Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1877-08-23

for the piokets, aud in q few moments would
be upon them.
frightened and furious os he was, Ellen
did not think tho foolish horse would run
into that cotDpany of soldiers. She was
not left long in suspense. Ere the sleepy
follows were aware of it-for they did not
expect to bo charged from tho rear-he
dashed through them, scattering them like
a covey OF Birds. and went charging en-.
But few hundred yards in advance of the
main body of piokets were two men posted
in tho road, and their fixed bayonets and
resoluto appearance were too much TOR
Toney. He turned, and making short
circuit, came bounding and snorting back
down the road again. Tho soldiers now
| fully aroused, wero prepared for him this
| time, and ho did not GO fur through them
before s,roug hand graspcd tho bridlo aud
stopped him in his mad career
| Ellen expressed her thanks to her de-
lvcrer as we'll as she could, upoloeizcd for
tho intrusion, and hurriedly explained to
the curious and gazing group around her,
/ low sho came to visit them in suoh on un.
oercmonious manner Seeing her ombnr
rassment, and appreoiating the awkward
ness OF her situation, the polite young soldier
offered to conduct her baok to the house
She readily accepted his proposal, and as
Tho led the horse away, sho smi:ingly lifted
her hat and bowed to tho soldiers; but she
could not help but hear: II wish could
have caught that horse!" "Boys, never say
Virginia is not worth fighting for agan!"
aud similar expressions US she rode off.
They proceeded some distance in silence.
Ellen first spoke. saying, laughingIy, Il
think We ought to be acquainted after this
May be SO bold as to inquire the namo of
my preservor aud protector"
'''ro be su,e," replied tho Young soldier,
turning with pleasure. to, his companon.
"My name is Gillespie, Harry Gillespie"
a pretty name aud II handsome follow,
thought Ellen, but she did not say it.
"You are Miss EARLY, J believe" contin-
ued Harry. "but am not so fortunate as to
know your given name"
"That is quickly toid," said she, with a
smile, sit is Ellen l sec from those bars
on your collar, you arc IN officer; one, two.
that means first lieutenant, does it not?'''
"You are right
"Wcll, now, Lieutenant" snid the fair
girl, recovering her color and spirits, 1--WE
ure becoming acquainted, may l usk you
''A thousand, if you wish"
"Thank you, but one will do, at least for
the present.. What is the meaning Of that
pretty rosettc on your hat Docs it signify
that you are member of some mystic order
Of Southern kniight-errautryY"
"'h, no, that is only palmetto, the en-
blem of our State. Th. rosetto was nude
by my sister urd placed on my hat before l
7 left home"
Eyes. remember now, you arc from
South Carolina; and that is the palmetto
State. You arc called tho palmetto boys;
Il have heard much Of their courage aud
galIantry, and hayo to-day had an evi-
dcnce of BOTH
Harry scarcely knew what to reply to
this delicate and aatterng compliment, but
ventnrcd to say that he hoped the favorable
opinion she had formed of them would
not be lesscned by any occurrence in the
future.
This pleasant conversation was soon in.
terrupted by their arrival ut the little river,
where they met old Bosen. That worthy
had watched tho wild flight of Toney
across the valley with tho greatest oonster
nation and alarm. He loved his beautiful
would have died any time to save her life.
Feeling that he was, 10 n great degree, re
sponsible for the present catastrophe, and
seeing how powerless he was to aid her, he
could only wiring his withered hands in the
anguish Of his heart and indulge 10 those
pathetic lamentations for which his race is
remarkable. His JOY at seeing ELLEN safe
and sound was only equal to the fright and
grief he hud felt "Bress God Almighty"
he exclaimed show glad is, Miss Ellen
to sec you alive and not hurt On, Lord,
ef you had bin, dc old man would have died,
for certain"
"Wcll, never mind now Daddy Bosen,"
suid Ellen, taking TInrry's hand, and leuping
to tho ground. "IIere take Tooey; he has
been very naughty, but has found master
in this gentleman You must not beat him
you know father will not allow that"
"Yas, know dat il dc boss order but ef
dc old man had his way, ho'd lash you, you
wenomous looking rascal, till you'd have
yourself bettor next time," and the indig
nant old African shook his fist in Toney's
face. That rcdoubtable champion was
quiet now; he had had his spree, and up
pearcd to be perfectly satisfied
$50 along, Bosep," said Ellon oga;p,
and don't be talking to the horse, as if he
was reasonable creature. I have relieved
you of that oare, my gallant knight" she
continued, turning to Harry, "but must
still burden you with myself"
81 would consider myself fortunate
knight indeed, if l never had to bear Q
moro disagrceuble burden" ho replied. as
he took her hand, aud, leading her across
tho foot log that spanned the stream, they
proceeded up the smooth and grassy road