Squatter sovereign., 1855-03-13
ATcHIsoN KANSAS TERRITORY, TUESDAY, 1s,

| nufnCeT. DTOke IN an Olu trooper. CHe
good whig is match for six tories, make
the best of them."
And with light laugh at the old sol
diers jest the party moved towards the spot
designated by the messenger. And while
the little band of patriots are on their mis-
sion of kindness, we will speak of matter
which the reader has as yet had but an
occasional allusion.
Richard Leland was gentleman rath-
er past the prime of life; but by years of
toll, he had secured home for himself and
family and was hoping to pass the remain
der of his Life In comparative ease, since
he had laid by property, sufficient to live
without being obliged to labor for his main
tenance. In the beginning of the trouble
between the mother country and the coie-
nies, he had readily espoused the cause
of the patriots and although his advanced
age would deter him from doing as eff
cient service for his country as others of
| his co-laborers he was at heart friendly
with the Coionists-and many time had
a patriot fugitive fleeing from the Kings
soldiers, sought refuge beneath the friendly
roof of the Lelands, and thus succeeded
in eluding their pursuers, for never in one
instance were they tracked to their re-
treat.
Mr.. Leland's household consisted of his
wife, end an only daughter. A lovely
creature was Clara Leland!-just eighteen
it would be hard to find more fitting
subject for the artists pencil. Jet black
curls falling gracefully over neck Of
snowy whiteness, rosy checks, and an eye
that looked roguishly from beneath their
silken lashes, added to a finely proper
toned form, made her beauty of the most
perfect order. She had been the pet of
an indulgent mother, and was perfectly
adored by doting father, and although
always had her own way, her affection for
her parents was as strong as that Of any
daughter in the land.
She had become acquainted with a
couple of young men, one named Ralph
Milton, and the other David Watson
Both were good looking, and belonged to
the first families in the neighborhood: but
here all similarity between the two ceased.
Ralph Milton was picture Of nobleness
Heterogeneous hearted, frank and manly
in disposition-he was beloved by his
friends, and could not but be respected by
an enemy, while David Watson was ex-
actly the opposite; of naturally a cowardly
disposition, he possessed not one of those
ennobling qualities thatbeiongs to the true
hearted. He was a frequent visitor to the
dwelling of Mr.. Leland, and although
his company could easily have -Aeen dis
pensed with by Clara, she did not wish to
make him an enemy by making decided
show of her dislike, for as yet the vindic-
tiveness Of his disposition had not yet had
the opportunity of showing itself. But
when the difficulties between his own peo-
pie and Great Britain arose, it gave free
scope to his cowardly nature,
He collected together number Of law
less characters, for the avowed purpose of
helping to quell the rebellion which was
showing itself in different parts of the colo
MES, but this was only a pretext to cloak
his real objects, for soon the name of the
tory leader, ''David Watson" became
fearfully notorious, and he was known to
be one of the most cruel desparadoes that
ever disgraced country, or made the least
pretentions to humanity. He had hoped
to keep his proceedings from the Leland
family, since he did not wish to be dis
that time might not add anything to be de-
sired to his character, he determined to
bring matters to an end, by making an Of
fer of his hand to Miss Leland, and with
this purpose in view, he directed his steps
towards the sturdy old wings home.
His call for admittance was answered
by Clara herself, and he was invited TO
come in, an invitation that he was not 10th
to accept.
Everything was arranged as he would
have desired; Mr.. Leland was engaged IN
out-of doors work, and Mrs. Leland was
busily employed in another room. After
quite number of bows, and other like de-
monstrations Of :sgreat pleasure In seeing
Miss Leland in the enjoyment of good
health" he took the profered chair and
commenced
"Miss Leland, came here for the pur-
pose of honoring you with an offer of my
heart. hand and fortune without the least
reserve"
When Watson commenced speaking
Clara was intending to give him mild
but decided refusal; when he came to the
last clause, the comicaEty ofthe thing caus-
ed smile TO appear upon her features,
which she could not conceal from the eyes
of the other.
miss Lelan1 is pleased to be merry
at my expensen' exclaimed he. endeavor-
ing TO suppress the chagrin he felt. s'And
as nv company does not seemto be agree
able, win take my leave, but not without
assuring you that [ shall make another
call soon.''
DO so, by all means returned Clara,
who thought he intended exactly the re-
verse from what he said, and only express
al
.sOf course we shall always be pleased to
see you!''
With curse OF disappointment upon
his lips. Watson seized his hat and rushed
from the house, vowing within himself to
repay the cruel insult he had received
And he fulfilled his VOW to the latter, for