The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1855-06-21

| sdIlSucllOn Vi Ill us lnHdles. MaflOn
stepped quietly but quickly about her work
that afternoon, and close observer might
have seen merry twinkle about her eye
now and then, but she kept her thoughts
to herself. Towards night, Marion stole
out to the barn, saddled her horse, and Ia
king one of the guns she had 50 adroitly
managed to get possession Of, she started
off for the old red school house.
A company Of young men had turned
that ancient scat Of learning into anarmory,
and having stacked their guns there, it be,
ing a bright, moonlight evening, they as,
Semblcd in apiece of woods, just in the
rear, and were talking over their proposed
march on the morrow to head quarters,
when they were startled by the sudden ap-
pcarance of Marion.
What an array Of wonder-struck faces,
exclaimed Marion, gaily, as she seated her
self ona log near by. DO you think |
am fairy ora ghost because am abroad
this moonlighteye?'
Neither said the captain of the little
band, but We own we were surprised at
your sudden appearance among US. |
hope you have good news
We'll, such as have you shall quick
" hear, for there is no time to be lost.
overheard to-day two British soldiers lay
ing plan to capture your guns this eve
ming, and they are now on their way here
advise you to capture them yourselves
first, and be ready to receive yourvisitor8
To give you warning of their appoach |
yenturcd out tonight alone
you are noble girl, Miss Stanley,
said the captain, grasping her hand; in
the name of the company, thank you.
But surely you must not return alone, one
of my men shall accompany you
ALLOW me that pleasure said Henry
Burton, approaching Marion i fully
agree with the captain, that itwould be un,
safe for to return alone
lam unwilling to take any of you
away from your duty, as l think your ser
vices will shortly be needed, but ifit is un
safe to return as | came, shall be mos
happy of your company she replied.
Leaving the little patriot band to pre-
pare for their British visitors, Marion and
Henry, taking by-road that led through
the woods, were soon on their way home
what think you Of the war, that | sup
pose we must now consider as actually
begun z said Marion.
i have but one thought about it, said
Henry, and that is, the cause Of liberty
will finally triumph. Old England vii
yet find she has stirred up a spirit this
side of the water not 10 be put down.
had hoped to join The company from oul
village, but shall have to stay at home
for hsve had the misfortune 10 inlure
nv gun, so that it is unfit for use. There
is moi another to be obtained anywhere
in this region, and | am sure | canno
think of presenting myself before Wash
inglon without weapon of some kind.
If that is The only reason why you can
not Join the army, can easily remove
that difficulty. This gun | have with ne
shall be at your service
! Il shall be proud to receive it at you
hand, Marion, but how did you get pos
session OF it Z
you know | said this evening that
overheard two British soldiers talking
about The attack that your company arr
preparing for. Well, these very soldiers
invited themselves to dine at our house
and. watching an opportunity man
aged to get their guns
THAT was well managed, Marion.
am glad to see the mothers and daught
ers of the country taking such an inter
est in the present struggle. am an or
phan, without any one in the wide world
can claim kindred with, so that if fal
IN battle, there will he no one TO weep foI
me-
Don't say SO, Henry, you know yoI
have always been favorite in the vii
lage. There would be many fearful eye
here, if such a fate should be yours sh'
added, in tremulous tone.
Marion. can | dare hope you feel any
more than a sisierly regard for me 7 |
could, tbere would be no hardship toC
great for me, no danger too imminent, i
thereby could gain home for you un
der The broad banner OF ieedom.'
'Methinks these are strange times t.
talk of love, Henry; but if the knowledg'
that your image has been ershrined il
nv heart ever since we were children
can give you one degree more Of courag
to battle for the right, then bear thi
knowledge with YOU. for such is the fact.