The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1886-08-12
YOUNG HORNETS OF THE
HORNETS NEST.
AN HISTORICAL STORY OF LOVE
AND WAR.
BY L, p, ROE.
CHAPTER ". Continued.

Burton carried out his plan, SCANNING
not only the road, but also every poin
within the range of his vision. On IN,
strength of his report it was decided /,
push for the farmhouse at once. Maxine
a chair of their hands, and putting III,
MAJORS arms about each of their necxs
george and Burton bore him towards tn,
woods, Angus preceding them carving
their rlnes This had been broken in hi,
Iali) lhey were compelled to pause anC
resi- from time to time, but at last the,
reached the shelter of the belt of a forest
mere they lay down painting and exhaust
ed Whlle the poor major seemed scarcel,
awe. Theo had soon much cause to con
graduate themselves on their action. n
now became clear that the SQUAD of the
enemy which had passed had probably
peen sent back with information, for now
the main body appeared on the road with
some prisoners. The British had evidently
learned the partiality of the Wing militia
for cover when pressed, for two dragoon.
leaped the fence and rode up to and into
the thicket a short distance. Then one
OF them fired pistol bullet into its re-
cesses. Apparently they were satisfied
that no one was concealed there, for they
rejoined their comrades on the road.
The boys looked at each other signif.
cantly and drew deep sigh of relief
Well said George, with emphasis, "all
that looks very harmless at this distance,
but tell you what it is, fellows, we haven't
had higher Craze. If we had been there
wed have to run for it, and, used up as we
are, wouldn't have a ghost of chance.
Let what we've seen teach us a lesson. If
ike circumstances happen again, our best
course Will be to lie close like a hunted
deer in his bed That would have been
our only chance in this case even though
one of US had been hit by that pistol
shot"
At this moment Angus caught glimpse
OF Two or three negroes, who, some dis
lance away, were peering through the
trees at the passing dragons. He made
circuit with light stealthy tread, and
came up behind them. At first thew were
much startled, but soon recognized him as
young Marse McIntire."
Come with me-" he said, "keep we'll
back In the woods. I've got some work
for you to do"
The slaves had been brought thither by
curiosity to see the terrible British, of
whom they had heard so much, but who,
many secretly hoped might become their
dellverers from bondage. This hope was
never confirmed by facts, for the English
invaders captured slaves as they would
horses, and either used or sold them.
Never were strong hands and backs more
welcome than on this occasion The ne
groes easily carried the major. and every
weight of which the weary young fellows
could divest themselves, and taking the
shortest path through the woods, led the
way to the farmhouse. Its hospitable
hlsUress was a strong, sensible woman,
and good nurse. The major almost
ilfeless from the loss of blood, was revived
by stlmulants and milk, undressed and
put to bed. 1t was then discovered that
he had received mine wounds" and that
IN one instance his life had been saved by
a large buckle which had broken the force
OF sabre stroke. Since this gallant
young officer, but twenty-one years of age,
no longer appears in my story, may as
well mention here that he was tenderly
carried to his mothers house the next
day, and thence, after some rest to a hos
pital.
Strange to relate he recovered, and
within few brief months raised COM
pany of men and entered on a new career
of even greater hardihood. His brother
GEORGE remained with him d ntil he was
'afely placed in hospital, and then began |
series OF partisan operations on his own |
account, as we shall soon learn.
Burton and Angus were greatly revived |
BY the refreshment freely given at the
farm house, and as soon as they felt equal |
TO the journey, mounted borrowed horses
and rode homeward. Mrs. McIntire and |
Ella had been almost distracted by ankle
~ and fear. Terrible stories and still
more awful rumors had been related to
hem, and they dreaded the worst. When,
after nightfall, the dogs began to bark
hey knew not wether to fly into the woods
With the children, or to wait in the nope |
hat 1t was the absent ones returning. |
SUTTON gave long peculiar whistle, sig
lal of APPROACH that Ella knew well. A
moment later mother and daughter were
'estowlng their welcome in embraces and |
Kisses and tears of Joy. Supper had been
aved in the hope that the absent would
eturn, and now the fragrant coffee was
placed over the fire. Then the bows be-
IAN a story at which the cheeks of the lis
eners often paled, and after a generous
outhern fashion, each one of the young
elbows We'd in praising the other. The
mother became SO overwhelmed and faint
t the thought of what her boy had passed
Trough that Angus said, I'VE won't tell
ny more to night. Be content and
mother, for here we both are
ife and sound. Let us tumble into (
ed, for feel as if / could sleep {
eek" ,
Burton, holding Elias hand, had been,
nring the last few moments, the picture {
sleepy happiness. Suddenly he bowed {
is head upon her shoulder and snored
ldibly. A loud laugh from Angus and c
Ie little girls so far awakened him that f
stumbled after the boy to their room, i
Id 1t was high noon the next day before C
icy shook off their lethargy.
After a substantial dinner they proved S
Nv quickly young, healthful bodies can U
cover from the severest strain and fati- s
le. Fuller details of their experience s
5Saagiven, but the present and future n
ere so replete with danger that the past
Is almost forgotten in thoughts of what 3
light happen at any hour. Woeful tid- Il
gs bad been brought from Charlotte and b
e farm-houses near the village. Some t.
Vellings had been taken possession of r,