The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1886-08-12

| ~ W 'ho olA1isn ensign were much ad
mlred, and good supply of ammunition
was prepared for the former. One of tn
pistols was given to Ella, who was maxim,
good the brave words she had spoken a
the beginning of our story. She caugh
the high, sanguine spirit of her lover, an,
1t would be difficult to say whether sh
suffered more from fear, during the day
which followed, or enjoyed more from ex
cltement and exultation at the proves
and dauntless behavior of her lover an,
brother. The stories they heard made
but too sadly evident that even she nigh
be compelled to aid In the defence of thei
home.
The first paralyzing effect of fear sool
passed from the community, and the PEG
| pie began to understand the condition un
der which they must live if the British
army remained at Charlotte. If the,
would go to the village and give their allie
glance to the royal officers, they would b,
unmolested AMI money would be- paid fol-
the provisions they furnished. If the,
held aloof or were hostile, they would bt
secure from no wrong or outrage. Ye
the great majority of the men not only re
fused to have dealings with the British
but even began to fire on the foragine
parties that were sent out daily. As the
people found themselves threatened and
lnsulted, as we'll as robbed, or saw theil
families deserving their homes and flying
to the woods when the marauding parties
approached, hostility became hourly more
bitter and aggressive. Food for man anG
beast, for which the country was secured
was purchased with blood.
The part taken by Burton and Angus in
the recent conflicts soon became known
and other young fellows of the vicinity be.
gan to ride in and concoct measures tend
ing to some scheme of mutual help. II
was decided that on eminences near their
respective abodes piles of brush should be
heaped so that smoke by day and fire by
night should become signals of ap-
preaching danger, and the need of assis-
lance.
Meanwhile, at the McIntire farmhouse,
some one was always vigilantly on the
watch. The dwelling stood near the edge
OF forest, which was bordered by thick
growth of young pines. With timely
warning, therefore, the family would have
little difficulty in escaping observation,
and, having once gained the woods, paths
leading to its rugged recesses wese we'll
known. But very few days elapsed be-
fore British foraging party moved up
into the vicinity. Angus, who was on the
watch, saw the Ominous which was sum-
mons to all the armed men in the region.
With sad heart, Mrs. McIntire witnessed
the hasty preparations for departure, but
believed that no other course would be
right under the circumstances. The day
when her household would need assistance
might be near indeed.
AS her son and Burton were about to
mount who should ride up but George
Graham, and never did anyone receive
more honest welcome. "You are Just in
time" they cried, breathlessly, telling him
the emergency.
mr. Graham, have you had any din
ner?" asked thoughtful Mrs. McIntire,
fastening out.
"No; 1 can eat something as 1 go
along"
angus hesitated, but Burton shook his
head. "Theres no help for it, mother"
he urged. "Our honor's pledged to lose
not moment. Give George glass of
milk and some bread and meat. He must
DO at once, for he's worth half a dozen of
u.s."
Laughingly protesting against this
view, George declared that Burton was
right and that he must dine in the saddle.
In few moments he was ready, and all
three rode away, the mother, Ella, and the
little girls watching them as long as their
forms were visible. How many, in those
times, thus looked their last at
owed ones who never returned
Rest had quoted and steadied Angus
nerves; the necessity for brave, warlike
lction had become clearer each day. His
'oung, smooth face had often grown hot
With manly indignation at the wrongs of
which he heard-wrongs which he was
low about to witness. Moreover, his past
experience was not without its effect, and
he awful sense of novelty would be absent
rom future scenes of strife.
The friends were Joined on the way by
across whose backs were slung
he rifles which the people of that day
NEW so well how to use, By the time
hey had reached the scene of the maraud
he numbers had increased to score of
men and boys, among whom, undaunted
~ his recent narrow escape, was young
Zach. Wilson.
They had toapproach very warily, for
he British foraging party was far too
arge to permit an open attack. From
7ooded knoll some distance from the
onse they looked upon proceedings which
nade their blood boil. All the live stock |
n the place was being slaughtered and
)aded on wagons, and the barns emptied |
f grain, hay and corn-leaf fodder. Some
f the more ruthless of the soldiery were
acking the house,carrying out everything
nat took their fancy. An old white-hair-
d man expostulated and received a blow
n his mouth; beneath tree we're huddled |
woman and some little children who
ere sobbing and wringing their hands.
he foragers paid no heed to them and
he whole place resOunded with snatches
ribald songs, laughter and Oaths.
1--WE marked the fellow that struck the
d man." said Burton, who had a good
eld-glass. sim going to creep up, and,
possible, get shot at him. 1 think |
N do it through that cornfeld yonder."
Its the only place where it will be pos
ble," assented George. "The ground is
usually open near the house and l can
e no gap in the line pickets. We can't
rike to any advantage till they're on the
arch"
"a shot may hasten them" resumed