Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1892-06-08
A WOMAN'S HEROISM.

The year 1871 was dark and gloomy
one for our forefathers : no were then
struggling for liberty. In South Caro-
lima affairs were then in a critical situa-
tion. General Greene made an uns,ic-
cessful attempt on the British post oi
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-
| gagement
AT that period there stood in South
Carolina plain and unassuming house.
1t was a one story building, neatly
whitewashed and surrounded bya fence
| The garden contained many choice now-
ers, and the beautiful honeysuckle shad-
ed the doors and windows. 1t 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
a beautiful girl Of sixteen summers.
Her auburn hair hung in graceful curls
down TO her shoulders and her face
beamed with kindness, while her eyes
shone like tho stars that light up tho
azure vaults of heaven.
One evening as Kate was standing at
the cottage door she beheld two mount
ell 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 tho country They rode up to
her and Rawdon leaned over in his sad
die and said in a kind voice:
"Well, miss, can you let me have the
use of n room for few minutes"
"Yes, sir; our house is open TO you"
Come colonel. let us hurry up busi-
ness" said RawdOn, dismOunting, while
the colonel did the same, the latter
leading the horses TO the stable.
Lord Rawdon advanced 10 where Kate
was standing and said:
"Whose house is this. missY
Mrs lleath's, sir
"Ha! her son is in the rebel army
under Washington, is he notT'
Kate trcmbled at the insult and she
looked az the Briton with searching
glance.
my brother is no rebel, Lord Raw
don. He is fighting for his country
IL am sorry for that. He Is brave
boy, and would no doubt make good
British soldier" returned Rawdon.
Lord Rawdon, you insult me, sir. ]
would sooner see George die felon's
death than see him in the kings army"
was the heroic answer.
n1a1
Heath. But hero comes the colonel
said Rawdon, as he saw that worthy
coming from the stable.
They entered the house and went into
q small room TO hold consultation.
Kate thought they might have some
thing important to say, 30 she con-
cluded TO play tho part Of eavesdropper.
She told her mother Of her intention,
who approved Of it, and Kate placed
herself in n position to oyerhear the
Briton's plans.
Ii wac a dangerous undertaking, and
shc knew that if she was caught in the
act of listening she would be treated as
n spy, aud perhaps executed, for Lord
Rawdon knew no mercy. She cautious
ly approached the door and looked
through u crevice. Rawdon and his
colonel were seated before table on
which lay maps. They were examining
them closely, whilo Rawdon was ex-
planning thCn TO the colonel.
Here IS Grcenc's camp" said he,
"aul h'rc is ours. We must mako a
bold strike and if it be successful
Grocno Will be destroyed"
81 don't see why it should not sue
ceed, do You, my lordT'
mo; If our troops fight as well as they
have heretofore We shall succeed" said
Rawdon, his face assuming a 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, nevorr' exclaimed Raw.
don, rising TO his feet.
"I'hen we make that attack ut day.
break, do we notl" asked the colonel.
I'VE DO. Have your regiment ready
and make your men fight like demons"
Let us go now. But holdl What Is
tho countersign for the pickets tonight,
my lord?"
England" answered Lord Rawdon,
lowering his voice.
Kate listened to the Briton's plan with
wildly throbbing heart, aud 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.
1--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 ard the Off
GERS were soon on their way. Kate
watched them till they were out Of sight,
and then prepared for her perilous jour
ney. She threw shawl over her head
and went TO the stable. Her fleet footed
horse neighed as she entered and she
/ patted him on the head and said:
"Well, noble Selim, You must carry
me safely Though tonight, for il you do
not Greene will be destroyed"
The animal seemed to understand her,
for he gave loud whinny.
Our heroine saddled Selim, led him
| from tha etabla op1 UNA SOON r;J;n, a.,