The Portland daily press., 1862-08-29

party was in advance of Colonel Ferguson's
main body, and encamped at Il place known as
Green Spring. This information caused Colo
mel Clarke hastily to resume his march.
1t was well that he did so: for upon the eve
ming of the same day large party reached
Mrs. billiards., commanded by Col Ferguson
himself The good lady-the mistress of the
house-was ordered to prepare supper for the
officers. This task she was obliged to perform,
though 1t may readily be conceived that it was
not discharged with such alacrity and willing
ness as had marked her exertions while cater
ing for the stomachs of the patriots.
While attending upon her not very welcome
guests, Colonel Ferguson suddenly fixed his
eyes upon her, and asked:
"What time did Clarke and his men leave
here?"
This question did not take Mrs. billiard en-
tirely by surprise, and she Immediately re-
Piled:
Quite early this morning"
do you think we can overtake him?" con-
tinued the Colonel.
Il think not; he must have gone long way
before this time," was the reply.
"There is no knowing whether to rely upon
you" said Ferguson, ill-humoredly. "The wo-
man in this country are as bad as the men !;
they encourage their husbands and sons to re-
sist the kings men, and incite them to the
worst kind of rebellion"
The American women are not all alike" re-
Piled Mrs. billiard, adroitly concealing her true
sentiments. "Some of them have sense enough
to discern the signs of the times, For my
part cannot, for the life of me, see what the
wings are fighting for; and told my husband
SO this morning. The whig cause, in this un-
happy country, Is entirely lost"
Yes, lost beyond redemptionw cried the
colonel, striking the sidcboard energetically
with his fist. ut would require little less
than miracle for them to gain possession of
South Carolina. There cannot exist shad-
ow of doubt in any rational mind in regard
to the real issue of the contest"
$50 told the Captain" added Mrs. billiard.
THAT was highly commendable. hope he
manifested portion of your common sense"
said Ferguson
Il VIII tell you how he replied; he said he
should improve the first convenient opportu-
nifty to pay his respects to you"
"Ah, he did? well, will see that he has
good usage, and captains commission in the
royal army" returned the colonel
You are very good, I'm sure" replied the
lady demurely.
"The fact is, I'm too merciful to these mis-
guided men," resumed Ferguson, much graft
fled at the compliment paid to his generosity.
81 ought to hang them all as fast as | catch
themi but only make examples of the most
Infamous of these mscreants.'
ut speaks well for your humanity, colonel,
added Mrs. billiard, with quiet smile which
he did not observe.
The conversation now took turn which in
terested the hostess not a little. Wishing to
hear thesvhoe, she pretended to be busily en-
gagged in the room, and took no notice, appar-
emily, of what was being discussed.
1 think we might manage to surprise him.,
said Ferguson to an officer who sat near him.
I'VE can cut them off to man." replied the
one addressed. "They number but two hun
dred."
''But they are armed with those internal
twisted rifles remarked another officer
IF we surprise them at the right time, they
cannot see TO use them," added Ferguson.
perhaps we had better not converse too
freely in the hearing of that woman" returned
the other in a low tone.
'She is all right" said the colonel, and then
went on in a suppressed tone. "a tory has in
formed me in regard to Clarke's position, and
If we can fall upon him between now and
morning, his destruction must be inevitable.
shall dispatch two hundred men in advance,
who will attack him and keep him engaged
until come up with the main body. / will
wager my right hand upon the surprise"
lit IS well planned" replied the officer. 81
see nothing to prevent complete rout of the
rebel band. But / abhor their kind of war
fare; they pick off the officers of a whole reg
iment in 4 short time, and in this way either
secure victory or cripple our energies. The
uniform and decorations of an officer are his
passport to another world the moment he goes
into action"
"Too true" answered Ferguson; therefore
let US not neglect to disguise ourselves Look,
there is the MEANS" he added. pointing to a
checked shirt of Captain billiards., which Mrs.
Dillard had been engaged in ironing at the
moment of their arrival.
The officer laughed, and Ferguson drew on
the garment over his uniform. While this was
Mrs. billiard quietly left the room,
resolved to save Colonel Clarke, or perish in
the attempt.
Her plans were speedily formed, for there
was not an instant to be lost in inaction. In
the stable Captain billiard had left a favorite
young horse, full of life and mettle. He had
only to feel the bit in his mouth, and his bur
den upon his back, to make him impatient to
rival the wind in swiitness.
He had been standing all day in the stable,
and was ready and willing to snuff the fresh
air, and stretch his smooth limbs. 1t was not
quite dark. Mrs. billiard unclosed the stable
door, and approached the horse, which, in his
restiveness, was paving the floor with his fore
ieet. Taking the bride from peg, she boldly
advanced. and with her hand stroked his arched
neck. and soothed his impatience withhe voice.
He instantly became quiet, ard suffered the la
dy to bride him.
She led him into the yard, and with an un-
wonted exhibition Of docility, allowed himself
to be placed in a position favorable to being
mounted. Mrs billiard sprang lightly TO his
back, without stopping to saddle him. The
moment the animal felt his burden firmly upon
him, all his life and animation returned The
heroic rider turned his head in the direction
Colonel Clarke marched; he reared gracefully,
paused an instant, and then obeying the rein
of the rider and his own generous impulse,
sprang steadily away, rejoicing in his strength
He did not slacken his speed, and as if concious
that womar's weak hand guided him, gave
his mouth readily to the bit.
Mrs. billiard never forgot that gallop by
night The Americans had pushed on rapidly
during the day, which made the task our he
roine had undertaken not light one: and
though she swept on at goodly pace it lacked
an hour of daylight when she reached the biv-
ouac of Col. Clarke. At that time a sentinel
heard the tramp of horse in full gallop, and
cooking his musket, cried:
who goes?"
'It is me-" replied Mrs. billiard.
who's me stand, or / will fire ~ reioined
the sentinel.
Take me to Colonel Clarkes without DELAY"
said the lady, hurriedy, and breathless with
exertion. You are all in danger-destruc-
ton hangs over your heads-be quick y