The Tide of Battle

The story opens with a reception given in honor of the Confederate volunteers. Hardee, a sturdy young lieutenant, bids good-bye to his sweetheart, Alisia, who is the elder daughter of Mr. John Stafford, a representative Southern gentleman. Alisia is inclined to be coquettish and does not take the young suitor seriously. As the officer leaves for the front, he little realizes that Mystie, the younger sister of Alisia, is deeply in love with him. A few weeks later the Staffords receive word from Hardee that within a few weeks he expects to camp near their home. Mystie utters an exclamation of delight, but Alisia displays no interest. Shortly after the receipt of Hardee's message, the Federals occupy the land surrounding the Strafford estate and make their headquarters at the house. Hardee, anxious to visit Alisia, volunteers to act as a spy and learn the plans of the Federals. He succeeds in penetrating the enemy's lines, but his hopes are shattered when he gazes through a window and sees Alisia receiving the caresses of Denby, the Federal captain. Consumed with jealousy, the Confederate is about to shoot Denby, when Mystie appears and speaks his name. Hardee then remembers his duty and becomes alert when Mystie relates the account of a proposed attack, which she has overheard. Hardee starts back for camp to warn his comrades, when he is discovered by a sentry and severely wounded. How Mystie saves the object of her secret love and how the intrepid girl brings victory to the Confederates by her daring and strategy make a happy conclusion to this story.