Custer chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, Black Hills, D.T. [S.D.]) 1880-1890, 1886-09-25
THE "HORNET'S NEST"
AN HISTORICAL STORY OF LOVE
AND WAR.
BY e. P. Roe, Author of Opening Of e.
Chestnut Burr Barriers Burned
Away" ETC., Etc.

Burton sprung from his lcafy couch
instantly at the sound Of Elias voice.
In a moment George and the others
were on their feet and around the girl.
An instant later they were swiftly on
the way to rescue Angus and his
mother, or to cover their retreat. J The
speedy appearance, however, of the flu
gitives brought immense relief, and
then was held a hasty council of war.
The result OF lhis was that Mrs. McIn-
tire, Ella and the children were sent
deep into the forest to a secure refuge,
while George and his little band, of
which only eleven were present that
morning, were stealing with wary,
noiseless approach upon the m%arauders.
They glided from tree TO tree, thicket
to copse, until at last, unperceived, they
were concealed among the low pines
not far from the house.
The British officer commanding had
found the place deserted, for the negroes
also had fled. He concluded that if
men had been lurking about the place
they were either absent, or, frightened
by the largeness of his force, had fled
with the family. The low pines and
immediate forest were instantly
searched, but without revealing either
fugitives or concealed enemies. The
partisans had not yet approached.
Taught by harsh experience, however,
the British captain in command resolved
to load his wagons and depart speedily,
fearing on his return that he would hear
the familiar crack of deadly rifles from
foes who would not be long in gather
ing. Ordering his men to use dispatch
in sacking the house and o~utbuildings
and in gathering up the cattle, he coolly
sat down, with some of his subordin-
ates, to the breakfast which had not
been prepared for them.
The British soldiers needed no
nrging, for, while they were greedy
for plumber, they knew the price in
blood usually paid for it, and were
anxious TO return before the people of
the region had time to gather.
When, therefore, the partisans drew
sufficiently near to observe what was
taking place, the wagons were being
rapidly loaded and the place was dis
mantled. George saw that the English
force was large, compact, and alert,
that a fire rom his small band could
not prevent the mischief, and might
lead to the immediate burning of the
dwelling. So in the hope of saving
this he directed his men to remain quiet
until the %marauding party was well
away from the place.
The fact that they were not interfered
with, and that no enemies were seen
lowering in the distance, so far from
creating confidence, began TO cause un-
easiness in the British force. 1t was
feared that the Wings We're preparing
to strike n heavy blow on the home
ward march. Accordingly the crowded
door yard vas full of hustle and activ-
ity. Men were carrying bedding. fur
niture and provisions from the house,
and forage and grain from the barns.
Cattle were believing, pigs squealing
and chased chickens adding to the
Babel-like uproar. The men also, with
the recklessness of soldiers, did not
scruple to laugh, jest and chaff each
other, although aware that the light of
another day might never gladden. their
eyes.
A moment later there was n ringing
volley; the captain dropped on the
veranda before his men; nine others
fell and two horses went down.