Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1905-09-05
ELLEN CAMPBELL
KINGS MOUNTAIN
Written for the Enquirer by Mrs Mary A Ewart

though the involuntary mention Of hi
name quickened every pulse; ''let then
take me, though regret 1t should b.
here. l could not stand being draw
like a coward from such conceal
ment" Ellen buried her face in he
hands in utter despair. There seemed
no appeal from that proud resolve. bu
the knocks at her own door rouset
her TO action. Her resolve was a
once taken, and nobly did the higi
souled girl carry 1t out There wa!
neither tremor in her voice nor fiusf
on her cheek, as she firmly said
Henry. 1 ask this for my sake. Dt
not doom me to maiden widowhood."
The warm blood mantled his Olive
cheek, flushing 1t to a damssk hue; ar
instant more he hesitated--not longer
could he resist the sad entreaty Of
those eyes. Clasping her hand ane
murmuring, Heaven bless you, Ellen
he entered the room.
What means this rude summons
cried Ellen. in answer 70 repeated
knocks.
"Open the door," said Ferris, fierce
ly: I'VE have no time to handy words
This room Is my chamber, sir; II
you are a gentlemen, you will leave
lady's privacy undisturbed."
I'VE respect no privacy that conceals
rebel; open at once, or by heaven
we'll break the door down." And he
shook 1t near from its hinges.
Your words are as insulting as your
conduct is dishonorable and cowardly
/ will not open to ruffians." replied
Ellen.
Then, we'll not ask your leave
Madam" replied Ferris, who seemed to
be the spokesman Of the party, and ap-
plying his giant strength to the door
he burst the lock from it's fastenings
Ellen wrapped her shawl more closely
around her and standing Immediately
In front Of the door, seemed to forbid
their entrance.
who are you sir, that dares this
rude entrance" she cried. What cause
Is 1t that bids men fight against old
men and helpless women, and bids you
seek the hour Of midnight for your
triumph? II you seek booty, you must
look elsewhere than In a maidens
chamber for It,"
I'VE seek the rebel, Davie; you've
got him hid here. and we'll settle his
account first, and take the booty af-
terward pretty Miss cried Ferris
coarsely. 80 stand one side and lei
US pass"
do not dare to touch me-" cried
Ellen. shrinking from his rude grasp:
you pass not this threshold but over
my dead body. But / demand to see
your master. ! am not accustomed to
deal with such ruffians as YOU" said
the undaunted girl. who espied Captain
Hardy hanging back In the distance,
ashamed Of the part he vas acting.
Il own no master" replied Ferris
surlily: land II you would save your
self from what you call insult, you had
better keep a civil tongue in your
head"
Captain Hardy was not won't" cried
Ellen, contemptuously. Ito need a
spokesman. and IL the choice he has
now made is an evidence Of his general
taste, can well understand the dis
position that leads him to war against
women and fly from his own sex"
Captain Hardy Is here to answer
for himself" the captain replied, ad-
vancing toward her. stung by her sar-
casm; land IL Miss Campbell cannot
understand the delicacy that would
have saved her from meeting an ac-
quaintance under such trying circum-
stances l will not attempt to explain
I come In the discharge Of duty to
capture a noted rebel against his king
and country, and I command you In
the kings name to allow me the right
If search"
Miss Campbell Is singularly obtuse
in perceiving the delicacy that would
send such a ruffian as you into heI
chamber" said the girl. with proud
contempt, pointing to Ferris. who stood
in angry impatience at this parley
why you should judge a rebel con-
cealed in my room, cannot under
stand. and would beg you to retire, al
least until can complete the toilet
your rude entrance interrupted"
Your evasion will answer no pur-
pose" replied Captain Hardy. 1--WE
know that he was in the house; nay
his room gives evidence of being but
recently vacated"
And why not seek him elsewhere
Whig officers are not wont to fly tc
women, save where they can rescue
or defend" said she mockingly.
I'VE have searched the house, Miss
Campbell. and painful as is the duty
I must seek the rebel here. Once more
I command you. in the king, my mas
ter's name. to allow me to enter"
Il do not acknowledge your masters
right over me, free born as l am.
possess no slavish instincts to answer
such a call. Let him seek among his
slaves for rebels. Patriots fighting fol
their country's freedom, do not ac'
knowledge the name" replied the in
trepid girl
You are wasting time, Captain
cried Ferris. impatiently. push the
girl one side and go It," Ellen turned
upon Hardy look full of defiance.
ITO men of honor. the chamber Of {
lady should be sacred as a sanctuary
Oh! where Is the generous chivalr!
that was once so characteristic Of th'
British soldier! What a degradation
to your manhood! What a stain upor
your honor. when such brutal human
ity as you dictate to gentlemen anc
officers! | will defend the passage
though l perish. You may succeed
and enter 1t: but l defy you to maxi
the attempt"
Her undaunted heroism intimidatet
him. He scarcely knew how to act
ashamed to enter. and yet unwilling t.
retreat. While hesitating a happ!
thought struck Ellen: she laughed
lightly
Gentlemen" she cried. II will ex