The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-03-18

starts out to fight for the king, be must leave
women out o the question"
i echo that sentiment.
"Griff, Grif," Tommy Rufles, who had
been listening very intently, whispered,
"they ore talking about Miss Gatrell.
yes, beyond doubt" the Captain re-
turned in a whisper scarce above his
breath
Although Griffith was assured that
nothing they had said had been heard, he
was anxious to hear all the British had to
saw, and fearing they might be discover
ed, cautioned Tommy against talking
even in o whisper.
During the momentary discussion be-
between the Americans they in
measure lost the thread of discus
sion between the British, and when
they came to listen to them they were on
q different topic.
"Whenl II the detail start?"
I'm few minutes. Lieutenant Wheeler
is to report. All, here he comes now"
Some one approaching the officers
said:
captain Cutler, I am ready now to re-
ceirA vnn: s:seii s:si csaSr"."
Very we'll, Lieutenant. 20 down this
road and see if the way is clear"
How far shall I go?"
I'VE want you to 60 to the beach-to the
waters edge, and signal the ship to send
in a boat for the dispatch"
@Yes, Captain"
You know what the signal is to be?>
NO."
three rockets.
Have you the rock5ts?"
Yes: here they are"
will not the signal be seen by the
Americans?"
.What difference will it make? They
won't dare to leave their holes, and We
can give no other that would be seen af-
ter nightfall. Discharge the rockets one
nfter another, and boat will be sent
ashore; then give them the dispatc''."
II would give much to see that dis
patch myself, our hero thought.
Was the information to be conveyed to
the ship good or bad, Captain Alton
asked himself, agnin hoping by careful
listening to be able to gather the informa-
ton from the British officers, Dut they
failed to allude to it.
-Lieuter ant, how many men are you
going to take with your" he next hearl
some one ask.
Sixteen will be sufficient"
Captain Alton st rted violently. An
idea had entered his mind like an electric
shock, and he seized his companions
arm. The idea was conveyed to his COM
panion, and Tommy was almost on the
eve Of speaking out, so suddenly did the
brilliant thought strike him, but he re-
strained himself.
The plan conceived by both in Sec
ond's time was to cut off this detachment
Of Britons, make them prisoners, and
capture the dispatch.
Captain Cutler" said the Lieutenant,
why need there be SO much delay IN
this matter? Why not let the three rock
cts which are TO signal the boat from
the man Of war also signal you to come
up with your commando"
THAT would not be in accordance with
orders. You must inform the boat when
it pulls in the condition We are in, our
exact position, the danger that threatens,
and Send this dispatch to the Major;
then await his orders"
Very we'll. Captain; understand"
is it not dark enough now? / think
there is no danger of your being discov-
cred while crossing the beach"
Yes, sir, it is, or will be by the time
We have reached the beach"
Captain Alton thought he could almost
see the military salute which the Lieu
tenant gave on his departure.
Griffith Alton touched Tommy's arm,
ard by the motion indicated that they
ware to retire from the scene. Carefully
they began o retrograde movement, re-
treating slowly and cautiously SO as not
to break twig o. rustic leaf.
[To BE CONTINUED