Cover of The Lost Despatch

The Lost Despatch

  • Free to read
  • 4 hours to read
  • 28 chapters
  • Reading level: 7th grade

"The Lost Despatch" by Natalie Sumner Lincoln is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set during the American Civil War, the book likely explores themes of espionage, loyalty, and the complexity of human relationships amid the backdrop of war. The story involves Captain Lloyd and his companion, Symonds, who are engaged in secret service operations that lead them into encounters with spies and deception, ultimately revolving around a central female character, Nancy. The opening of the novel introduces a tense December night in 1864, where Captain Lloyd and Symonds are riding through the Maryland woods as they pursue leads related to a spy. Their mission is complicated when they encounter a Confederate courier revealed to be a woman, provoking a surprise attack that leads to a chaotic scene. Meanwhile, the tension of impending threats looms large as Lloyd contemplates the dangers of espionage and deception in Washington. The narrative sets the stage for a gripping tale of intrigue and personal stakes, promising a mix of action, character development, and the moral dilemmas faced during wartime.

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  • United States · History · Civil War, 1861-1865
  • Spy stories

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Chapter I

THE PIGEON'S FLIGHT

It was bitterly cold that December night, 1864, and the wind sighed dismally through the Maryland woods. The moon, temporarily obscured by heavy clouds, gave some light now and then, which but served to make the succeeding darkness more intense. Suddenly the silence was broken by the clatter of galloping hoofs, and two riders, leaving the highway, rode into the woods on their left. The shorter of the two men muttered an oath as his horse stumbled over the uneven ground.

"Take care, Symonds," said his companion quickly, and he ducked his head to avoid the bare branches of a huge tree. "How near are we now to Poolesville?"

"About seven miles by the road," was the gruff reply; "but this short cut will soon bring us there. And none too soon," he added, glancing at their weary horses. "Still, Captain Lloyd, we have done a good night's work."

"I think Colonel Baker will be satisfied," agreed Lloyd.

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Contents

Show all 28 chapters
  1. Front Matter
  2. Chapter I
  3. Chapter II
  4. Chapter III
  5. Chapter IV
  6. Chapter V
  7. Chapter VI
  8. Chapter VII
  9. Chapter VIII
  10. Chapter IX
  11. Chapter X
  12. Chapter XI
  13. Chapter XII
  14. Chapter XIII
  15. Chapter XIV
  16. Chapter XV
  17. Chapter XVI
  18. Chapter XVII
  19. Chapter XVIII
  20. Chapter XIX
  21. Chapter XX
  22. Chapter XXI
  23. Chapter XXII
  24. Chapter XXIII
  25. Chapter XXIV
  26. Chapter XXV
  27. Chapter XXVI
  28. Chapter XXVII

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About this edition

This free edition of The Lost Despatch by Natalie Sumner Lincoln comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #24204, released 2008-01-07. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Historical Novels, Crime, Thrillers and Mystery, American Literature.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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