Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1880-05-13
CHAPTER XIX.
Yon prey lines

tradiction, and Ellen did not think it necessa
ry to reply. .,
"I fear Davies mischievous character vii
20 much against him." said he, determined t.
touch her on the most tender point first.
GAS am not particularly anxious to hea
his dirge chanted by one SO unable to under
stand him, you will excuse me if | retire,
said the spirited girl, rising to depart. .
Hardy quickly arose, and ere she eoule
reach the door closed it, and placing his back
against it, said, with his coarse laugh
"Now, you are as much my prisoner as the
rest of the household, and as such you mus
consent to remain till you hear what yor
would not allow me to tell you day or two
ago. 1t is useless to tell you that love you
You have known that for some time"
Her lips curled contemptuously.
"You do not believe me. BY heaven,
do-more than your favored lovers, the haugh
ty Davie, or the supercilious Graham. They
would relinquish you in love they would cal
generous, if circumstances opposed them; but
I swear never to relinquish the hope of call
ing you mine, but with my life"
'"The thing you call hope, is too intangible
for me to understand" replied Ellen. "lf
am detained to hear such rhapsodies as this, !
must be as patient as possible, thoug h my pa
tience will scarcely lessen the inaiction.
"Proud GIRL" said Hardy, "you little know
how you stand with me, or again you would
be at my feet as a suppliant."
Ellen blushed crimson, but she undaunted'
ly replied
81 do not fear you. Do your worst"
"Aud that will be to condemn Davie ere an.
other day passes,'' said he, with profanity SO
habitual, it was involuntary.
She smiled scornfully.
"He is not in your power. He will be tried
as soldier. Officers and gentlemen will un'
derstand justice, if not mercy"
He started violently.
"Ha Have you been contemplating his
chances? You are keen, but not cunning.
Evidence, damning evidence, can be brought
against him, and it shall be my care to see it
forthcoming"
"You can prove the purity of his patriot
ism, the untring zeal Of faithful soldier
nothing else," said Ellen.
"By heaven, will prove what will work his
death if it perjure my sou" said Hardy, with
vehemence
"He has friend who will protect him,
though even such friends as you would plot
his ruin," replied Ellen.
"Who? Graham? Ha ha! Do you not
know he will be court neutrality-suspicious.
disgraced ?" said Hardy.
'Not Graham! The gen: ,s-the noble
Oh do not tell me tn: and her bowed
head was hid in her hands.
"Ha!" thought Hardy, "is this the lover
after all? But no; it cannot be. His dis
honor grieves you worse than Davies death,
Miss Ellen. Can the high born English off.
Ger have stolen the heart so lately welded to
patriotism ?"
She did not notice the taunt, but said with
out needing him
'There is sorrow worse than death. Oh
Graham, from my soul l pity YOU Sud.
denly turning, she said, "what refinement OF
cruelty is this that would sacrifice such a
noble spirit? What is his crime2"
"You, Miss Ellen, I have no doubt have
been the chief cause" he replied, mockingly.
a." said she incredulously. "You are
enigmatical sir. I cannot understand you. }"
"You cannot! Then you are not as keen
as gave you credit for. Graham's offence
is grave and serious, and his punishment will
be what generally befalls traitors to their
king and country. How much your charms
may have tempted to a neglect of duty, you
can best tell"
"This is terrible,"" said Ellen, pale as death.
"Terrihle indeed, Not much to be hoped
in that quarter"
"My uncle will 60. He will plead for the
life that is so dear to him. He can confute
all your evidence. Let me pass this instant
I will entreat him to leave all, for Graham's
sake"
1T is needless, Miss Ellen," replied Har.
dy, without moving "Your uncle goes, it
is true but goes as my prisoner"
Ellen gave a startled scream.
"Davie-Graham-iny uncle-all sacrl'
feed? Oh dear. bought freedom, when such
spirits are martyred Stand aside, relentless
and cruel man. Let me 60 to those your
malice and hate have condemned"
"Nay, Ellen," said he catching, her hand
as she would have passed him, ''it rests with
YOU, whether such sacrifice shall be made
Hear me but moment" said he, as she
wrested her hand from him. "By the heev.
en- above US, will save them if you let me. u
She turned her flushed face to him. Tears
hot and burning trembled in her eye; Niobe
herself was not truer picture of despair.
"Ellen, your hand can buy your uncle's
life, and with that life all he holds most dear
He has come under suspicion, and these
broad lands must be the forfeit. You know
his devotion to the home of his fathers; you
know he cannot survive the loss Of his herit
age. Answer me-will you redeem them p
"And be partaker in your perjury ? New
er. Such threats are idle. What power car
you have to give or withhold my uncle's
possessions"
"The power the law gives me. The power
right gives me. Foolish girl they are not
idle. 1 hold even now in my hand grant
for the estate. Think we'll ere you decide ,
81 want no time for decision. Take the
hearts from my home and you destroy it
no longer value the gemless casket Your
i'll COTTON wealth may serve you for little
while; but God of justice will never lei
you enjoy it, l do not fear your boastfu
threats"
"This is your decision, is it? Your uncle
turned out in his old age to life of penury
and hardships. Graham disgraced, seeking
it may be the death by his own hand, thai
honor and glory forbid him. Davie, suffer
ing the laws EXTREMIST penalty, and ending
his life on a gibbet, and each doom seal
ed by Ellen Campbell. I thought woman
was generous. Are you, fair enslaver, thu
only exception p said he with deliberate calm
ness, marking every word, as it entered like
an arrow, her struggling breast,
"God help me then, so let 1t be. Anc
know that Ellen Campbell would weep more
over q dishonor that would sacrifice every