Part 45 (1/2)

After he was able to leave his bed, he accepted the pressing invitation of Mr. Campbell, and was removed to the residence of that gentleman, where he would be more quiet, and where he could receive that care and attention which could not be afforded him in a hotel. The kindness of Mr. Campbell and his family was heartfelt and unceasing. They did everything in their power to make him comfortable, and their courtesy to Mrs. Lawton was as marked and genuine, as was their regard and care for Timothy Webster.

Webster had been domiciled at the house of Mr. Campbell but two days, when one of Winder's men came to know if Webster was sufficiently recovered to go out, as his presence was imperatively demanded at the court room, as a witness in the trial of John Scully. The officer further stated that the evidence of Webster had been solicited by Scully himself. Finding him unable still to leave the house, the officer stated that arrangements would be made by which his testimony could be taken in his room. On the second day after the appearance of the officer, the court-martial adjourned to Campbell's house, and Scully accompanied them. Seating themselves around the bedside of the invalid, the court was formally opened, and Webster was requested to state what he knew of the antecedents of the accused.

Though very weak, and speaking with considerable difficulty, Webster made his statement. He said that he had known John Scully from April, 1861, to the time of his arrest. That the prisoner was in Baltimore when he first met him, and was always in the company of known secessionists, and was considered by them to be a good friend to the South. So far as he had any knowledge of the accused he was what he a.s.sumed to be, and that his appearance in Richmond was a surprise to him. He was not known to be in the employ of the government, and Webster had never met him under any circ.u.mstances which would indicate that fact.

This was all that he could say, and although closely questioned by the president of the court, and the attorneys present, he insisted that his knowledge of John Scully was confined to what he had already stated.

Finding it impossible to obtain any further information upon this subject from the sick man, the court, in a body, left the room, and departed from the house.

Mrs. Lawton, who had been compelled to retire on the entrance of the Confederate authorities, and who had been in a wild state of excitement and apprehension during their visit, instantly repaired to Webster's room. When she entered the chamber, she found that the brave man, after the exciting experiences through which he had been compelled to pa.s.s, had fainted. His strength of will, which had supported him through the investigation, had given way, and he lay, limp and inanimate, upon the bed.

Several days of anxiety and solicitude now pa.s.sed. Unable to learn any tidings of his unfortunate comrades, Webster tortured himself with all manner of vague fears and doubts as to their probable fate, all of which had their effect in r.e.t.a.r.ding his recovery, and keeping him confined to his room.

At last, after days of weary and anxious waiting, the newspapers were brought in one morning, and the information of the conviction of Lewis and Scully was duly chronicled. The same paper also announced the day upon which their death was so speedily to follow. This filled the cup of Webster's misery to overflowing, and, sinking upon a chair, he wept like a child. Refusing to be comforted, although Mrs. Lawton exerted herself to the utmost, Webster paced the room, half frantic with his grief, at the horrible fate which had overtaken his friends.

Slowly the day pa.s.sed, and when the shadows of evening were falling Webster was at last induced to lie down, and attempt to s.n.a.t.c.h a few hours sleep. He was soon slumbering quietly, although ever and anon he would start nervously and utter an inarticulate moan, as though his mind was still troubled with the sad events of the day. While he lay thus, attended by Mrs. Lawton, Mr. Campbell suddenly entered the room, with a look of fear upon his face, which filled Mrs. Lawton with alarm.

”What is the matter?” she hurriedly e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed.

”One of Winder's men is below, and I fear his presence indicates misfortune for Webster,” was the reply.

”Who is it?”

”Cashmeyer,” answered Mr. Campbell. ”He inquired for Webster, and says he must see him at once.”

Webster, disturbed by this conversation, was awake in an instant and inquired what was wanted.

”Cashmeyer has called, and wishes to see you,” said Mr. Campbell.

”Let him come up at once,” replied Webster, in the hope that he might bring some tidings of Lewis and Scully.

Mr. Campbell departed, and in a few moments returned with the Confederate officer. Cashmeyer's salutation was cold and formal, and without any preliminary he addressed Webster.

”I have a painful duty to perform, Mr. Webster. I am directed by General Winder to arrest you, and convey you at once to Castle G.o.dwin.”

As he spoke, two soldiers appeared at the doorway.

”You cannot wish to take him away in this condition, and at this hour of the night,” said Mrs. Lawton. ”Such an action would be his death, and would be the worst of inhumanity.”

Webster stood silent and unmoved. He did not utter a word, but gazed fixedly at the officer, whose visits heretofore had been those of sympathy and condolence.

”I cannot help it,” said Cashmeyer, ”my orders are to take him dead, or alive, and those orders I must obey.”

”Then,” said Mrs. Lawton, ”I will go too. He needs care and attention, without it he will die, and no one can nurse him so well as I.”

Cashmeyer gazed at the brave little woman for a moment, and a shade of pity came over his face.

”I am sorry to inform you, that my orders are to arrest you also, and to search your trunks.”

”This is infamous,” exclaimed Webster; ”what can Winder mean by arresting this woman, and what am I charged with that renders your orders necessary?”