The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1854-08-23
From tho Columbia Banner.
FIRST HoR lXE TALE.
MICH .AEL ALHSCOT :;
THE SHOT HS TIME.
A STORY OF MARI0N'S AIEN
BY J. w. ERWIN.
BY j. w. ERWIN.
CHAPTER II.
[coNTINUED FROM LAST ISSUE
CHATTER II.


And now, Dora," said Michael,
:aisiug from his seat, "wc must part
once more, and sooner than had an.
ticipatcd. must rctracc my steps
with all convenient speed, and inform
Marion of the varied news | have
heard from your lips. In two days at
most we shall meet again, that is so
soon rs we have routed this band of
rutiians and thieves, Of whose rclLcz
'vous you have told me. Marion will
he on his route before tomorrow sun
lhas set, and trust such lesson may
be taught to the tories on Black river
'that they will never again appoint
another rendezvous here"
MAY heaven grant it," calculated
,thc maiden. "But, Michael, | know
that you must indeed be wcaricl with
your long travel. Occupy this cham
her nntiI merniug--and" she added
with blush-''as for myself, will
retire below. Indeed will sec to it
that you are not discovered, and have
you awakened and put upon the road
before the family are astir. Rest be-
meath our roof at least until morning" :"
81 must answer you, my dear Dora,
as certain noble but unfortunate sol.
dicr answered his king, wien he ,e-
turned home from an unfinished cam.
paign, while his conntrymen were still
abroad, engaged in the tolls of war
The Ark and Israel and Judal, abide
in tents, and the servants of my lord
are cncampcd in the open field thus
it is with me- must even dcnv
myself, wearied as am, the luxury of
Sleep"
The cheek and neck of the young
maiden, who we'll remembered the
story to which the innocent alusion
was made, " ere crimsoncd with blush.
es which she sought vainly to conceal.
"No, Doro" continued her lover in
the same grave tone-''no bed ofdown
for me. AS fast as my wcaricd stccd
can bear me, must hasten back to
inform Marion Of this glorious news.
Were he not man of more than or.
.dinary activity, it would even now be
too late to convey him the tidings in
season. Remember when am gone,
! pray you, honest and loyal old Kerr.
lie is an mistaken friend of his coun-
. try, and no doubt greatly needs kind
Alcss and care at this time. And now
time constrains me to leave YOU"
"Not in the same manner by which
you came, however, Michael. Allow
lne to step below, and if find all qui-
ct, will return and conduct you out
by the lower door,"
Dora hastily descended tho stair
case, and after short absence returned
to the door and beconed to Michael to
follow. Michael had already drawn
off his boots and stood ready to follow
his fairlguide, who Immediately led the
4. way down the staircase to tho lover
apartment, and opened the door for
his exit.
Drawing her close to bis bosom, and
|imprinting kiss upon her check, he
4; whispered in her ear as they parted.
"fcar not Doro, We shall soon meet
again"
The maiden gently closed that door,
and pnusing for Il moment to listen to
her rcceding footsteps, the young dra-
goon drew on his boots and fastened
nn to the copse where his horse stood
tied. AS he passed out by the gate.
way, he glanced back towards the
house, and Doro, who was again on the
balloons awaiting parting glance,
waved him last adicu in answer to
bis own. and retired once more to her
chamber.
Hastily then the young trooper
stlnIc along, and soon was seated
Grnly in his saddle retracing his steps
!" ben. 20 llisS General The Important