The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1875-03-11
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BRAVE KATE HEATH,

AFFAIRS were UneU III CIlVlCul Cohulboi,
Gen. Greene made an unsuccessful at
tack on the post of ninety-six, and with
drew his men beyond the Tiger and
Broad rivers. Lord Rawdon followed
him, but could not draw the brave, pa
rtriotic general into an engagement
At this period there stood in North
Carolina plain and unassuming house.
1t was two-story house, neatly white
washed and surrounded by fence. The
garden contained many choice flowers,
and beautiful honeysuckles shaded the
doors and windows. 1t was the house of
Mrs Heath, who lived with her two
daughters, while her son George was in
Washington's army, fighting for free
dom.
Kate, the eldest of the daughters, was
a beautiful girl ofsixteen summers. Her
auburn hair hung in graceful curls down
her shoulders, and her face beamed with
kindness, while her eyes shone like the
pretty stars that light up the azure vaults
of heaven.
One evening as Kate was standing by
the cottage door, she beheld two mount
ed officers approaching. They were
richly dressed, and one of them she re-
oognized as Lord Rawdon, the command
er of the British forces in that section of
the country. They rode up to her and
Rawdon leaned over in his saddle and
addressed her in kind voice:
"Well, Miss, can you let me have the
use of a room for few minutes ="
"Yes, sir, our house is open to you"
@'Come, Colonel, let's hurry up busi-
ness" said Rawdon, dismounting, while
the Colonel did the same, the latter lead
ing the horses to the stable.
Loud Rawdon advanced to where Kate
was standing, and said
"Whose house is this?"
Mrs. Heath's, sir"
ala! her son is in the rebel army, un-
der Washington is he nOt?"
Kate trembled at the insult, and she
booked at the Briton with searching
glance.
any brother is not a rebel; he is fight
ing for his country"
al am sorry for that; he's brave boy,
and would, no doubt, make good British
soldier" returned Rawdon.
+LOrd hawdon, you insult me, sir |
would rather see him die felon's death
than see him in the kings armyW was
her heroic answer.
II see you are a rebel, too, Miss Heath;
but here is the Colonel" said Rawdon, as
he saw him coming from the stable.
They entered the house and went into
Il room to hold consultation. Kate
thought that they might have something
important to say, SO she concluded to
play the part of eaves-dropper. She told
her mother Of her intention, who ap-
proved of it, and Kate placed herself in
position to hear the Britishers' plans.
1t was dangerous undertaking, and
she knew that if she was caught in the
act of listening, she would be treated as
Il spy and perhaps executed, for Lord
lRawden knew no mercy. She cautiously
approached the door and looked through
the cIevice. Rawdon and the Colonel
were seated at a small table on which
lay their maps. They were examining
them closely, while Rawdon was explain
ing to the Colonel.
"Here is Greene's camp" said he, "and
here is ours. We must make bold
strike, and if it be successful, Greene will
be destroyed"
II don't see why it should not succeed,
my lord"
"No; if our troops fight as good as here
tofore, we shall succeed" said Rawdon,
his face assuming a triumphant express
sion.
a shall feel happy when these cursed
rebels are driven away from North Caro-
lima, and then their rule will be over"
said Colonel Roberts.
1--WE must crush Greene, Colonel
do not wish to 60 back to England and
let it be said that / was out-generaled by
Il rebel. No, neverW exclaimed Raw don,
rising to his feet.
Then we make the attack at day
break, do we not" asked the Colonel.
ave do; have our regiment ready, and
make your men fight like demons"
"Let us go now. But hold what's the
countersign for the pickets tonight, my
lord"
England ~ answered Lord Rawdon,
lowering his voice.
Kate listened to the Britons' plans
with wild, throbbing heart, and she re-
solved to save the patriotic army. When
she heard the countersign, she left the
door, and busted herself with her house
hold duties, and soon the officers emerged
from the room.
ave must go, Miss Heath" said Lord
RawdOn, "but first see"
'Your thanks are received"
The horses were saddled and the Off
,cers were soon on their way.
Kate watched them till they were out
of sight, and then prepared for the peril
Gus journey. She threw shawl over her
head and went to the stable. Her feet
footed horse neighed as she entered, and
..she patted him on the head and said:
-'.Well, noble Selim, you must carry me
Shrougn tonight, for if you do not,
Greene will be destroyed"
Our heroine saddled Selim, led him
from the stable, and was soon riding to-
ward Greene's Camp, which was eight
miles distant. She rode swiftly, for she
wanted to reach her destination in time
TO let the patriotic general form his men
TO meet the assault.
The British pickets were four miles
distant, and she would be compelled to
pass through the lines, but as she was
now in possession of the countersign. she
did not fear the result.
Soon Kate saw the picket's bayonet
CLEAN in the moonlight, and heard the
voice cry out:
"Who goes there"
IA friend, with the countersign."
She approached the picket and whisp-
erred, England"
"All right, pass on. But stOpP cried
the picket, as he caught a glimpse of her
face
Kate stopped her horse and laid her
hand on her pistol. The picket ap-
mrOached her and said: