Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1884-03-07

until their strength gave OUT th'y
then landed, almost at hazard, for II
the darkness there could BE- little
choice. Setting their little boat adrlft
lest it might betrav them, they sa
down on the beach, wishing earnestly
for the day. When morning dawned
they anxlouslv rs 'd the first gray llgh'
to seek a hiding place, knowing vel
that if not quickly concealed, fe"
short hours might suddenly and cruel
" end life for them. Cedar woods
there were in plenty: but tie friend;
dared not trust to conceaIment among
their sparse foliage and and scanty
underbrush White houses CLEANED
through the trees. but they might be
the residences of military officers
These would not do. The caves mns'
be their refuge, if cave could bt
found.
Looking around. they saw that they
were in a little cove, from which the
shore stretched away on each hand ir
regular and broken. The broken coast
was what Eveson dsired it promised
refuge. They left the cave, crawl
ing low among the rocks, and within
twenty var's found the object of their
search-a cave in the sea wall. At low
tide. its entrance was not more than
four feet high: at full tide, i, would
be unnoticeable 1t was, moreover
concealed from the cove bv jutting
rock. Inside they found it, if not
comfortable. still to be preferred for a
time to eltt er the deck or the yardarm
OF the Panther.
The beauty Of the cave was such a'
almost to engross the attention even in
that anxious hour. Stalactites hung
pendent from the roof; stalagmites oi
curious shapes were grouped about
the floor. and leaned like human fig,
urcs against the WALL. With the first
ray Of sunlight. CRYSTALS flashed with
innumerahle sparkles on all sides. In
pools at their feet. many colored sea
weeds cleaned in the perfectly trans
lucent water. and curious looking fishes
moved lazilg about Ferns wreathed
the mouth Of their cave. and framed
for their delight bit OF the brilliant
blue sea. Altogether, the fugitives
were we'll satisfied with their retreat.
They had wisely slowed away little
hard tack in their pocke ). and never
did they breakfast with heartier ap-
petites than on this morning. Then
they lay down on shelves Of rock near
the mouth o. the cave watched the
blue waves for while, and soon fell
fast asleep.
Late in the dav they slept, until
awakened bv sound that stilled the
beating Of their hearts, and brought
mortal paleness to their cheeks Over
head, they heard the measured tramp
of soldierv. The military were out
after them, The terrified lads crept
softly from their percheS, and craw led
away in the furthest recesses of the
cave Every house in the nelghbor-
hood and in the islands. they after
wards found, was searched on that
d,y. Every possible place of refuge
known 70 them was thoroughly hunted
by the soldiers and marines. Doubt
less many Bermudians thought of the
caves they certainly knew of their
existence: but no hint Of such knowl-
edge passed their lips in all the search.
so, presently, the BOYS heard the
tramp. tramp Of soldiers marching
but this time away from them. The
fact that the road lay along -hore and
passed directly over their cave. was at
the same time comfort and "A misery
to the poor refugees; it increased the
chances of capture, but it was safe
guard against surprise.
The rest of that day passed in watch
fulness and fear. The night was not
so tireSome for in the darkness they
left the cave and took a little caution:
exercise along the shore. By the mex
morning they were both hungry anC
thirsty; but their biscuit were all eat
en-, and water was not to be had. AnC
in the afternoon q storm came up
which made the cave very unpleasant
to live in. Cold. damp, hungry, thirs
". John Eveson now had reed of al
his spirit to sustain his courage anC
to cheer his fainting companion. Or
the morning of the fourth day, as Eve
son peerlng wearilv from the mouth o
the cave. he saw. in the little cove clos,
by. a colored girl getting sand in ,
calablsh. One look at her homes
face convinced Eveson. who was qnicl
at reading character, that he would bt
quite safe in trusting his life with her
A soft whistle drew her attention.
Hearing it repeated, she looked earn
estly about to discover its origin, ant
spied the haggard face framed in The
dark sea wall. Understanding at once
for her owners house had beer
searched for the fugitives-the gir
made signal Of caution, and walked
slowly towards the cave, gathering
sand and shells as she went. Whel
near enough, she stopped, looked care
fully about to see that no one wa
within hearing, and said quickly
TO night bring you bread and drink
Wait
That day passed slowly and wearil.
to the fugitives. But, rs the SLOW
hours moved on hope frightened, an,
brought Il feeling of rest in assurance
of succor The evening hours crep
by ith leaden feet; midnight came
the night grew late hope almost dice
out bitter disappointment began to b
felt, and the gloom of despair seemed
TO settle in that dark and lonely cave
Then along the road again, at that lat
hour, came the tramp of soldiers march
ing. Oh. the agony of that moment
The black girl had surely betrayed
them! Nearer, nearer, came the steps
Overhead now! Are they stopping
Are they passing? Hark! A halt;
silence; swift words of command; thel
feet scattering in all directions for