Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1872-07-13
BRAVE KATE.

Inc year JiSl was Il dark ana gloomy
one for the Americans, who were then
struggling for independence. In South
Carolina affairs were in u critical stua-
ton. Gen. Green made an unsuccessful
attack on the British post of Ninety
six, and with l1ew his men beyond the
Tiger and Broad Rivers. Lord Rawdon
followed him, but could not draw the
patriot General into an engagement
At that period there stood in South
Carolina plain and unassuming house :;
il was a story building, neatly white
washed and surrounded by fence. The
garden contained many choice flowers );
and the beautiful honcysuckle shaded
the doors and windows. 1t was the
home of Mrs. Heath, who lived with
her two daughters, while her son George
was in Washington army fighting Tor
freedom.
Kate, the eldest of the daughters, was
beautiful girl of sixteen summers :;
her auburn hair hung in graceful curs
down her shoulders, and her face beam
ed with kindness, while her eyes shone
like the stars that lit up the azure vaults
of heaven.
One evening. as Kate was standing at
the cottage door, she beheld two mount
cd officers approaching. They We're
richly dressed, and one of them she re,
cognized as Lord Rawdon, the COM
mander 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 mnutes?"
Yes, sir; our house is open to you"
"Comc, Colonel, let us hasten to bust
ness said Rawdon, dismounting, while
the Colonel did the same, the latter
leading the horses to the stable.
Lord Rawdon advanced to where
Kate was standing, aud said, "Whose
house is this, miss p
Mrs. lIeath's, my lord
ella Her son is in the rebel army,
under Washington, is he not p
Kate trembled at the insult, and she
looked mt the Bliton with u searching
glance.
"My brother is no rebel, Lord Raw
don; he is fighting for his country"
81 am sorry for that. He is Il brave
boy, and would, no doubt, make good
British soldier returned Kawdon.
Lord Rawdon, you insult me. |
would sooner see George die a 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 he saw that worthy coming
from the stable.
They entered the house, and went
into u small room TO hold a consulta-
ton. Kate thought they might have
something important to say, so she re-
solved to play the part of eavcsdroppcr.
She told her mother of her intention,
who approved of it, and Kate placed
herself in a position to ovcrhcar the
Britons' plans.
1t was dangerous undertaking, and
she knew that if she was caught in the
act of listening she would be treated as
spy, and perhaps executed, for Lord
Raw don knew no mercy. She cautious
ly approached the door and looked
through the crevice. Rawlon and the
Colonel were seated before Il small
table, on which lay maps. They were
examining them closely, while Rawdon
was explaining them to the Colonel.
"IIere is Green's camp" said he,
land here is ours. We must make u
bold stroke, and if it be successful,
Green will be destroyed"
- / don't see why ii should not sue
ceed, do you, my lord?"
mo; if our troops fight as well rs
they have heretofore, we shall succeed
said Rawdon, his face assuming tri-
umphant expression.
s. shall feel happy when the rebels
are driven away from Carolina, and
their rule will be over,n said Col
Roberts.
"We must crush Green, Colonel.
do not want to go back to England and
let it be said that | was outgeneralcd by
a rebel. No, never! exclaimed Raw
don, rising to his feet.
"Then we make that attack at dav-
break, do we not?" asked the Colonel
ave do. Have your regiment ready,
and make your men fight like demons"
"Let US go now. But hold what is
the countersign for the picket to night,
my lord?"
E,glod," answered Lord Rawdon,
lowering his voice.
with wildly throbbing heart, and she
resolved to save the patriot army.
When she heard the countersign she
left the door, and busted herself in her
household duties; and soon the two
officers emerged from the room.
awe must so, Miss Heath but first
let me 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 prepared for her peril,
Gus journey. She threw on a shawl,
and then went tothe stable. Her fleet.
footed horse neighed as she entered,
and she patted him on the head, and
said, "Well, noble Selim, you must car.
ry me safely to night; for if you do not,
Gen. Green will be destroyed"
The animal seemed to understand
her, for he gave loud whinny. Ou,
heroine saddled Selim, led him from the