The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1859-11-17


fond, parental embrace.
And the battle, husband 2 inquired
Mrs. Kenton, eagerly.
1t was hard fought field, wife, re
sponded the patriot, and the army il
now retreating to Chester, where Wash
ington intends to camp during the night
and where intend to rejoin my coun
trymen before daylight. The cause o
liberty has need of every true man in the
land, and Joshua Kenton would not stand
in the back ground even to save his necl
from the halter. Honor, love of country
patriotism-everything forbids it. Blu
I'm faint and weary he added. get me
a little something to eat, and let me have
few hours rest ie recruit my exhausted
energies.
Comfortable food was at once placed
before Mr.. Kenton, and after he had par.
taken Of some refreshment, he retired to
a back room and flung himself on a bed
His anxious wife and daughter kept
watch by his side.
Must father go again p the latter,
whose name was Martha, at length in
quired.
Yes, child rejoined Mrs. Kenton,
briefly and sadly.
I'm sorry added Martha, in defect
ed tones.
So am /, my child said her mother;
but your father is the last man living
to desert his country's flag
Father is good and brave, l know
and it is right that he should fight for bis
country-but oh mother, if he should
be killed =
Mrs. Kenton started painfully.
Don't speak of it, my child, don't
speak of it, she cried in agonizing tones.
AT that moment several loud raps fell
quickly upon the door. The mother and
daughter started from their chairs, and
the patriot suddenly leaped from his
couch.
The first movement Of Mrs. Kenton
was to blow out the light, and almost in
simultaneously with the knock the room
was enveloped in darkness.
What is it, wife p demanded the pa
triot, hardly yet awake.
Some one is rapping londly at the
front door. responded his wife, in a shak-
ing voice.
Indeed some of the pickets have
found US out, l suppose. but whether
friends or foes remains to be seen. 1t is
as likely to be one as the other, for we
are about as near the latter as the for
mer 1t was scarcely prudent to remain
here just now, and must have been
crazy not to remember that before
Again the raps fell upon the door.
What shall we do. husband p inquir-
ed Mrs. Kenton. anxiously.
Face them, be they friends or foes p
rejoined the patriot sternly. at the same
moment resolutely taking up his gun.
Il tread the soil of my native land, am
arrayed in an honest and righteous cause,
and have no reason to fear any man on
earth and as the Lord liveth / do not
Yes, yes. husband, but will it be
prudent-will it be prudent p demanded
his wife. excitedly.
Mr.. Kenton did not reply, for the
words Of his wife recalled him to fuller
sense OF his danger.
For my sake, husband-for the sake
Of our child do not be rash. If these
are English soldiers at our door, there
may be number Of them. and then cap
ture. at least, would be certain
But what other course is left me p
demanded Mr.. Kenton, .nxiously.
spc,Aiaf E0spssAN dl4 they go awav 7 re-
Where, that they may not search ?
i will find a place if you will only
consent
And If l should consent. what will
become of you and Matty? ? demanded
the patriot.
The Lord will take care of US, hus-
band, and we will trust him ! responded
the wife with nervous anxiety.
Mr.. Kenton still hesitated. He knew
Lot what to do.
Besides, husband, you will be near
to aid US if danger threatens added the
painfully anxious woman. But for tht
sake of your family till then hide your
self
The patriot gave way. for he could no
but acknowledge the justness Of his wife,
position.
'I'll bide by your wishes. wife," b
III -nl.,asoo,l., tl,ovnh ~ pooc anaipe