Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1846-07-30

three days after that parting he was engaged III
battle, yet there was no victory to report ana
the action which gave encouragement to less
sonruino shirts seemed to his almost disgrace
n because il was followed by retreat. Weeks
followed, during which the Americans were
caininc and the British losing ground, without
anv decisive movement on either side At length
Ion the twenty-second Of May came the gallant,
but unsuccessful attack on the British force at
Ninety Six, and Greene again compelled to re-
tire, Withdrew to the Santee Hills. That he
could maintain himself thus in the very centre
of the state, seemed even to Reginald cquiva-
lent to victory, and he resolved to be the herald
of hope, if not of triumph to Caroline He
communicated this intention to Mr. Shubrick,
and proposed that he should accompany him,
but he endeavored on the contrary TO diSsuade
him from the project.
1t is a great temptation, acknowledge, Reg
inad while VIC are lying idle here, so near our
home-but it would scarcely be prudent, with
struggling parties of the enemy constantly roam
inc about this section of the country. We must
be careful of ourselves for our conutlys sake
America cannot afford to throw away single
soldier now
Oh, will be as careful as even Caroline
could desire-carefu for her dear sake-but in
truth there is no danger. You know COM
handed the foraging party yesterday pur-
poseIy pursued the road homeward, and though
went nearly half the distance there, not only
saw no traces of an enemy, but could hear of
none
Mr. Shubrick still shook his head, but youth
and love arc not easily counselled, and obtain
inc leave of absence for a week, Reginald set
out, accompanied only by trusty servant, who
had been his attendant from boyhood.
The sun was little more than an hour high,
and Mrs. Shubrick and Caroline were seated in
the eastern pazza-at that hour the coolest part
of the housc-whcn their attention was attract
ed by seeing black boy emerge from the wood
land which screened the fields and negro houses
from view, and run with brcathlcSs speed toward
the gate at tho head Of the avenue. Before he
reached it they became aware that two riders
were approaching it from the public road On
ward they came, faster, laster-they passed it
Caroline rose from her Char-she approached
the end of the piazza and gazed forward for a
moment, then, without a word, sprang down tho
steps, and passing the shrubbcry with the fleet
ness of a deer, entered the avenue beyond She
was followed, though more scdatcly, by Mrs
Shubrlck, for even she had now become certain
that the foremost rider was Reginald Elliot an d
that there was an unusual ar of relaxation il
his remarkably erect and vigorous form. Wher
she reached Caroline, Reginald was already be-
side her lie had been assisted from his horse
by his servant on whom he was compelled tC
lean for support The hue Of death seemed
settling on his brow, yet a smile full of happi
ness was on his lips, and as Caroline hung over
him uttering words of endcarment, which cxcep
in that moment of terror would never have
escaped her, he murmurcd fccbly, mo danger
love-
No, miSsis, sure you dcre's no danger,
said the faithful Paul, addressing himscfto Mrs
Shubrick, for Caroline seemed we'll nigh as in
capable of comprehcnding his words as the faint
ing Reginald.
But what docs it all mean, Paul! What i.
the matter with Mr. Elliott asked Mrs. Shu
brick
Why, you see ma am-'tis only dat he is lost
too mucn blood, and he pointed to the sleeve
stiff with gore-'but he'll soon come round
Miss Carolne-he amt in de least danger,
sure you ma 'am-dc ball lodge in dis arm, YOU
sec, and you know yourself, ma'am, derc can't
be motif vital dere
But he is bleeding still, Paul Here she
called to two Of her own servants, who had come
near to listen to Paul-hep Paul to carry Mr.
Elliot into the house, let them take HIM to my
room, Caroline, it will be better than carrying
him up stairs, and mount one Of these horses,
she cried to the boy who had opened the gate,
'and ride quickly for Doctor Stevens-quckly,
sir
Please maam don't send for dc doctor till |
can speak to YOU, called Paul, who was already
bearing his master through the shrubbery. Il
sure you ma'am, Use doctor enough for dis arm
myself
Mrs Shubrck ordered the boy to wait while
she followed Paul to enquire if he had any bet
ter reason than his confidence in his own surge
ry, for not desiring the presence Of Doctor Ste
vens She found Reginald on the bed sufficient
y revived to be conscious of Carolme's pres
ente. Paul was preparing bandages and lint at
a table somewhat removed from the bed, and to
her questions he replicd-you see ma'am, |
berry much afraid dem red coats will be here be-
fore long, dc one what fired at NAUSEA was a
officer, and seed him stand on de top of de hill
out yonder, and watch where we was going
so | tnk he's only gone for some more men to
come arter us. Now, if we hab to hide, de doc.
tor will only be in de way, and 'surs you ma am,
Pse drest worse wounds dan dis since I've been
wild de army
Mrs Shubrick glanced at the pale face Of
Reginald, and the scarce less ghastly one ofCar.
oline, as she bent over him--for a moment hel
countcnance wore an expression of deep thought
and then her eyes seemed suddenly irradated
with more beautiful light, and loGier serenity
sat thrOned unpn hnr hrovv