Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1852-09-01
THE YOUNG DRAGON,
A Story of the Cowpens.
BY oHAs. J. PETERSON.
CHAPTER I,

SlAfIEh l.
There is a thing--there is thing,
fain would have from thcc
fain would have that gay gold ring
The SPECTRE LADY.
The period of our revolutionary history
Immediately succeeding the defeat at Cam
den, is still remembered in the Carolinas
with horror. The British, elated with
their success, and regarding the South as
now conquered, proceeded in the work of
| contiscation and massacre with pitiless Sc
verify. In that terrible crisis many fa-
mily was deprived of its head either by
exile or by execution. Yet larger num-
bers were shorn of their property and re-
duced to comparative indigence. In a
word, terror reigned paramount.
But the common events of life still
went on. The transactions of business,
the struggle for wealth, tolls of the hus-
bandman, birth, deaths, marriages, cares,
hopes, fears,-all followed each other
down the deep current of existence, al
most wholly unaffected by the storm of
war which agitated the surface. 1t is an
error to suppose that great convulsions
disturb the whole order of society. Men
will still hate though the entire hation 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 towards the close of winters
evening, that youth of noble mcin and
handsome features, stood at the foot of
one of those long avenues of trees, which
in South Carolina lead up from the road
to the mansions of the wealthier proprie-
tors. For nearly half an hour had he
been there as if awaiting the approach of
some one from the house now looking
| anxiously up the long avenues, now rest
lessly walking to and fro. During that
interval but one person had passed along
the highway, and the notice of this one
the youth had skillfully avoided by con-
cealing himself behind some dwarf trees
within the plantation fence. This act, as
well as his whole ldemeanor, proved that
he was awaiting some secret interview.
AT last, just when the dusk began to
deepen into night, the flutter of a white
dress was seen coming down the avenue.
A minute more and beautiful girl OF
eighteen summers, appeared on the scene.
ALBERT" said the new conner, as the
youth, seizing her hand, passionately kiss
ed it. "I have not second to stay. II
was with difficulty could leave the house
unseen, and my absence has doubtless
been noticed before this what we have
to say must therefore be said at once
why have you sought this interview ?'
(" 1 have sought it, Ellen" he replied
still holding her hand, F." because, despair
ing of gaining your consent, have vol
unteered in Captain Washington's caval
ry corps, and tomorrow set forth. Per
haps you will never see me more. could
not leave the neighborhood without see
ing you once more, and bidding you ar
eternal farewell; and as your father ha.
forbidden me from entering the house
there was no method of giving you my
adieu, except by soliciting an interview
The tears had started to the eyes of hi
conceal them and for some time neithe
spoke.
! Ellen, dear Ellen" said the youn,
soldier, earnestly, "will you not now, il
| this solemn moment, say you love me
) once hoped you did, but since your fathe
has forbidden me the house, you hav
r been less kind, and fear that have los
your heart-that you too, have ceased l.
care for me, now that l am really beg
CARED
, His hearer turned suddenly round an
[ cast upon him look of fearful reproach
that cut short his words.
= "Bless you, Ellen, for that look" b
, said. "Though my fathers estate is con
r fscated, and he and 1 both INDECENT, il
not on that account you have looked o
: me so coldly, lately. Say then, deares
g only say that have been mistaken i
J, thinking you at all altered. 4z
= Another look, equally eloquent. ar
: swered him but still his hearer did nc
d speak. h'''S -i1
1t "oh Ellen, he continued, when
v aErl won ~ e-lln L9ssu.I -