Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1906-04-13


homely lodging since she left the Dove
Cote; and, as privation and toll nave
faculty to convert the rough pallet OF
the peasant into a bed of down, she
hailed the present prospect Of rest with
a contented and grateful spirit.
The supper being despatched, our
lady was left alone with her hostess, TO
seek the repose Of which she stood so
much In need.
The sergeant now set about making
provision for the rest Of his party.
This was done by erecting shelter be-
meath one of the trees of the forest, OPP
posite to the door Of the cabin. 1t was
composed Of a few boughs stacked
against the trunk Of the tree, suffi-
ciently covered with leaves to turn
aside any rain that might happen to
fall. Under this cover Horse Shoe ap-
pointed that he and his comrades
should pass the night enjoining them
to keep a regular watch for the secur-
ity Of the lady, whose welfare was
now the object of his most sedulous
attention. All these preparations were
made with the exactness of military
rule, and with a skill that greatly de-
lighted Henry.
The long summer twilight had faded
away. Mildred had been, from an ear
ly period, In the enjoyment Of pro-
found slumber, and Henry and his ne
gro ally were seated at the front OF
their sylvan tent. The sergeant had
lighted his pipe, and now, taking his
seat upon a log that lay near his post,
he began to smoke in good earnest, with
a mind as free from anxiety as II uni
versal peace prevailed. In the sedate
enjoyment Of this luxury, he fell into
a descant on matters and things, inter-
larded with long and strange stories
Of his own singular adventures. which
he told to the no small edification and
amusement of Henry and the negro.
The habits Of the experienced soldier
were curiously illustrated in the
thoughtful and sober foresight with
which Robinson adapted his plans to
the exigencies of his condition, and
then in the imperturbable light-heart-
edness with which, after his measures
of safety were taken he waited the
progress Of events. His watchfulness
seemed to be an instinct, engendered
by a familiarity with danger, whilst
the steady and mirthful tone Of his
mind was an attribute that never gave
way to the inroads Of care. He was
the same composed and self-possessed
being in. a besieged garrison, In the
moment of a threatened escalade, as
amongst his cronies by a winter fire.
side.
I'm this here starlight Mister Hen
ry," he said, after he had puffed out
two or three charges Of his pipe, Il
can't see your eyes, but by your yawn-
ing, 1 Judge you are little sleepy,
Take my advice and turn in. A sodger
ought to snatch his rest when he can
get it. I'll keep guard over our
young lady; the Lord protect hef, for
a most elegant and uncommon pre-
cious young creature! Fling your great
coat upon the leaves, and go at It, my
lad, like good fellow"
-"If was at home Mr. Horse. Shoe.
at the Dove Cote could sit up all
night listening to your stories; but l
believe 1 am bewitched tonight, for my
eyelids, this hour past, have been snap
ping like rat traps. So. I'll just stretch
out for an hour or so, and then get up
and take my turn at the guard"
Don't trouble your head about
watching" replied Horse Shoe, you
are not old enough for that yet. At
your time of life, Mr.. Lindsay, good
nights rest Is the best part Of a ration.
And tomorrow, if I'm not mistaken, you
will have need of all the strength you
can muster tonight. AS for me, 1t isn't
much account whether I'm asleep or
awake"
Not so fast, sergeant" rejoined the
youth, I'm an older soldier than you
take me for; Stephen and l have
No no. I'll have my turn towards
morning So you and Isaac take the
first part of the night between you, and
if anything should happen, call me; I'm
one of your minute men. So good
night. My horse trots harder that l
thought he did"
1t was not long before our boasted
minute man was locked up In a spell
apparently as profound as that which
the legend affirms assailed the seven
sleepers and Isaac, not even waiting for
the good example of his master, had al
ready sunk upon the ground, with that
facility which distinguishes his race
the most uncaring and happiest or
mortals.