Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1880-05-20
= @umaute ut the &erulntion.
ELLEN CAMPBELL, GAlMll[E BELL,
KINGS MOUNTAIN.
BY MRS. MARY A. EWART.

road, and following down the creek that
branches from the Pacolet river, till lost III
the distance, the sound died upon her ears.
Her messenger had been indeed successful
Meeting Sewer advancing at full speed ms
at once communicated the unwelcome intel
ligence. The young officers resolve was at
once taken. Determining to strike blow
for Davie if it cost him his life, he prevailed
upon a few of the neighboring wings to arm
themselves as best they could and follow him.
Taking their horses from their plows, and
mounting bare. back, for there was no time
for saddling, (even had they possessed such a
luxury,) they were but moment in prepara'
ton. Ast they reached the road, what was
their surprise to meet Bowen with half doz,
en- of his men. Bowen had not been at all
satisfied that Davie should again venture
alone to the place that had before proved so
unfortunate.
His expostulations, however, not being met
very patiently, as Davie at that time was IN
but little humor for thwarting, he had des'st'
ed, and accepted the commission Of comman-
der, with what grace he might After Da-
vie's departure, hearing from his scouts that
Tarleton was advancing, Morgan struck his
camp and advanced to the Pacolet to meet
him. Bowen now became seriously uneasy,
and understanding that instead Of going on
to Greene, Davie would be recalled to take
part in the coming struggle, he determined to
run all risks and obtained leave to follow Sc
vier, who had left for the purpose of counter
mauding the dispatches. Their little force,
not amounting to ten men, pushed on at dou'
BILE gallop, and availing themselves OF the
short cuts, with which their party was so
familiar, bid fair to overtake the laggard mo-
tions of Hardy.
"Can't We start bugle in our troopT
said Sewer. ats wonderful help to small
party-its noise is worth a dozen of men at
any time"
Nothing of the kind could'be obtained, but
q lad of seventeen said he had cow horn in
his pocket with which he would promise to
raise the dead if the Captain said so.
"The very idea, my boy" said Sewer.
"The raising of the dead, will be the dsrnier
resort. Ifyou can inspire the living, it will
be all we'll ask you at present. Now, boys,
recollect, Davies troop never runs; but If
any of you should attempt such thing, l
will show you that Selim can run as fast or
faster than any Of you, and if he once gets
before you, he'll drive you back if it kills
him. l just mention this, not that I'm afraid
of any of you but as warning that British
regulars are apt to scare those who are not
trained apprentices to our trade. But let US
remember we are better riders, better woods:
men, and better marksmen, too, than they
are, and that we are fighting for an officer
we love- and III warrant you'll follow like
hounds whelps on trail. Ride on, my
boy's-close columns. Burning eyes, eager
hands, brave hearts that win the day"
Bowen smiled grimly, but his encourage
ment was all action. His voice was now sell
dom heard' save in the din of battle. in high
and stern command.
Thanks to Hardy's delay at the Mansion
House, they were enabled to get beyond
the crossing Of the creek before his troops
reached it. Posting his men in the thick
woods on the opposite side, Bowen waited the
approach of the enemy.
"Wait till you see them in the middle Of
the stream" he whispered, his eyes flashing
with a terrible JOY. "Let every one pick
out his man, take sure aim, fire and charge J"
Presently, unapprehensive of danger, the
troop came in sight, scattering up and down
the stream in order to water their horses.
Mounted on strong and fiery charger, in
the centre of the troop, Davie was riding be-
hind Hercules of a trooper. Graham and
Mr.. Willoughby, on their own horses, were
little apart, and were quietly waiting for
the summons to move on.
"That fellow who has charge of the Major,
is mine," said Bowen, his voice trembling in
eagerness.
care you all ready? Sure and steady
then Fire." he thundered; and every crack
sent a death messenger. Hercules tumbled
from his horse There was no time for an
other load
"Charge!" shouted Bowen. A deafening
bray from the impromptu bugle seemed, in
deed, sufficient to raise the dead with its dis
cordant notes, and ere they could recover from
the panic, the surprise, and the terrible yelling
those notes had thrown them into, Bowen
was down on them, his men, snatching the
muskets that had fallen from the hands of
the slain, or clubbing their guns, gave with
furious strokes, the final blow"
"Kill the prisoner. Don't let him escape, y
shouted Hardy, rushing on Davie, who had
been ALMOST borne down by his falling guard,
and was now striving to catch he bride
which the dying man still clutched. But
Graham was by his side, and dashing up the
descending sword, said
"You must not and shall not kill him, and
he incapable of defence. l will save him
from murder, if my life pays the forfeit
Think of saving your men and less of your
private malice. What madness is this ?"
"On them, lads, on them," bravely shouted
Bowen, dasbing into their midst. "Strike for
the Major. Another blow and we have him
God bless you, Major 7" he cried, springing
to his side and placing in his hands his own
sword.
"We've got him boys" he shouted. "Now
charge the red coat Williams. Rein up, or ]
fire W he cried So those who could escape the