Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1905-12-29

bitter end: and in the despair Of 6
negro reign of terror, still the pro.
phetess and high priestess Of a people
serene. undismayed and defiant, she
had fitted the uniform Of Grand
Dragon on her last son, and sewed ir
secret day and night to equip his men
And through 1t all she was without af-
fectation, her sweet motherly ways
gentle manner and bearing always re-
sistless to those who came within heI
influence.
eff he dies" cried the fearful voice
81 shall never forgive myself for moi
surrendering without reserve and
fighting his battles with him."
'sHe is not dead yet" was the moth
er's firm answer Doctor Cameron Is
on Queens back. Your lovers mer
will be riding tonight-these young
daredevil knights Of the South, with
with their life in their hands, a song
on their lips, and the scorn Of death ir
their souls!"
"Then I'll ride with them," cried the
girl suddenly lifting her head.
Ben stepped into the room, and with
a cry of JOY Elsie sprang into his arms
The mother stood silent until their lips
met in the long tender kiss of the last
surrender of perfect love.
How did you escape so soon," she
asked quietly, while Elsie's head still
lay on his breast.
"Phil shot the brute, and I rushed
him out of town. He heard the new5
returned on the special, took my place
and sent me for his father. The guard
has been changed, and it's impossible
to see him, or communicate with the
new commandant-"
"And father has hidden to avoid me
-merciful God-if Phil is executed
He isn't dead vet, either" said Ben
slipping his arm around her. But
we must save him without a clash OF
a drop OF bloodshed. II possible. The
fate Of our people may hang on this
A battle with United States troops
now might mean ruin for the south
But you will save him?" Elsie
pleaded. looking into his face.
"Yes-or I'll go down with him." was
the steady answer.
Where is Margaret" he asked
Gone to McAllister's with a mes
sage from your father" Mrs. Cameron
replied.
Tell her when she returns to keep
a steady nerve. I'll save Phil. Send
her to find her father. Tell him to
hold five hundred men ready for ac-
ton In the woods by the river and the
rest in reserve two miles out Of town.
May 1 go with herr" Elsie asked,
eagerly.
mo I may need you" he said. 81
am going to find the old statesman
now. IL I have to drag the bottomless
pit. Wait here until / return"
Ben reached the telegraph office un-
observed called the operator at Colum-
bia. and got the Grand Giant Of the
county into the Office. Within an hour
he learned that the death warrant
had been received and approved
1t would be returned by a mes
scnger to Piedmont on the morn
ing train He learned also that an ap-
peal for a stay must be made through
the Honorable Austin Stoneman. the
secret representative of the govern
ment clothed with this special pow
II. The execution had been ordered
the day of the election, to prevent the
concentration of any large force bent
en- rescue.
"The old fox!" Ben muttered.
From the Grand Giant at Spartan
burg he learned, after a delay Of three
hours, that Stoneman had left with q
boy in a buggy. which he had hired fol
three days, and refused to tell his des-
tination. He promised to follow and
locate him as quickly as possible.
It was the afternoon on the day fol-
lowing, during the progress OF the
election. before Ben received the mes
sage from Spartanburg that Stonemar
had been found at the Old Red Tav-
ern where the roads crossed from
Piedmont to Hambright. 1t was only
twelve miles away, just over the line
on the North Carolina side.
He walked with Margaret to the
block where Queen stood saddled
watching with pride the quiet air ol
self control with which she bore her
self.
Now, my sister, you know the way
to the tavern Ride for your sweet
hearts life. Bring the old man here
by o'clock and We'll save Phil with
out a fight. Keep your nerve. The
commandant knows a regiment of mine
is lying in the woods, and he's trying
to slip out of town with his prisoner
I'll stand by my men ready for bat
tie at a moments notice, but for God!
sake get here in time to prevent It,"
She stopped from the saddle, pressed
her brothers hand, kissed him. ant
galloped swiftly over the old Way o
Romance she knew so we'll.
On reaching the tavern, the landlord
rudely denied that any such man wa'
there, and left her standing dazed ant
struggling to keep back the tears.
A boy of eight. with big wide friend
ly eyes, slipped into the room, looked
up into her face tenderly. and said:
Hes the biggest liar in North Car
olina. The old mans right upstairs II
the room over your head. Come on
I'll show you"
Margaet snatched the child in he
arms and kissed him.
She knocked in vain for ten min
utes. At last she heard his voic
within:
Go away from that door,
I'm from Piedmont. sir" crie'
Margaret. with an important messag
from the commandant for you"
Yes: l saw you come. l will no
see you. know everything, and l vii
hear no appeal"
But you can not know Of the ex
change of men"-pleaded the girl.
II tell you l know all about it.
will not interfere