The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1886-08-19
YOUNG HORNETS OF THE
HORNETS NEST.
AN HISTORICAL STORY OF LOVE
AND WAR.
BY E. P. ROE.
CHAPTER V. Continued.


If they were no longer confronted by
the enemy, they certainly we're compelled
to face grave, perplexing questions and
duties. Two of their number had been
slain outright, and four or five were
wounded. score of their foes were scat
tered about either disabled or dead There
also were the wagons with the plumber
of two or three plantations heaped upon
them.
Now that the fight was over all SEM
blance OF organization disappeared, and
George was but one of the thirty odd
nelghbors whom the emergency had drawn
together. Recognizing the fact, he sat
quietly on his horse until his opinion was
asked. Some counseled one thing and
some another, while all agreed that the
British would send out strong force in
the early morning to recover what had
been lost and probably to take vengeance
on the families residing near. At last
young Zach Wilson piped with his boyish
voice, What we need is some one to take
CON mand of the whole kit of US. Gus
McIntire is the only officer present. Major
Graham promoted him to be ensign in
one fight the other day. heard him, and
so dlu Others"
Blushing like girl Angus rode forward
and cried, Il tell you fatty that 1 won't
take any command at all, but there's one
here that I'll obey to the death, and that's
the majors brother, George Graham. Who
should now tell us what to do better than
he who led us so well in the fight? Imove
that we all put ourselves under Georges
orders, and set to work, for we havnt
much daylight left"
The boys words found prompt and
general approval, although some of the
Older farmers looked obviously at the
young fellow named as leader during the
coming hours, which would require pru-
dent action instead of fighting. Many
knew little about him, and feared rash,
immature counsel, while nearly all looked
wistfully at the loaded wagons and the
weapons of the enemy not yet appropria-
ted.
George, doffing his hat in natural cour-
tesy, rode forward and said, II accep-
command for the occasion, since this
seems to be the general wish; also for the
reason suggested by Gus McIntire-'We
have little daylight left One head is
better than many or no head at all. l
may seem very young, but I've seen SER
vice with my brother during the last year
or two, and perhaps experience will make
up in part for lacking age. In the first
place we can't carry toff these wagons;
their tracks would make too plain trail,
but we can take away on our horses good
part of their contents. You are all friends
and neighbors; help the robbed ones to
hide what they can in the woods, for the
woods may become our best refuge.
would advise that meat barrels be secret
ed and that as many as possible of these
slaughtered cattle go into them; well salt
ed food, powder and lead will be our chief
needs. There is no doubt at all but that
the enemy will be upon us in the morning,
and most likely several houses will be
burned. Families and valuables should be
we'll hidden in the early morning. I've
ridden far to-day and am tired. but I'll
help you good part of the night. Then
we must rest, and every rifle be ready for
use tomorrow, for we shall have a hot
day."
This speech commended itself to every
one, and his leadership was confirmed by
reclamation. The young officer then act
ed with great promptness and vigor.
SOUS McIntire," he ordered, "you and
Zach Wilson go down the road on the
traces of the redcoats, and see that there
is no danger from that quarter. Don't
allow yourselves to be surprised. Burton
Craige, take half. a-dozen men and gather
up all the dead in one place. and the
wounded in another. Give the wounded
water, and leave them supply for the
night. If you can find good rifle, save
it for Gus who has only shotgun. The
other weapons and ammunition of the en-
envy should go to those who are poorly
supplied. Bring them together to old
Father johnson here, and he'll give 'em
out to those who can make good claim.
The rest help me unload and carry off the
contents of the wagons"
In moment all were engaged in their
several duties, and men were coming and
going until late in the starlit night.
words and jests were not want
ing among the younger members of the
party, but the faces of those who had fam
lilies were anxious or stern. After two
hours Angus and Zach were recalled and
other patriots sent out. George told the
boys to go home, but they would not, and,
defying his authority, declared
that they would remain as his body-guard.
They we're soon asleep under tree, how
ever.
After Father johnson had distributed
the weapons he had been directed with
few other to take The two slain partisans
and the five who had been wounded to
their friends. Thus it happened that by
eleven at night but few af the party of the
afternoon remained. With the help of
these George broke up the wagons, set
fire to the debris and piled upon the burn
ing heaps such articles as had not been
carried away. The supply of water for
the wounded was replenished. Beyond
this, and giving the forlorn group some
Of the stolen fruit from the wagons, moth
Ing more was done, the partisans rightly
believing that their disabled enemies would
be cared for by their friends in the morn
ing. Then all dispersed, George and Bur-
ton riding homeward with Angus. In a
few moments the scene that had witnessed
such tragic and varied activity was left to
weird, Pickering shadows, and to those
who must suffer alone until relieved.
There had been no sleep for Mrs. Nc
Intire and Ella. A rudy fire blazed on
the hearth and the table fairly groaned
with the supper which awaited the re-
turning youths. They were too weary to
do iustice In IT, or to Rnend MANY mo-