The Democratic sentinel and Harrison County farmer. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1851-1852, 1852-01-07
e, From Graham's Aqgazins.
MARI0N'Ss0ATH!
A Tale of the Revolution.
sr cnAs. J. PErnRsoI.
TcoSoLuDED.1

There is something inexpressibly still aat
refreshing in an old, deserted road, winding
through cool pine forest. The tall trees
tapping overhead, the thick carpet of splin
tering leaves below, and the delicious fra
cranes all around, have always had a charm
for US; and Preston felt it so, especially aftel
the fierce excitement Of that life and dsatl
struggle; SO that when he came to little darb
stream. gliding softly across the road, he
longed to Stop and bathe his throbbing tenn
pies, and take one long, sweet draught a.
he had ofen done upon a hot day in the for
est when boy. But the red foe was close
behind him, and he sho on like an arrow.
prese tly he came 10 IN old clearing
which had long been abandoned, Here. toi
about a quarter of mile, was an open space
where ploughed fields had once been, bu
the burrows of which now were overgrowr
with adry, stunted grass. He would have
preferred the winding, forest road, but there
was no alternative, and on he dashed. He
had nearly regained the shelter OF the fores
on the other side, when he heard 3 wild
burst of cheering, and looking back, he saw
the dragons, with Major Lindsay and one
other in nadvance, entering on the open space
They had caught sight of him for the frs
time since hs entered the old road, and theil
shouts betokened renewed hope and deter
mination on their part
Breathlessly Preston kept on, but with
less assurance than before, for his horse wa!
already hard worked, and be soon saw witt
dismay that blood was flowing from his fore
shoulder freely from wound. A half mile
further on the poor animal began to flag Sen
sibly; yet, cruel as it seemed, and much a.
il panied his own generous nature, Preston
was forced to urge on the dying steed. Mt
knew that at the distance of mile and
half ahead there was swamp, into the re
cesses of which, if he could once plunge, h,
would be safe. But now he heard bchinC
him, rapid hoof, 1t came nearer and near
or, though still out of sight. One, if no
more, ofhis pursuers was gaining upon him
Again he Spurred his steed, and encouraged
him with words. The noble animal answer
ed with feeble cry, and staggered on
Scarcely half mile now remained to gair
the swamp. If he could only reach it, Pres
ton knew all danger would be past. Blu
this was impossible. ....
That rapid gsllop came nearer and nearer
like the clock that ticks the hour Of the Grim
lnal's fate. He heard shout behind him
aud looking over his shoulder saw the troop
sr. whom he had last noticed sids by sid
With Major Lindsay, come laundering on
He cheered his dying steed to last effort
but it was in vain; the dragon made twt
strides to his one. A few PAGES only nov
separated them; the swamp lay thrice th'
distance before Already the trooper hac
risen in his stirrups, broadsword in hand
Preston had 70 such weapon. SuddeHly ht
reeolleeted the pistol in his other holster, ant
drawing it out with the velocity of thought
he tsrnea half around in his saddle and fred
Wish unerring aim the ball entered the brail
Of the dragon, who fell dead to the earth.
Is was the work ofa RomeRt to leap t.
the groSnd and catch The fallen soldier
horse, ghich Preston aprang. Poo
Thumb s. already dead; he had sunk t
the earth u his gasler fred the last shot.
Thus fate interposed to prevent an inter
view between Preston and oar Heorine, at
time when it would have been ofincalculabl
advantage to both, and have circumventer
. plot as base and cruel as it was now Ger
tain of success. At the very hour whel
Preston, after having ridden over thirt
miles from the spot where he was attacked
threw himself wearied from his horse, in on
OF the most secret recesses of the forest, Kat
and her aunt were setting forth for George
town, where they arrived on the succeedin!
dey. @ p
Never was human creature in a more isO
lated and mournful situntion than Kate nov
found herself, Indulging in what she tho
ahspelsss passion. every moment of delicac!
forbade her revealing Ito those who coul,
alone beAiend her. She well knew that
herfather became aware how much her mar
risge with Major Lindsay was against he
inclinations. be weuldinterposs even at tn
very altar, and ascend the scaffold to saw
her. Neither would ii do to let her aun
gussssher adherence at this union. Both he
fatheniand Mrs. Blakeley had, indeed, ct on
gslins hoped that 9 matrimonial connection
would be formed between her and Preston
but the mutual codness of the parties ha
long since dissipated thisexpectation. 1t wa
no time new to reveal her secret preference
such aconfession would have only sealed h
fathers fate without rendering her happ,
Kate was forced, therefore, to wear q smilin
face, when her heart was lacerated.
As Major Lindsay was compelled to be.
4 Camden in six days, his leave Of absent
closing at that period, the marriage was fixe
for the evening before his departure. Tb
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