The southern enterprise. [volume] (Greenville, S.C.) 1854-1870, 1856-02-14


looked inquiringly at her boy, and :. was
evident from the expression Of her face, that
patriotism and motherIy affection were at
variance in her bosom. The sou, however.
after encountering his fathers eve for a mo.
ment. turned sconfusedly away. The old
mans. brow daskened, and he exclaimed
warmly. 49,, :. 81 ,kS1s t..at - Il.
David, why do you linger about the
village when your country needs Z ycur
services so much Why. my son. / am
ashamed of you. Twice before this have I
spoken to you on this subject, but you ap-
pear to have no spirit. What will you see
us tranpled upon by the brutal, ,mercenaries
OF Britain, and still lie hero supinely For
shame, David, for shame! will not cal;
you my son. Long since you ought to
have been in the army 1Fltt,l iH N f1Gs
Joshua! Joshua y interposed the old
mother. David is but a youth: then do
not speak SO harshly to him. He cannot
yet feel what you feel, who have fought so
snen against your .country's enemy-he is
but boy -.,.,.y ..-..-,.s ",
"A boy, indeed. Deborah! !. Such bows rs
David have already gained i,nperislmble
lanreis since The war commenced. / could
name am host Of them l--why were it not for
the boys OF This land, where wouitt bo4eo,,r
army, which 4 dare say, is one quarter CON-
posed of boys of his age = - a.,s #
The old man was excited, and il was tho
:irst unkind word hc had ever used to his
boy, s,,.,-,. y ~. -. ...-.:.r,' ....i,..l
David rose and left the house. He walk.
ed some distance apparently in deep
thought " ,,.g ., -. -
What will not woman do r he at last NUT.
tered. Hers have been lingering about
the village when should have been Off long
ago. And for what why, to meet prct-
try girl and to listen to her musical voice I;
but now | will be to myself again !-wl,at
did lie call me was it not coWoyd? Now,
by Heavens, ! will tcacl, him tl,at i,e has a
son who possesses the spirit of his father.
Away, then, with love, for feel that am
called upon to act; no longer dream ere
another fortnight, my. father shall hear OF
me, or else ! lose my life in striving for it,
And with this resolution he turned about
and retraced his steps. 80 t,.,,,7'.' +
When he reached home he sought tbe
stable, saddled his horse. aud amounting hin,,
struck into gallop, which continued for
several miles. At length he stopped and
looked up at the window Of farm house,
half hid between clustering trees. This was
the residence Of Mary Bunker the mistress
OF his heart the lights showed that the fam
lily had not retired, and he resolved TO pay
her visit before his departure.
She was alone when he entered, aad n
few words made her acquainted with his de-
termination. When she burst into tears.
No, Mary he added, you must not un-
man me. At first resolved to leave You
without farewell, for I knew how much
you dreaded my taking an active part in the
struggle. But could not be so cruel as to
desert you without a word
i w;ll compose myself said the fair girl
with an effort to smile. Il know have been
wrong 70 persuade you to stay; but you can.
not imagine the anxieties Isuifer on accoun!
OF my brothers, and I could not bear YOU to
encounter their danger. But siace this dread
full defeat at Camden, feel that every man
is wanted for our country. Go, then, dear
est, and may God be with you. My pray
ers shall attend you night and day. = esFa
David pressed the weeping girl to his DO,
som, snatched hasty kiss at the sound Of
approaching footsteps, wrung her hand and
| was gone. sa aa%.ss - aaa,'sit'-,
The next day he left the neighborhood OF
his fathers house armed with musket and
mounted on a sturdy horse. His destina.
ton was the American camp, then far north.
ward; but as the intervening country was
flied with the'enemy, he knew that there
would be considerable address required Ia
effect his purpose. Before his departure liz
saw q few Of his old playmates who psomis
ed to follow as soon as possible.
| Night found him near lonely farm house
10 which he proceeded boldly, II in pursuir o.
lodging. At first the occupant received him
coldly, buta chance expression convincing
David that bis host was a tory, he affected
the same political creed. and was immediate
ly warmly welcomed. The royalist reduced
bis cider after supper and insisted that Da
sid should join him In his potations this III,
young nan did, taking care not to indala.
too freely, while the farmer, ovefjcyed 70 find
what he supposed to be new recruit for hi,
party, drank without stint, and become NOR
and more communicative. To his horror
David soon learned that a party of loyalists
led by Major Wilson, celebrated for his tory
lism and ruthlessness, were to start early OF
the ensuing day on an expedition to seize ane
hang tho two Bunkcss, who had made them
selves particularly obnoxious to the royalis