Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1867-02-14
CHAPTER K.
THE CAPTURE.

After Einor had left him, Henry Peterson stood
watching her as long as he could see her. But at
last she turned corner and was concealed from
his sight
Still he remained in his place and gave himself
up to deep thought, not altogether Of a cheerful
character How did he know but this might be
his last meeting with her he loved. A stray bull
let might put an end to all his hopes Of earthly
happiness, and this was but one of the ordinary
chances of war. Nay, he was even now in danger.
He was now considerably nearer the British camp
than the American, and it was by no means i'm
probable that squads Of the enemy's force might
even now be out, and at no great distance from
him.
This thought recalled him to the special duty
which had brought him to this part of the country,
and he felt that he must lose no time by dallying.
He had already devoted as much time to his own
private interests as he felt justified in doing, and
must devote the rest to the public service.
"When shall we attack him?" asked Robert
Gregson. eff we wait till he leaves the cabin we
may miss him.
"Hist, he is coming this way" whispered Dick.
''What are your plans?"
"We will wait till he has gone by, then come
out as softly as possible and attack him from be-
hind. will commence the attack and you must
be prepared to second me. He looks strong, and
I should hardly like to handle him alone.
Meanwhile, Captain Peterson, to give him the
military rank to which he is entitled, walked slow
ly along, still plung in thought, and to certain
extent unobservant of the sights and sounds about
him, so that he was quite ignorant and unsuspl-
cious of any plot until he felt a rough hand laid
upon his shoulder and wheeling about, he saw
Dick Gregson.
ssHa a!'' he exclaimed, "what would you have Of
me-?
"Your sword replied Dick, grufay.
''That you shall have, but not in the way you
wish" said the young man, drawing his sword
from the scabbard "But what means this attack,
Richard Gregson, for I think [ am not mistaken
in recognizing you?'
''It makes no difference what it means, said
Dick. Enough, that summon you to submit
yourself to me.
''That will depend upon whether you prove your
self the better man" said young Peterson coolly.
At this moment Robert Gregson made his ap-
pearance upon the scene.
"Better yield peaceably," said Dick. "You
see there are two to one.'
'This is not the first time have fought at such
Odds" said the young officer undauntedy. I'll
you secure me you must work for it.
advance, Robert, called his brother. This
stripping is determined to give us trouble. Let
us shcn him what it is to cope with two strong
men,"
They advanced threateningly and were about
to assail the young man. He had drawn his sword,
the only weapon he had with him, and was pre-
pared to make desperate resistance not without
some hopes of ultimate success, when sudden In
teruption gave his opponents the advantage
1t proceeded from Mrs Gregson, who had hith'
erto remained concealed.
She had listened with eager attention to the
words which had passed between the two parties
From her position she was in situation to heal
every word distinctly, and as may be readily imagn
ed, it was with no small anguish that she saw hel
husband on the point of committing violence agains
one whom she knew but slightly but who, on the
chance occasion of their meeting, had done her
kindness. What to do to prevent violence, per
baps bloodshed, she hardly knew. Hitherto she
had anxiousy striven to conceal her presence from
her husband, knowing, as she did, that he would b.
deeply incensed with her for daring to act as sp!
upon bis movements. Naturally, too, she was I
timid woman, inclined to summit to oppression
rather than protest against it, and her heart bea
with nervous terror at the thought Of interference
But there are times when the most timid breal
through the barriers Of their timidity. 1t onl.
needs sufficient counteracting cause
Mrs. Gregson kept silence as long as she could
butwhen the two parties were about to commence
struggle, she suddenly found voice, and springin
from her concealment, upon the wall, called out
'sRichard, Robert, for the love Of Heaven, retrai
from this deed of violence. u
At the sound, Captain Peterson, in his surprise
suddenly turned his head in the direction Of tn
noise.
This movement was disastrous to him.
At once perceiving the advantage which tn
inadvertent act afforded them, Dick and foDel
Gregson sprang upon him simultaneously, brok
down his fence, and with the impetus of the assault
bore him to the ground.
!, "Will you submit now?' asked Dick, tuun
lnhantly