Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1867-08-15
THRBORDER HEROINE.

was so densely populated as now, and when all the
mails from Little Rock to the Eastern border were
carried on horseback, there lived, a few miles a.
bove Horse Head afstout pioneer, named Jacob
Burnay His wife Polly, and one child, nine years
DID, made up his family. Histhief business was
hunting, and his unerring rifle never failed to sup.
ply his board and something over. His nearest
neghbor was fifteen miles off, 30 he was little trou-
bled with prying visitors
It was early in the spring that Jacob started
down the river with boat load of furs and skins.
He left Polly in charge of the premises, and he
left with her. too, light rife and brace of pis-
tolls. She knew how to use the rife, for never was
she happier than when her husband patted her on
the shoulder and said: "Noby done, Polly, my
dear I could not have made better shot my
SELF" And he had occasion to say this with truth,
too. .. ...
Jacob Burnay had been gone four days, when
towards evening horseman rode up to the hun.
ter's door, He was small muscular man about
forty years of age, and seemed Injured to all hard.
ships. As he sprang from his saddle, Polly made
her appearance. "Ah, Polly, once more here,
the new conner said, as he drew well filed pair Of
saddle bags from the back of his fatigued beast.
'Yes, and I'm glad to see you Jacob has been
gone for four days. and times are getting heavy u
"Jacob gone? Where?"
sDown the river with load of furs"
20, yes. Well, you shall have the company Of
Liant Morton for one night at least so for the next
twelve hours you'll be safe. -
"Oh, feel safe enough" returned the woman
quickly, "only little lonesome"
Thus speaking, Morton threw his saddle bags
into the cabin and led his horse around to low
shed where he made the animal fast, and fed him.
Liant Morton had been mail carrier upon that
route for several years, and not once had he pass
ed to and fro without spending aSnight at Bur
nays. Polly Burnay, just in the bloom of woman
hood, knew his gentle, generous noble character,
soshe felt perfectly free and at home in his pre-
sence. ......
'Is it known on your route that your load is val.
uable?" asked Polly. .. ... .
IT think not-though it may be. Still 1 am
well armed, and I fancy it would be a tough job
for any one to tackle old Norton 81
"a man was robbed on the creek fews days
ago."
"And the robbers have Aed," added Morton,
carelessly, as he drew his mail bags after him.
Morton went to bed at nine o'clock, as he was
tired from his long ride. Polly had work to do,
having neglected it while talking to her guest, sc
when she had seen him safe at rest in bed, she
drew her basket to little table where the candle
was, and went to work on some clothing for bel
child, who was soundly sleeping in the corner.
The old German clock upon the wall with it,
great weight and wind strings all exposed, had
struck ten ere Polly arose from her work. She
had just pushed her basket beneath the table, wher
the front door opened and two men entered. They
were in their stockings, their shoes being left out
side the door.
"Hush !' uttered the foremost intruder.
"Speak but one word above whisper, and you
die in moment.
Polly recovered from her quick terror and look
ed up. She saw two ugly, stout, wicked men, one
of whom held cooked pistol toward her. With
ouickness of perception natural to her, she knew
the pistol would not be fired, if she held her peace
as that would make more noise than she could
make, and further-she recognized in the foremost
a notorious rufian who bore the name Of Dick
Gallus.
She had never seen him before, but the minute
description her husband had given of the man led
her to know him, and positively, too, for one big
scar on the left cheek was mark enough.
'sWhat do you ask, gentlemen2' asked Polly
without betraying the least fear.
"We have come to see the mail carrier" one
replied in hoarse whisper; 'where is he? Don't
speak too loud"
"He is long since asleep. Would it not do a.
well to see him in the morning? We can find you
a room and lodging"
The fair hostess had said this for the purpose o.
gaining time. She knew very well that these mer
had come to rob the carrier and was equally SURF
that they would murder him if they could, anc
probably put her out of their way, too. They
have evidently learned of the valuable load he car
ried, and meant to carry it in his stead
"Never mind his being asleep. Show us where
he is once" roughly replied Gallus, in answer tt
Polly's last remark.
The mild eye that could aim an unerring bulle
at the foremost beast, did not even betray tht
thoughts of the womsns soul, nor did look tel
her meaning She was very pale but did not trem
ble
'This way, sirs," she whispered.
And as she spoke she turned towards the doc
of the bedroom pantry. She did not open 1T tl
/ both the men were close behind her.
"Don't you hear him breathe :.
eyes," returned both rascals And they di
hear breathing, but it was Of child close
hand.
i Aa thau nnauarad her she threw the door one