Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1868-06-11

. ,... 49,, .. NO. ~. !:
up cautiously, carefully, and craAily, through al
its hidden and intricate windings until the whole.
mystery was disclosed. 80 g.l; iY, a...a
As Victor took his way to the city, to enter upon
his duties, he felt more than one misgving Of the
heart, and would gladly, on any terms; have been
back in camp again. The apprehension Of an aby
solute failure tormented him, andhe felt his cheek
already burning with shame at the thought Of re-
turning to his Colonel and reporting that all his
efforts were-as be feared they would be futile.
and nugatory. Such anticipations were 3 keen.
pain to the young soldier, and as he wended his
way along the road, meeting in his route various
groups returning, or visiting the island, his alb
stracted eye and the red flush burning on his
young cheek, told that some unpleasant thoughts
were busy at his heart ~. ....,
He had gone perhaps, about half the distance
to the city, when he saw gay looking equipage,
drawn by two beautiful black horses, approaching
rapidly along the road that led down 70 the lines,
It soon became evident to Victor, fromthe manner
in which the driver dashed his fiery horses and
reeled upon his seat, that be was in state Of in.
ebriation The spirited horses, chatting under their
treatment, were covered with foam, and were 30
frantic with excitement that they could scarcely be
controlled. The two ladies, who occupied the car,
riage, exhibited in their countenances and actions,
the great alarm occasioned them by the drunken.
ness of the driver, and the excitement into which
he had goaded the spirited, but otherwise gentle
horses. A painful catastrophe seemed imminent,
and occurred quite soon The drunken coaehman,
scarcely aware of what he was doing, had guided
the horses quite out of the road where there we're
lying few heavy pieces Of timber, intended to as
sist in strengthening the fortifcatons, which some
oyer-laden government wagon had left by the way
side The wheels came in contact with one Of these
heavy timbers, and the vehicle received 60 violent
q jolt that the drunken coachmans was threwa
from his seat, losing the reins in his fall and the
excited horses, now altogether freed from control
and guidance, dashed wildly on, quitting the trav
eled road. Fortunately, the whole face of the
country, forsome distance around wasa level clear
ing, broken by scarcely bush, tree or stump, and
there was no object near, with which the vehicle
might come in collision. ['.@..ss- ~ ~ M
Victor, himself, wus standing on the end Of 9
rude bridge, thrown across narrow creek inter;
secing this portion of the island, which was quite
narrow, but having steep, precipitous banks ands
deep and boggy channel THE afnghted animals
were dashng on rapidly towards this creek, and in
such direction that they would strike its line at
point some eight or ten rods below the spot
where Victor was standing; and it was quite eYi-
dent that, unless they could be promptly turned
or stopped in their career, most fnghtul catas-
trophe would soon occur Regardless Of his own
safely, and the extreme peril he would incur in the
attempt to arrest the horses and save the occu-
pants of the vehicle from certain destruction Vic
tor hastened to throw himself in the way Of the
afriShted horses, now rushing on with redoubled
speed. a. s.; ,t.,.:g last ..v I 4...
There was, indeed, but faint hope that he
would be able to avert the impending danger, but
he did not pause to weigh his chances. He plant
ed himself directly in the pathway of the horses,
and as they came rushing by, he leaped forward at
the critical moment, and by great good fortune, no
less than by activity and de1teiy, seized the bri-
die of the nearest horse. Cingng to it with the
tenacity of desperation, he brought the horses,
trembling with excitement and fear, to stand
upon the very verge Of the bank, down which an
other plunge would have taken the vehicle and its
occupants Gently turning the horses from the
dangerous spot, he soothed and ealmed their wild
excitement, and, holding firmly to the reins of
which be had possessed himself, assisted the in
mates to alight. i,-'t" ...-.i'-H
Still trembling with alarm, and hardly yet assured
of their safety, the terrified females overwhelmed
him with their thanks. With their emotions of
gratitude was mingled admiration for his galantry
and courage He had not only rendered them
a most signal service, but he had risked life and
limb to perform it. The fact that he was youth
full, handsome, and evidently raised in the best So
ciety certainly did not deract from the warmth Of
their gratitude. The younger lady, who seemeda
year or two younger than Victor himself, was more
eloquent with her gances than her tongue, but the
elder, who was still beautiful and attractive, was
profuse in her acknowledgements and thanks.
You must, indeed, do US the further pleasure"
said the elder lady, Ito let us know the name Of
one who, at such imminent risk to himself, has
saved us from frightful death I must know the
name Of my gallant deverer, that I may thank him
"You greatly oyer-rate what have done, L.
dies" replied Victor, especially in these days,
when many are laying down their lives so freely.
Nv name, however, is Victor Garnett but hope
you will not consider yourselves under any obiga-
tons to me for service, any one would be happy
to perform r] .s@1E: atF.i: ~ =! -
tGratitude I feel to be more privilege than an
obligation" returned the lady, especially to one
like yourself You seem to be on your way to the
city, and since my nerves are too much shocked BY
this accident to permit me to enjoy drive down
to the lines, as at first intended, you Will obhge
me by accompanying US in our carriage to the city.
But more-you must even 60 home with me, that
you may hereafter know where to find friends who
will always be glad to give you acordal welcome"
Victor bowed and expressed his thanks. ..l-%
"Aunt Carrie, said the younger lady, "are you
not afraid to risk these horses again z" -,
"No, Nellie, replied the elder lady; they are
quite gentle it was only the mismanagement Of
the drunken driver, that caused them to act badly"
'They are quite safe, am sure, !" said Victor;
'sif you will allow me, will drive you home with
pleasure, and scarcely think will meet with the
fate of Ph@ton or your coachman." - :.
81 cannot trust Joe again, aunt Carrie" said
Nellie, "not even to drive us back to the city.
s'I hope you will not fear to trust meT' said
Nellie's cheek colored, and she smiled her an
swer, but her aunt replied for her. -;
"No, Mr.. Garnett," said she, "after what We
have witnessed and experienced, we know we could
not be in safer or more gallant hands.
"Here comes our diseomftted Phaton, aunt
Carrie" said Nellie, as their late driver came ap
preaching with wo-begone face.
"Ah Joe; you have served us quite badly to-
dov sold fha ont NTH 1nok of rafirnach at the