The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1886-08-19

I
Try pillaged and left with blackened ruins
to show where once had been prosperou:
homes. The partisans could only hover
around seeking opportunities for a shot
And many, too, they found, infiicting nc
little loss; but the enemy were out in such
force that there were plenty to fight while
others plundered and destroyed, with mu
tual, logged persistence. 1t so happened
that the raid swept away from the McIn
tire place, and so, for time it escaped
The commander of the British expedition
carried out his purposes, and retired will
loaded wagons after having both inflicted
and sustained much Injury. AT last night
again settled down on the distracted re
gion in which. were the dead the dying, the
homeless and impoverished. SO far from
being cowed, the people were only the more
bitterly hostile, and bent on driving the
invaders from the land.
During the next few days many deserted
their homes, taking their families and all
they could carry away farther west anG
north. Angus entreated his mother tC
follow this example, but she said: mo, we
shall stay and share your fortunes. II
anything happens to you or Burton
Ella and l shall be near to take care OF
you"
Thus it happened that the McIntire
plantation became a sort of headquarters
for George and the hardy band that speed
ly gathered around him and Burton. He
and his followers did not cease to help in
Furnishing the foraging parties which were
now so large that the enraged inhabitants
could do little else than annoy them
These marauds in search of provisions
were necessity to the British comman-
der, and could not be prevented.
Meanwhile, George and his troop hlt
upon the most effectual way of injuring
the enemy. AS matter of course, Gen.
eral CORVALLIS must keep up his commu-
nications with his forces and officers in
South Carolina. Messengers and detach
meEts were, therefore, constantly coming
and going, bearing dispatches. With a
vigilance hard to battle or escape George
and his band often bounced upon these
messengers and cowboys, capturing pa
pers of great Importance. The British
commander was made to feel insecure in
his advanced position land uncertain in re-
gard to what was occurring in his rear.
From the captured dispatches and other
sources the people of the region had learn
ed that he was expecting Colonel Ferguson,
with large force, to JOIN him at Charlotte.
1t was well-known that this force was com
posed chiefly of Tories of the most ruth
less and blood-thirsty character-men
we'll versed in the tactics Gf Indian war
fare and at the same time ready to commit
every possible outrage. They had even
been known to destroy the entire families
of those who had incurred their hatred.
What wonder then that the inhabitants,
already so hardly pressed, felt that if this
horde came in upon them from the south
west their country would be made a desert
and they be driven to mountain fastness,
where winter and perhaps starvation
awaited them? All hearts were oppressed
with growing and terrible dread, and
mothers looked upon their children with
the feeling that it had been better if they
had never been born. In our days of
happy security it Is impossible to realize
the dangers and awful fears which beset
our forefathers.
One evening early in October, a dismal
rainstorm set in fastening the gloom of
nightfall. George and Burton, with their
followers, we're away on an expedition and
it was uncertain when they would return
Angus, exhausted and almost ill from q
previous foray had remained at home and
had been sleeping all the afternoon. He
was awakened by hearing rough voices in
the apartment below.
Mrs. McIntire and Ella, while preparing
supper, were rudely interrupted. The soft,
muddy ground had deadened the fall of
horses feet and the entrance of three
armed men was the first imitation of
danger. Even the dogs covering from
the storm in their kennels had not heard
the stealthy approach of the illboding Wis
itors. Mrs. McIntire started and trent led
as she recognized one of the men-a Tory
wretch of the worst type, who had lived
near them, but who, of late, was said to be
with Ferguson's ruthless horde.
II reckon yer know Inc, mistress, began
the scoundrel, "and if yer do, yer know l
hain't one ter be fooled or put off with
words. Give us some supper mighty sud
den. Here Lem and Bill Ito his compan-
ions) take cheers by the fire and make
yerselves ter home. There's nothin' ter
be afeared on in this Wing roost. Tarle
toms troopers split old McIntire's crown
and there's no one left but the woman and
her brats. Whar's yer boy?"
she is away" she replied, not hesitating
to deceive one who had so little to know
the truth, and hoping for some chance to
warn her son to escape.
$50 much the better for him. Come,
hurry up supper and be civil eff yer want
US ter be civil
so, God, keep Angus from waking and
hearing" prayed the mother as she trem-
blingly tried to do their bidding. ella,
90 to your room,' she added aloud, 81 can
do ALL"
NO" interrupted the Tory, insolently,
let her stay and help. We've got nothin'
agin havin' purity gals around or takin'
kiss from 'em either. Hey! Lem, hain't l
speakin' fer the meetin'?"
I'm course. We wouldn't mind a rige-
ment of gals as long as their dads and
brothers KEEP away. Dut don't poster the
for I'm as hungry as bear. We
kin do our kissen arter supper"
In the cupboard, from which Ella took
the dishes, was hidden the pistol which had
been given her, and the spirited girl felt
that she would use it before permitting
The touch of their vile lips. Then seeing
now heavily they we're armed, she tried to
slip out that she might warn Angus and
not have him rushing down to his death.
Before she could pass through the door
the Tory seized her arm and dragged her