Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1892-07-29

stead, whatever l do wild de dinner?
It'll be ready by twelve o'clock, an
eff de redcoats come dey'll eat it up TO
shuah!"
Poor Mrs, Hampstead! She was think
ing whether her house could be saved
from the destruction foretold by those
heavy clouds of smoke near by; and
now to be asked about dinner! just
then, not more than hundred feet
from the house, she saw something
bright flash under the tall elm trees,
and then several British soldiers APP
peared, followed by some mounted Off
GERS and larger body of the rank and
file, making fine appearance in their
scarlet coats They were not approach
ing the house.
Patty" she cried, '1ook quick! Do
you see the officer on the black horse?"
"Yes'm," said Patty; "what pretty
horse he has!"
look at the man, child, not the
horsC-look at him WELL" exclaimed
her mother, vehemently Patty, that
is the traitor, Benedict Arnold, who
tried to sell his country to the British.
| saw him years ago, and l remember
his face well. Oh! if he is in command,
we shall have our house burnt over our
heads" AS she spoke, the detachment
passed out of sight, keeping to the
higher ground, up Huntington street,
toward the old cemetery on top of the
hill. (From thence Arnold witnessed
the destruction of the town.
"Mother," said Patty, suddenly, eff
the redcoats come here, won't they
let us alone if you give them the dinner
we were going to have for Uncle
Stephen"
''Bress de chile" chuckled Dinah, "ef
de sogers come reckon deyll take de
dinner, anyhow, widout bein' asked"
Hush, Dinah," said Mrs. Hampstead,
quickly, perhaps Patience is right.
Get dinner on the table as soon as you
oan; perhaps those wretches may
spare the house if they find good din
ner ready"
Almost an hour passed; the smoke
grew thicker In the air, and many
houses could be seen in flames; but
none of the enemy had appeared eX-
cept Arnolds escort. Just as the old
clock In the hall struck twelve, Chloe,
the younger servant, came in, evidently
frightened out of her wits, to say din
ner was ready; when Patty, who had
never left the window for a minute,
turned quickly around with little cry;
81 see them! They're comin'l'
Sure enough they were-one, two,
three, eight British soldiers, led by an
officer, were approaching. With a
scream, Chloe fed to the kitchen. Mrs.
Hampstead, pale and trembling, but
calm, took Patty by the hand, entered
the dining-room, and took her seat al
the head of the table. Just then was
heard the sharp order; "File right and
left. Surround the house. Shoot any
rebel who comes out"
A quick step sounded on the thresh
old, the house door opened, and q
young officer, In the gorgeous scarlet
uniform of the British army, and with
drawn sword, appeared in the hallway
A few steps brought him to the oper
door of the dining-room, and he en-
t tered, hastily, but warily, as though
looking for an enemy. Patty gave {
gasp and sat erect in her high backed
chair, rigid with fear. Her mother
very erect and pale. but with red spo
on each cheek, turned quietly in hel
chair and faced the officer, who, as h,
saw the two motionless figures, invol
UNFAIRLY touched his three cornered hat
Mrs, Hampstead bent her head in dig
. nified acknowledgment. of the salute,
"How's this?" he exclaimed, as hi
eye quickly took in the situation--th,
Widespread table with six chairs arounC
it, but only two occupied. "What-wh,
madam, see you expected compan,
to dinner, but not mig company, II
l wager. Iia! Ha! Well, this Is lucky
| am tired and hungry, and SO are IN,
' men, too"
Turning on his heel he called "Ser
9 geant" A soldier promptly appeare,
: and salutcd "Take two men ant
S search the house for any rebels VIII,
may be hidden, then post "a sentr,
e front and rear and wait till | hav
t dined. Now, madam, by your leave
= will dine with you and your prett
r child" And, laying hat and coat OF
the chair beside him, he sat down Of
e the chair next Mrs. Hampstead and or
e posite Patty.
o A strong odor of smoke accompanied
him, and Mrs Hampstead inward
e shuddcred as she thought: This ma
can burn my house if he chooses, afte
4 dining at my table"
e Ensign Brereton, as he announce
himself, was evidently hungry, and TO
/ several minutes applied himself to hi
r dinner. Chloe, with her black fac
y turned an ashy gray with fear, waite
l. on him with scrupulous care, Will
r Patty gazed at him with wide-ope
r eyes until warming glance from he
" mother made her attempt to eat he
n own dinner, Mrs. Hampstead, by
d great effort, controlled herself and at
d as if British officers were regular an
n welcome visitors at her table.
The sergeant returned and reporte
re that he had found no hidden "rebels.
S. Very WE'LL" said the officer, with h
voice muffled by a large piece of chicke
d pie, 'let the men rest themselves unit
| return"
"Well, child" said he, suddenly a,
I'd dressing Patty, where's your father
I'm New York, sir" timidly came IL
le reply, while her cheeks burnt.
CLOVIS that?"
IN my husband is a prisoner on til
he Jersey sir" said her mother, with
J! lump rising in her throat
IS 1.-The JerseyI Um-h'm! I'm sorr