Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1860-03-29


| few throats in the way of business
| A murmuring arose among the men, and
one of them answered with kindling eye,
lighting into an indignant fame, as he fixed
his gaze on the lieutenants swarthy cheek.
'He promised to return, and lead us on
to deeds full worthy of the swords we bear.
The allotted time is past these two days,
but he is absent still ! ,.s.
what is there In one man, exclaimed
marauder, whose ferocious countenance and
herculean frame, bespoke the tameless son
of the mountain, willing at any time to en-
force justice under the instigation of his
leader. sWhat is there in one man, that
we should creep from craig to glen, and
drag our listless footsteps over the hills, as
| if afraid to meet foe? I am for striking
q bold stroke at once. Let US choose a
leader-one who knows our mettle; storm
some fair castle; seize some goodly captive
and VOW that unless heavy ransom is paid
for his person, we will suspend him many a
fathom in air above the topmost pinnacle
of his own towers. What say you p
The confusion and turmoil rose higher
than before, till voice was heard that
stilled the noise for moment.
lit is our captains orders, said the man
'that no one should quit the vicinity Of the
Cavern until his return ..
why does he not come them asked a
savage cateran, all the blood in his body
rushing to his face. sAre we to spend our
time in paltry speculations Let us to
Norland castle, and make its owner tremble.
SAY! we'll have wassail enough there,
my rivers observed Alaster dig; 'why, we
might find sufficient goods and chattels
there to found castle of our own, and cease
having to make raids on other clans and ar
ray our forces only against the King
The suspense of irresolution followed,
and continued for several minutes, as if each
were unwilling to break the silence, until
the lieutenant once more addressed them.
Friends, you are silent. Why should a
youth cling like the root of the pine to the
rugged rocks of your hearts? Shame tits
womanly, and weakness unworthy your
freeborn natures
Il am for a new leader vociferated an
other cate-an, sour last acted more like a
craven priest, than brave man who had
his hatred and feuds, and would execute
revenge when in his power. Though the
foremost in fight, yet he spared the lives of
the conquered, and thus clemency will some
day fasten chains on the limbs of men,
whose feet are now as free as the wind on
the heath-or, the viewless driver of the
restless sea-
Il speak for another chief shouted the
lieutenant, zone whose years and undaunted
courage will do Justice to your choice. 1t
is post for arduous enterprise, requiring
consummate skill, an eye that never sleeps,
a hand that is always armed, and an ear
that is ever on the watch
where will you find better, than the
one we already have?' enquired Donald
Il see through your designs, lieutenant, but
will never yield to them!
Let US throw off disguise at once, men,
exclaimed one of the opposite party; 'and
in spite of threats and discomfort, invest
our worthy lieutenant with the power Of
chieftain. How shall we vote by ballot p
NO. fercely returned Donald, swe'll poll
for it by the sword; he who would dishonor
his chief in the face of the assembled band,
has right to lose his life. Our cap.
tain's cause is mine he is noble in his ire,
and I will maintain his rights to the draw
ing of blood
Dark, angry looks, and fiery Aashiugs Of
the eyes passed, amongst the men during
this speech and it was evident by the band
separating into different parties, that storm
of outrageous passions was ready to burst
forth with slight provocatiou. At length
several voices cried out
"A new chief, let US have new chief
who shall we choose p asked marau.
der who had first spoken.
The lieutenant, Hamish Beau shouted
several of the men, with loud cheers.
Then, my friends, said Donald, as soon
as silence enough was restored to allow Of
his voice being heard, I'VE must try the
tempero of our steel, and you, good Hamish-
you shall be my lot
In an instant, Donald, Lauchlin and AL.
aster, were firmly placed side by side and
shoulder to shoulder-their heavy clay.
mores poised in strong hands, whilst the
band, with desperate impulse, ranged with
their leaders on either side, and took up a
position for the fray. They gazed on each
other in stern silence, and as old recollec-
tions of fraternity crept over their minds,
there was hesitation in their manner that
brooded reconciliation, had not the lieu
tenant sprang into the open space, crying
'On, on! Would you return to your thral.
dom?
Stop! exclaimed Donald, holding back
his party. 'Hear me, one word
Heed him not returned Hamish, 'but
strike the traitor down.
NO, no let US hear what he would say,
responded all the band, who were still re.
luctant to close their lawless amity, in each
others blood.
Comrades p said Donald, in a deep, bit.
ter tone, 'for nearly two years, this spot has
been our home, where we have lived like
brothers, and know the blood which flows
in each others veins. We have been true
to one another; for he who would break his
trust might number his days, and why
should we divide now? The weakened band
,.,,t eoon. dioeolve uonld coon howe n