The Portland daily press., 1892-05-30
A WOMAN'S HEROISM.

The year 1871 was dark and gloomy
one for our forefathers who were then
struggling for liberty. In South Caro-
lima affairs were then in critical situa-
ton. General Greene made an unsuc-
cessful attempt on the British post of
Ninety-six, and withdrew his men be-
yond the Tiger and Broad rivers. Lord
Rawdon followed him, but could not
draw the patriot general into an en-
gage1nent.
At that period there stood in South
Carolina plain and unassuming house.
1t was a one story building, neatly
whitewashed and surrounded by fence.
The garden contained many choice flow
ers, and the beautiful honeysucazle shad-
ed the doors and windows. It was the
home of Mrs. Heath, who lived with
her two daughters, while her son George
was in Washington's army fighting for
freedom.
Kate, the eldest of the daughters, was
beautiful girl of sixteen summers.
Her auburn hair hung in graceful curls
down to her shoulders and her face
beaned with kindness, while her eyes
shone Like the stars that light up the
azure vaults Of heaven.
One evening as Kate was standing at
the cottage door she beheld two mount
ed officers approaching. They were
richly dressed, and one of them she
recognized as Lord Rawdon, the COM
mander Of the British forces in that
section of the country. They rode up to
her and Rawden leaned over in his sad
die and said in kind voice:
"Well, miss, can you let me have the
use of room for few minutes"
eyes, sir; our house is open to you"
'ECome, colonel, let us hurry up bust
ness" said Rawdon, dismounting, while
the colonel did the same, the latter
leading the horses to the stable.
Lord Rawdon advanced to where Kate
was standing and said:
"Whose house is this, naiss?"
'sMrs. Heath's, SIR"
'Hai her son is in the rebel army
under Washington, is he not?"
Kate trembled at the insult and she
looked at the Britcn with a searching
glance.
'sMy brother is no rebel, Lord Raw
don. He is fighting for his country"
81 am sorry for that. He is brave
boy. and would no doubt make good
British soldier" returned Rawdon.
Lord Rawdon, you insult me, sir. I
would sooner see George die a felon's
death than see him in the kings army"
was the heroic answer.
"I see you are a rebel, too. Miss
Heath, But here comes the colonel"
said Rawdon, as he saw that worthy
coming from the stable.
They entered the house and went into
a small room to hold a consultation.
Kate thought they might have some
thing important to say, so she con.
cluded to play the part of eavesdropper.
She told her mother of her intention,
who approved of it, and Kate placed
herself in a position to overhear the
Briton's plans.
1t was a dangerous undertaking, and
she knew that if She was caught in the
act of listening She would be treated as
spy, and perhaps executed, for Lord
Rawdon knew no mercy. She cautious
ly approached the door and looked
through crevice. Rswdon and his
colonel were seated before a table on
which Lay maps. They were examining
them closely, while Rawdon was ex-
planning them to the colonel.
"Here Is Greene's camp" said he,
sand here is ours. We must make a
bold strike, and if it be successful
Greene will be destroyed"
81 don't see why it should not sue
coed, do you, my lord?"
mo; if our troops fight as well as they
have heretofore we shall succeed" said
Rawdon, his face assuming triumph.
ant expression.
81 shall feel happy when the cursed
rebels are driven away from Carolina,
and then their rule will be over" said
Colonel Roberts.
1--WE must crush Greene, colonel. ]
do not want to go back to England and
let it be said that was outgeneraled by
a rebel. No, never!'' exclaimed Raw
don, rising to his feet.
''Then we make that attack at day
break, do we nots' asked the colonel.
1--WE do. Have your regiment ready
and make your men fight like demons. u
'.Let us go now. But hold! What is
the eountersign for the pickets tonight,
my lord?"
England" answered Lord Rawdon,
lowering his voice.
Kate listened TO the Briton's plan with
a wildly throbbing heart, and she re.
solved to save the patriot army. When
she heard the countersign she left the
door and busted herself in her household
duties, and soon the two officers emerged
from the room.
"We must go, Miss Heath, but first
let me thank you for your kindness,
said Rawdon.
"Your thanks are received replied
Kate.
The horses were saddled and the off.
GERS were soon on their way. Kate