The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1903-12-10

Suuuuer W see hllu, anu oAO oht"-S
from the thought OF his past life
knowing now that he WAS Pierre Ra-
meau, the outlaw-but yet some foun-
tain IN her heart bied for him, some
center of sympathy in the deepest
chamber of her soul sent forth thri +,
in his behalf. She was, to q degree.
like one in dream, albeit she realized
to the full the hopelessness of the de-
sire that was forming in her breast.
How could she do anything to turn
this strong man back from evil? She
remembered that she had, when e
child, seen the officials taking a young
man to the scaffold to be executed.
He was a mere youth, hard-faced and
repulsive; but ever since she had re-
gretted that she could not go to hind
and show him that one of all the world
was sorry for him. Why should she
recall that scene at this moment? The
human heart beats through mysterious
rhythms. We can never say by what
labyrinths the roots of sympathy travel
to reach their end. If Pauline could
have known all the history OF
this man, she might have
felthone of the inexplicable fascina-
tion which came to her like vague
but powerful reminder Of something
sadly but Enthusiastically Imperative in
her nature; but she was aware now OF
just enough to arouse all the romance
as well as all the pity that an inexper-
fenced young girls heart can compass.
When Loring arose from the table
at which he had eaten, he turned to
Mademoiselle de Sezannes and ap-
peared about to speak, but he checked
himself.
"Thank you," he said to Mrs. YER
non. 81 was very hungry. I will
now go to the British lines, unless" -
he hesitated just for breath-"unless
you will permit me to help you and
the young ladies back to New Orleans.
Indeed, this is no place for you.
He had scarcely ceased speaking,
when one of his men unceremoniousiy
broke into the room and exclaimed,
with blunt, rough vehemeuce:
"We're surrounded! The British
are all around the pIace!'
When Loring's companion ran in
with the cry, "We are surrounded!
The British are all around the place."
the ladies were dumbfounded. They
stood like white-faced statues.
Loring did not appear to find any
thing startling in the situation.
He walked boldly out through tho
front door, followed by mis- man. AS
he passed close to Mrs. Vernon, he
stopped toward ner and said, with a
ring of'impatience in his voice:
"Your husband must have been
quite out of his senses when he sent
you ladies out here. But be calm.
You shall not ba ill-treated."
There was a stir out-of-doors "a
sound of voices. Some low commands
were given. Mrs. Vernon and Made
moiselle de Sezannes became hysteri-
cal, but Pauline, though pale as
ghost, seemed 10 have found ample
strength to bear whatever was to
come. She thought she heard her
fathers voice at the door. 1t was
Loring speaking with the British Off
Ger. The two entered moment later.
"Thes must be taken to some place
where they can be protec ted" Loring
was saying.
Certainly, if it can be DONE" the
officer replied. "But we are in no
condition to take care of ladies.
"Serd them to New Orleans"
"No, sir. That is against positive
orders. We are to permit no white
person to 60 from US to the enemy.
No; we must take them. If You are
what you claim to be, th. general will
receive you kindly and gives the ladies
the best comforts that he can COM
nand. That is all that I can say"
II advise you to treat me with re-
spect, sir" said Loring, very calmly,
md fixing his eyes with malignant
stare on those of the officer. "You
will know more of me-"
"Do as I command you'll" exclaimed
the sturdy Englishman. 'I'm not to
5e bullied by prisoner! Bundle up
these women and put them on your
aorses. You will walk. There's no
| lime for talk. Move along!"
Loring compressed his lips, but
said not another word. He saw tina
for once he had found check to his
arrogance. He explained to the
ladies that all were prisoners ana
British commanders headquarters"
"I commend you to the goodwill
of Lieutenant Barnaby," he said,
bowing with perfect ease toward the
officer. "He feels as big as a drum
, major at present.
"Silence. sir, or I'll have you
gagged in an instant!' exclaimed the
, lieutenant.
"You could not gag hen!" sneered
Loring.
The lieutenant whipped out his
sword; his face was ablaze with
choler.