The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1901-05-29

tricks with ne. The bushes were espe-
cially impudent nodding to me and
then to each other and then saying
aloud:
Here be goes! Look at him-making
a fool of himself and wasting his time
over an English girl who hates him
and all his countryment'
picked upa stone, threw it at one
excessively impudent bush and shouted
at the top Of my voice:
Its lie!''
For heavens sake, Mr.. Marcel, y
cried the girl. what's the matter?
Have you q fever?''
''I was dreaming" said confused
/ n, and made no further explanation,
| for she asked 10 more, merely saying
that she hoped it was no worse than
that
The trees and bushes did not cease to
nod at lae and waggle their heads at
each other and make jeering remarks
about me, but I paid no further atten-
tion to them, treating them with the
lofty scorn of silence, which is supposed
to be the most effective Of all replies.
The road led into hilly country, but |
tramped on in my dream, becoming
dimly conscious that it was growing
light Afar off there in the east, just
where the sky touched the earth, was
bar of light shining like silver. As l
looked it broadened and began to roll
up like great wave Of molten silver.
On the horizon the hills and trees rose
out Of the darkness
Old Put turned his face 10 the day
light and whinnied approval. An an
swering whinny came as 20 cavalry
men galloped around hill, opening in
two lines and closing up again, with US
in the center.
"Wake up! Wake up, man! Why
you'll walk into river or over cliff
if you sleep on in this way said one
Of the cavalrymen, leaning over and
slapping me vigorously on the shoulder.
1 awoke and looked up at his be-
whiskered English face and his bestrip-
ed English coat and was filed with con-
fusion and dismay.
"Why, he isn't awake even yet!'
said the officer, with a laugh. care you
from Cornwallis?''
His,tone, though eager, was friendly,
and the reason for his question flashed
upon me. It was the red coat that
wore, Crowder's coat, which had served
me one good turn already.
eyes, - said, my names Rinkle,
and I'm from CORVALLIS with an i'm
portant message for Tarleton. was
pursued last night by, a gang of rebels,
who shot my horse, but I escaped them
in the wood An hour ago overlook
Miss Howard here, who also has an i'm
portant dispatch for Tarleton, and / am
trying to pilot myself and her to him
at the same time
The officer raised his hat to Miss
Howard and regarded her with open ad-
miration.
"Your bravery and loyalty equal
your beauty, Miss Howard ne said.
England can never suffer when we
have such as you. Don't you remember
me? I'm Lieutenant George Cuthbert,
and had the honor of an Introduction
to you at Lord CORVALLIS ball in
Charleston some months ago. .
Indeed I do," she said in tone Of
recognition, land hope that we shall
meet again soon under such peaceful
circumstances, but now | must hasten
on, for my message will not wait, andso
must this kind soldier, who has been
such an assistance and protection to me.
Can you direct US by the best road to
Tarleton:"
"Keep straight on the way you are
going" said the officer, and if you
hurry you eught to overtake Tarleton
before noon. Have no fear Of the rebels,
for Tarleton is driving them all ahead
of him, except one small party to the
south of here, for which we are look
ing. I'd give you an escort into Tarle-
ton IS camp, but I need all my troopers
for the task have in hand.
81 thank you for your courtesy ard
information, Lieutenant Cuthbert, " she
replied, "and I hope that we will meet
again soon in Charleston when all these
rebels are taken.
s'And that will not be long, Miss
Howard" he said, with gallant bow.
He gave the word to his troopers. and
they galloped on.
During this ordeal the behavior Of
Old Put was something wonderful to
see. Though he hated a redcoat as
cat hates snake. he seemed to under
stand that he had a part to act and that
he must act it well. All his true char
acter disappeared. He was shambling,
dropping horse. with his head down
and ready to submit to anything, just
an ordinary, oppressed British horse of
the lower classes, not a proud spirited
American horse, conscious Of the Dec
laration Of independence and the truth
that all men and horses are born free
and equal.