Part 1 (1/2)
An Undivided Union.
by Oliver Optic and Edward Stratemeyer.
PREFACE
”AN UNDIVIDED UNION” is the sixth and last volume of the ”Blue and Gray--On Land” series. Like its predecessors it relates the adventures of the Riverlawn Cavalry, a Union regiment, raised in Kentucky, and partic.i.p.ating in the daring campaigns undertaken by the Army of the c.u.mberland. The fifth volume of the series left the regiment at Murfreesboro, after most gallant service performed at the battle of Stone River; in the present book is given an account of the operations around Murfreesboro, before Tullahoma, and through the b.l.o.o.d.y battles of Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, and other contests leading up to Sherman's famous March to the Sea.
As in the other stories of this series, Deck Lyon has again come to the front as a daring hero, but his achievements are closely seconded by his foster brother, Artie, and by the firm friend of the two, Captain Life Knox. If Deck does some smart things, it must be remembered that he was a smart young man or he would not have risen to be senior major, first battalion, of the Riverlawns. Besides this, the major still had with him his famous charger, Ceph, a steed with almost human intelligence on certain points, and one that had helped him to escape from many a perilous position.
In the completion of this work some thirty authorities have been consulted, including the Government Records, records of the Army of the c.u.mberland, and biographies of the princ.i.p.al generals on both sides who took part in the various operations. Thus the book has been made, from an historical standpoint, as accurate as possible. It may be that errors have crept in, but if so it is hoped that they will not be of sufficient importance to mar the general usefulness of the volume, outside of its value as a bit of fiction.
AN UNDIVIDED UNION
CHAPTER I
A CALL FOR a.s.sISTANCE
”How many miles have we still to go, Deck?”
”Not over seven by this road, Artie,” replied Major Deck Lyon, commanding the first battalion, Riverlawn Cavalry, of Kentucky. ”I should think the surroundings would begin to look familiar to you, even if we have been away from home for some time.”
”I never frequented this road,” exclaimed Captain Artie Lyon, commanding the fourth company of the Riverlawns. ”Doesn't it run into that cut where you saved Kate Belthorpe and the rest of her party from that gang of so-styled 'Home Guard' ruffians?”
”I believe it does,” was the slow response, and Major Dexter Lyon blushed; for although the incident referred to had occurred many months before, it was still fresh in his mind, as were also the beautiful face and bewitching eyes of the maiden. The young major was but nineteen years of age, and it could hardly be said that he was in love, yet a warm attachment had sprung up between these two people. ”Does your wound trouble you in riding, Artie?” he went on, to change the subject, and thus prevent his cousin from teasing him in his most susceptible spot.
”Not enough to count.” Artie paused to urge his lagging horse ahead. ”I wonder if any of Morgan's desperadoes are in this neighborhood. I understood from what Captain Ripley said that they were trying to overrun the whole State. It's a pity we haven't more of such first-cla.s.s sharpshooters around as he commands.”
”What's the matter with Life Knox's tall boys, Artie? I reckon they can shoot about as well as any of Ripley's men, even though they are not as well drilled. If I know anything about it, Life is a whole host in himself.”
”Oh, I agree with you there, Deck.” There was another pause as the pair of hors.e.m.e.n swung around a heavily wooded bend. ”What a pity father couldn't get a furlough to come home with us. I don't believe he would have been missed, when the main body of the Department of the c.u.mberland is doing nothing but keeping an eye on Bragg. Mother and the girls would have been delighted to see--Hullo, if there isn't Levi Bedford coming this way--and with half a dozen of the boys! Something is up, sure!”
As Captain Artie broke off, a tall, heavy-set man, mounted on a coal-black horse, burst into view, riding at a high rate of speed.
Behind the man came six stout negroes; and all of the party carried guns, and the white man a pistol in addition.
”Hi, Levi!” yelled Major Deck, as soon as the party of seven came within hailing distance.
”Deck!” burst out the overseer of Riverlawn. ”And Artie, by all that's fortunate!”
”De young mars'rs!” came from several of the colored men. ”Proud to see yo', Mars'r Dexter, an' Mars'r Artie!”
At this Deck and Artie smiled on the slaves. Deck shook hands with Levi Bedford, and Artie followed suit. ”Is there any special reason for this meeting being fortunate, Levi?” questioned the major, anxiously.
”I think so,” was the hasty answer. ”Less than two hours ago, and just after I had made the rounds at Riverlawn, to make sure that everything was all right, and no marauders in sight, I received this note.” And the overseer pa.s.sed over a small sheet of note-paper, upon which a few lines were written in pencil, in a small hand.
”DEAR MR. BEDFORD: If you can, come to our a.s.sistance at once.