Battle of Lookout Mountain Page 5

  “This morning I have chosen one of the most dramatic pictures of salvation in the entire New Testament—the story of the Prodigal Son.”

  He settled himself behind the pulpit and began to tell how the young man in the story had deliberately thrown away his inheritance. He painted vivid word pictures of what it meant to go away from God.

  Drake had not planned to listen and at first had been more conscious of Lori’s sitting beside him than he was of the sermon. However, he soon found himself caught up in the preacher’s message.

  Brother Morgan told how the young man began to go wrong. Here he drew on his imagination and spoke of the ways that young men and women go wrong at the present time. They sometimes begin to drink and gamble and associate with low companions, he said.

  Drake kept a straight face, but he thought, I think Brother Morgan’s been reading my mail. He stiffened as the message grew more pointed.

  Finally the preacher described the end of the young man—he was reduced to eating with hogs.

  “Sin always brings us to a sad end,” Brother Morgan said, his voice rising. “It is never unpaid for. Whatever a man sows, that must he also reap. If you sow corn, you will reap corn; if you sow wheat, you will reap wheat; and if you sow sin, you will reap sin’s result: death and hell.”

  Drake could not turn off his thoughts and ignore the sermon as he had often done before. With relief, he finally sensed the conclusion coming.

  “And here is this young man,” Brother Morgan said. “He’s lost everything. The Scripture says that he ‘came to himself.’ He remembered what home was like and in desperation said, ‘I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, Father, I have sinned …’ “

  Brother Morgan looked out over the congregation, and his eyes met, perhaps by accident, those of Drake. “That’s what every young man and young woman who’s gone away from God needs to do. Each one needs to say, ‘I will arise and go to my Father.’“

  Drake wanted to break his eyes away, but the eyes of the preacher were locked with his.

  Brother Morgan said gently, “When he returned, he saw his house far away. Then he saw his father. And the old man who had been so wronged by this boy—what did he do? He ran to meet him. The boy began to confess his wrong, but his father said, ‘No, you’re my son, who was lost and now is found.’

  “Jesus Christ is God’s way of making things right between Himself and His erring sons and daughters. I invite you to look to Jesus this morning and do as this young man did—repent of your sins and arise and come to your Father.”

  There was a rustling as the congregation stood to sing a hymn.

  Drake felt strangely moved by the sermon—so moved in fact that his hands trembled holding the songbook, and Lori looked up at him.

  The preacher was stationed at the front door as the congregation filed out, and when Drake passed by, Brother Morgan took his hand.

  Drake felt the minister’s strong grip. “Fine sermon, Pastor,” he muttered.

  “Thank you, my friend.” Brother Morgan held on for a moment and said so quietly that no one but Drake could have heard, “God is waiting for you, young man. Don’t pass Him by!”

  Drake looked up, startled, and then ducked his head and left.

  The Jenkinses insisted that he take dinner with them, and Drake availed himself of the opportunity. Afterward he sat on the front porch with the family, talking.

  When Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins went into the house for a nap, Lori asked, “Did you enjoy the service, Drake?”

  “Fine preacher,” Drake admitted. “Don’t know if I ever heard better.”

  “Yes, I think so too.”

  Then he said, “I’d like to do this again—with you, I mean.”

  Lori gave him an odd look. “I think that would be fine, Drake—but it won’t be possible.”

  “What do you mean? What’s wrong?”

  “Oh, nothing’s wrong, but I’ll be going home to Chattanooga later this week.”

  Drake felt suddenly depressed. He said lamely, “Lori, can’t you stay a little longer? We’re just getting to know each other.”

  “I’d like to stay longer,” she admitted, “but my parents wrote that they need me at home right away. My sister’s ill, and I need to help take care of her.”

  The rest of the visit was not happy for Drake.

  When he finally rose and she put out her hand to say good-bye, he said, “I’ve never felt about a girl as I do about you, Lori.”

  “Oh, you’ve said that before.”

  Since this was true, Drake flushed slightly. “Well, perhaps I have,” he admitted, “but I mean it this time. I want to see you again. Will you write to me?”

  “Of course, if you write me first.”

  Drake wanted to kiss her good-bye, but he knew that was impossible. He picked up his hat and left the porch, then turned to wave.

  She waved back, and he felt even worse.

  Later that afternoon Rosie walked out onto the boardinghouse front porch, took one look at Drake, and asked, “What’s the matter with you? You look like an accident going somewhere to happen.”

  “Nothing’s wrong with me!”

  Rosie stretched his lanky form over one of the porch chairs. “That gal—she’s really got you going, don’t she?”

  At first Drake did not answer. Then he looked at his friend. “I’ll tell you the truth, Rosie—I’m in love with her.”

  He saw Rosie’s look of disbelief. Drake Bedford had courted many girls, and Rosie was aware of his record.

  “Well, it won’t hurt you to suffer a little bit, I reckon,” Rosie said. “You’ve brought enough grief to a whole passel of young ladies.”

  “You don’t believe me, but it’s true.” Determination came into Drake’s eyes. “Somehow I’m going to see more of her—watch and see if I don’t!”

  6

  A Hasty Decision

  Ezra Payne went into town on the last day of July, a Thursday, to buy supplies. He stopped by the hardware store, made a few purchases, then walked on down to Hank’s General Store. As he entered, he found A. B. Rose arguing with the owner over a purchase.

  Ezra grinned as he listened to the tall young man declare that the patent medicine he held was priced too high.

  “I can’t help the prices,” the storekeeper said. “You’ll just have to pay it or leave it here.”

  Rosie reached into his pocket and pulled out a few coins. “I just ain’t got enough—you’ll have to trust me for it.”

  Ezra said, “I’ll be glad to float you a loan, Rosie.” He liked Rosie, and, despite their different points of view on religion, they were fairly good friends.

  Rosie turned around, and a smile lighted up his homely face. “Well, now, that’s handsome of you, Ezra. Just lend me a dollar, will you? I think I’ve got the rest.”

  He took the money from Ezra and handed it to the storekeeper. “There you are, Mr. Miles.” Then he held up the package and admired the showy red and yellow advertising on the outside. “This ought to do it, sure enough.”

  “What’s that for, Rosie?” Ezra asked, winking at Mr. Miles.

  “Well, it’s going to cure my liver disease,” Rosie said solemnly. He tore the top open and pulled out an enormous pill. “Any pill this big ought to be good.” He popped one into his mouth. Almost strangling, he forced it down, then gasped, “There. Do your work down there and get that liver straightened up!”

  Ezra said, “I’ll buy you a root beer, Rosie, after I get through with my business here.”

  “That’d be mighty fine. It’ll settle this pill down a little bit—maybe mollify it.”

  Ezra bought the items on his list, and as Mr. Miles put them into a box, he picked up two bottles of root beer and handed one to Rosie. “Get on the outside of this, Rosie!” He grinned. “Maybe it’ll cure something for you.”

  “My Uncle Seedy, he always said root beer was good to keep off malaria. He must’ve drunk seven or eight gallons a year.”

  “
Did he ever get malaria?”

  “Just three or four times. But he always said he might have had it a hundred times—or maybe he might have died of it—if he hadn’t drunk all that root beer.”

  They sat down and sipped their soft drinks. Abruptly Ezra said, “I guess Drake lost out this time.”

  “Yep, I reckon he did, but he says he’s gonna keep on courting that gal.”

  “I don’t guess he’ll be courting her now—she’s going home to Tennessee.” Ezra sampled the root beer again and looked at it appreciatively. “This sure is good stuff! I wish I could afford to drink it every day!” He took another sip. “Guess Royal will have a clear field now.”

  “But he won’t be able to court her either.”

  “Yes, he will! He’s in Rosecrans’s army, and everybody knows where they’re headed.”

  “Why, that’s right! They’re headed for Chattanooga to settle old General Bragg and the Confederates down there.”

  “That’s right! So I expect Royal will be able to go courtin’ after all. He told me Miss Lori lives just outside of town, and the army will be stationed there for a while.”

  “Well, I’ll be dogged!” Rosie grinned. “This looks like one time Drake’s going to get his eye waxed as far as a pretty girl is concerned. I never thought I’d see the day!”

  Later in the day Rosie encountered Drake in the restaurant, drinking coffee and staring into space.

  “Well, this is one time you lost out!” he announced with satisfaction, plunking down beside him. It pleased Rosie to see Drake beat out once in a while. He admired the young man but thought he was a little conceited.

  “What do you mean by that?” Drake demanded.

  “I’m talking about Miss Lori.”

  “What about her?”

  “She lives just outside of Chattanooga.”

  “I know that. What about it?”

  “Why, Chattanooga—that’s where Rosecrans is taking the Union army, and guess who’s in that army?” Rosie grinned broadly. “Royal Carter, that’s who.” He punched Drake a sharp blow on the shoulder. “You sure took second place this time! I hate to get on a man when he’s down, but dog my cats if it ain’t time you learned what it’s like to come in second, Drake. It does a man good to be humbled once in a while.”

  Drake straightened up and stared at him. Then his face settled into a stubborn look. He said nothing but sat drinking coffee while Rosie ate his meal.

  Finally Rosie finished and tossed down his napkin. “Looks like the dinner’s on you. I forgot to tell you I don’t have any money. My treat next time.” He strolled off but gave one parting shot over his shoulder. “Reckon it’s right romantic down there in Chattanooga. Mountains and rivers. Wouldn’t be surprised but what Royal doesn’t do some high-powered courtin’. Yessiree, they’re going to make a mighty happy couple!”

  Drake stared after Rosie angrily, then looked down at his empty cup.

  The waitress came by. She was a short, heavyset, plain girl—and she was hopelessly enamored by Drake Bedford.

  “Would you like some more coffee, Drake?”

  “No, Lucille.” He got to his feet, threw down some coins on the table, and walked out without another word.

  Lucille picked up the change, then turned back to the kitchen. “You don’t have to be so spiteful about it!” she muttered.

  In the middle of the afternoon, Royal and Lori came into the restaurant for ice cream. His face was still slightly puffy around one scar.

  “I sure do like ice cream,” Royal said. He lifted his spoon and waved at the waitress. “Bring me one more bowl of this, Lucille, then don’t let me have any more, no matter how much I beg for it!”

  Lori sat across the table from him. She had lifted a spoonful of vanilla ice cream but paused and scolded, “You’re going to kill yourself, Royal—eating five bowls of ice cream!”

  “An agreeable way to die!” Royal sighed. “I’m not likely to get any ice cream where I’m going. So I’ve got to eat enough to make it last.”

  “You’re going to hate going back to the army, I suppose.”

  “Oh, no,” he said. “It’s just something that has to be done. There’s no point in moaning and groaning about doing your duty. Lots of the fellows do, but that just makes it worse.”

  “I think that’s a good way to look at things,” Lori answered. “Sometimes I spend more time complaining about having to do the ironing than the ironing takes.”

  He thought she was looking very pretty today. She wore a yellow dress that suited her well.

  They talked about the army as Royal finished his last bowl of ice cream.

  “It must be nice to be an officer,” she said.

  “I suppose so, but they have lots of responsibility.”

  Then Lori said, “I’m going to miss you, Royal.”

  Royal looked at her, his warm brown eyes glowing. “You’re not going to miss me as much as you think. The army will be somewhere around the Chattanooga area for some time. Everybody knows there’s going to be fighting. I’ll find some way to get to see you. Maybe you can come out to the camp. We have revival meetings most every time we stay at one place for a spell.”

  “I’d like that.” She started to say something else, but then her eyes flew to the door. “Why, hello, Drake.”

  Drake Bedford came over to their table. “Mind if I join you?” he asked, his eyes going from Lori to Royal, as though half expecting Royal to tell him to move on.

  “Why, sure. Sit down, Drake,” Royal said. “Lori was just telling me she’s leaving for Chattanooga tomorrow.”

  “Yes, I know.” Drake shook his head when the waitress approached. “Nothing for me this time, Lucille.” As soon as she turned away, he smiled at Lori. “Hope you have a safe trip back to Tennessee —and an easy one.”

  “I wish I didn’t have to go, but my parents insist.”

  “I know—it’s too bad about your sister. I hope she’ll get better soon!” Drake said easily.

  “I’ll be leaving right away too, Drake,” Royal said. “Just want you to know there’s no hard feelings about the fight.”

  “Why, that’s decent of you to say so, Royal. Most fellows wouldn’t be able to put it out of their minds that easy.”

  “I don’t believe in holding grudges.”

  “Well, I don’t either, and it’s a good thing you feel that way since we’ll probably be pretty close to each other for a while.”

  Both Royal and Lori looked blankly at him.

  “What do you mean?” Royal asked. “I’ll be leaving with my regiment right away.”

  Drake smiled at Lori. “I guess you’ll have to put up with me a little bit more. I’ll be coming to call on you when you get back home, Lori.”

  “In Tennessee? But how can you do that, Drake?”

  “The U.S. Government is sending me down that way on a business trip.” Drake glanced over at Royal. “The truth is, Royal, I’ve joined up with your outfit. I’ll be in your company, as a matter of fact. In the Washington Blues. I’m the newest recruit.”

  For a moment Royal could not believe him.

  “You’re not serious, are you, Drake?” Lori exclaimed.

  “I was never more serious in my life. I’m already sworn in. Be getting a uniform tomorrow. I’ll be a private, and you’ll be the veteran, Royal—so you’ll be the boss.”

  Royal at once understood what Drake was doing, and he was appalled. “Drake,” he said slowly, “I wish you hadn’t done this.”

  “Why not? You’re not afraid of a little competition, are you?”

  “I wasn’t meaning that,” Royal insisted. He leaned forward earnestly. “Being in the army is a serious thing. It’s not something you do just to go courting. In the first place, you don’t know for sure that we’ll be in Chattanooga.”

  “Oh, everybody knows that,” Drake said airily. “That’s where the Reb army in Tennessee is, and we got to roust them out. Just read the papers.”

  “They might pull out. W
e might be sent to fight around Richmond instead. A lot of things can happen.”

  But Drake did not pay any heed. He turned to Lori again. “That sure is a pretty dress you’ve got on,” he said. “I hope you wear it when I come calling down in Tennessee.”

  He rose then and laughed at the expression on Royal’s face. “Don’t worry about it, Professor. You and me, we’ll have a time running the Rebs out of Chattanooga. Then we can go and sit on Miss Lori’s front porch.” He laughed again and walked away.

  “He’s so impulsive!” Lori almost whispered.

  “Yes, he is,” Royal said, “and he’s going to find out that soldiering’s not quite as easy as he thinks.” He frowned. “Drake’s always had his own way. Nobody could ever tell him anything. And now he’s going to find out he’s only one more private in a mighty big army. They’ve got ways of making life miserable for you.”

  Lori leaned over and touched his hand. “But you won’t, will you? Most men would, but not you. Drake needs help. He doesn’t know God, and he’s headed for a fall. Kind of watch out for him, will you, Royal?”

  Royal took her hand and held it and smiled encouragingly. “I’ll do the best I can—but most men don’t pay any more attention to the sergeant than the rules say they have to.”

  The next day Rosie surprised Drake, just as Rosie had been surprised himself by the news that Drake was joining the army. As Drake was packing, Rosie entered the room the two shared and announced, “Well, I can’t let you go off by yourself to this here fight. Reckon I’ll just go along too.”

  Drake looked up, mouth open. “What’d you say, Rosie?”

  Rosie pulled out a suitcase and began loading his enormous supply of pills and potions and bottles into it.

  “I’ve been meanin’ to sign up for quite a while— this here war is the biggest thing that is ever gonna be in our time. Otherwise, don’t reckon I could rightly face my grandchildren when they said, ‘What did you do in the war, Grandpa?’ I’ll go along and be sure you’re all right.”