Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1899-08-02
Copyright, 1899, by the Author.
CHAPTER VII.
THE ATTACK ON SHURKER'S.

THE ATTACK ON sHURKER's.
AS it was fully 20 miles to the house
of Caleb Shurker. Claudius Smith de-
cided to start out at an earlier hour
than he had at first intended, for this
would enable him to advance slowly
and spare the horses for the return
journey.
So when Robin reached the glade
where the bandits had gathered he
found them already mounted for the
march Claudius turned upon him saw
agely.
"What Must we be kept waiting
while ye make love, varlet9 Fall in the
ranks, sir. and see that ye behave with
spirit!'
Then turning to his men he shouted:
"All ready. men9 Forward"
There was a rattling Of arms, tram
pling of hoofs, a prancing and wheeling
of horses as the bandits formed in line
of march and the cavalcade cantered
two by two from the glade. Placing
himself at its head, Claudius Smith led
the way into broad bride path that
wound through the forest and proceed
ed for about a mile at rapid gait.
Then the path narrowed and the men
fell in single line, picking their way
along a rugged descent with their
horses at walk.
As they descended lower and lower
along the mountain side the sun drop
ped from view and gradually the twi-
light deepened. 1t grew darker and
darker. One by one the stars appeared
through openings in the trees overhead.
and at last it became difficult for the
men to descry each other in the deep
ening gloom.
At last they reached the base Of the
mountains and struck into an unfre-
quented byroad which ran in norther-
" direction. Here they again formed
two by two and proceeded at canter
until they reached a little spring that
gushed from the side Of a precipice. At
this place Claudius Smith called halt
for rest and refreshment. The bandits
dismounted. partook of hasty repast
and after watering their horses at the
spring and quenching their own thirst
with copious drafts of spirits from their
canteens sprang into the saddle again
and resumed their journey.
About 10 in the evening they struck
into highway that wound along the
base of Shawangunk mountain. Then
the command for silence passed from
lip to lip, and they advanced with ex-
treme caution until they came in sight
of great stone farmhouse which stood
at the right of the road. The shutters
were all closed, and it was evident that
the inmates were sleeping. Robin rec
ognized it at once as the home of Caleb
Shurker, and his heart beat quickly
with desire for vengeance.
Captain Smith now called halt and
began brief Whispered consultation
with his officers. Robin was about to
draw near to listen to the discussion
when it was rudely interrupted by the
furious barking of dog. The faithful
animal had been sleeping on the porch
Of the dwelling and, awakened by the
approach of the Tories. now came
bounding into the road. making the
welkin ring with deep mouthed warn
ings.
"Blarst the curl" exclaimed the Tory
chieftain, with an oath. Then. turning
quickly to his men. he bawled out
hoarsely: Surround the house, lads.
and let no one escape. Be quick!'
The bandits Immediately put spurs
to their horses and in few seconds
had formed complete Gordon around
the dwelling. Robin had taken his sta
ton before the front door with an idea
of taking an active part in the proposed
attack. but while he was gazing fierce
" up at the windows. gloating in an
ticipation of his approaching revenge.
an incident occurred which completely
swept away every evil purpose from his
heart.
He saw one of the shutters on the
second story open cautiously and heard
a familiar voice call out in frightened
tones:
"What would you have, friendsH"
It was the voice of Zadie. not as he
remembered it of yore. when it was
musical with the happiness it express
ed, but plaintive. subdued and indescrib-
ably mournful 1t touched him deep
". A food of tender recollections over
whelmed him, and he resolved then and
there to protect his old sweetheart from
harm.
While this sudden revolution was
taking place in his heart Claudius
Smith approached the window and call
ed up to the girl in tones of mock po-
iteness:
Good evening, Mrs Shurker! Par
don me for disturbing yer rest, but l
would like to have few words with
yer husband. ;"
Zadie left the window and withdrew
into the apartment, and a short time
afterward the shutter was flung wide
open and an old man leaned out of the
opening.
"Well. what do ye want of me?'' he
asked. in quavering voice
The outlaw threw off his mask of civil
ity at once.
"What do I want with ye?" he
whined. mimicking the old man s tre-
BILE. Then. suddenly changing his tone
to deep roar, he shouted. "Open the
door. We old rascal. and let me and my
brave lads in.
The old man disappeared from the
window like a flash, slamming the shut
ter to behind him, and the next instant
a rattling of bolts could be heard as