North High School - Polar Bear Yearbook (Des Moines, IA)

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aS5«THE ©MCLE?9li tent over which waved, in all her splendid glory, the stars and stripes. The soldier dismounted, helped the girl down — turned and saluted his general, I have brought her, sir. So I see, replied the commander scrutinizing the girl from head to foot. Now, my young lady, all you will have to do is to give us the plans of the Southern army stationed some five miles from here and after that you will be free. ' Sir, replied the indignant little southern lady, I am no spy, I have no idea as to how the army is stationed or what their plans may be. I am Colonel Carr ' s daughter and was on my way to spend Thanksgiving with him. This basket I have with me contains the simple but wholesome dinner my mammy and I prepared. Pretty good story, my little lady. You might be Colonel Carr ' s daughter but how am I to know that you are not a little rebel? General Carter answered. By taking my word, sir, Betty said. Oh, surely you won ' t detain me any longer. I do so want to get to spend this evening with father. The General ' s face now wore an expression of determi- nation. You will stay here, miss, until you tell what I have demanded. Betty trembled from head to foot with anger. Sir, I told you once I knew nothing of the southern plans and as sure as there is a God in heaven, I am speaking the truth. Besides, General Carter, if I did, I wouldn ' t be traitor enough to tell you, even if I suffered the penalty of a spy. Everyone looked aghast and bewildered at Betty as she stood there erect as any soldier with the fire of anger show- ing in her eyes and her cheeks flaming to a deep crimson. At this point a young officer came up and as he glanced at the girl, he gasped. It was Betty Carr ! He saluted the general who said, Lieutenant Warren, take this young lady to the tent next to yours and see that she is well guarded. Turning, Betty faced her former lover. Then she picked 80

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Betty, as she put the last tempting morsel of food into the basket. Somehow, amid Aunt Sally ' s pleadings and threats, Betty Carr got started on her dangerous journey. She trav- eled with the Morrisons for seven long miles. This brought her within half a mile of the Northern troops, leaving six miles for her to travel alone and she must walk it, too. By no other means could she reach her father. Bidding her fellow travelers good-bye, she set off the next morning bright and early on her tedious journey of six miles. She planned to be with her father by noon, if every- thing went all right and that would leave her the whole afternoon and evening and the next day. Thanksgiving, to spend with him. And how she would talk those few hours, for they seemed few to her, of home and everything but w ar. On the morrow they would forget there was such a thing as war and suffering, forget all their troubles and sorrows, and have just one day of bliss and happiness. As she trudged along the highway she stopped twice to listen. She was sure she had heard the sound of horses ' hoofs, and she had, for it was not long until a man on horse back rode up behind her. It was a Yankee soldier. Sorry, miss, said the man, removing his hat, orders from headquarters say I must bring you into camp. But, sir, what have I done to be treated thus? replied the bewildered girl. You were seen passing the outskirts of our lines. We could not let you go without investigating whether or not you are a spy, he said, becoming impatient. Betty gave in at last. Well, if you insist, I suppose I must go, but on my word of honor, sir, I am not a spy. She mounted behind the Yankee at his command and thus it was they rode into the ranks of the Northern army. It was Betty ' s first glimpse of the interior of a Yankee camp. She was half frightened at the idea of facing the gen- eral of such an army. But as such thoughts passed through her mind, the soldier drew rein in front of a good sized 79

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up her basket and followed him, for she knew further rea- soning was useless. When they had reached the tent and had entered, he turned and faced the girl. Betty, why did you answer the General the way you did ? He is a very obstinate man and set in his ways. I am afraid you will pay for this. You surely know something of the whereabouts and weakness of the Southern army and why don ' t you tell? You know as well as I the Southern cause is just the same as lost. Please tell, dear, for my sake, if nothing else. Lieutenant Warren, I wouldn ' t tell, even if I knew there was no chance for the South. And I wouldn ' t tell for your sake, or any other man ' s. She faced him with defiance. Then you give me no encouragement to court you even after the war is over and the country is once more at peace ? he replied, advacing toward her. No, she said shortly. Very well, but — He was interrupted by her. Please leave me to my own thoughts, sir. He left her, but with a heavy heart and the image of a greatly changed Betty. Betty sat down on the hard cot to think over the hap- penings of the last short hour. As she sat there pondering over one thing and another, wiping away the tears that could not be forced back, she was interrupted by General Carter himself. Betty sprang to her feet at sight of him. Just keep your seat, miss. I have come to talk over a little matter with you. In our heated discussion of a few minutes ago, you spoke to me as no other person has ever dared to. You are a fine little rebel and showed great pluck. I have made up my mind and am going to see that you get to spend Thanksgiving with your father. Oh, thank you, sir; you — Don ' t try to thank me. It is I who should thank you. It was you, a little southern miss, that made me realize I 81