The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1858-07-02


powdered wig, three cornered hat, and sill
vcred buckles, walked the streets, Stafford
never bowed, but walked straight along, as
II he scorped obedience to one who would
bend the knee to an earthly king. But he
still continued to go to meeting, and would
sit as patiently through the long sermons
and loyal prayers, as good old Deacon Burr
himself. The truth was this same Deacon
had one daughter, and prettier girl than
Polly Burr never entered a village church
or, might say, graccd palace. She had
a roguish black eye, and her hair cured
naturally; you never saw it in paper, even
in the morning; and then she was so neat
and trim in her gingham short gown and
white petticoat, and at meeting she looked
pretty enough to make young mans heart
ache.
"She was the bcllo of tho village, and at
cuttings, and pairing bees, and dances, she
was the life Of the compaay. Ihad long
had my eyes upon her as tho choice of my
heart, but there were so many that went to
see her on Sunday evenings, il was but
seldom that could find n chance to speak
with her. But was Industrious and prudent,
saving all that I could earn, that might
have pleasant home to Offer The Deacon,
too, favored ME, and seeing was of a
steady turn Of mind, often invited me to his
house. But young Stafford, it seems, all un-
beknown TO the Deacon, loved her also ;
but he was such wild, bold youth, and
moreover, so at swords point with the min
lister, that lie never dared reveal his feelings,
save by sundry little attentions, noticed only
by Polly herself Now it happened that
the Deacon had, with great labor, cleared
patch and planted it with corn. 1t was
growing finely on tile new, rich land, and
the young ears were already formed, and
promised fine harvest, but for several sue
cessive Sundays, there was great destruction
in the corn field. In vain he made scare
crows and set traps, aud even put one of his
old coats on apole, sight that would
irigh1en the worst 10y iu the village, for lie
was tile tithing man, that terror of rosues.
But the next Sunday the mischief was re-
peated, till the patience of the old gentle
man was nearly worn out. But he belong.
ed to church remarkable for the rieidity
OF its tenets and the strictness of its discip-
line; to have permitted any one to stay at
home to watch cornfeld would have been
considered heinous offence.
II declare" said the old deacon one Sun
day after sundown, I'VE shall lose all our
corn, unless we catch those rascaIly thieves.
Who knows but they are Indians? 2"
AS he spoke he accidentally looked at
Polly. She sat in the corner of the great
oak settle which stood before the fire, watch
ing the putting steam from tho tea kettle,
and looking somewhat sad.
"Why, Polly" said the deacon, with more
animation than usual, "among all the rest of
my troubles lately, have been bothered by
two or three young men who want you for
wife. 1have mind to say that whoever
will shoot or take prisoner the thief who
steals my corn, shall have you for wife" :"
Polly looked up in surprise at this novel
mode of disposing Of her hand but the
next instant there was roguish twinkle in
her black eye, and turning to her father she
said gaily, "a bargain, ifyou please"
She knew very we'll who would be first
upon the field, and whose courage and per-
severance would be the most likely to hold
ont the longest.
"But will you keep your promise, fa-
therp'
81 wouldn't have it said that the deacon
OF the church ever told lie :; so saw it
now-whoever will shoot or take prisoner
the thief, shall have Polly Burr for his
wife,"
This conversation was overheard by the
hired boy, and soon circulated through the
village. Great was the commotion among
the young men of the place. AS for myself,
l rode far and near; examined the corn
field by night, and devised every means in
my power to aocertain the offender. In
deed, one whole night I watched behind
the stump Of an old tree. But there was
no avail.
But the very next Sunday, when Psrson
Goodman was saying, athe ninth bead of
my discourse" the congregation were star
tied by the report Of gun. 4s-..'..a
There was a general rising, and great
commosion among the women. Our .first
thought WAS of Indians or'Tories: There.
was rush for the doey, 9 tambIiag over Vel
children chill aud e screaming Of their moth.
ers. taa ~. ~ sls;;s ~ lF j9rs'r;s
b ,s,l But what vas OUT, surprise, shsn tairly
landed upon sie gssen. to see. young saf