As soon as he left them Alfred went up to the clerk’s office and paid his bill.  The two friends then left the hotel and proceeded to Harry’s residence.

“Do you know, Harry,” observed Alfred, as they walked along, “I have an idea that Mr. Ellington is no Englishman, but that he is Awtry, the scoundrel who caused my wife and children to be driven from New Orleans?”

“Why do you imagine such a thing?” asked Harry.

“Only because his features are very much like those of Awtry; and the start he gave when you pronounced my name half confirms my suspicion.”

“I feel certain you are mistaken,” Harry remarked.  “He arrived at Charleston in a blockade runner a short time ago, and brought letters of introduction to many prominent men in the South from some of the first characters in England.”

“That may be,” Alfred answered, “still I shall keep my eye on him, and cultivate his acquaintance.  If I am mistaken it will make no difference, for he shall never know my suspicions; but if I am right in my surmise he shall answer me for his treatment of my wife and children.”

“That you can do,” said Harry, “but be cautious how you charge him with being a Yankee spy, and have certain proof of his identity before you intimate your suspicions to him.”  As he spoke they reached their destination and the two friends entered the house.

Horace Awtry, for the Englishman was none other than he, under an assumed name, had ventured to enter the Confederate lines as a spy for Sherman, who was then getting up his expedition against Vicksburg.  He would have left Jackson immediately after the meeting with Alfred, but upon enquiry he learned that Mrs. Wentworth’s place of residence was unknown, and his services being needed near Vicksburg decided him to remain.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIFTH

THE TWO SLAVES—­THE GLIMMER OF LIGHT.

From the time of Mrs. Wentworth’s arrest and imprisonment, the old negro had paid every attention to the little boy left under her care.  Knowing that she would be likely to receive punishment for having a white child living with her, she had made several efforts to see her master, but each time she called, both the Doctor and Emma were absent.  She was thus compelled to wait until some opportunity offered to turn the little boy over to her master, who she knew would promptly give him a home while he remained unclaimed by his lawful guardians.  In her visits to Dr. Humphries’ house the old negro had met Elsy, and being pleased with the appearance of the girl, had contracted quite a friendship for her, and on every opportunity would hold a conversation with her.  Having called several times without seeing her master or Emma, Elsy enquired if she had anything of consequence to impart to the Doctor, as, if she had, she would inform him on his return home.

“Yes, gal,” replied the old woman, “I got a leetle boy at my cabin dat was lef dar by him mammy, and I want de boss to take him away and put him in a better place den my room.”