The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1897-08-13

FGTcy.
Inc sentiment OF the virginia Iarm-
ers was overwhelmingly Confederate,
and whenever Kenton identified himself
he was given all information at hand.
During the first two days he had several
narrow ESCAPES from Federal cavalry
patrols, and on the third day he was
treated to double surprise. The farm
er with whom he had remained over
night had recommended him to one
much nearer the Federal outposts to Sc
cure additional information. He reach
ed this place about II O'CLOCK in the
forer oon, and the first face he saw was
that of Marian Percy, the next that of
her mother. The meeting appeared to
be as pleasant to all as it was unex-
pected. The Percys had arrived only
two days before in hopes to remove the
farmer 8 wife, who was a relative, to
their home in the valley. The woman
was ill-too i'll to stand the journey,
and they would wait for few days in
hopes of an improvement. The house
had been visited daily by parties from
both armies, but thus far no violence
had been offered nor had anything been
bdkeu IrOu Luo IdTu.
For almost the first time since he had
known her Royal Kenton was left alone
with Marian Percy for an hour. They
sat under the apple trees, and he told
her the details of the battle of Bull Run
as far as he had gathered them, of his
interviews with Jackson, the object of
his scout, his hopes and fears of the fu-
ture.
You enlisted to serve your state, !"
she said when opportunity came. "This
is no longer question of what state
may OF may not do. 1t is no longer Vir-
ginia, but southern confederacy. Do
you feel the same obligation?"
docs the same obligation exist?" he
queried in reply.
Certainly not. have dared to so as
sert and have almost been called trail
tor for my language. One does not need
to be a politician or the daughter of
politician to realize that the success of
the newborn confederacy means the
downfall of the republic. And yet Vir-
ginians cannot return to their homes
and lay aside their weapons of war;
Thus far have cast my fortunes
with Virginia., replied Kenton, "and
it is too late to retreat now, even if SO
desired. What the end will be no man
can predict. -
They talked Of other things as they
sat on the rude bench Farmer Hastings
had constructed that he might smoke
his pipe in the shade and still look out
over the dusty highway which ran past
his door. There was no declaration of
love by word of mouth, but think that
some conclusion was arrived at just the
same, and that both were happy over it
in silent way.
Dinner had just been eaten when one
of the colored servants announced the
approach of body of Federal cavalry
from the direction of Washington. Ken
half mile away and made the number
to be 90. 1t was patrol, and it might
stop or pass on.
You see the situation, said Marian
as she approached Kenton, who was
carefully examining his revolver. "You
could not beat them off single handed,
and if you are discovered here you will
be taken prisoner and the rest of us sub
jected to annoyance aud insult. You
must go at once"
"And leave you unprotected?"
''Our people have an idea that the
Yankees have horns and hoops" she
laughed, "but have lived among them
for years, as you know. They will not
make war on old men and defenseless
women. Cor There is no time to losei
They are surely going to stop here!'
Kenton retreated through the orchard
to the cover of stone wall 200 feet in
rear of the house. He was scarcely
sheltered when the troopers filed into
the yard through the gate and surround
ed the house. The captain in command
dismounted and was about to rap on the
wide open front door when Marian sp
peared.
'Well?'' she queried as he looked at
her in the greatest surprise for half
minute.
'Ah, excuse me!'' he stammered. 81
am looking for some one-a mana
man who is supposed to lie Confeder-
ate scout or spy
''There is only one white man here
the old farmer himself. We have seen
no stranger. You are at liberty to
search.
''Oh, no, no! The word of lady is
amply sufficient. Perhaps he took the
other road. Sergeant. reform the men
in the highway.
CTo be Continued.)