The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1878-03-17

Cant DO It," replied the boy. 1--WE must
wait Gen. Norgan's orders. Here he Isl i
As the raider chief came up alongside,
face on Benton's coat-sleeve. Morgan laughed
a genuine hearty laugh, as his eyes fell
on this shepherdess figure clinging in such q
picturesque manner to Bentons protecting
arm. But he would not let them go. They
zleton. There. were led horses in the rear
the lady would be quiet comfortable. It Is
possible he wished to learn something of his
pretty captive, for he had an eye for beauty
At any rate go they must. so two horses
were brought forward, spoils Of war-innocent
their promotion into military life-and the
trembling Kate was mounted upon one Of
them, looking more picturesque than ever az
she rode forward by Morgan's side along the
moon-llt road. Benton was on her left, and
tried to soothe her fears in an undertone, al
the same time replying to occasional ques-
tons from Morgan as the ascent forced q
slower pace.
The celebrated partisan" leader John Nor.
gan was, in his way, gallant man. He had
before, when the stringency of the war had
reduced her wardrobe to an unpleasant mo-
notony, he made an especial raid in her
service, aud captured store full OF silks
and ribbons to replenish 1t. Originally a
planter, he left his plantation on the break
ing out of the war, and joined the Con
federate army. He did not, however, attach
himself to the regular service, but gathering
together a band OF young Kentuckians, he
organized q series OF guerrilla raids on and
over the border, dashing now In one direction,
now In another, with such rapidity that no
one could follow him, well mounted as he was,
possessing the advantage OF q thorough
knowledge of the country and animated by a
rash spirit OF daring adventure that made
him ride forward, In this instance to his cap
trIrn and the next wear tn hi dpath
After mile or two the road turned into the
forest. Morgan moved forward to the front,
the ranks closed up, and Hates terrors in.
creased as she found herself In the midst of
"Oh, Bent, they look 80 fierce!" she whis-
pered to her companion, who now held her
bride rein riding close by her side.
"They had better look fierce up here in the
heart OF Ohio. But looks won't save them"
muttered Benton.
"Oh, you don't think there will be any fight
ing or firing, do your" asked Kate tremu-
lously.
Il hope there will be whole broadside
before we get to Dazzleton. The troops
these raiders before they reach the
river" replied the young man, with smoth-
cred violence Zone thing Is certain, Kate
/ have had my lesson. Let me once get out
Of this and l join the army the very next
hour. II cant go as an N, officer, will enlist
sL5 pllNdbt, put eo Il VIII
Kate began to cry.
Worn with excitement and fear, subdued by
anxiety for Benton tears came to the surface,
and all her efforts were powerless to restrain
them. For some time she succeeded in hiding
her grief under the cover OF the dark forest;
but when they reached the open ground again
Benton caught the glitter of tear-drops on the
averted cheek, and his violence was subdued
"Why, Kate" he whispered, there is no
V1f, mt rviy, Mrpt mil
set you free at Dazzleton, presume"
But you 7" said Kate, in trembling
voice.
"Oh, he may exact something In the way of
q ransom in my case; but think not. He Is
in too much of hurry. All he cares for now
Is to reach the river with his horses
II didn't mean that. I meant that--that
you said you were going into the army" said
Kate with two fresh tears rolling down her
cheeks.
you2"
Kate did not answer for a moment; then,
making an effort to command her voice, she
eve all care, Benton; aunt, and
uncle, and everybody. And then-there is
Nora"
"But you always talked to Nora
"And looked at Kate"
"But you always liked Nora"
'And loved Kate"
Here Morgans men heard gay little laugh
rom their girl prisoner, Kate had recovered
tossed back her curls, and settled
he plume in her hat with lightning rapidity.
But Benton, who had been softened by the
lrops was not to be daunted by the sud-
len sunshine.
GIVE me an answer Kate, he whispered,
,ending toward her.
what, here, before all these men! Non
,ense, sir" returned Kate, with a smile.
II know you love me, all the same, you
WITCH" said the audacious Benton.
Here Hates horse, feeling hls mouth jerked
most professionally by his fair riders hand,
'werved to one side Benton let go his hold,
md allowed his companion to keep him at q
distance for the next mile; but none the less
lid he smile to himself with smile Of mascu-
inc dissatisfaction
At length Morgan Joined them again. "May
have the honor Of knowing my fair pris-
,ner?" he said, doffing his hat.
Kate was equal to the occasion this time
With pleasure, general" she said, returning
his salute with all the grace she could assume
n her cramped position on the mans saddle.
I am Kate Allen, of Lakeville."
"And your name?" said Morgan to Benton
montgomery" was the curt answer.
'In the Federal army?'
'Not yet but intend to enter it as soon as
can"
"Oh no." cried Kate 'Don't believe him,
GENERAL. He has never been in the army. and
le shall never enter it. shall not allow him
'sAhv' said the raider, with merry glance;
his sister, perhaps?"
Moves that is, not exactly" stammered
Kate, with vivid blush; "but we belong to
he same family
perhaps you can help us with shorter
ut through the hills toward the river" said
iorgan, looking scrutinizingly at Benton.
II wouldn't If l could"
"He means he couldn't II he would" inter-
upted Kate, earnestly. "He knows nothing
bout the country; never was here before"
"He has at least warm advocate" said the
alder, smiling, as the bright moonlight shone
I'LL on Rates excited, flushed beauty. "You
will, Of course, give me your word not to be-
ray our numbers or our route il / set you
rec at Dazzleton," he added, turning to
Senton.
81 shall join the first party of United States
roops and lead the pursuit after you," re-
lied the young man, holly.
'You plead very well, Miss Kate; but this
oy needs a lesson. I must take him South
nth me-. A taste Of prison life will ripen his