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

vinced of the impracticability of the
escape.
my pistols, quick, Ellen: quick
they are under my pillow. I will sell
my life dearly" cried Major Davie, as
he flung back the door-and ere he
had time to question her as to her
excitement: for he had been too busily
engaged In searching ways Of escape
to heed the parley in the adjoining
room, and the noise of the crashing
door had been mingled with the confu-
sion below-Ellen ran quickly to his
room, and snatching the pistols. has
tened back.
1.-The branches come almost into the
windows of the next room," he said,
land l am fain to try 1t. If my good
steed were but below! My brave
girl FAREWELL" He clasped her In his
arms and kissed her tenderly. do not
be too much alarmed on my account,
dearest: even were I to fall into Har-
dy's hands, he Is a soldier, and will
know how to treat a soldier and an
} officer"
You are lost! you are lost! II you
fall into his hands," she cried; land
I will be the cause. But bark! they
come! Fly! for Gods sake fiy!" and
leaving her with one Of the pistols
yet in her hands, the trooper entered
the inner room.
The Tories were returning, though
many had scattered through the house
In search of booty, Ferris among them.
who now secure Of Davie, wished to
secure the envied plate. the possession
of which had long haunted his brain.
Ellen had scarcely time to regain her
calmness. when Captain Hardy, with
his troopers, was at the door.
with this" she murmured. grasping
the weapon, 81 may yet intlmidate
them. There are but few: he may
yet escape"
Miss Campbell, your subterfuge has
not availed. 1t Is impossible for him
to escape our guards. You but enforce
upon me harsh measures. My duty
Is to take the rebel, Davie. Once
more ask you to let me pass" The
Captain was evidently angry and cha
grined Ellen felt he was no longer
to be put Off.
81 have told you l would not let you
pass. Captain Hardy" she said. Il
will defend the privacy of my room
with my life."
You would, Miss Campbell" he
cried. sarcastically. You hold your life
cheap. Few would risk the precious
gift on such an imaginary sanctity:
but answer me on your honor as q
lady. Is there nothing more precious to
preserve In this room than simply your
privacy? Answer me truthfully. and
l will leave you undisturbed from far
ther annoyance"
He fixed his eyes keenly upon her.
She strove to meet his look unabashed,
but the guilty blood would not be sub
dued- It rushed In torrents to her
cheeks, bathed her very brow with
1 crimson tide-her eyes fell under the
searching glance and her secret stood
| confessed.
II am answered." said he, calmly;
do not longer detain me-let me pass"
She did not move. You force me to
this" he said, as he placed his hand
on her arm. Shaking it from her and
springing back, she cried:
Advance at your peril; for solemn
ly swear l will shoot the first man
dead who crosses that threshold"
There was no mistaking the firmness
of the intrepid girl Every nerve was
strung to high resolve, and her flush
ed cheeks and compressed lips testified
to her undaunted courage.
Then may God forgive you, Miss
Campbell" said Hardy, standing In
momentary admiration Of the lovely
girl; then fearlessly crossing the
threshold. The next instant there
was a report, and the pistol ball enter
ed the ceiling.
You may thank God you are
spared the life Of a human being"
said he gravely. as she covered her
face and staggered ba tx for an instant
overcome by a sense Of womanly fear
at the possibility of sending a soul
to Judgment but give me the pistol,
would save you from more success
full attempt"
| Never" said she, firmly. You take
1t from me at your risk" and again
she sprang back from his touch.
by heaven! girl" cried he exas-
perated beyond all control, you'll
force me to wrest 1t from you. Cease
this idle defiance; 1t only serves to
hasten your lovers doom, for I swear
you have taught me never to allow
him to leave this place alive"
Spare your oaths, sir, and permit
me to leave 1t now. would save my
self insult and you the modification
Of further annoying, by your rude and
unmannerly conduct, a helpless maid
en-. Let me pass" and drawing her
shawl closely around her, with firm
step and erect carriage, she swept
past him, leaving him In mystified
wonder that she should, at length, so
quietly give up what she had so reck-
lessly contended for. With many a
muttered curse at the caprice that so
lannoyed him. he proceeded on his fruit
lesss search. Maddened to find his
prey escaped, he searched every nook
and corner In the mansion In vain
Summoning the scattered Tories. he
sternly upbraided them with remiss-
ness in duty, and swore II Davie was
not caught. he would make Ferris an
swer with his life.
Ellen. who had sought refuge with
Mr.. Willoughby In the parlor, In tremb-
ling dread. heard the angry summons
and the bitter curses Of the disap-
pointed men, Hoping that Davie would
have the prudence to remain quietly
in his retreat, Ellen determined to
make another effort for him. Calling
Jerry, as being the most reliable OF
the servants, she instructed him 10
hasten with what speed and secrecy he
might. to the camp. and warn Bowen
of his friends danger.
But how shall get off, Miss Ellen?