Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1880-05-20
CHAPTER XXI.
Then more fierce
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"To horse! shouted Hardy. Where Is
Col. Graham ?" And hastily entering the
house, he encountered Ellen in the passage.
His quick eye caught the paper which she
:. unconscously held in her hand.
"Some rebel communication, I'll be sworn,
he muttered. "Miss Ellen" said he, step
ping toward her; "that paper looks suspl-
cious-I must see it,"
Her lip curled haughtily.
"You are rude, sir. This was intended tor
me alone"
"Doubt!ess," said he, smilingly; (which
perhaps makes it more necessary that should
inspect it,
Her eyes flashed, but she did not answer.
"Let me see it, Miss Ellen"
She grasped the paper closer.
"You will force me take it" said he sternly.
Still she did not move. He advanced
towards her. The dauntless girl maintained
her position.
"Once more give me the paper" said Har-
dy, in smothered rage.
"What is it?" said Graham, now advanced
through the passage.
II demand paper Of her which | believe
that whig rascal, Davie, has found means to
send, and with bis cunning, and her"
"Silence, sir. brought it, and will take
all the responsibility. To your troop, Capt
Hardy. You delay uselessly."
"By Jove, sir, you seem to feel quite easy
in your uneuviable position but doutless the
fact of your conniving at rebel schemes, will
scarcely be necessary to complete the offences
with which you are already charged. Ride
sir-I attend you," said Hardy, with mock
humility.
"Nay, then," said Ellen; Gas Capt. Hardy
attaches so much Importance to this innocent
paper. he may be persuaded to take copy
of the rebellious document. Jerry, paper
for Capt. Hardy"
at makes not the slightest difference" he
replied. "Col. Graham has assumed the re.
sponsibility. will not now interfere"
II take you to witness, Col. Graham, that
Capt. Hardy refuses to satisfy himself, and
to you entrust proof that may prove as
intangible as the rest of his evidence"
Hardy scowled glance of mingled hate
and rage, and taking the paper ere Graham
could reach it, carefully read the words. His
brow darkened as he read the evidence of
unshaken love and courage, but further than
that it was enigmatical to him.
"Confound such mystery! What does it
all mean ?" he said.
"Nay, Capt. Hardy, that is too much. l
can scarcely be coerced into expounding for
your benefit. You see. for yourself, it is
cunning and mischievous billet"
He could not brook the mocking tone, and
cursing the caprice that second time had
denied to the utmost, and then relinquished
what proved valueless, he said
81 wait your pleasure, Col. Graham. Let
us away"
"Col. Graham must also understand more
OF the dangerous weapon that is to act against
him so cruelty. Will you read it for the
sake of your own defence, Colonel? ?"
He bowed low over the extended hand, as
with his air of high-toned breeding, he said ::
"God forbid 1 should so far forget myself
so dishonor the character of officer and gen.
tlemen, Miss Campbell"
He clasped her hand. He would have
again spoken words, but for the presence Of
the coarser nature. His own emotions choked
him, and raising her hand he pressed it to
his lips, and not daring another look, he
hastened away. There was hurried "Good
bye," from Mr.. Willoughby, who had nerved
himself to strange and unwonted courage, and
Ellen marked the almost alacrity with which
he mounted, riding by the side of Graham,
as the troop moved off at gallop down the
road.
Now" said Ellen, "for patience-a hope
I will understand" said she, reading her
precious billet. eyes, think l do. I have
acted on this judgment at all events. There
will be time enough for grief or despair when
everything fails"
When Ellen had so hurriedly left the
room on Hardy's entrance, she called young
and faithful servant, more active and shrewd
than honest Jerry. Disgusting his real errand
by meal bags and miller's clothes, she dis
patched him to meet SEWER if possible; or
failing to find him, to press on to Morgan 5
camp, with the tidings of Davies capture.
Another was dispatched for her faithful friend
and counsellor, Mr.. Adams, with an urgent
request that he would come Immediately
and these had been sent under the superin-
tendence Of honest Jerry, by routes avoiding
the main road and thus stunning unwelcome
guests. When left alone, and after she had
done all that was in her power, she moved
restlessly about the vacant house. Every
thing reminded her of the joy of the previous
day. Still she would not give way. Her
brave spirit kept back the tears. She went
out in the piazza. The cool January air cheer
ed and refreshed her dropping heart. A dull
sound struck her ear. She listened, and
sighing, thought, "alas! it is the sound
of hurrying hoofs bearing those who are near
to me, away-perhaps to DEATH" But it
rapidly increased, growing sharp and ringing.
She could not be mistaken. 1t was the sound
of advancing cavalry, borne by west wind,
to her ear. Her heart bounded. This, then,
was Davies hope ; the hope she had scarcely
dared to entertain, though acting upon it in
her endeavor to detain Hardy as long as pos.
sible. Sewer had come. Her messenger had
met him. His active spirit had at once
determined to rescue his commander. He