Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1847-08-04
Kate Burlington.
By MISS AUG UsTA BROWN

horses to be saddlsd, and direct two ofthe
grooms to prepare 10 60 with u.s.
$ 1t would be wdl for us to 60 well arm.
ed, suggested Sir Harry. i know Rod
ney; he is an active fellow, and brave as
a hon.
Were he brave as twenty lions, will
make him lick the dust, and beg for mer-
cy!-Come. Sir Harry; we have no time
to lose. Let us be on the wing!'
In five minutes the squire, and the bar
onet, attended by tive stout men. leaped
into their saddles and hastily rode of on
the great northern road. The servants
who witnessed their departure, somehow
forgot TO wish thdr enterprise success.
Tie sun had descended low in the hor-
lion, when carnage, with two outriders,
arrived at cottage in the highway, in the
northern part Of Cumberland. The way
farers entered tie house, and ordered a
repast, during tn. preparation Of which
they occupied ,eat little drawing room,
fronting upon tie road. This travelling
party consisted d Captain Charles Rod
ney, Miss Kate Darlington, two Misses
Rodney, and Captain Grant-the latter a
warm triand Of Fodney's. The ladies' oc-
cupied tie coachin travelling; and the two
gentlemen ACCOMPANIED it on horseback.
The Misses Rtdney-two lovely sisters
Of the captain-yere equipped in elegant
travelling dresses Questionable make; bu,
kate, as well a. the two gentlemen, was
in disguise.
Miss Darlington was dressed in male
apparel. She wre suit of fine black
cloth, made strictly in the mode. As if
aware that her oil, majestic figure was
well adapted to a custome, she ventured
upon a close. BODIED, or dress coat; and the
neatness Of lis fl might well have excited
the envy of the leaux. Her hair was in
geniously dressed, and a glossy black
beaver surmouned her head. The cleri-
cal solemni,y other dress was judiciously
relieved by saistcoat of delicate buff
mad. single breasted, with a
standing collar and decorated with an
ample row Of fit mirrcr-like gilt buttons.
A neat diamond pin glittered amorg the
crimp cambria on her breast, and rich
gold safety-chah hung suspended across
her waistcoat. Her disguise was SO COM
plete, that stranger would not have
dreamed she was woman Her dress,
in its minutest detail, was in excellent
taste; though it must be confessed, it would
have suited a groom better than bride.
Captain Rodney was dressed like an old
man. His silvery wig denoted an age not
less than sixty years; and his broad hat,
snuff colored coat, Of immense proportions,
dimity small clothes, and white waistcoat,
with furnished buttons, seemed to belong
to generation past and gone. His friend,
Captain Grant wore a common livery
dress.
Such was the clipping party. The dis
guises were assumed to facilitate their es-
cape; and SO far, each had acted his part
well. They had overcome, already, dis
lance Of sixty miles, and entertained a
strong hope Of reaching the border in two
hours travel. They were all in high
spirits; and Kate paced up and down the
room, her thumbs thrust in the arm holes
OF her vest, with an air Of stateliness that
would have reflected honor upon the first
Brummel in the kingdom.
Having hastily refreshed themselves,
the ladies' were escorted to the carriage.
The innkeeper was officious in his atten-
tons, and his blue-eyed daughters ran to
the door to take the last look al the 'bon-
ME young man. and to feast their eyes
once more upon the charming gilt buttons
Of Miss Darlington's waistcoat-kate
beau like, kissed her hand to the blushing
damsels as the carriage ratified from the
door. Captain Rodney and his friend re-
NAMED behind few minutes to adjust
some defect in saddlegirth, and before
they were ready to mount, horse,nan
rode up at a terrible speed. Rodney re-
cognized the face of Squire Darlington,
from once having seen him at bennington
Pirors.
My good friends, said the Squire, i
am in pursuit of my daughter, who has
run away with Captain Somebody, of the
army. They can not be far ahead
Have they passed by this roadn inquir
ed the Captain.
Likely enough; this is the straight road
to the Border. l have ridden like John
Gilpin since six o'clock this morning
ran away from three good-for nothing fel.
lows who set out with me--and am re.
solved to keep Oil until l find the runa.
ways.
Possibly, my dear sir, we may be able
to render you some assistance observed
the Captain, as he and his friend vaulted
into their saddles.
Here is my hand, SIR exclaimed the
Squire. 1 have not the pleasure of knowing
your name, but dare be worn you are
a gentleman
1t happens quite singularly,' subjoinee
the captain, that myself am bound t
Scotland on matrimonial adventure
Indeedp
And as our road is the same as yours
we may as well travel in company"
The three equesirians now gave thu
spur TO their horses, and dashed up thu
road. Rodney was not entirely preparee
for the sudden visitation of Squire Oar
lington; but he was glad to hear that the
rest Of the pursuing party had. been lef
far behind.
What turn the adventure would nov
take, he was unable to conjecture; but h,