Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1876-09-23
THE HIDDEN CONTINENTAL.

The eventful year of 177S was drawing
TO close when Colonel Campbell, of the
British army, landed near Savannah, and
fell furiOuslv on the Americans under
General Howe. Howc's troops were III
no condition 20 face the enemy; an unsuc-
cessful campaign in the Floridas had en-
feebled his men by disease; and, deeming
discretion the better part of valor," he
retreated up thc river.
OF course the then capital of Georgia
fell into the hands of the enemy, who
abused his triumph and consigned his
name to an unenviable fame.
There was a strong Tory element in
Savannah, which had Deen kept in check
by the presence of the COntinentals, but
when the British marched into The city
arose and asserted It's strength. Houses
were plundered, and number of patriots
bayoneted in the streets. Neighbor rose
against neighbour, and Tories led a plum
dering Soldiery to the homes of the pat
riots.
The Holly family that dwelt in Savan-
nah ut the time OF its capture and sack.
consisted of three lpersons-the mother
and two children The tath +, Il man OF
wealth and influence in Georgia, had died
the year that preceded the outbreaking OF
the war. and the home Of his family was
one of the finest residences in the city.
Miriam Holly, the oldest child, was a
beautiful girl OF nineteen, while her b 9TH
er was five years her junior If the lath-
er had lived, he might have been Tory,
for he was devotedly attached TO the
mother country, and when the Kings
troops took possession of he capital, Col
Onel Campbell commanded that the Hol-
Tvs home should not be ransacked.
Thus the house escaped pillage, and
Miriam fastened to thank the soldier for
his kindness.
Colonel Campbell was struck by the
girls grace and remarkable loveliness,
and detained her at his headquarters un-
til he learned her family history by many
adroit questions.
s:There goes the handsomest woman
in Georgia." cried Campbell, as the girl
left the house.
His companion, who happened to be
his chief OF stan, looked after Miriam and
remarked:
II quite agree with the Colonel. These
Amerlcan.rebels are all beautiful"
Campbell was silent for a moment.
ssWe will not occupy this building after
Tomorrow" he said suddenly. II am
going to take up my abode beneath the
same roof with Miriam Holly"
Love at first sight, Colonel" said the
chief Of staff, with merry twinkle i'm his
eyes. as Lady Bonn so soon forgotten,
my dear Colonel ?"
LADY Bonn be hanged ~ cried Camp
bell. "a soldier loves when and whom
he pleases, and besides, Major, one is not
obliged to marry these American girls
because he loves them"
The conversation was interrupted by
the arrival of an orderly, and was not re-
sumed.
On the following day Colonel Campbell
made Miriam Holly's home his headquar-
tiers.
The girlssgrew deathly pale when she
learned of the sudden change, and said
in a whisper to her mother:
sThis is terrible event. He is not fit
TO depart yet, nor will he be for week
to come.
miriam, / have been thinking that it
might be policy for us to give BIN up to
the army" replied Mrs. Holly.
sGive him up now. = cried the girl.
s.Give him up and hear every Tory IN
Savannah cry for his blood? No! Unless
discovered he shall remain where he is
until be is able TO escape"
Miriam Holly spoke with much firm
Icocs anu Tears StOOu Ill Tic iuOtuCi Oy %
when she opened her arms and received
her daughter i'm her embrace.
Forgive me, Miriam!" she cried.
Eve must keep our secret from Colonel
Campbell. He must not know who lies
to-day beneath our roof"
So Miriam FASTENED from her mothers
presence, and by touching concealed
spring in the wall of an unfinished room
revealed narrow stairway. She at once
mounted the steps and entered very
small apartment, into whicL light
streamed from a sky-window.
Z The room was tenanted. On a low cot
Law man in his twenties. His dark hair
contrassed wildly with the deathly pal
lor of his face, and the suit of continental
uniform, with Il sword, that hung against
the wall over the bed, told that he was
an American soldier. A boy of fifteen,
who sat on the edge of the bed, was read
ing aloud, but in a cautious tone, when
the door opened to admit Miriam.