The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1850-1873, 1871-09-15

And Kate was again on her Jour
ney, while the picket returned to his
post. She had to pass four miles vel
ere she would be safe, so she urged
on her steed. Before she had gone 9
hundred yards from Guy Jackson, q
dozen Britons rode furiously up to
the picket, and their leader cried out
"Did any person pass this post O
short time since?"
eyes, sir" was the picket's reply.
"Do you know who it was ?"
DIDO; it was Miss Heath"
"Had she the countersign?"
"She had"
sT fear she is safe. Forward men
If she escapes, General Green is
saved! A hundred golden guineas
and q commission to the man who
| catches heri" cried the leader of the
band, as they dashed after the brave
girl, leaving the picket in state of
bewilderment.
Kate soon heard the sound of her
pursuers, and she pushed on faster.
1t was q race for life or death. The
British horses were fresh, while hers
was beginning to show signs of fa-
| tigue.
''Forward, Selim? You must take
me to General Green's camp" said
Kate to her horse.
But her enemies gained upon her,
and one of them seemed bent OH
catching her, for he came some yards
in advance of his comrades. Kate
heard the ominous tramp ofhis horse,
and drew her pistol. Nearer he
came. until he was at her side, and
then cried out, "Halt, you vile rebel !"
Those were his last words, for Kate
fired, and the bullet crashed through
his brain. The others did not stop
to look at their comrade, but pressed
on. They neared her again, and
another trooper received his death
wound. The remainder halted and
q moment afterwards Kate heard The
American picket cry out, "Who goes
there?"
"Kate Heath !" cried our heroine, as
she dashed through the line.
The soldier had raised his gun, but
when he heard her name, it was low
cred, and he answered, "All right"
The American camp was reached;
Kate threw herself from the saddle,
and placed her faithful horse in
charge Of soldier.
"Where is General Green's tcnt!"
she asked.
"To the right there, where you see
that light" replied the man, pointing
to the place.
She entered the Generals tent, and
found him engaged in writing. lie
raised his eyes, then arose to his feet,
and said, "You come here at a late
hour, Miss Heath"
81 do General, you arc in danger
'IIow is that?" exclaimed Green:
The brave girl told her story, and
the General grasped her hand, while
the tears trickled down his war-worn
checks.
''Thank heaven YOU have saved my
army, Miss Heath | can never repay
you!"
81 want nc payment. The thoug Int
that have done my duty, and the
thanks of General Green, are worth |
more than gold and diamonds" was
the heroic reply.
'Takc my thanks my brave girl, |
and may the Great Jehovah watch
over and guide you through the
scenes of life" responded
Green.
"And may He save my country,
too" added Kate.
"You need rest Here, sleep in
my tent tonight, while seek rest
among my men," said the
dGreen.
81 do not wish to rob you Of your
couch, General"
"You will not. l shall be engaged |
in forming my troops to meet the |
attack" And General Green left the |
tent.
Kate enjoyed good rest that
night and in the morning General
G reen came to her, and jOyfully eX-
claimed, "Good news! Lord Raw
don is in full retreat. We took a
prisoner this morning, who says you
frustrated their plans and saved the
army. Heaven bless you for that
good act! But must cave you now,
for l am going to follow Rawdon,
and teach him that we can fight.
When are you going home"
"In few minutes, General"
"Good-bye; and may you Eavc a
safe Journey" responded Green shak-
ing her by the hand.
Her horse was led forth, and she
was soon On the way to her home,
which was reached in safety.
Kate lived to see the war close,
and peace and plenty spread their
wings over the land, and not long
she was welded to
Walter Gordon, who had been a
colonel in the American army.