathy for Guy Wren, who was in jail. She attributed all his mis- fortune to the previous bad conduct of his wife. She knew Wren was a good man, but he had suffered in mind on account of family troubles, and any crime or misdemeanor he committed was .traceable to his wife, and she should be the one to suffer. Mrs. Har- ris made it a rule to blame women for all the wrongs committed, and invariably found some woman at the bottom of all the mischief done under her observa- tion. Such weak-minded creatures are a curse to their sex. She attempted to administer a reprimand to Mrs. Black for refusing to accompany her husband, but the attendants caused her to refrain as soon as she began her bemeaning lecture. She left the house in high dudgeon, and hastening home, spent her fury upon her husband, the doctor, who was one of the mildest-tempered men in the country. He was wea- THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. 1 27 ried in watching with one of their children, night after night, besides waiting upon other patients during the day. After she had finished her tirade of abuse, he calmly informed her if she was not pleased with her home and husband it would be better to find a more congenial place. She hastened to her room, and when called the next morning, it was discovered that she had gone. She had taken all the money she could find, to- gether with her clothing, and departed during the night. The stage picked her up on the road the next morning, but her final destination none could ascer- tain. The doctor found a newly-married couple, who rented his land and occupied his house, taking care of his children and providing meals for himself. The neighbors were pleased when she left she had been a town scourge ; a genuine, untamed shrew. The doctor received no word from her. He never mentioned her name, unless it was first mentioned in his presence. Ten years passed by and Tie removed to the city of New York where he found practice more remun- erative and he had more time to superintend the in- struction of his children, or at least, have a watchful care over their instruction. His daughters had grown to be lovely girls, and by his careful supervision all the contaminating influ- ence, set by the example of their mother, had been eradicated from their minds. They recognized the protector in their father, and his kindness, mildness and general suavity of manner, gave him the place i 2 8 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. in their minds, of mother, a name they had scarcely understood when applied to her, whose foibles and peculiarities they could never entirely harmonize with such an endearing appellation. Mr. Harris' professional duties called upon him to traverse the allies and by-ways of the city. During one of these trips on a cold afternoon, he noticed a woman whose peculiarity of movement attracted, momentarily, his attention. " Certainly it cannot.be Mrs. Harris," he mused, "she had more than a thousand dollars in money, sufficient to keep her above want for years." He soon dismissed such thoughts from his mind, and in his rounds thereafter took no notice of the miserable hut, except an occa- sional mental comment on its unusually squalidness. But as he had / no warning of the severe winter storm that was soon to visit the city, so he had no knowl- edge or idea of the storm so soon to agitate his mo- tives. To him " a shadow was on the wall," yet he divined it not, although he had noted its presence. CHAPTER XXIII. ONA IN WASHINGTON. MR. LELAND was called to Washington City after the affair concerning the Curry family and he proposed to Ona that she accom- pany him, to which she consented. Mr. Leland had an intimate friend in Washington O t THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 129 Mr. Henry Wise, a prominent abolitionist, in fact the leader of the Anti-Slavery party in the city. Imme- diately upon their arrival, Mrs. Wise became so in- fatuated with Ona that she at once began to prevail upon Mr. Leland to allow her to spend the winter in Washington. But until Ona herself expressed a de- sire to remain, he did not consent. Mrs. Wise was pleased with her pretty face and sweet voice, her shapely head graced beautifully formed shoulders, but most of all the firmness of her character as ex- pressed by her demeanor, attracted Mr. as well as Mrs. Wise. Ona's mind was properly developed and abundantly stored with useful knowledge and she conversed fluently on general topics of interest. All these, added to her musical knowledge, made her really an attractive personage. Mrs. Wise had endeavored to introduce her into society during the early season, but Ona would not acquiesce in the proposition. She preferred roaming at will, unnoticed, through the different departments of Government buildings, becoming familiar with the routine of work in each, and finally, when urgently pressed, she consented to attend the last entertain- ment, where Hayden and Lillie, with others, so much admired the stranger who discoursed such sweet music, and otherwise won their admiration. That attractive stranger was Ona Leland. Mrs. Wise had taken great pains to make her guest the most attractive and accomplished lady present, and had most admirably succeeded. Such fashionable life did not meet the approbation, neither did it win the approval of Ona. She said to 1 30 THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOM IE. Mrs. Wise one day: "I had rather be at work in the kitchen than be compelled to entertain these giddy- minded callers. I must have something to do here in this busy world. I cannot imagine what satisfac- tion there can be in a life spent in idleness when there are so many opportunities to do good and but little effort required, and even if we do work to ac- complish good, assuredly it is time and labor well expended." Many long letters found their way to members of the " Independent Band " from Ona, portraying her loneliness, even when surrounded by the gay and fashionable of the world. She told them how pre- cious time was wasted in catering to the dictates of "Dame Fashion" by many whose abilities, both nat- ural and acquired, if properly trained and applied, could be productive of so great good ; those who in- stead of informing themselves upon the current ques- tions of the day and expressing their opinions freely upon them, as is their God -given privilege, thus pav- ing the way or laying the foundation stones for a structure which should elicit the admiration of the world when contemplating the privilege granted to women in America, that of being as God had created them, equal in all rdspect and under all considera- tions to the so-called " Proud Lords of Creation." Instead of thus seizing upon the opportunities pre- sented, their whole time was being consumed in pre- paring for and attending the numerous fetes given in this, .gay and profligate city. Thus she would write to them of things of interest she had learned ; of the abounding skill displayed by American minds, as THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 131 exemplified by the thousands of models in the Pat- ent Office ; of her visit to the Department of Agri- culture, where she had penned condensed reports from all the States and Territories, treating of the productiveness of the soil, its adaptation to various cereals, its property in producing fruits, its timber area, its minerel deposits, and various other topics, would be discussed in her letters to those young companions who had with her embarked in an un- dertaking which would have been considered futile by youths of the opposite sex. In one letter she wrote : " I like politics better than ever before. There is here a wide field and ample opportunities for developing a taste in that peculiar study. I long to see the time come when I may have something to say upon questions coming up for public considera- tion, and a work to do in this great and grand field." Such sentiments were voluminously expressed in every letter she sent to Strawn. They not only en- couraged the girls in their work, but principles and sentiments were imbued into their minds which would remain there during life. But one of Mrs. Wise's callers impressed Ona at all favorably. From the first introduction, which was given after the season was over, Ona and Lillie Cal- houn were devoted friends, although their political sentiments were as different as were the sections of country they represented. When they discussed these points of difference between them, it was in an argumentative, reasoning, unprejudiced manner, and much good was accomplished by both, as the mind of each was relieved of prejudices placed there 1 32 THE SPY O* OSAWATOM1E. through exaggerated statements regarding the pecu- liarities of either section. Lillie prolonged her stay in Washington for no other motive than to enjoy the society of the fair young girl who had so effectually charmed her admiration and won her love and es- teem. CHAPTER XXIV. THE DEATH BED SCENE. FEW years pass away and the acquaintance formed between Ona Leland and Lillie Cal- houn grows into friendship and ripens into mutual love, one for the other. Many weeks had been spent by Lillie basking in the pure mountain air which surrounds Cedar Hall, and summer after summer did these two friends spend together at the famed and famous resorts with which America abounds. Now it was autumn ; six years had passed since they first met. At the end of their summering tour, Lillie thought it befitting to spend a few weeks at Cedar Hall before returning to her own balmy and flower laden home in the South. She seemed languid, careworn and despondent. New Hampshire air did not bring the roses to her cheeks as it had in former times. Finally, a week before the time fixed for her departure, she said : THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 133 " Ona, I must go home immediately !" " Why, Lillie ! you surprise me, I cannot enter- tain the thought of parting thus suddenly." " I feel that I must go, there is a certain forebod- ing of evil seems to cling around me. I have a pre- monition that something terrible is about to occur, something entirely unlooked for. I cannot eradicate the thought from my mind and under its influence I cannot enjoy myself or add to your pleasure. I know my mind would assume a state of rest more readily at home than it does away. I shall then at least have the consciousness that I am not annoying others by my despondent expressions and dejected appearance." " Be assured, Lillie, we shall suffer no annoyance by your indisposition. I can hardly realize that your feelings are caused otherwise than perhaps by our recent dissipation followed by hasty traveling, which was indeed wearisome and may have left its effects, as a prostration, partially of your nervous system, which depression you look upon as a mental afflic- tion." " Do not urge me to remain, I know myself suffi- ciently well, to know that I am not in error regarding my feelings, and I know further that you will, at my earnest solicitation, render me all possible assistance to start to-morrow. Will you not ?" "Although loth to part with you thus suddenly, I can only say 'yes' to your entreaty. I know how I should feel if, in earnest to go to my home, any bar- rier was interposed, even a kindly intercession to remain." I 3 4 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. The next morning Lillie entered the stage to start for her home in the Sunny South, where the "mag- nolias bloom, and the orange grows." A smile played upon her countenance, as if she felt she had taken a step that would avert the calamity which had impended. As she entered the stage, the postmaster of Strawn handed her a letter which had just arrived. She glanced merely at the postmark, and breaking the seal, said in her own mind: "It is from Hayden, yet it does not resemble his handwriting. But it surely is ! It is mailed at London ! " Tearing off the en- velope, she threw it out of the stage-window, and perusing the contents of the letter, her very blood seemed to freeze in her veins. She sat pallid and cold as marble. Her young heart was crushed within her at the cruel, heartless words it contained. All her bright day-dream was over. The idol of her heart was gone from her forever. The old creak- ing stage rattled on. She took notice of neither time nor objects. Sleep was banished from her eyes, and would not return at her bidding. The gnawings of hunger were suppressed, appetite had lost its relish. Desire was obliterated from her mind. The world appeared as a blank, except where in letters of fire appeared the words of that cruel epistle. Hearing was dead, except as all nature gathered its sounds and concentrated their forces upon the enunciation of those taunting words which rang as heaven's ar- tillery upon her ear. After many days' travel she reached home, almost unconscious of her surroundings. Repairing to her THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 135 room, she carefully laid the fatal missive away and penned a line to Ona, saying: "I have come home to die." Weeks passed, and she kept her bed. The physician gave no hopes of her recovery. At length she asked that Ona be sent for. A messenger was dispatched in haste, carrying the summons to her little friend in the North. Sad were the days and nights which passed in that Southern mansion as they awaited the arrival of the friend. At last Ona came. A happy expression of recognition spread over Lillie's coun- tenance when she heard the sweet voice beside her. Opening her eyes for the first time in many days, she looked upon the face that bent over her and returned the affectionate kiss, but she soon relapsed into unconsiousness. She became delirious, am' talked incessantly of the past; of Hayden, and of his marrying another. Then she besought hirn.to come, that she might know from his own lips that he had broken his vow of constancy to her; that he had cast her adrift upon the ocean of inconstancy, without sai or rudder; that he had permitted her place in hi.- heart to be usurped by another; that a siren voice had deadened his sensibility of right, of justice, o truth ; that a fair face had charmed him, in imagina- tion, and while it threw about him a vapor of delu- sion, led him on to self-immolation upon the altar oi selfishness, greed and inconstancy. There came a change seemingly for the better, she opened her eyes and recognized those around her. It was early one bright November morning, that de- lightful season, Indian summer cast its fragrant haze 136 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. upon the face of the earth. The early songsters which had twilled their first notes in Northern clime sought the balmy South to swell their first twitterings into grateful songs of praise. These were abroad upon this particular morning, making sweet music as the golden sun, rising from its watery bed, glinted its invigorating rays through the window full upon the couch of the sufferer. " What a beautiful morning," said she, " it reminds me of the mornings at Cedar Hall. Oh ! there I was so happy." "Are you not happy now?" asked Ona. " Not as I was in worldly pleasures, but there seems to be sweeter pleasures than earth can give, await- ing me on another shore. I imagine I hear the sweetest music from the other side of this stream I am about to cross. I see radient faces smiling at my coming. I notice outstretched hands open to receive me, and among that vast throng stands one, a smile of welcome lights up his countenance, a halo of glory surrounds his brow, and those around him smile gladly as he addresses them as His children. Oh, I know I shall be happy among that group. I so earn- estly desire to have him place His hand upon my head and say, ' my child.' " She fell into a sweet sleep and her friends were impressed with the idea that when she awoke she would be better. After resting for nearly an hour, she awoke suddenly, calling for Ona, she said, " get my keys and open my letter-box, bring me the pack- age of letters, you will find one in the top drawer of my dressing-case, bring it also." THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 137 Ona brought the package and the crumpled note, and placed them in Lillie's hand. She placed the crumpled one among the others and returned them to Ona saying : " Take these, and when I am gone read them and answer the last one. Tell him that my heart was broken and I am sleeping the sleep that knows no waking. Tell him I forgave him, that my last thoughts and words were of him ; that I return to him all he gave me except the ring, that I will not have removed from my finger where he placed it. Keep the letters, Ona, until he returns to America, but be sure and answer the last one." Her voice grew weaker and the weeping friends bent over to catch the half- whispered and slowly uttered words. As night drew near she closed her eyes as if she would sleep. Toward midnight she rallied, and cast- ing a glance of recognition upon each of her friends, pleasantly smiled, and ceased to breathe. The hand of Ona remained in the clasp of the one, that had often in life grasped it in friendship and still seemed to retain its grasp, though life had passed from it, and its power to act was dead. Ona was loth to withdraw from the bedside where she had Ion"- o and faithfully watched. Now that she could do no more to alleviate the suffering body or soothe the mind of the unconscious form before her, she gently unclasped the cold fing- ers and repaired to her own room where she thre\v herself upon the bed and wept until tired nature cast around her pillow the oblivion of sleep. When she awoke, the sun was shining through the 1 38 THE SP Y OF OS A WA TUM1E. open window of her apartment. As she raised her head, she beheld to her great astonishment a dark and vicious-looking man examining the contents of her trunk examinining, especially, letters and pa- pers. She immediately thought of the letters Liliic had given her and the silver case which she had brought with her. Finding them r, ife in her pocket, she next thought how to rid herself of the presence of the intruder. She sprang from the bed, and reaching the door, she threw it open before the man had time to gain his feet. . Standing in the door, she demanded to know the reason of the unwarranted intrusion. As he cast his dark, scowling eye upon her, she, with feelings of dread and fear, recognized the cruel vis- age; it was none other than the heartless wretch, Guy Wren. He rushed past her without saying a word. She immediately instituted inquiries as to his pres- ence in the neighborhood, and learned that he was serving in the capacity of body servant and attend- ant of Mr. Calhoun. "Does he have access to all parts of the house?" asked Ona of the servant who had imparted the in- formation. " No, madam, I reckon not, but he always goes where he pleases. Massa think a heap of him." Ona felt that she should say nothing regarding his presence in her room. Replacing the articles in her trunk and arranging her hair, she went down to breakfast, feeling a disgust for the laxity and want of perception in people who would employ such a THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 139 man as Guy Wren for a servant companion when ordinary judgment would promptly condemn him by the rule of physiognomy. As she passed through the hall, she observed the human fiend standing at the farther end examining a revolver. He did not see her as she entered the sitting room. Ona had loved the fair one now lying above them cold in death, and for Mrs. Calhoun her heart went out in kindly, affectionate sympathy, in this, the hour of her great affliction. They were no longer stran- gers to her. Her interest in the welfare of their lost one; her many kindly acts extended during her long sickness, had caused the tendrils of their hearts to go out and embrace the fair-faced girl of the North, and now their grief-stricken hearts looked to her as a comforter, while she, mildly and sweetly, called their attention to One who is able to comfort, willing to cheer and glad to receive. As the fajnily seated themselves at breakfast, a noise was heard in the room above where lay the corpse. The sound was that of heavy footsteps, and scuffling. "What can cause such a disturbance?" said Mrs. Calhoun, turning pale. At that moment a servant entered, trembling and much agitated, who finally said : " Massa, de good Lor' ony know what is done ! Dat dere ole Wren combed up-stairs a goin' to shoot Hanner and dis ole darkey jist cos we wouldn't let him take de ring off on Missus Lillie's hand, and he did tuk it off and weuns got it away from him an' is afeerd to put it back we is here it am." 140 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. Mr. Calhoun took the ring and asked Ona to re- place it. "Where is the inhuman brute?" asked he. " Massa, he go out ob de house by de back way. I seed him a crossin* de garden jist now. He went to Missus Ona's room dis berry mornin' and was a snoopen' in her trunk, when she seed him and drew him off." "Is that a fact, Miss Leland? " asked Mr. Calhoun. " Yes, sir," said she. Mr. Calhoun immediately left the room in search of Wren, but he had left the premises. The deep grief at the loss of his daughter, alone prevented a thorough search being instituted by the old gentle- man. Contending emotions filled his mind as he returned to the room, where he and Mrs. Calhoun awaited Ona, who had gone to replace the ring upon Lillie's finger. After breakfast, Ona returned to the silent cham- ber and watched by the dead body of her friend un- til night, when she occupied a couch in Mrs. Cal- houn's room, for fear of being intruded upon as she had been on the previous morning. Nothing, how- ever, happened to disturb the quiet of the mansion during the night. The early morning was devoted to making preparations for the funeral. As the bell sounded its last doleful call and the hearse moved away, Ona observed from the family carriage a well-dressed, finely formed man who, with uncovered head, followed the carriage to the cem- etery. She could not see his face, but the form was familiar. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 141 The procession stopped at the grave ; the coffin was carried into the enclosure. There she met the young man face to face, and recognized Hayden Douglas. His eyes were filled with tears ; the linea- ments of his face bore positive marks of grief. Ona could not comprehend why such evidence of emo- tion should manifest itself in him, who had lost all interest he may have had in her whose body was about to be returned to its mother earth as her spirit was already with its creator God. Ona thought of the letters in her possession, espe- cially the one last received from this man, who had informed Lillie in that letter of circumstances which, if true, branded him as a hypocrite in thus express- ing emotion at the grave of her whom his perfidy had slain. She thought of the obligation imposed upon her by Lillie to answer this last letter and return them all when opportunity offered. What should she do now that he was here? After the funeral, Ona remained to transplant a little shrub at the foot of the grave and weep there alone by the grave of her departed friend. Soon one of those who had left the grave returned. It was Hayden, who, when he observed Ona, said : "I hope I am not intruding, Miss . Although I have met you previously under very different cir- cumstances than now surround us, yet I have never learned your name, but that is a matter of no mo- ment, as we both fill the same position here, I, too, being a mourner, having, in the death of Miss Cal- houn, lost the dearest friend of my whole life." 142 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. " I think you are mistaken, sir," said Ona. " I am in possession of facts which conclusively contradict that statement, at least they should debar you of any right you may have previously had in acting the part of chief mourner at this service." CHAPTER XXV. ANOTHER DEATH-BED SCENE. WHEN Guy Wren left the Calhoun mansion, he wended his way to New York, traveling most of the way on foot, carrying a budget of clothes with him, begging his food as he traveled through the country. It was toward night, one cold day, when he reached the metropolis. He immedi- ately sought out an alley that, for filth and slime, was a disgrace to the city. Here, among the low hovels, he found one, more squalid than the neighboring ones, if such distinction could be drawn. He stopped at the door and gave a loud rap. In a short time it was opened by a woman clothed in the habiliments of poverty. " You did come at last, Guy," said the woman in a creaking voice, as she closed the door after him. " Yes, and I want something to eat, and that, too, in short order." " Well, give me some money to buy something with, for I have nothing in the house, not a morsel to eat." THE SPY Of OSAWATOMIE. 143 "You lie, you confounded old hag," roared he at the top of his voice. " Now get out of my house. I have kept you as long as I want to." While he was speaking, he had opened the door, and giving her a push, she fell in the deep snow outside. As she lay there, he muttered, " Go back to Strawn and hum up your husband and children." The woman sank down in the snow almost speech- less. Not a wrapping of any kind shielded her half- naked body from the driving storm which had just renewed its fury. She seemed to realize her desti- tute circumstances, and in her despair she exclaimed, " Oh, what shall I do ! No one to pity or care foi me!" Just at that moment, a fine carriage stopped and a young lad of noble appearance stepped out and lifted the freezing woman in, drove up to the Leland man- sion and in a few moments she was comfortably wrapped in warm blankets and restoratives given. in a brief time the poor woman was sleeping soundly. "Don't disturb her, Robert," said a sweet-faced old lady to the young man. "Sleep is the best med- icine we can procure for her poor, suffering body, as well as for the mind." " Well, you watch her, Aunt Nancy, and I will see if I can find any more who are exposed to this storm," and he was off without another word. Kind reader, that youth was Robie Leland, .and the kind old lady was his old 'nurse, Aunt Nancy. Mr. Leland had purchased a beautiful residence in the city and was sending his son to school. Ona 144 THE SPY Of OSAWATOMIE. had not returned from South Carolina, and Robie, on his return from school, had wended his way through the dark alleys, to assist those who were in extreme want. Not a day passed but what he con- tributed to the comfort of some one. As the cold weather continued, he found more to do than he could accomplish with the assistance of Aunt Nancy alone. The poor woman above referred to, slept until bed time ere she awoke. Robie took up her thin, ama- ciated hand affectionately, when he started in sur- prise, exclaiming, "Why, Aunt Nancy ! She has a high fever and we must send for medical aid." Leaving the room, he dispatched a servant after their family physician, and with the assistance of the chamber-maid, he laid the poor woman on the bed. When the doctor came, he pronounced her case hopeless, her system being already to much reduced by starvation. Asking a few questions of Robie regarding the manner and place of her discovery, he turned to leave, when his attention was called to a glittering ring, which was suspended from her neck by a dirty ribbon. Remarking to Robie, "This may be some clue to her identity, we will examine it." They cut it from her neck, and approached the light to ex- amine it. Suddenly the Doctor stopped, turned deathly pale, exclaiming, " O, my God ! it is the ring I gave my wife ! Can it be she ?" Going up to the bed, he took up her left hand and rubbed the fingers straight. " Yes, it is she ! " sobbed he. " Poor wo- man ! How sad, indeed, is your fate. Where have THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 145 you been all these years ?" Said he, as he bent over the only woman he had ever loved, and one unworthy to be known as the wife of such a man as Doctor Harris. He had not heard from her since she left the vil- lage of Strawn. He had kept his little girls and sweet-faced boy, and had come to New York, and now resided there with his motherless family. Addressing Aunt Nancy, he said, "You remember the sad occurrence of my wife leaving me some years ago, do you not ?" "Yes, Ona and I have spoken frequently regard- ing that dreadful time in Strawn, some years since, but I never thought of this poor creature being your wife." " We know not what dire distress may overtake us in life. Indeed I have had my full share. I must summon others to assist in caring for her," said he. Leaving the Leland home, he sought his own roof where he informed the children of what had trans- pired. " Here is the ring I gave her on our wedding day, and through which I recognized her." With moistened eyes the children examined the ring. " Can we go and see her papa ?" asked one. "Not now, children, you must wait until she be- comes conscious." He wrapped the ring in a piece of soft paper and placed it in his pocket-book, saying to the children : " Wait until I come for you." " He procured the best medical aid the city af- >rded, but days lengthened into weeks before the 9 146 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. fever abated. During her delirium she had rehearsed scenes and incidents in her life, from childhood up to the present time. Much to the humiliation of the Doctor, she spoke of her life of abandon in the city, and how Guy Wren had abused her from time to time. She would then call upon Wren to protect her, and not forsake her, as she was alone in the world. Four weeks had passed, and late one afternoon, just as the winter sun was emitting its last lingering rays, which struggled through the half-opened shut- ters, she opened her eyes for the first time and glanced at each one who stood near the bed. Clos- ing them again she shuddered and exclaimed, " Oh ! what a miserable dream I had." Dr. Harris saw that there was little time to lose as death was surely and rapidly approaching, he sent, in haste, for the children who came promptly. She smiled when they entered, but it was a smile of delirium, not of recognition. Toward midnight she breathed her last, among friends, though uncon- scious as to who had ministered to her wants. Dr. Harris sent a messenger to Strawn with direc- tions for her burial, and soon followed, accompanied by his family and friends, bearing the remains of his long lost and depraved wife. There in that quiet village cemetery, beneath a tall, majestic cedar, they laid her in her last resting place. When the last shovel full of earth had been deposited the sexton carefully replaced the mourning sheet of snow, thus obliterating all traces of the newly made grave. But a deeper chasm than the grave had grown in the THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 147 heart of him who had been her loving companion ; a chasm which could neither be filled nor obliter- ated. Returning to New York, he endeavored to ascer- tain the whereabouts of Wren, assisted by the au- thorities, who desired to capture him on account of his escape from prison in New Hampshire, before his term had ended. He had killed a guard and had not been heard from until Ona saw him in South Caro- lina, and Mrs. Harris talked of him in her delirium. As before, he was successful in eluding his pursuers, and finally left for the far West, where he found con- genial companions among the outlaws that infested Western Missouri. Thus adding another character of the darkest dye to that already criminally corrupt district, where outlaws made their home and horse- thieves reigned supreme. Wren reached that neighborhood just in time to participate in the malicious murder of two young men from the Eastern states, their only crime being a disapproval of outlawry in any form. He had known them as innocent boys in the village of Strawn, and had often remarked the energy and man- liness of Wayne Crowell and Gilbert Brooks, even in their childhood days. After the crime had been committed, he for a moment, when his thoughts re- verted to them as happy boys, regretted the part he had taken in depriving them of life, but such thought was momentary. Another plot was developing in his perfidious brain. 148 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. CHAPTER XXVI. THE FORGED LETTER. WE left Ona and Hayden at Lillie's grave. Hayden had just returned from Europe and was on his way to call upon Lillie at her home when he learned of her death as he passed through the neighboring village. He returned to the sepulcher after the funeral services were over, that he might there pour out his grief upon her grave, the only spot of earth that seemed dear to him. But, alas ! he was not granted that privilege, for there sat the blue-eyed lady he had seen upon three different occasions: once at Cedar Hall, as a child peeping over the stair-railing at him ; again at the scene with the kidnappers in the Curry house, calling herself " Dickey Deane," and yet again in the throng in Washington, where she won the admiration of all present at the most fashionable fete given during the season. Now her face was suffused with tears, and her heart, like his, was sad. When she became aware of his presence, her eye-lashes were glistening with tears, that caused them to seem darker than before, and when she said, " I think you are mistaken. I know some facts regarding you, Mr. Douglas," he was bewildered. Did she refer to his parentage ? What could it be to her if he did not tell the world who he was? But in a moment he asked, "What do you know, 'Dickey Deane?' THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 149 " My name is Ona Leland, and I know that your cruel letter killed my dearest friend, and one who loved you far more devotedly than you merit or appreciate." " I am at a loss to divine your meaning, Miss Le- land. My correspondence with Miss Calhoun was ever harmonious and treated of a subject dear to both of us, Love, as you perhaps know. My last letter to her was the most happy and joyful of all I had written in its tone, inasmuch as I had just ar- ranged my business so that I could return to Amer- ica and claim her as my bride. I told her that I should expect no answer, as the consummation of my business required that I should spend time in different places on the Continent, and I could not say where I should be. So from this statement, and the fact of my being here at her grave, when I ex- pected to have been enjoying her society at home, you will certainly know that I am not deceiving you, her friend." " Mr. Douglas, your statement, coupled with the emotion you have expressed to-day, is certainly en- titled to credence. The fact that I referred to as being possessed of is contained in this letter which she received from you. Read it and you will know why Lillie Calhoun's body rests to-day under the cold sod." He glanced hastily over it, and immediately said : " I never wrote it. It is not my hand-writing. I am not married, and never entertained such a thought, except in connection with Lillie Calhoun. This is the work of some evil-disposed person. My God ! 150 THE SPY OF O SAW ATOM IE. was it thus my darling was murdered? Where did this letter come from? Where is the envelope? I will not rest until I have ferreted this wrong-doer out and have ground his unworthy body to atoms in the dust." Then calming himself, he said: "Miss Leland, excuse the show of extreme feeling I have just manifested. My heart is torn and bleeding at the loss I have sustained. My fiery nature has just cause to show itself when thinking of one who could be so base, so cruel, so unjust as to do so vile a deed." " Mr. Douglas, I know your provocation is great. I am now thoroughly ready to rely implicitly on any statement you may make, regarding this affair which has terminated so unfortunately, and further, I am ready and willing to aid you in any way possible to enable you to arrive at the full knowledge as to who the guilty party is, and to commence, let me say, I have the envelope which contained this cruel letter, at my home in New Hampshire. Lillie received it after she was seated in the stage to return South, when she opened it, she threw the envelope out of the window and I picked it up, carried it home as a momento, and will send or give it to you, as the case may be, or the opportunity presents, as soon as I can reach home after leaving here." " I am thankful, Miss Leland, for your kindly of- fer. The information, that you are possessed of the envelope gives me hope that its marks and stamps may lead to the detection of the guilty party. Let us not consider the matter further, but wait until time assuages our grief, when we can better apply THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. 1 5 r reason to our acts. Let us devote the immediate present to doing the last sad office of dropping our tears upon the grave of her we loved. May each tear dropped be the germ that sprouts a flower to decorate the grave of the fairest of God's beings, and may each tear, as it leaves our eyes and wells from our hearts, be the reminder of some great good we have to accomplish in life, and plant in our minds germs that will bring forth good resolutions, which, growing and thriving, may cast a shade, in which may bask principles, developed and cherished by us through life, that will at last bring us in direct asso- ciation with her among the redeemed saints in the celestial world." " Mr. Douglas, I heartily endorse the sentiments you have expressed. It may be pleasing to you to know, that she whose mortal part now lies beneath our feet, expressed the abiding faith of the Christian ere she passed the stream of death. Smilingly she elated her bright, waking vision. She could calm- ly look across the dark river of death and behold the glorious scenes upon the other shore. She saw her Savior with the host of redeemed ones waiting to receive her. She expressed the desire to be near him, where He could place His hand upon her brow and say ' my child." ' She continued : " As you have intimated, Mr. Douglas, there is a work for us all to do in this world, and I feel that here at the grave of my friend, is a proper place to re-consecrate myself to all that is for good in this life, that I may properly appreciate, while here, the joy and happiness that is in store beyond ' this vale 152 THE SPY OF OS AW ATOM IE. of tears,' for those who properly discharge their duty toward their God and fellow mortals." " I know nothing of the ' better life ' you speak of, Miss Leland, in practice. Oh, that I possessed but one spark from the lamp of that life by which to guide my wayward feet into the path that promises perpetual enjoyment." " Do you never pray, Mr. Douglas?" " No. Yes. That is certainly contradictory. I do pray in a certain way. I never kneel and unbur- then my heart of its troubles, but when alone with my own thoughts, there is a something that keeps whispering in my ear, and I silently breathe a sigh that my life may be pure, pure as Christ's was pure." "You are on the right path, Mr. Douglas. Drive not the still small voice from your heart. Encourage it and abide by its decisions and heed its prompt- ings, and your life may yet be pure." " I will make an earnest effort to merit the appro- bation of Him who 'noteth the fall of the sparrow' and remembers us in the time of our affliction, by directing our thoughts toward good works and good deeds, as has been the case to-day. I feel to-day, Miss Leland, as if I could here consecrate myself to greater efforts to lead a better life in the future than I have in the past. I feel that the spirit of my de- parted friend will act the part of my guardian angel through life, and with such an overshadowing pres- ence I can do no wrong without being conscious of it, and each good effort will meet the proper appro- bation of that angel." " It costs an effort, Mr. Douglas, and only a strong, THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. \ 5 3 earnest effort to be a Christian. That effort is noth- ing-, at last. What is all the world to us when we must die? We leave all behind." " I know that I would willingly give of all this world's goods at my command had I the faith and the power to exercise it that you have, Miss Leland. It is growing late, and I must bid you adieu. I need rest for my journey. I am summoned to Concord, and must be there this week. You are aware of the business of our society as well, perhaps, as I am." "Yes, Mr. Douglas, I leave here in the morning for the same place." " Ah ! then, if agreeable, we will pursue our jour- ney in the same coach." " Before I leave this newly-made grave, I want to plant an evergreen that Lillie brought from the North with her. I grew it beneath our talismanic tree at home, whose emblematical qualities you un- derstand, being a member of our society. Lillie ad- mired it on account of its resemblance to the parent tree. I could not, of course, explain the nature of its signs, but here, at her grave, in this beautiful land, is a becoming place to plant such a tree." "Allow me the pleasure, Miss Leland, of uniting my effort with yours in thus planting in the Southern clime our talismanic tree. In after years when I think of her grave, I shall also not forget to blend with it, in imagination, this tree, which I helped to plant, and when its symbols have been accepted by the world, I will be glad to point to one standing at the grave of her I loved and of whom I was unjustly robbed." 154 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. Thus saying, he took up the spade and dug a place at the foot of the grave, while Ona placed therein the little tree. He pressed the loam about its tender roots, and they left it to flourish and spread its green boughs over the grave of one dear alike to both, promising to return and moisten its roots with the tears of affection and love in after years. Hayden walked with Ona to the Calhoun man- sion. She introduced him to the parents of Lillie as a former friend of their daughter, whose memory he cherished. They knew of their daughter's en- gagement, but knew nothing of the forged letter and the presence of one whom their dear lost child had chosen for a companion through life, opened again the flood-gates of their grief. Thus the tears of friends from every clime almost mingled around the desolate hearth-stone. Hayden remained with them but a few hours, when he returned to the village where he remained during the night. The next morning the two friends were on the way to Concord. Their departure left a warm place in the hearts of Lillie's parents for them both. For him a sympathy for his loss, for her a kindly remembrance of the sweet-faced Northern girl, who had been so dear to their lost one. Ona felt no inclination to converse ; while Hayden communed with his own thoughts, which carried him far back into the past, then to the forged letter which had wrought so much harm. Why should any one have committed so despicable an act ? What a shadow it had cast upon that beautiful home ! What a gloom it had thrown about many loving hearts ! THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 155 Who could have been guilty of such a crime? Could it have been Ava Haynes? Hayden started at the thought, the recollection of her perfidious acts of the past came before his mind and forced themselves for- ward with such tenacity, that he felt a premonition that he had hit upon the proper clue. After several days and nights' travel they reached Concord. Ona continued her journey to Strawn, of- fering to send the envelope to Hayden, but as he contemplated visiting that village soon, he suggested that he could then avail himself of the opportunity of examining it. Hayden proceeded to the hall where the same so- ciety held its meeting, that he had so often in times past met with. A few of the old members were ab- sent on business partaining to the society. Hun- dreds more were added to it. The business for this day was sending out committees, consisting of both men and women, to solicit emigrants for the West. Hayden was appointed to travel over the Atlantic States. He left the next day for Strawn where he had been on two previous occasions. He left his carriage before 'the gate at Cedar Hall and walked down the path. There stood the cedar tree, and there the cavity from which had been taken the smaller one which he had assisted in transplanting at Lillie's grave. He entered, and after the salutations of the day had passed, Ona produced the envelope, which she had accidentally saved, and handed it to Hayden. 1 56 THE SP Y Ol< OS A IV ^ i ' CHAPTER XXVII. THE BEGINNING OF TROUBLES IN THE WEST. C\)S GUY WREN looked upon the lifeless bodies < T\ of those two young men, whose lives had been pure and upright, he was laying a plan to make their deaths known to their far away friends in the East. At last he conceived a plan which was submitted to his drunken companions. It consisted of publishing a false account of their many misde- meanors, and sending a copy of same to their friends in Strawn. The skill of a swarthy Arkansas pedagogue was brought into play and soon the false statement was submitted for the approval of the dissolute rabble, who with applauding yells signified their approba- tion. In due course of time it was published in a pro-slavery sheet under the supervision of Esquire Barnes. That night the lifeless bodies were thrown upon a building that was wood-shed and hen-house com- bined, while the murderers kept time to a squeaking fiddle in the miserable huts on the hillside. The next day a hole was dug not far from the hamlet now known as West Point. There they were buried, having been stripped of everything except their underclothing. The earth was hastily thrown upon them. Thus without shroud or coffin were buried these young men, whose only ambition, and TJJE SP Y OF OSA WA TOM IE. \ 5 7 that unexpressed, had been to elevate the human race to the plane designed by the Great Architect. In a few days the publication of the account of the hanging of those two young men appeared with the causes assigned. A copy was sent by mail to Strawn, where in course of time it arrived. Some two weeks had elapsed when Guy Wren be- gan to feel uneasy. What a fool he had been in al- lowing his name to appear in the paper which went where he was already too well known. But it was too late to repent now. He must look out. Would they send thousands of miles to look after those two boys ? No, they certainly would not, and thus he reasoned with himself. But feeling unsafe, he went farther North and engaged to chop wood for a steam saw mill, until Spring should come. Having been closely hunted by Mr. Calhoun, he had tramped through to New York, and there ferreted out by Dr. Harris and others, he was compelled to go West, and after lying, house-breaking and many other crimes, he finally made his way to Bates county, Missouri. Fearing the people of Strawn, he had moved again. If there be no rest for the wicked on earth, what can they expect in a world to come ? If their minds are in a state of unrest here, can they possibly be happy in the great hereafter? When Wren had been at the mill some two months, a Yankee pedler stopped one evening. He carried two large valises, filled with jewelry, which he was selling. He spent the night where Wren was boarding. The next morning he paid his bill and pursued his journey. Wren had left the house when 1 58 THE SP Y OF OS A IV A TOM IE. the pedler started. When the proprietor, Mr. Jones, called where the men were working, Wren was not with them, and he ascertained he had not been there during the time they had been working. After wait- ing a brief time, Mr. Jones instructed some of the men to search for Wren and bring him back, dead or alive, the supposition being that he and the pedler were negro thieves. The search was contin- ued until towards noon. A gun was heard, that being the signal agreed upon as denoting success. But when the scouts gathered they were surprised at beholding in the thicket the dead and mangled remains of the pedler. They discovered that his valises were gone, as well as his pocket-book and hat. The horror-stricken men carried the body back to Mr. Jones'. Scouts were sent out to scour the surrounding country in search of Wren. No trace could be found of the villain. The dead man was cared for by the men at the mill as if he had been a friend. A good coffin and a nice suit of clothes were procured. He was buried in the village .graveyard. A board bearing the in- scription, " Here lies an Eastern man ; name un- known; murdered by one Guy Wren," was placed at the head of his grave. An article was published in the St. Joseph Herald concerning the sad affair, and several copies were forwarded to Eastern papers, with the hope of attracting the attention of friends of the murdered man. Thus, step by step, war began to rage on the Western border between the Anti- and Pro-Slavery factions. The outlaws and desperadoes who had THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 159 congregated there, committed heinous crimes, pil- laging and murdering promiscuously and charging the blame upon 'opposing parties, thus engendering a cruel strife, which marked the Missouri and Kansas borders as the second "dark and bloody ground." Respectable men of either party held aloof from such depredations, until public opinion was strongly ex- pressed and excitement ran high, aggravated and inflamed by roughs from every State. The settlers were generally respectable men from Kentucky and Tennessee, who owned a few slaves and thought it no disgrace to work along with them in the field. The slaves were well contented with their lot. They fared as did their masters, having plenty to eat and to wear. CHAPTER XXVIII. CAUGHT. AYDEN examined the envelope closely. He discovered that the post-mark was a false one, that the seal was not a foreign one, and addressing Ona, said : " Miss Ona, I pronounce this as all false; will you permit me to retain this envelope? It may aid me, materially, in discovering the perpetrator of the crime." " Most assuredly, Mr. Douglas. I promised to aid I6o THE SPY OF OSA\\'ATOM1E. you in whatever way I could, and although I value the envelope as a memento of Lillie, yet I cannot withhold it from you. Believe me, when I say, I hope your efforts may be successful." "Thank you, kindly, for both the envelope and your earnest hope. Permit me to say adieu." Hayden in a few days arrived in Washington. He learned that many of his former friends were spend- ing the winter there, among whom was Ava Haynes, who acted as assistant to her brother who had charge of the distributing of foreign mails. He was at once convinced, in his own mind, as to the author of the crime, but what plan to adopt, to secure positive proof of the villiany, was a hard problem to solve. While pondering the matter over, he met his old friend and former companion, Arthur Holmes. He acquainted Arthur with all his troubles, as well as his suspicions regarding Ava's being concerned in the forgery of the letter. The hot blood mounted to Arthur's face, and as quickly left. A deathly pallor overspread his coun- tenance, a visible shudder shook his frame, but Hay- den did not observe the evidences of emotion his ac- cusations had brought about. Hayden continued : " She has access to the Post- Office Department. She, on a previous occasion, created a false impression in the mind of Miss Cal- houn regarding myself, and, considering all things, I believe she is the guilty party." Every trace of emotion had passed from Arthur. His voice was calm and evinced strong determination as he said : THE SPY OF OSAIVATOMIE. 161 " Give me the envelope, write Miss Calhoun's name upon another, let me have that also, and if the party that you suspect is really guilty, I can soon arrive at the truth of the suspicion." Hayden did as Arthur directed, after which they parted. Hayden left for Pennsylvania to solicit fam- ilies to join the emigrants who were going West to settle the Platte country. Arthur examined the envelopes closely and found them to be very dissimilar. He could hardly enter- tain the thought, that Ava Haynes could be so de- praved as to intercept letters. But he had only known and seen the bright side of her life. He had felt his heart glow in love toward the bright South- ern girl even before he went to Europe, and since his return they were fast growing in their friendship, hence his emotion when her name was associated with a deed that had been productive of so much evil. He said to himself, " I must lay aside all pre- conceived favorable opinions, and thoroughly inves- tigate this matter for my friend Hayden." He placed a sheet of blank paper in the envelope which Hayden had directed, and procuring the as- sistance of a wood engraver, had the name J. W. London cut in a circle, the unsuspecting workman supposing that to be the name of his customer. When in possession of the stamp, he erased the let- ters " J. W." and applied the stamp to the decoy let- ter he had prepared. Proceeding to the wharf where the vessel lay, which had just arrived with the mails, he carelessly sauntered on board, He watched his opportunity 10 1 62 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. and dropped his decoy letter in one of the apart- ments where the mail was being changed into " trans- fer sacks," which would soon be carried to the " dis- tributing office." He wended his way to that office, and presenting his card, was admitted to the hall. As he entered, he met Mark Haynes, Ava's brother, who was just leaving on urgent business, and could not remain to entertain his friend. When he reached the apartment occupied by Ava, he fouud her busy arranging the outgoing mail. Seating himself where he could view her actions, unobserved, and yet not attract the attention of the assistants, he drew a paper from his pocket, and pre- tending to read, quietly awaited the arrival of the mail. Soon the heavily-laden trucks were wheeled through the hall, stopping at the various " depart- ment rooms," until Ava's room was reached, where two closely-filled sacks were placed upon her table. After the men had withdrawn, she unlocked one of the sacks just as Arthur approached a shaded spot, where he could note her actions. As his eye glanced over the table, he saw his decoy letter lying by itself, not tied up with any of the packages, as if the official in charge at the boat had discovered it after the packages had been secured and threw it in the sack loose. She glanced carelessly over the table until her gaze fell upon the decoy letter, which she hastily picked up and put in her pocket. Arthur trem- bled to such an extent that he felt his presence must become known in spite of every effort to the con- J THE SPY OF OSAWATOM1E. 163 trary. He thought: "What must I do? Hayden was certainly right. Shall I, this minute, tell her all, and possibly save her from a greater wrong in the future? or shall I inform the authorities ? No.no! They will deal too harshly with her." And without further thought he walked into the apartment. She was not aware of his presence until she heard his salutation. She manifested a momentary surprise, but soon became calm. He addressed her, saying: "I am authorized, Miss Haynes, to overlook the work of certain assistants in this department. There has been a gross derelic- tion of duty on the part of some of the clerks, and a careful watch has been established over their acts. You are aware that in the discharge of such duty as has been assigned to me, I must lay aside all con- siderations of former friendship with persons under my surveilance, and discharge my whole and entire duty without fear or favor." " Do not say a word, please, until I am through," said he, coolly, as she attempted to speak, and he then continued, "With your permission, Miss Haynes, I would see the letter you, a moment since, placed in your pocket." For an instant she trembled, then turning deathly pale, fell at his feet, at the same time throwing the letter upon the floor, she begged of him, "By all fond associations of the past, for the sake of her father's good name, for the sake of her brother's of- ficial station, for the sake of the spirit of her dead mother, for the sake of her own future, not to expose her acts to the authorities, and thus overwhelm her with shame, that would be as lasting as life itself." 164 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 11 Calm yourself, Miss Haynes, let me ask, do you know the result of the act you perpetrated, last fall, in intercepting a certain letter and afterward forward- ing one, expressing sentiments entirely foreign to those contained in the original? I will tell you. Miss Calhoun now sleeps the sleep that knows no waking. Her body rests in the quiet cemetery where the birds sing in tunefull melody and the flowers emit their fragrance. And why is that beautiful form thus situ- ated? Miss Haynes, can I impress upon your mind the heinousness of your crime, when I say, the let- ter you wrote caused Miss Calhouu's death. Oh, let me advise you to have a greater decree of control over your selfish inclinations. Rather seek to give joy and happiness to others, than to selfishly inter- cept their joys. You can offer nothing in excuse for the wrong you have done, but what is based on sel- fishness. When your brother returns, tender your resignation of your position, and I will give you the assurance that none but interested parties shall ever know of your error, and they will be reticent upon the subject." She could not await her brother's return, but closed the door, donned her cloak and hat with its heavy veil, and proceeded to her brother's house, where, on the plea of indisposition, she asked to be excused from further work in the office. She could not en- dure the mental strain she had been subjected to. She kept her bed for several days, and when suffi- ciently recovered, she sought her home in the South, a sadder and wiser girl. She put forth an earnest effort to redeem the past, by making her life more THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 165 pure and unselfish, becoming interested in those around her, contributing to the wants of the needy, sharing of her bounty with the destitute, until, by a daily practice of unselfishness, her better qualities gained entire possession of her mind, and seeking the hallowed influence of a Savior's love, she be- came a kind and loving woman, whose presence brought sunshine and gladness wherever she ap- peared. Years passed ere she again met those two men. They did not recognize her, but the expression of their countenances neither time nor place could re- move from her mind. Arthur wrote Hayden the result of his investiga- tion and added, " I could not find it in my heart to subject her, who had occupied so exalted a position in society, to the shame and disgrace that would naturally follow the exposure of her wrong ; besides, I must, in all candor, admit, that when discharging what I considered to be my duty toward you, my friend, and toward her, who sleeps among the orange groves, I had not entirely eradicated from my heart, the feeling of admiration and love engendered there for the person whose faults and misdoings I was en- deavoring to substantiate. I hope, under the cir- cumstances, when you calmly consider them, you will not censure me for my leniency toward her." Hayden's reply contained these words : " I do not censure you, my friend, for being lenient toward the erring one. I was not aware that you entertained for her more than a kindly feeling, else I should not have had the temerity to have unbosomed myself to 1 66 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. you. But inasmuch as you assumed the duty im- posed upon you by me, you have established in my mind the fact of your entire unselfishness and your friendship for me. As regards Miss Haynes, I can truthfully assure you that for her I entertain only feelings of pity. I forgive her her wrong-doings, as I hope to be forgiven. While my heart is desolate at the loss of its idol; while I know who caused that loss, I can with truthfulness express the hope that her after life may abundantly atone for her past wrongs." As Hayden finished this letter to Arthur, he re- ceived one summoning him to the village of Strawn. He hurriedly prepared to obey the summons. As he*approached the village, evidences of sorrow and mourning attracted his attention from every side. From every door hung streamers of crape ; the flag over the school-house floated at half-mast. " What can be the trouble," thought he, as he recognized many members of the Anti-Slavery party. CHAPTER XXIX. SADNESS. ONA LELAND had returned from the South sad-hearted. Lillie's death had left its gloomy impress upon her brow and an aching void in her heart. Of all that were dear by the ties of THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 167 friendship, Lillie Calhoun alone had been summoned by the relentless hand of death: one whom she loved from the great depth of her young and tender heart. Far away, under the glow of the Southern sky ; be- neath the rays of a Southern sun, she was calmly reposing, nestled in the bosom of mother earth. Hayden had just gone. Ona felt lonely. No change of importance had occurred in the vil- lage during the past years. The members of the " Independent Band " were in different cities and towns, pursuing their respective avocations. Ida Crowell alone, with Ona, remained in the village. She had married Jasper Brooks, a prosperous young merchant of Concord. He had brought his house- hold goods to Strawn, and left his little wife until he found a location in the far West. Mrs. Brooks was spending one of the lonely days with Ona when the news of the death of Wayne Crowell and Gilbert reached Strawn. In a few min- utes the church bell was tolling, indicative of sad news. " What can be the trouble?" said Ida, rising to her feet. " Let us go to the village and learn." They hastened to the village and found the people all wending their way to the place of worship. Vast multitudes gathered to learn the cause of the excite- ment. From the church door the announcement was made that " Wayne Crowell and Gilbert Brooks had been killed in Missouri." All was as if -death stood at the door when the sad news was proclaimed. Soon the attention of many was called to Ida, who was the picture of despair for a moment, then shrieked : 168 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. "Where is Jasper? He too must be dead, he went with them ! " She was informed that no mention had been marie except regarding the two boys. Public sentiment ran high. Many were loud in the expression of their fellings regarding the crime that had been committed. The fact of the bodies having been identified by Guy Wren, raised grave suspicions in the minds of those who knew his despicable char- acter, that he was concerned, to a greater extent, than was indicated in the report. Ona, with others, expressed herself forcibly re- garding the character of Wren. She said, " How long shall the vile creature contaminate the earth with his presence? Surely the vengeance of a just God will overtake him. These innocent boys charged with stealing horses and hung, just to satis- fy the cravings of the depraved mind of Guy Wren, who only sought an object on which to wreak his vengeance and bring sorrow to those who had been instrumental in frustrating one of his diabolical schemes." She compiled a description of Wren and gave an account of his evil deeds, and had it published, send- ing many copies to the West, marking the article, to attract attention and cause a republication in local journals. The next day a party was organized to proceed to the spot, exhume the bodies, and carry them to the village of Strawn. Under the circumstances it was an arduous under- taking. To travel thousands of miles, on such an THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 169 errand, under ordinary circumstances, would be no frivolous undertaking, and to penetrate a country in- fested with characters who were fugitives from jus- tice in the older states ; men with the brand of Cain upon their brows; men whose hands were uplifted against every one who was not of their own clan, or in harmony with them. Six men volunteered to undertake the arduous duty. On their arrival in St. Louis, they procured two large wagons with teams. A strong wind was blowing, which to these Eastern men was not un- pleasant, having left the rigors of winter in New Hampshire. As they pursued their journey, they thought the country a paradise. The grass was green upon the prairies and hillsides, the birds were sing- ing among the budding trees as they reached the open country on their way to West Point. They were abundantly prepared in case they were com- pelled to contend with the ruffians. Said one, as they journeyed along: " What beautiful weather for March. How balmy and salubrious the air seems ! I do not blame in- dustrious people for desiring to occupy this fair land." "Yes," replied another, "it is pleasant to-day, but I remember having heard Western travelers say that often during March the most violent storms of the season prevailed, the change being so sudden as to give but little or no warning. Observe those clouds in the West. I take them to be an indication of a change ere long. I have been told that, at times, the sun would be shining gloriously, the air laden 1 70 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. with the balm of spring, and within an hour the sky would become overcast with blackness and the tem- perature fall t a point many degrees below zero." " I don't believe such stories," said one, " but we have an opportunity of testing its truth or falsity." The next morning they were surprised to see a light snow, but the weather was pleasant and it had disappeared before noon, and they enjoyed riding in their open wagons. But toward sundown a change was visible; the wind blew from the Northwest; the temperature fell rapidly and could scarcely be en- dured by the travelers. It was yet a half-day's drive to the place of their destination. The snow filled the air and formed across the roads in drifts, which were soon scattered by the changeable, freezing wind and deposited in other places. Through the whirling, drifting snow they saw a habitation. It proved to be a farmer's home, where they found shelter for them- selves and teams. They partook of the warm meal set before them, and were most cordially entertained by their host. He was a native of Virginia, and with the peculiarities of that people, was friendly with his neighbors, and ever ready to extend the hospitality of his home to travelers. They told him the nature of their errand. He had heard of the execution of the young men, and stated further, that, in the opinion of the better class of cit- izens, the action was entirely unprovoked. During their conversation he informed them of the murder of the pedler, a few miles west of his place. He had purchased some silverware of him, and had viewed his body when it was brought to Mr. Jones' for inter- THE SP Y OF OSA WA TOM IE. 17 1 ment. The description he gave of the man, plainh indicated him to be Jasper Brooks, who had lei. Strawn with the two boys. " He was killed by one Guy Wren," continued th farmer; "no doubt, for his money." " He brought considerable money with him," sail one of the party. " It was his intention to select ; location for business, and he brought sufficient witl him to purchase a stock of goods after he had chosei. his location." During the conversation which followed, the\ learned from this gentleman many of the cruel atroc- ities of border life, as well as the peculiarities of those who committed such deeds of violence. When morning dawned, the storm still raged. The air was filled with whirling frost, carried upward and thitherward by the piercing wind. After dinner, they started on their journey. The farmer had indi- cated the location of the grave to them, and had cautioned them to make no inquiry in the immediate neighborhood. He also furnished them with the necessary implements for exhuming the bodies of their friends, and instructed them to drive back to his house as soon as their sad task was completed, which, thanks to the prevailing storm, they accom- plished without observation. The following morning, they, accompanied by their kind host, proceeded to the grave of the unfortunate pedler. When their errand was named to Mr. Jones, he produced a number of coats among which they im- mediately recognized one which had belonged to 1 72 THE SPY OF OSAWATOAflE. Jasper. Such evidence being conclusive, they re- paired to the cemetery and exhumed the remains of their friend. Overcome by the sad duty imposed upon them, they wept, wept when their thoughts reverted to the young widow who awaited their return. After thank- ing their friends for the many kindly offices rendered them in searching for the bodies of the dead, and the consideration extended toward the body of Jasper, they turned their faces Eastward. At St. Louis they sold their teams, and procured neat coffins, and pro- ceeded on their journey. Anxiety prevailed in Strawn. Some looking for the return of the six men who had assumed the ar- duous duty, some anxious lest they too should be cruelly murdered while in the discharge of their sad duty. At last they reached the village, bearing three instead of two bodies. When they imparted the in- telligence of Jasper's death and named Guy Wren as the assassin, the quiet indignation and determination was plainly visible on many manly brows. " Shall they sleep in death unavenged ? Shall Guy Wren go on his way rejoicing ? No ! Never! We will have revenge. The dead shall be avenged," said not a few. As they moved slowly from the graves, more than one brow wore an aspect of cool determin- ation. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 173 CHAPTER XXX. ONA'S PLAN. ONA had nothing to say after her return from the funeral, her mind was racked by contending emotions. She felt her entire inability to properly express her feelings, and she contented her- self by communing with her thoughts. Mr. Leland was absent, and she had none with whom to consult. As she reviewed the past, she soliloquized: " I am now twenty-four years old and have done comparatively nothing in the great work before me." Thus she mused, as she stood before the mirror. Other thoughts had presented themselves for her consideration, as she viewed her own fair countenance and elegant form, but she would not entertain them. She turned her mind upon channels that would de- velop thoughts leading to something useful. Stepping to a drawer, she drew forth the silver case her father had given her. She read and re-read that secret pledge, until its teaching was indelibly impressed upon her mind. "Why not begin work now? There will be no more appropriate time, and seating herself at her desk, she wrote some half-dozen letters to leading members of different Anti-Slavery organizations, communicating to them her plan, and soliciting their co-operation when she should demand their assistance. The clock indicated the hour of twelve ere she re-: i; 4 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. tired, and the sun shone in upon her golden curLs long before she awoke the next morning. She has- ily attired herself and went down to breakfast. She appeared cheerful and happy. The gloom of yester- day had disappeared from her countenance. She looked out upon the valleys and mountains to-day with more zest and zeal than she had felt for many a long day. She had resolved to undertake a good, a grand work, and she felt already compensated in the exuberance of feeling which the resolution had brought to her mind. " Mary, give this letter to papa when he returns. I shall be absent, perhaps, sometime," said she, and ordering her carriage, she drove to Mr. Crowell s place of business. Calling him aside, she said, " I go now to perform work in obedience to the instruction contained in my pledge, given years ago. Do not say, nay," and in a moment she was gone. She was driven to the nearest station, and was soon on her way to St. Louis. Her trunk was packed with apparel designed more for use than ornament. Ona Leland was one of the few who can properly assume to be privileged characters. Her native grace attracted attention ; her self-discipline and self-con- trol, inaugurated in early youth and zealously cul- tivated, imparted to her every act a nonchalance which, under other circumstances, could not have been commanded. Her perceptions were keen and active. She could tell at a glance the character that lurked behind a hypocritical smile, and divine its motive as readily as if it was emblazened in letters of bronze upon the brow. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 175 Every act of her life had a purpose. She meant well, and performed as she intended. Her object in life seemed to be to magnify the beauty of anything that was already beautiful ; to elevate and ennoble the low and debased. This she could accomplish without being contaminated by the association some- times required. Her well-balanced mind longed to put forth greater efforts. She possessed the highest accomplishment known to art; the art of living well. In a well spent life she recognized the highest ambi- tion of humanity. Such was Ona Leland, better known hereafter as "Dickey Deane." When she arrived in St. Louis, she hailed a cab and gave her order for the " St. Charles." After resting a day and procuring some necessaries, she took passage on a boat bound for St. Joseph. Such a mode of travel being new to her, she enjoyed it and became deeply interested in the beautiful scenery displayed on both banks of the river. She leaned over the tafferel and watched the bubbling muddy waters and different objects until they receded from view. She occasionally walked forward on the boat and admired the high bluffs, which were covered with spring verdure. Such a sight was new to her, to thus early in the season see the green grass and trees in bloom. She thought : " Oh ! how I long to roam at will over those hills and valleys and the broad expanse of prairie beyond the river bottoms." " Miss Ona, allow me to restore the glove which you dropped a moment since," said a voice near her. She started in surprise and almost lost her self- control, when she heard herself thus addressed. On i;6 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. looking up, she beheld Hayden, who was holding her glove in his extended hand. " Thank you, Mr. Douglas. Let me say, that for the time being, I have laid aside the name of Ona Leland, and, as a favor, ask that you will in the fu- ture address me as ' Dickey Deane.' " He bowed assent to her request and said, " I pre- sume any effort on my part to inform myself regard- ing your reason for the change of name, would prove futile. You have proved an enigma 'to me hereto- fore, and instead of beginning to comprehend you, I am constantly discerning new labyrinths." " I was not aware that the gift of subtility had so penetrated my being, as to cause me to hide my per- sonalities, or that those personalities were so pecu- liar, as to baffle one possessed of so great erudition as yourself." " You flatter me by the expression of your opin- ion regarding my knowledge, and inasmuch as knowl- edge is gained by and through inquiry, may I ex- hibit my boldness, perhaps you will term it audacity, by asking why this disguise and assumed name ?" "I neither consider you bold or audacious, Mr. Douglas, yet I think you are endowed, to no small degree, with the peculiarity generally attributed to my sex, curiosity, and I must still further excite that curiosity in your mind, by keeping my own secret, another peculiarity your sex will not readily concede to ours. This, however, I will say, you will, probably, in due time become acquainted with my reasons." " You surely are not alone in this country, Miss Dickey Deane ?" THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 177 "I have a protector whom you may not observe, in the person of the God above, who rules our des- tinies and on whom I implicitly rely." Hayden soon became aware of her determination to keep him uninformed of her purposes. Her re- serve would have at one time annoyed him. But he could rrot forget her whose form lay where flowers bloomed and balmy breezes blew. As he stood conversing with her, she noted the mournful expression of his face ; life and vivacity seemed to have departed from him. To the idler and passer-by they .were, indeed, a handsome couple as they continued the conversation. "What think you of the West, Miss Dickey?" " I am entirely delighted with it. I had heard papa speak so favorably regarding it, that I was, in a measure, prepared to appreciate its beauties, but now that I am traveling through it, I cannot do jus- tice to the subject by attempting an expression of my appreciation." " We get but a limited view of its expansive beau- ty from the river. Beyond these bluffs it spreads out into broad prairies, whose extent can scarcely be im- agined. There wild flowers bloom in profusion and fragrant odors are continually being generated." " I can scarcely wait until the boat lands," said Ona. " I am so imbued with the desire to roam over these beautiful lands and inhale the fragrance emit- ted by those flowers. I can but think of the' lack of wisdom displayed by many citizens of the East in living in laborious contentment when this glorious country invites their observation and skill. There ii 178 THE Spy OF OSA'VAIVMIE. they are hampered, and often suffer for the conven- iences of life, while here they would be free as the air itself, but little labor being required to prepare themselves for the thorough enjoyment of the pleas- ures of life." "The beauties and opportunities of this country would afford an inexhaustible theme of conversation. I would indeed enjoy the prospect of watching the roses bloom upon the cheeks of many persons who are now in the East, could they be, as it were, trans- planted in this rich and healthy country." "To change the subject, Mr. Douglas, can you give me any information regarding that quiet, digni- fied, firm-featured gentleman standing near the bow? I have been observing him closely for some time, and, I must confess, I am already prepossessed in his favor." " His name is John Brown. He is from Toronto. His mission and mine are identical, being the pre- vention of the establishing of slavery in the Platte country, to accomplish which we propose to colonize it with Eastern people, hoping thereby to control the country in the interest of freedom. Mr. Brown has a large family of boys, who will follow him as soon as the country is open for settlement." " I am glad that you are engaged in so laudable an undertaking, Mr. Douglas. May prosperity crown your efforts ! What a pretty town ! What is its name, Mr. Douglas?" " That is St. Joseph. It is, indeed, a beautiful place." " I presume you are acquainted. Can you direct me to the best hotel ? " asked Dickey. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 179 "The 'Oyster House' is the leading hotel, or at least was when I was last here." Bidding adieu to the young Englishman, Dickey was soon seated in a cab, en route for the " best hotel." CHAPTER XXXI. "DICKEY'S" NEW HOME. f I V HE cab stopped at a large two-story frame I house. "Everything looks so cheerful and home-like," thought she, as she entered the large parlor. A sweet- faced, neatly-attired girl of fourteen years entered, and in a pleasant tone asked : "Miss, do you wish a room?" "Yes, if you please," replied Dickey. " Come this way, then." Dickey followed the girl up nicely-carpeted stairs through the hall and into a large, well-furnished room. The girl said, " Sister and I generally occupy this room, but as we are now entertaining many guests, she and I occupy a part of ma's room." " Are you the proprietor's daughter ? " asked Dickey. " I am," she replied. "And the name?" " Oyster," said she. " My name is Kate Oyster. I will send your trunk up soon." i8o THE SP Y OF OSA WA TO. VIE. After Kate had gone, Dickey walked to the win- dow. She saw upon the bosom of the muddy river a great many boats. Some were quiet, others were moving around slowly; one was going down the river, while the one she had left continued its course up the river. ' I wonder when I shall see Hayden again," thought she, as the two boys stopped at the door with her trunk. They placed it as she indicated, just as Kate entered with water and towels. "Shall you remain long with us?" asked Kate. "Until I obtain a situation." "What employment do you desire?" "I prefer teaching, if I. can secure a suitable school." " What, you a school-teacher ? Excuse me, you appear so young, I was surprised." " I am not as young as I appear," laughed Dickey. " Where did you come from to this place ?" "My home has recently been in New York. I was raised in New Hampshire near the White moun- tains." At that moment Kate was called and she hastened away. .\t supper Dickey saw Hayden and John Brown. At the head of the table sat an elderly gen- tleman. She occasionally glanced toward him and invariably found him gazing intently and earnestly at her. From the position he occupied at the table, Dickey concluded it was Kate's father, Mr. Oyster, the pro- prietor. Being weary, she retired early and morning found THE SP Y OF OSA WA TOM IE. \ 8 1 her fresh as a school-girl. It was late when she went down to breakfast, and all were gone except the old gentleman. He occupied the same place and was reading the paper. "Papa, this lady is a school-miss," said Kate, as Dickey took her seat. Kate, accompanied by her sister, brought her breakfast. " Do you wish to secure a select school or a public school ?" asked Mr. Oyster. " I prefer a select school if I can secure such. I shall not then be confined to regular hours, as other business may, at times, require my attention." "Are you a musician? Can you play?" " Yes, sir." " Do you teach music?" "I have taught both \iocal and instrumental mu- sic," replied Dickey. " Why in the world are you then out in this hea- thenish land ?" asked Mr. Oyster. " Why do young men come West ?" asked she in reply. " Miss, there are many circumstances that bring them here. Some, by reason of misdemeanors, are compelled to leave their own state to avoid process of law and escape punishment. Others seek this fer- tile country to better their condition, in the way of homes. Some to fill their pockets with money and to have a jolly time, while others come to view the beauties of the country. Now, which class do you represent?" asked he mischievously. " I do not know," said she laughing. " The money making class, I suppose." 1 82 THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. " Well," said he, "you have come to a good place, teachers are scarce and money is plenty." As she finished her breakfast, the old gentleman said, " We must now have some music, come into the parlor." She seated herself at the piano, her soft, white hands swept over the keys. One selection after an- other was played. Mr. Oyster looked on in wonder, passers-by stopped to listen. Never had such won- derful skill in music been exhibited. All were in raptures. When asked to sing, she sang a favorite, " My heart is over the sea." It was rendered with such power and at the same time so pathetically, that Mr. Oyster exclaimed, " Well done, well done, my little school-marm ! You must remain with us. What is your name ?" " My name is Dickey Deane." "Deane, Deane, my wife's maiden name was Deane," said he. " She had no brothers, she had a sister who married a man in Boston, her name was Leona Deane. My wife's name was Ona." Dickey could scarcely restrain her feelings. Be- yond doubt, she was among friends. She had often heard her mother say that she was like her Aunt Ona, who married a man from Virginia and went West. " Your name is Oyster?" inquired she. " Yes," answered he, still looking steadily toward her. She grew uneasy, fearing he would recognize her. " You look like the Deane girls like my wife, but there were none of them near relatives, none THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOM IE. \ 83 nearer than cousins. You are related, there is no use disputing that, but it may be distant." " I know but little about - my relations," said Dickey, but well she knew that she had found friends. Yet she could not undeceive them. She had too much work in view, and their knowledge of a relationship existing between them, would be but a hinderance. After a short conversation, she agreed to teach that family and to take in as many more pupils as she could secure. Thus pleasantly passed the day, Dickey and Kate rapidly becoming friends. When she had gained the seclusion of her room that night, she meditated over the occurrences of the recent past. " I have discovered," said she, " friends of whom we had lost all trace, yet I dare not make myself known. Thus far I realize the truth of the adage, 'All for the best.' .May I be as successful in the accomplishment of my mission as I have been in finding friends! Papa will surely be surprised when he reads my letter and learns that I am domiciled with the family of my Aunt Ona. There are unexpected pleasures open- ing continually before us in this world, and we can discover such an abundance of work that we are really happy in contemplating its results." Early the next morning, she and Kate decided to go "sight-seeing," as Kate termed it. When they were ready to start, " Dickey " observed that Kate was closely veiled, and asked : "Kate, why do you wear your veil this morning? I am sure the weather is sufficiently pleasant to dis- pense with it." 1 84 THE SPY OF OSAWATOM1E. " Why, bless your heart, if you don't wear a veil, the spring winds of this country will change your complexion, and you will soon be as yellow as saf- fron. Have you not noticed the peculiar complex- ion of everybody here? The men can hardly be distinguished from the Indians who are camped up the river. You must protect yourself if you desire to preserve your beauty." They enjoyed their stroll around town. Kate was acquainted everywhere. They made some trifling purchases, and before returning, wandered above the settlement, some distance up the river, where they amused themselves kicking .clods and chips into the stream, until a boat passed. Dickey saw Hayden on the boat and asked Kate if she knew him. " No, I do not know him. He took supper at our house a few days ago. He and papa talked about his resemblance to some English lord, at which he laughed heartily." They returned home for dinner. The exercise had imparted a rosy glow to their cheeks, and had given them a relish for their dinner. While spending an hour at the piano, Mr. Oyster entered and listened appreciatively. He expressed his pleasure and proposed to 'take them for a drive out on the high prairie. Mr. Oyster, like all enterprising men of the fron- tier, not only sought the comfort of his guests at home, but extended his entertainment to showing them the surrounding country, thus hoping to so in- terest strangers, that they would conclude to make it their permanent home. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 185 After their return, while at supper, Mr. Oyster asked Dickey, "How she liked the prairie ?" To which she replied : " Oh, I should never tire of beholding it. The change from the dusty cities of the East is so re- markable. Everything is so refreshing, I should like to take a journey of two or three days' duration." "You can do so whenever you wish, and Kate and myself will accompany you. How would you like to visit the Indian Mission up the river? " I should be delighted to obtain a view of Indians and observe their mode of life. I have heard so much regarding the peculiarities of the Red Men, that I am really anxious and shall be glad of the op- portunity of witnessing their maneuvers." They accordingly started early the next morning and drove, leisurely, noting the many beauties which presented themselves for consideration. Toward night they saw a herd of ponies feeding on the young grass of the prairie. " These ponies, Miss Dickey, represent a part of Indian life," said Mr. Oyster. " How pretty they are ! I wish I had one ! Will they sell them ?" " I will arrange to secure one for each of you af- ter we arrive at the Mission." Soon after passing the ponies, they arrived at the Mission, which consisted of three large buildings that had been erected by the Catholic Church. Close at hand were the cabins of the Indians, who were un- der the care of and instructed by missionaries, repre- senting the Church. The children of the Indians 1 86 THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. were taught to read and write, and the older mem- bers of the tribe were instructed in agricultural and mechanical pursuits. Our friends had partaken of their lunch on the way under a clump of maple trees, which were putting forth green leaves, while the boughs were profusely hung with blossoming tassels. The air had proven so exhilarating, that the cravings of appetite were felt by the travelers, as they only can be felt on the Western prairies. Mr. Oyster and Kate had previously visited the place and were acquainted with Isaac McCoy, the missionary, who met them within the enclosure and escorted them to his private dwelling. To Dickey all was new, she looked upon the In- dians with a mingled feeling of pity and awe. The sad and stoical countenances of the women attracted her attention. She thought, "Why do they wear such a gloomy look ? Are they thinking of the loss of their country, or their frequent removals at the en- croachments of the white men?" She turned her attention to the men. They were tall and straight, and the majority were handsome, al- though, like the women, in the stoical expression of their countenances, yet they displayed a native dig- nity, not so generally beheld among their white brethren. After supper, Dickey and Kate started out on a voyage of discovery among the huts. Dickey, for the first time, beheld Indians in a half-civilized con- dition. Some were sitting on the ground, which con- stituted the floors of their cabins, while they partook THE SPY OF OSAWATQM1E. 187 of their evening meal ; a dozen or more dogs sat in an outer circle, waiting in anxious expectation for their share. The repast consisted of bread made from corn-meal, dried buffalo meat, pemmican and wild onions. The squaws took great delight in displaying their ornaments of bead-work, which they had in store for the summer market. Dickey purchased a few articles and spoke kindly to them. So seldom had they heard a kind Word or observed a sweet smile, that, as she continued to talk, their stoicism relaxed and smiles played upon their faces. One old woman clasped Dickey in her arms, and said : " You so good ; heap good ; so good me eat you ! " Dickey patted her cheek and escaped from her kind embrace, at which they all smiled. The next morning the ponies all came up and stood quietly before the huts, to be handled and petted by the men, women and children, as was their custom. Dickey embraced this opportunity to examine the ponies closely, and when she had made a selec- tion of a beautiful black one, she indicated her desire to purchase it to Mr. McCoy. He consulted with the Indian owner, who soon came, leading the pony by the lasso. The price demanded was twenty dollars, which she paid. " I have one selected also, papa," said Kate. " It is a white one. Dickey's is as black as a raven, and mine is as white as snow. I shall call mine 'Swan.' What name have you for yours ' Dickey? " " You suggested the name when you spoke of his color. I shall call him ' Raven.' " 1 88 THE SR ) ' OF OS A WA TOMIE. Kate asserted her intention of riding "Swan" home. Her father protested. She finally insisted on riding her pony, "just to break it," and without further ceremony, she vaulted upon its bare back, and was soon speeding like the wind on the prairie near the mission. After Kate's return, the ponies were tied to the wagon, and they started on their return to St. Joseph. At noon, they stopped under the same clump of trees, to eat their lunch, as they had done the day previ- ous. They had finished eating and were arranging their baskets, preparatory to replacing them in the the wagon, when Mr. Oyster said : " Girls, yonder comes a pedler." " Where, papa?" "Yonder on the prairie south of us." Dickey looked a moment in the direction named ; her heart beat rapidly. Approaching Kate, she said: "Let us put on our veils ; the sun shines so bright and the wind is rising, we shall become as tawny as the Indians." Kate assented. They put on their hats and veils, and when drawing on their gloves, they watched the approaching man. As he came near, Dickey drew herself up to her full height and grasped the pistol which she car- ried in a side-pocket. If her surmises regarding the man in sight proved correct, the mission on which she came West would soon be accomplished. The man surely was Guy Wren. She could not, 'at this late hour, attempt to explain to Mr. Oyster. Such a proceeding would require more time than could be commanded, as the man was already very near. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 189 To avoid recognition, she withdrew to the shade of a large tree with her hand still on her pistol, un- noticed by Kate and her father, whose attention was drawn to the pedler. The man carried a valise in each hand. He ap- peared too tall for Wren, yet he had the same swag- gering movements peculiar to that individual. As he approached and addressed Mr. Oyster, Dickey said to herself, " It certainly is Guy Wren." CHAPTER XXXII. RODERICK LELAND. /^^^ gone!" exclaimed Mr. Leland, as he re- V/ ceived the letter handed him by Mary on his arrival, one week after it had been en- trusted to her care. He had been riding all day. He was disappointed when he reached home and found none but servants to welcome him. " When will she return ?" asked ,he. " I do not know, sir, she told me to do the best I could while she was gone." * Mr. Leland broke the seal and carefully perused the letter. After reading it, he exclaimed, " Just as I anticipated she would do, but she will come out all right. If any one can accomplish anything in that country, I feel assured she can." 1 90 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. He continued, " This is but a beginning. There is much to do, and when considering the vast amount of labor to be performed, the skill to be displayed, the expense to be incurred, and the sympathy to be enlisted, it seems disheartening. Yet, in spite of all opposition, the good work, already begun, must go on ; new fields are to explore, and renewed energy must be manifested." Mr. Leland became absorbed in the supervision of his farm. He superintended the plowing and in- spected the arrangements for planting. Thus two weeks passed, when he received another letter .from Ona, containing statements regarding the Oyster family, her meeting with them, and her knowledge of the relationship existing between them and herself, dwelling to considerable length in her remarks about Kate, for whom she imbibed a great liking. After reading Ona's letter, he mused, " What a strange world is this of ours. We are one moment surrounded by happy friends and joyous associa- tions, the next we are drifting alone upon the ocean of time, surrounded by discontent and misery. Again our friends disappear from view, and we live over our season of lonliness, when those that have been lost, are suddenly and unexpectedly brought to view by the most unlooked-for circumstances." In the interest of the "Emigrant Aid Society" he had traveled far and near. He had met Arthur Holmes, who had informed him of the success of Hayden and himself in Europe. He was known to all of the leading men of the North. Distinction was not his ambition. With Clay, " He had rather THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 191 be right than President." If affairs could become so shaped, politically, that a true appreciation of right would be entertained by the Goveinment, he could then feel that his labor had not been in vain. America had been the birth-place of liberty, why should she not become the birth-place of universal freedom." The Anti-Slavery party was in a growing condi- tion. Thousands of names were being added to its roll daily. The great heart of the world was beating in harmony with its principles. Thinking, active men were flocking to its standard. Coffers were thrown open to contribute wealth toward its advance- ment. The Presidential election of 1848 occurred. The candidates of the Whig party were elected by a de- cisive majority. The Free-Soil party failed to receive an electoral vote, but out of the popular vote, approx- imating three million, nearly three hundred thousand ballots were cast for its candidates, developing a most remarkable gain during four years. Such men as David Wilmot, of Pennsylvania, were laboring in its interest. It was through the influence of the old Anti-Slavery now the Free-Soil party that the amendment known as the " Wilmot Proviso," passed, which read: " Provided, That there shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in any Territory which shall be acquired hereafter or annexed to the United States." There were extremes both North and South. Mr. Leland took a determined stand. He adv^ cated a free country, free speech and free compensated labor. His efforts were all turned upon such points. He 192 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. said: "Free the women. What! must we always be tyrants? Can we not give our girls the same privileges we extend to our boys? It costs no more to extend to them like opportunities with the boys. Try it, and be assured that our nation will then take precedence over every other nation in the develop- mejit of Literature, Science, Art and Politics. In all we shall excel. Educate the mothers; extend to them like privileges with their husbands, and intelli- gence will beam upon the face of our offspring." In his various addresses it was apparent that his mind was absorbed with the question of " Woman's Right." " I know, said he, " that a favorable con- sideration of this subject is opposed, bitterly op- posed, by all religious denominations. Although claiming to be the followers of the meek and lowly Christ, who gave precedence to women, when he said, 'Remember my mother and my brethren;' yet, in opposition to every principle of right and justice and in violation of the proper consideration of the self- sacrificing devotion of women to the Immaculate Son, and with an utter disregard for her finer sensi- bilities and keener perceptions, she is entirely ignored in the temporal affairs of the Church, and unless she contribute liberally of her store, she is barred from participating in affairs spiritual. Is it justice? Is it right? I say, no. Open the doors of our colleges; throw wide the portals of our professions and invite her to participate. Elevate and ennoble her who has been heretofore oppressed, and a new star will appear in the constellation, and the intelligence of the world will flock to America, to bask in its lus- THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 193 trous brightness. We have an organization whose object is the freeing of the African, who is held in bondage. Can we be consistent while American women are in thraldom ? " In this strain he had been talking for weeks. Now he was thinking of Ona and her efforts to accomplish the right. She was now engaged in an undertaking which, if successfully accomplished, would proclaim her name over the whole country. While thus mus- ing, a telegram was handed to him. CHAPTER XXXIII. CAPTURED. i T\ HE pedler was the first to speak. _1_ " How do you do, sir?" was his salutation, as he approached Mr. Oyster. " Good morning, sir! " said Mr. Oyster. " Would you like to purchase some fine jewelry, to-day ?" " No, sir. My girls are too young and I am to old to indulge in ornaments. Why do you not go to the mission ?" " I am on my way there now, how far is it?" " I do not know, although we came from there this morning," said Mr. Oyster. " I am very hungry, will you sell me some bread ?" asked the pedler. 1 94 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. Mr. Oyster approached the wagon, and removing the basket, placed an excellent repast before the man. While he ate, the girls were taking particular notice and commenting upon his appearance. His hair was uncombed ; the condition of his clothing in- dicated that he had slept without removing them, and his general expression was repulsive. " This is a bad time for pedlers," said Mr. Oyster. " Why so ?" asked the pedler. " Because it is not safe for a man to travel alone these days. There was a pedler killed in Cass coun- ty a few weeks ago." "Is that a fact?" replied the man with compara- tively little concern. " It is, and the murderer has not yet been captured or even heard from." "That's too bad. Who was he? and who killed him ?" asked the pedler. " The man who was murdered was supposed to be an Eastern man, his name is unknown. The paper stated that the murderer's name was Wren." " That is bad, indeed," said the man. Dickey was standing by and had heard the con- versation. The last word, " indeed," was spoken so indifferently, that she could restrain herself no longer. Throwing aside her hat and veil, she stood before him with pistol in hand, ready to fire, and said, " Guy Wren, you are my prisoner." " Don't shoot me, Ona Leland, I am not armed." " I will not take your word for it," said she. " Mr. Oyster, please search this villain." Mr. Oyster and Kate had manifested the utmost THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 195 surprise at the proceeding of Dickey, but he pro- ceeded to carry out her instructions, and found two revolvers on the person of Wren. " Whose prisoner am I ?" asked Wren. "Mine, sir," said Dickey. " I have traveled thou- sands of miles to seek you out for murdering Jasper Brooks, besides being concerned in the death of those two innocent boys. By the most unexpected fortune I have found you and shall immediately convey you to St. Joseph. Were I gifted with your disposition, I would kill you here, without giving you an oppor- tunity to be tried for your crimes." Calling to Mr. Oyster, she said, " Do me the favor to bind him." That gentleman took one of the rope halters, and binding him' securely, placed him in the wagon. He made no effort to escape, any such attempt would have proved futile. He quailed before the eye of that brave girl and her death-dealing weapon. " I shall ride Swan home and you had better ride Raven," said Kate to Dickey. "No, I shall ride in the wagon, and any demon- stration on the part of this villain to escape, shall meet with summary punishment at my hands," said Dickey. Mr. Oyster was puzzled at the scene in which he was taking a prominent part. He thought, " Who is this woman, or girl, rather, in whom I have placed so much confidence, and whose commands, I have, without questioning, obeyed ? She has deceived me, her name is not Dickey Deane. The prisoner called her Ona Leland; It is a familiar name. Now, I re- member, my wife's sister Leona married a man by the name of Leland. Can she be Lena's child ?" 196 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. He turned and looked Dickey full in the face, she met his gaze, and said, " Uncle, I divine your thoughts, I \yill tell you all after we reach home." Mr. Oyster was the more anxious to know who she was, but she would not undertake to satisfy his curiosity, for fear of having her attention drawn from the prisoner, whom she watched closely. They reached town about sunset, and drove to the court house. Mr. Oyster called the attention of the Sheriff to the prisoner, giving a brief account of who he was, and the crime of which he was accused, add- ing, " You will detain him until the authorities of Cass county arrive and establish their claim. Here also, are the valuables that he took from the man whom he murdered ; they must be taken care of." " Mr. Sheriff," said Dickey, "This man has on his little finger a ring which belongs to Mrs. Brooks, the wife of the man whom he killed. It was given to her years ago. Will you be so kind as to take care of it for her ?" "What right have you, Miss, to give instructions in this matter," replied the ruffianly Sheriff. "The right of a citizen of the United States. I have accomplished the arrest of this villain, and if you do not properly discharge your duty, I have the power to hold you accountable." The Sheriff looked bewildered. " To whom am I talking?" thought he. Dickey sprang from the wagon, and proceeding to the Clerk's office, she wrote some half-dozen dis- patches, which she enclosed in an envelope, together with a check for payment of transmission, and hur- THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 197 rying to the post-office, she forwarded to. the tele- graph office in St. Louis. When she returned, she found a large crowd as- sembled at the wagon who were loudly expressing their belief in the innocence of the accused. The facts being, he had killed a Yankee, and public sen- timent being against that class of people, Wren's act was lauded rather than condemned. Dickey hardly knew what course to pursue. She did not wish to leave her prisoner among men whose sympathy was favorable to him and who approved his crime. Finally, turning to Mr. Oyster, she said, " We will take him to the hotel, and I will guard him until he is cared for by the proper authorities." Some of the bystanders interposed an objection to such a course. She drew herself up to her full height and said, "A great and heinous crime has been committed, and now that the criminal has been secured, it seems strange that the proper authorities will cavil at com- mitting him to jail. Although a Yankee may not be, in the estimation of this people, worthy of consider- ation, or the slayer of such deemed a criminal, yet common decency demands that the forms of legal proceedings, at least, should be carried out. This man is subject to trial in this country, and all I de- sire is, that he may be securely held for that trial. Proper means failing, I shall myself assume the re- sponsibility of holding him." Saying which, she grasped the lines and drove to the hotel. Wren was taken to a strong room up-stairs. Dickey asked Mr. Oyster to procure the ring she 198 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. had spoken of. He entered the room and remained with the prisoner some time. When he came out, he had the ring, which he left in the possession of Dickey, saying : " Wren says he found this ring. He further says he never murdered Mr. Brooks ; that these valises are his own property : he found them in the timber, and the ring was tied to the handle of one of them, and that he never saw you before." " Mr. Oyster, you heard him address me as Ona Leland. That is my name, "Dickey Deane" being an assumed name. I came here on purpose to search for this rascal. I have known him for ten years." She proceeded to relate facts which had come under her observation regarding Guy Wren as a criminal. Mr. Oyster looked at her closely, and said : " I believe what you say, every word of it, but you can- not prove it, and I am afraid you cannot establish a case in court without positive proof, and further, if he has any friends, no matter how despicably mean and depraved they are, their evidence will be taken as well as that of the best citizens of the country. In fact, the rougher element predominates here, and officials are elected by that class, and like them, are corrupt. Now, I want to know regarding yourself, Miss Dickey." Dickey related what she knew regarding her mother, and what she had heard that mother say regarding her sister Ona; how she had married and gone West, and their soon losing trace of her; how she herself was well aware that he was properly her uncle, and Kate her cousin. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 199 "Yes, there is no doubt in my mind," said Oyster, " regarding you being Leona Deane's child. You resemble your Aunt Ona very much. I was at first struck with the likeness. We must establish our claim and keep you with us." "No, no, I must return home. My only object in coming was to search for Wren. I had intended to stay until I found him. Now that I have discovered my own relatives, I do not propose to ignore them, but shall keep up a correspondence with you through Kate, and in time visit you. Papa will be here be- fore many days, and then I may gain his consent to remain a short time, but my present impressions are that I shall be needed at home." "Pshaw! pshaw! all these things make no differ- ence to me. You must stay until fall, at least, and probably you'll find some one else to arrest. You are, indeed, a grand-looking officer, especially when you are displaying your revolver, which brought Guy Wren to terms. Why, I verily believe a regi- ment of ruffians would not frighten you in the least." " You must not laugh at me, uncle. I am fully determined to do what I deem to be right, if it costs me my life. When I recognized Wren, I at the same- time realized that I could not reach the city and 'have the proper officers follow with the assurance of his capture, therefore I concluded with your help, for which I thank you to undertake it myself." " You are right, my dear girl, I am proud of you, you are both good and brave." As Kate entered, he continued, " Kate, here is a new cousin for you," at which the kind-hearted girl tenderly clasped 200 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. Dickey in her arms, saying, "As a cousin, I do love you, but I was just a little afraid of you, when you arrested that scoundrel with your revolver." While they were talking, a loud noise* was heard on the street in front of the house. Kate looked out of a window and hurriedly returned to her father, saying, " A mob, papa ! A mob is coming to release Dickey's prisoner." CHAPTER XXXIV. THE TRIAL. MR. LELAND was surprised when he read : " Come to St. Joseph, I have caught Guy Wren," signed, " Ona, alias Dickey Deane." Ordering his carriage, he was in a brief time on his way to the railroad station. Others in Strawn had received telegrams, and were as promptly on tlieir way. Officials in Cass county had been notified. Thus, from many points people came to St. Joseph. The tpwn was in a state of excitement. A mob had collected on the first evening of Wren's arrest, some of whom succeeded in entering the house, ere Mr. Oyster became aware of their pur- pose. Dickey drew her revolver, and standing on the stairway leading to Wren's room, said, " No man passes here alive ! " They fully realized that the woman before them would do as her words and looks THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 201 indicated she would. Through her boldness they were the more readily induced to listen to the mild persuasion of Mr. Oyster. The}* withdrew one at a time, feeling mortified, yet giving the Yankee girl credit for her display of pluck. " I was afraid," said Kate, after they had gone, " that papa could not control them, and I verily be- lieve they only pretended to listen to his persuasion, as a subterfuge to cover the fear of Dickey's weapon." Three days passed, before the officials of Cass county arrived. After consultation, they concluded to remain until those from a distance arrived. Dur- ing the time intervening, the Sheriff of Cass county held frequent interviews with Wren, the nature of which was unknown, but an after conversation be- tween the same official and Mr. Oyster, was, no doubt, based upon suggestions from Wren. The Sheriff said, " Mr. Oyster, I fear there has been a mistake made here, an innocent man is made to suf- fer." To which Mr. Oyster replied, " I know that my niece cannot be mistaken in the man's identity, she has known Wren for ten years and recognized him from a distance." " I don't dispute his identity, no doubt he is Guy Wren, yet he may not have killed the pedler," said the Sheriff." " She .is in possession of a ring taken from Wren, which she recognizes as having been owned by the wife of the murdered man, and worn by him when he left home." 202 THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. " I don't apprehend that such a statement will be considered proof, as he may have lost or disposed of it, and it accidentally came into Wren's possession. Merely a coincidence." " I have nothing more to say. I am not the attor- ney for the State," said Mr. Oyster. In a short time they were on their way to Harri- sonville to attend the trial. Mr. Leland had just arrived, and taking a carriage, accompanied by Kate and Dickey, "followed. At her father's suggestion, Dickey had her friends separate, for fear of arousing the animosity of the ruffianly crowd, who zealously watched them. They reached Harrisonville before the Sheriff and Wren did. The next day, being the one set for the prelim- inary trial, or examination, was bright and clear. At eight o'clock, an hour before the time set for trial, the court-room was crowded. Among those near the witness stand were Dickey and Kate. Near them sat Mr. Leland and Mr. Brooks, of Strawn. Among others present were Mrs. Crovvell, Mrs. Strawn and Dr. Harris. The Sheriff appeared with the prisoner. The first witness called was Mr. Jones. He testified that the murdered man had stopped with him the night pre- vious to his murder; to Wren's having boarded with him for some time previous; to his leaving the house on that morning before the other men with whom he worked; to his non-appearance on the ground where the men were chopping ; to the search instituted for him on the suspicion of his being connected, in some way, with the pedler in tempting negroes to leave THE SP Y OF OSA WA TOM IE. 203 Missouri ; of the result of the search in finding the dead and mangled body of the pedler, and at the same time finding Wren's hat. He recognized Wren, also identified the valise as having been in the pos- session of the pedler when he left his house. The next witness was the tall, long-necked school teacher from West Point. He testified that Wren was at West Point on the morning that the murder had been committed, and had been there for several days. He had associated with Mr. Wren a great deal; had not been separated from him a whole day during a year, until within the past ten or twelve days. Wren had always been an honorable, straight- forward man, and other statements, such as was nec- essary to establish an alibi. Dr. Harris was called. He disproved the school- master's evidence by asserting that Wren was in New York City during the past winter. Dickey was called and refuted the same point in the schoolmaster's evidence by repeating her experi- ence with Wren at the Calhoun mansion in South Carolina during the previous autumn. Others swore in substance the same as the Arkan- sas schoolmaster. The examination ended. As the judge arose, quiet for the first time pervaded the room. He folded his arms, and in a slow and delib- erate tone said: " I have listened with much interest to the evidence adduced. The statements for and against have been of the most positive nature. If all parties concerned were equally well known to the court, it would, indeed, be difficult to decide, but in weighing the testimony in this case, certain allow- 204 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. ance has to be made for sectional prejudice. Per- sonal considerations also, if permitted, work gross injustice to any party accused. I must' say that the evidence tendered, favorable to the defense, is of a character that is beyond question, and the evidence, stripped of prejudicial motives, seems to preponder- ate in favor of the accused, and permitting all preju- dices to remain unnoticed, as I before remarked, it would be difficult to determine in point of prepon- derance. It is always best, if we err, to err on the side of mercy. Therefore I declare Brother Wren ' not guilty.' " Never, perhaps, was there such a farce in the way of a trial. Justice did not reign in Western Mis- souri at that time. The trial of Wren was but a fair sample of trials in that country, in those days. Thanks to progressive civilization, Western Mis- souri stands to-day the peer of any country in deal- ing out justice. During the trial Wren manifested no excitement, not even sufficient to develop an interest. He, no doubt, had reason to judge how the trial would ter- minate. When dismissed he smiled defiantly at Dickey, who said to herself, " Never mind, Wren, I shall yet bring you to justice." THE SPY OF OSAWATOM1E. 205 CHAPTER XXXV. TWO YEARS OF REST. MR. LELAND and Mr. Oyster had met but momentarily at St. Joseph, before proceeding to Harrisonville, and had, of course, con- versed but little. Now, that the excitement attend- ing the trial was over, and they were on their return to St. Joseph, they occupied the same carriage, leav- ing Dickey and Kate to follow in a buggy. The first subject of conversation, naturally, was the trial and its result. They agreed upon the weakness of the law, and the injustice of .its administration, as had been abundantly exemplified in the recent trial. Thus they continued to talk upon various subjects,- seeming at all times jovial and happy ; never once touching upon their relationship. Although enter- taining for each other the greatest respect, there was an innate dignity existing in each, that held him aloof from manifesting familiarity toward the other. The old Virginian tracing his genealogy back to the " blue blood " of the English nobility, made no concession to him of the equally as pure blood of Scotland's chieftains, although he was possessed of greater talent and ability than could be boasted of by him, whose ancestry alone was his pride. A happier couple were pursuing the same road, in the persons of Dickey and Kate, who by nature was an excellent girl. Her few faults had been eradicated 206 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. in early life through the watchful care of her father. She was of a kind and loving disposition, and having become greatly attached to Dickey, was using her greatest effort to induce her to remain with them during the summer. She said, " Why not remain with us ? We will have a grand time riding our ponies over the pra- ries." " I can not determine as to the course I shall pur- sue. I can more properly, arrive at a conclusion af- ter we reach home and consult with papa." " Cousin, must I always call you Dickey?" " For the present, you must, I have a great work before me, its nature I cannot even impart to you, in fact, I have not, as yet, fully developed my plans, neither have I fully comprehended its magnitude, but whatever I accomplish toward that work, I de- sire to do under the name of Dickey Deane, though my proper name is Ona Leland." " Why did you assume that name, cousin?" " I presume the idea of an assumed name was, at first, merely a whim, and in selecting one I chose Deane, on account of its being my mother's family name and having heard papa laugh so much about his family nick-naming him ' Dickey ' when he was a child. I concluded to blend the two. Hence the sobriquet ' Dickey Deane.' " " Won't you tell me what you expect to accom- plish, Dickey ?" " No, I cannot. It is to be developed in the fu- ture, and our Heavenly Father alone knows whether or not it will be successful. It may prove to be all THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOM1E. 207 in vain. I am under no restraint in the matter. I am free in all things to do as I please. I can either continue to progress in the work, or withdraw from it at my pleasure. I choose the former." " I don't want to be free. I would rather remain at home, petting the chickens and calves, than doing for myself," said Kate. Dickey had observed the peculiar fondness of Kate for fowls and animals, and on their arrival home, half an hour before sundown, Kate's first thought and attention was given to her dumb, yet appreciative pets. After Dickey had laid aside her traveling wraps, Kate asked her if she would go and see Swan and Raven. They were soon at the stable door. Kate ran in, and patting Swan on the neck, jumped on and cantered out of the stable. Returning in a few minutes, she asked Dickey : " Now, don't you want to mount Raven and have a ride ?" " No," said Dickey, " I will not undertake to ride him without a saddle." " May I ride him ?" asked Kate. "Why, of course. Whenever you wish to, you may." Soon Kate had mounted Raven and put him tli rough the same maneuver, to the great delight of Dickey, who exclaimed : " Cousin Kate, you would be a good circus-rider." "No, indeed, I don't like that name, nor their way of doing. They are too cruel to their horses and ponies. Won't you get a saddle to-morrow and go with me for a ride ?" 208 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. " I will determine by to-morrow what I shall do. If I go home with papa, I shall not need a saddle until I return." Kate fed the ponies some oats, and turning to Dickey, said : " This is the way you must pet these Indian po- nies, if you want them to be gentle. They know their friends," and she proceeded to fondle their heads, comb their manes with her fingers and pat them, all the while talking kindly to them. " Now you come in and approach one of them and see what it will do." Dickey approached Swan, and it laid back its ears, snapped its teeth, stamped its foot on the ground and looked angrily at her. " Now, Cousin Dickey, you see what I told you is true. They don't like strangers." " Why, Kate, are you not a stranger ? " asked Dickey, in surprise. "No," said Kate, laughing. "Before we went away, I was here so often every morning before you were up, and I fed them and I shall continue to feed them, and, of course, they recognize me as a friend." Dickey had been a teacher and had instructed children, but she had learned several lessons from Kate Oyster of a different nature. She had always been kind in her consideration and treatment of brutes, but she had never succeeded in teaching them to love her, as these did Kate. Here every calf, pig and chicken about the premises would per- mit her to fondle and play with it. THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. 209 As they walked to the house, Dickey resolved to rise early in the morning and cultivate the acquaint- ance of Kate's pets and observe her manner toward them. Although she was out early the next morning, Kate was out before she was, and was deeply inter- ested feeding her chickens, which clustered around her, while the pigeons were perched upon her should- ers, cooing for their share. When she observed Dickey, she said, " Good morning, cousin, I am glad you have come, we will now go and feed the ponies. You see 1 am feeding them corn, they are not ac- customed to it. The Indians feed them only hay, but after they begin to relish grain, they thrive bet- ter and become more beautiful." Hastening to the house, they ensconced them- selves in the parlor where they talked of their pets until Dickey's attention was called to an oil painting, a portrait which she had not heretofore noticed. Kate, observing her, said : " That is mamma's picture. I have frequently thought you resemble her so much. You will ob- serve it was taken when she was young. O ! come to think, I really believe I saw your picture once, I almost know I did. I was looking at mamma's pic- ture one day, when a young man who was stopping with us, exclaimed, ' I have a picture just like that,' and taking a daguerreotype from his pocket, we com- pared them, and sure enough, they, in expression of countenance, were alike." "Do you remember the young man's name?" asked Dickey, experiencing a throbbing sensation at '3 2 1 o THE SP Y OF OSA WA TOM IE. the heart. Strange that such feeling should per- meate the heart of one who had never acknowledged that "love" had occupied her inmost thoughts. " His name is Strawn, Walter Strawn, I saw him at H when we attended Wren's trial. You should become acquainted with him." Without deigning a reply, Dickey approached the piano where she stood a moment, fingering the keys. Turning quickly, she said, " Kate, favor me with your morning song before breakfast to-day, will you ?" Kate seated herself at the piano, saying, " I will sing my dear old song," and tears gathered in her eyes as she bent over the instrument and sang: " I've no mother now, I'm weeping, She has left me here alone, She beneath the sod is sleeping And all joy from home has flown." Never did the rendering of a song touch the heart of Dickey as did this one. She had heard it many times, but it had never seemed as touching as now. At breakfast Mr. Leland and Mr. Crowell ex- pressed their intention of returning home immedi- ately. Mr. Leland, at the earnest solicitation of Kate, consented that Dickey could remain with them until autumn. She passed the summer pleasantly in instructing Kate and practicing horse-back riding. She became much attached to Raven, and every morning she spent considerable time in the stable petting him. She made, with Kate, several visits to the Indian Mission, and became thoroughly acquainted with the Indians and their ways. Late in the autumn she went home, accompanied by Mr. Oyster and Kate. THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. 2 1 1 The former to remain a month or two at Cedar Hall, while Kate would not leave there before spring. Mr. Oyster returned West at the appointed time, and the following May, Kate and Dickey parted, after a most enjoyable winter. CHAPTER XXXVI. KANSAS TERRITORY ORGANIZED. ON Mr. Leland's return from Missouri, he publicly expressed his disgust with the manner in which the people of that state executed their laws, and to members of the " Free-Soil " party he spoke forcibly, regarding the sectional prejudice which pre- vailed in the West. Two years passed. The Democratic party had gained the ascendency, and under Mr. Pierce's ad- ministration the bill had passed organizing the ter- ritories of Kansas and Nebraska. Previous to the final organization, the Government had purchased such parts as were held by the Indians, and provided them with a temporary reservation, pending the organization of the Indian Territory, farther south, where they finally removed. This action on the part of the Government, at once threw Kansas and Nebraska open to settlement by the whites. Mr. Leland and his brethren were not asleep. Day after day they sought out families who 2 1 2 THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. \vere willing to emigrate to the West. Kansas be- came the great attraction, it was more fertile, its cli- mate so delightful. But before action could be taken by Free-Soil men, the people living on the border passed from Missouri into Kansas, and selecting the best locations, put their marks upon them, hoping in this manner to establish their rights to such lands un- der the " pre-emption laws," the real object being to organize and hold the Territory in the interest of Slavery. But few of them removed to Kansas, or had a desire or intention of so doing. When the news reached them of what was being accomplished by the Free-Soil party in the New England states, the Pro-Slavery party in Western Missouri determined to prevent, by fair or foul means, the Eastern people from making settlements in the Territory, and seeing that the lands were not being promptly taken by their own friends, they, in July 1854, called a meeting at Weston, Missouri, where it was resolved, " That all persons taking part in this meeting, shall and will, whenever called upon by the citizens of Kansas Territory, promptly respond, and ever hold themselves in readiness to remove all persons now in that Territory under the auspices of the Northern Emigrant Societies, and to resist the entrance of others, under the same au- spices." John Brown and Hayden Douglas were traveling in Missouri at the time, and attended the meeting, listened to the inflammatory speeches and heard the above resolution. In a few days letters were on their way to the leaders of the Free-Soil party, apprising them of what they had to contend with. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 213 The first party sent out by the New England Aid Society, arrived at a point on the Kaw river, near the middle of July and located, and began erecting buildings for a town which they named Lawrence, in honor of Amos A. Lawrence, of Boston. Near the last of the same month, they were joined by another party of emigrants, numbering about seventy, and the work of founding their town was pushed forward with renewed energy. They were all honest, hard- working, God-fearing men and women, and were de- termined in the efforts to succeed in their under- taking. They were in legal and peaceable possession of their land and had molested no one. Among these settlers were some of our former acquaintances, Mr. Brooks and his family. He had been engaged in the dry goods business, and had brought a stock of goods with him. Visitors were arriving daily. To accommodate them, a large sod house was built by the settlers, afterward known as the "Pioneer House." Among the boarders were Sir Richard Burns and Pat Devlin, Arthur Holmes, Hayden Douglas and his companion, " The Myste- rious Englishman." The only name by which they were known in the West was, " Hayden and his com- panion." No time was ever lost in ascertaining par- ticulars. If a man was to use a phrase peculiar to the times " right on the goose," he was " all right." It made no difference whether he had a name or not. All went well until one day Pat rode hurriedly into town, announcing that a crowd of drunken men were approaching. 214 THE SPY OF OSAIVATOMIE. "Are they armed, Pat?" asked some one. " Yes, they have weapons all around them." The settlers had been abundantly supplied with arms and ammunition before leaving the East, and as soon as the alarm was given a tap on a large bass drum called the men to arms. They formed in rank behind the tents and houses to drill. The sentinel observed in the distance three men approaching, riding slowly. As they drew near, he discovered that they were heavily armed, and he raised his gun as if to fire. CHAPTER XXXVII. AT OS AW ATOM IE. MR. LELAND left New York City for the West in company of a dozen or more families, his own among the number. They did not stop at Lawrence, but proceeded further south down the border, their object being to establish a town, so as to prevent the Missourians from taking possession of the "Border-tier Lands." They crossed a beautiful stream, called by the French " River of Swans." It to-day bears the same name, expressed in the French tongue, "Marias des Cygnes." On the south bank of this beautiful stream they pitched their tents and began building a town, which they named Osawatomie. The Marias des Cygnes THE SP Y OJ< OSA WA TOM IE. 2 1 5 river being frequently called the " Osage," and one of its branches the " Potawatomie," the town name was compiled from these two names. The settlers had brought provisions and building material from the then hamlet of Kansas City, in Missouri, on the Missouri river, forty miles distant. These were hauled through by teams of oxen, or horses, as the case might be. Most of these settlers were wealthy men. They and their families were intelligent and highly educated persons, who were endeavoring to overcome oppression, and for the ac- complishment of their object they were willing to sacrifice comfort and comfortable surroundings. Mr. Leland and his family occupied a tent, as did the balance of the families. His purpose was not to make it his permanent home, but merely by his pres- ence to encourage others and assist personally in building up and protecting the town. Robie hauled lumber from the river landing at Kansas City. Ona, still known as Dickey, acted as baker and baked the bread for most of the families. Every evening she rode her pet pony Raven after the cows that grazed on the prairie. Early in the spring of 1855, four men and their families came from Illinois, where they had spent the winter, having started from Ohio the previous au- tumn. On account of their being Free-States men, they were frequently insulted openly as they passed through Missouri. They took claims about eight miles west of Osawatomie, and immediately began work, as peaceable citizens should, in building their cabins and improving their land. They had horses 2 1 6 THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMJE. and cattle in abundance, and never did a more quiet people settle down on the fertile prairies of Kansas than were those brothers, sons of a man whose name is inscribed high upon the Temple of Fame. Dickey often rode out and spent the day with those freedom-loving people. One day she received a letter from Mr. Leland, who had gone East to so- licit aid. He had met John Brown-at a meeting. The old man had asked for money and arms to sup- ply emigrants. It had been granted. Some time afterward he reached Osawatomie and built his cabin near his sons. Mr. Leland soon followed, bringing funds for the erection of public buildings for the use of the Free-States men. One bright night, as Dickey was sitting just inside of the open door, two men passed near. She heard one of them say, " Come to that large post-oak to- morrow evening about this time and I will be there, and I know Guy will." She held her breath, lest they should discover her presence. Not until their footsteps had died away, did she move. The next day she prepared a suit of men's clothes, and as night approached, she donned them, and slipping out of the back door, she sought the shelter of the bushes near the house and stealth- ily moved toward the large post-oak tree. Strangers had been in the settlement for several days. She had overheard some of them making re- marks derogatory to the Free-States men, and had suggested that they be watched, and when she learned of the meeting at the post-oak, she was fully confirmed in her suspicions, and determined, if pos- TffE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. 2 1 7 sible, to learn the nature of that secret meeting. So she crept to the spot indicated, more than half a mile from her home. She nestled down in the grass under the bushes near the tree to await the coming of the men. From this little circumstance she took the name of "The Spy of Osawatomie," which appellation she held until Slavery was extinct. She had just settled down quietly, when a horseman came riding up from the west and stopped near where she was secreted. He dismounted and tied his horse. Owing to the darkness, she could not discern his features. After the lapse of an half-hour another person ap- proached on foot, soon he greeted the first one with "All right? Field clear?" to which he answered, " Yes," and coming nearer, they shook hands and talked on general subjects for an hour, when the third one arrived. The moon had risen, Dickey could plainly see them. CHAPTER XXXVIII. AT LAWRENCE. /TV HE sentinel who watched the approach of the I Missourians, was Hayden Douglas. He held his Sharpe's rifle in readiness to fire. They had almost stopped, when they beheld Hayden's de- fiant look and attitude. 2 1 8 THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. " Halt ! " said he. " What do you want ?" One of them advanced and said, " We, the right- ful citizens of this Territory, are sent by a company of a few hundred of our fellow-citizens, to inform you Yankees, that you must leave this place and re- turn East, in one day, or you will be assisted in so doing, by us, the rightful citizens." Hayden recognized one of the trio. It was Guy Wren. He looked steadily at Hayden, but said not a word. During the conversation which followed, he was not idle. His eyes were noting the plan of the new town, and he saw, west of the town, men with their Sharpe's rifles and bayonets drilling. " Yes, I understand what you say," answered Hay- den. " When you establish the fact that we are tres- passing upon your lawful or rightful possessions, then we will remove to some other part, but not until then." They turned and rode off toward their camp, where they were received with applause. When they reported the result of their observations and that there were men in that settlement who had been in trouble with Guy Wren in the East, and that there were thousands of men, in marching array, in the town, they quietly "pulled up stakes," and returned to Missouri. Some of the boldest leaders went South to enlist recruits for the border war, and by the last of autumn, 1855, thousands of criminals had been taken from the prisons and penitentiaries and enrolled in the ranks of that " Army of the Border." Guy Wren commanded a company of some two THE SP Y OF OS A I VA TOM IE. 2 1 9 or three hundred, who, for over a year, made the western border of Missouri their homes. Every lit- tle village and town had a portion of them to main- tain, while they lent a protecting hand to the Pro- Slavery settlers in Kansas, who arrived slowly, as compared with the Free-States men. Guy Wren was stationed at. H , C county, Missouri, and it was his duty, assisted by his drunken men, to exam- ine every family that passed near that point on their way to Kansas. If any weapons were found, they were confiscated, and the emigrants commanded to return East, under penalty of death. For such reasons, thousands of emigrants came to Kansas through Iowa and Nebraska, in order to avoid the ruffians stationed on the Missouri border. Among those who came by that route was John Brown, with provisions and arms, which had been contributed by prominent Free-States men, and col- lected at meetings during the summer of 1855. One year had passed since the settlement of Law- rence, and it had grown to be a beautiful, thriving town. Hayden and his companion were still among the visitors. The old gentleman had nothing, ap- parently, to do, except to spend time, but Hayden had been, and still was, ever on the alert, watching the movements of the border ruffians by scouting in the eastern part of the Territory. While on one of his excursions south, toward Osa- watomie, riding slowly, admiring the beauties of na- ture, which had been bestowed with a lavish hand, his attention was directed to an object in the dis- tance, which, by the aid of his glass, he made out co 220 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. be a horseman ; whether friend or foe, white man or Indian, he could not determine. Seeing none but the solitary horseman, he pushed on to meet him, feeling able to cope, successfully, with any person, one-handed. After some time had elapsed, as he was riding up a slope, leading to the crest of a " divide," he beheld the head-gear of the opposing horseman approaching the same crest from the other side. While but a few paces apart, he drew his revolver, exclaiming in the usual salutation of the border, "Free-State or Pro-Slavery ? J> when a low, sweet and melodious voice answered, " I am lost, please tell me the way to Lawrence?" " This is the trail leading to Lawrence," answered Hayden, as he approached, when the stranger ut- tered a joyful cry of recognition. CHAPTER XXXIX. THE PLOT. ALLO ! old fellow," cried number three, as he approached the oak tree, followed by, "By jing, Wren, are you here?" " Yes, I came down from Dutch Henry's crossing, to-night." " What's the voice up there to-day ?" " They say for us to come and take Brown's horses and cattle, some night this week." THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 221 " What will we do with them ?" asked the other. "Why, send them to Missouri, to feed and equip our soldiers with, of course." " Can it be done this week ?" " Yes, it can." " I don't think we have men enough for that, until we can send to. Missouri." " Yes, we have, Wren, them Dutchmen up at the crossing, will help us, and there are two or three here in town, that are only waiting for a chance to pop .over old Leland or any of these low-down Yankee trash." " Well," said Wren, " we must, then, begin now to make our plans, so as to be ready to strike here, at the same time Pate does, at Lawrence." "Ain't you going to help take Lawrence, Wren?" "No, I've been there and saw some I once knew in New Hampshire, and I won't risk myself there. My company are made up of criminals from South Carolina, and they are ready for any kind of work. That's why I came over here, to see if there was any one to be put out of the way. And when we do come, we want to take all the stock, for it is too hard for the citizens along the line in Missouri to feed our men so long, if it is nothing but corn-bread and ba- con. We must take all we can get." " You are right, Wren. What day must we look for you ? " " Friday night, if we have no bad luck. Martin White said he would guide us in from Miami Mission on that night, and Capt. Pate is going to Lawrence when we strike here, so as to weaken both places at 222 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. the sametime. I will have to let him know when I am ready. This is Monday. I will have to go to Westport and see him, and then to West Point to see Capt. Hall, and then go back to Harrisonville. They say these Brown boys have plenty of arms and a store of ammunition, which the old man sent them. It will pay to take them in. By the way, did you hear of the Kickapoo's raid? " " No, what did they do ? " " They went in for the arms at St. Joe, and took all they wanted one night." " Did they arrest any of them ? What did they do with them?" " Old Oyster got on his ear and said they were the ones who stole them, and that they had been put up to it. He said he believed in slavery, but there was no use carrying anything so far. They knew it was all right with the officers, so they let old Oyster howl it out, and a week ago last night they took Kate's pony. Kate is his youngest girl about sixteen years old. The pony was snow-white. You bet he is pouting about it, but that's the way to keep them under." " By the by, Wren, have you any good doctor down with you ?" " I don't know as there is. Why, Bill?" " We must have one here in the place of Strawn. He is a good enough doctor, but he is an abolition- ist, and when we scoop 'em in he'll have to go with the rest. Listen ! I hear some one coming on horse- back. I think we had better hide. Come this way." They whispered a moment, and soon they were crouching on the ground near Dickey. She could THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 223 hear their quick breathing. The midnight rider came hurrying on. Wren's horse was hitched in the bushes; it neighed loudly as the horseman ap- proached. " Now, if that devil takes my horse ?" growled Wren, the same growl that Dickey had heard before. But the lone rider passed on, taking no notice of the horse in the bushes. " That was Dr. Strawn, going to see my oldest boy," said one. " He is quite sick, and the doctor could not come to-day, but sent word he would come to-night. He is a kind-hearted man, always ready to do good." "That makes no difference," said one of the oth- ers. " He goes when the others go. The right way is to topple some of them over in the ditch, and that will frighten the rest." " Wren, who do you intend killing ?" asked one of the others. "Those Browns and some half-dozen others, whose names I don't remember. Most too sultry in here. Let's get out, so we can get our breath " They crept out under the bushes. One came near tramping on Dickey. She trembled, for fear they would find her. They soon separated after they reached the road, promising to meet Wren Friday night at the VanHorn ford. Waiting until all was silent, Dickey crept out, to find the coast clear, and going toward home, she soon reached the house. She seated herself upon the steps, waiting for Dr. Strawn to return. Pres- ently she heard him coming from the west. As he 224 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. approached, he stopped, saying in an undertone, " Who is there ?" " Dickey Deane," said she, in the same suppressed tone, and continued, by asking, " Where have you been, Doctor?" " Why do you ask me that ?" said he, rather loudly. ' Speak lower," said she, coming nearer, and in a low tone told him all. " I will go," said he, " and stir the men up, so as to be ready. Some one must go to Franklin, and some one to Lawrence. We must be very quiet, not a child must know of this. I will see you at sunrise."" "Come just at day-break, for I shall ride, yet to- night, to see the Brown's," said she. Dickey strapped a blanket on Raven and donned a heavy coat of her father's, and a hat of Robie's, and was soon riding on her way to the Potavvatomie settlement. Alone in the bright moonlight that young girl rode, thinking of what she had heard. Her heart bound- ed within her, and her pulse beat faster, as her mind dwelt upon the scenes about to be enacted. Bloody, cruel war and rapine was about to desecrate and make desolate the happy homes of honest settlers. Many who had forsaken homes of comfort to estab- lish this fair, young State upon a basis of freedom, were to be mercilessly butchered in their beds, or cut down upon the streets. Criminals and demons had been let loose by legal authority, upon condition that they would still further darken their hands with blood, and blacken their hearts with crime. As she THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 225 thought of the injustice following such a course, she lifted her eyes to heaven, and in agony of soul calmly prayed, " O, God ! Thou who rulest immen- sity ; Thou, who noteth the fall of the sparrow ; Thou, who art omnific, omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent; in trouble, as well as in comfort, in sorrow as in joy, we come to Thee, asking, pleading and entreating, that Thou will grant us strength, to endure the affliction which now bears so heavily up- on us. If it be Thy will, remove this cup of bitter- ness we now imbibe. Thou knowest our devotion to Thy cause. Teach us to rely implicitly upon Thy promises. Give us strength to endure the suffering imposed upon us, knowing that Thou chasteneth whom Thou lovest. May this, Thy own fair land, be possessed by honorable, God-fearing people. May the crime of Slavery never sully the fair fame of this beautiful land." Ere she was aware, she found herself near the home of Jason Brown ; riding up she called in an undertone. She heard no response. She called again in a louder tone. Mrs. Brown came to the door. Dickey said : " I desire to see Mr. Brown. Tell him I am a friend." Jason Brown came to the door, revolver in hand. He had heard the first summons, and not knowing whether the person was 'friend or foe, he prepared himself for any emergency that might arise. When he approached, Dickey made herself and her errand known. When they separated, it was with the un- derstanding, that Jason should carry the information 226 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. to Fay, Jones and others living in that neighborhood. Just at daybreak, Dickey arrived home. Remov- ing the blankets which had served for a saddle, she led Raven to the stable and fed him. Entering the house, she procured a suit of Robie's clothes, of a dark color, which she substituted for those she had worn, which were damp. Just as the faint rays of approaching day glim- mered through the timber, a horseman approached from the south part of the village. As he drew near, she said in an undertone, " I am ready." " So I observe," said Dr. Strawn. She brought Raven from the stable and sprang lightly upon his back. "I went to Middle Creek last night. They will be ready," said he. " I went to Potawatomie and gave them warning. They are on the alert," said she, and turning, rode west, until they reached the ford, where they crossed the Marias des Cygnes river. CHAPTER XL. HAYDEN'S SURPRISE. "A | EVER was any one so surprised as was Hayden \ when the stranger burst out in the joyous laugh. "Dickey Deane," exclaimed he, "what are you doing here?" THE SPY Of OSAWATOMIE. 227 " You were the last person I expected to meet," said Dickey, for it was she. Briefly she told him of what she had heard and what had been already done in the way of warning the settlers, and advised him to hasten to Franklin, thence to Lawrence. " It would seem ungallant to permit you to return without an escort. Had I not better return with you ?" asked Hayden. "No, no, under the circumstances formalities must be laid aside, in order to deal promptly with things that require immediate attention. Although, Mr. Douglas, I must not accept your kind offer, yet I thank you sincerely for your consideration." Each sent by the other kindly messages to friends in either settlement, and bidding each other adieu, they retraced their steps. After Dr. Strawn left her, she pursued her way through the brush, from wh'ich she was about to emerge, when she heard a horse approaching rapidly. She drew Raven into the thicket, which was dense on either side of the path. As the horse passed, she noticed that he carried none other than the cruel and notorious Guy Wren. He turned not his head as his horse shied, when he passed the thicket where Dickey was concealed, gently patting Raven to keep him quiet. After she parted with Hayden, she remembered that she had made no provision to supply the de- mands of appetite. Feeling hungry, she left the trail to procure a meal at a log-house not far away. She ascertained that the proprietor was away with 228 THE SPY Of OSAIVATOM1E. the " boys," as his loquacious spouse denominated the Pro-Slavery men. Dickey being clad in boy's habiliments, personated a Missouri school teacher. Her hostess had many words of censure for " Free- Soilers," and commendatory ones for Pro-Slavery men, in which Dickey acquiesced. She had just re- turned from the river landing at Kansas City, and had learned that " We'uns are jist about all set to wipe out Lawrence and the hull raft of settlements whar' the darned Yankees have squatted, and I'm afeared we'uns 'ill have it kinder nip and tuck at Lawrence, 'kase ther's a hull God's-pacel on 'em thar'." At this juncture she announced dinner by saying, " Wai, stranger, yer dinner's ready, square ycr cheer 'round to the table now. We haint got nuthin' much for nobody to eat, nohow, but I recken you kin stand it fur onst, if we'uns make out to live on't." Dickey seated herself at the table which had no cloth spread on it. The food was good and very well cooked, and the coffee was splendid. "John Andrew, run to them air oxen, at onst, an' see what on airth is ailen on em, hurry up, or I'll bust yer crust fur you, this very minit. Move, d'ye hear me," screamed the woman. Dickey ate her dinner in silence, and when she was through, paid the sum demanded. Strapping the blankets on Raven, she was soon hastening to- ward Osawatomie, thinking of the peculiarities of na- ture improperly trained, as was exemplified in the case of the woman she had just left. A rough, rude woman, who made a practice of driving three yoke THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 229 of oxen, and who could swear before her children, even cursing them for little inattentions peculiar to children. Having reached the Marias des Cygne, she waited until darkness threw her mantle of blackness over the earth, hoping thus to avoid observation in her unusual apparel, she quietly rode to her home. CHAPTER XLI. DICKEY AT WORK. WHEN Hayden left Dickey, he hastened to Franklin and notified the citizens of that settlement. They soon secreted their goods and hastened to Lawrence. A preacher, by the name of Martin White, had been conducting a meeting in the settlement. When he heard Hayden's announcement, he expressed his determination to hasten to his home near Osawatomie, but instead of so doing, he hurried to Westport, where he found Capt. Pate, and informed him that the whole plot had been discovered. When the news reached Wren and his men, they became terribly enraged, fearing that they had a trai- tor among them. No one had been in Kansas late- ly except Wren, and he was known to be true to the cause he had espoused. They knew nothing of the little New Hampshire girl who had declared ven- 230 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. geance upon Wren, years ago, when a mere child, listening to Aunt Nancy's story of her wrongs and suffering. Now destiny had made them workers in the same field, but with opposite purposes. He to tear down and destroy, to lead criminals and felons to greater crimes for the perpetuation of a curse that long had been a blight to American civilization. She working earnestly and zealously to establish the beginning of the extinction of that curse from our fair land. To him immediate excitement was necessary. He had neither principle nor property at stake individually, but there was a promise of an opportunity to wrong his fellow beings, to indulge in his unholy desire for crime ; voracity existed in his corrupt mind, and he could not withhold the insatiate greed that ever gov- erned his actions. She made sacrifice of comfort, left the society of friends, devoted her energies and lavished her wealth for a principle a principle involved in the glorious declaration which freed the Colonies from the op- pression of a mother country; a principle which had established the American people upon a basis broad and expansive as the earth itself; a principle which, for height, reached high as heaven and brought smiles to the faces of angels as they rejoiced in the advancement of mankind the principle that all men are created "free and equal." When Dickey reached home, she called Robert, who cared for Raven while she entered the house and sought the repose that tired nature demanded. She remained quiet until Friday afternoon, when she THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 231 donned her peculiar costume, and walking through the bushes, reached the Van Horn ford, where she removed her shoes and crossed the stream. Scarcely had she reached the opposite bank, when she heard the sound of approaching horses as she sat in a densely tangled thicket. They came near. She discovered one to be the villainous Wren. The other was a stranger. After crossing the river, they took the road leading to Dutch Henry's crossing, on the Potawatomie. Being satisfied in her own mind, she returned to the town and told what she had seen, and volun- teered an opinion that no attack would be made, else Wren would not come without his men, but for fear others would come after night set hi, a strong guard was placed at the ford, to watch during the night. Valuables, clothing and bedding belonging to cit- izens, were secreted in the dense thickets which sur- rounded the town. None slept during the night. Morning dawned bright and clear. The watch was kept up at the ford. Wren and his companions re- crossed on their return. No attack was made. The ruffians did not consider their number sufficiently great to cope with the settlers, of whom there were scarcely one hundred, while the Pro-Slavery band was known to be over fifteen hundred. During the summer, emigrants had poured into Kansas, principally by the Nebraska route, and Osa- vvatomie had received- many accessions to its num- bers. Dickey spent considerable time in Missouri, visiting Kate Oyster and noting the movements of the Border Ruffians. She ascertained that it was 232 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. their intention to utterly annihilate the entire num- ber of Free-Soil settlements in Kansas during the coming autumn. When she had gained all the information she could, she returned to Osawatomie, where she made known to the principal men what she had learned. Each town, acting under instruction of its acknowl- edged leader, appointed guards to watch day and night for any demonstration the Border Ruffians might make. Dickey volunteered to act as spy. Leaving Osawatomie, she readied Missouri, where, clad in man's apparel, she passed as a school teacher hailing from South Carolina*, having been sent West by Mr. Calhoun, showing Lillie's daguerrotype, with her name and residence engraved upon the case. She had dyed her hair black and assumed the name of Dick Richards. Soon, by her easy manner, fluent address and her many accomplishments, she had charge of a school, made up of children of the first families of Westport. Although, ostensibly, a teacher, yet she closely observed all that was trans- piring around her, keeping a record of sayings and occurrences during the day, she sent, nightly, a let- ter to a friend in Osawatomie, through the mail to Harrisonville, where it would be taken by some neighbor who was there trading. Everything went on pleasantly, until, one day, on which Dickey had dismissed school on account of a feeling of indisposition, which she had experienced for several days, a horseman galloped through town, calling out to the citizens to prepare for a raid into Kansas. Now realizing that her sickness was THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 233 ' all for the best," she announced her intention of going to Harrisonville to procure medicine. She accordingly took the stage and reached town about ten o'clock at night. Going to a stable for a horse, she observed Kate's white pony that had been stolen in St. Joseph. She asked to hire it to ride out to the " old man's," as she expressed it. Procuring the pony, she was soon hastening to- ward Kansas. Before daybreak she crossed the State line, having had no trouble in crossing the streams, the weather having been very dry and the water low. Reaching Osawatomie while the citizens were at dinner, she alighted from her pony, and rang the large bell, which had been provided and was to be rung only as a warning of danger, at which all the men were to assemble. Leaving the men to evolve their own plans, based upon the information she had brought, she took Ra- ven and hastened to the Potawatomie settlement, where she found old John Brown, lion-hearted, and his equally brave boys, at dinner. Soon after she had imparted her information, they were on their way to Lawrence. They had already suffered the loss of much stock at the hands of the Border Ruf- fians, and, like all honest men, they were ever ready to lend a helping hand to prevent further depreda- tions. Although Dickey's inclinations and desires were to accompany the settlers to Lawrence, and aid them in their efforts, yet she fully realized, that in order to continue her espoinage over the Pro-Slavery factions, she must immediately return to Missouri. To be 234 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. away from there at such a time, would attract atten- tion, and suspicion against her would naturally fol- low. She was soon ready to start. Taking Raven and sufficient money to pay for Swan, she rode brisk- ly away. The men of Osawatomie, under the leadership of Arthur Holmes, had determined to assist in the de- fense of Lawrence, and soon departed for that place. Thus in a brief time nearly five hundred citizens from all parts of the Territory, had assembled at Lawrence, that being the objective point of attack. A special animosity existed in the minds of the leaders of the Border Ruffians against this place, and every effort was made, on their part, to overcome the settlers and utterly destroy the town. About ten o'clock great excitement and rejoicing prevailed among those assembled at Lawrence, which was caused by the appearance of " Old John Brown " and four of his boys. As they stopped in front of the hotel, a deafening shout rent the air from the crowd assembled around the wagon, many of whom had followed the wagon down the street, attracted by the unusual display of fire-arms it contained, each man being abundantly supplied with rifles, revolvers and sabers, besides there being many poles, on which were fastened bayonets. At that time John Brown was not generally known to the settlers, yet as he sprang from the wagon, a voice in the crowd shouted, " Here is our Captain, whoever he may be." Acting upon the suggestion the remark conveyed, a company was promptly or- ganized, of which Brown was placed in command. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 235 Captain Brown immediately proposed that an at- tack should be made upon the enemy that night and surprise them in their camp near Franklin. He, with a dozen men, even went so far as to make a start in that direction " to draw a little blood in the cause of ' Universal Freedom,' " as he expressed it, but at the earnest solicitation of General Lane, he returned to the town, chafing under the restraint. Gen. Lane sent for him to participate in a council of war. The old hero replied, " Tell the General that when he wants me to fight, to say so ; that is the only order I ivill obey." John Brown, ever afterward, regretted that he complied with Jim Lane's request at that time. He said : " Many a man's life I would have saved to after time, had I pounced upon them at Franklin." But the opportunity had passed, and he must bide his time. Peace was at last established by Gov. Shannon peace upon the principle which declared "Equal rights to all," which the Pro-Slavery element soon perverted to "Southern rights to all." Brown and his men returned to their homes, dis- gusted with the terms upon which " Peace " had been declared. Among those who, in like disgust at the proceed- ings of the " Peacemakers" left Lawrence, were Hay- den Douglas and his old "companion." They united their fortunes with Brown and his determined band. A feeling of respect, of admiration and almost adora- tion existed in the minds of all who were associated with or had ever studied the character of the brave, 236 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. freedom-loving old man. Thus often in times of ad- versity, attachments and friendships are formed and cemented, which death alone can sever. So it had been with Hayden and his companion in espousing the cause of Freedom and forming the acquaintance of the champions of that cause. These two companions of " Osawatomie Brown" survived him sufficiently long to see the principle for which he died promulgated throughout the land. It was accomplished ere they laid aside the spy-glass and rifle which the old hero had placed in their hands. Although peace had been declared, yet, when the invaders withdrew, it was with the determination ex- isting in the minds of their leaders, that ere spring Kansas should be purged of the Free-Soil element that existed within its borders, and for the further- ance of such plan, frequent raids were made upon the settlers, carrying off horses, cattle and provisions, and killing two men, who refused to open their doors to them. Many families were thus left to suffer from hunger and exposure, all their effects having been carried away by the " Legal settlers from Georgia," as they termed themselves. The care of persons thus conditioned by "Southern rights to all," was as- sumed by friends in the Free-Soil party. Hayden and his companion made themselves use- ful in their new home, the cabin of Brown, intending to return to Lawrence in the spring. One day, as Hayden and two of Brown's sons were hauling wood, they were surprised by a dozen men who demanded their arms, to which demand they were forced to sub- JOHN BROW.N'S CABIN. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 237 mit. They bound their hands together, the end of the rope being held by the captors, as they trotted toward Missouri by the side of the horses. They were not permitted to walk, and if they lagged, they were forced, at the point of a bayonet, to resume their pace. Thus were they hurried until they reached Harrisonville, where they were paraded through the streets, to the great pleasure of the hun- dreds of ruffians in arms and the hostile citizens. The exertion was more than Hayden could endure, and from fatigue and excitement he swooned. Hav- ing resuscitated him, he, with the others, was con- veyed to the jail, where two or three hundred men guarded them during the night. The next morning they started for Boonville in a conveyance, which had been kindly tendered by some unknown party. Many days passed, long days to those men who were chafing in confinement, not knowing what was the design of their captors toward them. Many visited them out of curiosity, but not a friendly smile did they see, or a friendly word hear, from the many who came. One day, as Hayden was looking from the window through the grating, his heart bounded with- in him, as he recognized a familiar face, which was turned, in seeming curiosity, toward him for a mo- ment, and then disappeared. 238 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. CHAPTER XLII. THE PRISONER'S ESCAPE. \\) lICKEY was worn and weary as she traveled to- JL/ ward Harrisonville from Osawatomie. When night approached, she stopped at the most convenient house, where she remained until morning, when she resumed her journey. She was anxious to return before the proprietor of the stable should be- come uneasy about his pony and institute a search for it. The morning being cold and frosty, she gave Raven free rein, and was not long in reaching the town. The proprietor of the stable jokingly expressed surprise at the transformation which had taken place in his pony. Said he, " I hired you a pure white pony and you have returned with one which resem- bles it in every feature, except color, which is coal black." Dickey answered by saying, " Your pony was taken from the stable while I was away, and I was compelled to procure this one. I am prepared to recompense you, in full, for the loss of your pony. I have taken a great fancy to this pony and wish to keep it, or I would give it in place of the one I lost." " Well, you can suit yourself about that, if you want to pay me for the white one, you can do so by paying ten dollars, all I hope is, that the pony won't full into the hands of the Kansas ' Jayhawkers.' " THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 239 Dickey paid the amount, and after dinner mounted Raven and continued her journey toward Westport, where her pupils were anxiously awaiting her. On her arrival, she learned from the landlord, who took charge of Raven, that all the men servants had been forced to accompany the Border Ruffiains on their raid into Kansas ; what had taken place, and the pur- pose of the movement. She expressed herself as well pleased with the prospect of Pro-Slavery suc- cess, and regretted that she had not been present to accompany them. . Although assuming pleasure, yet down deep in her heart were feelings of anxiety to know what was transpiring in Kansas. She was anxious, yet dread- ed to hear the news, fearing that some deed of hor- ror had been committed by the drunken rabble, who constituted the so-called army, that was endeavoring to establish " Rights for All " in Kansas, provided, such rights were not inimical to " Southern " prin- ciples ; an army that was composed of men thirst- ing for the blood of Yankees. The citizens of Westport were decidedly Pro- Slavery in sentiment, yet the absence of the rabble inaugurated a feeling of peace and security, which, for some time past, had not been experienced. One day, when the landlord was estimating his losses at their hand, he said to Dickey, " I am keep- ing account of the damage done by our own men, so that when we capture the Yankee's goods, I can get my pay out of them." At last the rabble came back, boasting of their deeds. They had burned the hotel, destroyed the 240 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. printing presses, torn down bridges, and killed one man by the name of McCoy, who refused to accom- pany them to Lawrence, and even, after killing him, abused his helpless family. Such was chivalry. Brave men, indeed, to kill a helpless and defenseless man. Aunt Nancy and Robert had returned to New York. Mr. Leland was traveling in the East, en- deavoring to secure property and money in behalf of Kansas. Vast amounts reached Lawrence through his efforts. One day, a letter addressed to her as Dick Rich- ards, desired her assistance in liberating the two Browns and Hayden, who were held somewhere in Missouri. None could be found among their friends who could, with safety to themselves, search for them. Fortunately, in two days, she was to have a vaca- tion. During the day she read an account, in one of the county papers, of the incarceration of three horse-thieves from Kansas. They were held in Boonville jail to await their trial. Well did Dickey know what "holding for trial" meant in Missouri. It was only awaiting the arrival of a sufficiently large mob to make an " execution " a gala-day. As soon as she closed her school, she started to visit friends in St. Joseph, but soon turned toward Boonville, where she sought to make up a class in music. She visited the homes of many of the lead- ing families. Having been a teacher in Westport, and a friend of the Calhoun's, no suspicion was aroused, and she was very successful. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 241 The prisoners had been there nearly a week, and yet the whole town was in a state of excitement. Fear predominated in the minds of the citizens, lest they should get away. Hundreds, out of curiosity to see a live Yankee, flocked to the town, and they, too, felt fearful for their own safety. Thus three men, chained and incarcerated, frightened thousands. In her perambulations about town, she frequently passed the jail, endeavoring to obtain a view of the prisoners. Finally she was successful, having seen Hayden, a glance from whom convinced her that she was recognized. On the arrival of gentlemen from the South, they were taken to see the prisoners. She resolved to accompany one of these parties, who were just ready to start as she arrived at the hotel. Manifesting the utmost unconcern, she was admitted as a member of the party. The prisoners were very reticent, only speaking in answer to questions. Dickey seated herself in one corner of the room and pretended to read a paper which had been furnished for the use of the prisoners. After the visitors had left, she drew a note from her pocket and threw it along the floor to Hayden, who read the note, nodded his head un- derstandingly and returned it to her in the same manner. She withdrew in the same careless manner in which she had entered. Two days had passed, when a crowd came from St. Louis. Accompanying some of these, she again entered the cell. Watching her opportunity, she- dropped something on the old quilts which composed IS 242 THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMJE. the prisoners' bed, at the same time kicking some of the old rags over it. Hayden's eyes were on every movement. As night approached, he lay down carelessly on the bed and found a file and two packages, which he knew to be designed for their use. One package con- tained a narcotic, the other a preparation for color- ing the hair. Hayden instructed the Brown boys as to their manner of proceeding. The guard slept in the same cell with them. As soon as he evinced a desire to sleep, a portion of the quieting potion was to be administered. The inside guard assumed his position on his mat- tress about nine o'clock and was soon fast asleep, being somewhat under the influence of liquor. When he entered, the prisoners had been, seemingly, asleep for two hours. After all was quiet on the outside, save the pat- tering of the rain upon the roof, under ordinary cir- cumstances a doleful, dismal sound, but now a joy- ful one, as it drove pedestrians from the street, and lessened the chances of the prisoners being observed in their efforts to escape. The time had arrived for action. The prisoners crept cautiously from their pallet. O.ne of the Brown boys held the narcotic near the nostrils of the sleep- ing guard, while the others proceeded to remove their chains with the file. Their worn and bruised limbs felt light and fresh when the heavy burden was removed. Approaching the grated windows cautiously, they listened attentively for a few minutes, and hearing THE SPY OF OSAWATOMTE. 243 no one, they began work upon the bars, which alone stood betwixt them and liberty. Rapidly did their hands move for a brief time, then they listened. Nothing could they hear but the soughing wind and pelting rain, the former of which increased in force and violence each moment, while the latter fell in torrents, seeming to be striving for the mastery over its companion the wind. After the window had been freed from its iron bars, Hayden listened for some sound, but none being heard, he said : " Extinguish the light ! " " Why not leave it burn ?" said one. " No, put it out," said Hayden. " Besides that was to be the signal that we were ready." After the light had been extinguished, they drop- ped, one at a time, to the ground, the distance not being great. They listened for the signal; in an in- stant, almost, they heard it. It came from an alley, a few feet beyond them. Silently did they move to- ward the low, patting sound, where they found two persons in male attire, who held three horses. " Two mount the large horse, and one the small one near him," said one of the persons, in a whisper, " and follow me." They were gone, leaving one standing in the dark alley, while the storm raged with in- creased fury. J44 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. CHAPTER XLIII. AVA HAYNES. JT7VAR away to the Southern States had the news _l_ flown of the arrest of John Brown's sons and Hayden Douglas. The papers contained vol- uminous accounts of the deeds of valor the cham- pions of the cause of "Southern Rights" were ac- complishing. They had entered the Free-Soil set- tlements and carried away three of their most ac- tive men as prisoners. Great rejoicing existed throughout the whole country. The news reached a palatial residence in South Carolina, where dwelt Ava Huynes, now Mrs. Blair, the wife of General Blair, and the controlling spirit of the splendid man- sion. She read the account of the capture of the men. When she read the name of Hayden Douglas, her heart sank within her. Her thoughts flew back to years gone by. She remembered the handsome face, the elegant form, and above all, she remem- bered her heart's devotion toward him, whose love to gain, she had stooped to commit a crime. She thought of her, whose spirit was driven to the shel- tering bosom of its Maker before its allotted time through her wrong. She thought, that to seek in the excitement of the border, forgetfulness of the past, Hayden had gone. She thought the result of her crime had driven him from society, and that, thus, THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 245 he had become associated with that to her mind rabble, denominated " Free-States" men, whom she believed to be guilty of all crimes and misdemeanors attributed to them through the Southern press. She soliloquized, " I have now an opportunity to atone for the wrong I committed against Hayden. No doubt, I am, indirectly, the cause of his being in his present unpleasant situation. Mr. Blair has been anxious to go West to command our army. I have never consented that he should go. Now I shall urge him to go, and I shall accompany him. Once there, I shall have him use his influence in securing the liberation of Hayden. Then I shall feel that I have, at least, in part, atoned for the wrong I com- mitted against him." The next morning, at breakfast, Mr. Blair said, " My dear, it does not, really, seem proper, that I should remain here in idleness, while our friends in the West are battling for the protection of our rights and the perpetuation of our institutions. I have been frequently solicited, earnestly solicited, to assume command of all our forces on the border of Missouri, and all that has restrained me from taking an active part is your consent. May I hope to gain it this morning?" Mrs. Blair had been cogitating in her own mind as to the manner in which she should broach the sub- ject to the General, but now he himself had given that opportunity, and she blandly replied : " I have not heretofore withheld my consent because I had fear for your personal safety. I have sufficient knowledge of military affairs to know that your posi- 246 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. tion as commander would not necessarily be an ex- posed one; neither do I lack interest in the cause you would represent; my only fear has been that you would require me to remain at home, which thought I could not for a moment consider with any degree of happiness." "Then am I to understand that I am to have your permission in this matter, provided I allow you to accompany me?" "Yes, Mr. Blair, upon such condition I give my consent." " I regret that you had not named it sooner. In my considerations of this subject, I had ever calcu- lated that you should accompany me. If ) ou can so arrange, we will start immediately." The carriage was ordered, and they were soon on board the train he, to fight for the perpetuity of an error, a wrong, a crime; she, to atone for the past, in order that her future should be brighter and happier. How strange is life ! The present is faulty. The past is filled with regrets. The future alone affords brightness, joyousness and happiness, and that only in anticipation. Is it not a cheering thought that " The future never comes ?" In a few hours the train whirled past the Calhoun home, where was the grave of Lillie. O, the an- guish of that moment to Ava Blair ! That fair form seemed to stand before the vision of her mind and accuse her of duplicity and perfidy. She, whose body was sleeping in the valley, seemed to rise up before her and demand a herculean effort on her part to rescue him whose incarceration was due to her crime. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 247 On, on sped the train, leaving the plantations of rice, cotton and tobacco behind, stopping at each station to take on passengers, most of whom were going West to assist in establishing "Southern rights for all " upon the soil of Kansas. Proclamations had gone forth over the South calling for men. Jails and penitentiaries were depopulated to procure -the class of men desired for the work in hand ; hardened, wicked, wretched, inhuman beings were gathered up and sent without cost to battle more appropriately, rob and murder on the Kansas borders. At St. Louis passage was taken on the boat for Boonville. Suddenly the weather changed, as if the face of Nature was o'erhung with a mantle of sorrow. Boreas turned loose in all his power, and the very flood-gates of heaven seemed to open as the boat landed at Boonville after midnight. General and Mrs. Blair proceeded in a carriage to the " Bigelow House," the same hotel where Dick Richards, the music teacher, was stopping. As they hurried up the steps to the entrance of the hall, a traveler, whose clothes were saturated with rain, entered with them. The next morning Ava arose early, and from her window, looked out upon the surrounding country and the beautiful town. The rain still continued to deluge the buildings and streets, while the wind whistled a mournful dirge, as it bounded with an un- resistable force from its secret den in the northwest. Not a person was visible upon the streets. Ani- mated nature sought refuge from the power of the elements. Eight o'clock, and breakfast was announced. Ava 248 THE SP Y OF OSA WA TOM IE addressed her husband saying, " Mr. Blair, let us at- tend the early breakfast, I desire to observe the guests, with the hope that I may recognize some companion or friend of former days." He signified his consent by a polite bow and gra- cious smile, as he offered her his arm to attend her to the table. Opposite to Mrs. Blair, at the table, sat a handsome youth, with bright blue eyes and curly hair. That person was Dick Richards, the mu- sic teacher our Dickey. Dickey recognized the person before her, at the same time she remembered the forged letter and the cold and dark grave on the slope beneath the austral sun. Something about Dickey seemed to attract Ava, she glanced at her several times during the meal. Little did she think that the boy before her was none other than Ona Leland, for whom she had been searching for years. Conversation flowed freely at the table upon the all-absorbing topic, " The Yankee prisoners." Dickey watched the expression of Ava's countenance. She noticed the shadows come and go as the name of Hayden Douglas was mentioned. Breakfast was nearly finished, when a great noise was heard upon the street. The doors were thrown open and the cry, " Help ! Help ! The prisoners have escaped," was echoed and repeated through the halls. Crowds of men, boys and negroes went hurrying to- ward the jail, until a vast multitude surrounded the building. The Sheriff addressed the crowd, telling them all to immediately join in the search. Search every house and barn thoroughly; leave no place THE SPY OF OSAWATOM2E. > 49 unsearched, bring them back dead or alive. Many hastened to begin the search. Dickey ordered the blanket strapped on Raven, and was soon galloping away southwest. The rain still poured upon the pur- sued and the pursuers. At noon no trace of the Yankees had been found. The outside guard had waited until eight o'clock for the door-keeper to come out to breakfast, and feeling uneasy, he rapped loudly on the door, but re- ceiving no answer, he went outside, and looking up, saw the iron bars were gone from the window, then he realized the truth, and in order to secure help promptly, screamed "murder!" in a loud voice, which attracted the attention of the populace, who hastened to the jail, and burst open the door, where they beheld the guard, not yet recovered from the effects of the narcotic. The chains of the prisoners lay on the floor, but no sign of the instrument used in their removal. The stupefied man was resuscitated. He could throw no light upon the subject. Hopes were enter- tained of their capture, but with the approach of night, the majority of those who had been sent in pursuit returned, reporting that no trace of them could be found. They then concluded that they must yet be somewhere in the town. The following morning a renewed search was instituted, all points having been guarded during the night. Dickey continued in her work until she had or- ganized and taught the music class; while Mrs. Blair scanned every paper closely, hoping for the success of him whom she would have assisted. Not a word 250 THE SPY OF OSAWATOM1E. -could she find, until on the wings of rumor came the word that the three were safe on Kansas soil. For a time great excitement prevailed as to who had aided the prisoners, but nothing could be learned. Suspicion pointed to no one, yet they must have been assisted by parties on the outside. The irons bore evidence of having been filed off. Where did they procure the file? No such thing had been sold by any of the merchants; mechanics missed none from their work-benches. As soon as Dickey reached Boonville and noted the surroundings, she sent word to Dr. Strawn and submitted her plan to him. By rapidly riding dur- ing the night, he reached the vicinity of Boonville the day previous, and mingling with the many stran- gers already, there, he gave the file and packages into her possession, with accompanying instructions, and returned to the place where he had left the extra horses. It was he who stood in the alley with Dickey, holding the horses ; it was he who accom- panied the men and guided them safely into Kansas. Dickey returned to the hotel, and entering with those who had just arrived on the boat, she was not observed. Dickey, as "Dick Richards," returned in two weeks to Westport and resumed her school. Gen- eral and Mrs. Blair soon followed her, he having been assigned to the command of the Pro-Slavery troops, who were being drilled near that town. Al- though Ava was Mrs. Gen. Blair, yet she was un- happy; a gloom had settled upon her fair brow. She sat at her window gazing far to the West. The only THE SP Y Of OS A W ATOM IE. 25 i thrill of happiness and joy she had experienced was when she learned of the safe arrival in Kansas of the three escaped prisoners. Dickey taught from day to day, with as much interest, seemingly, as though she had no other object in view. One day she learned that the armed bands were to invade Kansas at a time not far distant. She felt a desire to know and understand more thoroughly their plans. The chief officer's room was in the second story of the hotel at which she boarded. She knew by the assembling of subordinate officers, who immediately on their arrival repaired to General Blair's room, that something of moment would occur in that room. She resolved at all hazards to ascer- tain. Removing her shoes, she crept noiselessly up the stairs and took her station close to the door of the room occupied by the officers. CHAPTER XLIV. JOHI? BROWN'S HOME. "| NDER instructions from Dr. Strawn, the pris- LJ oners took different courses at day-break of the morning following their escape. Before separating, they stopped at a farm-house for break- fast. They informed the farmer that they had been down to Boonville to see the Yankee prisoners, and that one of their horses was missing, and in search- 252 THE SPY OF OSAIVATOMJE. ing for it, they became lost themselves. Before they left the Doctor purchased another horse, so that all now were well mounted. At noon each one stopped for dinner, stating that he expected to join sonu- friends who were going into Kansas, with the hope of meeting with some more of the Yankees, and if they could capture them, they would take them to Boonville, where there were already three. Thus, they not only secured their dinners, but were invited to return with their prisoners, as the men wanted i<> see a live Yankee. During the following night they each reached Osa- watomie and went to the Western House, and when, in the light of the bright morning, they stood upon the porch, they were the recipients of such a greet- ing as never before had been expressed in Osawato- mie. Among those assembled to extend congratulations to the boys on their escape from the hands of the Border Ruffians was an old man. He was sedate and calm, seemingly unmoved by the demonstrations. When the cheers resounded upon the morning air, his hat was not lifted, neither did his voice join in the shouts. His small blue eyes flash a fire never before observed. As the vociferations died away, he stepped forward from the crowd, and mounting the steps to the porch, in a calm and deliberate voice said : " It has been said that I am a member of the Re- publican party. It is false. I despise the Republi- cans, I am an Abolitionist; not only opposed to the extension of Slavery, but in favor of its extirpation. THE SPY OF OSAWATOM1E. 253 What does the Republican party teach ? It teaches that we must content ourselves with resisting the ex- tension of Slavery. The Republican party cries halt ! I say, ' Forward to the Rescue.' I am an Abolitionist of the Bunker Hill school. I am fol- lowing neither Garrison, Seward, Gerritt Smith, nor Wendell Phillips, but 1 am following the teachings of the Golden Rule and the Declaration of Inde- pendence. The Republican leaders of to-day will be the Democratic leaders of 1860. Now, we, the Abolitionists must fight. I say fight, if we be free men. You all know what we have endured already. Our crops have been destroyed, our horses and cat- tle stolen, our friends carried away into the heart of their state and confined in felons' cells. Must we en- dure it further? I emphatically say, no. You, who will fight follow me, step to the front and bring your guns, if you have none, I will furnish you with all the weapons you need." Among the first to step forward was a man, older than Brown, whom all knew as " the companion of Hayden Douglas," whom we had met years ago, an English nobleman. Next came Hayden and soon all but two of the assembled multitude, stood by the side of Old John Brown, that noble champion of freedom. Two alone stood aloof. They were the midnight companions of Guy Wren at the post-oak tree. " Come with me," said Captain Brown as he led the way to his home on the Potawatomie. It was not a gorgeous structure ; it was not a palatial resi- dence. The home of the predestined leader of the 254 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. second and holier American Revolution was but a low log-cabin, containing a door and two windows ; its roof of boards rived from trees fallen by his own hand. It was from here those evergreen trees had been taken that now ornamented so many New Eng- land homes, and the man who now stood here as the Captain of a resolute band of freedom-loving men was the same who carried those trees to the East and gave with them the secret pledge whose import we shall, in years to come, ascertain. Near his cabin was the spot from whence they were taken. You ask, Why did he choose this secluded spot? Go view its surroundings and you will learn. Once there, without a guide, you cannot return to the path by which you came. The soil is not as fertile as that of the surrounding country, but what enemy dare venture upon that home when its inmates were there ! As they approached the cabins, they observed the departure of a band of Pro-Slavery men from the houses of the old man's sons. During the absence of the men, these ruffians had shamefully abused their families, and in leaving, had told them that if they and their husbands did not leave by the next day, they would. return and kill the last one of them. The old man turned to his aged follower after he had listened to the story of the women, and said : " Now war must begin. I wish I could see Dickey Deane. I want her with me, but you come ; per- haps we can make arrangements for to-day." They left the camp. Soon a light wagon, equipped with a surveyor's outfit, stood near the cabin. The old man came out, dressed in a different costume. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 255 A surveyor's compass hung by his side, and he car- ried a spy-glass in his hand. "I want two more men," said he, calling them from the camp. When they came they mounted into the wagon and drove in a southerly direction. After driving some distance, they left the wagon. As they walked along, the two old men talked of former days, when they had first met in England, where Brown was engaged as a wool-dealer. They talked of the time when this Englishman had given Brown money to assist in procuring homes for the Africans who had already thrown off the galling yoke of slavery and sought protection in the Northern States and in Canada. "There they are," whispered Brown, and they be- gan their work of surveying. In a short time they were "running their line" right through the camp of the invaders. CHAPTER XLV. "DICK RICHARDS" SUSPICIONED. ICKEY stood at the officer's door a moment, all was still. Placing her ear to the key-hole, she could hear the words of their whispered consultation. " You are right, Wren, there is a spy among us, who it is, I can not tell, neither have I any suspi- THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. cions." These were the first words Dickey heard. They were followed by others from Wren, who said : " I have been watching this school-teacher, Dick Richards, for some time. He was gone from here when those Yankees escaped from Boonville, and I think he needs watching." " Yes, we must be on the look-out, for they are up to every trick," said another voice. " Wilkerson and Sherman were here yesterday, urging us to come and knock that Brown out-fit over, or they would soon have the lead," growled Wren. Dickey turned and crept away to her own room, down stairs, where she packed her few articles of ap- parel, and securing Raven, she galloped away over the prairie, following the trail made by the Pro-Slav- ery men in making their raids into Kansas. The following morning, at the instigation of Wren, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Dick Richards, but when the Sheriff came to serve the warrant, Dick could nofbe found. Earnest search was made of every house in town, but without avail. The honest, fair-minded citizens believed their teacher had been killed, having fallen under the suspicion of such unscrupulous men as Guy Wren, and, that his pony had been secreted, to convey the idea, that he had escaped. This belief was confirmed beyond doubt, when, during the day, a suit of clothes were found, which were identified as having belonged to Dick. Orders were issued to " fall in," and " form ranks for Kansas." Banners were thrown to the breeze, THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. 2 $ 7 on which were inscribed various mottoes, the fol- lowing being the most prominent: " Yankees tremble and Abolitionists fall ! Our motto is ' Southern rights for all ! ' " A bountiful supply of spirituous liquors was car- ried along, as an antidote for snake bites and the ague. Grandly, bravely, superbly did that host march forth with drums beating and colors flying ; each heart beating high with expectation. Patriotism, as a sentiment, if it existed at all, existed to a very small degree, in the hearts of those composing that band, therefore their expectations were high, and their anticipations bright. They expected, as indi- viduals, to return laden with valuable plunder, and with the proceeds derived from its sale, continue the bacchanalian orgies which had characterized their conduct since they had joined the army of the Bor- der Ruffians. They anticipated, by force of num- bers, that the Yankees would flee upon their ap- proach, and thus their victory would be easy. On reaching the State line, they divided into three divisions, the first going to Lecompton, from whence it would sweep down upon Lawrence. The second proceeded to a point six miles south of Osawatomie, while the third entered Kansas on the Santa Fe road. It was the second company that the pseudo- surveyors espied, and "ran their line " and " drove their stakes " through the heart of the camp, the oc- cupants of which not doubting but what the party were really government surveyors, asked no ques- tions concerning their political sentiments. 16 258 THE SP Y OF OSA IV A TOM IE. The surveyors left their instruments and sat down to dinner with them. While eating, they talked free- ly of the object that had brought them into that neighborhood, They said, "There was an old man by the name of Brown, who had several sons. They had come especially to put him out of the way, be- sides they had the names of other men in this vi- cinity, whom they proposed looking after as soon as they had disposed of Brown and his sons." They continued, " Since our arrival here we have learned that a young woman, from Osawatomie, is now- in Missouri acting as a spy upon our move- ments. We shall do our best to find her, and when we do, we will hang her to the first tree we come to." While the conversation between Brown, for he it was that was personating a surveyor, and the invad- ers was going on, a young man, small of stature, clad in the military uniform of the United States, walked leisurely into camp and joined in the conver- sation. The old man's eyes sparkled as he beheld the young soldier, who gave a certain sign as he ap- proached. Brown now knew that one of his bravest and most energetic workers was here. A smile played upon the features of those two, as they lis- tened to the boasting, bragging remarks of the in- vaders. When the "surveyors" resumed their work, they " back-sighted," as is the custom of such men, and pretending to find an error in the placing of their stakes, retraced the whole line to ascertain where the deviation began. The soldier, pretending to wish to THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 259 observe how such errors were corrected, accompan- ied them, and they were soon free from observation from the camp, when they hastened to the cabin of Jdhn Brown, where his friends were awaiting his re- turn, as he had instructed them to do. To them he conveyed the information he had ob- tained. A merry laugh followed, and three cheers were given for Captain Brown and his Gunter's chain. They watched closely the movements of the young soldier. There was but one, Hayden, who recognized him. No disguise could hide from him the brightness that flashed from those blue eyes which belonged to none other than Dickey Deane, the spy. Hayden cast upon her a look of indifference. Dickey saw that look and understood its origin. She knew that he lacked stability. Anything might call forth his energies, as long as it yielded a meas- ure of excitement, but as soon as that ebbed, his in- terest was gone. His efforts were well intended, and his plans properly conceived, yet he lacked the will- power and energy to properly execute these plans. Besides, jealousy was another characteristic of his nature, and the peculiarly indifferent look he gave Dickey, as he recognized her in the soldier's uniform, showed that he was jealous of her, on account of the confidence extended to her by Captain Brown. She feared that the day would come, when he would prove the Judas, and consign them into the hands of their bitter enemies. Thus thought Ona Leland, as she stood in the character of " Dickey Deane, the spy," and person- 260 THE SP Y OF OSA WA TOMIE. ating a United Slates soldier of one, who had been of great service to the Free-States men. Her pre- sentiments had ever been of assistance to her, and she had learned to heed them, no matter how para- doxical they appeared. The name of Dickey Deane was now being pro- claimed over the land. Her friends, though unknown to many of them, thought of her with pride when considering her services to the Free-State cause. The same name was spoken in derision among the leaders of the Pro-Slavery faction. They traced all their misfortune to Dickey Deane, " The Spy of Osawatomie." An account of her doing had been published in the Southern papers, and a reward of a thousand dollars offered for her capture. But she was not the least disconcerted. She was as calm as when entertaining friends in Mrs. Wise's drawing- room in Washington. She had, it is true, discovered their various plans, and in some manner conveyed her knowledge to her friends, thus enabling them to be prepared to receive those who came to slay and rob. Such a state of affairs was, indeed, aggravating to the Pro-Slavery men, and in their wrath and ill- feeling toward her, had in their newspapers described her as "horrid and hideous," thus enabling her to continue her work without fear of detection, as her beauty attracted universal attention. Old John Brown and the young "soldier," accom- panied by two ladies, left the cabin and drove to Osawatomie, where the "soldier" left the wagon, and proceeding to a stump near the residence of Mr. Leland, drew forth a key and entered the house by THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 261 the back door. Proceeding to a room up-stairs, he selected from the wardrobe a becoming dress of black with dark cuffs, and collar trimmed with gold. Going to a trunk, he produced curls, gold-headed hair pins and jewelry, and in a few moments the "soldier" was transformed into Ona Leland. She herself could hardly believe that the transformation could be so complete as was revealed by the reflected image from the mirror. In a brief time, some half-dozen of her nearest neighbors had gathered at her home, where they pressed her with questions as to where she had been during the recent troubles. Even as Ona Leland, she had to, in a measure, continue in disguise. Brown, Hayden, and her im- mediate family friends, were all who knew that Dickey Deane and Ona Leland were one and the same person. She told her neighbors that she had kept herself informed of what had occurred in Osawatomie, and regretted that she had not been here to rejoice with them at their success in receiving information of the intended raids of the invaders and of the safe return of those who had been captured and carried into Missouri. Thus they conversed on various subjects pertain- ing to their trials and sufferings, until Ona expressed her intention of taking a ride. Proceeding to Mr. Robers', she found Swan where he had been sent when Aunt Nancy nnd Robert went East. Then to Mr. Gedins', where she had left Raven the night previous, on her arrival from Westport. Having 262 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. strapped a blanket on Raven, she donned a heavy black riding habit, and was soon on her way north of Osawatomie, leading Swan, much to the surprise of her neighbors, who exclaimed, " Where can she be going?" She crpssed the river and was soon traveling rap- idly on the well-beaten trail leading to the landing on the Missouri river at Kansas City. She was at- tracted by and pleased with the beauty of the sur- rounding country. Wild flowers of every hue and odor gave forth their fragrance on the balmy air. She had never before traveled on this road in spring- time, and it seemed a new country to her. After traveling about five miles, she came near to a high mound or knob, upon its apex she discovered something, which her glass revealed to be merely a loose pile of stones. She rode to where the ascent was too steep for safety, and dismounting, clambered up to the pile of rocks. " What a beautiful view ! " exclaimed she, and taking out her glass, she looked far away to the east. There she beheld the glitter- ing spires of Harrisonville. To the southeast were the large orchards and dark-green corn fields. To the south she could see across the Marias des Cygne, and on the bluffs she discovered the camp of the Missourians, where she had been, disguised as a soldier, the day previous. More to the southwest, she saw upon a high mound near the Marias des Cygne, the outlines of two men, who seemed to be watching her movements. They belonged to Brown's band of surveyors. They were standing on Grand View, a mound southwest of Osawatomie, a favorite THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOM IE. 263 "lookout" of the old hero. Although she had of- ten seen from a distance this mound, yet she had never learned its name, and she concluded she would name it, which she accordingly did, calling it " Pilot Knob," which name it yet bears. As the tourist glides along on the cars, after leav- ing the city of Paolo, bound for the fertile fields and blooming prairies of Kansas, that knob attracts his watchful eye, as the train rushes with the speed of the wind at its base. As his vision is greeted by that monument of rough stones will his thoughts re- vert to that little New Hampshire girl who gave it its name, as she stood in the fresh green grass of the fragrant spring and gazed far away over the vast ex- panse of prairie ? As she turned to retrace her steps, she heard a faint moan. She, ever on the alert, stopped to lis- ten. Again the sound was repeated. Grasping her revolver, she looked cautiously about her. She glanced among the rocks composing the rude monu- ment; again she heard the noise, this time it seemed to be farther north. Advancing a few steps in that direction, along the crest of the mound, she beheld lying in the long gjrass, with no protection save the blue canopy of heaven, a helpless child. She lifted it in her arms, wondering how it had ever reached that place. Upon examination, she found it was alive. Descending the mound to where she had left the ponies, all the while exclaiming, " What shall I do with it." 264 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. CHAPTER XLVI. THE STORM. WHEN John Brown left Osawatomie, he pro- ceeded directly to Grand View, where Ona had observed him from Pilot Knob. The old hero also saw his spy as she stood upon the mound north of him, but he lingered not on his watch-tower. He hastened on to other duties. He was sounding the tocsin of war, and gathering the clan in martial array, to inaugurate the strife which continued to be waged for years, between the Free- State and Pro-Slavery factions. The following morning dawned bright and beauti- ful. All nature was clad in loveliness. The air was laden with the perfume of the flower-bedecked prair- ies. A quiet reigned over the face of nature and men should have been at peace. But it was other- wise. The Border Ruffians again visited the quiet settlement on the Potawatomie, and grossly insulted the helpless families of the settlers, who had re- mained at home. They reiterated their threats of extermination and for the time withdrew. At noon there came a change. Although the sun continued to pour his burning rays upon th'e earth, yet a strong breeze had arisen, which, instead of bearing refreshment upon its wings, caused the hot air to appear only the more oppressive. Many re- marked, " Such a state of affairs indicated a storm." THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. 265 During the middle of the afternoon a sultry haze overpread the face of the country. An hour later a deep, dark, portentious cloud appeared in the west. The zig-zag lightning flashed across its face ; night had suddenly appeared. The cloud passed on to- ward the east ; the wind ceased ; the stillness of death reigned over all. How desolate were those women and children in their cabins on the Potawat- omie ! Fathers, husbands, brothers and neighbors all gone ; not a man remained in the settlement, they were hiding for protection in the bush. The wind changed, coming from the direction of the cloud which had so recently passed. With the wind came the cloud, the same lurid flashes illumin- ating its face, while thunder loud and deep pealed and reverberated up and down the valley. In a moment the storm burst in all its fury upon that settlement, which seemed predestined to be de- stroyed. The wind whisked through every crevice between the rough logs JR. the cabins; windows were burst open and doors torn from their hinges. In vain did the inmates strive to keep their goods together. The wind whirled them from their grasp. Huddled together under the beds were the mother and children in each cabin, awaiting the result of the terrific force of the storm. The day grew darker ; the rain fell in torrents and ran in sluices down the walls and over the floors. Peal after peal, crash after crash, the thunder rolls above the din of the mutter- ing storm. Will their cabins withstand the united forces of the elements ? Fences are blown down and carried away, yet the 266 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. cabins stand against the fury of the storm. Sud- denly and unexpectedly the wind ceaseth ; rain falls no longer; calmness again settles upon the face of nature; bright stars twinkle out their glad- ness; the atmosphere is balmy and fresh, yet quiet does not come to the hearts of those women. A deep gloom, an anxious, expectant look rests upon their countenances. Their thoughts were not of the "wreck of matter" around them, but out in the gloom toward loved ones who for protection had sought the shelter of the wild wood. How had they fared during the storm? Had they been torn asun- der by the "bolts of heaven, or had the Great Ruler miraculously preserved their lives? During the night their friends return. From them they learn that they had found shelter from the wind in a neighboring ravine. That is all they learn, and now that they have returned, it is all they desire to know. Let us follow them during their absence. While the elements were at strife ; the disrupted heavens pouring out wind and rain; the booming thunder echoing from hill to valley; the forked lightening glinting from cloud to cloud, concentrating its powers to hurl upon earth and demonstrate to man his weakness and insignificance; the minds of men were busy, thoughtless of the surrounding strife, ma- turing plans already conceived, to wreak vengeance upon their kind. After the storm had abated, the homes of men whose sympathies were with the Pro-Slavery faction, were visited by masked men and five of their num- THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 267 her carried away. Their bodies were found the fol- lowing day perforated with bullets. None, except God and the participants, knew who had been guilty of the crime. " Patience had ceased to be a virtue " with the Free-State settlers. War had begun in earnest. Blighting, desolating guerilla war claimed its victims on every hand. Massacre and murder ran riot throughout the land. Men scarcely knew whom to trust. A line was drawn, there was no neutral ground. Free-States men grouped their families for protection. Men could not be seen during the day. Occasionally, as the gloom of night lowered its man- tle upon the earth, they would creep, stealthily, to their cabins and softly commune with their loved ones. Nearly a week after the storm, a band of Border Ruffians, commanded by Capt. Pate, came to the settlement, searching for old man Brown and his boys. They succeeded in capturing John Brown, Jr., and Jason Brown. They were afterwards joined by Capt. Woods' company of dragoons, and together they burned the store of Wines, on the Potawatomie. Brown himself was away at Lawrence. They car- ried their prisoners away, and as they were camped one night at the head of a creek or ravine, called Black Jack, a woman entered the camp, carrying a bundle of clothes in one hand and a field glass in the other. She said : " I am lost." 26 o THE SP Y Of OS A IV A TOM IE. CHAPTER XLVII. THE BABE OF THE PRAIRIES. ONA took the sweet-faced child in her arms and caressed it, smoothing back the long, golden curls, which reminded her of her own silken tresses when she was a child in her mother's arms. She continued to caress it until a smile played upon its features, in answer to her own. She in a s\veet pleasant tone asked : " What is your name? little pet." " Me name is Ota," answered the child. " Ota, can you tell me where your mamma is?" " Mamma gone." Ona saw it was useless to question the little one further, and replacing the little pink sun-bonnet upon its shapely head and securing it, she led Raven to a low place and with the child in her arms, she sprang upon his back, leaving Swan to follow. Arranging the child comfortably upon her lap, she pursued her journey. She stopped at the Indian Mission on the east side of Moody Creek, to make inquiries concerning the child. She learned that a woman had passed the morning previous, carrying a child and had returned at sunset without it. She was thought to be insane. She was very sick, lying in one of the Indian huts unconscious of her surroundings. Ona thought best to retain the child, and procuring some food from the THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 269 Indian woman, she fed it. Indications of an ap- proaching storm induced her to remain, but on fur- ther consideration, she concluded to press on, which she did, reaching the Shawnee Mission in time to se- cure shelter just as the storm burst over the place. After supper she rocked the little one to sleep, all the while softly humming a sweet lullaby song. As she thus sat, she heard the name of Dickey Deane mentioned by some one of a party who were holding an animated conversation in the adjoining room. The child by this time being asleep, she laid it gent- ly upon the bed, and with her head resting against the partition between the rooms, endeavoring thus to obtain a knowledge of what those persons in the other room were conversing about, in order to be prepared for any emergency, should she be identi- fied. The subject of conversation had changed ; she heard a low, sweet voice mention the name of Lillie Calhoun. At the mention of that name she forgot her purpose, as her mind wandered to scenes of ear- lier days when she and Lillie were boon compan- ions. Those joyous days of mirth and merry-mak- ing ; those halcyon days of love, when each thought the other more deserving. Then she wandered in imagination to the last parting at Strawn, when Lil- lie carelessly threw the envelope from the stage as she bade her friend adieu ; she thought of herself'as she picked it up with the determination of cherishing it as a simple memento of the past ; she thought of her summons to the bedside of her dying friend, of the cruel letter which caused that death, of the flow- er-laden grave in the far-away Southern clime. 270 THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. Such thoughts occupied her mind until tired na- ture demanded attention. She lay down by the side of the sleeping child, with her revolver under her pillow. When she awoke, day was dawning in the east. Ordering an early breakfast, much to the sur- prise of her hostess, she was soon on her way, hav- ing thus avoided answering innumerable questions. She pressed on, carrying the child until noon, when she stopped under a tree on the bank of a ravine, where bubbled a fresh spring of water, to par- take of the refreshments she had brought for the child and herself. When she had rested sufficiently, she resumed her journey. Not desiring to enter St. Joseph at an early hour, she rode slowly. When she reached the imme- diate neighborhood of the city, she secured a heavy veil over her head and face. As the last lingering rays of a setting sun elongated her shadow and marked its outline upon the distant plain, and gilded the spires with a golden sheen, she entered the suburbs of the city. As she passed a party of boys who were playing on a corner near the hotel, she heard one exclaim : " Look, there goes Kate Oyster's white pony ! " She alighted in front of the hotel. The family and boarders being at supper, her arrival was unnoticed. She ascended the steps, passed through the hall and entered the parlor where Mr. Oyster and Kate were sitting. As Kate arose to receive her, she removed her veil, when Kate exclaimed : " Oh, Cousin Ona," and hastened forward to em- brace her. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 271 When she beheld Ota, she started in surprise and ejaculated : " What a pretty child ! Where in the world did you get her? Whose is she, Ona?" " Before answering all your questions," said Ona, " I want to call your attention to the pretty ponies I have. They are in front of the house." Kate bounded from the room in great haste to see the beautiful ponies. Soon her exclamations of sur- prise and delight reached the ears of her papa and Ona. " Oh, papa, do come and see Swan ! He is here." Mr. Oyster hastened to rejoice with Kate over the return of her long-lost pony. During their absence, Ona removed her riding habit and the bonnet and impromptu wraps from Ota. Kate forgot entirely the presence of her cousin and her curiosity regard- ing the child, and not until Raven and Swan were properly cared for did she enter the house to assail her cousin with innumerable questions. Ona related to Mr. Oyster and Kate her past experiences, especially regarding the manner in which she became possessed of Kate's pony, and how and where she found the child, adding : " When I discovered the child, my first thoughts were as to the manner in which I should dispose of it. I was about to return to Osawatomie with it, when I concluded I would bring it here, with the hope that I could induce you to care for it, until I had time to arrange for its future. At one of the Indian Missions, I saw the woman, who, no doubt, 272 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. is its mother, but some great calamity has pressed so heavily upon her that she lost her mind, besides suffering from exhaustion and disease. I felt that she could not long bear up under her afflictions, and must soon pass from earth away." "You did right, Ona," said Mr. Oyster; "we will care for the child, and I shall leave it entirely to the care of Kate, and now she can have a pet to fondle night and day." " Oh, cousin, I'm so glad you found this child, and glad that you brought it here. I will take the best possible care of the little one, but I do not like the idea of your 'arranging for its future' elsewhere than here with us. You can, during your stay, instruct me how to care for it." " I should be glad to remain and instruct you in the matter of caring for her, to the best of my ability, even if I am deficient in such knowledge myself, but I am now on business that must be promptly looked after. I would like my breakfast as early as possible. I would like to leave the city by sunrise. I do not desire any one, besides your- selves, to know that I am here, or, after I am gone, that I have been here." The next morning early, she was on her way to Lawrence, leaving Ota with Kate, who was well pleased, and before Ona left remarked : " What shall we call her besides Ota ? " " I have thought of no name to bestow upon the little foundling," said Ona; "besides, I have no choice. I shall leave that to you entirely, Kate." " May I call her Ota Chance? " THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 273 " Yes, that will answer the purpose as well as any, until we ascertain her proper name," replied Ona. While Kate was planning and arranging to supply Ota with suitable apparel so she could take her to Sabbath school, the next Sunday Ona was closely observing the prominent features of the country she was passing over on her way to Lawrence. She also moved cautiously, as she had observed freshly-made tracks of horses, which unmistakably indicated that a troop had passed that way recently. On approaching the Kaw river, she observed a body of men on horseback approaching, to avoid which she turned into the timber to the right of the road, and awaited their disappearance in the distance before she resumed her journey again on the high- way. CHAPTER XLVIII. A SCENE IN THE BORDER RUFFIAN CAMP. **"V7^OU lost!" exclaimed an uncouth-appearing I individual, as he approached the woman who had entered the camp at Black Jack. She was almost exhausted from walking so long. The uncouth salutation of the ruffian frightened her, besides her attention being called just at that mo- ment to the prisoners, who sat near loaded with chains. She at length rallied sufficiently to ejacu- late: 17 274 THE SPY OF OS AW ATOM IE. " Yes, I am lost. I am anxious to find General Blair's camp." "You bet you want to find General Blair's camp. Come, boys!" shouted one, "here is that old hag, Dickey Deane. We have her safe now," and before she could utter another word a half-dozen of the " Chivalry " seized her, while others held their weap- ons in readiness, pointed toward the helpless woman, the leader standing by, laughing at her distress. Her pockets were rifled of their contents and her field-glass broken to pieces. Her hands were se- curely bound behind her back, and she was gagged so she could not speak. Two women from Westport were in the camp, acting as cooks. Although they expressed feelings of sympathy for the men who were prisoners, they had no word of comfort for the unfortunate woman in bonds. For three days was she kept in that unpleasant and annoying posture, her bonds removed only at such times as she was permitted to eat of the misera- bly-prepared food, yet during her sufferings she found time to feel for and sympathize with the unfor- tunate prisoner, whose suffering had caused reason to depart from his mind, and he was now a raving maniac. Such was the scene the camp presented at Black Jack. They had left Westport a few weeks previous, fully determined to capture " Old John BrovVn." They had succeeded, they thought, in capturing some of his men, of the truth they were not quite certain. They felt assured that they had, for a THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 275 certainty, captured the notorious spy, " Dickey Deane." They had sent for Guy Wren to identify her and also the other prisoners. Late one afternoon as they were waiting Wren's arrival, scouts brought in the word "that Old John Brown and his company were approaching and were now in the next ridge, with the intention of killing every Southerner." " Put these prisoners out of the way," shouted the Captain. "Let them die first," and seizing the weak woman they supposed to be Dickey Deane, they dragged her to a neighboring tree, where one of them had already thrown a rope over a limb. Re- moving the gag fronv her mouth, they placed the rope about her neck, when she made a demonstra- tion to speak, at which one more cruel than the oth- ers suggested that they tie her tongue, which sugges- tion meeting with favor from the majority, they pro- cured a string, and seizing her face with their rough hands, they fastened her tongue securely and amused themselves by pulling on the string to cause her as much suffering as possible and almost depriving her of consciousness. As they paused a moment to more thoroughly arrange the rope, they heard the tramping of horses approaching. In a moment they beheld some of their friends who belonged to General Blair's com- mand. " Hallo ! what are you doing here ? " shouted one of the foremost of the new arrivals. " We've got that old spy 'Dickey Deane,' and we are going to swing her up. Come, give us a lift." 276 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. By this time, General Blair had approached to note the appt-arance of the world-renowned spy. A s.idden pallor spread over his countenance, and he shouted : "My God! Untie this worn. in, you villains, or I'll shoot you down like dogs!" at the same time springing from his saddle, he hastened toward the now unconscious woman, and clasping her tenderly in his arms, exclaimed : "Oh, Ava ! my wife! are you dead?" Then turning to the ruffians who were hastily removing her bonds, said : "Vile wretches, how dare you thus treat any one wearing the sacred habiliments of a woman ? Have you, in your thirst for blood, lost all respect and decency? Do you propose to wage war upon helpless women? Is it your purpose to destroy every woman you meet, thus hoping to be sure and destroy one, wlio, by her former acts, has proven herself too shrewd to ever be captured by such a set of desperadoes as your acts clearly demonstrate you to be? Away, vile dogs! I never want to look upon your murderous and villainous faces again." One by one, they quailed before his wrathful expressions and crept away, feeling far different than they had a moment previous. Their captain rushed forward to learn the cause of the excitement, and was much surprised on learning that the prisoner, for whose execution he had recently given orders, was the wife of his commanding Gene- ral. He assisted the General in restoring her to consciousness, and gave orders to let the other prisoners remain as they were. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 277 While attention was being given to the resuscita- tion of Mrs. Blair, a new-comer appeared upon the scene in the person of a young and active man clad in the jaunty costume of a midshipman in the navy. Approaching the General and Captain, he produced a pass from the authorities at Washington, giving him permission to enter all the towns, hamlets and military camps in the territory. He produced a sketch-book as soon as the officers had returned his pass, and walking into the camp looked about for a favorable position, seemingly from which to make a sketch of the camp. To some of the men near, he expressed the greatest surprise that they should be compelled to punish their men for insubordination as those were being punished, at the same time pointing to the prisoners. When informed they were prisoners, he intimated that they might possibly deserve the treatment they were receiving. The prisoners had recognized in the person of the young sailor a friend, and realized from the happy expression that illumed his face that assistance was near. Seating himself near the prisoners, he began sketching the camp and its surroundings. The Bor- der Ruffians gave no attention to his presence. They were on the lookout for Old John Brown, of whose approach their scouts had warned them, besides the mistake they had made in treating the General's wife in the manner they had, led them to think they were acting too hastily. As the sailor glanced toward the prisoners, he saw THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. the blank expression of countenance of one who seemed utterly unconscious of events transpiring around him, a quick glance of inquiry toward the other, who pointed toward his mate, and tapped his own head with his finger tips, at same time shaking his head slowly. The sailor understood the panto- mime, and an expression of sorrow crept over his face. The sketch-book contained only the lay of the camp and its surroundings. When General and Mrs. Blair left for Westport the sailor accompanied them. On the journey he learned of the treatment Mrs. Blair had received. She being unable to talk, wrote down every particular and handed it to her husband for perusal, who in turn passed it to the young sailor. While at Westport, Mrs. Blair had expressed the opinion that the people of the North and East were as a class more generous and kind than were the Southerners. The expression had been reported on the streets, and it raised the ire of some of the " Chiv- alry " who had assembled after the departure of the army. They threatened to tar and feather her and send her to the Missouri River. Fearing that she should suffer ere the return of her husband, she resolved to seek his camp and there gain protection. She started one night and stopped at Shawnee Mission the same time that Dickey Deane sought shelter from the storm for herself and the little waif which she had found. It was Mrs. Blair whom she had overheard speak- ing of Lillie Calhoun. She was telling the mission- ary of her death, he having been acquainted with Lillie in Washington. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 279 When the General had read what his wife had written, he said calmly: " To-day severs my connection with this unholy warfare. There are two sides to every question, and for once I acknowledge I am in error in making my selection. I am an honorable man, and as such ad- mire and love a properly-conducted war, but such a warfare as this I condemn. When innocent women cease to find protection even from the enemy, I can not endorse it; where greed, lust, murder and every felony takes precedence over honorable strife, I must obey the dictates of conscience and withdraw." To which the sailor replied : " General, I for one cannot find it in my heart to censure you for the resolution to withdraw from the army, you have just expressed. The injury your wife has sustained under a misapprehension, which before being hastily acted upon should have been thoroughly investigated before action was taken thereon, is sufficient to produce feelings antagonistic to friends even who are guilty of such gross negligence. Permit me to thank you, General, for the kindness extended to me in permitting me to make a sketch of the camp, as well as for the privilege of riding thus far with you, I will now bid you and your estimable lady, whom I hope will soon recover her accustomed health, a kindly adieu," saying which the sailor sprang lightly from the wagon. While General Blair and his wife continued on their way to Harrisonville where he had chosen to go instead of to Westport, where his wife had been treated with such disrespect the young sailor took 28o THE SPY OF O$AIVATOM1. a northwesterly direction and disappeared in the thickets in the ravine. The camp of the ruffians was in such confusion that they had not noticed the dep irture of the sailor for half an hour after he had gone, when, fearing he might be an emissary of Old John Brown, they started in hot pursuit. They saw the wagon far in advance, and putting spurs to their steeds they overtook the wagon and found it belonged to their own company, and was carrying General Blair and his wife into Missouri. They learned that the young sailor had started toward Lawrence, and they has- tened on in pursuit. As they reached the top of a divide they saw him enter the thicket on the ravine. CHAPTER XLIX. "DICKEY" IN JOHN BROWN'S CAMP.. r I \ HE advancing horsemen did not observe JL "Dickey" as she rode in a.m>>ag the bushes, on her way to Lawrence from St. Joseph. She sat quietly on her pony, gently patting his. neck as they passed by. She could; see that they were the scouts from the camp of the Southern invaders. They disappeared in the distance, and she emerged from her hiding-place and hastened toward Law- rence. When she arrived at that place she found all in THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 281 confusion on account of the steps taken by the invaders to avenge the murder of their friends on the Potawatomie. A company of dragoons had been sent to compel all Free-State settlers to leave the Territory, and to bring Old John Brown to Lecompton for trial. " Has any one been sent to Brown's camp to apprise him of the danger?" inquired Dickey as she dismounted before the hotel. " No one has gone yet," answered one. She turntd to Mrs. Baker, the landlady, and asked, " Are there any of those sailor suits in the house that those visitors had who were here a few weeks ago,?" "Yes, they left a number of them. I will procure them for you as soon as you have eaten some din- ner, which will soon be ready." After dinner, she secured the suits, and selecting the newest, she proceeded to make some slight alter- ations, to suit her taste, and putting it on, she ap- peared upon the street as a sailor. In the jacket pocket she found a card bearing the name " Harry Owen." Replacing the card in her pocket, she said : "That will be my name on this trip." Stopping at the book-store, she purchased a sketch-book, in which she wrote the name " Harry Owen, U. S. N." She rode along up the Potawatomie trail for some miles, when she turned in the direction of Black Jack. Stopping at the house of a Free-Soil man, she made inquiries for the camp of John Brown, and also for the camp of the dragoons. He could impart no in- formation on either point. 282 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. She entered the ravine and followed a path made by cattle on their way to and from the water. She slowly wended her way over the fallen trunks of trees and through the bushes, until just ahead she noticed two branches broken from trees on either side and lopped across the path, such being the sign that the camp was near. "Halt!" commanded a voice near. Looking ahead, she saw a man well-armed standing directly in front of her. He had glided from behind a large tree, and carried a revolver in his hand. She looked at him steadily as she grasped the reins tighter in her hand, and said in a low tone: " Hayden Douglas, I am Dickey Deane." ' Dickey Deane ! I thought you were in Mis- souri," exclaimed he in surprise. " I have been there. Where is the Captain's camp? I must see him." Hayden turned and led the way to the camp. She dismounted and gave her pony in charge of Hayden and followed the path leading to the camp. She was frequently stopped by men who unexpect- edly darted from behind trees and halted her, until she could give the pass-word of the company. Dinner was being prepared. There stood the brave old John Brown, with his sleeves rolled up and a large piece of pork before him, from which he was cutting bountiful slices, preparatory to cooking it. She stood for some minutes unnoticed. She was admiring that old man as he stood near the blazing fire, preparing supper for the company, assisted by Pat Devilin. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 283 The old man was poorly clad. He wore a suit of coarse cloth, and his toes protruded from his much- worn shoes. But his eye reflected the fire and his countenance bespoke the noble, determined man he was. 4 " Never can I forget the scene at that camp," wrote she to Ida Brooks, " as I came upon it in that secluded place. Several horses were tied near, with saddles on them, to be in readiness, if needed. A dozen rifles and sabers were stacked near a tree, while four men well armed lay on some blankets near, conversing in*a low tone, while on the opposite side stood two handsome young men, leaning on their guns. One was the noble Hungarian who came to America with Louis Kossuth at the close of the insurrection in Hungary. We call him ' Brave Lavanda.' While in the center, preparing food for the coming meal, was the brave, noble old man, John Brown." The above extract from " Dickey's" letter gives a true picture of the camp as she found it. Each man having his duty to perform ; each moral, kind and polite. Profane or vulgar language was not permit- ted. The men of that camp were honorable, law- abiding men, who would gladly live peacefully and quietly with their neighbors men who .regretted that stern necessity forced them to fight, but since they were so compelled they would fight to the bitter end. As she stood contemplating the weird scene which that camp presented, one of them noticed her presence and exclaimed : 284 THE $P y OJf OSA W ATOM IE. " Come on, Miss Dickey, the hospitalities of our camp are ever open to you." In a moment all had assembled about the place where she stood, and listened patiently while she hurriedly related the latest news, advising them of the impending danger. Early the next morning the camp was astir, and she took leave of the company Hayden and "B ave Lavanda" escorting her beyond the picket lines. She rode up the ravine to a point beyond the path by which she had entered, as she had been instructed to do. She was riding leisurely, in deep meditation, thinking of the hardships and exposure calmly endured by those brave men, whom she had left, in defense of a principle. Her pony suddenly stopped and snorted, and had she not used a restraining influence on the rein it would have turned. Just ahead in the path flashed the fire from two green eyes. On closer inspection she observed an old coyote with her young by her side. Pat Devilin had once said : " That a coyote was the only animal that was meaner than an Indian." The remark came to her mind as she watched the brute for a moment. She drew her revolver, but the thought occurred that she must not shoot the infuriated animal, as the act would betray her pres- ence to the enemy, should any happen to be near ; besides it would cause her friends in the camp she had just left much annoyance. She looked the wolf boldly in the eye for a moment, when its gaze relaxed, and giving a low THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 285 whine as a signal to its young, they bounded away in different directions. The old one stood a moment, until seemingly satisfied that her young were safe, when she too bounded up the path. Dickey pursued her journey over deep washes and gulleys and high ridges until she reached the open prairie, and turning toward another ravine, which was known as Black Jack, she soon found herself in the vicinity of the camp of the ruffians. Leaving her pony secreted in the dense underbrush she continued her journey on foot, entering the camp as an artist, and leaving during the excitement caused by mistaking the wife of one of their leaders for " Dickey Deane, the spy." She noted the approach of the men who followed her after she left the wagon, and hastening to her pony, she led him some distance above the only path which led through the ravine, and stopped un- der a projecting rock, which cast a deep shadow, where she felt safe from observation. CHAPTER L. THE STRANGER. OBERT and Aunt Nancy returned to New York at the close of the winter, leaving their little home in Osawatoniie in the care of Dr. Stravvn and Ona. 286 THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. On their arrival East they became earnestly en- gaged in soliciting aid for the Free-State settlers of Kansas, while Ona kept them informed regarding the events which transpired there. Late in May Mr. Leland sent on a quantity of sup- plies, which he placed in charge" of Robert, who ac- companied them. On his way to Kansas, Robert was joined by a number of young men, whose only aspiration was to meet and become acquainted with John Brown and fight under his standard. Upon their arrival at Lawrence, by the way of Iowa and Nebraska, the young men who had accom- panied Robert remained there, while he continued his journey to Osawatomie in search of his sister, although a friend had said : " You may possibly find her there, but it is far easier to catch a flea than to find Dickey Deane." Robert moved on slowly with his large canvas- covered wagon toward Osawatomie. On his arrival he learned that all the men had gone to Lawrence, except a few who were unable on account of sick- ness to go. Being unable to find the key to his house, he pro- ceeded to the hotel kept by Mrs. Benning. There he found one of the sick men, whose ailment had assumed a serious nature. Dr. Strawn had left a quantity of medicine with him on his departure for Lawrence, but now typhoid fever had set in and raged with all its virulent malignity. Robert realized at once that he must render the stricken one all the aid and attention it was possible for him to do. Although he was an entire stranger, THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE 287 yet sympathy and a sense of justice and rignt were predominating characteristics in Robert's mind. He hastened to the Doctor's office, and forcibly entering, procured such medicines as were suited to the old gentleman's case, and instituting himself as nurse, saw that they were properly administered. Only once had the stranger showed signs of con- sciousness, and then only for a brief time. He opened his eyes and gazed for a moment into the boyish face above him and said : "You are Roderick Leland's son." "Yes," answered Robert. " 1 have often seen you, but could not find you when I wished to speak with you," continued the sufferer. He closed his eyes and continued to talk of a far- off land, calling for his mother and sister to come to him; then he talked of Roderick Leland, asking where he had gone and why had he not come to his own home in Scotland. He, in hi.s delirium, continued to talk of Scotland and Roderick Leland until Robert began to think that something had transpired, in times past, com- pelling his father to leave Scotland ; otherwise he would return to his old home among the highlands. For two weeks Robert watched by his bedside, until at last the fever subsided, leaving the old man pale and weak as a child. He opened his eyes and looked inquiringly about, but his young nurse had gone. Orders had been sent for Robert to report imme- diately at Lawrence, and he had hastened away. 288 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. When the sick man looked around the room for a moment, he said : " What a strange dream I have had ! When I was a young man, living in my old home in England, I had many friends. Among them was a young " Just at this moment a woman rushed into the room, exclaiming : "The Missourians are coming!" All who were able to leave the house, hastened for protection to the neighboring thickets, except Mrs. Benning and her little daughter. They re- mained in the sick man's room to defend him, if need be. " Who are they, Etolia ? " asked the sick man, ad- dressing the little girl, as he heard the tramp of horses' feet coming up the street. The child looked from the open window and saw the approaching cavalry, and replied : "I don't know, but they have a banner on which is printed in large letters : ' Guy Wren and his brave three hundred' " "Yes, they are, indeed, brave men," said the sick man scornfully. "Etolia, hand me that revolver." She handed him the weapon, when he said: " Now watch and see that they do not fire this house." From the window she watched the plundering band, who had begun their pillaging by emptying all the liquor they could find into their canteens. " They are coming in, mamma," said Etolia, run- ning to her mother. " I have no fears, daughter, only for the sick man," and turning to him, said : " Let me hide you." THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 289 "Do as you^hink best," said he. She hastily concealed him where he lay by cover- ing him with a feather bed, to which she added quilts and pillows, thus giving to the bed the appearance of having no occupant. Ten or a dozen of the gang entered the house. They searched each room ; forcibly opened trunks and satchels, taking possession of everything of value, such as clothing, money and jewelry. They entered the sick man's room, removing the pillows from the bed in search of valuables. As they lingered, the liquor began to produce its effect, and each moment they became more abusive, threatening the helpless women and children with every manner of punishment if they did not reveal the hiding places of their treasures. They had just entered the dry-goods store, pro- posing to transfer all the goods to wagons which they had brought for the purpose. When some one of their number called out : " Look ! yonder comes the Yankees." " Yonder comes the Yankees," was shouted throughout the town. The ruffians mounted in hot haste and galloped off toward the southeast as fast as their horses could carry them, still retaining such plunder as they could secure about their persons. Their scare had been produced by the return to town of three or four boys who had been fishing. They carried the poles on their shoulders, and the drunken rabble had mistaken them for armed men. As the ruffians retreated, they met a well-known Pro-Slavery man, who asked : 18 290 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. " Where have you been, boys? " "We have been fighting Old John Brown, and sacked the town back here and left it burning," an- swered Wren. Such was the manner of boasting adopted by the invaders upon all occasions. They had succeeded in burning two or three houses, the women being unable to procure water in time to arrest the flames. By the watchful care of Etolia, the hotel was saved, she having extinguished a number of fires which the demons had started. The excitement strengthened the old gentleman. Sooner than he anticipated, he was able to be about the house. As he sat by the table one day at din- ner, he asked Mrs. Benning: " Madam, who was my nurse during my sickness?" To which she replied : " I do not know his name. He was a youth some- where in his 'teens,' is all I can tell you." " I sometimes think I saw him, yet it must have been only a dream," he said as he withdrew from the table. It was not a dream, the transpirings of the brief past had left their impression upon his semi-uncon- scious mind, and he now recalled them indistinctly. He wrote a letter to England, which was addressed to the young lady whom we saw at the bedside of Theodocia. He wrote : " Pet, control your anxiety until Hayden and I return. I feel that my efforts will soon be successful in attaining the object for which I so long have sought. This being the case, I shall, upon my arrival in England, inform you re- THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 291 garding that which you so much desire to know as to who were your parents. With this you must be content until I come." The letter revealed the fact that she was anxious to know regarding her parent- age. But Sir Charles was hoping for a brighter day to dawn ere he satisfied the longing desire of the anxious girl. CHAPTER LI. A WESTERN HOME. WHILE murder, plundering and rapine were desecrating the fair fame of the new Ter- ritory of Kansas during 1856, many of those who participated in the earlier troubles had returned to the East and there spending happy days. Among such were Arthur Holmes and Sallie Strawn, who, in their early childhood days, had played together, but the removal of Mr. Strawn had separated them, and until a year previous they had not met; their meeting at that time being accidental. Sallie, during the absence of the editor-in-chief of a religious journal with which she was associated as assistant editor, was occupying the editorial chair, when Arthur, who was a contributor, entered on a matter of business. The recognition of each by the other was mutual. The friendship of their childhood days was renewed, 292 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. and as time grew on apace they learned that each was necessary to the other's happiness. Love super- ceded the claims of friendship, and on a bright and cheerful morning in May, the ceremony was per- formed that united their hands as their hearts had long been united. Leaving the church, they hastened home, where Sallie laid aside the orange blossoms and satin dress and donning a plain traveling attire preparatory to starting to Kansas. Arthur had already forwarded his goods and a new printing press to Lawrence, and soon he and Sallie were on their way to their future home. At St. Louis they learned that they must continue their journey by the way of Iowa. When they reached the Kaw or Kansas river, they were com- pelled to await the falling of the waters ere they could cross to Lawrence. In search of shelter, they drove some ten miles down the river toward Missouri, until they reached a small log house, where they procured food and the desired shelter. It was a true type of the Pro-Slavery settler's home, who came to the Territory for the purpose of "jumping the claims" of others, and thus holding all the land in the interest of his political faction. Sallie stood a moment hesitating at the door step before she could muster sufficient courage to enter. The house was small twelve or fourteen feet square containg but one room, which was warmed by the fire of logs which blazed upon a rude fire- place. The same fire served the purpose of cooking, THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 293 there being a large spider or oven sitting on the coals which contained corn-meal dough, prepared with water and seasoned with salt alone to make it palatable, while suspended on a hook above the fire was a pot containing some kind of meat. Near the fire sat a lean, lank man of about forty years. He was clad in coarse brown home-spun clothing. His head was covered with a broad slouch hat that had once been white, while his unkempt beard and uncombed hair, with their accumulation of dirt, gave to him a horridly repulsive appearance. His legs were crossed ; his jaws were constantly moving, masticating a huge quid of tobacco, while his occupation seemed only to be whittling on a stick with a huge jack-knife. He merely looked up as Sallie stood at the door making known her wants. When she had finished, he resumed his whittling, leaving his wife to attend to those wants. The wife, a large red-faced woman, was bending over the pot, holding the lid in one hand and a large black iron spoon in the other. On hearing the voice of the stranger at the door, she replaced the lid, and using the skirt of her dress to protect her hands from being burned, she drew the oven off the coals, and approaching Sallie, who had seated herself on a rickity chair near the door, exclaimed : " Thar' is a plenty to eat sich as 'tis. If yer want to stop over with we'uns awhile you can do so." "Thank you," said Sallie, as she went to inform Arthur, who returned to the house with her. 294 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. As they entered the house they looked around, to discover, if possible, anything that indicated a home- like comfort. In one corner hung two or* three sides of bacon, against the wall of logs, near by, was sus- pended a piece of flannel that had once been red, but was now smoked to such an extent, that its original color could not be recognized, on this flannel were stitched small pieces of cloth, making little pockets, in rows, its entire length. This was all in the way of ornaments that the room contained. Rough boards formed the roof. There was an open- ing for a window, which had not been supplied with glass. The floor was composed of rough, thick boards, whose weight kept them in place. The door swung on wooden hinges, all convincing evidence that a higher or more appreciative evidence of civil- zation did not exist within the rude structure. " Whar be you'uns gwine ?" asked the woman, as she seized a rag, the color of which would indicate that it had been used as a pot-rag for half a century, and wiped the dust from a pan, into which she dipped some flour from an open barrel. " We are on our way to Lawrence, but were un- able to cross the river," answered Sallie. " La sakes ! The Yankees will kill you sartin as you go thar, they are dreadful. My Bill, thar," said she, pointing toward the man in the corner, " he's jist come back from that Yankee hole, an he sez its the meanest place he ever seed. Why, the poor trash up thar put on as much airs as the rich amongst we uns, an they ar a follerin all the tricks you ever heerd on to make a livin. You Bounce, you black pup, THE SP Y 'OF OS A WA TOMIE. 295 you jist keep your nose outen that oven, git outen the house, I tell you." Thus she screamed at the large dog, while she worked the dough with greater vigor. She continued, " I want the niggers to have this yere work to do, an they will, sho, if this is a slave state. Mr. Capt. Guy Wren says he'll give my Bill two niggers, if he'll jist stay here till nex spring." By this time Arthur concluded to feed his team and Sallie went with him to consult upon the pro- priety of stopping at this place. They concluded they could humor the political views of the woman, by seeming to agree with her in her condemnation of the Yankees. When the meal was announced, Arthur and Sallie, with the man and woman, seated themselves at the table, which was, like the surrounding furniture, made of the roughest material, without paint or even a cloth, to hide the finger-marks made by the children and the accumulation of milk and grease-spots which adorned its surface. Plates of the roughest ware, and large earthen bowls contained the food prepared for the visitors, while tin-cups served as drinking vessels. Knives and forks that had never known the virtues of brick- dust or sand, while the latter occasionally could boast of one tine, yet generally they were minus the han- dles. On a tin pie-pan lay corn bread called corn dodger on top of which lay the buscuits called by the children "flat-outs." A large dish of bacon and beans occupied the middle of the table, containing the same large iron spoon or ladle that was used in 296 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. stirring the vessel over the fire. On one end of the table sat a plate of butter, which seemed to have been bleached the only really white article the cabin contained. The coffee, made of parched and pounded rye, was poured from an earthen vessel that was smoked by the coals and streaked by the ebuli- tions of years. "Bill," the man of the house, bent over his plate without looking up; his uncombed hair and whiskers contained numerous feathers and many straws. His hands were of the same somber hue as the bare feet of the children who clustered near the table, looking toward it whistfully until the eldest mustered suffi- cient courage to ask his mother for "one of 'em yere flat-outs." Poor child! One effort to obtain a "flat-out" was sufficient. His hope was crushed and his aspira- tion killed, when his mother yelled at the top of her voice : "You, John William, you jist shut yer mouth or I'll bust it wide open. Git yout o' this ere house right away or I'll mash yer snoot." At this time Arthur addressed the man: "Mister, are you a hunter?" asked Arthur as he glanced toward a rifle and guns of every variety sus- pended from hooks upon the wall. "Not much of a one," drawled he so slowly that Arthur gave up the effort of inducing him to speak. They continued the meal in silence, save when the old lady thought proper to abuse one of the group of children who still persisted in demanding "one of 'em air flat-outs." THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 297 After they had finished their repast, they con- cluded to take a view of the surroundings. As Sallie took up her hat, she observed that the trimmings were sadly out of place and one of the bows missing. She glanced toward the children and observed that one of the little girls had the bow pinned to her dress and seemed to be lost in admiration of the beautiful ornament. The mother at the same time noticed the ribbon in the child's possession and in an instant began abusing the little one, who, in the unconsciousness of youth and innocence, had appropriated the gew-gaw to her own use. The child seemed to feel hurt; tears flowed freely from her eyes as her mother ranted about, more like a beast than a human being, until Sallie thoughtfully suggested that the child be permitted to retain the ribbon, and thus secured quiet to the household and saved the innocent one from a severe punishment. As Arthur and Sallie walked from the house, he said : " It takes all manner of people to make a world, and here is a phase of Western life that is new to you. What do you think about it?" "Well, Arthur, to be candid, my surprise has been so great, that I have had scarcely sufficient time to collect my thoughts, to say nothing about express- ing them. But it does, really, seem strange to me how such a man can sit, listlessly, in one corner of a house on such a beautiful day as this has been and, seemingly, make no effort to work. His appearance indicates that he does nothing, or certainly he would not present so slovenly an appearance. His wife 298 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. seems to be energetic, and I cannot comprehend how she can submit to be tied to such a good-for-nothing man." " I do not, entirely, agree with you, Sallie," said Arthur. " I think the woman has, in this case, usurped the management of affairs generally, until the man has become disheartened." " Disheartened, indeed ! A pretty state of affairs, when men become disheartened and quietly sit, waiting for a woman to keep their spirits up. It is, merely pure laziness, if that man had one iota of energy he would either go to work or leave home. I have observed the ways of the world to some ex- tent, and I always find that these come-easy, go-easy people never amount to much." "They don't eh?" said he, patting her on the chin. " No, indeed, they don't, and I will assure you, that ' My Bill,' as she calls him, was one of these good, easy, young fellows who spent his time loafing around bar-rooms, playing cards, or leaning against the fence, listlessly watching a horse-race, and finally married that woman because she was industrious. I feel sorry for those children and that woman." " Do you not feel sorry for poor Bill, too ?" laugh- ingly asked Arthur. " Indeed, I do not. The world is ever ready to sympathize with just such men as Bill, and never speak one good word for the woman. I'll admit that this woman displays too much temper, but it may be that she is disheartened. Temper in women is an excellent thing. I do not admire it when it be- THE SP Y Of OS A WA TOMIE. 299 comes demonstrative, as in this case, but I do love to see it flash in the eye and glint across the cheek. Where there is a properly controlled temper, there is industry, skill and energy. Come-easy, go-easy ap- plies to women as well as men." "On my previous visit to this country, I observed the same peculiarity in very many women, as we see demonstrated here to-day, their tendency is to be loud and boisterous." "Yes, I will admit all that, and I will venture the assertion, that had you been a close observer, you would have noticed that in just such places the men were lazy and shiftless, good-for-nothing sort of be- ings. The women have some energy and pride about them, and, in all probability, have begged and coaxed, and pleaded with the men to stir about and accomplish something toward the support of the family, until their patience has become exhausted, and finally resorted to scolding and the use of harsh- er language, until it has become almost second na- ture, and they cannot refrain." " You are quite a champion of the rights and priv- ileges of women. But you have forgotten, that while many of the men of the West make no great display of energy, they are only following in the footsteps of the women of the East. Where will you find greater indolence than among the women of the cities ?" " I'll admit that there are too many there who sub- mit to be the slaves of fashion and think it ignoble to be industrious, ye* they have no hesitancy in ac- cepting the hard earnings of father or brother who, 300 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. by labor or business tact, may have secured a com- petency. I can not see that this woman is lazy. Her hair is nicely combed and neatly braided; her hands and face are clean, while 'Bill' is evidently too lazy to either wash his face or comb his hair." " But what a dirty house she keeps ! " " It is just as I said before. No allowance is made for women. Is it her duty to provide things to do with ? If ' Bill ' would display the least energy what- ever, I feel assured that his wife would appreciate his efforts and use to advantage anything he could secure tending toward beautifying their home. But who are those men approaching yonder? Perhaps, Arthur, you had better find shelter from observation. They maybe some of the invaders." " I shall not leave you," said Arthur, as he stood by her side, " although I believe you are right in your surmises. They are at least thoroughly armed." CHAPTER LII. THE BATTLE OF BLACK JACK. /Tv HE approaching horsemen caused Dickey to JL seek the shelter of a cluster of grape-vines, where she secreted herself, grasping her re- volver, prepared for any emergency. They hurried on in pursuit. When they had passed her place of concealment, she proceeded in THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 301 another direction, until she found her pony, which she had hidden, ere she entered the invaders' camp as a sailor. She led the pony cautiously up the ravine, pausing frequently to listen to the sound of the receding footsteps of the horses as they hurried on, their riders imagining themselves to be close upon the audacious sailor. After moving thus quietly for about two miles, she emerged upon the high prairie. Proceeding to a house which she saw in the distance, she was sur- prised on beholding Dr. Strawn's pony, with saddle and bridle on, grazing near the door. Her near approach was heralded by the barking of dogs, of which each settler had an abundant supply. The demonstration on the part of the dogs brought the inmates to the door, among whom Dickey, in glad surprise, recognized her brother, Robert Leland. After a moment's greeting and anxious inquiry, Dickey hastened on toward the camp of John Brown, to whom she had promised to convey all possible information at the earliest practicable hour regarding the disposition of the invaders between his camp and Hickory point, a prominent position near the ravine where he was encamped. After she had imparted the information, but few minutes elapsed ere the men were in the saddle, to form a junction with Captain Beach's company and move on the enemy early the following morning. Dickey watched them as they passed from camp up the ravine by twos, Brown himself leading, closely followed by "Brave Lavanda" and Hayde,n Doug- las, riding side by side. 302 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. The following day being Sunday, a few men gath- ered at Dr. Foster's to hold religious services, each man carrying his rifle or weapon of some description. The doctor himself was a prisoner in the camp at Black Jack. Rev. Mr. Jones preached from the text, "The wicked flee when no man pursueth." The congregation were singing the last hymn, prepara- tory to being dismissed, when a watcher cried out, " The Missourians are coming." The benediction was omitted, as each man seized his gun. The ruffians, six in number, had galloped near, not expecting to find any besides the family at home* As the congregation rushed out, they succeeded in surrounding four of the gang. The two hindmost, although many bullets were sent after them, suc- ceeded in effecting their escape. Two days previous, this same gang had brutally shot and left for dead, a young man on the Kaw river, and were now on a mission of blood toward Prairie City, but were, fortunately, intercepted by the worshipers. The prisoners were disarmed and secured. They were left in charge of two men, while the balance went in search of Brown and Beach's commands. The companies were soon united and taking up the line of march, they reached the vicinity of the ene- mies camp late at night. They left their horses in the ravine and proceeded cautiously toward the camp. Each Captain had se- lected from among his own men, those who were skillful as marksmen. Early on Monday, as the ruffians were preparing THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 303 their breakfast, their outer pickets were driven in by the three advancing men of Brown's company. " The Abolitionists are coming," shouted the flee- ing pickets, as they rushed into camp. Brown in the ravine below, and Beach above, poured volley after volley into the camp of the frightened invaders until they hoisted a white flag, although half of their number had disappeared over the ridge toward Missouri. The result of the surprise was the release of the friends of the Free-State men and the driving of the band from the Territory. The next morning Brown had a consultation with Dickey, after which she hastened to the house where she had left Robert, when they both proceeded to Lawrence, where Dickey exchanged her gaudy sailor suit for a plainer one, and taking a pedler's case, set out for Missouri. Robert accompanied her as far as Shawnee Mission, where he purchased a roan pony for her, Raven being too well known on the border. The second night she stopped at a house near which was a camp of nearly two thousand Georg- ians. After supper she, accompanied by the gentle- man of the house, proceeded to the camp, carrying her pedler's case. 304 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. CHAPTER LIII. ARTHUR HOLMES SHOT. ALLIE clung closely to Arthur as the horsemen approached. As they came near, one in a low gruff voice asked : " Who are you?" " My name is Arthur Holmes," said he. " Are you the Holmes from New York who sent that printing press to Lawrence?" " I sent a printing press to Lawrence this spring," replied Arthur. "You had better turn and run for your life or be shot where you stand, just as you choose," and be- fore he could make a show of resistance or offer one word in defense, they drew their guns and fired upon him. He fell to the ground, and they galloped away in the direction from which they came. The firing brought the man and women from the cabin. They saw the horsemen riding away and heard the heart-rending cries of the young wife. The woman hastened to where Sallie was standing and beheld the prostrate form of Arthur, covered with blood, while Bill came poking leisurely along. When he arrived, his wife exclaimed : " Bill, see what the bloody hounds have done. Help me carry him to the house. He is awfully shot up, but ain't dead, and maybe we can do something for him." THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 305 They carried him to the cabin and laid him care- fully upon the only bed it contained. The woman drew a box from under the bed which contained many and various sized bottles. She soon removed Arthur's coat and began her examination. In a brief time .she exclaimed: "No bones broke; two holes in the arm and one in the shoulder. Guess we'll fetch him through all right. Don't yer be oneasy, Miss. I reckon he'll be around soon as he gits over the loss of blood. My sakes, Bill, what yer doin'? Ain't yer got them air bandiges yit?" All the while Sallie, almost unconscious, sat near the pillow. The rough, though kindly attentions and words of the woman, gave her great encouragement, and by a great effort she calmed herself. The woman watched over the wounded man care- fully, applying liniments and lotions and arranging the bandages as needed, until at the end of three days he was able to walk out, as the woman had pre- dicted. As he and Sallie sat near the house under the wide-spreading branches of a tree, he said : " Sallie, I must agree with you in your opinion of the readiness of resource of a woman in a case of emergency as compared with men. Had I been sur- rounded with men, I have no doubt I should have bled to death ere proper assistance could have been rendered." During the afternoon they bade their friends adieu and drove toward Lawrence, Sallie assuming the management of the team. 19 3 o6 THE SP Y OF OS A IV A TOMIE. Upon their arrival, Arthur learned of the destruc- tion of his press by the invaders, and everybody was excited over the battle of Black Jack. The report was also current that Dickey Deane had been cap- tured and carried away by the Missourians. Sallie met Robert Leland in Lawrence, but he could give no information regarding the missing spy. Arthur could find no employment, so as soon as he was able, he hastened to join Brown's men. Go- ing toward Franklin, he learned that a body of men were encamped near there, and following a path down the ravine, he soon found himself in the midst of a company of dragoons from Georgia. The leader addressed him by saying : " Hallo, young man, which way ?" "I am hunting a pony that strayed away the other day," replied Arthur. " It's more probable you are trying to steal one of ours. Here men," said he, calling to a couple of men who stood near, "look after this horse-thief." He was released the next morning and started on his way without his breakfast. He had gone but a short distance, when he was overtaken by two men who accused him of stealing two horses that were missing. He denied the charge and returned to the camp, where the Captain ordered him tied and held for trial. Arthur knew it was only an excuse to hold him until opportunity offered to send him to Missouri. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 307 CHAPTER LIV. THE COMPANIONS. (AyFTER writing the letter, Sir Charles seated 1L\. himself upon the porch of the hotel, enjoy- ing the beautiful scenery. As he sat there, he noted the approach of a young gentleman on horseback, who reined up in front of the hotel and politely inquired, if Mrs. Benning was at home. The lady, in passing the door, heard the inquiry and stepped out to learn the wants of the inquirer, when the young man, producing a letter, said, " Mrs. Benning, will you favor me by handing this letter to Dickey Deane, should she return to this place ere I see her?" Mrs. Benning consented to act as requested, where- at the young man, bidding her adieu, returned by the same way he entered the village. After his departure, Sir Charles, in some excite- ment, addressed the landlady, asking : " Mrs. Benning, who is that young gentleman who just rode away?" She replied by saying, " I think he is Dickey Deane's brother." "Dickey Deane, the spy?" inquired he. " Yes, sir," answered Mrs. Benning. Each resident in that community had learned to be cautious, and Mrs. Benning was not an exception to the rule. Although Sir Charles had been an in- 308 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. mate of her house during his sicknes and had devel- oped the proper spirit in resisting the invaders, yet Mrs. Benning did not feel at liberty to converse with him freely upon po]itical affairs, therefore she did not tell him that the youth was a member of John Brown's company, or that the same youth had been his nurse during his illness. Sir Charles, in a few days, determined to return to the company, from which he had been absent nearly two months, so procuring a small, rickety old spring wagon, he set out for Lawrence. At Prairie City he learned that the "boys" were encamped at Hickory Point, whither he proceeded on horseback. Approaching the camp, he dismounted and pro- ceded slowly, being frequently halted by the outer guards, to whom he gave the countersign. As he drew near the encampment, he hesitated, taking note of the arrangement of the camp and of those on duty. To the left stood Hayden and "Brave Lavanda," engaged in cleaning their weapons. Others were similarly engaged in other parts of the camp, while John Brown was arranging a number of letters, pre- paratory to entrusting them to a messenger to carry to the nearest post-office. Hayden glanced in the direction of his position and momentarily started. A second look seemed to convince him of the correctness of hi? first impres- sion, and he eagerly sprang forward to meet his " old companion." He grasped him earnestly and lovingly by the hand, and made anxious inquiry regarding his health, being alarmed at his failing appearance, as THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 309 denoted by his blanched cheek and weakened step. Hayden had not learned of his recent illness, and his emaciated appearance caused him much anxiety, Sir Charles being the only friend he possessed in America. As they were seated, conversing upon topics of interest to themselves, they were observed by Brown, who was still writing. As he recognized them, he wrote to North Elba, his home : " Noblemen and scholars of other lands have joined me in this strife for freedom here on the broad prairies of the West. Then why should I cease to hope?" Sir Charles intimated his intention of returning to England during the coming autumn, and urged Hay- den to accompany him, to which Hayden replied : " Sir Charles, as you are well aware, my greatest pleasure is to be near, and, in fact, constantly with you. Your location during the past few months be- ing unknown to me, has caused me much anxiety, and although I should be pleased in accompanying you to England, yet I, at the same time, feel that duty compels me to remain here while this strife con- tinues and put forth my greatest efforts in the estab- lishment of freedom on the soil of this Territory, be- sides in England there are none to care for me, ex- cept yourself, and I prefer to remain in these woods rather than return to the crowded salons and thronged thoroughfares a stranger, where none love or care for me, though surrounded by thousands." "Well, well, my boy, are you not judging too harshly ?" 3 1 o THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. " I think not, Sir Charles. There are some in England, who are my friends, but only by reason of your patronage, you being a leading man of the na- tion, friendship must be extended to your protege." " Is not such the case the world over?" asked Sir Charles. "Not invariably," replied Hayden. "Here in America friendships are formed by associations, which time can not sever. Privations are endured here which eternally cement the friendship of the participants. I feel to-day a feeling of friendship, nearer and dearer toward the companions in this camp who have struggled for the everlasting principle of freedom, than I do for any of my friends of for- mer days in England. Wealth nor social standing causes neither difference nor distinction here. Caste is discarded, and men are judged as men, so long as they act the part of men, and are industrious and energetic. No, Sir Charles, I cannot forsake duty and true friends to accompany you to England." " I shall not endeavor further to induce you to forsake, even for a brief time, the noble cause in which you are engaged. Be true to the cause you have espoused. It is a noble and grand one ; adhere firmly to the principle you have avowed. But as for myself, I must not remain here longer than the mid- dle of September." Hayden pulled his hat down over his eyes and whipped the long grass with the ramrod which he held in his hand. He had formed ties of friendship in the New World and he was loth to sever them. His early life THE SP Y OF OSA WA TOMIE. 3 1 1 had been one of seclusion. When a mere child, he had been domiciled in a gloomy castle on the Thames, where his education was supervised by a stern and strict old German professor. He had wear- ied of the restraints and formalities of the Old World, while in the New World there was ample scope for his freedom-loving mind. His native ro- mance led him to appreciate the camp and give it precedence over the parlor. The common cause of freedom developed friendships which could not be acquired where formality reigned. " There comes ' Dickey Deane, the spy of Osawa- tomie,' " said Hayden to Sir Charles, as they still sat upon the log. " Who is she?" asked Sir Charles. "Sir Charles, it is rumored that she is descended from the Scotch family of Macdonalds, of which one of the later members won great distinction with Bonaparte. Her bearing certainly indicates noble blood." " What do you mean, Hayden?" "Just what I say, Sir Charles, although I cannot vouch for the truth of the report," and he stepped forward to meet his little friend. Sir Charles soliloquized, " Who of noted and noble descent is not engaged in this struggle for freedom ?" and he continued to gaze upon the noble looking lit- tle woman, who had won the applause of the world by her brave acts as " The spy of Osawatomie." 312 THE SPY OF OSAWATOM1E. CHAPTER LV. THE MISSING SPY. ICKEY felt a certain degree of timidity, as the contents of her pedler's case were inspected by the ruffians in the camp, but she betrayed no outward emotion, being conscious that the con- tents of the case would not betray her. She remained in the vicinity of the camp, visiting it frequently for nearly two weeks, never losing an opportunity to be present during any meeting of the officers, thus gathering up many items of interest re- garding their future intentions and movements. At the close of two weeks she ascertained that they contemplated an early move into the territory of Kansas. On her departure, she intimated her intentions of going to St. Louis for a new and larger supply, and would revisit the camp on their return from Kansas, but she was soon hastening toward Brown's camp in the Territory. She had crossed the State line and was urging the pony to its greatest speed, when, upon attempting to cross a small stream, the pony suddenly stopped, and she could neither persuade nor compel it to go fur- ther. Such procedure on the part of the pony was to her unexplicable, and she endeavored to ascertain, if possible, the cause. Her attention was called to a movement in the bushes which fringed the stream, THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 313 and in a moment, a human form stood before her and a voice exclaimed : " Bress de Lord, Massa Dick, whar is you come from ?" In a moment Dickey recognized the negro woman who had charge of the cooking at the hotel in West- port, and asked : " Aunt Mary, what are you doing here ?" "Don't talk loud, Massa Dick, an I tell you all bout it. Dem air men in Wespo who owned slaves, tuk a big scare lest Ole John Brown should drop down on em, some night, an carry off all de darkies, so dey sole us niggas fur to go Souf an work on de plantation, so as to be suah of not losen on us, an when de buyers come, dey put us all in a camp and chained de boys and put a guard ober us all. De night was berry dark, an wen all de oders was asleep and de guards busy playin' keerds, I jist slipped away in de woods an kep on agoin Souf till I runned inter dis road a runnin west, an I foliered it till broad day, then I shinned up a tree and staid till dark." " Why, Aunt Mary, have you had anything to eat?" " Yes, Massa Dick, I just helped myself to de green corn. I heerd you a comin and hid in de bush. When I seed you, I was mighty glad, cos 1 knowed you was my fren. I was a huntin' Ole Massa John Brown's camp. Dey say he helps de niggas a heap." " Where is your baby?" Aunt Mary burst into tears at the mention of her child, and sobbed, " I luf it home. Ole Missus sed 314 THE SPY OF OS AW ATOM IE. as how she would keep it an I could cum back an see it, some time, but, bress de Lord, Massa Dick, I can sooner go widout eaten, dan be widout dat are little honey. O, Massa Dick, I wish to de good Lord, dis poor lone nigga could die." " Aunt Mary, why did you come to me? Are you not afraid I will tell the buyers where you are ?" " Ise aint a bit afeerd, Massa Dick, cos I heerd Massa John say hissef, as how you was one of Mas- sa Brown's company, an you had spided out all dar plans. I dis wish I could get some of Massa Brown's men to dun fetch me dat ar, little baby," saying which, she gave way to her feelings and wept bit- terly. " Dickey felt keenly for the poor woman in her distress, and she felt it her duty to put forth an ef- fort to assist her. She at last asked, " Do you think, Aunt Mary, that I can get your baby if I go to the hotel ?" " I don know, Massa Dick. Spec you could if you try. Wish to de good Lord you would." " I will make the attempt. You stay near this place and take care of my case until I return." " Bress de Lord, Massa Dick, is you a goin? I dis do anything what you says. I foun dis yer ole quilt dis mornin an I can lib on de berries and de corn till you cum back." Handing her case to Mary, Dickey rode away to- ward Shawnee Mission. Night had settled her gloom over the earth, ere she entered the place. She met a young Indian of whom she purchased a hat and jacket which she secreted, and sought entertainment THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOM IE. 3 1 5 for the night. The following day she repaired to the timber where she donned her Indian costume and staining her hands and face, she proceeded leisurely toward Westport, arriving there about sunset. As she passed down the street leading to the hotel, she noticed many familiar faces, but none recognized in the Indian boy, the notorious Abolition spy, Dickey Deane. Riding up in front of the hotel, she dismounted, and seating herself upon the curbstone, held her pony by the bridle. She sat thus for some time, manifesting no interest in events transpiring about her, until the landlord, noticing the somewhat jaded pony, inquired of the Indian boy his wants, to which the reply was made : " Sewansee want feed for pony and place to spread blankets." This sentence was uttered slowly, with the pecu- liar brevity of the Indian race. The landlord, knowing the peculiarities of the In- dians, without further inquiry, took the bridle and led the pony to the stable, the Indian boy following, and carefully noting where the saddle and bridle were placed, and followed the landlord to the house, carrying a large blanket. Supper being over, the Indian boy rambled about the yard, carefully noting the location of gates and paths leading to the stable. While eating supper, Dickey noticed the child playing upon the floor of the dining-room. When bed-time came, and the landlord was won- dering what disposition he should make of the dirty 3 1 6 THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. young Indian, Dickey quietly picked up the blanket, and pointing to the floor, looked at him inquiringly, as much as to say, " Can I sleep there? " The land- lord gave immediate and willing assent, glad indeed of any excuse to keep the Indian out of his neat beds. Before Dickey spread the blanket, she saw where little Jim, the colored baby, was put to bed, in an old crib in the kitchen, near the dining-room door. Rolling herself in the blanket, after the manner of the Indians, she lay down, awaiting sleep and quiet to visit the household. Near midnight she quietly arose, and going to the stable, saddled the pony and led it out to the gate in the rear of the kitchen. The passing clouds obscured the moon, which cast out a somber light over the earth. Hastily, y-et qui- etly, she entered the house, picked up her blanket, and lifted the child gently from its bed, wrapped it com- fortably in the blanket and hastened to mount the pony and rode away. She left a twenty-dollar gold piece upon the table in payment for the child, having thus, Indian-like, fixed its price without consulting the owner. At day-break the next morning, when the cook came down to prepare breakfast, she discovered that the Indian boy was not on the floor. No suspicion arose in her mind until, on entering the kitchen, she discovered that little Jim was missing from his crib. She immediately called the proprietor, informing him of the facts. He immediately suspicioned the Indian as being connected with Jim's disappearance, and on THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. 3 1 7 going to the stable, he found the pony had been re- moved. Search was made everywhere upon the premises, but no further trace could be found. At the table, the matter was discussed and the conclu- sion reached that the Indian had been employed by some one to steal the child, possibly some of the men who had bought the older slaves. Some were sent to the camp of the slave dealers, while others went to Shawnee to make inquiry. They had scarcely left town when two men appeared from the negro camp, stating that Aunt Mary had escaped. Then many supposed that she had re- turned to the house and stolen therefrom her own child. CHAPTER LVI. THEWICKED FLEE. RTHUR HOLMES found himself a prisoner in the camp of the dragoons. He was suffi- ciently conversant with the manner of con- ducting such trials as he was doomed to undergo to know what the verdict would be. He recognized in the commander one with whom, in former times, he had had a disagreement over some trivial matter. His proud spirit would not permit him to look with complaisance upon one who would thus take advan- tage of his official position, to seek vengeance when 3 1 8 THE SP Y OF OSA IV A TOM IE. his personal ability had been unequal to the task of protecting him in the argument which had taken place. He became sullen and refused to answer the ques- tions propounded, and when an order came, requir- ing the troops to move to Osawatomie, he likewise, refused to go, saying, " I am a free American citizen and if I am longer detained, I shall seek redress by notifying the Governor of my own state. My friends know of my being here, and should anything occur to prevent my return, the proper authorities will be promptly notified." A consultation was held and it was decided to re- lease him, which was accordingly done, some of the men, however, retained his revolver. After he was released, he went on toward Prairie City, where he met some half-dozen of Brown's men who were on their way to Potawatomie. He procured a horse and accompanied them. After traveling some eight miles toward Osawato- mie, which place they would have to pass to reach their destination, they espied a moving object in the distance, which, upon inspection by the aid of field- glasses, they discovered to be a body of troops num- bering about one hundred. They hastened on to get a nearer view, to note the character of the troops. When they had approached sufficiently near, they ascertained that they were a body of Border Ruffi- ans, who had stopped upon discovering the approach of the few men. "What shall we do?" asked one. "If we turn away they, being better mounted, will overtake us." THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 319 " Let us play a ' Yankee trick ' on them," said Arthur. " Here, give me a couple of handkerchiefs." The handkerchiefs were tied together, and order- ing the men to stand between himself and the main body, he began a series of signalings, as if communi- cating with some one in the ravine, from whence they had just come. The Ruffians had noticed the men dismount, and being supplied with glasses, had observed the sig- nals, as if calling for reinforcements, or giving direc- tions for intercepting them as they proceeded. Being unable to divine the object of the signals, the Ruffians started slowly toward Missouri. The signaling was carried on more energetically, until the Missourians concluded that some rapid move- ment tending to their interception was being ex- ecuted, when they hastened and at last, panic- stricken, they were riding at the top of their speed toward the State line. The few men started in hot pursuit, not giving up the chase until the Missourians were across the bor- der. ' The idea of safety being bounded by State lines, did not enter the minds of the pursued, who contin- ued their flight until they reached Harrisonville. Some days after, they learned from a Pro-Slavery settler the true state of affairs. " It was no laughing matter," said Wren, who was the commander. " We could not tell how many there were, and we had to run or take the chances of being caught, as we were at Black Jack." Many of the Border Ruffians by this time began 320 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. to entertain a holy horror at the mention of the name of John Brown. They supposed him to be a super- natural being, having power to protect his men with bright steel armor. His long dirk knives and Sharpe's rifles were a terror in their eyes. Distance seemed no obstacle to the destructive properties of his guns. A few days after they had been so humbugged, they concluded to return to the Territory, in fact, circumstances compelled them to make a show of activity. The residents in Missouri, wearied of their being quartered on them continually, besides the so-called troops were of that character, personally, that the citizens could no longer endure their depre- dations and debaucheries. Petty stealing was car- ried on continually; the good housewives found it next to impossible to realize anything from their henerys or gardens, while the vicinity of the camps bore abundant evidence as to where the poultry had gone, feathers being found everywhere. They reasoned that if the action of these troops had in any instance been productive to benefit in establishing their views regarding slavery in the Ter- ritory, then small inconveniences and discomforts could be borne by the citizens, but in no single in- stance, with all their boasting and display, had they accomplished their undertaking. The Yankees had not only defeated them in their depredations, but the Free-States men were multiplying to such an extent that the Pro-Slavery force was inadequate in numbers to compete with them, or at least soon would be. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 321 This state of affairs, both at home and across the line, induced them to so soon undertake another inva- sion. Orders were accordingly given to prepare to move. The citizens well knew what such an order meant. It meant for them to furnish abundantly of everything they, by hard labor, had laid by for their individual use. Without consulting the citizen or farmer, a levy was made upon him for goods, provis- ions, cattle, horses and sometimes money, all to be used in establishing the institution of human slavery upon the fertile soil of Kansas. The outfitting of this heterogenious army required one article not generally used, even in larger bodies. Breadstuff and bacon, generally considered neces- saries, could, with this army, be laid aside, but whis- key must be freely furnished. Each wagon carried an abundant supply of the vile stuff. The leaders, though with few exceptions, used it freely, for they deemed it necessary to encourage the men, otherwise they would not fight when called upon, being as they were of that character who had no vital interest in the principle for which they were, contending, and nothing to lose, should they be defeated. Even the citizens of Missouri were happy when the Ruffians were in the Territory ; happy not in an- ticipation of any great victory they would gain, but that they were gone and quiet and security reigned, as it had done before their advent. Besides, while the troops were in Kansas, a hope prevailed among the citizens of Missouri, that they would secure suf- ficient by foraging, on which to subsist for a brief lane, at least, and thus relieve them of their support. SO 322 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. When all was ready the company moved away in good spirits, yet they were not as hilarious as they had been on former occasions. They made their first camp in Kansas, near Middle Creek, south of Osawatomie. From this camp a number of men were sent to join Bill Stout, who was in camp on one of the branches of Moody Creek, awaiting reinforce- ments and an opportunity to burn Osawatomie. CHAPTER LVII. AVA AND KATE. soon as Mrs. Blair had sufficiently recovered . to travel, the General accompanied her to St. Joseph, where he left her at the hotel kept by Mr. Oyster. A strong and lasting feeling of friendship sprang up between Mrs. Blair and the beautiful and lovely Kate. Mrs. Blair's whole nature had undergone a change since Lillie's death. In her life, since that time, she had endeavored to atone for the past, and in cultivating a lovely and lovable disposition, she soon found greater pleasure in harmonizing her views to the consideration of the comfort and happiness of those by whom she was surrounded and with whom she was called upon to associate, than she had ex- perienced in her younger days, when her only object md desire was to win the admiration of such as oth- ers of her sex loved. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 323 Kate, especially, attracted her attention from their first meeting, so gentle, so kind, so considerate of the wants of others, not only of her own kind, but her kind disposition manifested itself in the care of the brute creation, which recognized her voice and step, as she visited the yard to attend to their wants. In conversation with Kate, Mrs. Blair was sur- prised to find her so well-informed on various sub- jects, and as their association continued, they each talked freely of their experiences in life. Mrs. Blair related the story of her early days in the South, of her winter visits to Washington and her associations there, of her marriage to General Blair, of the inter- est she took in the cause of establishing slavery in the new Territory, of her disgust at the manner of conducting the strife, through incompetent squad commanders, and finally, of the change of feeling that had been brought about in her mind through witnessing and experiencing the atrocities committed by their own men, and the corresponding sympathy for the Free-State settlers. Kate, in turn, related scenes and incidents con- nected with her early associations in the West, of the number and proximity of the Indians, of her visits to their camps, of their beautiful ponies and their filthy manner of living, and comparing the Indian as he exists in reality with Cooper's description, which she had read with interest. She then would dwell, at length, upon the exploits of Dickey Deane, her cousin, especially dwelling upon the accidental find- ing of little Ota, of whose history they knew nothing further than her mother had died unknown at the Indian Mission. 324 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. Ava took a deeper interest in little Ota, her cir- cumstances calling forth the whole and entire sym- pathy of the now really kind and considerate South- ern lady, and when the news reached St. Joseph of the supposed capture of Dickey Deane, Ava felt as much interest and consideration for her safety as did Kate, and promptly wrote to her husband, asking him to use his influence in having her properly cared for, with the view of her final release. Strange to say, Kate had concealed the identity of "Dickey Deane" and Ona Leland. Other efforts were put forth in the interest of Dickey. Mr. Oyster visited the various influential Pro-Slavery citizens of St. Joseph and wrote to Rod- erick Leland, under the impression that she might possibly have taken a journey home. Mr. Leland's reply informed them that she had not been home and directed them to again advise him, and if the continued search had proved unsuccessful, he would himself try to find her. A day or two after, while Ava and Kate were dis- cussing the propriety of informing Mr. Leland re- garding Dickey's continued disappearance, a young man rode up and hastily dismounted. " O, see!" exclaimed Kate, "there is Cousin Robert. We shall hear some news of Dickey now." Mrs. Blair watched the young man attentively as he secured his horse and walked hurriedly to meet his Cousin Kate, who welcomed him kindly and affec- tionately. As she noted his movements, she thought of the young sailor who had visited the camp where she THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 325 was held a prisoner and where she received treat- ment that would have disgraced the wildest hordes that inhabited and fought upon the steppes of Rus- sia. She subsequently had learned that the sailor was Dickey Deane. She thought of the resemblance that existed between the spy and the new-comer, who was introduced as Kate's Cousin Robert. Might they not be one and the same? Might not the titled of woman be applied to this boy as a blind, or might not this youth before her be in reality a woman? The same deep blue eyes; the same calm and happy expression ; the same golden hair; the same peculiarly high forehead; all this Mrs. Blair saw in one brief moment. CHAPTER LVIII. THE KILT AND KIRTLE. lA/S Dickey reached the suburbs of the city, she JL^L. urged her pony to greater speed, carrying the " involuntary refugee," as she in after years designated the little colored boy. So gently did she carry it and so easy was the long swing- ing gallop of the pony, that he slept on, entirely un- conscious of his rapid transit, but when the little fel- low did awake he uttered a long and loud protest against his strange surroundings. Dickey became anxious, lest his cries should arouse the inhabitants, 326 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. and to secure quiet she was compelled to pin the the blanket closely over his mouth. At day-light, she had reached a point near where she had left Aunt Mary. Cautiously descending into the valley, she entered the bushes, but before she had moved far through the dense and tangled thicket, Aunt Mary met her, and with outstretched hands asked for the child. Dickey handed her the bundle and watched her as she removed the blanket, which she dropped to the ground, clinging convulsively and lovingly to the child, alternately addressing it by endearing names and calling upon "de Good Massa to bress young Massa Dick." In all her efforts to do good, never before had the glow of perfect happiness so entirely pervaded her mind, as it did when she witnessed the happiness she had been the means of conveying to this poor, lone and destitute woman, in the restoration of her child, whose absence she had mourned. In her happiness Aunt Mary forgot her poverty, her destitution, her loneliness, and even forgot the danger of being apprehended by those who were searching for her, until Dickey said : " Come, Aunt Mary, we must leave here as rapid- ly as possible, we are not yet free from danger." " Bress de Lord, Massa Dick, Ise ready to go any- where now. You jist lead an dis po chile foller an pack de pickaninny." " No, Aunt Mary, you have had nothing substan- tial to eat, and I must insist upon your riding while I, who am strong, can walk." Without further ceremony Aunt Mary mounted THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 327 the pony and took the child. Dickey led the way on foot toward Brown's camp, which they reached in a iie:y. Arriving at the camp, Dickey left the fugitives outside, while she went in search of the Captain, to inform him of what she had done. As she entered the camp, Hayden was the first to recognize and hasten forward to greet the long lost spy. She soon met Capt. Brown and informed him of her adventure and its successful termination. The old man kindly and gladly approved her action, and soon Aunt Mary and her boy were comfortably fixed in camp, to the great surprise and joy of all. Sir Charles' whole attention was given to Dickey, as she moved about the camp superintending the ar- rangements for Aunt Mary's comfort. There was a charm about the expression of her face which he loved to dwell upon. She entered the ladies' tent and laid aside the costume she had worn, and don- ning one which she always wore in camp, which con- sisted of the plaid stockings, short dress and neat jacket, in fact the " kilt and kirtle " of the Scottish lassie, she again appeared, and entered into an earn- est and vivacious conversation with Capt. Brown, giving him in detail the information she had obtained while pedling in Missouri. At sight of her in the familiar costume of the Old World, with her golden ringlets waving in the wind and displaying a brow, the beauty of which was as famous as were her deeds, his thoughts carried him away to scenes of childhood, when he " roved, a young Highlander o'er the dark heath." He ap- 328 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. preached nearer, and as he traced the lineaments of her face, he said, " Can she be the daughter of Rod- erick? She certainly bears a family resemblance, and the story of her being connected with the Mac- donald clan, gives favor to my apprehensions." After she and Brown had talked for some time, the old man said: " Miss Dickey, we have missed your cheering songs. May I inform the boys that you will sing them a favorite?" She smiled assent, and the old man called the men together and Dickey sang the song known as "The Old Granite State," and each time as her strong, yet sweet voice warbled the refrain, " O, thy mountains and hills are still dearer to me Than the broad, sweeping plains of the West." the eyes of Sir Charles would glisten with the gath- ering tears as his thoughts carried him back to " Bon- nie Scotland," roaming over her hills and dales, lis- tening to the songs of the loved and loving " lassie " who accompanied him. His thoughts wafted away to the days when a brave girl sang to the hills and vales of the land where freedom found friends and liberty was a birthright. Hayden witnessed the emotion of his friend and companion, and imagined that the song had revived memories of the past in the mind of the old gentle- man, as it had done in his. She had just finished the song, when a messenger arrived from Lawrence, bearing letters for members of the company. Among the number was one bear- ing the post-mark of Osawatomie, addressed to her. THE SPY OF OS A WATOMIE. 329 Breaking the seal, she read the contents of the mis- sive, which merely said : " Thursday evening, at Van Horn crossing." Signed "Friend." She handed it to Capt. Brown, remarking: "There is certainly some foul play connected with this affair. I have no familiar acquaintances at Van Horn crossing. Robert is not in Osawatomie, and Dr. Strawn did not write this letter. To-day is Tuesday. I shall rest to-morrow and meet the ap- pointment the next day. I may be enabled to learn something to our advantage." " Do as you think best, Dickey, but be very cau- tious." On Thursday morning she mounted Raven, and accompanied by Hayden, " Brave Lavanda," Pat Devilin and Bill Stout, Dickey and Hayden took the lead and rode rapidly toward the appointed place of meeting, the others following. Each man carried, besides his rifle, two large revolvers, while Dickey carried her trusty weapon in the pocket of her kirtle. Scarcely a word was spoken. Each person was busy with his own thoughts, as they hurried along, generally by twos and often in single file, after the Indian mode of traveling. The word "evening" in the letter was understood, after the manner of the country, to mean at "sun- down." As they neared the place designated, the last glimmering rays of the sun gilded the tops of the mounds. The party had arrived at the river, some distance west of the appointed place, and followed its course under the protection of the trees, so as 330 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. to avoid an ambush, if such was the design of the party sending the letter. They halted in a thicket of post-oaks, about one half mile from the crossing. As the gloaming grew deeper, they rode nearer to the ford, when Dickey dismounted and in her moccasins crept to a dense thicket near the ford. She could neither see or hear any one. In the distance she finally heard the sound of horses feet, which approached rapidly. When they came near the river, the riders dismounted, one of whom approached the crossing cautiously, and finding no one in view, he gave a low whistle, which was promptly answered, and he was soon joined by two other men. As they drew near, the former said in a low, gruff voice, which Dickey recognized as Guy Wren's: " I did not think your plan would work. You see she is not here." To which the other replied, " Wait awhile, she may come." " You might wait here until doomsday, she is too sharp to be caught by such chaff," said Wren. " Bill Stout said he would let us know if she would not come, and I think she will be here. If she don't come, it will be because Bill has put her out of the way himself. He is true to his word." "Would Bill Stout kill a woman?" asked Wren scornfully. " I know of his killing an old Indian woman once, just for the fun of it, for I was with him when he did it. He has grit enough to do anything he says he'll do. He said that if she came he would manage, some way or other to come with her." THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. 33 1 Dickey now felt that her first impression when she read the letter was correct, that they meant to do her some harm individually. But what pained her most, was the fact, that there was a traitor in their camp in the person of Bill Stout, for whom she had never entertained a favorable impression. She had heard all she desired to know, and creeping out of the bushes, she returned to where the party anx- iously awaited her. " Brave Lavanda " stood near to Bill Stout, before whom she appeared with her re- volver drawn and said : " Villainous traitor ! You have conceived this plot to have me captured, remove your weapons. La- vanda, take possession of them. He has promised some of Wren's friends that he would betray me into their hands, and had I refused to come here to-day, he would have stabbed me in the back. I have heard it all." Then, addressing Stout, she said, " Miser- able miscreant ! If you were treated as you deserve, you would be hanging to one of the limbs above you." Stout quailed before the words of the brave girl and handed his weapons to Lavanda, as she had di- rected. " Have they, indeed, come?" asked Hayden. " Yes, there are three of them now at the cross- ing waiting for me." " Let us charge them," said he, as they mounted their horses. Lavanda lifted the little spy to her saddle, and ordering Bil,l to ride before them, they galloped down the road to the place where the three were awaiting the arrival of their victim. 332 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. As they drew near, the ruffians knew that there were more than Bill Stout and the spy. So they hastily hurried to the brush, leaving their horses where they had tied them. The advancing party sent a number of bullets after them. As they dis- mounted to untie the horses, Stout slipped from his horse, and plunging into the dense thicket, made his escape. They took possession of the horses and carried them to Osawatomie, where Dickey proposed to remain a few days. When Hayden returned to Black Jack, those in camp were much surprised to learn of the treachery of Bill Stout and the result of the meeting at Van Horn's crossing. Dickey knew of the invaders being camped on Middle Creek in considerable force, and feeling a desire to know something of their intentions, she dis- guised herself to represent a washer-woman who lived in town and was of the strongest Pro-Slavery type. Having completed her disguise, she rode out toward the camp in question. She had not pro- ceeded far when she met three men, who came from the invaders' camp. She drew the old greasy sun- bonnet of blue gingham close about her face, and stopping" her horse, g.ized steadily toward some cat- tle that were grazing in the distance. When the three rode up, one of them asked : "Mrs. Laird, which way are you going?" " O, I am just out looking for my cow. She has been gone let me see yes, three days, and I'm afraid her milk will be of no force unless I find her soon." THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 333 " Have you heard anything from Brown's men lately ?" asked the man. " Yes, they say Brown is a coming down in two or three weeks. All his men are with him at Black Jack." "You tell our friends in town to be on the look- out, as we will be in town in a few days." " I will, and I do believe that is my cow away off yonder by herself." She turned to go after the cow, and the men rode off toward Moody Creek, in search of Bill Stout and Guy Wren, to make arrangements for the attack upon Osawatomie. CHAPTER LIX. THE BATTLE OF OSAWATOMIE. / y\ HE summer had drawn nearly to a close, and nothing of importance had been accomplished by either party. It is true, the number of Free-States settlers had been greatly augmented through the earnest and never-tiring efforts of the " Aid Societies " of the East. Robert spent two weeks in St. Joseph, in anxiety concerning Dickey. Being discouraged in search- ing, or rather impatiently waiting, in that quarter, he hastened to Osawatomie to there continue his in- quiry. Imagine his surprise, as on dismounting near 334 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. the hotel, he was addressed by Dickey's familiar voice, on turning, he saw only a person attired as Mrs. Laird, the well-known washer-woman. In a moment he became convinced that the personage was, in reality, Dickey, for whose safety he had al- most ceased to hope. She, too, was rejoiced at meeting Robert, but brief time was allowed for conversation, on account of the impending danger to the settlement. She told Robert of what she had recently learned regarding the contemplated attack of the invaders, and in- structed him what road to take in order to most thor- oughly arouse the settlers, while she rode as prompt- ly in another direction. The settlers promptly rallied at the call of danger, though there were but few who were not already with some one of the different commands guarding important points. During two days messengers brought the news that the invaders were approach- ing the settlement from the north. The crossings at the river were constantly guarded and swift messen- gers hovered near, to quickly convey the news of the coming of the foe. Brown and his company had not yet arrived. It had been expected they would be promptly on the ground, consequently great disappointment and anx- iety prevailed among the few who were there. They feared that some unknown and well conceived plan of attack had been devised by the foe, to engage Brown where he was, and thus prevent him from joining in the defense of Osawatomie. The near approach of autumn caused dense fogs THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 335 to hang over the river far into the morning of each day, and those who did duty in watching during the night, were prostrated by the malaria which filled the atmosphere and were, by reason of the ague and fevers thus induced, incapacitated for duty. In a few days Captain Brown arrived with a part of his company, who watched faithfully until it was thought that the enemy had given up the idea of at- tacking the town, and most of the men returned to watch at more seriously threatened points. As an assurance of safety prevailed, Dickey, Robert, Fred. Brown and others, went out one even- ing to visit a friend, who resided west of town. The house was built of logs, and consisted of two large rooms, as were the then better houses of the neigh- borhood. The invaders were in camp on Moody Creek, where it afterward appeared, they had been waiting for a clear night in which to make the long contem- plated attack. While the young folks slept, the foe began their movement. Their attacks had been so often frus- trated by the settlers, that they had learned caution, and through the advice of Bill Stout, who was famil- iar with every path in the country, they resorted to the stragetic movement of marching up the river, far above the guarded crossings, where they effected a crossing in a shallow place, and approached the town from the west. As they were discovered and identified along the line of march, the settlers gathered their valuables together, and with their children sought the protec- 336 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. tion of the bushes, cornfields and ravines, and the men hastened by circuitous paths to join Brown at Osawatomie. Day, bright and beautiful, had just dawned when the head of the column reached the house where the young folks were stopping. The young men had arisen and were standing in the door as the troops filed past. Thinking they were some of Captain Beach's or Hope's command, and not expecting the enemy from that direction, young Leland and Fred. Brown started toward the road, a few rods distant, to speak to them. At that instant Guy Wren passed, and recognizing the boys, exclaimed, " There are two of the young Yankees, somebody look after them." In another instant a volley was fired from a dozen guns and the youths fell to the ground. Those in the house had been aroused by the rat- tling of guns and bayonets, and were looking from the windows as the boys fell. Dickey, from her window, saw her only brother fall to the ground be- fore the murderous fire of the invading horde, she did not weep, but patiently awaited the disappear- ance of the men, and then hastened to care for the murdered boys. She found Robert still alive but fearfully mangled, while young Brown was stiff and cold in death. Dickey went in search of Mrs. Davis, the lady of the house, who had sought protection in the brush. While they were carrying Robert to the house, the boom of the cannon east of them saluted their ears, quickly followed by the sharp, keen and reveberating THE SPY OF OSAWATOAflE. 337 crack of the Sharpe's rifles told those, not engaged, that old John Brown was there. The two women, sorrowing for the dead and car- ing for the wounded, heard the roar of the musketry, the boom of the cannon, and the shouts of the in- vaders, as they repeatedly charged the block-house which Brown and his men held, the sharp detonating and rapidly repeated crack of the rifles of the de- fenders, told them how bravely their friends were fighting. The few settlers who came too late to enter the block-house took positions, singly, in the bushes and on the mounds, and as coolly sent forth their mes- sengers of death, as did our forefathers, from behind fences and trees from Lexington to Concord. The sun had turned to the west, the clock on the mantel indicated the hour of one, when the tramp of horses feet and the rattle of wagons was heard as the invaders percipitately retreated. " Here they come," said Dickey, as they appeared in sight, and she hastened to Robert, who had re- gained consciousness. As she embraced him lov- ingly, he said : "Don't be alarmed, Ona, they can only kill us at most." The retreating horde had, in their hasty retreat, no time to devote to pillage and murder. They were giving attention to their own dead and wounded and their own safety from the hurtling messengers of death that the defenders still hurled after them. Some of Brown's men were killed while civssiiig the river, but the enemy lost far more from the long- 21 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. range rifles of the settlers. The cannon which they had brought to demolish the block-house proved ineffective. The last volley of the settlers, aimed at a tall offi- cer who was directing the retreat, brought him off his horse, and created more than an usual degree of excitement in their ranks. Among the missing of Brown's men were Fred. Brown and Robert Leland. Not until night did they find the innocent boy who was murdered in cold blood. His body was gently carried to the house, where tender hands removed the gore that matted his hair and clouded his fair face. The old man, when he learned his loss, repaired to the scene, and, lion-hearted, knelt by the dead body of his dead boy. His impassioned voice breathed forth the anguish of a broken heart. As the friends stood weeping in sympathy with the sorrowing old man, a carriage drew up at the door, and a voice inquired if Ona Leland was there. " Yes, that is my name," answered Dickey, as she, in her kilt and kittle, stepped to the door to meet her visitors. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 339 CHAPTER LX. GENERAL BLAIR. * \"\ 7~HAT can woman do in the way of mak- V V ing her wn liven', I'd like to know," said one rough and dirty-looking man to another in Mr. Oyster's bar-room, where General Blair was enjoying the fragrance of a cigar. " They can't do nothin', John Ubanks, an' you know my opinion on that score, so what the use of askin' me?" answered the other. " I agree with you thar', but did you never notice they are allers a medlin' with somebody's affairs. You bet, I believe in them a stayin' home and at- tendin' to their work." , The General cast a furtive glance at the two indi- viduals, who, to evolve new ideas, were gulping down liberal doses of "invigorator " in the shape of whisky. As he gazed, he thought, " Where on earth can the woman be found who, judging from external ap- pearances, is not better qualified to judge of what will be conducive to her benefit than such degraded beings as you, with your uncomely and unkempt appearance, your uncombed hair and beards, your torn and tattered clothing. Is it possible that you belong to an age of civilization and intelligence ? Are you not some relic of the barbaric age, when education and enlightenment were unknown ? Are 340 THE Spy OF OSAWATOMIE. you not, by an eternal edict, just temporarily dropped upon this mundane sphere, that we may take a retrospective view of the condition of the hu- man race in antedeluvian ages, and by comparison continue to eliminate the dross, and introduce a greater degree of intelligence ?" In disgust the General withdrew to the porch, where he was joined by his wife and Kate. He forgot that the basis upon which ignorance grew and continued to thrive, was human slavery. It does seem that African slavery, as it existed, de- stroyed the finer perceptions and keener sensibilities of those who were contaminated by its influences, and, assuredly, association introduced contamination. These individuals who were thus ably discussing the rights, privileges and duties of wo>men, in Mr. Oys- ter's bar-room, were, individually, not the owners of a single " nigga," yet, following the precedent estab- lished by their more able neighbors, the larger land- holders, they must talk of slavery, and had talked it until they, considering themselves superior beings, must reduce something by which they were sur- rounded, to a level comparing favorably with the slaves of their neighbors, and thinking too much of their dogs as companions, had had recourse to their wives and daughters. Their further conversation on the subject was, whether or not woman should be educated. The conclusion arrived at was, that further than " readin' and spellin'" was unnecessary and would work to her disadvantage. Especially did they deplore the idea of woman "exercising the privilege of the ballot or attending literary societies or lyceums. THE SP Y OF OS A IV A TOMIE. 34 1 Could we have visited the home of this dictatorial individual on election day, we would have found his wife gathering corn in the field with the hired negro. General Blair intimated his intentions of visiting Kansas to consult with the Free-States men, espe- cially with John Brown. Mr. Oyster had known, for some time, of the change in the mind of General Blair toward the Free-States settlers, and he encour- aged him to proceed at once, hoping that some defi- nite plan, leading to harmony and peace, might re- sult from his visit. The battle at Osawatomie had been fought, and the General, on his way, met many of the invaders on their return. They were far from happy at the defeat they had met with. Their enthusiasm was visibly cooling. When Gen. Blair arrived at the town he was in- formed that Capt. Brown was at his home, west of the village, whither he proceeded, finding the young Hungarian, Lavanda, on guard, who saluted him in true military style as he halted him and politely asked him his business. The General returned the salute and said, " Do me the favor to present my card to Capt. Brown and say, with his permission, I desire to speak with him," at the sametime handing him his card. Lavanda withdrew to the house and in a moment returned, bidding the General enter. As he entered the rude log cabin, a feeling of awe and reverence pervaded his mind. Each side of the door was guarded by a strong, hearty and intelligent looking young man, whose hand rested upon a heavy 342 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. Sharpe's rifle. Others occupied the room engaged in reading, while on a low couch in one corner of the room, lay the old man whom the General desired to see. As the General drew near, Brown said : " General, I know you by reputation, and am glad to have the honor of entertaining one, who, though recently in arms against us, has ever deported himself as becomes a gentleman. Pray, be seated," at the sametime motioning him to a seat. The General replied by saying : " Captain Brown, the approbation of a man occu- pying the position you do in this Territory, regard- ing the part I have borne personally in the existing strife, gives me great pleasure. I need not tell you that I deplore the ungenerous manner in which this strife has been conducted, and regret that certain elements of society, unworthy the name of men, have taken so prominent a part in it." " I believe myself," said Brown, " that the better element of Pro-Slavery society has been averse to the manner of conducting this warfare. I feel as- sured that all bloodshed could have been avoided had not this mercenary element established itself as the dictator in the matter. Individually, I have suf- fered much. I have been robbed of almost every earthly possession. My family has been abused and my child murdered in cold blood." " Is it your intention to leave the Territory, Cap- tain?" asked the General. The old man started, and quickly assuming a sit- ting posture in bed, frowned for a moment, and said : "General, excuse my apparent excitement, but THE SP Y OF OS A IV A TOM1E. 343 your question being of a nature far remote from my idlest thought, for a moment roused my feelings. No, sir, I shall never forsake my undertaking, and should this strife continue to be pressed upon us, I assure you I shall be abundantly avenged for the wrongs I have suffered." " Allow me, Captain Brown, to ask, Are you a representative of either of the Eastern Aid Socie- ties ?" " No, General, I came to this Territory entirely upon my own responsibility, and have continued to act under the same. It is true I have been East and solicited aid in the way of arms, ammunition and money since these troubles began, and I am glad to say that I have personal friends now there upon whom I can call for assistance at any time, with the assur- ance that it will be promptly forthcoming." General Blair gazed in silence upon the care-worn face and emaciated frame of the old man and regret- ted that he had lifted a hand against him, thoroughly convinced that his every act was prompted by the purest and noblest motive, knowing full well that such a face as John Brown's could never be crossed by a shadow of shame arising from an ignoble act. The General spent the night with the old hero, and the next morning, accompanied by Hayden, went to visit Robert, whose acquaintance he had formed in St. Joseph. He had not learned that Dickey Deane was Ona Leland, a sister of Robert's, and was much surprised when Hayden informed him of the fact. After a moment, he laughingly said: 344 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. "Well, I must ackowledge women can keep se- crets, for Mrs. Blair and Kate certainly knew of this, and, although we have often talked freely of Dickey Deane, yet neither of them ever intimated to me her true name or character." As they passed over the battle-ground, traces of the conflict were yet visible. Here the grass was matted where some poor fellow had lain and, per- haps, died, there the boughs were lopped off the trees where the cannon balls had plunged through. Said Hayden, pointing out two trees close together wonderfully scarified by bullets, "That is the tree behind which Capt. Brown fought, and this one I had the honor of holding." The General watched the dignified movements of the young man, listened to his firm, well-modulated voice, noticed his handsome appearance, and noted his unassuming yet noble manner. The longer he was with him, the more he became interested in him and finally said : " Excuse me, sir, but I infer you are an English- man. Am I not correct?" "Yes, sir, my home is in England." " May I be sufficiently bold to inquire your name ?" continued the General. " My name, at present, is Hayden Douglas." " Then you are one of the men of Brown's com- mand known as " The Mysterious Companions." " I have the honor to be frequently spoken of as such," replied Hayden. " Think me not impertinent," continued the Gen- eral, "but who is the other companion?" THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 345 " Sir Charles," answered Hayden in a low tone, and continued, " further than that, General, I am not permitted to speak on this subject, by reason of a compact entered into between the last named gen- tleman, Capt. Brown and myself. Our own men know nothing further. I sincerely hope the time may come, when we can discuss such matters with- out reserve." The General seemed perplexed. He desired to know more regarding Hayden, but delicacy forbid further questioning. As they approached the house where Robert lay wounded, they noticed a fine carriage standing near. It was an unusual sight, in those days, to see even a common spring-wagon in Kansas, and they wondered as to whom the fortunate person could be, who pos- sessed so fine a carriage so near the recent battle- ground. CHAPTER LXI. THE SURPRISE PARTY. H)\ICKEY drew near the carriage with some de- \J gree of hesitation, until she recognized the fa- miliar faces of Arthur Holmes and his wife. Dickey had heard of their marriage, but was not aware of their presence in Kansas. A hearty welcome was extended to them as they alighted from the carriage, when Dickey said : 34 6 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. " The sight of a carriage and rustling silks are un- familiar sights in this country, Sallie." To which Sallie replied, " I am myself ashamed of my dress, since I noticed the beauty of your Scot- tish costume." Dr. Strawn, Sallie's brother, sat by Robert's bed, watching the youth, and did not notice the vehicle, nor was he aware of the arrival of his sister, until she stood before him and addressed him by the fa- miliar name of " brother," when, with outstretched arms he received her tenderly, then Arthur came in for his greeting from his new brother, while Sallie tenderly clasped the hand and addressed kindly and sympathizing words to the wounded boy. Two days had passed, and Arthur and Sallie were contemplating an early return to Lawrence, when two gentlemen drew near, who, as they reached the door, were recognized as General Blair and Hayden Douglas. The meeting between the latter and Ar- thur, although each was surprised, was most kindly. As the General was introduced, Dr. Strawn looked up in surprise. As they exchanged glances, a mutual recognition took place, having, in times past, when attending the Medical College in St. Louis, been warm friends and jolly companions on many boating and hunting excursions. Dr. Strawn ejaculated, " Why, Blair, how in the name of goodness does it happen that you are in this country?" To which he replied, saying: " To be candid, Doctor, I left my home in the South to take command of the Pro-Slavery forces THE SPy OF OSAVVATOMIE. 347 operating on this border, and did so associate my- self, for a time, with them, but in considering the so- cial element constituting those forces, and calmly investigating the principle actuating the strife, I have withdrawn from the conflict, and shall personally use my influence in a prompt discontinuance of these invasions." Conversation turned upon familiar topics, and the bright September was nearing its close. All had enjoyed themselves, even Robert had been wonder- fully invigorated by the reminiscences related in his presence. While at supper, Arthur remarked: "This has, indeed, been a 'surprise party.' " " Yes," said Dr. Strawn, " I know of none that can yet appear to contribute to our enjoyment." The words were scarcely uttered, when a spring- wagon drove up to the door, containing two men, One, a tall, noble-looking man, alighted and walked toward the house. As Dickey noted his approach, she unceremoni- ously sprang from the table, exclaiming: " O, Robert! here is papa," who tenderly embraced the dear child whom he, until recently, had supposed lost. Mr. Leland had not learned of the injuries sus- tained by Robert until he entered the house. He was much agitated, until Dr. Strawn assured him that the symptoms indicated an early recovery. At this moment Dickey received a message from Brown, stating that he had that morning started for Lawrence, which was seriously threatened by a large force under Guy Wren. 348 THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. Dickey motioned to Dr. Strawn and Hayden, to whom she communicated the intelligence and re- solved to hasten to Lawrence. Returning to the house, they seized their guns, saying to Mr. Leland : " We are off now, and shall leave yourself and the General, with Sallie to look after Robert." Raven was brought out and hurriedly mounted, while Hayden, Arthur and Dr. Strawn occupied the wagon with the driver who had brought Mr. Leland from St. Joseph. They traveled all night and at dawn of the next day passed the sentinels in the suburbs of the town. Considerable uneasiness prevailed in the minds of the few men in Lawrence. The enemy numbered over two thousand, while the defenders, all told, numbered but thirty-nine, to such an alarming extent did sick- ness prevail among them, brought about by almost constant exposure and excitement. On the Saturday following the arrival of our friends at Lawrence, the smoke of the invaders' camp fires were seen at Franklin. Dickey rode out to- ward their camp until she could distinctly see the many forms clustered and passing about the camp- fires, and hear the outer pickets discussing the prob- able strength of the Yankee forces at Lawrence. On her return, she found men of determined vis- age calmly preparing for the conflict of to-morrow. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 349 CHAPTER LXII. MORE PLOTTING. OUNDAY morning dawned bright and clear, not ^O a cloud darkened the face of the azure heavens. The settlers at Lawrence were on the alert, anticipating an attack from any quarter and at any time. In a short time the voice of Pat Devilin was heard exclaiming, " Here they come, riding like Jehu." About fifty mounted men were hurrying toward Lawrence. On reaching the Wakarusa river, they plunged through the water in self-important style, which caused Pat to remark : " Look at them, Doug- las, the Young Guard of Napoleon's army never put on more airs than those devils." Arthur who heard the remark, said : " The ' Guard ' you speak of Pat, were brave fellows, while these are arrant cowards and will run at the sight of their own shadow by moonlight." They still advanced until within about a mile, when they halted. As they were closely grouped, Pat, without saying a word, raised his rifle and fired. In a few seconds one of the foremost fell from his horse. His comrades dismounted and placing him across the saddle, moved back toward their camp. Late that afternoon the invaders started in a body for Lawrence, with banners flying and fifes whistling they drew near the apparently doomed town. 350 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. " Wait until they come nearer," said Brown to his men who lay behind hastily constructed earthwork?. At the proper time the order came, " Now, boys, give them hot shot in rapid doses. Be sure of your aim and don't waste your ammunition." As he spoke the last word his finger pressed the trigger of his rifle and its detonating report rang out sharp and cle.'ir upon the evening air. In an instant the whole line was ablaze. The whiz of the bullets were distinctly heard, as well as the dull thud as they found a resting place in the body of horse x>r man. Shot guns and squirrel rifles, which constituted the arms of the horde, were not effective against such weapons as the settlers used. After a few well-di- rected shots from the earthworks, the invaders mani- fested uneasiness, and in a few moments fell back in confusion. The approach of night was accompanied by dark, lowering clouds, which indicated an ap- proaching storm. Around the town stood sentinels all through the night, weary and worn, contemplating the past, medi- tating upon the present and endeavoring to anticipate the future, but thought would not go beyond the mor- row, and who of the noble thirty-nine had need of it beyond that time? Did ever thirty-nine men, how- ever brave, successfully contend with two thousand? The next morning found every man of Brown's command on duty and ready for further duty. The}- could have, during the night, escaped and saved their lives individually, but they were men who fought for a principle and were not governed by mer- cenary motives. THE SP Y OF OS A IV A TOM IE. 35 1 When day dawned, the enemy were nowhere to be seen. They had been satisfied with the taste of the settlers' mettle, and fearing a more determined re- sistance, had withdrawn to safety in Missouri, carry- ing their dead and wounded with them. The next morning a colored woman appeared, making inquiry for Capt. Brown. When she had found him and conversed with him for a few min- utes, he sent for Dickey. As the trio talked for some time, Pat Devilin re- marked to Hayden : "Another plot is brewing. We'll hear of it when it is over." Early the next day, Dickey set out on her journey to West Point, the very center of Pro-Slavery sym- pathy, where she arrived, habited in a suit of brown jeans, making inquiry for work of each person she met, such persons directing her to some other one, until, having left her horse at the village, she ap- proached a house where three men were sitting on the porch. As she drew near, she asked, adopting the custom- ary inquiry of the neighborhood : " You'ens don't know nobody what wants to hire nobody, do you ?" One of the men straightened himself, and yawn- ing, said : " Wai, I reckon as how your outen a job, I mought gin yer suthin to do in a few days, fur we'er about gwine to send our niggas South some day fore long. If yer want to stay an jine in the drive, go inter that thar room thar and git yer dinner." 352 THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOM IE. Dickey entered the low log shanty. Near a smoky fire-place sat an old negro woman, endeavoring to quiet the cries of a small child, while a younger wo- man was busy washing the clothes. "Yer dun want yer dinner, sir, I reckon, cos I heerd Massa a tellin on yer to go inter dat room an git it," said the old woman. " Yes," said Dickey in a pleasant tone, " I shall stay here a few days." After partaking of a light dinner, she lay down upon a bed, and pulling the old straw hat which she \\ ore over her face, pretended to be asleep. As she thus lay, she listened attentively to the conversation of the women as they gloomily talked of the suffering and misery they expected to endure on the Southern plantations. Toward evening she arose and wandered to the south side of the place, where she observed a solitary log cabin, just as Hannah, the woman who came to Lawrence, had described. She examined it closely, and returned to the house to find supper ready. After the family and company were through, Dickey and the colored persons belonging to the place partook of their supper. " Who are those men ?" inquired Dickey of a negro boy who sat near her at the table. " Nigger buyers from way down Souf," answered the youth. "Are you going South with them?" asked she in a different manner. " No, sah, I'se not gvvine," said he.. THE SPY OF OSAWATOM1E. 353 " Yes you is a gwine, Tim," said the younger wo- man, shaking her head in a significant way at the boy, who dropped his head and remained silent, oc- casionally casting an inquiring and suspicious glance at Dickey. When the family retired, the man of the house in- structed the old woman to show the "new-comer " where to sleep, but instead of occupying the place as- signed, she lay down on a pile of shavings under a tree in front of the house, where she remained until the lights were extinguished, when she arose from her chosen bed and carefully wended her way to the cabin she had visited during the afternoon. She seated herself upon a log near the deserted cabin, watching the lowering clouds as they gradu- ally obscured the twinkling stars, and listening to the distant voices of the negroes as they sang familiar hymns and songs while attending to the chores. Two hours passed, and in the distance she dis- cerned the twinkling of light, which continually grew brighter as it drew near the cabin. The light came from a small lantern, so shaded as to light only the path which its bearer and his companions had trav- eled. They drew near the cabin, and removing the fastening from the door, cautiously entered. Presently another group from a different direction came, and after knocking at the door, were ad- mitted. Dickey knew that all had arrived, and cautiously approaching the cabin, gently rapped upon the door. The hum of voices ceased within. The dim light which had shown through the chinking was entirely 22 354 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. obscured. She rapped again, and in a low voice said: "I am Hannah's friend." As by magic, the door opened; the light was re- stored, and a house full of colored persons was re- vealed to Dickey. The old woman who had prepared Dickey's din- ner, looked a moment in surprise, and exclaimed : " Wai, I du clar, Massa, I nebbcr would ha tooken you to be our fren. I fought suah, yous one ob em fellas as was a gwine to help em ya buyers fur to tote us niggas off Souf." " Yes, I am your friend. Capt. Brown sent me here to find out when you would be ready to leave with him, provided, you wanted to go," answered Dickey. " Dats wat wes heah fur dis blessed night, fur to hold a consultin on dat berry pint, an I specs dese darkies are all on em a wantin to go wid Massa Brown, an I kin jis say wes got to be dun gone some night dis berry week, cos nex Monday em ar nigga drivers is a gwine to set off Souf wid all on us." All present seemed to endorse the opinion of the old woman, and an understanding, regarding the night Brown was to send for them, was soon arrived at, and they separated. Dickey persuaded Tim to accompany her to the village where she had left the pony. It was not yet light when she aroused the landlord and requested her pony. " Why so early, young man ?" asked he. " O, I have engaged to do some work for Mr. Bond and want to be there in time," answered she. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 355 " Yes, yes, I'll agree that you're a right smart hand," said he, as he brought out the pony and re- ceived the pay for keeping it. As she and Tim were about to part, .Dickey, re- membered that she had left her bundle at the cabin, and for a moment considered whether or not she had better return for it, but finally she said: "Tim, you get the bundle I left at your house and burn it as soon as you get home." Tim hastened home to obey the command, while Dickey was riding rapidly toward Osawatomie, which place she reached near noon, where she found Brown awaiting her return. The next morning two large emigrant wagons started toward Missouri in charge of Brown, accom- panied by six men. Arriving near the State line, they camped in the timber until the inhabitants along the route had retired, when they resumed' and hastily pursued their journey. At Bond's house they were met by Tim, who guided them to the cabin where the negroes, eleven in number, had congregated. They hurriedly climbed into the wagons and were soon on their way to Kan- sas. When near Bond's house, Brown directed two of his men to procure two of the best horses as they pass- ed the barn, saying, " These black men have, long since, each earned a horse, and they shall have it." As the men led the horses from the barn, a man appeared from the house. A revolver was pointed toward him, and he was ordered to mount one of the horses and accompany them, which he did without a. murmur. 356 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. CHAPTER LXIII. GENERAL BLAIR'S DEPARTURE. /T\ ENERAL BLAIR remained some days at the VJT Leland home, until he was well assured of Robert's final recovery. He felt it a duty incumbent upon him to assist Mr. Leland in watch- ing by the bed-side of the youth, as there were none others who were present to render such assistance. Immediately after the battle of Osawatomie, the settlers, both Free-State and Pro-Slavery, loaded their valuables and sought protection in Missouri. Many left their cattle and extra horses to graze upon the range. There were, in fact, but three families who remained on all the scope of country lying be- tween Prairie City and the Marias des Cygnes river, so general was the stampede. Those who sought protection in Missouri found little comfort on their arrival in that State. They were intercepted by the troops ; their horses and wagons taken ; their furniture destroyed ; their trunks broken open and their money taken, until the cit- izens compelled the ruffians to desist. When Dickey arrived at the house where her father and brother were, she found them just bidding the kind-hearted and gentlemanly General Blair adieu, who, as he took her hand, said: " Allow me the pleasure of assuring you, Miss Le- land, that all indications point to your brother's early THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. 357 recovery. I hope to hear regularly from you all un- til we again meet. May more auspicious circum- stances surround us in the early future. I do sin- cerely desire that strife and contention may soon cease to exist in this otherwise highly-favored coun- try," saying which, he mounted his horse and rode away. As he passed along, busy with his thoughts, his horse followed the trail toward Harrisonville, instead of St. Joseph, and had proceeded a number of miles before the General discovered it. After a moment's thought, he turned north and continued his journey across the country, following no trail. Some miles south of Shawnee Mission he discoverd a lone log cabin in the ravine below, from the chimney of which smoke was curling. In a mo- ment he, unconsciously, turned his horse toward that cabin. When he neared the door, he called to arouse the inmates. An old man, apparently very feeble, appeared, leaning upon a stout cane, who, in answer to the General's pleasant greeting, replied: " Good afternoon, sir. Please alight." As the General dismounted, the old man contin- ued : " You are the first person I have seen for weeks." Taking a chair, the General began questioning the old recluse as to why he remained in this secluded place alone. " I will tell you," said the old man. " My son and myself came here in the spring of '54. We built this cabin and began work improving our land. The next fall my son returnud to Ohio 358 THE SP Y OF OSA WA TOM IE. and brought his young wife out. Time glided by, and they worked on, well pleased with the country and its prospects. Our live stock increased and Charley Chance that was my son's name was known far over in Missouri, as a well-to-do farmer One day a crowd came for him to go with them somewhere to vote. He told them that they had n< right to enter this Territory for the purpose of vot ing, for which expression they abused him unmerci- fully, and told him they would call again soon an make him change his mind." " We were not troubled again until the spring < '56, when ten or twelve men rode up where we wei working, near the house, and began abusing u Charley told them that he had not been concerned i politics and wanted no trouble with either part They then said that they intended to kill him, ai before he could make a show of defense, they cr; elly fired at him, and he fell to the ground as thi rode rapidly away. His wife came out and we ca ried him into the house and laid him on the flo where you see that blood-stain. He soon began ; choke and strangle, and in a few minutes died, rode many miles ere I could find help to bury hin I finally met five men, who proved to be old Job Brown and his men. They all came with me. Son: staid, while others went to procure a coffin. The; placed the coffin, containing his body, in one wagon while his wife and child, and myself were taken i another. In the grave-yard at Lawrence, sir, lie my only son." As the old man's utterance's carried him back t THE SP Y OF OSA WA TOMIE. 359 the sad scene, he could speak no more, and giving way to his grief, the tears coursed down his wrinkled :heeks. The General's lips trembled and tears bedimmed is eyes, as his whole heart went out in sympathy to- ward the old man. After the old man had regained his composure, the General sat for sometime contemplating the woman's apparel which hung upon the wall, knowing, from the dust and cob-webs that prevailed everywhere, that the tidy hand of woman was no longer known in that cabin, and he wondered what became of the young widow and child. CHAPTER LXIV. THE " JAYHAWK1NG " BOY. MONG the members of Brown's company were men as brave as the world knew, such were not confined to native Americans, men of al- most every nation and clime had seen the star of freedom dawning in the West, and sought to bask in its resplendent light. Men of noble antecedents fought under the banner of " Universal Liberty " with as much ardor as did those who created the idea. Englishmen who boasted of the blood of the Stu- arts, wielded the sword and endured the hardships. 360 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. Hungarians, inspired by the example of Kossuth, sought the field on which to die for freedom. Po- landers, while they wept for the serfdom imposed upon their people, by a power it were futile to resist, lent a helping hand where their services were wel- comed and appreciated. Scotchmen, whose ances- tors fought with the noble Wallace, and in whose veins coursed the blood of the most renowned clans of the Highlands; and Ireland too, furnished her representatives, in whose breasts the smoldering fires of freedom lay, awaiting the slightest zephyr of lib- erty to fan them into flame. The fairest representative of the Celtic race ex- isted in the person of Pat Devilin, whose happy dis- position, under adverse circumstances, more than once cheered the hearts of those who, without his presence, would have desponded. His ready wit would turn the chagrin of a present defeat iato a prospective hope of the future. While sickness and despondency overcame the many, Pat grew hale, hearty and hilarious. The more arduous the duties imposed upon him, the more carefully and surely he fulfilled them. To his mind idleness and inactivity were the bane of life. As soon as one foraging ex- pedition was ended, and he saw smiles of gladness flitting over the faces of those among whom he dis- tributed willingly what he had hazardously won, he was impatient to be off securing more booty. A single horse could not endure the repeated loads he would compel it to carry. Oftimes he would take two horses and from six to eight large sacks, which he would invariably fill. While many returned sad THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 361 and dejected, by reason of their failure, Pat's cheer- ful voice could be heard singing snatches of song, long ere he reached the settlement. On the advent of the colored people from Mis- souri, an extra supply of provisions must be secured. Each forager, as he departed, was instructed to, if possible, return bountifully loaded, but when Pat ap- peared, Brown said : " Pat, there is no necessity of instructing you, I contemplate appointing you ' Instructor General of Forager,' should this state of affairs continue." To which Pat replied in the rich brogue he would occasionally use, " Niver do ye mind, Captain Brown, Pat Devilin's the boy to stay wid yes as long as the feadther grows upon the back of a chicken, or a bristle sprouts from the skin of a pig, and the Marias des Cygnes afford a drink of wadther," saying which he sprang upon his horse and with a wild whoop dashed away. As each day passed some member of the foraging party returned, laden with provisions. Three days had passed and none had heard ought of Pat. Un- easiness regarding him prevailed in the town, but on the morning of the fourth day, as the early risers strode forth to resume the duties of the day, the happy and cheerful voice of Pat came floating through the still atmosphere, and ere long, he ap- peared. What a sight greeted the settlers. Pat, mounted up- on his horse, carried a long pole with which he fre- quently " persuaded " a yoke of cattle to increase their speed as they weariedly dragged a heavily 362 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. loaded wagon. As the settlers examined the con- tents of the huge wagon-bed, they exclaimed, " How in the world did you get all this forage, Pat?" " Be aisy now an I'll tell yez," said P;it, and he proceeded to relate. " Indade, an the forage was gittin scarce where I had made so many raids, an sez I to meself, I'll take another route an go furdther. "So the furst night I called at a large stone house, an', indade, it was a foine place. An' whin I would ask could I rest meself awhile, there was nary soul there to answer me. So I just unsaddled me pony an' helped meself an' horse to a liberal supply of the best I could find. An' I tell yez whin I was en- joyin' meself to me utmost, I thought of yez poor divils at home, an' sez I to meself, Bedad, an' I'll take a foine supply back wid me, an' as I began to fill me sacks wid chise bacon, the thought come to me mind that I would hide the heft of it an' come back wid a crowd an* take it home. Whin I went into the woods wid me furst load I found the oxen, an" I had seen the ould wagon. Thin I hunted up the yoke, put the cattle ferninst the wagon, and yez all see me here." An immense quantity of bacon was in the forward end of the wagon. Chickens and pigs filled the cen- ter, while flour and meal in sacks occupied the rear- Some one remarked : " Why, Pat, this is stealing." " Indiid, an' yez can call it by any name yez wish. I call it ' jayhawken.' There is a burd in the ould country that watches the fish-hawks and other burds an' stales from them ; that burd is called a THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 363 jayhawk. Now I truly belave, upon me soul, that that ould fellow where I jayhavvked these things stoul them himself. Whin the ould coot comes home he'll find naither chicken, nur pig, nur flour, nur meal, nur bacon; and won't he be in a pickle?" The abundance of the supplies which Pat had brought in induced Brown to start North with the colored persons he had confiscated. The next morn- ing he was on his way to Tabor, Iowa, with the ne- groes, accompanied by a few trusty and tried com- panions. They tarried a few days in Lawrence, and pushed on through Nebraska. At Plymouth, Brown became very sick, where Arthur Holmes found him. He afforded the old man all the assistance possible for him to render in the way of medicine and atten- tion ere he resumed his journey toward Lawrence. He had proceeded but a few miles, when he met Dr. Strawn, coming to notify Brown that the Dragoons were pursuing him. Arthur returned with the Doc- tor. As they approached the hut where the old man lay, they were met by a young man, who expressed a desire to see Brown. Thoughtlessly they indicated the place where the old man lay, when, to their sur- prise, the youth rode rapidly south. On reaching the cabin, they apprised Brown of their suspicions, and urged him, if possible, to cross the Nebraska line. The old man, in much misery, resumed his journey and entered Nebraska just as the Dragoons came in sight a few miles south. Arthur and the Doctor met them and informed them that Brown was now more than two miles over the line in Ne- braska. 364 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. The warrant issued by the Pro-Slavery govern- ment of Kansas, would give them no right to pursue into Nebraska, and they felt mortified and chagrined at their ill luck. Arthur and Dr. Strawn passed on, leaving the disappointed troops consulting as to the best course to pursue. Arthur stopped at Lawrence, while Dr. Strawn continued on to Osawatomie, ac- companied by Hayden Douglas, who joined him at Lawrence. They arrived in Osawatomie just as Mr. Leland, Robert and Dickey were starting for St. Joseph. The face of Mr. Leland was immediately recog- nized by Hayden, this being their first meeting in the West. After they had gone Hayden felt wretchedly lonesome. The sun appeared as a ball of fire sus- pended in the heavens. A thick smoke hung over the face of the earth. He wended his way to Fair View, but not a living being greeted him on his way. His friends and companions were all gone, among them all he missed Dickey more than the others. He had contemplated asking her to correspond with him, but his heart failed him, and now that she was gone, he felt desolate and disconsolate. CHAPTER LXV. HAYDEN'S SURPRISES. WHILE Hayden stood upon Fair View the smoky atmosphere brightened, the day be- came bright and beautiful, but his sad heart enjoyed not its brightness and lustre. His thoughts THE SP Y OF OS A IVA TOMIE. 365 were far away, reviewing the past. As he seated himself upon the soft grass, he noticed in the dis- tance an approaching horseman, who, on his near ap- proach, proved to be Sir Charles. Hayden went for- ward to meet him. " A pleasant day for viewing the country," said Sir Charles, as he dismounted. "Yes," said Hayden, indifferently. Sir Charles looked upon Hayden in astonishment and exclaimed : " What wave of trouble has marred the beauty of your sea of happiness, my young friend ?" " No particular wave has caused me undue annoy- ance, but accumulating grievances and vexations have culminated in this day, which I recognize as the loneliest of my life," answered Hayden. " I do not doubt your latter statement, for I met a party this morning among whom was your ' little spy,' over whose acts you became so enthusiastic at our last meeting," answered Sir Charles, as he noted the flush which spread over the young man's face, as he toyed with the long grass. Receiving no reply to his last remark, Sir Charles continued by asking : " Who was the old gentleman for whom she seemed to be acting the part of guide and escort ?" " Her father," answered Hayden. " You seem, young sir, to be in deep meditation, I hope I shall not intrude upon your reverie, but, in times past, you excited my interest in the young lady and I desire to inquire further regarding her. Is she a native American ?" 366 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. To which Hayden replied : " Excuse me, kind friend, if I have seemed inattentive. I have, for sometime, been absorbed in topics pertaining to myself, especially as to my individual identity. The home of the young lady in question is in the state of New Hampshire." "If I remember," said Sir Charles, you told me her name was Dickey Deane?" " Yes, sir, I so informed you, but such name is an assumed one, her proper name being Leland, Ona Leland." " Leland ! " ejaculated Sir Charles. " Do you know her father's name ? tell me quickly." Hayden was surprised at the interest manifested by Sir Charles and also noticed the excitement the name of Leland had produced, as exemplified by the manner of his last question, and quietly replied : " Yes, sir, it is Leland, Roderick Leland." The old gentleman started, in greater surprise and exclaimed : " My Heavens ! Is it possible I met Ro- derick Leland this morning and did not recognize him!" Hayden now became interested and said : " Sir Charles, I am at a loss to account for the unusual de- gree of interest manifested by you for the members of this family." " Your interest, however, does not attract my at- tention as much as does your apparent excitement." Sir Charles replied : " Why, boy, have you forgot- ten that Theodocia's family name was Leland and that she had a brother, Roderick ? " " Yes, Sir Charles, I now distinctly remember the THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 367 oft-repeated name of Roderick, which I so frequently heard in my boyhood days. Yet I am impressed with the idea that he was killed or at least lost in the mountains of Scotland. I have heard that his com- panion was found desperately wounded, but could give no rational account of the accident." " Now that I think further," continued Hayden, "I remember certain incidents of the past, especially my first meeting with Mr. Leland, in whose face I detected a familiar look, a family resemblance, but certain circumstances occurred which rendered it necessary for me to devote personal attention to his bodily ailments, he having fainted, and after his re- covery we were so absorbed with the business in hand that I thought no more regarding the resem- blance." " Hayden, boy, I have, through all these long years, been untiring in my efforts to find this man. He is an old friend, a friend of my youthful days. I have ever had a presentiment that he was yet alive; but hope of finding him had almost died out of my breast." At the hotel Sir Charles wrote a long letter to his charge in England, giving in detail the facts con- cerning his discovery. Two days passed ere Hayden could procure a horse; Sir Charles being restless during the time on account of his anxiety to follow the Leland family. When they reached Lawrence they learned that Mr. Leland and his family had gone East. Taking a stage coach they started for St. Louis. The ride was dreary, on account of the condition of the roads, 368 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. which, by reason of recent rains, were nius r,i/;-. At St. Louis they were joined by Pat Devilin, on his way to New York. The trio journeyed together until the great city was reached, where Pat bade them adieu, and they continued on to Boston. On arriving at Cedar Hall, they learned that Mr. Leland, by last advices, was in St. Joseph, awaiting the more complete recovery of Robert. The two Englishmen determined to remain at Cedar Hall un- til the owner returned home. On one of Hayden's trips to Boston he obtained a letter addressed to Sir Charles, which, upon being opened by that gentleman, proved to be an importu- nate request that he and Hayden if he could find him should immediately repair to London, as a per- son had there appeared who claimed to be rightful heir to the Douglas estate. To the great surprise of the people of Strawn, the strangers, who seemed so wonderfully anxious to meet Mr. Leland, disappeared as suddenly as they had come. At an early day they set sail for Liverpool, where they took the train for the suburbs of London, where they entered the to Hayden gloomy halls Sir Charles called home. Hayden's mind had been filled with foreboding thought. Gloom and despondency had long claimed his thoughts. Doubts as to his antecedents pervaded his mind, and now that a claimant for the estates he looked upon as his by inheritance had appeared, his mind was so wrought upon that it affected him phys- ically. He retired at an early hour, but bodily ail- THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMTE. 369 ments and mental trouble kept him in a state of un- rest, and when morning dawned he was haggard and worn. CHAPTER LXVI. A WESTERN WOMAN. ~\ ENERAL BLAIR remained silent for some time, contemplating the many articles of dress suspended from pegs on the wall. After the old man had become calm, the General asked : "Where are his wife and child?" " I cannot say. Lola, his wife, went to Lawrence, where we buried Charley. She carried the child with her, but when the services were over I could find neither Lola nor the child. I have waited for her but she does hot. come, neither has she written me." " Of course you have continued to inquire regard- ing her?" asked the General, much interested. "Yes, I have; but I am of the opinion that the same villains have killed her and soon will kill me." After a moment's hesitation, the General said : " Suppose you go with me to St. Joseph, and I will institute an organized search and assist you in any possible manner." The old gentleman acceded to the proposition, and after extinguishing the fire and securing the cabin, 23 3/0 THE SPY OF OS AW ATOM IE. they proceeded leisurely to Shawnee, whey they re- mained during the night. The next morning, the General procured a horse for the old gentleman and continued their journey. They soon overtook a heavily-loaded wagon drawn by three yoke of cattle, which were managed and driven by a perfect Amazon of a woman. As they passed, they lifted ther hats and the General said : " Good morning, madam." To which she roughly replied: " Mornin', sur." Such a sight being an unusual one, the General concluded to institute such inquiries as would lead to his learning the circumstances which forced a wo- man to adopt su ch means to Obtain a livelihood, there- fore he said : " Excuse me, madam. Let me ask if you are ac- customed to driving oxen?" "In course I is, or 1 wouldn't be a doin' on it." "Allow me to inquire your name." "Jane Ann Morgan, Bill Morgan's woman," an- swered she. " Is your husband dead ?" ".No, mout as well be. * He ain't fit for nothin', but I dew make him stay to home and take care of .the brats." General Blair was surprised, but concluded to ask further, and continued : " Is your husband sick?" "Sick? Not a bit of it! Sometimes he sez as how he is about gone up, but I keep a tellin' on him that he needn't go to 'peggin out' now an' leavin me so many darn'd brats to look arter." THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 371 During her remarks, the oxen had not followed the trail properly, seeing which, she whirled her huge whip, at same time calling out in a coarse voice: " Whoa, gee, btick. Git up, Dick, you black divil." At that moment they drew near a small stream, where sat a man who asked to be taken across, as the water was too deep to wade, to which she re- plied : " Yes, I'll take you across for two bits, pay in ad- vance," and turning to the General, exclaimed: " I'm old bizness, I'm darned if I ain't." The man clambered into the wagon, while Jane Ann took her position on the tongue of the wagon, and by roughly-spoken commands and well-directed blows from her huge whip, she piloted the team safely across. As they pulled up out of the stream, she stopped, and addressing those on horseback, said : " Men, look ahere. Here's this cuss that I toted across the creek for two bits has dead oodles of money. Sposin' we'd upset and he'd got drownded, he had plenty of money to pay his way into heaven or hell, and I'll bet he'd agone to hell, cos he's too lazy lookin' to get away from the devil." The General, although he felt mortified at her un- couth expressions, felt inclined to indorse her ideas. The General and old Mr. Chance left her driving her team toward the river landing to procure goods for her family. She was the same woman with whom Dickey had dined when on her return journey to Osawatomie after having met Hayden. " One of those rough, energetic Western women," 372 THE SPY OF OSAIVATOMIE. said Blair, and continued, "who, unfortunately, ignore education and are submissive only in one thing, that being an indulgence in laziness, extended to the hus- band. Not having associates and neighbors, they soon learn to depend upon their own energetic labor, and in so doing become rough and uncouth. Keep- ing, as they do, in advance of civilization, their chil- dren assume the same role, therefore no improvement can take place. Late at night, the travelers reached St. Joseph. At Mr. Oyster's hotel the family were still in the parlor, listening to Ona's sweet music, as her voice accorded so harmoniously with the music of the piano. There was a glad surprise for two of the group. CHAPTER LXVII. KATE'S TROUBLE. O.OON after the arrival of the Leland family at the yromise !" He stopped a short time in Tabor, and returned to the East. To the outside world his movements were un- known. Only his chosen few knew where he was. In such a noiseless manner were those few assem- bled, night after night to drill, that none heard of it. Ona had returned to her home in the East, sum- 394 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. moned thither by her father, who intimated his speedy return to the United States, and hoping she would be at Cedar Hall to receive him and the news he had for her. Time passed, and yet Mr. Leland came not. Ona's mind was in a state of anxious unrest, fearing some accident had happened to the vessel. Her mind was thus absorbed in thoughts of her father as she stood watching the falling snow-flakes on that memorable i/th of October, when she was suddenly startled by the hasty clang of the village bells, as they dolefully tolled. Calling Robert, they hastened to the village and learned that the Anti-Slavery Society demanded volunteers. Men, in groups upon the corners, talked seriously. A solemnity prevailed everywhere. She learned that John Brown was a prisoner at Harper's Ferry, and friends were trying to effect his release if possible. Ona hurried home, where she hastily arranged for an indefinite absence, and departing, took the train for Baltimore, thence to the scene of battle. But what could she do there alone? A messenger called her to Lawrence. Before she left, she visited the old man in the jail at Charlestown, where he had been removed for safe-keeping. The old man was lying upon a worn and dilapidated bed. His counte- nance wore the pallor of death, but the same stern, calm and serene expression lingered there, as it had in by-gone days. He opened his eyes and faintly smiled as she extended her hand. For the first time in her life she gave way to fear- MARBLE IJUST OF JOHN BROWN. (Made by Brackett, at Charleston, Ya., by order of Mrs. Mary E. Stearns, of Medford, Mass., during Brown's imprison- ment and previous to his execution.) The Publisher is indebted to Hon. F. G. ADAMS, Secretary Kansas Historical Society, Topeka, Kansas, for the use of this cut. " Mr. Stearns, I consider the Golden Rule and the Declaration of Independence one and inseparable." JOHN BROWN. MEDFORD (near Boston), January, 1857. THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. 395 ful apprehensions. She saw no hope of rescue for the lion-hearted old man, and hiding her face, she wept tears of sorrow. The old man placed his hand upon her head and said : " We have accomplished, we think, a great work in the last few years, but it is only the beginning. Great ends cannot be attained without sacrifice. If it be my lot to be given as a sacrificial offering toward the cause of freedom, I am resigned to my fate. Let me repeat: This is but the beginning. The seed we have sown in the West is being scattered by the breeze of public opinion, and will soon germinate and diffuse its influence over the whole world. Hu- man slavery must be obliterated from our beautiful land." He, after a pause, said : "All I can ask of you is to remember my family, who, no doubt, have suffered from my interest in this cause. And furthermore, Dickey, watch closely the Judas of our band. You know him. He has be- trayed me, his best friend." Ona dried her tears, and kissing the old man, passed the guards who paced before the cell, un- conscious that Dickey Deane, the Spy, had been in consultation with old John Brown, the Liberator. . 396 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. CHAPTER LXXII. TOO LATE. WHEN Ona had left the cell, she conceived a plan by which to serve the interests of the prisoner. She hastened to Kansas, accom- panied by some of Brown's best friends. Excite- ment ran high in Kansas. A company had been formed for the purpose of releasing the old man. Money had been contributed to properly arm all who would defend their homes in the North. Confusion prevailed in the South. Men were afraid of Old John Brown, though fearfully wounded and in prison. To the extreme limits of the South drums beat, calling for volunteers to guard the lone pris- oner at Charlestown. That miserable miscreant, Guy Wren, traveled from State to State, making speeches and collecting money to pay the expenses of guarding Old Osa- watomie Brown and urging each State to send a rope with which to hang the old man. South Carolina, Missouri and Kentucky each sent a rope. Friends of the old man hovered near, but they were powerless. Ona, accompanied by the braves of Kansas, reached Baltimore the day preceding that 1 set for the execution. Realizing the futility of any effort that they could put forth at that late day, they could only weep as they listened to the tolling bells and minute guns fired in honor of him who was soon to be at rest. THE SP Y OF OSA WA TOMIE. 397 It was over! . The rope from Kentucky had done its work. The hero of Osawatomie was no more. His lifeless body was placed in the walnut coffin and sent to his friends. Mournfully and silently they followed it to its last quiet resting place in the cem- etery at North Elba, where the last respects of the few were paid to him whom the many have since called great and good. At the head of the grave stood the family of the departed. The people gazed with amazement upon the little company who, headed by a young woman, bearing in her hand the rifle of the deceased, while the other supported a banner bearing the inscription, "The heroes of Osawatomie. In God we trust." Yes, every survivor of that band was there, his arm draped in mourning for the man who had given his life for a great cause, that of the welfare of a fel- low being. On the faces of that chosen band was an expres- sion of grief and determination. The careless ob- server did not see the silver locket that each mem- ber grasped in the right hand and placed upon the heart, with left hand uplifted, as the coffin was low- ered into the grave. They saw the banner lower and the hand press upon the breast, but they did not know of the high re-solves and nobly replighted vows which were made as that casket of lifeless clay was lowered to its last resting-place. Nor could they realize the heart-felt emotions which this band felt as the eulogistic words were uttered by the most eloquent of men over the grave of " The Martyr of Freedom in America." 398 THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. How differently was this scene viewed ! In the North business was suspended; bells were tolled; eulogistic sermons were delivered and sympathy for the cause of freedom received an impetus which never lagged or diminished, until the cause of slavery was no more. In the South it was a day of rejoicing. Cannons were fired ; bells pealed forth glad notes ; balls were given, and all were merry and happy in triumphing over the death of one whose name is high embla- zoned upon the temple of Fame. The boom of the cannon; the glad peal of the bells; the happy sound of merry voices, were all gathered up by the spirit of " Old John Brown," to be, in after years, handed down to the African slave, that he, too, might rejoice and be glad when the ob- ject for which the hero died had been attained. As they journeyed home, Dickey thought of the words of Brown pertaining to his betrayal. She knew, in her own mind, who the person was. She had detected him as easily as she had discovered the treachery of Bill Stout. She felt at a loss as to how she should inform the "Band" of the treachery of one of their number formerly. She desired first to confront him personally with the accusation. But she knew not when an opportunity would be pre- sented. She, on her way home, stopped, in company with Mrs. Wise, to attend an Anti-Slavery meeting in Boston. As they were seated, a handsome gentle- man approached and extended his hand to Dickey, who rose from her seat, and with a finger pointing to ar THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 399 the west, said, as the hot blood suffused her cheeks : "Away, traitor! and mourn at the grave of thy best friend." CHAPTER LXXIII. QUANTRELL IN KANSAS. WITH the prospect of the establishment of peace along the border of Missouri and Kansas, emigration was renewed. The fame of the new Territory as an agricultural district had spread far and wide. Every Northern State contributed its proportion to swell the tide. Honest, industrious men, hoping to better their individual condition and increase the prospects of their chil- dren, hastened to this fertile Territory. In 1857 some half-dozen families from the little village in Ohio where Bill Quantrell was born, and had since lived, determined to emigrate to Kansas. As they were about ready to start, Bill appeared among them and informed them that he would like to accompany them. It was with reluctance that they consented, to accede to his wishes, and thus it was that he left his native village for a clime, the associations and surroundings of which, in after times, proved to be more congenial to his nature. On the arrival of the company, they selected lands some eight miles north of Osawatomie. Here Bill 400 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. spent the first year in the Territory, after which he went to Lawrence, where he was when Dickey Deane met and recognized Captain Brown, he being a guest at the same hotel, and at the time was seated at the same table. He had become acquainted with many who had participated in the early troubles, among them Ar- thur Holmes, from whom he had learned of the fame and renown of Dickey Deane, the spy. When he saw the beautiful young lady he importuned her many friends, especially Arthur, for an introduction. Arthur refrained from complying with his request until circumstances were such that he could no longer avoid it. He noticed the cool indifference with which Dickey received the introduction to the would-be school teacher, that being the object of Quantrcll's visit to Lawrence. "What do you think of Mr. Quantrell?" asked Arthur of Dickey, as she entered their apartments. " I must be candid and say I am not favorably impressed with the gentleman," replied Dickey. "Indeed!" exclaimed Arthur. *"' He, although a new-comer, has identified himself with our interest; in fact, is one of our most active and efficient pick- ets." " That does not change my individual opinion regarding him. Furthermore, Mr. Holmes, I have my reasons for prejudging him. His cast of counte- nance, especially the expression of his colorless eyes, is enough to identify him with meanness, treachery and deceit. He so strongly resembles Guy Wren that he should be his son. I can at least aver that THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 401 they are related. Note carefully his facial expres- sion and the construction of his head and neck, and if you do not determine that he is nearer allied to the brute than the human creation, I will lay no fur- ther claims to physiognomy." Dickey threw more energy than usual in her re- marks concerning Quantrell, to which Arthur calmly replied: " I think differently. I think Mr. Quantrell is a well-meaning young man. We will allow after events to establish the correctness of our judgment of char- acter." The conversation turned in a different channel, a-id Bill Quantrell was forgotten by both, but in an adjoining room, with his ear pressed against the thin partition, sat Quantrell, catching every word. His heart sank within him as he heard the outspoken and candid opinion of himself as entertained by the renowned woman for whose favorable consideration he would have given life itself. But as all men of like nature, instead of making an effort to establish himself properly before the community and thus win- ning favor, he permitted the baser propensities of his nature to predominate and govern his actions. He soliloquized : " I am mean and despicable by nature. Am I? I look and act like Guy Wren. Do I?" His passion controlled him, and with glar- ing eyes and clinched hands, he paced the room, muttering: "Dickey Deane shall, in the future, con- ider Guy Wren an angel, when compared with me. very element of my nature calls loudly for revenge, and I swear to so indulge that nature that in after 25 THE SPV OF OSA \\-.\TOM IE. years the name of Quantrell shall be a synonim for 'Devil.'" The next morning when he appeared at breakfast, the scowl had not left his face. Dickey did not, apparently, notice his presence. Arthur's mind, at sight of him, reverted to Dickey's opinion, as ex- pressed the night before, and he thought : " She is right," and the favorable opinion he himself ha 1 con- ceived was suddenly dispelled. Dickey's sojourn in Kansas, on account of the press of business, soon terminated, and she returned to Cedar Hall. Quantrell had not forgotten her expressions. Her words burned into his brain as a hot iron. The more he thought of them, the stronger grew his determina- tion to be revenged. He even contemplated taking her life, but a cowardly fear of apprehension alone prevented the act. Something must be done to sat- isfy the cravings of his agitated and depraved mind. He opened a correspondence with Wren, making known his wishes, and afterward visited him in Mis- souri, where they held an earnest and private con- sultation. His acquaintances at Lawrence were not suspi- cious of him, even when, in after time, he was fre- quently absent. Being a member of the "Secret Force" of the Territory, he was privileged to go and come as he desired, and was not suspected, even when he left Lawrence and stationed himself nearer the State line, to more effectually carry out his base designs. A year had passed since the attack on Harper's THE SPY Of OSAWATOMIE. 403 Ferry, and Guy Wren had returned to Missouri. The Missouri farmers were suffering much annoyance and inconvenience from the depredations that were constantly made upon their stock of cattle, and more especially horses, and no clue could be obtained as to where they were taken, while some of the Pro- Slavery settlers in Kansas seemed to prosper in the accumulation of such stock. A prominent man in Missouri, who owned many fine horses and had a number of slaves, kept con- stant guard over his stables, and had threatened to kill any one found prowling about his premises at night. Quantrell visited Lawrence frequently. On one of his visits he called a select number of the Free-State men together and told them that a number of negroes were anxious to leave their master and would do so if they could obtain assistance and guidance from men in Kansas. Arrangements were made to assist them. Quantrell immediately visited the Missouri gentleman who kept watch over his stock. Hitching his horse, he approached the door and rang the bell. He waited patiently and was about to ring the second time, when the door was opened by a young lady whose attire was neatly arranged, except that her hands were incased in kid gloves and her face enveloped in a woolen shawl, which was closely held by one hand. " Is Mr. Baily at home?" inquired Quantrell. " He is somewhere upon the premises. Walk in, sir, and I will send for him," replied the lady in a whining voice. 404 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. They entered the finely-furnished parlor, when the lady rang the bell and a servant soon appeared at an opposite door, of whom she asked : " Where is papa, Dinah ?" To which the servant replied, " I dunno, Missus ! " " Go and find him. Tell him that a gentleman awaits him in the parlor. Close the door," and turn- ing to Quantrell, she continued: " We have to exercise great precaution in protect- ing ourselves from the pertinacious influences of the South winds, which predominate here, else our com- plexions would be utterly ruined, sir." Quantrell merely nodded acquiescence, and now understood the delay in answering his call. As she removed the shawl and slowly removed her gloves, he thought, " What a consummate fool ! " CHAPTER LXXIV. MR. LELAND AT HIS EARLY HOME, MR. LELAND followed the young lady who had answered his summons, and was soon ushered into the family room. There, in the same old arm-chair his grandmother had occupied when he was a child, sat an aged woman. " Can this be my mother?" thought he. Near her sat a middle-aged man, who had, apparently, been reading aloud, but now arose to welcome the stranger. Mr. Leland, with forced composure, said: THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 405 " I am an American gentleman, traveling for recre- ation, and wish to rest a brief time." The gentleman politely handed him a chair. He laid aside his great-coat and hat and entered into conversation with his host. The young lady entered and seated herself near him. After some moments' conversation in a cursory manner regarding America, Mr. Leland asked: " Who is the proprietor of this estate at this time?" " 1 am, sir. My name is Leland Robert Leland." "I was here once when I was a boy," continued Mr. Leland, still putting forth great efforts to retain his composure. The old lady glanced over her glasses and said : " I don't remember of receiving a call from any one from America, but I am so forgetful. Do you remember such, Robie?" "No, mother, I do not remember," answered Rob- ert. " I spent two days here, but the family was larger than now. There was a pretty blue-eyed lassie, three boys and an old gentleman, the father," said Roderick. The old lady began to weep, and Robert answered : " Father is dead. Roderick was lost we suppose he was killed. Scott went to India, since which time we have not heard from him. Theodocia, our pet and idol, married an English nobleman. They re- moved to Paris, and we lost all trace of her. So you see, sir, that we have been most unfortunate in losing all trace of many members of our family." " Permit me to ask the name of the gentleman whom the young lady married," said Roderick, 4 o5 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. " Gordon, sir. Cyril Gordon." " Cyril Gordon ! " ejaculated Roderick as he started in surprise, but promptly controlling his excitement, calmly said, " I think that was the name of the young ma'i who was said to have be'en killed while I was here or near here." " He was not killed," answered Robert. " He was seriously wounded, but ultimately recovered. It was then that brother Roderick was missing'" "And you have not since heard from him?" con- tinued Roderick. " No, not one word." "I knew a man by the name of Roderick Leland in America," said Roderick. The old lady rose hastily from her chair. Robert drew nearer, and excitedly asked : " Do you think it possible that it is my long-lost brother?" The old lady had closely scanned the face of the stranger, and ere he could reply to Robert's ques- tion, the old lady hastened toward him, exclaiming: " You are my long-lost bairn. I know every line of your face." She threw herself into Roderick's arms, where she was lovingly embraced while Roderick said : " Yes, mother, I am indeed your boy. I am Rod- erick Leland." He bore the happy old lady to her seat and ex- tended his hand to his brother Robert, who eagerly grasped it. The young lady stood amazed, until Robert said : " Brother, this is my Theodocia. She was named for our sister." THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 407 The young lady joyously received the extended hand of her kinsman, who said : "She so much resembles in appearance our sister that, except for the disparity of their ages, I should have addressed her as 'sister' when I entered the hall." As he talked, his mother stood near, parting his hair. Presently she exclaimed : "You are, indeed, my son Roderick. Here is the same lock of black hair unsilvered, like the rest, by time that you wore when a lad." Roderick now meditatively recalled the past and thought: "Would he not have been happier to have remained in Scotland, since Cyril had not been killed ? " Then his thoughts wandered to America, where he had taken so prominent a part in the en- deavor to establish "universal freedom." Amidst conflicting thoughts, he realized that, despite all his efforts toward the freedom of others, he now, for the first time in thirty years, felt himself untrammeled and unrestrained. The bullet aimed at the innocent hare had glinted from a stone and wounded Cyril in the breast as he sat, with sketch-book in hand, limning the surround- ing scenery. Roderick related incidents and circumstances of his life since he left Scotland ; told them of his wife and children; showed them a picture of his wife, Leona, and the little ones which the aged lady ad- mired. Conversation turned upon the political trou- bles in the West, and when he related the experi- ences of Ona, the old mother's frame quivered with 4 o8 THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOM IE. an exciting thrill and the eyes of the younger Theo- docia glowed with the fire of enthusiasm, while Rob- ert declared her to be " a worthy scion of a noble house." After strolling for some days among the familiar scenes of Glenarcan, Roderick proposed to Robert that they should visit Paris and institute a search for Theodocia and Cyril. Robert acquiesced, and they accordingly made arrangements to start in a few weeks. On their arrival, they began a diligent and sys- tematic search. Finally, at the " Census Bureau," they found a record of the family, consisting of "Cyril Gordon, wife and two children, No. 96 ." They afterward could only learn that such a family had lived at the designated place, but had removed to another, unknown, quarter. In conversing upon the subject uppermost in their minds, the oft-repeated saying of their mother was quoted : " That Theodocia was predestined to care, trouble and anxiety, as a shadow ever darkened her path." The brothers started for London to continue the search. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 409 CHAPTER LXXV. THE DOUGLAS ESTATE. ( \) FTER Sir Charles and Hayden had spent a */! few days in recuperation, they repaired to the hotel of the "Aspirant to the Douglas Estate. 1 ' On announcing their business, they were ushered into the presence of a young gentleman, who re- ceived them kindly, at same time handing each a card, bearing the name of Francis Orlando Douglas, in exchange for theirs. Hayden manifested much agitation. He could plainly discern that the young gentleman, whether legally entitled to the estates or not, was, without doubt, a scion of the house of Douglas. The young gentleman, having excused himself, returned, bringing with him innumerable papers, saying; " These are the evidence I have to offer in sub- stantiation of my claim to the ' Douglas Estate,' ' and at same time offering one for the inspection of Sir Charles and Hayden. It proved to be a certifi- cate of a marriage contract performed in England, the contracting parties being Cyril Gordon Douglas and Vivian Orlando, Countess of Lorrea. Hayden could not control his emotion; his eyes were fixed ; his face was pallid, and he sat uprightly and motionless as a stone. The new claimant looked at him a moment and asked: 410 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. "Are you, sir, an heir to these estates?" To which Hayden replied : " Yes, I am a son. of Cyril Gordon Douglas and Theodocia Leland, of Glanarcan, Scotland." Francis gazed in astonishment at the statement, and in a hesitating voice asked : "Was Cyril Gordon Douglas twice married?" To which Sir Charles replied : " Yes, if your papers are correct. He divorced this young man's mother, whom we had supposed was his first wife, and married a wealthy demi-monde, who yet resides in this city." The sympathy of Francis was touched, and turn- ing to Hayden, asked : " Is your mother in the city ? " " She is dead," answered Sir Charles. "Were you an only child?" continued Francis. " No, I have a sister, who is now at school in the city." After a moment's hesitation, Francis said : " It is not in my nature to destroy the prospects or blight the expectation of any one. My identity can be easily and thoroughly established. I shall submit my proofs to you, outside of what I have already shown you. My desire is, since I have met you, to arrange this business in such a way that the gentleman present, his sister and myself shall be and constitute one family. I submit this as a proposition for your consideration, after you have become thor- oughly satisfied regarding my identity." "Truly thou art a Douglas," said Sir Charles, who continued by saying: "Permit me to inquire regard- ing your mother. Is she living? " THE SP Y OF OS A IV A TOM IE. 41 1 "No, sir," answered Francis. "She died in Indi;i when I was but four years old, since which time I have not met my father or any of my relatives, until the unexpected pleasure you have this day afforded me." " Have you remained in India since the death of your mother?" "No, sir, I was sent to Paris, where I spent my school days. I have been some years on the conti- nent, and have had no correspondence with England except through my counsellor, who notified me to appear in London to establish my claim as the law- ful heir to the Douglas and Gordon estates. I have learned, since my arrival here, that there are two heirs to the latter besides myself. I shall make no efforts in that direction." " Your information is correct. I have the honor to be the first, and my brother Geoffrey is the second." "Is your name Charles? " asked Francis. "Yes, I am Sir Charles Gordon, a brother of Cyril Gordon Douglas." " How did Cyril, the third son, receive the name of Douglas ? " asked Francis. " His mother was not my mother. She was Lady Douglas, the second wife of my father, Sir Geoffrey Gordon, and by her request he attained the name of Douglas, in order to inherit the estates belonging to her." " That is correct. Should you ever need proof to establish that fact, I shall be pleased to furnish it. Please examine these papers, which contain the facts you have just stated," said Francis, at the same time 412 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. handing a bundle of worn papers to Sir Charles, who carefully examined them, while the young men con- versed upon general subjects. When Sir Charles had perused the papers to his satisfaction, he returned them to Francis with thanks, after which he and Hayden took leave, for the pres- ent, of their kinsman. Arriving at the home of Sir Charles, they dis- patched a carriage for Addie. The three consulted for some time regarding their arrangements for the future. Hayden was almost penniless, and Addie entirely so, she having depended upon the liberality of Sir Charles for many years.. He had ever been her friend. Her deserted mother and herself had dwelt for years in the small cottage furnished through his kindness. Even in the shadow of the mansion home they once enjoyed, they became the recipients of bounty, while she who had usurped their place in the heart of husband and father, deprived them of the privileges and pleasures of home ; wronged them personally; derided them publicly ; cast contumely and shame upon them ; gloried in their distress, sat comfortably at home in the palatial residence, enjoy- ing the pleasures she participated in at so great cost to others. When the cold hand of Death was laid upon that deserted wife and mother, it was a welcome touch, and she gladly sought refuge from further care in the clammy arms of the so-called Destroyer. Yet even as her lifeless body was borne to its last resting place, the shadow of that house fell athwart its path, while the usurper's face smiled from the lofty window upon THE SP Y OF OS A IV A TOM IE. 4 1 3 the ruin she had wrought and the wreck she alone had made. Hayden felt that he was, indeed, alone. He had not been as a brother, neither had he been as a son to his mother. He had spent the greatecpart of the alimony bestowed by his father when he procured the divorce from his mother. He could have claimed and become established in the home and estates of his father, had he not been idle and indifferent. But the natural propensity inherited from his father, led him to prefer roaming in the wilds of the United States to becoming a titled noble of the English realm. He could not now enjoy the revenue of the Doug- las estate, except by the charity of Francis, which he would not accept. And when Sir Charles handed him a draft for several hundred pounds, he refused it, saying : " Sir Charles, I have been already too long a sub- ject of your bounty. If it has not been bestowed upon me directly, it has been extended to my mother during her misfortunes, and continued to my sister since that mother's death. I realize, when too late, that I am an ingrate in thus permitting you to sup- ply wants it was my duty to anticipate. This will be beneficial to Addie. Give it to her. But as for me, inasmuch as the Divine Creator has ordered that I should have an older brother, and the law counts me a nonentity, I bow submissively to the Divine edict, but spurn the land that inaugurates such injustice." Through the aid of the law and its officers, Fran- cis succeeded in ejecting from his premises the last THE SPV OF OSAWATOMIE. wife of his father, and surrendering to her the sum named as alimony, he became established in and possessed of the ancestral halls of the Douglas es- tate, while Hayden, as much a Douglas as Francis, became an outcast and wanderer. ^ Hayden was indignant at first, but "Time changes all things" and cools the hot blood of youth. So as time rolled on and Francis solicited Hayden to repair with Addie to his mansion and assume its management, while he spent the season in Canada and the United States, whither he was commissioned from the French Government, no objection was raised in the mind of Hayden, and he accordingly assumed the management requested. Time hung idly upon his hands. Trained servants performed the allotted duties from day to day. He visited clubs and places of amusement and strolled over the lands of the estate. One day, as he was returning from a stroll, he met two gentlemen, one of whom was attired in American costume. In a mo- ment he recognized Roderick Leland, and politely raised his hat. Mr. Leland paused, and said to his brother as Hayden drew near : "That is Hayden Douglas." Robert extended his hand, saying : " I have not forgotten you, Ha'yden, although you were but a child when I last saw you. I am Robert Leland, your mother's brother, and this is Roderick Leland, a brother also, who recognized you without having known you, at least so I presume." " You are wrong, sir," replied Hayden. " I have THE SP V OF OS A IV A TOMIE. 4 1 5 had the pleasure and honor of meeting Mr. Leland frequently in America, and I censure myself for not recognizing him as a kinsman at once, from his most striking resemblance to my mother." " I, too, am deserving of censure for not placing you where your lineaments so plainly indicate you belong, among the Gordens, who were the fast friends of my youth," returned Roderick. Hayden invited them to return and partake of the hospitality of his home. On the way the brothers learned, for the first time, of the fate of Theodocia. On their arrival they met Addie, who, in family re- semblance, favored the Douglases more than either the Lelands or Gordons. Hayden could now recognize the noble-looking man as his uncle. But the thought that the little blue-eyed " spy " must therefore be his cousin, was not pleasant to contemplate. Had she not been the subject of his thoughts by day and his dreams by night? Had she not been the only inmate of the palatial halls he thought to occupy? Even since his dependence had become known to him, had he not, in imagination, wended his way to the shores of America, where the accident of birth is not a bar to privileges, and there again, in imagination, basked in the sunshine of her smiles. Now these day-thoughts must become hideous blanks upon the tablet of the past; those beautiful night-dreams be turned into huge goblins, to annoy, instead of to solace his rest ; and imagined smiles, which cheered his heart, will now become frowns, to disrupt it; and cherished sweets, although only anticipated, are even now 4 1 6 THE SP Y OF OS A IV A TOMIE. turning to gall and bitterness within his bosom. When they reached the mansion, a messenger was dispatched, asking Sir Charles to visit Douglas Hall. The old gentleman started promptly, all the while wondering what pressing need demanded his atten- tion at the Hall. Hayden met him at the door, and said: " Sir Charles, be prepared for any surprise. We have a great one in store for you here. Verily, the dead has been restored to life." They entered the room. Sir Charles paused to view the strangers. Roderick returned the glance, and rising, said: "Is it possible that I stand in the presence of Charles Gordon? " " Yes, and I behold my long-lost friend," exclaimed Sir Charles, as he eagerly stepped forward to meet and lovingly embrace Roderick, who as tenderly returned the greeting. Robert cordially returned the grasp of the now happy Sir Charles, although in times past a coolness had arisen between them in some manner connected with the settlement of affairs after the death of Rob- ert and Theodocia's father. Roderick and Sir Charles had at Oxford experi- enced a feeling of regard and love for each other seldom witnessed among men, but at the time of vacation Sir Charles had become piqued over some trivial affair and would not accompany Roderick home, as had been agreed upon. Cyril, his brother, took his place ; then came the accident and the dis- appearance of Roderick, for which Sir Charles cen- THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 417 sured himself alone. To, if possible, atone for the wrong he had done, he had for thirty years sought the friend of his youth. In all his travels ; amidst all his recreations, and among all his associations, he had never experienced the pleasure that this meeting brought to him. Their after conversation developed many surprises, but none greater than Roderick felt when he learned that Sir Charles had been one of "The Mysterious Companions" of Old John Brown. They spent weeks together, until the Lelands were called to Scotland on business. Hayden and Addie accompanied them. Information of their coming, and facts concerning Theodocia and the children, had been conveyed to their mother. When they arrived, the grandmother welcomed the children of Theodocia. Hayden, impressed with her resem- blance to his mother, tenderly embraced the old lady. Addie, too, offered many expressions of love for her grandmother, which favorably impressed her. Roderick had, in his letters home, made no men- tion of his discoveries, hoping to find time to return, but the partially reunited family would not permit of his doing so. They traveled on the continent until nearly three years had passed, when a letter from Boston summoned him home to assist at Harper's Ferry. Accompanied by Sir Charles and Hayden, he set sail for the United States. 26 4 1 8 THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. CHAPTER LXXVI. "DICKEY DEANE" IN EUROPE. WHEN Hayden heard the slowly but firmly uttered words which denounced him as a traitor and saw the eyes of the speaker flash with the fire of indignation, his head dropped upon his breast and he, blushing with shame, with- drew to the opposite side of the hall, where he had time to collect his thoughts. When the meeting adjourned, he had regained composure, and meeting Ona in the vestibule, smil- ingly advanced and addressed her, saying: " I have arrived at the conclusion, Miss Leland, that when you addressed me in the Hall, you must have mistaken me for some oilier person." To which she promptly replied: " The conclusion at which you have, with great effort, arrived, I beg to inform you, sir, is incorrect. I was then, as I am now, fully conscious that I ad- dressed Mr. Douglas." With evident confusion Hayden said: " I beg leave, Miss Leland, to inform you that your remark then made does not apply to me, for I " Ona interrupted him by raising her hand and saying : " Mr. Douglas, do not add the sin of falsehood to the wrong you have already done. You must not deny that you were instrumental in exposing to our THE SPY OF O SA IV A TOM IE. 4 1 9 enemies the plans of Captain Brown. I have in my possession evidence which indelibly stamps you as a traitor. You were kept informed of the movements of Brown by himself, he all the while relying upon you to assist when the time should come. You, sir, basely betrayed those plans. Further, you wrote a letter to inform him that you had died while on your way here ; although you endeavored to disguise the writing, I assure you, sir, it is yours. Please ex- amine this," handing him a letter. She continued : " Yes, for the insignificant, paltry sum of two thou- sand dollars you betrayed your best friend." "Where did you get this? How did it fall into your possession?" stammered he, pointing to the letter. " I dare not tell you, sir. You were never, sir, fully initiated into the mysteries of our band, else you would know how such business falls under my consideration. You have the money, and let me assure you that you are more earnestly despised by the men who paid you than are we, who are their open enemies." " Miss Leland, I have not their money, nor will I ever receive it. I acknowledge I wrote the letter containing the proposition you have named. But, Miss Leland, I have much to offer in extenuation of the act. At the time I committed the wrong I was not properly myself. I had just been deprived of estates which I had long looked upon as indisputably mine, by the appearance of an older brother. To be sure, I could have become a dependent upon his bounty, but a subsistence gained through crime is 420 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. more honorably acquired than through charity. You can act at your pleasure regarding that missive. You have my permission to publish it, that the world may know my dastardly act. I feel that I justly merit the severest punishment that can be meted out by an indignant people." Ona looked upon the handsome face, fired, as it was, by the spirit of a good resolution. She knew his kindly disposition, and her heart softened toward him. At length she said : " Mr. Douglas, the knowledge which I have of your perfidy shall never be made known, provided you never repeat the wrong and as soon as possible withdraw as a member from our political society. Let me ask further, Mr. Douglas, that your after life be governed by principles of Right and Justice, so fixed and founded that an irresistible power, which annihilates alone, can prevail against your morality." Hayden, overcome by shame, conscious and re- penting the wrong he had done, and with the reso- lute and advisory words ringing in his ears, bowed assent and turned away. In a moment he returned, bearing in his hand a letter, and addressed Ona, saying: " Miss. Leland, in the confusion and surprise which followed my effort to address you in the hall, I had, until a moment since, forgotten the object for which I sought you out. I have the honor to be the bearer of a letter from your father to yourself, which permit me the pleasure of delivering," at same time passing the letter to her. Ona thanked him kindly, and wondering where THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. 42 1 he had met her father, opened the letter, which was voluminous. Her father had written this when on the eve of starting for the continent with his friends. In this letter he conveyed the intelligence he had withheld in others regarding the family affairs, giving particulars pertaining to each individual. When Ona had finished reading, she approached Hayden, saying : " This letter is a complete genealogical record of members of our family; from it I learn that you, whom I have so long known, are my cousin. Please accept a cousin's welcome to her home, where I pro- pose going in a few days." Hayden accepted the proffered hand, glad to be now recognized as a friend to her whom he had ever loved. Ona was pleased herself to know that a relation- ship existed between them, for it would afford a bet- ter opportunity for her to administer kindly advice to him and reforming his weaknesses, thus leading him in the path of higher motives and holier ambi- tions. He had often felt that he could meet and combat more successfully the temptations of the world had he but the influence of her presence, endowed as she was with will and self-possession. On their arrival at Cedar Hall, Ona wrote to Kate, repeating much she had learned from her father's letter, especially that part pertaining to Francis Or- lando, stating further that when they returned to America she should inform her, and expected to be favored with her presence. 422 THE SPY OP 'OSAWATOMIZ. We pass over the time of Hayden's travels to the West, his return to England, the many newsy and interesting letters passed between Ona and each member of the party traveling in Europe. She took an especial interest in her cousin Addie, and looked anxiously for the time to arrive when she should greet her in her own American home. That time arrived; Kate was duly notified, and, accompanied by Ota, arrived from the West on the same day as did those from the East. Long years had passed since Cedar Hall had wit- nessed so much of joy, pleasure and happiness. Each person vied with others in making everything pleas- ant and home-like. All restraint was removed ; all formality laid aside, and as one family, united through the influences of love and good-wishes, they passed the time. Hayden communicated with Francis, telling him of their joyous surroundings and naming the Western lady as one of the guests. With the early spring came Francis, to swell the number and add to the interest of the scenes enacted at Cedar Hall. He was ushered in by Hayden and presented to Ona, who received him with her becoming dignity and suavity of manner, which impressed him favorably, but when he was presented to Kate a mutual recog- nition took place, while the blush which adorned the cheek of each told the tale their minds would con- ceal. Francis, in after days, sought the company of Kate and boldly, yet kindly, told of the feelings of love and affection which permeated his whole being, that, THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 423 without wavering, had withstood the crucible test of absence and time amidst the blandishments of Eng- land's fair lassies. He told her how that feeling of love which she alone had called into existence had, since its inception, continued to grow and gain strength amidst the responsibilities and cares of life which he asked her to share with him. Kate could but acknowledge that since their pre- vious meeting she had entertained for him the kind- liest feeling, and the knowledge that she had been thought worthy of his consideration, gave her, in- deed, much pleasure. Thus, by frequent interchange of thought which followed the removal of the restraint under which they had labored when they first met, they fully comprehended the motives one of the other. As time passed, the engagement was made known. None were surprise. Each seemed so entirely cal- culated for the other, that it seemed to be a natural conclusion, at which all had arrived ere it was made known. Kate did not desire to return to the West, so Mr. Oyster was notified of the engagement and of the time set for the nuptials. Late in May the ceremony which united Francis Orlando Douglas and Kate Oyster was performed at Cedar Hall. The happy couple soon after sailed for England, accompanied by the Leland family, Sir Charles, Addie and Ota, while Hayden accompanied Mr. Oyster to the West. The trip across" the Atlantic was pleasant and much enjoyed by all, especially Ona, to whom it was a novelty. It is true her thoughts were not all of a 424 THE SP Y OF OS A WA TOMIE. pleasant nature. Her mind would ever revert to the old hero whose body lay entombed at North Elba. She could, in imagination, behold him in the various phases of life in which she had seen him the well- dressed traveler on the boat ; the active and earnest, hard-working settler near the Potawatomie ; the elo- quent speaker appealing for manhood's boon free- dom from the porch in Osawatomie; the brave and defiant leader of free-born and freedom-loving citi- zens against the ruffiantly hordes sent to establish slavery upon the soil of Kansas. She could see him as he encouraged the men in the camp at Black Jack ; she saw him hurrying through Nebraska and Iowa, piloting by day and guarding by night fugitives from slavery ; she saw him at Harper's Ferry, wounded, yet defiant, offering his life for the principle he had advocated; she saw him in the poorly ventilated and uncleanly furnished cell at Charlestown, and in imagination she saw him surrounded with bristling bayonets, his worn and wounded body suffering with pain and a smile beaming upon his countenance as he was led out to become the sacrificial offering which the curse of slavery demanded. These were all sad thoughts. Thus in life, surrounded, as we are, by happy scenes and joyous associations, our minds will, in spite of our every effort, dwell upon such scenes. When the vessel landed, the party repaired to the church, where, in conformation to the English law, the marriage service was re-performed, after which they repaired to " Douglas Hall," the home of Fran- cis, where the festal occasion of the other side of the THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 425 Atlantic, like the marriage ceremony, was renewed. Early the following week, the Leland family started for the family home in Scotland, where as warm a welcome was extended by the aged grandmother to the children of Roderick as she had extended to those of Theodocia. Grandmother Leland became much interested in Ona, whom she thought resembled her own dear child. Often she would sit for hours listening to the rehearsals of Western life as depicted by Ona. When they had been in Scotland some weeks, they concluded to protract their stay longer than they had at first contemplated. Ona became anxious regard- ing Aunt Nancy, who had remained with the servants at Cedar Hall. She feared that Wren would become apprised of her unprotected position and do her some injury. She accordingly sent a letter, urging Aunt Nancy to join them in London. Roderick roamed over the cliffs, ferreting out the favorite haunts of his boyhood with no less ardor than was displayed when he knew every nook and cranny of the neighboring mountains. Ona and Addie often, accompanied by little Ota and Theo., made choice collection of wild plants for future con- sideration during their review of their botanical les- sons upon which they had determined. On the approach of winter, Addie returned to Lon- don, accompanied by the children, who were assigned to the care of a governess. Ona remained with her grandmother and Nancy, who had arrived, and proved an agreeable and interesting companion for Grand- mother Leland. 426 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. Ona wrote frequently to Hayden. Her letters were, for the most part, advisory and encouraging. Occa- sionally, after reading some passage of his condemn- ing English laws, she would endeavor to arouse his energies by writing: "You have both acquired and natural ability. Cultivate them, so that when the time conies that you have confidence in yourself, endeavor to arouse the people upon the subject; portray its injustice; demand the repeal of the law which works so much misery and has become so ob- noxious." Hayden had not the energy of his American cou- sin, and although her expressions would arouse his enthusiasm for the tme, he had not fixedness of pur- pose sufficiently strong to adhere closely to anything that did not produce a continuous degree of excite- ment. Each letter that found its way to Hayden or Rob- ert, her brother, who was at the military academy at West Point, contained a draft for some hundreds of dollars. Two years had passed when the signal gun was fired which ushered in the Rebellion in the United States. Its echo reverberated from hill to hill and bounded over the waves, striking upon the lofty crags of Scotland and arousing from inactivity those who sought rest and recreation there. Hayden wrote : " The great army for which we formed the skirmish line is massed. The forces have rallied upon the line we held so long alone. The great battle has begun ; the rattle of musketry, the clash of saber, the boom of the cannon is heard from THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 427 East to West, and 'Old J >hn Brown's soul goes marching on.' " Mr. Leland and Ona could not be disinterested spectators to the scenes being enacted upon Ameri- can soil, and fired with patriotic zeal and adhering strongly to their old principles of " universal free- dom," they hastened to lend a helping hand to the cause they so long since had espoused. CHAPTER LXXVII. QUANTRELL THE MURDERER. /^\UANTRELL repeated mentally the expression V/ of condemnation as he watched the young lady remove her gloves, which were evidently used only to protect her white hand from the sum- mer air. In her own estimation Rose Baily was handsome and intelligent. But a casual observer would read- ily notice that too much attention was given to the adornment of her person to leave more than a lim- ited scope for mental improvement. She seated herself before a large mirror, and while listlessly conversing upon the deleterious effects of the West- ern air upon the complexion, complacently viewed the reflection of her slender body upon the glass. Quantrell, who had one redeeming trait, that of detesting affection, mentally quoted : " While thousands fall by clashing swords, Ten thousands fall by corset boards." Mr. Baily appeared, which relieved Quantrell to a 428 THE Spy OF OSAWATOMIE. great extent of the embarrassment thrown around him by the affected lady. He informed Mr. Baily that he had some business with him of an exclusively private nature, and the two withdrew to the lawn, where Bill Quantrell be- gan his career as a "Border man." He remained with Mr. Baily during the night. The nature of his business was made known to Rose by her father. She thanked him for so kindly warn- ing them of impending danger. Quantrell had in- formed Mr. Baily that a number of men from Kan- sas were intending to attack his house the following night. Quantrell left early the next morning. At sun- down the family were sent to a neighboring planta- tion. Mr. Bully remained with the trusty watchers he had summoned to assist him. Just as the last stroke of twelve sounded upon the bell of the clock, five men came through the gate and passed to the back part of the house. Mr. Baily said: "Keep still. The gentleman said he would send them back to the front." Soon a sixth person appeared, who carried a lan- tern. In a brief time the five returned, two of whom stooped upon the porch as if feeling for something. One said in a low voice : "This is where Bill said we would find the key." In an instant a volley of buckshot and bullets was poured upon them. One of their number fell dead, the other four hastened through the gate, closely followed by those from the house. The pursuers lost sight of them in the dark, and the pursued sought THE SPY OF OSAIVATOMIE. 429 the protection of the timber, to await the dawn of day. Quantrell, who was the sixth person to appear, returned to the house with the baffled pursuers. Mr. Daily took five hundred dollars from his safe and presented it to Quantrell, -saying: "Your prompt action saved me the loss of my slaves and other property. This shall be your re- ward." Quantrell returned to his quarters in an uncer- emonious manner. Some of the men were found wounded and promptly killed by Wren and his men, who were summoned to search for them. To a comrade Quantrell said as they walked down the bank of the Marias des Cygnes river: " I have begun to take my revenge upon ' Dickey Deane.' I received some money, and found a rela- tive besides." "What relative do you refer to?" asked his friend. " I found an own cousin, in the person of Guy Wren. He is my father's sister's child." At this moment a number of horsemen ap- proached, who demanded Quantrell to surrender, eeing no hope of escape, he gave up his weapons and was carried to the block house at Stanton, to await his trial. But nothing could be proven against him, and he was permitted to go, while the friends determined to watch his further development in villainy. He returned to Lawrence, where he fared sumptu- ously upon his ill-gotten gold, until the drum beat called the armies of the opposing forces to face each 430 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. other. He hastened to Missouri, where he was wel- comed by Mr. Baily and his daughter Rose, who for- got her gloves, and ran anxiously to meet him as he appeared at the gate. He ever acknowledged that Ona Leland was the only woman who had called forth his admiration and love. To her he could have bowed in submissive homage. But fate had decreed it otherwise, and in time he and Rose agreed that " after the Yankees were whipped," they would marry. The border war waxed warm, and Quantrell's name became a terror to Union men. At last he gathered his forces for a raid upon Lawrence. His outlaws rode madly through the streets, killing pro- miscuously, not sparing women or children. On their return to Missouri, part of the band joined, Wren, and they departed for richer fields of booty. Late in the last; year of the war, a federal bullet laid Quantrell low upon the blue grass of Old Ken- tucky, "The Dark and Bloody Ground" of the In- dians. Such are the characters whom War makes famous, while Peace confines in the prison cell or turns over to the hangman. Wren saw the desperado fall. As he realized that Death's messenger had overtaken him, he drew a picture from his pocket and threw it aside, mutter- ing: "Thoughts of you made me wretched for life, and miserable in death." Wren picked up the picture'. It was that of Ona Leland. He had stolen it from Arthur Holmes in Lawrence, and carried it near his heart during all these long years. Who knows but his dare-devil nature could have been moulded into a powerful THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 431 element for good by the woman who rejected his kindly advances and spoke severely, perhaps un- justly of him? CHAPTER LXXVIII. THE DEDICATION OF JOHN BROWN'S MONUMENT. WHEN Mr. Lelan'd and Ona arrived in the United States, everything was in a state of excitement. Soldiers were hurrying from all directions toward Washington as a common center. War was the topic upon every corner and within every house. Anxious mothers, with pallid faces, bid adieu to loved sons who rushed to the fray. Loving wives and tender sisters clung lovingly to husbands or brother who went to mingle in the strife. Brave and stern old fathers, with trembling voice and grasp, gave parting words of encouragement to those on whom they had relied as being the staff of their declining years. We pass over the sad scenes, and would willingly force back the soul-harrowing thoughts when con- sidering the darkened shadows which fell upon many peaceful homes during the years of blood, when loved ones were known to be no more. Mr. Leland rendered efficient service in one of the departments at Washington. Robert went South with the "boys in blue," while Ona was forced to 432 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. a life of inactivity, on account of the failing health of Grandmother Leland, at whose request she returned to Scotland and cheerfully nursed the old lady through her declining years. The years rolled by, and the war was over. The blow struck at Harper's Ferry echoed and re-echoed through the North until the few of then had become the hundred thousands of now, and the name of "Liberty" in America had taken one grand stride in becoming nearer a synonym for "Freedom." Time passed pleasantly with our friends. Robert, Mr. Leland's brother, Sir Charles and Francis hav- ing been, during the war, anxious spectators of the scenes, returned to their homes across the Atlantic. War raged upon the continent of Europe. Power- ful potentates no longer being able to dictate terms to each other, attempted forcing such terms. Prus- sia and France were contending for the mastery, with no principle involved. While the enthusiastic majority of France rallied to the support of their popular Emperor, there were many thinking minds cogitating upon the principles which Lafayette had taught and for which he had suffered. These men, though deeply concerned regarding their home affairs, had previously arranged to send to the widow of John Brown a gold medal, commem- orative of his efforts and the efforts of his followers in inaugurating the strife which gave freedom to the slaves in the United States, thus showing that they held his name in holy memory and appreciated and endorsed his motives. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 433 Ota, now in the blush and bloom of womanhood, had been selected as the representative of France in conveying the token to its destination. She, accom- panied by Kate, repaired to Paris, in accordance with the terms of her invitation. The war closed. The Emperor was deposed. France stepped forward and upward and took her place among the few bright stars denoting the field "Republic." Ota sat in one of the elegant parlors of the French President, where she was to receive from the former nobles of France, but now the foremost Republicans, the token commemorative of the "Freedom" they had learned to adore. The position, when the committee was announced, was an embarrassing one to the beautiful American, but with commendable tact she overcame all hinder- ances, and in the display of dignity she won the praise and admiration of those by whom she was surrounded. Besides the committee, distinguished personages had been admitted, each of whom had a word of praise and encouragement for the beautiful Ameri- can lady. Besides the medal, a letter to the Gov- ernor of Kansas was read by Prince Lionel, and for delivery intrusted, with the medal, to Ota. Ota, somewhat weary, returned with Kate to Lon- don, and in a few days, with Francis, started for America. Arriving in Boston, they repaired to Cedar Hall, where they found Mr. Leland and his family, Sir Charles, Addie and Hayden Douglas, all await- ing the time to arrive when they should start for 27 434 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. Osawatomie to participate in the unvailing of the monument erected to the memory of Brown and others who had struggled for freedom on the soil of Kansas. The morning of the thirtieth of August dawned bright and clear. Long before noon vehicles of every description began to arrive at Osawatomie. The sun poured its scorching rays upon the unshel- tered people, thousands of whom gathered around the graves of those who offered their lives upon the altar of Freedom twenty years before. As the speakers were taking their places upon the stand, a murmur of applause ran through the im- mense audience. A beautiful French landau, drawn by four black horses, followed by some dozen open carriages, approached the stand. The people gave way on either side, until they stopped in front of the stand. On the front seat of the landau sat two beautiful women, one attired in Scottish, the other in French costume. The beautiful Scotch woman, in her "kilt and kirtle," held in her right hand a brightly pol- ished Sharpe's rifle, while the left contained a silver locket. The assembled multitude gazed in wonder, until the name of "Dickey Deane" was repeated. At the mention of that name cheer after cheer rent the air, and again "The Spy of Osawatomie" looked upon familiar surroundings. The other lady carried in her right hand a golden salver, upon which, wrapped in silvered paper, lay the letter addressed by the French committee to the Governor of Kansas, while from her left hand de- pended the gold medal. THE BROWN MONUMENT. THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE, 435 Upon the other seat sat two gentlemen in English costume ; the older, a nobleman by title and noble by nature; the younger, a man of the most remark- ably handsome features, whose symmetry and beauty were admired by all. These men were " The Mys- terious Companions of Old John Brown." The " Stars and Stripes " floated with the English "Jack" and French "Tri-color" above the carriage. On another staff floated a torn and tattered battle- flag, which had been carried through the war of the Rebellion and had been perforated by many bullets. The other carriage contained those who had fought with the old "Martyr," among whom were Arthur Holmes and his wife, Dr. Strawn and the estimable and beautiful lady who- had become his wife. The occupants of the various carriages dismounted and walked in couples around the shaft of marble and stopped in front. Sir Charles made an appro- priate speech in behalf of the English delegation, which he represented. Ota stepped forward, and in neat and appropriate sentences presented the letter, and medal, in the name of " Liberty and France." With the expression of her last words she bowed at the foot of the monument and placed upon the pedes- tal a fac simile of the medal, one side of which was adorned with the raised profrle of John Brown, with brow contracted in profound thought, the whole face being indelibly stamped with energy. Around the brow the inscription : " John Brown ; born in Tor- rington, May pth, 1800." The reverse was inscribed with : " December 2d, 1859," being the time the presentation was consid- 436 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. ered by the French committee, and "To the Mem- ory of John Brown, his Sons and Companions, the Victims to the Cause of the Liberty of the Blacks." She stepped aside, and Ona appeared. Rest- ing the rifle against the marble, she placed the silver medal near the one Ota had deposited. The silver locket which we saw in the beginning was upon her arm. It was still locked. A small card hung from the chain, on which were the words : " We let not our left hand know what our right hath done." That silver case still keeps its secret. None but the pos- sessor knows its contents. Part of its prophetic mis- sion has been performed, and when women become, under the laws of the land, equally endowed in priv- ileges with men, the silver case will be unlocked, and one as fair and energetic as Ona will read aloud to the world the messages it contains. Till then we can only conjecture its contents. While the bands discoursed sweet music, and eloquent men pronounced eulogistic words, O.ia and Ota wended their way to the north, where stood " Pilot Knob." They climbed its steep side and stood beside the pile of stones known as the "Look- out," which may ornament the grave of some Indian chief. As Ota surveyed the scene, she exclaimed: "This, then, is the spot upon which you found me, a poor, lost and friendless child." " Yes, Ota, I found you here. You were not long friendless. To-day I am proud of you. I am glad to be known as your friend. I care no longer for the plaudits of the multitude. My mission is not accomplished, and I feel that I can depend upon you as an earnest assistant.' 1 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. 437 She bent over and kissed the young lady as she had years before kissed the lost and orphaned child. Each became occupied with her own thoughts as they, seated upon a large rock, watched the rockets in Osawatomie and saw the glinting of the lights in the city of Paola. Descending the hill, they entered the carriage waiting to carry them to the hotel preparatory to taking part in the reception tendered them as the guests of the State by General S , of Paola. The residence of General S. was ablaze with splen- dor. Flowers were suspended in the halls, until they seemed built of roses. The evening zephyrs were laden with their fragrance. Pyramids and arbor, constructed of flowers, decorated the dining rooms. The elite of the city, representatives of literature, genius and wealth, had assembled. A buzz of admiration pervaded the room as Mr. Leland and Sir Charles, with Ota and Ona leaning upon their arms, passed through the rooms, to be presented to the assembled guests by General and Mrs. S. Ota, surrounded by friends; the adopted child of wealthy parents ; the representative chosen and ap- proved by the French government, was not happy. She thought of the cruelty which had deprived her of a father and caused reason to forsake the mind of her mother. She thought of that mother, lying near, yet in an unknown grave. How gladly would she have forsaken the scenes of splendor, to have shed a tear and place a wreath upon that grave ! Ona was merry. She was, in imagination, living 438 THE SPY OF OSAWATOMIE. over the earlier scenes of her life. There were many familiar faces around her, whom she delighted by her hilarity and happiness. She wished for Raven, that she might again course with freedom along the neigh- boring highways, which had taken the place of the grand old prairie trails. The reception was over. The carriage was sent East by the train, and the visitors bade adieu, for the time, to Kansas. They tarried for a few days in St. Joseph, and went down the majestic river on one of the palace boats to St. Louis, where they were joined by Kate, who had remained there to visit her sister. Let us look up our friends to-day. Ona is in Wash- ington, looking after the interest of women ; Ota is in England, soon to be married to a young French offi- cer; Addie has given her attention to literature, and is to marry Lord L ; Aunt Nancy dwells with the Lelands in Scotland ; Hayden Douglas married an actress during the Rebellion, the union was an unhappy one. Parting, he left Osawatomie and went to California, where he died wretched in mind and broken in heart, made wretched by the injustice of English law. While Hayden's body lies upon a beautiful slope of the Santa Clara valley, where a plain slab, containing the words, " I was one of the Mysterious Companions of Old John Brown," Fran- cis, no more the son, nor less the brother, dwells in splendor. Sir Charles and Roderick Leland are visiting places of interest together, more firmly cementing the friendship of their youth. THE SPY Of OSAWATOMIE. 439 Pat Devilin, noble, generous Pat, perished on the plains of Colorado, rather than desert a fatally wounded companion. Rose Baily still lives and mourns for her dead Quantrell. Guy Wren roams, at the head of a band of outlaws, through Texas and Mexico. Arthur Holmes is conducting a paper, assisted by his wife, who was Sallie Strawn, a poor New Hamp- shire girl. While I write I hear the tolling of the bells in Osawatomie, echoing to the world the fact that an- other hero has gone. Walter Strawn is being car- ried to his grave in a land where he struggled for the maintenance of the principles of Liberty and Free- dom. A newly made grave in the cold earth, now covered with the deepest snow ever known in Kan- sas, awaits its occupant, whom nations will venerate and mourn, though " he wore neither the Blue nor the Grey." One by one that historic band is passing away. Shall they be forgotten ? Who will in after years gather flowers to bedeck their graves ? We as a nation forget not "The Blue and the Grey." Then let us remember those who wore neither "The Blue nor the Grey." The wild jasmine and rose then go gather for those Who in Death's long repose sleep unconscious of foes. Yes, in morning's light hours bring the brightest of flowers From Nature's own bowers for those true heroes of ours. They, the friends of the slave, are now Kansas' own brave. THE END. tQKAUFC s-^ In a L 005 489 236 9 "%QAINIH j^^^KwSjJiip A A 000033358 3 \EUNIVERS/