The Saline County journal. [volume] (Salina, Kan.) 1871-1893, 1879-07-24
THE HERO woxAx.
BY GEORGE LIpPARD.

woods, not moro than half mile from
the Schuylkill, there stood, in the time
Of tho Revolution, quaint old fabric
built of mingled logs and stone, and en-
clrcled by . palisade wall. II had been
erected in the earlier days of William
Penn, perhaps some years before the
great apostle of peace first trod our
shores, as Q block-house, intended as q
defense against the Indians.
And now its TODD with it smany roofs,
its numerous chimneys, its massive
square windows, its varied front Of log
and stone, and its encircling wall,
through which admittance was gained
by Q large and stoutly built gate; it
stood in the midst of the wood, with
aee-worn trees enclosing its veteran
outline on every side.
From its western window you can OBJ
tam glimpse OF the Schuylkill waves,
while large easement in the southern
front commanded . view of the winding
road, as it sunk out of view, under the
shade Of the thickly clustered boughs
into deep hollow, not more than one
hundred yards from the mansion.
Here, from the southern easement, on
one of those balmy summer days which
look in upon the dreamy autumn, to-
ward the close of November, . farmers
daughter was gazing with dilating eyes
and half clasped hands.
Well she might gaze earnestly to the
south, and listen with painful intensity
for the slightesty sound. Her brothers
were away with the army OF Washing
ton, and her father, Q grim old veteran
-he stood SIX feet three inches in his
stocking feet-who had manifested his
love for the red coat invaders in many
desperate encounter, had that morning
left her alone in the old mansion, alone
in the small chamber, in charge OF some
ammunition intended for . band OF
brave farmers, about to join the hosts
of freedom. Even as she stood there,
gazing out OF the southern window, q
faint glimpse Of sunlight from the faded
leaves above, pouring over her mild
face, shaded by clustering brown hair,
there, not ton PAGES from her side, were
seven loaded rifles and keg of pow
der.
Leaning from the easement, she list
ened with every nerve qnivering with
suspense to the shouts Of cOmbatants,t the
hurried tread of armed men ectsoing
from the south.
There was something very beautiful
in that picture. The form OF the young
girl, framed by tho square, MASSIVE
window, tho contrast between tho rough
timbers that enclosed her, and that
rounded face, the light parting, tho hazel
eye dilsting, and cheek warming and
flushing with hope and fear; there was
something very beautiful In that picture
"a young girl leaning from the window
of an old mansion, with her brown hair
waving in glossy masses around her
face.
Suddenly the shouts of the south grew
nearer, and then emerging from the
deep hollow, there came an old man,
running at full speed, yet every few
PAGES turning around to fire his rifle,
which he loaded as he ran. He was pur.
sued BY y party of ten or more British
soldiers, who came rushing on with their
bayonets fixed, as if to strike their vic
tim down, ere he advanced ten PAGES
nearer the house.
On and on tho old man came, while
bis daughter, quivering with suspense,
hung leaning from the window. He
reaches the block house gate, look He
is surrounded-thcir muskets are lev
elled at bis head-he is down, down at
their feet, graphing for his life! But
look AGAIN He dasbes his foe aside
with ono bold movement he springs
through the gate an instant and it Is
locked the British soldiers, mad with
rage, gaze upon the high wall of logs
and stone, and vent their anger in drunk
en- curses.
Now look to the window! Where the
young girl stood q moment ago. culver.
ing with suspense, as she beheld her
father struggling for his life, now stands
tho old man himself, his brow barred, his
hand grasping the rifle, while his gray
hairs wave back from his wrinkled and
blood .dabbled face. That was o fine
picture OF an old veteran, nerved tor the
last fght-a stout warrior, preparing
for his death struggle.
Death struggle? Yes! for the old
man, Isaac Wampole, had dealt too
many blows among the British soldiers,
tricked, fooled, and cheated them to of.
ten, to escape now A few moments
longer, and they would DO reinforced by
strong party Of refugees; the powder,
the arms, IN the old block-house, per
haps the daughter herself. was to be their
reward. There was scarcely hope for
the old man, and yet he had determined
to make desperate fight.
1--WE must bluff>bff these rsscxIs !" be
said, with q grim smile, turning to his
child. Now, Bess, my girl, when 1 fire
this rife, do you hand me another. and
SO on, until the whole eight shots are
fired. That will keep them on the other
side Of the wall, for . few moments al
least, and then We will have to trust TO
God for the rest ~
Look down there, and see . hand
stealing ever the edge OF the wall The
old man levels his Piece-the British
soldier falls back with q crushed hand
upon his comrades heads.
No longer luivering with suspense,
but grown suddenly firm, the young
girl passes loaded rifle to the veterans
grasp, and silently awaits the result.
For . moment all is silent below. The
British bravoes are somewhat 10th to
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