Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1880-03-25
plete the toilet your rude entrance interrupt.

plete the toilet your rude entrance interrupt
ed"
"Your evasion will answer no purpose,
replied Captain Hardy. 1--WE know that h
was in the house; nay, his room gives evi
dence of being but recently vacated"
"And why not seek him elsewhere? Whil
officers are not wont to fly TO women, save
where they can rescue or Defend" said she
mockingly. .....
"We have searched the house, Miss Camp
bell, and painful as is the duty, must seek
the rebel here. Once more l command you
in the King, my masters name, to allow me
to enter"
"L do not acknowledge your masters right
over me, free born as | am. possess
no slavish instincts TO answer such call
Let him seek among his slaves for rebels
Patriots fighting for their country's freedom
do not acknowledge the name," replied the
intrepid girl.
"You are wasting time, Captain" cried
Ferris, impatiently; "push the girl one side
and 60 it" Ellen turned upon Hardy look
full of defiance. ..... .......
ITO men of honor. the chamber of lady
should be sacred as sanctuary. Oh where
is the generous chivalry that was once so
characteristic of the British soldier! What
a degradation to your manhood! What a
stain upon your honor, when such brutal
humanity as you dictate to gentlemen and
ofcers! l will defend the passage, though
perish. You may succeed and enter it; but
defy you to make the attempt"
Her undaunted heroism intimidated him.
He scarcely knew how to act; ashamed to
enter, and yet unwilling to retreat. While
hesitating, a happy thought struck Ellen;
she laughed, lightly
"Gentlemen," she cried, II will excuse
your farther hearing. Think you rebel
would neglect such a means of escape as you, I"
she said, pointing to the tree. 81 thank you
for the parley. 1t has given what we need
ed-time."
In an instant the room was cleared, and
with muttered curses the tories dispersed
themselves for the search. Ellen knew the
respite was but momentary, for as soon as
they would see the guards below they would
be convinced of the impracticability of the
escape.
my pistols, quick, Ellen; quick-they are
under my pillow. I will sell my life dearly"
cried Major Davie, as he flung back the
door--and ere he had time to question her as
to her excitement; for he had been too busily
engaged in searching ways Of escape to heed
the parley in the adjoining room, and the
noise of the crashing door had been mingled
with the confusion below-Ellen ran quickly
to his room, and snatching the pistols, hast
ened back.
"The branches come almost into the win
dows of the next room," he said, "and am
fain to try it. If my good steed were but
below! My brave girl, farewell!" He clasp
ed her 10 his arms and kissed her tenderly.
"Do not be too much alarmed on my account,
dearest; even were to fall into Hardy's
hands, he is soldier, and will know how to
treat soldier and officer
"You are lost you are lost if you fall
into his hands" she cried; "and I will be the
cause. But hark they come! ely for
Gods sake fy" and leaving her with one of
the pistols yet in her hands, the trooper en-
tered the inner room.
The Tories were returning; though many
had scattered through the house in search of
booty, Ferris among them, who now secure Of
Davie, wished to secure the envied plate, the
possession of which had long haunted his
brain.
Ellen had scarcely time to regain her calm
ness, when Captain Hardy, with his troopers,
was at the door.
with this" she murmured, grasping the
weapon, 81 may yet intimidate them. There
are but few; he may yet escape"
"Miss Campbell, your subterfuge has not
availed. 1t is impossible for him to escape
our guards. You but enforce upon me harsh
measures My duty is to take the rebel,
Davie. Once more | ask you to let me pass"
The Captain was evidently angry and cha.
grined. Ellen felt he was no longer to be
put of.
II have told you would not let you pass,
Captain Hardy" she said. II will defend
the privacy of my room with my life."
"You- weuld, Miss Campbell, he cried, 'sar.
castically. k.Yo ou hold your life cheap. Few
would risk, ,Ehe precious gift on such an imag
mary sancthS but answer me on your honor
as alady, is there nothing more precious to
preserve in this room than simply your pri-
vaey? Answer me truthfully, and I will
leave you undisturbed from farther annoy.
ance.". 49,. ... ......
He fixed his eyes keenly upon her.. She
strove to meet his look unabashed, but the
guilty blood would not be subdued-it rushed
in torrents to her cheeks, bathing her very
brow with crimson tide-her eyes fell under
the searching glance and her secret stood
confessed.
II am answered." said he, calmly; "do
not longer detain me-let me pass" She did
not move "You force me to this" he said, as
he placed his hand on her arm. Shaking it
from her and springing back, she cried:
advance at your peril for solemnly
swear l will shoot the first man dead who
crosses that Threshold" There was no mis-
taking the firmness of the intrepid girl. Every
nerve was strung to high resolve, and her
flushed cheeks and compressed lips testified
to her undaunted courage.
"Then may God forgive you, Miss Camp
bell," said Hardy, standing in momentary
admiration of the lovely girl then fearless
ly crossing the threshold. The next instant
there was report, and the pistol ball entered
the ceiling.
"You may thank God you are spared the
life of human being" said he gravely, as
she covered her face and staggered back for
an instant, overcome by sense Of womanly
fear at the possibility of sending soul to
Judgment "but give me the pistol, I would
save you from more successful attempt"
"Never," said she, firmly. "You take it
from me at your risk" and again she sprang
back from his touch
"By heaven GIRL" cried he, exasperated
beyond all control, "you'll force me to wrest