The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1891-03-18
a DETERMINED .NosIAN.

4
rendered the names of Marion and
other heroes forever glorious in the
annals of their country, dwelt a
brave and devoted family of patri-
OTIS named Hart.
Abijnh and Abigail Hart We're
scarcely past the prime of life, al
though they had been blessed with
a large family of children, only three
of whom, howevcr-two boys and u
girl-hnd survived the common ills
incident to childhood.
The elder son would have been
two and twenty. had his life been
spared, but eight months before he
had fallen an innocent victim to the
rage and malice of the Tories who
swarmed in predatory bands
throughout this section.
Upon these murderous wretches,
who had wantonly deprived them OF
their eldest born at time when he
might have been of inestimablc SER
vice TO them, the father and mother
and only remaining son, Silas, now
in his nineteenth year-aftcrward
the celebrated Indian fighter of Har-
din county, Ky.-sworc to be re-
venged whenever and wherever an
opportunity offered to wreak their
vengeance.
Leah, the second remaining Off
spring, was beautiful aud warm
hearted maiden of seventeen, and
the afiianced bride of Randolph Oar
rell, brave young officer, at one
time upon the staff of General Ma
lrion.
Young Darrell was in the habit
now and then, whenever he could
make an excuse to obtain furlough,
of paying visit TO Gam Tree farm
the humble though comfortable
home of the Hearts.
On one of these occasions party
of seven mounted Tories pursued
him nearly the entire distance from
the American camp to the residence
of the Hearts, he, however, cotriv-
ing TO elude them in piece ofwoods
just before reaching the farm.
The Tory horsemen now wheeled
about and retraced their way to the
farm house, which was only short
distance, just as Randolph Darrell
was on the point of emerging from
the point of emerging from the
wood; but luckily lie discovered
them in season to escape their notice
by abruptly retreating back again
under cover.
Alighting at the door of the farm
house, the Tory leader ordered Mrs.
Hart to prepare dinner forthe party
and bestir herself.
allow can / give you dinner when
I've nothing to cook?" retorted the
resolute woman, angrily. 81 should
need a full larder to satisfy. half
dozen such dirty rascals as you are. |"
"Silence, womanl' hundred the
Tory in commanding voice, "and
do our bidding. I'll soon give you
something to cook" he added, level
ing his carbine as he spoke and
bringing down plump turkey COB
bier that was strutting along under
cover of the garden wall. There,
now, go and pluck that fine fellow
my beauty, and don't belong about
it or we may be tempted to serve
you in the same way"
Leah, who had shrunk timidly
into corner, started mp in alarm
when she hears his threat and made
her way out to the spot where the
bird had fallen.
With great alacrity, but with an
anxiously beating heart, Leah spread
the homely board and brought forth
the promised viands, which she laid
out tcmptingiy before them She
then placed what chairs and stools
the house afforded around the table,
and politely invited her unwelcome
visitors to be seated.
Complying with her invitation
the Tories carelessly stacked their
carbines near an open window, and
seating themselves at the table, fell
to greedily devouring the repast.
Mrs. Hart, in the meantime, with
a heroism superior TO her sex, had
watched her hungry guests till she
saw she was not observed by them,
when she slipped outsly Fly from their
midst, and cautiousl yapproaching
the open window she succeeded in
drawing out three of the carbines