r '
r
Trapping a Spy.
nv M. QUAD
TIIIE next morning I held a consultation
J. with my chief and others, and learned
that my man had disappeared in a quarter
of the city where resided several families
' strongly Biiripccted of aiding tho Confeder
ates by collecting and sending ' them infor
mation. This was something of a cluo to
aid me in finding him again, as ho would
naturally be in collusion with the suspected
families. If I did not again encounter him
at tho hotels or cafes, 1 must haunt tha
suspected neighborhood until catching hiin
going or coming. Not believing that ho
would connect "the captain" with the noto
of warning, I did not chango my disguise
again for two or three days.
1 called at tho hotels, went to tho the
atres, dropped in nt saloons, visited several
gambling dens, and at the end of tho third
day had failed to flud him. This convinc
ed mo that ho was "keeping dark," and
had adopted some other method of securing
knowledge. Thinking ho might avoid the
military, 1 resumed my citizen's dress, and
as a last chango had a " clean shave," ro-
1 moved the court-plaster, and came out as a
young man with plenty of money and little
to do. In this capacity, I visited tho de
partment offices, the capitol, all tho places
of amusement, and strolled up, and down,
and around, and used up three days more
without again catching sight of my man.
1 had almost como to the conclusion that
he had left the city, when I found him. I
was within a block of where I had fallen
over tho negro's cart, and it was tho mid
dle of tho afternoon, when I concluded to
tako a lunch, and hurried into tho first
place I could see which had a sign out. It
proved to be a very popular resort of idlers,
as well as hungry people. Tho room was
well filled with uimy men and citizens;
waiters wero passing around with stews
and wiue,and the propiietors were evident
ly doing a good business. I sat down at
tho only vacant table, took up a paper and
waited for somo ono to serve mo. When
the waiter came, I said "oysters," without
raising my eyes from tho paper, and could
not have told whether lie was black or
white.
When the man camo back with tho dish,
ho tripped over ono of my fcot, aud
although bo placed tho dish on the table
without having spilled its contents, the
spoon was shaken out and dropped under
the table. He stooped down to pick it up,
. and my eyes left tho paper to see a mole
below the right carl llo was gone after
another spoon before I had drawn two
breaths, but I was then just as sure that I
had found my spy as I was tho night I saw
him searched in tho Old Capital Prison.
I There was hardly a chance that ho would
recognize me in my new role, and so when
he camo back I had a good look at hiin.
There could be no mistake. He had an
apron on.his jewelry was gono, his auburn
mustache had boon to the barber's for a
chango to black, but his face was tho face
of a spy, and the mole was there as a
clincher. The warning had only served
to render him a littlo more prudent. lie
had deserted the hotels, and taken a place
in the service of a citizen who was no doubt
in the " ring," thinking in this way to
baffle further efforts to hunt him down.
Looking around the room and listening a
momeut to the conversation, I was con
vinced that my man had lost nothing by
the chango. There were a dozen'captains
and colonels in the place.all talking in loud
tones, and all any one need do to secure in
formation was to listen.' Borne of them
were wagering that the army would move
in a month, some were talking of peace,
others hinted that a great cavalry raid was
about to come 0(1', and each one seemed ax
ious to tell all he knew, and a great deal
more.
Looking from Bpy to spy, I saw that
each one was a close listener. I sat bo that
I could see behind his bar, and during a
moment when lie had no customer, I saw
him making pencil marks on a card in a
sly manner. One of tho officers had just
blurted out that thirty thousand volunteer
troops were expected to arrive in Washing
ton during tho first week in March, and I
believo that the bar-tender joted down the
statement. If I had gone over to the offi
cer and reproached him with being impru
dent or 'criminally reckless, the chances
were that I would have been knocked down
for what be aud his brothor officers would
" have termed my "d d Impudence." Bo
I watched.
During the half hour required for me to
eat my stew and drink a glass of beer, I
saw enough to convince me that I had
stumbled on the head quarters of the
Washington secessionists. Having found
them, how was I to go to work to
break up the rascals? I might have them
arrested, but bow about the proofs? ' If I
could trip up my old " Captain Elliott,"
there was hope that some hold could be
had on the others; and so I began planning
, , as I sat there, Idling up to the bar at last,
I purchased a cigar, and Inquired of the
' man if be knew of a place where I could
secure board. ' .
"Are you a stranger in . Washington ?"
ha Inquired hy way of reply.
"Yes, quite so," I .spiled. "I have
only been here a short time (a fact), and
do not like my present place. I should
like to get Into a privato family."
Ho asked my business, hnd when I told
him that I was connected with the War
Department (another fact), I thought his
manner underwont a chango. Ho lighted a
cigar, motioned mo to a scat, and suddonly
grew quite tnlkBtive. '
" I don't know hut what I can recom
mend you ti nice llace," he remarked ; a
privato family of fivo or six, with two as
handsomo daughters as you over looked
at." ., - . . . .....
" I guess that'll do," I replied. " All I
want is a quiet place. I am so infernally
drove with business, in business hours, that
I want peace outsido of hours. Times aro
very exciting now, as tho army is to make
a big move soon."
"Is that so 1" ho ejaculated, his faco ex
hibiting his surprise " What sort of a
move will it be?"
" I can't tell for three or four days yot,
but will know then, as I make it a point to
keep closely posted on all military and naval
matters."
The man was perfectly delighted. I was
just tho pigeon bo had been looking for.
lie regretted that a business engagement
called mo away, but told mo that if I would
drop around at tho same hour next day, ho
would have everything flxod for my instal
lation into the comforts of a privato house
hold. I went out of the saloon, feeling that
I had spread a not that would envelop tho
entire gang, known and unkuown, at the
proper time, if I only played my card
skillfully.
Calling upon the chiof, I gave him a full
report, and was again told to go ahead and
work up tho matter os I thought best, do-
nendinc on me for anythinir you want. Ho
had heard nothing in regard to tho char
acter of tho cafe, but my story convinc
ed him that it was a headquarter place
for gathering information. .both or us
wore morally certain that tho bartendor was
about to secure me board in one of tho sus
pected families, that they might havo a
handy source of information, and he gave
mo somo valnablo hints about my conduct
and tho report which I was to concoct in
regard to army movements.
If possible, ho desired mo to sei
knowledgo of every disloyal family in the
city, and collect proofs enough to warrant
the arrest of all the prominent ones.
In the aftornoon, about tho same hour as
beforo, I sauntered into tho cafo, and re
ceived a cordial greeting from Payton, the
bar-tender. As soon as ho got a moment
to spare, he informed me that he had made
all arrangements for a placo in the family
spoken of tho one with tho two handsome
daughters; I was to go around with him
right away and perfect arrangements. Ho
further informed me that ho was a boarder
at tho samo house, as was also " Captain
Elliott," the spy with tho mole. He did
not mention his name as Captain Elliott,
simply giving the name without the titlo,
Nothing could suit me better than the way
lie had arranged matters, and so we walked
arouud to tho house together. There are
new tenants there now, and tho reader will
please excuse mo for not being exact as to
the location.
Going into the bouse, which was a com
furtablo brick residence, I was introduced
to the mistress as " M. Warner, that clerk
in the War Department whom I spoke of."
It is not the rulo,I believe, for landladies to
shake hands with prospective boarders, ask
after their health, and smile winsome
smiles; but my landlady was an exception,
It is a rulo, I believe, for landladies to set
a price for board, to point out rooms and
declare them the best in the city, and all
that; and here my landlady . was another
exception. Not a word was said about
money, and I found my room all that could
be desired. She was a widow, she said,hor
" lamented" having boon dead many years,
She had two daughters, Celia and Orphia,
but both were away from heme just then.
JNot a word was . said about tno war, no
questions were asked mo, and in an hour
I had taken full possession ,of my room.
At supper, the widow, Payton, . Elliott
and myself were the only ones present, as
was the case during several succeeding
meals.
At length, in a day or two, we began to
get somewhat acquainted, and then I began
to seo signs of the net which was to envelop
me. The man and tho lady commenced
talking about the war, asking after news,
and seemed very dosirlous of learning all
that was going on. 1 was prepared for
them, and when I now look back and le
member some of my statements, I can only
wonder that they did not either believe me
a great liar or fathom my intentions to trap
them. I hinted at hundreds of thousands
of new troops, of lmmenso purchases of
war material in Europe, of contemplated
raids, of great naval movements, every as
sertion made was received as gospel truth
And why not? ' I was a " confidential clerk
in the War Department," and who should
know better than I ?
' For a day or two, I wondered some one
of the three did not make notes of the con-
versation for the benefit of the Confeder
acy, and then the query was answered
There was a veranda running along ' the
rear end of the house, the floor ou a level
with the sills of the seooud story windows.
and It was my practice to take a seat on the
veranda every evening aftor five o'clock,
sin ok o a cigar, and look over the daily pa
pers, i ne two men always returned to
the cafo, but the widow frequently occu
pied a chair near me. .
Ono evening, when I wasiialf an hour
late in taking my seat, I found her chair
vacant of everything except a memoran
dum book. I could discover nothing of
the widow, and it f was but tho work of a
moment -pocket tho ' memorandum- 'and
return to my room. There ore readers
who will feel contempt for mo after this
statement, but with that I have nothing to
do. I admitted at tho start that I was a
spy, and am making these articles mere
st atements of facts. Spies may have honor
in their actions or may not circumstances
have a great deal to do with this. Porliaps
my offence was no greater than the offence
of her who had bcun making notes of my
news.
About twenty pages of the little book had
been writton over, and as I havo it before
mo now, I make the following extracts; ,
" jAKUARt 10th. Sent letters to flvo of
our friends to-day. Sent them by tho same
friend as before. The information will en
able our folks to thwart tho movements, I
hope.
January 20th. Sent two more letters
to-day, full of valuable information. Two
of our spies left to-day, having inclined
suspicion. We have, however, a number
left, who aro securing an tno news auoat,
'January 23d. Elliott has been warn
ed away, but will not go. Ho will change
his programme. Colia ond Orphia left to
day to carry tho letters 'through. They
will have no trouble in reaching Contorvillo.
Mr. Btevens brouuht us several letters to
day. Our peoplo aro sanguine of victory
when spring opens."
Soniolhing had been written almost every
dav. and turninc over tho leaves, I found
this entry:
"January 20th. A clerk in tho War
Department is coming hero to-morrow as a
Imardcr. Mr Pavton thinks we will be
ablo to get much valuable news from him."
Thore wero figures and jottings on other
leaves, to show that tho woman had taken
my exaggerated statements for the foun
dation of several letters which sho had dis
patched through to the Confederates. In
fact, during the two hours in which I look
ed tho book over before locking it up, 1
I learned more of the Confederate spy sys
tem in Washington than I ever know be
fore. The book itself was proof enough to
warrant the arrest of tho wholo party, but
I determined to wait a whilo longer. 1
wanted to catch a dozen others, if possible.
As stated in the book, it was nn easy
matter for the young ladies to pass through
tho lines to Centcrvillc. All they had to
do was to secure a pass, a very easy matter
in those days for any resident of Washing
ton, who would affirm that they had friends
beyond the lines. It was also easy enough
for any of tho farmers or milkmen to act
asmail carriers. Acting on this assump
tion, I determined to watch tho milkman a
littlo. I had seen him enter tho houso two
or three times, had once detected tho widow
holding a confidential conversation with
him, and I made up my mind that ho was
the "Mr. Stevens" mentioned in the book
ne camo evory morning about eight
o'clock. We had breakfast at nine, and as
near as I could learn, tho widow was never
out of bed until half past eight. If he left
any letters, he must leave them with the
servant girl, or on the hall table
The next morning I was at the head of
the hall stairs when the man rang the bell
In a moment moro the girl went to the
door, pail in hand. ' Three minutes after,
sho came back, and I saw a small package
in her band, blie turned it over two or
three times, seemed as if she would like to
open it, and then stooped down and hid it
under the hall-tree, and went off to the
kitchen. In loss than a minute I bad
slipped down, secured the package, and
was back in my room. As expected, tho
package was a bundle of letters, seven In
all, and each one written by some one in the
Confederate army, or by a secession citizen
beyond the lines. They spoke of receiving
information from the lady and her spies,
mentioned tho arrival of tho daughters,aud
one writer advised tho lady to be prudent
and discreet, and collect all the informa
tion possible. ' i
It was certain that tho book and the let
ters would be missed, and I did not know
but that I might bo suspected. I
therefore lato at breakfast that morning,
the men having gone away before I entered
the dining-room. One glance at tho lady
assured me of her trouble. She was pal
and nervous, but her conversation did .not
imply a suspicion of my actions. Sho said
nothing however about the book and let
ters, but I could see her troubled mind In
her every action. Strolling about that
forenoon, I encountered the servant girl,
who told me that the hall had been robbed
that morning, and that the had been dis
charged for her carelessness in leaving the
door unlocked. Knowing more about the
"robbery" than she or her mistress, I gave
the girl money to pay her fare to Baltimore,
where she had relatives. ' 1 "'
At dinner-time, in order to avoid suspl-
olon, I concocted the most exaggerated
story that I had yet dared to tell. ' It was
Pobrurary, and I told thuithat the army
would move in less than two weeks, while
fleet of fifty vessels wa fitting out for
start within five day. " New troop were
on their way to Washington from half a
dozen Northorn States, and I "heaped up"
the story, until all of them were in a tromor
of excitement. I was a littlo impatient to
wind up my task, and was determined to
urgo on matters so that I could spring the
trap. I was pretty positive that the milk
man would havo information to carry to
his friends next, and I must effect his cap
ture. I had learned that ho lived out on
Fairfax Road, beyond ohr picket lino, and
was permitted to continue bis business bo
causo he had voluntarily taken the oath
of allegiance to the government, and was
known to tho army hs a Uifion man whoso
property must not suffer from raiders.
Going to tho chiefs offico, I mado a re
port of my actions and stated my intention
to capture Stevens. I was offered evory
assistance, but nuked for ' nothing except
a horso, being quite sure that I could trap
tho mail-carrier alono. Taking tho horso
to a livery stablo near to Long Bridge, I
left orders to havo him saddled at eight
o'clock tho next morning, aiid that was all
tho preparation necessary. At tea-time I
had very littlo to relate, stating that I Bhould
bo ablo to give them great news on tho
third day after. I made a hasty meal, and
took care not to return in tho evening until
all in the house were asleep. Fearing that
might overselecp myself, I remained
awake all night, and was at tho head of the
stairs when tho milkman came. The lady
was waiting for him this time, and after
she had called him insido and shut the
door. I saw her hand him a packet of let
ters. Ho unbuttoned his shirt, dropped
tho parcel into his bosom, and then made bis
departure.
Everything had worked as I anticipated,
and now to catch him. Without stopping
to eat breakfast, and leaving tho house
without attracting the attention of any one,
I hurried to tho stable, mounted my horso,
and then rodo to the picket-lino and be
yond, having a pass which would tako mo
through the lines of the army at any point,
It was perhaps ton o clock beforo I saw
Stevens coming back. His horso was jog
ging along, his wagon rattling,and tho man
himself was tho last ono to be suspected.
"Hold on a miuuto, Mr. Stevens 1"
commanded, as his vehicle came opposite
my position.
He hauled up suddenly, looked at me in
great surprise, and then asked what I
wanted.
" I want you, sir 1" I replied, going close
up to the cart. " I arrest you for a spy, or
the next thing to it for being a Confeder
ate mail-carrier 1"
I reached out my hand and laid it on his
his leg as I spoke tho words, being right
behind the wheels of tho wagon. Ho seem
ed to comprehend tho situation in an in
stant. Looking all around, and seeing us
only, he made a movement with his hand;
I beard the click of a pistol, and tho next
instant a blaze of fire shot into my face,
the hoise jumped and I was knocked down
and run over. 1
It was a minute or two before I found
out whether I was dead or alive. The ball
from his pistol had missed my head, and
the wheel had only bruised me. I felt no
pain, owing to the excitement, and sprang
to see him lashing his horse into a free gal
lop. In a momont more I was mounted
and in pursuit.
CONCLUDED NEXT WEEK.
Couldn't Prink Wine.
That was a noble youth who, on being
urged to take wine at the table of a famous
statesman in Washington, had the moral
courage to refuse. He was a poor young
roan, just beginning the struggle of life,
He brought letters to the great statesman,
who kindly Invited him home to dinner.
"Not take a glass of wine ?" echoed tho
statesman's beautiful and fascinating wife,
as she arose, glass in hand, "and with a
grace that would have charmed an anchor
ite, endeavored to press it upon him.
"No," said the heroio youth, resolutely.
gently repelling the profFurori glass.
What a picture or moral grandeur was
that 1 , A poor friendless youth refusing
wino at tho table of a wealthy, famous
statesman, even though proffered by th
fair hands of a beautiful lady.
1
"No," said the noble young man, and
his voice trembled and his cheek flushed
" I never drink wino, but (here ho straight
ened himself up aud his words grew firmer)
if you've got a littlo good old 170 whiskey,
I don't mind trying a snifter !" , .
' tW Up in a Pennsylvania town, they had
many years ago a bank that was seized with
a prevailing epidemic. The premonitory
symptoms, in the form of a run,alarmed the
officers, and they saw the bills 00m big in
and the silver and gold flowing out. Pat
camo in with the rest, aud pulling out
three ten-dollar bills, begged the favor of
three gold eagles for the same. The Pies
ident of the bank was standing by, and
said to Pat. .. .
" Why, those bills are better than the
pecio." ' '.1 1. . ..1. .. I
' Be sure I and, by Jabers, ft was wanton
you to have the best, my darlin', that I
tiouh 'uua to yer'sv" ' :,V. -i-n.'' 1 I
' And taking: the gold he walked away,
quite content with letting the bank have
the raga. o -'ii -;i ( ' , ... . 1.1, ;. !(. ..., 1
PEltltT . COUNTY y
Ileal Estate. 'Insurance,
.- . . , ASU y '
AGKNCY. ,
LEWIS ' POTTEE & CO., , ...
Iteal Kntate Broken, Insurance, fc Claim Agent
IVew, JMoomlielcl, Pa. ,
"YTTEINVITK the attention of buyers and sell
TV ers to the advantages wo oiler tliein 111 pur
chasing or disposing of real estate through our of-
uce.
we have a very laree list of dcslrab nronertv.
consisting of farms, town property, mills, store
and tavern stands, ami real estate of any deserlp.
tlon which we are prepared to offer at great bar-
F;alns.' We advertise our property very extensive
y, and use all our efforts, skill, and diligence to
ellecta sale. We make no charges unless the
property Is sold while registered with ns. We also
draw up deeds, bonds, mortgages, andall legal pa
pers at moderate rates.
nome oi ine uesr,, cneapest, ana most rename
Are, life", and cattle Insurance companies In the
United States are represented at this agency.
Property insured elllier on the cash or mutual
plan, and perpetually at M and 85 Per thousand.
reunions, bounties, aud nil kinds of war claims
collected. There are thousands of soldiers and
heirs of soldiers who are entitled to pensions and
bounty, who have never mado application. Sol
diers, if you were wounded, ruptured, orcontract
ed a disease In the service from which you are dis
abled, you are entitled to a pension.
vvnen wmowsoi soldiers die or marry.tho minor
Children aro entitled to the pension.
Parties having any business to transact In our
line, are respeot fully Invited to give us a call, as
we are comment we can render sallsiaotlon in any
branch of our business.
-No charge for Information.
4 Holy ,,. , LEWIS 1'OTTEB fit CO.
ST. ELMO HOTEL,
(FORMERLY "TUB UNION,")
JOS. M. FEGER, . . Proprietor,
17 & 819 ARCH STREET,
PHILADELPHIA.
Terms,
$2.50 Per Day.
THE ST. ELMO Is centrally located and has
been re-lltted and refurnished, so that It will
be found as comfortable and pleasant a stopping
place as there is In l'liiladclplna. 6 21)
Xeiv Millinery Goods
A.t Newport, I?n.
I BKCl to Inform the public that I have Just re
turned from Philadelphia, with a ful assort
ment of the latest styles of
MILLINERY OOOD3,
HATS AND BONNETS,
RIUUONS, FRENCH FLOWERS
FEATHERS,
CHIGNONS,
LACE CAPES,
.NOTIONS,
And all articles usually found In a ilrst-class Mil
linery Establishment. All orders promptly at
tended to. -We will sell all goods as Cheap as
can be got elsewhere.
DRESS MAKING done to order and In the la
test, style, as 1 get the latest Fashions from New
York every month. Goffering done to order, in
all widths. I will warrant all my work to give sat
isfaction. All work done as low as possible.
. ANNIE ICKES,
Cherry Street, near the Station,
5 16 13 Newport, Fa.
Farmers Take Notice.
T
HE subscriber offers for Sale
THRESHING MACHINES. JACKS and HORSE
POWER, , . ,
With Tumbling Shaft, and Side-Gearing, Warrant
ed to give satisfaction In speedy and perfect
threshing, light draft and durability, ou reasona
ble terms. Also
PLOUGHS
Of Superior Make. :
CORN SHELLKltS,"
KETTLES,
- STOVES,
SCOOPS
AND ALL CASTINGS,
made at a country Foundry. Also,
A GOOD MILL SCREW,
in excellent order, for sale at a low rate.
I rerer those wishing to buy to John Adams,
Samuel Shuman, John linden, Koss Hench, at
Ickesburg. Jacob Shoemaker Hi Son, Klllotts
burgi Thomas Morrow, l.oysville) John Flicklng
er, Jacob Flickinger, Centre. 62UW
SAMUEL LIGGETT.
Ickesburg, May 14. 1872.
CARLISLE CARRIAGE FACTORY.
A. 1$. S1IE11K
has a large lot ol second-hand work on riXJSJL,
hand, which he will sell cheap 111 order a2da
to make room for new work, . ,
FOR TIIE SPRING TRADE.
1 1 He has. also, the best lot of
NEW WORK ON HAND.
You can always see different styles. The mnterlal
Is not in question any more, fur it is the best used.
If you want satisfaction in style, quality and
price, go to Uils shop before purchasing elsewhere.
There Ts no II rm that hits a better Trade, or sells
more la Cumberland and Perry counties.
REPAIRING AND PAINTING
promptly attended to. Factory Corner of South
aud Pitt Streets,
3 dp '. ' CARLISLE, PA.
JOBINSON IIOUSE ! "
(Formerly kept by Woodruff uud Turbett,)
r Nivi Hloonifield, Ttrry County, Ta.
AMOS ROBINSON, Proprietor.
This well known 'and pleasantly located hotel
has been leased for a number of years by the pres
ent proprlelor.and lie will sare no pains to accom
modate his guests. The rooms are comfortable,
the table well furnished with the best hi the mar
ket, and the bar stocked with choice liquors. A
careful and attentive hostler will be in attendance.
A good livery stable will be kept by the urepriotor
April 3, W71. tf
LOCIOIAIV'S
Writing: JFliiid !
mniS FLUTT) Is warranted EQUAL to Arnold's
X . nd Is sold at much less price. The money
will be refunded to those buying It, if It does not
prove entirely satisfactory, . ,
u. Kr tkl by F. Mortimer, New Bloom Hold.
flllUtt "iiosi ', ,' '
. , bolt Agents,
i ...1. 4a trket Htreet. 1
:" ' rfcUedalphl.