Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1861-09-26
REVOLUTIONARY. STORY.
THE YOUNG REBEL.
BY MILTON SANDERS.


close of the year 1880. sat an old man,
his wife, and only son. The face OF
the father appeared troubled; at times
he looked thoughtfully on the floor,
and then be would gaze long and visit.
fully at bis son, a fine, manly youth OF
twenty. At length be said:
"David, this is disastrous news from
Camden. God knows what will be-
come of the country nowl Congress
needs every arm that is cspable-abl
me, ] wish this old wound ! got in tie
French war had not lamed me-hnt fnr
IL I shoaId now be sbouldering my
musket, and marching to defend my
country"
Both the son and wife looked up at
these words. The old lady ceased
knitting, and gazed inquiringly at her
bov, and il was evident from the ex-
preston Of her face, that patriotism
and notherly affection were at variance
in her bosom. The son, however, af-
ter encountering his fathers eye for
moment. turned confusedly away. The
old NJ ans brow darkened, and he said
warmly:
David, David, why do you linger
about the village when your country
needs your services so much? Why,
sen, | am ashamed Of you'll Twice be-
fore have spoken to you on this sub
ject, but you appear to have no spirit!
What, will you see US trampled upon
by the nercenaries of Britain, and still
lie here supinely? For shamel Da-
vid-for shamel I will not call you
my son. Long since you ought to have
been in the army"
Joshua, joshua" interrupted the
old mother, "David is but youth,
then do not speak to him SO harshly.-
He cannot feel what you feel, who have
fought so often against your country's
enemies. Joshua he is but boy"
"a boy, indeed, Deborah such
boys as David have already gained inn
perishable Iaurels since the war COM
menced. l could name host of theml
why, we're it not for the boys Of this
land, where would be our army, which
/ dare say is composed of boys Of Da-
vid's age?" The old man was excited,
and it was the first unkind word =
be had ever used TO his boy.
David rose and left the hou
walked some distance appars
deep thought. -
"what will not woman
length said; 'here have been
ing about the village when
have been off long ago. AM
what? why to meet a pretty girl -
listen to her musical voice; but | will
be myself again. What did be call
mel was it not a coward? Now, by
Heaven, will learn him that he has a
son who possesses the spirit of his
father. Away then with love, for l
feel that l am called upon to act, and
no longer dream. Ere fortnight my
father shall hear of me or else | lose
my life in striving for it." And with
this resolution he turned about and re-
traced his steps.
When he reached home he sought
the stables, saddled his horse and
mounted him, struck into gallop which
continued for several miles. AT length
he stopped and looked up to the win
dows Of farm house half hid among
the trees. This was the residence ol
Mary Bunker, the mistress OF his heart
the lights showed that the family had
not yet retired. and he resolved to pay
her visit before his departure. She
was alone when he entered, and few
words acquainted her of his determine
ton. She burst into tears.
"Nay. Mary" he said, "you must no
unman nae. At first I resolved t.
leave you without farewell, for l knew
how much you dreaded my taking al
active part in the struggle. But
could not be so cruel as to desert yo1
without a word"
81 will compose myself" said tn
fair girl with an effort to smile. ''
know ] have been wrong to pursuad
you to stay; but you cannot imagin
the anxiety suffer on account of m
brothers, and 1 could not bear to hav
you encounter their danger. But sine
this great defest at Camden feel thi
every man is wanted by our country
Go, then dearest, and God be wit
you. Ny prayers shall attend you nigl
and day."
David pressed the now weeping gi
to his bosom, snatched hasty kiss, an
at the sound of approaching footstep
wrung her hand and was gone.
The next day he left the neighbo
hood Of his fathers house, armed wit
musket and mounted on a sturd
horse. His destination was the Anne
ican camp, then far to the northwart
but as the intervening country ws
filed with the enemy, be knew thel
would be considerable address require
to effect his purpose. Before his d,
parture be saw few Of his old pla,
mates who promised to follow him
soon as possible.
Night found him near an old farr
house to which he proceeded iu scare
of lodgings. At first the occupant r
ceived him coldly, but a chance EXPIRE
sion convinced David that his host vi
tory; he affected the same polite
creed, and was Immediately warm
welcomed. The loyalist procured b
cider after supper, and insisted tn
n,v;d ohould ,o;n hin, IN hia notation