Barbour County index., 1904-08-31


from Gen. Gates to Col. Sumter. On
those terms alone will spare your
life; indeed. it is a piece of clemency
in which 1 am scarce warranted
"Col. Bessemer's reputation for
mercy is world renowned. His quar-
ter hath become a household word
OF like fame are the honorable terms
he ever offers those who have that
which he would wish to purchase.
'Tis strange so few honest men take
advantage of such magnanimity''
The mocking bow matched the.
mocking words. Bessemer's fury
started forward, as though she
would save the reckless American
from his own mad fo1ly-then
checked herself.
Enough. Sergeant, take him to
the house by the back way Have
him securely locked in some upper
room and well guarded until l can
find time to deal with him Dear
lady," he added. turning to Jane with
softened tone, as the soldiers obeyed
his orders, 81 most humbly crave
your pardon for this unseemly in
terruption. Let US dismiss it from
our minds and take up our discourse
where it was so rudely broken"
Nay" Jane answered in low
| tone, her face pale, her eyes trou-
! bled, first tell me that you did not
mean your threat to hang Capt.
Worthington if he does not give you
the information you desire, d thing
he will never do if he possess any
| am sure, however, you do not mean
to hang him. 1t was but ruse, was
it not, to induce him to speak-a
mere bit of play?''
"A bit of play, madam, which will
cost Capt. Worthington his neck. He
is a troublesome fellow whom /
have long wished to be rid of; pesti-
ferrous gadf1y, ever buzzing around
and annoying our troops. Besides,
he is cold-blooded murderer, well
deserving of his fate Nay, he shall
hang by the side of his -knave,
and soon. at that
'Oh, you cannot mean it, Jane
cried. Surely, surely you are only
saying it to-to-appan me-"
"And is your interest, then, SO
great in this rebel?'
My interest is great in anyone
who is the subject of injustice. It
is enough that you should hang that
poor old gentleman who to-day had
the misfortune to become your pris-
oner, but that you should contem-
plate hanging man whom you
|
to hound down, and who has not
even an discriminating paper upon
his person, that is passing all
bounds! / cannot believe that
the king would approve of having his
cause sullied by such acts.'' She
spoke with fervor carried beyond the
point of discretion.
you speak with most surprising
ardor, madam" Bessemer remarked,
his face black with passion, "'but
permit me to advise you that his maj
esty the king wisely leaves such mat
ters to the Judgment of his trusted
officers, well understanding that an
nnscrupulous foe must be dealt with
in manner beftting the method OF
his warfare"
interruptions foe as you may term
them" Jane answered, Il have vet
to learn when the American forces
have ever treated an honorable pris.
oner of war in so summary manner
The three tories whom thev hung
were not, as you well know, real sol
diers. They were but outlaws, brutal
desperadoes, wearing the kings uni
form as cloak and shield"
Il fear, dear lady, the partiality
which you have for the enemies OF
your king has somewhat dimmed the
clearness of your judgment. How
ever. | feel that I owe myself most
severe censure for the cruel wound
which [ have so unintentionally in
f1icted upon you. Had sooner real
lied how deeply you are in love with
this young Worthington, l should
have taken pains to have kept from
you the punishment which | feel il
my duty to mete out to him.
is woman's heart never to be
swayed save by love?" Jane asked
Can She never plead for justice with
out having her motives impugned
If | have spoken in behalf of Capt
Worthington, il l have besought yor
not to put into execution your crue
threat, / am impelled by motives OF
common humanity"
'IA this true, Jane?" Besseme1
cried eagerly. "Is it so that you dc
not love him? Do you pledge me
your honor on it?''
Jane drew back. Pledge you my
honor? No. If my simple word be
not enough, where would I find the
honor to pledge?"
| Bessemer, torn betwixt rapture an6
uncertainty, searched her face witt
jealous eyes. Surely, 'twere too fail
face to be aught but honest. "Ah
; my ever ready-tongued Jane.'' he
said, ''you little know the weight
your words have lifted from m,
breast. This one rebel have I feared
. | I had more t.auSe To dread than OF