Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1868-09-03

self to remain quietly in his hdingploe and keep
ling good lookout, to be guided BY circumstances.
i But when Nellie Danvefs re entered her father
chamber, and he learned from the conversation be-
tween them, which he heard but indistinctly and
In part that it was the purpose Of the enemy to
lire the dwelling, be felt the necessity Of at once
making an exertion to escape before it should be
too late. Had he known that his capture would
have saved the hospitable dwelling in which he had
found refuge, the generosity of his nature would
Ihaye led him promptly to sacrifice his own liberty
in order to avert calamity and loss from those who
had 30 generously offered him q refuge.
I In order to overhear the conversation which
passed in the apartment, he was under the necss-
aty Of applying his ear to the aperture in the pan
incl, and he was still unaware that it WAS the voice
lof Nellie Danves that reached his ears Hen
face-though he strove to catch glimpse Of tt
was turned away from him, and he was still ignor-
ant that the same roof covered her to whom, IN
this moment of extremity, his thoughts reverted,
as our thoughts will turn to those most loved and
cherished when danger threatens 10 sunder US from
them forever.
The conversation which hepartly overheard, was
enough to convince him it was high time for him
to put forth al his energies to escape from the
tolls that were gathering more closely around him.
he was not of temperament to sit quietly down
until fate should press him to the wall He gently
made his way to the farther end Of the loft and,
laying aside his musket and cartridge box, after
some little difficulty, found the sliding PANEL
which closed the aperture through which be had
entered Sliding it cautiously along In its grooves,
he had the satisfaction Of finding that the chamber
into which It opened was untenanted. he had not
as yet formed his plan of escape, but intended to
make his way into the chamber, and then watch
ing bis opportunity, to be guided BY circumstan-
ces He was just clamberins out Of the loft, when
some one, with light step, entered into the cham.
Der, and then seemed to be suddenly retiring, a.
larmed by the sounds within. ..gs 80
"You need not fear, said Victor, in . low tone,
1T is L Ihave overheard the threats of the enc
my, and must make my escape eonte qaa'l oonte.
I would not be carbonadoed alive if I can help it y
1T fear you cannot escape now, said the same
soft low voice, that Victor had heard before; the
house is thronged with the enemy and they have
set out guards on every side"
1T is far better to be shot or bayonetted than
to be roasted" responded Victor, as he reached
the floor of the chamber and stood upright ''If
l could only make my way down the staircase"
''That is impossible, replied the voice the foot
of the stairway is guarded by sentinel.
"Still, you are suffered to passT interogated
Victor. .-.E ... d. 81 20. ..
"Yes, they do not fear me, I am but woman /;
they would assuredly arrest you, were you to make
the attempt"
IT must do something" replied Victor, with
frmness IF no other plan will answer, 1 must
fight my way through with my musket and bsyo-
net , .. 4
"Oh that would be horrible /" replied Victor g
companion, With shudder-' dreadful there are
too many of them and they are all on the watch.
You would certainly be slain." .......
'oThat would, at least, be soldiers death, re-
joined Victor, ''and that is what I count upon at
the last To my thinking, it is far better to fall
into the hands of Captain Trains "angels' dead
than alive. They are a dastardly set Of Mohawks,
and have one bitter enemy among them who
would certainly assassnate me. IF there were any
means of Disgusting myself" added he, hesita-
tingly.
"And what binders? ?" asked Yictor's compan-
ion, quickly. Here are dresses all around the
chamber; you have only to choose and effect
complete Disguise.
I thank you," replied Victor, feeling his face
redden in the dark-'but the humiliation OF such
disguise is unendurable. Death is less bitter
than the shame of so unmanly disguise.
''You are exceedingly complimentary to my
sexl'.' replied the lady, piquautly. "Achilles-al-
though he was not born on the Santee- some
reputation as soldier-if the Ilad is not o fable
, and he did not scon disguise which you shrink
from adopting when it presents the only means OF
escape"
lit is very humiliating to soldier" persisted
Victor. ..~..--.
"But, remember. there is no other way Of es-
cape" rejoined the LADY, peglect this and you are
lost"
Think of it. ifI should only be taken prisoner
in such disguise, what jeers what laughter
what scorn-what bitter humiliation to myself
, What figure would cut among Captain Trains
"Angels!" Even my fair country women would
shrug their dimpled shoulders and join in the laugh
against me. would be content to be the hero
and sufferer in a bloody tradgedy, but to be the
victim in farce-Oh never "
There is no need of eitaer farce or tragedy, and
time is pressing. Here is lady's dress that will
6t you for The part of an actor in genteel comedy
if you WILL" rejoined the lady, playfuly. "But
do not hesitate or delay one moment. Put on the
disguise at once. One minutes delay may undo
ALL" ...
IA thousand thanks to you,' replied Victor, in
tone of deep sadness 'but I cannot humiliate
myself so far. If my mother should have to weep
for me- let her tears fall for my death and not for
my disgrace
"Oh Victor-Yictorl if you will not, you are
ruined and undone!" was the exclamation Of grief
that burst from the lips Of the agonized girl
'What you know me then p exclaimed Victor,
surprised at being 50 fsmiary addressed and feel
ing as if an electric shock had passed along his
nerves. "And we have met before?"
"And have you forgotten me?" said the voice,
in tone almost of reproach. There was some
thing in the voice, now that his attention was ex-
cited, that fell upon the ears of Victor as not un-
! familiar to him. He hesitated moment and the
truth broke upon him.
"Pardon me, dear Nellie" exclaimed Victor in
surprise, II am dolt not to have recognized your
voice before, when you were continually in my
thoughts. did not dream of finding you here. "
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