The Princeton union., 1899-08-10

Tories have fled to the mountains and
we need not fear disturbance.
"But my husband-Caleb-ha he
escaped unharmed?' asked Zadie in a
tone Of voice which suggested the sus-
plc1on that negative answer would
not have broken her heart.
''Mr. Shurker has been brutally NAL
treated" answered Polly, "but he will
soon be himself again I will tell YOU
all about him when we reach the kitch-
en-
''Thank you, returned Zadie faint
ly, with just trace Of disappointment
in her tone
So they all followed Polly into the
Kitchen where the remainder of the
rescuing party were already gathered,
resting from the fatigues Of the battle
and administering to the needs of Caleb
Shurker. For, as Polly had said, this
unfortunate man had been very rough
ly treated by the bandits and was much
nearer dead than alive.
While passing down the stairs from
the attic into the lower part of the
house they stumbled over the bodies of
several Tories who had been thrown
into such panic by the sudden onrush
OF the rescuers that they had scarcely
raised hand in defense Of their lives.
Evidences were nowhere wanting that
the surprise had been complete On
reaching the kitchen Polly bade the
others be seated, while Zadie, like du-
tlful wife, went over to soothe and con-
sol her moaning husband. Farmer
Price, who was familiar with the do
nestle arrangements of the household,
brought great jug Of cider from the
cellar and also store of more substan-
tial refreshments. These he placed on
the table, saying:
''Fall to, my lads, and eat and drink
your fill. Yell find that cider most ex-
cellent and the corn bread and bacon
very Strengthening.
The frontiersmen did not wait for
second invitation, but fell to with a
WILL and while they were disposing of
the eatables Polly told the story of her
ride.
''Thank you, kind friends - she be-
gan, "for the service you have rendered
me this night. Perhaps you are not
aware of the great obligations you have
placed me under. Well, listen, and
will tell you'll
'This man. pointing proudly at
Edward Robin, "was a captive with
me in the mountains. Ihad helped him
to escape from the Jail in which he was
wrongfully confined, and we had fed
together to get married and begin life
over again in another par: Of the world
But unfortunately y we were induced to
accept the protection Of Claudius
Smith. He promised to see that we
were married and offered US retreat
with his outlaws until the ceremony
was performed. But we soon found
that we were his prisoners He kept a
guard placed over US and deprived US
of our liberty, and so it happened that
we were in a position to become ac-
quainted with his designs.
''This morning. she continued, sshe
returned after long absence to his
camp and after resting until late in
the day, called council of his officers
to lay the plans for this nights raid
Realizing that he was up to some mis-
chief, crept up to their place Of meet
ing, listened to what they said, and SO
became acquainted with their purposes.
and then I determined to outwit them.
AS Edward Robin was forced to accom-
pany the Tories on their raid I was
compelled to undertake the task alone.
But fortunately had an accomplice to
help me-
At this point in her narrative Polly
blushed and cast confused glance to-
ward her lover. He reassured her with
smile. and she resumed as follows:
lit will be unnecessary to narrate
how I succeeded in procuring horse
and making my escape from the Tory
camp. My ride to your homes to enlist
your help is known to you all, but there
are some among u.s., she added, look
ing in turn toward Robin, Zadie and
Caleb Shurker, "who are ignorant of the
gallant manner in which you responded
to my appeals for help and of the brav-
cry you dipslayed in effecting their res.
cue AS am sure they will be interest
ed in the story I will tell it for their
benefit
She then gave vivid account of the
desperate ride of the rescuing party to
reach the Shurker farmhouse in time.
"When we were nearing the end of
our Journey she continued, 1--WE saw
man riding slowly along the highway
ahead of us. At first he was disposed to
put spurs to his horse and escape US,
but he soon realized the impossibility
of doing this. So he drew rein and
tremblingly awaited our approach.
When we drew up to him, asked him
to join our band.
What for?' he asked.
TO rescue Caleb Shurker from the
Tories, replied.
"'What,' he exclaimed in surprise,
and is Claudius Smith really after the
old mans treasure? Why, I'm Caleb
Shurker's father-in-law, and if what
you say is true will go along with
your party most willingly. Indeed I
was on my way to Shurker's when you
fell in with me.