Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1905-09-05

Allow me, Miss Campbell" he contin-
ued. as with mocking gallantry he con-
Quoted her back to the room. "And
now. having proof positive that the
rebel Is near. thank you for the in
formation and go to start the game"
Davie had become exceedingly rest
less in his leafy prison, and his high
spirit undertaking the danger, ne
determined to descend and trust the
shades of night and his own good arm
for a rescue. Composedly descending
he watched his moment and dropping
lightly to the ground cast hasty
glance around, and grasping his sword
more tightly. sprang fearlessly in the
open moonlight.
who goes there?" cried a sentinel
in the avenue. "Stand!" he cried, as
Davie endeavored to spring past him;
stand. or I fire." Dashing the weapon
up with his sword, Davie caught 1t
again In descending. and fearing to fire
lest the noise should alarm others,
drove the butt against the troopers
face with a force that laid him pros
trate. But the noise had already
alarmed the sentinels who were post
ed near, and fighting like a tiger, the
major was at length taken and carried
to Hardy. who In pitiful triumph or
dered him to be led into the parlor
where Ellen and Mr.. Willoughby sat.
Intending to give him hasty shrift, he
yet could not forego the dear delight Of
humbling him before his mistress, and
compelling II possible, the high -souled
patriot to sue for mercy. With the
bold and careless step Of undaunted
courage. the young major stood be-
fore his enemy.
"A chair for the prisoner" said Har-
dy, in affected courtesy. Bending his
head with a naughty inclination, Davie
refused the offer, without speaking.
You are, no doubt, aware" said Har-
dy, pompously, that I act under the
commands of my superior officer when
arraign you here as a rebel and con-
denim you to the last degree Of pun
ishment for your treason" A low cry
from Ellen interrupted and Davie. bit
ing his lips in deep emotion, said
II must beg you, as an officer and
as gentleman to waive this mockery.
and spare the feelings Of those who
may be interested In the life or death
Of fellow being"
"They have the privilege Of with
drawing" said Hardy, coldly. I'm the
the performance Of my duty, I can
consult no secondary feelings"
II do not understand this mockery
sir" said Davie. exasperated by the
calmness Of the man before him. Il
claim to be a prisoner Of war, and what
means this fulsome parade? If 1t Is
simply to prove that am a rebel. as
you call us. will save you further
trouble. 1 am a patriot. and glory In
the name"
II must beg your patience" said
Hardy, sneeringly. 81 am willing to
grant you what mercy lies in my pow
err"
~ ask nor accept no mercy from
your hands," said Davie, firmly; but
II not deaf to every principle Of honor,
ask you for justice"
"Silence!" said Hardy, with knitted
brows land hear my questions"
"I will not" said Davie, In a deter
mined tone. 81 will know first who
and what you are, who thus arraign
me-"
Are you mad. Henry?" said Mr.
Willoughby, In terror for his young
friend to whom he was tenderly at
:ached. Remember, you are speah-
ing to one of his majesty's officers,
Captain Hardy"
Davie haughtily inclined his head
and said, whether l shall deem 1t a
privilege to meet one Of his name and
rank. remains to be seen."
Henry, Henry" said Mr.. Willough-
by, in a tone between rebuke and en-
treaty.
Let him alone, sir" said Hardy
trembling In passion, perhaps he will
have the audacity to justify the rebel
lion to me-"
81 doubt II your education would al
low you to understand the rights on
which you trample; but l am willing
you should be aware that / am prepar-
ed. at any time, to assert my liberty
and that Of my country"
And maintain 1t at the swords
point, doubtless?" said Hardy, con-
temptuously.
Your question would not have admit
ted of Interrogation, had I the blade
in my hand and you before me on a
fair field" said Davie.
1T Is enough. Your bold and mis-
chievous language corresponds with
the character have heard Of you. Sol
diers, to your duty"
What do you mean, Captain Har-
dy." said Mr. Willoughby, in strong
excitement: would you shed a mans
blood on the very threshold Of my
door For Gods sake, stay"
Make your peace with Heaven. In
five minutes" said Hardy without
needing him; have you the rope,
Ferris?"
Die as a common felon!" said Da-
vie, recoiling, and for the first time
exhibiting any emotion. Let me at
least meet a soldiers doom: 1t Is all
l ask at your hands"
Spare his young blood, Captain
Hardy; do not have him murdered be-
fore my eyes. Ellen. where are you?
Come and plead for his life" said Mr..
Willoughby. looking around for Ellen
She who was most interested in this
dreadful decision had at different times
striven to speak but her voice failed
her. She now sprang up. and would
have thrown herself at Hardys feet
had not Davies arm restrained her.
plead with him, and for me? New
er, Ellen" and clasping her In his
arms. while In weakness and terror her
head rested on his shoulder, he proud
ly confronted his enemy. mo! I ask
nothing from your hands. Die as
may, I will die like a man. and the ig-
nominy will remain with you as my