The White Rose of Memphis
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“‘DEAR EDDIE – Your second message was received. I deeply regret that I have nothing but the worst news to communicate – our darling Lottie is slowly but surely passing away. She may possibly live twenty-four hours longer, though I think she will die to-night. I would be so glad if you and Harry could get here before she dies, because she expresses such great anxiety to see you. She says she does not feel a particle of pain. God seems to be merciful in that respect Her mind remains perfectly clear, and she converses rationally, but most of her conversation is about you and Harry. I believe if she could see you it would greatly relieve her mind, and that then she would pass away without a struggle. If you could reach home to-night you might see her before she dies. May God, in His great mercy, give you courage and strength to bear this great loss with becoming fortitude!
DODSON.’“As soon as I finished reading this telegram I handed it to Harry, then told the messenger to go to the village and remain till morning, so as to give his horse the necessary rest, and the next day to go back to the station and get our horses and deliver them to the owner. I presented him my fine gold watch, as a reward for his faithful services, then dashed away as fast as my gallant steed could carry me.
“When we were within five miles of the station Harry looked at his watch and observed:
“‘If we get to the station in time for the up-train we will have a close race indeed; we have only twenty minutes to make the five miles.’
“I did not believe that I was doing wrong on that occasion when I urged my noble horse forward to the very top of his speed. I knew it would distress and press him both for us to make it in time, yet I believed he could do it without endangering his life. My conclusions were correct; for we did dismount at the station as the train dashed into the streets of the little town. We gave our horses in charge of the livery stable keeper, and stepped on the platform just as the train began to move.
“I wish I could convey to my audience a correct idea of my feelings when I began to hope I would reach home in time to see Lottie before death claimed her. I hastily wrote a dispatch with my pencil, intending to have it sent forward from the next office, notifying Doctor Dodson that we were on the train and would reach home that night. Here is the identical telegram – I have been careful to preserve them:
“‘DEAR DOCTOR – We are aboard the train, and will be home to-night. For Heaven’s sake don’t let my darling die before we come! Send an answer so it will meet us at Grenada. We are due there at eight o’clock. Tell Lottie that we are begging God to spare her dear life. Cheer her up with hope; I can’t bear the thought of losing my darling!’
“This dispatch was handed to the operator at the first office we reached, who promised to forward it without delay. Then I dropped down on my seat and spent every moment in earnest prayer.
“It was fifteen minutes past eight when the train arrived at Grenada, and I believe that city is just one hundred miles from Memphis. That is the place where the Mississippi and Tennessee Railroad connects with the New Orleans, St. Louis and Chicago Railroad, and we would have to take the Mississippi and Tennessee road to go to Memphis. As soon as the train halted I hastened to the telegraph office to inquire for news, as I was expecting an answer to my last message. I was well acquainted with the young man who had charge of the office at Grenada – he had formerly resided in Memphis. He was about my own age, and we had been bosom friends for many years. I rushed into his presence and hurriedly inquired if there was a dispatch in the office for me.
“‘Take a seat, Demar,’ said the operator, ‘you look very ill; can I do anything for you?’
“‘Any telegram here for me?’ I exclaimed, disregarding his kind offer.
“‘Yes,’ he hesitatingly answered, ‘but you had better take a seat and compose yourself before you read it. The news it brings is very bad, though I infer that you have been expecting it.’
“The objects in the room seemed to be running round, a blindness began to close over my eyes, and I felt a smothering sensation in my throat and lungs. The operator very fortunately happened to think of a bottle of spirits of camphor that he had bought from the drug-store that day – he seized it and sprinkled my face and moistened my beard with the liquid, which I believe prevented me from fainting. After a few minutes had elapsed I requested him to give me the dispatch.
“‘You may give it to me now,’ I said, ‘because I am prepared for the very worst.’
“He handed the envelope to me and I read the following words:
“‘MY DEAR BOY – Trust in God – He alone can comfort you now – our darling is dying. Death began to lay his cold hands on her dear body at four o’clock. She may linger four or five hours longer, but I think all will be over before that time. She expressed so much anxiety to see Viola that the sheriff very kindly consented to bring her here, and when they met it was the most affecting scene I ever witnessed. I fear we committed an error in allowing Viola to come, because as soon as the sheriff started away with his prisoner Lottie became worse, and is still rapidly failing. But how could I have the heart to refuse to let her see Viola, when she insisted so earnestly to have her sent for? Lottie leaves many messages of love with us to be delivered to you when you come, provided you do not arrive in time to receive them from her own lips.
“‘I beseech you, my dear boy, to bow submissively to the will of God – and remember you can meet Lottie in Heaven if you try. You will also understand that you are not the only one who grieves for this great affliction.
DODSON.’“‘When does the train start for Memphis?’
“‘Seven o’clock in the morning,’ replied the agent.
“‘Alas! that would be too late; all will be over before then,’ was my reply.
“‘I believe,’ said the agent, ‘that under the circumstances the superintendent would let you have an extra train for a reasonable compensation. I will ask him by telegraph, if you wish it.’
‘“You are very kind, sir, and I thank you; please make the request without delay. Tell the superintendent that money is no object – the value of the engine and coach is offered, and will be promptly paid if required. I beg you, sir, not to lose a moment. If you only knew how precious time is to me now, you would be in a hurry!’
“While I was urging the agent to send the message, the clicking of the instrument under his thumb and finger indicated the fact that the electric fluid was dashing the request into the office at Memphis. The dispatch was gone in three minutes. A short conversation was then commenced between the superintendent at Memphis and the agent at Grenada. As the clicking of the instrument carried the words to the ear of the operator, he conveyed them to my ear by word of mouth.
“‘Is number seven there?’ inquired the superintendent.
“‘Yes,’ was the operator’s reply.
“‘Is she in good running order?’
“‘I will ascertain in a moment.’
“‘Go ask Mr. Steelbrim to come here quickly,’ said the operator to a little negro who was dozing near the door.
“The little fellow rose up, shook himself, rubbed his eyes with his sleeve, gaped, and staggered up against the wall and said:
“‘Sir!’
“The order was quickly repeated, and the boy walked leisurely away. It was but a few minutes until a little dark-haired man, with long black whiskers and large expressive eyes, entered the office. His garments were covered with grease and smut, and his hands were thrust deep down in his pockets, and a don’t-care sort of expression was visible on his face.
“‘Is number seven in good running order, Mr. Steelbrim?’ inquired the operator.
“‘Apple-pie, hunkadory, O. K. – no mistake. Never nothing wrong with that old gal when under my command, you bet!’ was replied by the greasy little man as he limped across the floor, for his left leg was shorter by two inches than the other.
“‘How long before you can heat her up and be ready to make a quick run to Memphis, Mr. Steelbrim?’
“‘Do it in less than no time, sir; the old gal’s pretty hot now – just began to cool her off. She hain’t been in more’n ten minits; but what’s up?’
“‘An extra train to Memphis; a quick run – very important – no time to be lost – get ready immediately; take one coach and back down here, and the orders will be ready.’
“‘Good! The old gal can make the run in two hours, if she has a clean road and no bigger load than one coach. Glad to make the run – wanted to go to Memphis anyhow – sweetheart there – want to see her – was going to ask for leave anyway – ten minits we’ll be off like a greased streak of lightnin’!’
“The greasy little man moved away as if he meant business.
“‘Number seven is in good order – Mr. Steelbrim anxious to make the run,’ said the operator to the superintendent by wire.
“‘Start him at 8:50 with one coach. Let him make the run in 2:30 if he can. Order track to be cleared. Tell number four to take side track at Sardis. Number seven will only stop two minutes at Sardis for orders – two minutes at Hernando for same purpose – no other stop to be made.’
“As the operator repeated this order to me hope, which I thought had died within me, began to revive. A glimmering hope it was indeed, yet it was a live hope that I should once more gaze on those pretty blue eyes before death set his cold seal on them forever. I hurriedly wrote the following message, which the operator sent to Dr. Dodson:
“‘Will leave here by special train at 8:50, and arrive at depot at 11:20; have carriage at depot. Tell Lottie we are coming. For Heaven’s sake keep her alive till we come! Answer this at Sardis. Don’t fail nor lose time. Will send another telegram from Sardis.’
“By the time this dispatch had been forwarded, Mr. Steelbrim had moved his engine onto the main track, and began to back down to the depot.
“‘All right, cap; the old gal’s a-pantin’ to be off. Steam one-forty and a-risin’. What’s the orders?’
“The operator read the orders carefully; then handed the paper to Mr. Steelbrim.
“‘Good! All aboard!’ cried the greasy little man, as he leaped on the cab and seized the throttle-lever.
“‘Pile on the coal, Jim; keep her a-bilin’; time’s up in three minits; old gal’s a-champin’ her bits; but I’m the chap that’ll hold her on the rail and let her fly directly!’
“Harry and I stepped aboard and took seats opposite each other in silence. A dim lamp struggled for life in one corner of the coach, while a pale light cast a gloomy appearance over the seats.
“‘Time’s up!’ exclaimed Mr. Steelbrim, as he gave the lever a backward pull, and the engine dashed rapidly away.”
CHAPTER XXVII
Miss Kate Darlington was the only daughter of Thaddeus Darlington, a real down-eastern Yankee, who had imbibed all those unreasonable prejudices prevailing in the New England States against all citizens of the South. He had been sent South by the government to look after some defaulting revenue collectors, and after discharging that duty, he concluded to locate in Jackson, Mississippi. His daughter, Kate, had received a polished education, but she had been petted and flattered until she was pretty well spoiled. Her disposition was gentle and kind when things went smoothly, but she had a temper which often got the upper hand, and then she usually made matters rather unpleasant.
After the maskers had dispersed Miss Darlington stole away from the crowd, and took a seat behind the ladies’ cabin, in order to have what she called a day dream. A sentiment of a mysterious nature had of late been disturbing her mind – a strange feeling not altogether painful, and not entirely pleasant. A kind of joyful pain – a happy sorrow – a pleasant fear.
“What is the matter with me?” was the question she asked herself. “What sort of a pain is this that is mixed with delicious pleasure? How strange that such joy can be concealed under such misery!”
While she was thus soliloquizing the image of a man would every now and then pass across the path of her imagination. She could see the image plainer when her eyes were shut than with them open; and despite her efforts to drive it away, it would keep thrusting itself before her, sometimes in one shape, then in another, but always with the same look – the same form; that shape was the exact counterpart of the gallant sir knight of Ivanhoe.
“Yes, it is so; I am captured at last – it is love; heigh ho! there is no use to struggle any longer. What will dear papa say when he finds that I have fallen in love with a real double and twisted rebel – a man who fought through four years of bloody war against the union – a downright traitor, who brags of the part he played in the rebel army? Ah, me! how strange it is that I should fall in love with such a man! But didn’t Juliet fall in love with a son of her father’s bitterest enemy? Yes; but, alas! what a tragic ending did that love produce! Something tells me that this love will end in sorrow. But stop a moment; why should papa be Ralleigh’s enemy? Why should I not love Captain Burk? He fought for his country – he fought in self-defense – he battled for his life – his liberty – his home – his mother and his sisters. He would have been less than a man if he had refused to fight – it would have been cowardly. No, he was right and I honor him for it; I love Captain Burk; papa will love him when he knows him better. I ought to be proud that such a man as Captain Burk has honored me with his love. I am proud of it. I will reciprocate his love; and, if papa is willing, I will be the wife of what my people have misnamed a traitor. Ah, me! there is the rub. Papa will raise a great row when he knows how I love a rebel.”
Scottie then took out her handkerchief and wiped away the tears that were stealing down her cheeks.
“A gentleman is looking for you, miss,” said a chamber-maid who came through the back door and approached her.
“Who is it?”
“I believe they call him Divinghoe or Hivanhoe, or some such outlandish name.”
“Where is he?”
“He is in the front part of the saloon; he sent me to hunt you.”
“Very well; you may tell him where I am, if you wish.”
But a moment elapsed before Ivanhoe was by Scottie’s side.
“I have been looking all over the boat for you, Scottie. What induced you to hide from me?”
“I did not hide from you particularly, but I felt sad and wanted to be alone.”
“I hope you will not be so cruel as to drive me away, when you know how it pleases me to be by your side!”
“Oh, no! I have had my little day dream, and am glad you came.”
“Thank you; can we have a little chat here without being interrupted?”
“Yes, I guess so; take a seat.”
“I have made another wonderful discovery.”
“What is it?”
“We have got a counterfeit emperor aboard of this boat.”
“What do you mean?”
“The real Napoleon has slipped out of his costume, and a counterfeit has slipped in. To be plain, a stranger got aboard somewhere, and is dressed in Napoleon’s costume; and the real Napoleon has vamoosed the ranch – run away, disappeared, melted into thin air, fell overboard, become extinct, or something of the sort; anyway, the original emperor is not comeatible. Now, Scottie, I should like to know what you think of such doings?”
“I will tell you in short what I think: We are all struggling in a sea of nonsense; and I am heartily ashamed of my part of it. I wish I were at my father’s house – that I do; and if things don’t change pretty soon I shall set my sails in that direction. Napoleon is not the only one who has been playing tricks on this boat. Captain Quitman ought not to permit such doings.”
“How did you get possession of the information?”
“I had had many conversations with the original Navarre; one subject in particular had been frequently discussed between us. A while ago I walked up and took Navarre’s arm and began to talk about the special subject. He was startled when I took his arm; and I could feel his body trembling. After I had gone on talking for about five minutes he gave a grunt like a wild hog and abruptly walked away, leaving me thunderstruck with astonishment; I then discovered that he was not the real Navarre.”
“Now, Scottie, if I had been present when that scamp had the impudence to grunt at you, I think I should have broken his head with my cane.”
“I am very glad, then, you were not present, because I am on Grant’s platform – Let us have peace.”
“Peace is a very good thing in its proper place; but I feel very much inclined to get up a row here. I think I shall commit some sort of mischief if these things don’t change very soon. The fact is, we may look out for squalls – some sort of deviltry is brewing aboard of this boat certain.”
“I am of that opinion, myself; but I think we had better have nothing to do with it.”
“That woman in the black domino keeps me on the rack all the time; and I would not be at all surprised if it should turn out that she is at the bottom of all this mysterious game.”
“Suppose we change the subject and let the black domino and her co-conspirators work out their own schemes.”
“Very good. What shall we talk about?”
“Oh, anything for a change.”
“What book is that you hold in your hand?”
“Paradise Lost.”
“I would rather see Paradise found; but how do you like Milton?”
“Too much imagination and not enough sentiment. Such extravagant ideas! Just think of his description of the war in Heaven. He says they plucked up great mountains by the roots and threw them at each other’s heads. Now I think that is a little too extravagant.”
“If you like sentiment, you admire Tom Moore.”
“Ah! you are right as to that. Give me Moore and Burns above all others. I often steal away when at home and weep over the sweet sentimental songs of those favorite poets.”
“Shakespeare is my poet. Speaking of sentiment, it gushes up on every page, and streams from every line. Rosalind, Imogene, Juliet, Romeo, Orlando and Hamlet – all are made to utter the most soul-stirring, heart-melting sentiment. But enough about poetry; take my arm and let us go on deck and enjoy the scenery.”
As soon as they reached the upper deck, George III. came up with a look of mystery on his countenance.
“Good morning. I was wanting to speak a few words with you. Perhaps you have heard of my great mishap?”
“No! what is it?”
“My watch was stolen from my pocket within the last thirty minutes.”
“Ah, ha!” exclaimed Scottie, “I told you so. The whirlwind has started, and a tornado will wind up the scene.”
“Have you any idea who was the thief?”
“Yes; but my suspicions may not be well founded.”
“May I know whom you suspect?” inquired Ivanhoe.
“Yes, provided you will promise not to mention it to any one.”
“Good! I promise, of course.”
“So do I,” said Scottie.
“My suspicions point to that man who appears in Napoleon’s dress and mask; though he is a newcomer.”
“Why not make the charge boldly, and demand the right to make a search for the watch?” said Ivanhoe.
“Let us wait and watch him, for he is bent on mischief, and we will catch him in the act of picking some man’s pocket.”
“I beg pardon, gentlemen,” said an old man with long, white whiskers, as he bowed very low to Ivanhoe and George III. He was the same gentleman who had been so often seen with the lady in the black domino leaning on his arm. “I have a communication to make which I consider of some importance. The fact is, matters are becoming somewhat complicated on this boat; and if I might be so bold as to offer advice, I should say that it is high time for all these young people to lay aside their masks. Wolves have managed to get into the flock; and mischief will be done if matters go on in this way much longer. A lady aboard of this boat, whose name I am not at liberty to mention, has made a startling disclosure to me, which portends some dire mischief. The fact is, I am constrained to believe, from what she told, that murder is contemplated.”
“May we know the particulars?”
“Of course, yes; that is the very matter I wish to communicate. If you will be so good as to request Ingomar to join us, I would be much obliged, as I think he ought to hear what I have to say.”
Ivanhoe went after Ingomar, and soon returned accompanied by him.
“The young lady to whose sagacity I am indebted for the important information which I am about to communicate has a history – yes, a very strange history, full of queer incidents such as you see in novels. The young lady to whom I refer is the one in the black domino. You have often seen her leaning on my arm, gentlemen. She is a most elegant young lady, of remarkable beauty and superior intellect, whose protector I have the honor to be at this time. A combination of sad circumstances – unfortunate events, I might say – have clouded her young life. You may perhaps have noticed that she has not participated in any of the amusements in which the young people have been indulging on this boat. If I were at liberty to reveal the secrets of her unhappy life, I could unfold a most distressing story; but that is a sealed book, so far as we are concerned. You have probably noticed a disposition on the part of this young lady to wander about alone, seeking solitude, where she could give free vent to her grief, and let her tears flow unnoticed by the unsympathizing crowd. Well, I did not approve of this course, but was unable to prevent it; and perhaps, after all, it was fortunate that I did not stop it, for it was during one of these solitary rambles that the information which I am going to communicate was obtained. She had concealed herself on the larboard side of the boat just in front of the wheel-house, and behind a stack of furniture, where she could meditate alone, when two men came out and stood on the other side and held a consultation in very low tones. She could not hear every word that was said, but what she did hear was of a most startling character. As soon as the two men stepped into the saloon the young lady came and immediately imparted to me what she had heard. To say I was surprised would not convey the full meaning of what I felt. The fact is, I was shocked, startled, paralyzed with astonishment! Yes, gentlemen, it is most wonderful – I might say diabolical. I can repeat, word for word, all that the young lady heard, which I mean to do. It was unfortunate, however, that she did not see the two men – that is, she did not get a full view of them; but she saw the head and shoulders of one of the men as he passed through the door, and she thinks she knows who he is; but for fear that she might be mistaken as to that, she requested me not to mention the name of the man she suspects, which request I, of course, must respect. Now here is the conversation verbatim, as it was related to me by this unfortunate young lady:
“‘He is the man, beyond question,’ said the first speaker.
“‘Yes, that’s certain,’ replied number two.
“‘He has lots of greenbacks,’ says number one.
“‘We must have his money and his life, too. We must first get his money, and then settle the other matter.’
“‘Do you know how much money he has?’
“‘No; but it is way up in the thousands – and I think I may say tens of thousands.’
“‘Good; That’s lucky; but have you matured any plan to crib the game?’
“‘Yes.’
“Then they began to talk in a whisper, and the young lady could not hear all that was said; but ever and anon she could catch a word such as ‘Throttle him – chuck him overboard – dead men keep secrets – revenge – old grudge – he ruined me – money good – revenge better – could steal his money – but rather have his life.’ Then they whispered for a long time in tones so low that the young lady could not hear what was said. Now, gentlemen, I guess you will indorse me when I say it is diabolical. Who is to be the victim? who is to be chucked overboard? That is the question, gentlemen. It may be you, or you, or you, or it may be me. What’s to be done? That’s the question I put; shall we sit still and wait for the catastrophe; or shall we go to work and prevent it?”
“I can answer for one,” said Scottie, in a tone of firmness, as she rose from her seat: “I shall leave this boat as soon as we reach Vicksburg, and make my way to my father’s house at Jackson, Mississippi; I wash my hands of this nonsense.”
“If Scottie leaves the boat at Vicksburg,” observed Ivanhoe, “I am inclined to the opinion that another passenger will feel it his duty to fall back, too.”