Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-10-01
CHAPTER III.

II is the breakfast hour at Milton Bar
RVS. Around the table are seated Elmira,
her uncle and the housekeeper. They had
sat some time when the housekeeper arose
aud left the room, aud Barry said,
"Times are dreadful Burgoyne is pent
up and every day a battle seems more in
cyitable. When willthe obstinate colonies
lay down their arms, and submit to their
sovereign I? When will"
Never !" interrupted Elmira, /" while
one arm ia LEFT to be raised in defence
N, never! The spirit of freedom is
aroused, it is too deeply rooted in the
hearts Of Columbia's sons to die out. New
or will proud England's tyrant king again
place his shackles on our limbs. The
sword is unsheathed, to be sheathed again
when the cowardly invader is driven from
our soil. We viii be free in defiance of
England with her hirelings, and all trait
ors Of American honor"
That's right. A fine speech truly
1t is a pity you are not OF the masculine
gcnler, for you would make a splendid
soldier"
This was said in a derisivc tone and it
cost Elmira a struggle, to keep from show
Ing her contempt forthe utterer however,
she controlled her feelings and replied,
Although you devide my words, you'll
find them true. Just as sure as God is
above, America will be freed from oppress-
ION. Her star is in the ascendant, and
soon a victory will be echoed throughout
the land, that will cause every patriots
heart to throb with pleasure. Yes, Bur-
goyue's time has come, and soon his army
will be routed by our gallant defenders"
Tut, tut, Elmira, hear what [ have to
say. / wanted to hear you make a speech,
50 | adopted the surest mode to bring about
the desired result, but l wish now to say
something of more importance to you. ]
wish to ask you if you have thought better
OF the proposition / made to you the Other
day. Speak and tell me if you will acced'
to my wish
" Uncle, | will speak and that truly
Rather than barter all my hopes of happi
ness here on earth for gold, | would Draw
poverty and death itself"
" BY the 6end we will see. You won
marry Colonel Samson, you say ; we vii
see. Beware how you disobey me now
1t was your fathers dying wish for you t
consider Tue as a father, and now you re
fuse to obey me-"
Uncle, you know I am willing to ODE
you in any reasonable demand, but in re
gard to choosing a companion for life,
mu.tconsultmy own heart. Father did nj
mean to make you a master over me, there
fore, / will not marry Colonel Samson"
Well, well see. Cote your room an
don't let me see you any more to day."
q will, but oppression will soon ceas
for | intend to leave you as soon as | a
legally my own mistress" And with ey
flashing fire and a disdainful look at Il
mercenary wretch, she left him alone.
Mr.. Barry rung the bell and orderir
his horse, was soon on the way to the can
of the enemies of America.
81 tell you she is i%mmovable, Colon'
l do not believe any power on earth cou
make her submit to our wishes, unless it
force"
"Well, let force be used. / have 81
pccted as much, and | have planned b
abduction. Once in my power and S
shall be my wife, or my -, Their
no doubt as to which station she will
cept."
Capital capital! Let me hear "
plan. I'm all attention"
"It is this. / will give you a lett
purporting to come from Edwin Delan
which you will c%ontrive to have reach |
In it 7 viii appoint a meeting at night,
doubt she will gladly respond to the call
will have two men concealed, who
take her and bring her to me. l have
excellent place for her, a few miles f
camp, to which | will have her taken.
,,ue season ] viii visit her and state
proposition, if she refuses to be my v
then / will threaten her with disgrace
IishonOr, and i have no doubt she
give up her obstiRacy."
"Good, Colonel, good but can 20
write a letter as TO deceive her
Knows Edwin's writing, as she has
communications from him often"
elbow do you like that Z" At the
time handing Barry a letter.
~You are an adept, Colonel who "
nave thought it could be done so nice
She certainly WILDE deceived, but how
Jou know his writing"
"Why, don't you know Edwin Del
las been in our midst as a spy He