The North-Carolina standard., 1843-05-03

ing the house!'
'It is so - said the old man.
'You fear not?" inquired Ida:
'No!' he replied; ''but it were well if Walter
Carlton were here.''
| slight blush mantled the features of the fair
girl, as she earnestly responded
"Would to God that Walter were here 80
Ida darted through an open door, followed by
the faithful and watchful dogs She arrived al
her fathers private room, at the farther end OF
the building; she entered, turned the key within
the lock, and sat down to await the result of this
outrageous intrusion.
AS Ida left the room, the same instant Osborne
and his companions entered; One of the soldiers
caught glimpse of her retreating figure, and in
sisted on following her, swearing that she should
be participant in their repast. But old Philip
stepped firmly before him, and, in resolute tone,
bade him desists z.
''Never mind the GIRL" said Osborne ''lct the
old fellow stir about, and get us wherewithal to
appease our appetites."
"Aye, aye,'' responded the others, "give us
something to eat and drink first, and the girl af-
terp'
eff ye be men," added old Phillip, excited,
'you will not seek to insult defenceless female.
To what accommodations the house affords, ye
are welcome but while this old arm has strength
to WELD an axe, the daughter of Isaiah Preston
shall never be injured!'' And the old mans eyes
flashed defence upon the rufians, as they stood
in awe before him.
Come resumed Osborne, "cease your preach-
ing, old moralst, and the girl shall not be HARM
ed''
''Enoughp' said the old man; and in few
moments the dining table was laden with all an
epicure could wish-but still these satellites Of
English tyranny were not content. One vehe-
mently clamored for champaign, another Madei-
-ra, and others were for malt liquors. At last,
one seized tankard, that stood upon the table,
and insisted on going into the cellar, and, as he
expressed it, choosing for himself" Old Phil
lip made feeble resistance, but he soon perceiv-
ed that it was useless; and, as his principal OBJ
ject was the protection Of his young mistress, he
quietly led the way into the vault. Then, after
first drinking to safety, the soldier returned Ia
den with every variety Of liquor which was to be
found in the cellar.
Old Phillip followed him back to the room,
and occupied position in which he might have
a full opportunity of witnessing their proceedings.
Loud and boistereus now became the festive
board, the fumes of the wine began TO scatter
their wandering senses, and the demon ofintem-
perance held his sway. A song was called for,
and given by one Of the soldiers, and old Phillip
listened to this minion of British arrogance, as he
lauded tyranny and oppression, until his blood
rose in fermcnt ofindgnation. At this instant,
one called out
''Lets have the lass!'' And four Of them
sprang simultaneously to the door.
Old Phillip had anticipated this, and, in mo-
ment, stood barrier to the further progress.
''Give way, old man, or by my soul thou diest!''
exclaimed the foremost of the ruffians.
"Of, hireling!'' shouted the old man, as he
seized an axe, ''or I'll cleave thee from head to
foot!"
"Dost threaten, rebel!'' he exclaimed, and he
made toward old Phillip with his bayonet.
Quick as thought, the old man swung the axe
above his head, and cleft the villain in the brain.
Loud were the execrations that followed, as sword
after sword were thrust through the body of the
aged veteran and he fell feless across the thresh-
old of the door.
There was pause-but the sight of blood
raised the demon within their souls, and they
were madly rushing forward, as Isaiah Preston
dashed through an open window from the garden,
followed by an aged Indian, and stood confront
ing them.
"Down with the rebels 20 cried one Of the
gang.
save, ave down with them - echoed the 9TH
ers; and In an instant Mr., Preston anu MS 1oi-
lower found themselves surrounded with mad
men, thirsting for blood.
They made brave resistance, but the odds
were fearful. Mr.. Preston fought, until two of
their number were stretched in death before him,
when he was beaten down. He fell, and the last
words that came from his lips were, ''Ida! God
protect theeP'
The Indian was about turning to make his es.
cape through the window, when the villain Os-
borne came cautiously behind him, and pointing
a pistol at his head, shot him dead on the spot!
"Now, my lads, now for the girl - exclaimed
Osborne. ..-.... ..- ...
He gazed around him, and found that he was
followed but by three of his late companions; the
remainder lay in the deep sleep of death.
With rapid strides, he passed from room to
room, until he came to Ida's. The door was
locked He called for admittance no answer
Games butthe quick clicking of gun-lock came
upon his car. Again he rudely demanded admit
tance.
"Never!' was echoed in firm tone, from the
apartment. -
Enraged at the delay, he commanded his men
to force an entrance. The order was obeyed-
tho door flow onen-and Ida Preston stood be-