Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1867-02-21
CHAPTER XIV.
A STRANGE PRISON

/ No doubt the question has suggested itself to
the reader, "What has become Of Captain Peter
son?'
| This question we now propose to answer.
When the brothers Gregson had 80 adroitly OBJ
tanned possession of his person, he was hurried
away by them from the scene of the capture.
Already vexed with his wife for having been q
spy upon his movements, Dick Gregson was not
disposed to be over-lenient towards his prisoner
"Come, hurry along" said he, I'VE can't have
you lettering along"
Captain Peterson was more used to command
than to obey and his eyes flashed with indignation
ans, and it may be you might not to find it 50 easy
to take me again"
"a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush," I"
said Dick Gregson. "We sham let you go again in
hurry, my fine fellow"
The young officer bit his lip in silence, and ac-
celerated his pace according to the directions of his
captor He had too much pride to indulge in re-
ordinations or provoke wordy alteration with
these men, who would as matter of course, have
an advantage over him in this respect. He hoped
that they would strike into the high road, where
it was just possible that he might meet the ped
dler, or some one else well disposed to the cause,
who might might contribute to his liberation. But
this his capton did not seem inclined to do. They
struck across the fields, and that in direction diff
ferent from their own cabin. It was not here,
therefore that he was to be confined.
Captain Peterson was not a little puzzled to ac-
count for the motives Of his captors. fthey had
been British soldiers he could readily have under
stood why his capture was considered desirable
But this was not the case. However, there was
this additional supposition, and it commended it.
self, on the whole, as probable, that the Gregsons
had taken him on mere matter of speculation
hoping to be paid literally by the British authori-
ties for so important possession. IF this were
the case, they might be disposed to let him 60 on
payment OF a ransom. He had not much money,
to be sure, but could raise hundred dollars be-
sides his watch, and these amounted to as much
probably, as they could get elsewhere. At any
rate it would be certain, and 80 worth their while
to accept.
clark ye, countrymen," he said, for cannot
forget that ye are countrymen in spite of the some
what scurvy trick you have played upon me, it is
matter of Importance to me, for several reasons,
that I should be free. Will you aecepta ransom p
"No," said Dick, shortly.
''But will give you hundred dollars, promis-
ing to leave it at any place you may choose"
"We should be blasted fools to make any such
bargain as that" said Dick, who appeared to be
spokesman on most occasions What's to prevent
your dodging the terms of the bargain, as soon as
you've got your iberty2
"My honor as an officer, said Captain Peterson,
indignant at this imputation of bad faith.
"Humph," sneered Dick, that "aint hardly sat
isfactory."
"Scoundrel, do you mean to reflect upon my
honor" exclaimed the young officer, with more
warmth than prudence.
'tLook here, Captain Peterson, if 50 be that s
what they call you" said Dick gloomily, It'd just
recommend you not to use any Of them hard
names Just think, before one of EN- comes out
of your mouth, that you are in our power, and
there amt ar thing to prevent us from giving you
quick ticket to another world"
II fearnot death, said Captain Peterson proud
ly II am no woman Dick Gregson, on whose
fears, you can play at will. I am an officer and a
gentleman, and as such will resent, at whatever
hazard, any insult that may be put upon me-"
'Then don't provoke me to them" said Dick
sulkily.
"Where are you going to carry me" asked Cap
tain Peterson, after pause of some minutes. =
"You'll know before long," said Dick.
As has already been said, they had pursued an
obique course across the fields. This brought them
at length to the banks of stream. Here the party
halted.
The momentary thought rose in the mind OF the
prisoner that they were about to terminate the
bic which he gave them, by casting him into the
stream. Although he was by no means deficient
in courage, the thought made him shudder, and
wild regret for all that he shouldleave behind-most
of all the maiden who was ever in his thoughts, and
who would he knew bewail his loss-all these rush.
ed into his mind, and caused him bitter pang.-
But it was not to be as he had apprehended. His
captors were not quite so bad as he fanced, or at
all events they had not sufficient inducements to
perperate thisact for they struck into path that
led along by the river bank, and followed it for a.
bout mile.
By this time they came in sight Of a small build
ing constructed of wood of one story only, and en-
tirely without windows. Of course being so built,
it had never been designed for occupation, but had
been used as an ice-house by a family of some
wealth, who had lived but quarter Of mile dis
tant. This mansion, however, had belonged to a
family whose sympathies were with the Americans
against the mother country, and had been burnt in
sudden foray of British soldiey, led by brutal
officer, to whom courtesy to foe was virtue quite
unknown. Theice-house still stood, partly because
it was not deemed worth destroying; partlv per-
haps because it was distance from the house, and
had failed to attract notice 1t was situated in a
lonely place, and was not likely to bevisited This,
no doubt, was one of the reasons which had led
Dick Gregson to make choice OF it as place Of
imprisonment for Captain Peterson.
1t was only three miles distant from the cabin
which he occupied, and consequently he couldwith-
out any great degree of exertion, make daily visit
to his prisoner to see that he remained in security
as well as to bring him the necessary supplies Of
food.
The building was entirely empty of ice, but was
of course damp, and the hay which was scattered
along the floor was also damp. Here it was, how.
ever, that they intended to imprison Captain Pc
lterson.
The door was taken down, and the young officer
commanded to enter.
"What is your purpose in this Dick GregsonT
he said, turning to him with stern glance.