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

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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

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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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could not order quite everybody about, said the General. Rest for half an hour and then be ready to start on your journey. ' ' Very well, she said, as she resumed her seat on the cot again. That half hour seemed to her never to pass. She planned over and over again how she would greet her father. How surprised he would be to see her! At last she heard the sound of horses ' hoofs and the General ' s voice at the door- way, Are you ready, Miss Carr? I am, thank you, Betty answered. Then, here is a horse you may use to convey you to your father, perhaps on your way back you can leave her. Good- bye, Betty Carr. If we ever meet again, I shall alway. remember you as the best little southern lady in all the South. As he said this he advanced toward her with an outstretched hand. Betty ' s small one met his half way, but all she could say was, Good-bye, General Carter, I thank you. That evening Betty reached the southern camp in safety. Her father was overjoyed to see her, and they talked of everything. Next day was Thanksgiving. And what a dinner they had! But in the early morning Betty prepared a nice dinner just for two and after gaining permission from her father sent it to the northern camp to Genera l Carter and Lieutenant Warren. When the General received this, two great tears rolled down his war-worn cheeks. Inside he found a note whicli read, Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and signed Betty. After all, thought Betty, all Yankees are not bad. And with this thought came the image of a young officer with head bowed down in sorrow and disappointment as he passed out of a tent. Some two years later, after the war was over and the country was again at peace, Betty Carr became the happy 82