Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1854-11-02

their lowest ehb, by reason of the i'll success OF
the last campaign; Paltison rcjoiced at it and
Magotlin with him, and the former told Ellen of
vast sums her suitor would realize on that event
but this to her was worst OF ALL Tor. she had
imbibed largely of revolutionary feelings, and
nightly put up her prayers for the safety and
success of Washington and her country's army.
And there was one there who shared her
prayers: she had neither father nor mother, nor
knew she of single relation except her uncle,
who but lily supplied The place of Il fond parent;
it was not for Il relation she petitioned heaven,
twas for lover, soldier in the army of lnde-
pcndence. She had given her heart to one
whom she thought in every respect worthy OF
it, and who increased in worth when conrasted
with Magolin.
Alfred Clendinning she knew was brave, no.
Bile, generous, possessing mind more cultivated
than ordinary, and from close observation OF
his rival, she thought she detected want OF all
these qualities. Alfred was not poor, but her
uncle viewed him in no friendly light. and for
badc him his house.
Ellen descended to supper, and afterwards
was compelled 10 endure the company OF Ma
Coffin for an hour, when her uncle told her they
wished to be alone, and she gladly availed her
self Of the leave thus given, to seek shelter OF
her room the old house-keepcr lighted her up,
and to her she put some casual questions con-
ce-ning Magofiin, for she felt there was some,
thing concealed in his mode >of lfe-thc old
woman was talkativc and no ways backward IN
communicating information, but she had not
much to give; she said, however, that he was
often absent for whole days and nights together,
without saying whittier he was going, and that
several times there had been parties OF men III
Al. ,rf,tf
from the mill-once or twice gentleman had
stopped all nigh. in their house, and then they
were sure to sit talking till break of day.
Ellen reclaed on her brd whilst a thousand
thoughts passed over her mind. In tho ncan-
time, Magdtlin and his guest were seated in the
room below and were in a busy conference; be-
fore them was table covered with papers and
letters, the contents Of which busted them both;
from time 10 time large silver watch that lay
on the table was often consulted i'll considerable
anxiety.
"The Major delays long," at length Alagoflin
observed.
"If those cursed rebel horses are out, nc
brings in escort, supposc!" said Pattison.
Z" Av, some dmgoons to sec him ST..
81 wish he were here" rcjoncd IL '
"General Arnold is anxious TO CO. 't 20
treaty. and tonight may ensure the Gr'Ei' '
the uuiun;. my powers: :aro ,ampie, NG@ -,
ward will be so too; you know my "l:c.
me Ellen, and rclinquish one-half ny 'r.- %
you"
aElcn, as I have already said, *
have brought her with me, that here rr'".' ','i
the world she may become your bride, where
all opposition would be vain, for have lound
her stubborn and pcrvcrsc."
"AlIrcd Cendinning has caused this, but he
shall rue having crossed my path" said Magcthn,,
and gathered his eyebrows into u determined
frown; ut that moment the distant sound OF
firearms was heard. Hark !" said he, "by
heavens It's the pistols of the dragoons!'
"For Gods sake" said Pattison, be cau-
tiuus; these papers may ruin us; contOund the
change that brought the rebels on the hills at
this time of night-they're at it still ~ and the
quick successive shots were distinctly heard.
Whilst all this was passing below, Ellen had
remained in deep anxiety of thought in her
chamber the beauty of the night had brought
her to the window, and she hung with delight
on the scene before her. the moon was waning
away, her full broad disc had disappeared, and
crescent of silver light now hung over the val
lev; in the lower portion of this, dark trees and
hills soon broke the view, but above, the light
rested on the expanded water and showed an
extent Of clear land for some distance; here
and there the dark shadows of hills and trees
were visible contrasting with the brightness
around, and assuming grotesque forms some
times huge aud underlined, and again showing
the appearance OF strange castles or armed
riants, whilst the woods which resonnded at
intervals with the voice of the night frog and
kalydid, was here and there FURNISHED with long
rays of brightness; Il portion OF The road too,
was visible as it descended the hill ut the en-
:remc end of the valley; and as she gazcd
towards it, for Il moment she was startled, for
she thought she perceived dark body move
aiong-but twas gone, and her eye, which hung
on the spot, could discover nothing more; her
attention wandered, and in an instant the bright
hashinos of fire were visible in the wood below
and The report Of firearms struct on her startled
ear; she bent from her easement with deep
interest, every thing else seemed hushed, and
between the successive discharges of firearms:
she heard the noise of the distant turmoil; she
saw lights moving about the little mill, half hid
| by huge trees and ponderous rocks, among which
each moment. slreaks Of fire and the report OF
arms were discerned, for this seemed to be the
center of commotion, and she heard the noise
of bullets dropping into the water between her
and il the moon did not give light enough 10
dissipate the gloom which hung around, but now
n BRIGHTNESS dartrd over the water and through
the darkness, and the next moment the straw
roof OF the mill flashed upwards in column OF
vivid flame; far and wide its light spread
through the valley ani up the hills, and showed
every leaf hanging on the trees, and lighted
every fissure in the surrounding rocks; q shout
from the combatents arose with it, and as 1t
PASSED she heard the sound of horses hoots
I nnnroochinT mt utmost speed.
The blaze made il as light as day, and she
saw an officer on gallant charger dash across
the bridge at the lower end Of the dam; he
seemed to support himself on the saddle by the
name of his horse, over which he had apparent
ly lost all command, whilst the light flashed on
his uniform and played on the bright scabbard
that danged at his side, and increased the terror
of his frightened animal. The rider had lost
his cap, and was evidently wounded, and now
the rapid speed of his horse had brought him to
the house, when gate opposed barrier to his
further progress.
As though suddenly recovering his lost cour-
age the steed stood still, but the officer was loo
far spent to resist the shock thus given him, ana
he was thrown stunned at the door, hlagollin
had been securing the papers in much anxiety
and now and then throwing hurried glance TO-
wards the fght-but when the event we nave
just spoken of occurred, he thrust the papers
into n side pocket, rushed out, and seized the
horse
"Farewell, Pattison," he cricd," "our stars
are unlucky, | know it by the burning OF tne IN
mill the papers are safe"-and throwing wide
Tho rate he sprun0 into the saddle, and was lost