The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1849-06-20
nliseelIanp.
Fiom Graham's Magazine for June.
The Young Dragon.
A STORY OF TIE cowpENs.
BY CHARLES J. PETERSON.
CHAPTER l.
Thee is a thing there is thing.
l fain would hove from thee;
(. fain would have that gay, G6bd ring.


fain would have that gay, G6bd rnp
TIE SrEcTRE LADY.
The period of our revolutionary his
tory Immediately succeeding the defeat
at Camden, is still remembered in the
Carolinans with horror. The British,
elated with their success, and regarding
the South as now their own, proceeded
in the work of cnnEscatien and tassa-
ere with pitiless severity. In that ter
rible crisis many family was deprived
of its head either by exile or by execu-
ton. Yet larger numbers were shorn
of their property and reduced to COM
parative indigence. In q word, terror
reigned paramount.
But the common events of life still
went on. The transactions of business,
the; struggle for wealth, the tolls of the
husbandman, births, deaths, marriage,
cares, hopes, fears-all followed each
other down the deep current of exist
ence, almost wholly unaffected by tho
storm ofwar which agitated the surface.
1t is an error to suppose that convul-
slons disturb the whole order of society.
Men will still hate, though the entire
nation be turned into camp; will still.
strive for the dross of earth; will still, if
young and generous, risk their hearts
happiness in love.
1t was toward the close of q winter
evening that youth ofnoble mein and
handsome face stood at tho foot
of one of those long avenues of trees,
which, in South Carolina, lead up from
the road to the mansions of wealthier
proprietors. For nearly half an hour
he had been there, as if awaiting the ap,
proach ofsome one from the house: now
looking anxiously up the avenue, now
restlessly walking to and fro. During
that interval but one person had passed
along the highway, and the notice of
this one the youth had skilfully avoided
by concealing himself behind some dwarf
trees within the platation-fence. This
act, as we'll rs his whole demeanor,
proved that he was awaiting some Sc.
cret interview.
AT last, just when the dusk began to
deepen into night, the futter of white
dress was seen coming down the avenue.
A minute more, and beautiful girl of
eighteen summers appeared on the
scene.
'Albort,' said the new conner, as the
youth, scizing her hand, passionately
kissed it Il have not u second to stay.
1t was with difficulty I could leave the
house unseen, and my absence has
doubtless been noticed before this; what
we have to say, therefore, must be said
at once; why have you sough this iutcr-
view?'
4 have sought it, Ellen he replied,
still holding her hand, because, des-
pairing of gaining your consent, have
volunteeredin Capt. Washington's cav
airy corps, and tomorrow set forth. =
Perhaps you will never see me more. I
could not leave the neighborhood with.
out seeing you once more, and bidding
you an eternal farewell; and, as your
fathers orders had banished me from
the house, there was no method of Civ.
ing you my adieux except by soliciting
all interview
The tears had started to the eyes of
his listener, but she turned away her
head to conceal them; and for some time
neither spoke.
ELLEN! dear Ellen,' said the young
soldier, earnestly, will you not now, in
this solemn moment, say you love me?
| once hoped you did, but since your
father has fobidden me the house, you
have been less kind; and I fear that 1
have lost your heart-that you, too,
have ceased to care for me, now that 1
am beggared--'
His nearer suddenly turned her face
full upon him, with q look Of fearful re.
proach that cut short his words.
BLESS you, Ellen, for that look,' he
said. Though my fathers estate is
cOnfiscatcd. md ho and T hcth ;nd;ront