Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1905-08-25
ulous cleanliness were as visible. A

Losing neT InOtHeT III iHidiSy, ohc hoa
been reared entirely by her father, and
his affectionate tenderness had new
er allowed her to miss q mothers care.
She was we'll behaved and a lovely lit
tie playmate for little Ellen, who was
scarcely a year her senior. The at
tachment thus formed In childhood
grew with them, and Ellen's high bred
manner, unwittingly gave to Bessie's
natural archness, coquettish affecta-
tion that was as pretty as 1t was teas
, Ing. Her attainments, too. were be-
yond her station, and her natural ap-
titude led her to initiate the more re-
fined tastes Of opulent life.
. The sun was casting long shadows
when Bessie. equipped for a walk, with
bucket on one arm and basket on
the other, stepped out into the declin-
ing rays, and with an air of womanly
Importance said, II shall be back in
time to get your tea, father. but it's
good moonlight; don't be uneasy IL
happen to stay late"
But will Bessie; and be sure and
be back afore day leaves US: it's but
two miles to the minister's, and We
must trudge on and ma stay but a
mint and We can be back weel enough
before dark. Mind we and come. child,
for I'll be apt to be uneasy. would
go with you, but the cattle's to bring
up yet"
Don't you mind telling me to fear
nothing when doing a good turn? I'm
not worth the troubling, father, such
a bit a thing as I am" laughed Bes-
sic, as she took her way down the
road.
Still, Bessie, it's ma prudent for a
lass like you to be out so late. and
we might happen on one Of those
rude troopers, though now l think me,
they all left the settlement the morn;
but dinna We be staying lass"
With a nod and q smile the lass went
on. The road led out towards Kings
Mountain. and Bessie truged along
quite securely, anticipating the pleas
ure of seeing kind Mrs. Adams and the
dear little children. I will not deny
there was a stalwart form mingled
with Bessie's memories, that Mrs. Ad-
ans or the children could not per-
sonify though Bessie was quite inno-
cent Of his quarters at the good min
listers. So absorbed was her mind In
these fancies that she did not hear a
step behind her, when firm hand was
placed on her shoulders, she turned
| with a smile on her lips and without
the shadow Of fear. almost expecting
/ to see the face that had filled her
mind with such pleasant reveries.
| Reuben Ferris!" she cried, In start
led alarm. what brought you here?"
| "Haw! haw!" he laughed, "ain't you
glad to see me? l come for what
you would not give me yesterday"
Let me alone, Reuben Ferris she
cried, as she shook his heavy hand
from her shoulder. Il despise you,
and you know it. I can't bear your
very touch" and she shrank shudder-
ingly away from him. Her fear gave
him additional power over her.
| Come, Bessie, tell me who you keep
them for. "Pll have one anyhow, II
die for it." he said as he caught her
| in his arms.
| A loud shrek from Bessie was al
most instantly answered by a voice Of
thunder crying, Let go the girl" and
the next instant an arm, nerved by
passion, swung the ponderous bulk Of
Ferris from him and made him lick
| the dust. Poor Bessie was almost
fainting on Bowen's shoulder, while
Ferris slowly lifted himself from the
ground. He was scarcely erect, when,
with a yell mingled rage and pain, for
his fall had hurt him, he sprang on
Bowen Hastily pushing Bessie be-
hind him, the trooper threw himself
into position to receive his adversa-
ry. and Ferris. an adept In the pugilis-
tic art, but who generally bore down
his opponents by his ponderous weight,
was met by such a blow between his
eyes as almost to blind him. Yelling
out curses. he snatched a knife from
his bosom, and ere Bowen could re-
cover the position which the impetus
Of his blow had lost him, Ferris had
aimed 1t at his heart: but Bessie's
scream warned him, and quick as
thought, Bowen threw out his foot, and
again Ferris measured his length on
the ground, the knife sinking into the
sward and breaking at the hilt.
Lie there. you cursed coward"
cried Bowen In wrath, land count 1t
a mercy that l don't take your brok-
en- weapon and bury 1t in your heart,
could find 1t in my heart now to
thrash you to mummy. you skulk-
ing coward. you insulter Of defence
less women, did 1 not so loathe your
devils carcass. Lie there, you saw
age bully, and remember II ever you
cross my path again I show you
no mercy"
A perfect volley Of oaths and i'm
precautions was the reply.
You got the better Of me now,
Ellick Bowen, with your cursed foot
tripping, but it's the last time, and
swear that I'll do you a turn yet
that'Il hurt you, and when ye long to
see those you love best die. think OF
Reuben Ferris, for I'll make your life
a curse before l send you to eternity"
Come, Bessie" said Bowen this
Is no place for you. Where are you
going, child?" as she turned weeping
down the road.
II must go back to father" She Sob
bed, her face turned from him.
You are not fit yet, Bessie; SIT
down and rest Ferris Is gone; don't
be afraid" And he drew her to the
bank. Still she wept bitterly
BE calm, Bessie; you have no far
ther cause for fear. l will see you
safe home. and you must promise me
; not to venture out alone again"
"Oh! Ellick," she sobbed, ut Is not
so much that I'm afraid, as I'm afraid
. you'll think i'll Of me-" And still the
. flushed face was hid from him.
Ill Of you, Bessie! Never" said the
, soldier, with warmth, as he took her
, hand.