The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-02-16

, a gallant poor white from the high hill
country at the foot Of the mountains.
Hose came to see her every Sunday rid
ing a black mule gaily trapped out in
martingales with red rings, double girths
to his saddle and a flaming red tassel
tied on each side of the bride Tom was
not altogether pleased with his future
SON. in-law. He was too Wild, went to
too many frolics, danced too much, drank
too much whiskey and was too handy
with revolver.
Annie, child, you'd better think twice
before you step Off with that young
buck" Tom gravely warned his ahxhs
ter as he stroked her fair ylF4Sir one sun
DAY morning while she Waited for Hose
to escort her to- church,,
~ have thought a hundred times, Paw,
but what's the use. Ilove him. He can
Just twist me round his little finger
I've got to have him..
It was so fixed On Wednesday night
Hose came down from the foothills with
half dozen kindred spirits, and an old
fiddler to make the music.
Hose wanted TO have a dance and
plenty of liquor fresh from the noun
tain dew district But Tom put his
foot down on il.
rhe Rev. John Durham had pro-
nounced them man and wife and had
hurried away to see some people that
were sick. The old fiddler was doing his
best. Hose and his bride were shaking
hands with their friends and the boys
were trying to tease the bridegroom with
hoary old jokes.
Suddenly black shadow fell across
the doorway. The fiddle ceased, and
every eye was turned to the door. The
burly figure of big negro trooper from
company stationed in the town stood
before them. His face was in a broad
grin and his eyes bloodshot from whis
key. He brought his musket down on
the floor with bang.
My frien's, Use sorry ter disturb yer
but / has orders to search dis house.
Show your orders, said Tom, hob
bling before him
We'll deres one un EN-" he said,
still grinning as he cooked his gun and
presented it toward Tom. "En eff dat
aint ennuf Aey's fifteen mo- stan'n'
! roun dis house It's no use ter make
er fuss. Come on. coys'
Before Tom could utter another word
OF protest six more negro troopers
laughing and chuckling and nudging one
another crowded into the room Sud
denly one of them threw bucket OF
water into the fire place where pine
knot blazed, and two others knocked our
the candles
There was scuffle, the quick thud OF
heavy blows. and Hose Norman fell to
the floor senseIess. A piecing sceam
rang from his bride as she was seized
in the arms of the negro who first APP
peared. RE rapidly bore her toward
the door surrounded by the six scounS
drels who had accompanied him.
MY God save her! They are drag
gin Annie out of the house" shrieked
her n,other.
Help. Help! oh, Lord, have mercy
screamed the girl as they bore her away
towards the woods. still laughing and
Yelling.
Tom overlook one of them in the rear,
] snatched his wooden leg off and knocked
him down. Hoses six mountain boys
were crowding round with their pistols
in their hards
What shall we do, Tom? If we shoot
We may kill Annie.
shoot. men, My God. shoot There
are things worse than death
They needed no urging Like six
young tigers they sprang across the or
chard toward the woods whence came the
sound of the laughter of the negroes
stop de screechin"' cried the leader.
"She nebber get dat gag out now
TOO smart fur de pc white trash dis
time sho." laughed one.
six pistol shots rang out like single
report! Six more! and six more! There
sas wild scramble Taken completely
by surprise. the negroes fled in confus-
ion -Four lay o. the ground TWO We're
dead, two MOI lily wounded and three
more had eraW Il away with bullets in
l.their bodies. 4 ere in the midst Of the
heap lay the unconscious Girl gagged.
fContinukd on Page Tea)