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Calhoun accompanied him to a room over a saloon, the Judge explaining that they had selected the place so as not to excite suspicion by so many men passing in and out. Calhoun found at least fifty men assembled, and when he was introduced as one of Morgan’s men, he received a perfect ovation. “Hurrah for John Morgan!” shouted one enthusiastic member, and the cheers were given with a will.
It showed the Federal authorities how weak their line of communication was. Although so much depended on Morgan’s capture, he was left for some days almost unmolested. He made a demonstration toward Lebanon, captured a number of prisoners, and then, when the combination against him grew too strong to be resisted, he withdrew at his leisure and at length found rest for his command at Chattanooga.
“I think I will go through to Chicago this evening,” said Calhoun; “I should like to make some investigations there; you can meet me there Monday.” So it was arranged, the Doctor giving him the names of half a dozen men in that city whom it might be well for him to see. “But mind,” said Warrenton, “do not tell any one of Morgan’s contemplated raid. That must be a secret.”
The people were treated with shocking barbarity, many of them being shut up in convents and churches and burned alive, while the pirates gave themselves up to every excess of debauchery. The great booty gained by this raid caused numerous pirate captains to enlist under Morgan’s flag, and other towns were taken, in which similar orgies of cruelty and debauchery followed.
As the remainder of the fleet drew near, the freebooters, seeing the English flag flying on the fort, manifested their joy by the depths of their potations, getting so drunk, in fact, that they managed to run four of the ships on the rocks at the mouth of the Chagres, among them the admiral’s ship. The crews and cargoes were saved, but the vessels were total wrecks, much to Morgan’s chagrin.
Calhoun was not in this fight, having been sent with his scouts toward Lexington to watch the movements of the enemy. From Cynthiana, Morgan moved on Paris, and the place surrendered without a shot being fired. Some twenty-five miles of the Cincinnati and Lexington railroad was now in Morgan’s possession, and he proceeded to destroy it as thoroughly as his limited time admitted.
It was in the last days of April that Morgan started with his little force, on what seemed to many certain destruction. But every man in the command was full of enthusiasm. They had unlimited faith in their leader, and where he went they would follow. Following almost the exact route taken by Calhoun, Morgan’s first blow fell on Pulaski, Tennessee.
Why, you shrink from me, and tremble like a leaf. Tell me, Joyce, what is it?” “My father!” she whispered, “Oh, I fear—I fear!” “Fear what, darling?” “That he will drive you from me; that he will forbid me seeing you!” “For what?” “Because you fought against your country; because you were one of Morgan’s men.” “What would he do? Hang me, if he could?” asked Calhoun, bitterly.
Not only that, but it was life to him to sweep the country through which he passed clear of horses, that his pursuers might not get them. The Federals in pursuit took horses as readily as Morgan’s men.
“The United States officials will take him,” he answered. “His being here must be reported.” “And—and he will be sent to prison?” “Yes, until he is exchanged.” “But you were not sent to prison when you were captured,” she protested. “No, I was paroled; but I hardly believe the government will parole any of Morgan’s men.” “Why?” she asked. “They have given us too much trouble, Puss.
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