The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-02-19

The maid did not move, anu tne young
Colonel being still amused and pleased,
and therefore disposed to humor her, said,
with great courtesy, though with a sport
i've suspicion: II pray you, mlsstress, nave
such compassion on two hungry though
misguided soldiers that We may stay our
cravings" Ard he added, after moment:
s.Homely fare is all we ask, and If served
by YOU, mistress, it will be relished beyond
any feast" ouo. har,od food baro
and was turned away" said she, with sly
smile at the thrust, and then continued: IF
YOU will leave me In peace for half hour
YOU shall be fed"
So it happened that before very long this
Young daughter of patriot found herself
doing that which she had never contem-
plated, for she was serving two British OIL
GERS of great repute with food; and being a
maid of no little pride, she desired the COM
pliment of their satisfaction with what was
set before them. Nor did she fail to notice
that though General Tryon ate rapidly and
in silence, the eyes of the handsome young
Colonel furtively followed her, at times,
indeed, bestowing still bolder glances of
admiration.
Whsn hunger became somewhat sated
Tryon spoke: "Did you find some one,
Colonel, to guide the men to the powder
house?"
'Indeed, General, not man is there in
all this village except the old and sick"
81 tell you that some one must be found.
Girl, what man Is there hereabouts who
knows the country"
81 beg your consideration, General, but
surely the maid can not know who is here
and who away"
"Who is there, girl? Come, tell me-"
said Tryon, without needing the suggestion
of the young officer.
"If l knew l wouldn't tell you" said the
rirl hro al md cha
with flashing eyes, young Delaney thought
he had not seen such beauty in all New
York.
''Well, know if You do not" continued
Tryon. "Send your father here. Quick,
or there'll be worse trouble for him."
The girl hesitated, not for herself, but
fearing greater harm for her father if she
refused to comply. However, catching an
encouraging and assuring glance from De-
lancey, she went in search of him.
''Do you know where the powder maga
zine is:'' Tryon asked of the old man when
he appeared.
81 do"
"Then guide file of my soldiers to it,
and ii you betray them you'll be shot with
out a moments delay"
"But / am old and feeble, SIR"
"Don't banter words. Start at once"
st will not do it."
Tryon Jumped from his seat and seemed
about himself to assault the old man, but
he was gently restrained by Delaney, who
said: General, l will see that some one
is found at once. This man is too feeble for
a march,"
"Well, do it quickly or this man goes"
said Tryon, with terrible oath.
ITO save your father, mistress" said De-
lancey, when he had called the maid aside,
''prevail upon some one to do this thing. 1t
is hard, know, but this is war. l will pro-
tect your father ii | can"
She thanked him, and started away with
out special purpose to find some young
man, il SO be it were possible. A cracking
sound in the bride path caught her ear,
and she knew that Nathaniel was approach
ing. She pushed the bushes aside and
entered the path.
"Why, Mistress Rose, have they done
you harm:" said the young man when he
saw her frightened, agitated face.
''Not me, but my father, Nathaniel. 7 You
can save him, Nathaniel. Do, do for my
sake.o
She looked up pleadingly at him and
rested her hand upon his sleeve. He
looked down into her face, and when ne
perceived the agitation and terror there, he
with touch of perfect gentleness rested his
hand upon her forehead, as though to Soo5he
her, and he said: "Have no fear, Rose;
they shall harm neither him nor you"
The girl took his hand, and he seemed to
impart some of his strength to her, for rs
she rapidly told him what had happened
she found herself once more growing brave; !;
and, as she saw his tender though strong
and manly face, then it came to hcr
that many and many times she munt
have grieved him by sighting conduct, tie
manner of Indifference, and even rudeness,
and that he had suffered these pangS with
out resentment along with all the others
that his misfortunes must have caused him.
When she had told him all, she saw that
he was indeed one to lean upon in emer-
gency. He said nothing, but led her nearly
to the opening to the highway. Then he
said: "Stay here moment, Rose" and she
saw that he had determined to do some
terrible thing.
The young man stepped aside into the
woods until he reached place of conceal
nent from which he could see across the
highway, and through the open window
into the room where Tryon sat. He took
deliberate aim and fired.
"Have l missed him? In truth l have" "
The bullet had passed over Tryon's head
and lodged in the wall beyond. Here the
aged guide said that he had himself thrust
his finger into the cavity made by thai
bullet.
There is one protection for you lef5,'
said the young man as he hurriedly re-
| turned to Rose. Il have fred and missed
! yOnd, and approach the house by the other
side. will leave my muSket here"
He was so cool and free from agitation
that she was amazed.
They will kill you if you go to the
house, she said.
''No. that is our only safety" he replied
! ''They will not dream that the man who
| fired the shot will present himself at once.'
He led her through the almost lmpene
trable path, and even smiled when he tolc
her that even now he heard them search
| ing the place whence the shot was fired.
"What viii you do:" she asked.
81 will offer myself as the guide" he said
"But Won would not betray the secret
place where General Putnam's powder i:
! kept:?"
mo, shall not do that"
''Yet General Tryon told my father b.
would be shot if he guided them wrong"
$50 you told me, mistress"
"And he will tell you that"
81 doubt not he Will"
but, Nath aniel, you will take your life
in your hands. You can not escape. You
you can not run, You know"
.'Yes, that | know"
| "Why, Nathaniel, You cal not dream
| what you are doing"
at pleases me to have such opportunity.
"Why, Nathaniel:"
"Did Won not ask me Just TO help you
father for your sake: An, mistress, die
YOU know how I have waited to hear yoI
say that could do something for you :
and now J. can do the greatest thing fUl
you Besides, have longed to help my
country, but have so far beenstayed by IN,
misfortune. Now such opportunity ha'
come as seldom comes to man. can max
nv poor, useless self of service to those
love the best. CoEae, now, mistress, let u
be quick. Think Of what have said, to
morrow perhaps"
In nomen6 he had presented himsel
to the excited end somewhat frightene,
Tryon, and offered to take the old man
place.
'If you be1ray my men, you will be sho