The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1895-08-08

anxious to curry favor with ruthless
foes-but calmly, quietly, in the most
matter-of-fact tone, as if the speaker
regarded the occasion as very ordina-
ry one, and was merely DESTROYS of APP
pearing polite &nd hospitable to well
come guests. Che officer in command,
who had summoned the rebels to open
the door, and who intended to knock
down the first person he should see,
was so taken by surprise by the cool
assurance of Mary Crofts that he never
moved or said word till she had ceased
speaking. Then rubbing his eyes, he
ripped out a trel 1endous oath, and ex-
claimed:
What's all this, wench? What's all
this?"
You forget, SIR" returned Mary.
with dignity, that | am a lady, and
yourself a gentleman and British
officer, and that we are friends to the
right cause. You certainly would not
like me to report any rudeness of yours
to Lord Rawdon."
Lord Rawdon-ho! ho!" laughed the
sergeant-for such was his rank-as he
rudely threw his arm around the
waist of the girl and pressed
his foul lips to her blood ting
ling cheek. THAT CANNON won't
go down, my pretty one-oh, no! Isn't
this the dwelling of Isaac Crofts, the
old rebel hound, who, with his two
cursed pups, have lately commenced to
bark at us? You're a deep one, and so
am both wide awake, dye see-and
so don't try to wheedle mech, no!
Come, another kiss, lass, for taste has
given me an appetite in this way, d. ye
see.'
Contrary to the expectation of the
sergeant, Mary, instead of seeming Of
Tended or offering any resistance,
quietly drew the officer aside and whis-
pered:
IF you will not appear so rade and
bold before your men, will presently
arrange matters so that you shall have
as many kisses as you can take. Of
course you will remain with us all
night, and we will treat you to the
best of everything we have. No one
knows better than myself what brave
soldier loves; good eating, good drink
ing, and"
Pretty women!' added the enrap-
tured sergeant, as the fair speaker
hesitated and lightly tapped him un-
der the chin.
"Hushr' she said, playfully, putting
her soft hand over his mouth. I'VE
understand each other. 1t is true. NV
father and brothers God help them are
in arms against the crown, but it does
not follow that myself and sister are
rebels, too, especially when there are
good-looking English officers about. l
see you understand. Come, l have a
beautiful sister within, who is a good
deal frightened for fear of rudeness;
but word or two with her, to con-
vince her that she has nothing to fear,
will set matters all right, and then we
will have a pleasant time. Now |
will tell you what l want you to do
Do not let your meE come in and in
suit us; but select ore or two of your
friends for companions, and order the
find good quarters for soldiers, plenty
of hay and grain for the horses, and
we will take care that they have good
supper and as much liquor as you
think prudent. And, bark you-there
is sum of gold in the house, which [
know you will find if you search for
it, SO | may as we'll make a virtue of
necessity and tel you, and then you
can divide it CT not, as you think
proper In the morning, of course,
you will take whatever you need; but
trust our civility and hospitality will
not be abused by the destruction of
any property you may not choose to
carry away. | believe | am speaking
to an English officer and English Off
GERS have the reputation of being gen
tlemen."
'Well!7 exclaimed the surprised and
fiattered sergeant, making use of an
oath: You're the strangest being |
ever met But zee here, girl, there's
no trick in this, now?''
Mary gave a light laugh as she re-
joined;
What! Do you fear two or three
harmless woman? acknowledge am
thus free frCri necessity; but still, as
your purpose will be equally served,
why object to the most quiet manner
of obtaining all you wish?"
81 don't, girl. I'll be satisfied if
you'll do al you say; but let me tell
you this Is warning-that I'm not
the man t. be trifed with, and if dis
cover any sign of treachery, I'll have
your heagt's blood if l die the next
minute llyself!"
Then earning to his men, who, crowd
ing close up to the door, were begin
ming tG grumble curses upon the long
dalliauce of their leader with slip of a
girl, instead of leading them in to plum
der tie dwelling, as he had promised, he
ordered II sentry to be posted at each
QUITE door of the house, and changed
once during the night, and the rest to
betake themselves to the stables, see
the ir horses well cared for, and thea
mike such disposition of themselves KS
w. )1ld pna bile then, tn act nromnt1I, or,