Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1871-09-20


angel, said the British soldier.
Thank you for the compliment, Guy
But / must be going. Good night"
And Kate was again on her journey
while the picket returned to his post
She had to pass four miles yet ere she
would be safe, so she urged on her steed
Before she had gone hundred yards
from Guy Jackson, dozen mounted
Britons rode, furiously up to the picket
aud their leader cried out, Did any
person pass this post short time
since?'
Yes, sir" was sthe picket's reply.
Do you know who it was2'
l do; it was Miss Heath"
Had she the countersign2"
She did"
" fear she is safe. Forward men
If she escapes, Gen, Greene is saved
A hundred golden guineas and a com.
mission to the man who catches herl
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 pur-
suers, and she pushed on faster. 1t was
race for life or death. The British
horses were fresh, while hers was begin
ming to show signso fatigue.
Forward, Selim You must take
me to Gen. Greene's campl" said Kate
to her horse. fa
But her enemies gained upon her, and
one of them seemed bent on catching
her, for he was some yards in advance
of his comrades. Kate heard the omi-
nous tramp of his 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 re-
mainder halted; and q moment after
ward Kate heard the American picket
cry out, Who goes there2
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 lowered,
and he answered, All right" -.oi g
The American camp was reached.
Kate threw herself from the saddle, and
placed her faithful horse in charge Of a
soldier.
Where is General Greene's tent2'
she asked.
"'To the right, there, where you see
that light, replied the man pointing to
the place. al ia1 la 81
She entered the generals tent, and
found him engaged in writing. He
raised his eyes, then arose to his feet,
and said, "You come here at late
hour, Miss Heath. " lf ,-0a
81 do general. You are in danger"
" How is that2' exclaimed Greene.
The brave girl told her story, and the
general grasped her hand, while the
tears trickled down his war-worn cheeks.
4" Thank Heavenl you have saved my
army, Miss Heath | can never repay
you
i"I want no payment. The thought
that have done my duty, and the thanks
of General Greene, are worth more than
gold and diamonds" was the heroic
reply. mg @
" Take my thanks, my brave girl, and
may the Great Jehovah watch over and
guide you through the changing scenes
of life" responded Greene.
And may He save my country, too, i"
added Kate.
"You need rest. Here, sleep in my
tent tonight, while / seek resting place
among my men, said the kind-hearted
Green"
II do not wish to rob you Of your
couch, general. o.sa:.gf. iE.
:" You will not. I 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 Greene
came to see her, and joyfully exclaimed
f" Good newsl Lord Rawdon is in full
retreat. We took prisoner this morn
ing, who says you frustrated their plans
and saved the army. Heaven bless you
for that good actl But i, must leave you
now, for | am going to follow Rawdon,
and teach him that we can fight When
are you going homer" sg..
In few minutes, general"
" Good-bye;, and may you have a safe
journey" responded Greene, shaking her
by the hand. aa. e.f a.e s
Her horse was led forth, and she was
soon on the way to her home, which was
reached in safety.
Kate Heath lived to see the war close,
and peace and plenty spred their wings
over the land, and not long afterwards
she was welded to Walter Gordon, who
had been a colonel in the American
army. -..,,...1