The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1872-08-17
Brave Kate.

haGc, bu6 elueSJ VI Ju6 uduS1I0CS, was
beautiful girl of sixteen summers her auburn
hair hung in graceful curls down her shoulders,
and her face beamed with kindness, while her
eyes shone like the stars that lit up the azure
vaults of heaven. --l ID
One evening, as Kate was standing at the
cottage door, she beheld two mounted officers
approaching They were richly dressed, and
one OF them she recognized as Lord Rawdon
the commander of the British forces in that
part of the country. They rode up to her.
and Rawdon bent over his saddle and said, in
kind voice, ''Well, Miss, can you let me have
the use of a room for few minutes ?''
eyes, sir; our house is open to you'
"Come, Colonel, let us hasten to business, p
said Rawdon, dismounting, while the Colonel
did the same, the latter leading the horses tc
the stable.
Lord RawGon advanced to where Kate
was standing, and said, ''Whose house is this
miss?'
MRS. Heath's my lord.''
"Ha! Her son is in the rebel army, under
Washington, is he not ?''
Kate trembled at the insult, and she looked
at the Brlton with a searching glance.
My brother is no rebel, Lord Rawdon; he
is fighting for his country.'
am sorry for that. He is brave boy,
and would no doubt, make good British SOL
der" returned Rawdon.
Lord Rawdon, you insult me. I would
sooner see George die felon's death than see
him In the Kings army" was the prompt
answer.
81 see you're rebel, too Miss Heath.
But here comes the Colonel" said Rawdon,
as ne saw that worthy coming from the stable.
Ihey entered the house, and went into a
small room to hold consultation Kate
thought they might have something impor-
tant TO say, so she resolved to play the part
OF eavesdropper. She told her mother of her
intention, who approved of it and Kate placed
herself IN position to ovefhear the Briton's
plans.
1t was dangerous undertaking. and she
knew that if she were caught in the act of
listening, she would be treated as spy. and
perhaps executed, for Lord Rawdon knew no
mercy. she cautiously approached the door
and looked through the crevice Rawdon
and the Colonel were seated before small
table, on which lay maps. They were exam
lining them closely, while Rawdon was ex-
planning them to the Colonel
Here is Green's camp" said he, I" and
here is ours. We must make bold stroke.
and if it be successful, Greene will be de-
stroyed."
81 don't see why it should not succeed. do
you, my lord p' -..--
mo; if our troops fight as well as they
have heretofore, we shall succeed" said
Rawdon, his face assuming a triumphant ex-
preston.
Il shall feel happy when, the rebels are
driven away from Carolina, and their rule
will be over" said Col. Roberts.
I'VE must crush Greene, Colonel. I do
not want to go back to England and let it be
said that was outgeneraled by a rebel. No.
neverV exclaimed Rawdon, rising to his
feet.
''Then we make that attack at day-break,
do we notT' asked the Colonel.
We do. Have your regiment ready and
make your men fight like demons"
LET US go now. But holdi what is the
counters1gn for the picket tonight NV lord %,
England" answered Lord Rawdon. low
ering his voice.
Kate listened to the Briton's plans with a
wildly throbbing heart, and she resolved to
save that patriot army. When she heard the
countersgn, she left the door and busted her
self in her household duties; and soon the
two officers emerged from the room.
I'VE must go, Miss Heath: but first Let mo
thank you for your Kindness said Rawdon.
your thanks are received, replied Kate
Their horses were saddled, and the officers
were soon on their way. Kate watched them
until they were out of sight, and then pre
pared Tor her perilous Journey She threw on
a shawl, and then went to the stable. Her
heetItooted horse neighed as she entered and
she patted him on the head, and said. swell
noble Selim, you must carry me safely to,
nlgnt, lor II you do not, General Green will
be destroyed WIN
The animal seemed to understand her for
he gave loud whinny. Our heroine saddled
Selim, led him from the stable, and was soon
riding towards General Green's camn which
was elght miles distant. She rode swiftly.
ior she wanted to reach her destination in
time to let the patriot General form his mon
to meet the assault. The British nickots
were four miles distant, and she wonld he
compelled to pass through their lines: but as
che was in possession of the countersion she
did not fear the result. Soon Kate saw the
plcaeCs payonet CLEAN in the moonlight.
and heard him cry out: "Who goes there 9;'
"a friend, with the countersien., ),
Advance, friend, and give the counter-
sign" 'no ooon'er-
''Englandp' N "Hi'pereu'
AN right; pass on. But stopp' cried the
picket as he caught glimpse of her face
Kate stopped her horse, and laid her hand
on on pistol The picket approached and said.
is that you, Miss Heath? ' '-'
1t is, Guy" returned Kate, for she rec
19nize1 Inc soldier to be Guy jackson. who
house. ooi a' tneir
Where are you going tonight Miss
Kate P' he asked "i'S
10 see Mrs. Blake; she is very ILL,
q, JUST IKE you, Miss Kate-always visiting
the SICK you are ministering angel said
the British soldier. e''' ''io
THANK you for the compliment CIV
But L must be going. Good nightp'
=, ana Kate was again on her tourney. while
t NC pfehet returned to his post. She had to
pass iour miles yet ere she would be safe. so
, ,Ie uiSea Oh ner steed. Before she had gone
mounted Britons rode fariousiv nm 70 tba
picket, and their leader cried out. tDid anv
person pass this post a short time since p,
YES SIR was the picket's reply
do you know who it was ?''
II do it was Miss Heath"
"Had she the counterspn %,
"She had"
Il fear she is safe. Forward. men, fish.
ss sia General Green Is saved! A hundred
who catches herp' cried tbe Ia.d.n no h a5
'and, and they dashed after the brov va I'll, sne
eaylng the picket in a state of bewildern,se,,t'
Kate soon heard the sound of her ,1,,rs,'ont
md she pushed on faster. 1t was r,co e.,
life or death. The British horses vvere f.oa ,Si
atigue. " '"0" Signs OF
FORWARD, Selim! You must take mo 70
' General Green's campp' said Kate to her
e .,' her enemies gained upon her. and one
,,oo .on, oooneo nent on catching her, for he
y a. soine yards IN advance of his comrades
A I'd. , neaiu Inc omlnous tramp of the borSo
ma GREW ner pistol. Nearer he oaroo no.. ":i
1e was at her side, and then cr;ed "',n 1iith
you vile rebelp' i'0o OUT, Halt,
inoSe were his last words, for Koto G.,
'nd the ball crashed through his brai,, ii1 p,
'tners did not stop to look at their dol Inc
ade, but pressed on. They neared bero ooill-
no another trooper received his death ,roi.a1'
The remainder halted, and a moment net ~
yard Kate heard the American nictots s'i. on-
ut, "Who goes there ?" r' cry
Kate Health" cried the heroine =. Oh.
ashed through the line. 40 enc
Inc soldier raised his gun, but when ba
card her name, it was lowered. and he ano
wered GAN rightp '''N no "il-
!. me American camp was reached. Ka+o
III LIN herself from the saddle. and placed her
tsyWh Morse In charge of soldier.
sked. Ureens tent?' she |
10 9, the right, there. wboro ,o,,
,Tan, replied the man. no;2 SGu see 'naC
Is, one entered the Generals font AL
hon raSa IN writing. He raised 'I III; iouna
n ee7 rose 10 his feet, and said ou Ills eyes,
Heath" "' late hour, Miss
.eu oo, General: You are in danpern
m Low Is thatr' exclaimed Greer
Inc brave girl told her story al
RAJ graSped her hand, while tb Gnu to cne Gen