White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1858-02-18
gfIttt Galt.
THE OATH OF MARION.
A STORY OF THE REVOLUTION.
BY CHARLES ]. PETERSON.
(coNcLUDED.)
CHAPTER VIII.
Now, 10y yOnd' marble heaven,
IN due reference Of a sacred vow,


There engage my words.-oTHELLo.
We left Preston tortured with the reflection
that the news of Kate's peril had come too late.
Half insane with the thought, he strobe to and
fro in bis marquee. Suddenly an orderly ap-
peared at the door, and requested his presence
at headquarters, where a council of officers was
to be Immediately held.
Wondering what enterprise called them to-
gcther, and fearful lest duty should prevent his
obtaining the furlough which he intended to ask,
in order that he might save Kate. or at least die
In the attempt, he walked modify to the tent of
Marion. Here he found the leading officers Of
the brigade already assembled, late as was the
hour; and besides them, Col. Lee, who had just
joined Marion with his legion, subsequently so
celebrated in this partisan war.
al believe Capt Preston is the last one ex-
pected. am glad he has safely returned" said
Marion, when our hero, bowling to his brother
officers, had assumed a seat, " and, as the affair
on which We have met is urgent, we will proceed
at once to business Capt. Horny, will you state
the purpose of this assembly, after which we will
hear you all, beginning with Capt. Preston, who
is the Youngest"
Every eye, as be spoke, had been turned on
Marion, and as hitherto we have given no des-
criptOn Of this celebrated parsonage, We will
employ the interval in drawing his picture. Ma
non, at that time, was aboat forty eight years
Of agei small Of stature, swarthy in visage, and
having face crossed by many lines Of thought.
Without being positively stern in aspect, there
was hard expression in his cOuntenance, which
at first might seem to augur q bosom equally
hard; but Marion was in reality man Of singu-
larry mild temperament; and the usually pas.
sonless expression of his face, arose rather from
bilites of his station, than from any lack of hu.
man sympathy. His eyes were dark, small spd
piercing; but at times they kindled with enthu-
siasm. This, indeed, was the only evidence
that aphysiognomist could have found Of genius
IN Marion; but when those eyes flashed indig-
nantly at wrong, blind indeed must he have been
who did not see the master spirit within. In
attire, this great partisan leader was modest and
simple. His words were generally few; and af.
ter the exertion he made in welcoming Preston,
he sank back into silence, which he maintained
until the conference was up, only as each officer
selivered his opinion, Marion would cast upon
MN momenrary glance, as if to read his soul
and then sink his head on his breast, thoughtful
and distracted.
In few words Captain Horny explained the
purpose for which the council had been conve.
ned A spy had Just come in with the intelli,
gence that the garrison of Georgetown had beer
considerably reduced, on which Col. Lee had
proposed that an attack should be made upo-
he place, since the country expected some bold
ana decisive stroke, now that his forces and Ma
mons we're united. The plan he suggested vas
mat portion of the brigade should drop dow
'ne Pedee BY night, and lie in ambush below the
'o"n; that on the succeeding night, this party
should enter the town on the defenceless side
and taking it by surprise, open an entrance fol
Aeir comrades, who, led by Lee and Marion il
person, would be ready atthe signal to assail thG
entertainments on the landward side