Prince Paul; The Freedman Soldier

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1867. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XX. RECAPTURED. jjHE company in the cave were silent, save sobs, for some time after Prince's departure. The pine-knot burnt brilliantly in the niche in the wall, and from without was heard the voice of the water leaping from rock to rock. Ella crept to old Archy, for her feet were badly torn; he took her up in his arms, saying, Poor little ting! When she had wept herself to sleep, the kind old man, assisted by Tray, dressed her arm and feet with some of the salve and soft linen which Edy, in her grandmotherliness, a had sent; then quietly laid her on her bed of leaves, and spread old garments over her. Charging the two brothers and Gurafrey to beware how they ventured to show themselves without the cave by daylight, and saying that he would come again with food the next night, he departed. As several days had passed since the escape, the news had widely spread, and, considering the commotion of the times, the people of Virginia were as much on the alert to apprehend the missing articles as could be expected. The mountains and forests, however, remained true to their trust., On this very night, no less than ten soldiers, patrolled from a camp in the neighborhood, thirsting for the advertised reward, were scouring the country for the fugitives' trail. If recaptured, after punishmcut at the whipping-post, it was understood they would immediately be put to work on the rebel fortifications. There was a tavern a few miles from Yuocomico, --the name of the church where the poor men were hidden, --and on this same evening, ten soldiers, poor whites, took oath over their brandy, that they would have some of the missing property before morning. They, however, wisely concluded to be moderate drinkers, until after the search. Resolving themselves into five d...