Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1856-01-03
An yntertstmg storv.
THE YOUNG REBEL.
A TALE OF THE CARoLINAs
BY j. n. SANDERS.

In small farm house, towards the close OF
the year 1880, sat an old man, his wife and
an only son. The face of the father appeared
troubled at times he looked thoughtfuily to
the floor, and then he would gaze long and
wistfully at his son, fine manly youth OF
twenty. At length he said:
"Dayid this is disastrous news from Cam
den, God knows what will become Of the
country now! Congress needs every arm that
is capable an !'me, I wish this old wouud L
got IN the French war had not lamed me (; but
for it should now be shouldering my musk ct
and marching to defend my country"
Both son ard wife looked up at these words.
The old lady ceased knitting, and lookedinquir-
ingly at her boy, and it was evident from the
expression of her face, that patriotism and
motherly affection were at variance in her bo-
som. The son, however, after encounterng
his fathers eye for moment, turned confused
ly away. The old mans brow darkened, and
he exclaimed warmly:
oDavid, why do you lnger about the vii
lage when your country needs your services so
much? Why, my son, I am ashamed of you.
Twice before this have I spoken to you on
this subject, but you appear to have no spirit.
What will you see us trampled upon by the
brutal merccnaries Of Britain, and still lie
here supinely! For shame, David, for shame
I will not call you my son. Long since you
ought to have been in the army"
Joshua Joshua .interposed the old moth
er, David is but youth; then do not speak
so harshly to him. He cannot yet feel what
you feel, who have fought so often against
your country's enemy-he is but a boy
a boy, indeed, Deborah Such boys as
David have already gained imperishable lau-
rels since the war commenced. could name
a host of them why we're it not for the boys
of this land, where would be our army, which
I dare say, is one quarter composed OF boys OF
his age"
The old man was excited and it was the first
unkind word he hadevc used to his hoy.
David rose and left the house. He walked
some distance apparently in deep thought.
What will the woman do. he at last NUT
tered. Here have been lingering about the
village when should have been off long ago
And for what why, to meet pretty girl and
to listen to her musical voice but now l Will
be to myself again what did he call me =
was it not couard? Now, by Heavens, |
will teach him that he has son who possesses
the spirit of his father. Away, then, with love,
for feel that am called upon to act; no Ion
ger dream ere another fortnight, my father
Shall hear Of me, or else lose my life in strl
wing for it, And with this resolution he turn
ed about and retraced his steps.
When he reached home he sought the stable
saddled his horse, and mounting him, struci
intoa gallop, which continued forseveral miles
At length he stopped and looked up at the
window of farm house, half hid'~betweel
clustering trees. This was the residence Q
Mary Bunker, the mistress of his heart th'
lights showed that the family had not retired
and he resolved to pay her visit before hi;
departure.
She was alone when he entered, and few
words made her acquainted with his detcrml
nation. When she burst into tears.
sNo, Mary he added, you must not unmal
me- At first resolved to leave you wlthou
farewell, for knew how much You drcade'
my taking an active part in the struggle. Bu
l could not be so cruel as to desert you with
out word
Il will compose myself said the fair cir
with an effort to smile. d know | have beef
wrong to persuade you to stay; but you canno
imagine the anxictics ] suffer on account O
my brothers, and l could not bear you to cn
counter their danger. But since this dreadful