The morning times., 1896-11-08

The leaves upon the trees were motionless
and the glare of the August sun was over
all. The lucusts were busy and be could
see the bees as they went in and out OF the
row OF hives that stood by one side OF the
lane that lead from the road To the house.
1t was an ideal summer day, but Johns OBJ
seryations were suddenly interrupted by the
blasts OF the buglers and the approaching
men swept into sight around the bend in
the road.
There must be fifty Of Them said John.
About half of-tl:em are Red Coats and nan
are Tories" he added, as he saw that only
a portion were clad in the British uniform.
He was not left long in doubt as to their
intentions, however, for after haitihg
moment by the entrance to the lane, the
entire body swerved from their course
and started toward the house.
They're coming up the lane, mother,
he said, as he entered the room Wen
have to act as If we're not afraid, even
II we are frightened 50 that We DON
know our own names.
His mother smiled, but John noticed
that she was very pale. But she was
resolute woman and already had had eX-
perience with the British OFFICERS, as
many of the South Carolina mothers mad
had. Well do our best" She said as
she sent the girls upstairs and took her
the approach of the soldiers. They all
were mounted, and the horses plainly had
been ridden hard. The leader called a
halt as his troops drew near the house,
and, leaping 10 the ground, he took Off
his hat and, Eowing low, advanced TO
speak to Mrs. Clarke.
Have l the honor to address Mistress
ClaThe?
YES, SIR size replied, waiting for him
to declare his errand.
81 have no doubt, madam, that you are
loyal to your king.
81 had king once. but 1 have none
now. Perhaps you will better know my
feelings when 1 tell you that my huS-
band and two OF my sons are now with
Sumter"
DOUBTLESS l soon shall have the pleas
ure of making their acquaintance" re-
piled the soldier with q sneer. Indeed,
we are bound upon that errand now,
But meanwhile we are tn need OF sup
plies. and in spite OF your feelings must
must search your place."
II hear you need supplies" replied the
undaunted woman, "for it is reported
that some forty of your wagons are in
the hands of the patriots"
The soldiers face took on scowl as he
replied: unfortunately they are, but
mark my words, my good woman, the
rebels WON'T eau IluCUs 1HeS IL sOOu lOSC
their appetites. But meanwhile l must
see what can be- had there.
Your men have stolen everything al
ready, and you'll not find anything"
But the soldier made no reply, and with
three of his followers began to search
the house. Some were sent to the barn,
and for few minutes nothing was said
by John or his mother. But the lad was
not one to give up idly, although fifty Red
Coats were near. Suddenly his face lighted
up. He had thought of plan by which he
might overcome these invaders Of the home.
but he said nothing to his mother OF the
project in his mind.
1--WE are not able to find anything here,
but doubt not you have something of use
to us concealed somewhere" said the
leader.
80 we have" spoke up John quickly.
I'VE have one poor lean COW left, but she's
out in the woods and you can't gether.'
''But you can, you young REBEL" re-
piled the soldier angrtly. Zone cow isn't
much, but it's better than nothing. You
drive her in and be quick about it."
John started obedient to the words, and
disregarding the reproacbful looks of his
mother. .'Children and fools always speak
the truth madam he said, as John left the
house. Here! herei'' he called out as he
ran to the piazza. .'You take one OF the
horses I'll save time, and we have no more
of that than We have of supplies"
Johns heart leaped at the words If
be had contriyed the plan himself he
could not have been suited better. He
started quickly for one of the horses, which
had been tied to the rail fence, and leaped
quickly uponits back
That's all right called out the leader
to some of his men who were about to
intercept John. Hes going on an errand
for me-"
Assured by his words, John slowly walked
his horse past the men most Of whom were
still mounted and impatiently awaiting
the coming of their leader. AS the lad
passed the row Of beehives he leaned from
his horse and quickly lifted one the