Roxy Hastings — page 94: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

ROXY HASTINGS. 85 “The Richmond Sentinel says that threats of retaliation have been made, in case of the execution of Gray, but General Halleck has deter- mined that the sentence shall be carried into effect without reference to any such attempted intimidation.” “But I am to be one of your turnkeys,” the man re- sumed, betraying the real cause of his satisfaction; “it is all arranged. I am to be relieved from duty here.” ‘“And how about Hartley ?” “I haven’t asked yet. One thing ata time. You are to be removed after dinner, and before we change you I’ll try the provo on that.” “Very well.” The “provo” proved lenient. There could be no harm in allowing this bed-ridden young man to remain with his friend during the few brief days of existence which re- mained to him, and the favor was accorded. Whether this was due to the disinterested keeper’s in- fluence or to a real commiseration for young Lee, whose conduct in his trying circumstances had compelled admira- tion even from his enemies, it is impossible to determine. Alfred’s parting from his fellow-prisoners was an affect-: ing scene by reason of the very effort visible on all faces to suppress emotion, and to banish foreboding looks. He distributed a considerable portion of his money among them, forcing it often into reluctant hands, for he knew that if he escaped he should have abundance, and if not they were most welcome to it. He was permitted to remove his stores of wine, medi- cines, etc., and as to his suit of smuggled clothes that was already upon his person under his military dress. The gold, of which about three-quarters or fifteen hundred dol- lars yet remained, he and Louis easily concealed about their persons. Leaving them now to the solitude of their new prison, a room about ten feet square, lighted by a single grated window, let us return briefly to the younger brother, whose state of mind on receiving Alfred’s letter may easily be imagined. It reached him almost simultaneously with the same news in the public prints, and with the intelligence of Lieutenant Gray’s conviction and sentence. Appalled by the magnitude and imminence of the danger, he knew not which way to turn for help. How could he ever return to his broken-hearted mother and sister if this fearful tragedy were consummated—he who had counseled and encouraged his brother to volunteer in the army | Hé Eomicboo <S (ee)