Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1906-03-13

ter. John had only twenty-fou hour.
previous, left Sumpter near Rocky
Mount-immediately after the battle b!
which the British convoy was won. HI
was sent with dispatches to Col. Will
liams, Whig partisan Of note, who wa.
now supposed to be in the neighborhoot
of the Saluda. These had some reference
ties; and John Ramsay was permitted
by Sumter to make a short halt at his
fathers house.
In the first hour after his arrival, he
had given to the family the history Of
his homeward ride. He had discovered
that hostile forces-of which, until his
journey was nearly finished, he heard
nothing-were encamped in the neigh
borhood: that court martial had beer
sitting for the trial of an American Of
ficer, as a spy, and had condemned
him to be shot. He had been apprised
moreover, that small parties were out
riding into every corner of the country
He himself had nearly been surprised
by one Of these, as he endeayored to
make his way to the house Of Allen
Musgrove where he had proposed to
himself a visit, even before he came
to his fathers, but, fearing something
wrong, he had fled from them, and
baffled their pursuit, although they
had chased him more than a mile; he
bod In onpcanuanna h.., dapriuad M
the opportunity Of visiting the miller.
Although 1t is four months since
we have seen you, john" said the
dame, with tone of affectionate child
under Allen Musgrove's roof, before
you thought Of the arms Of your
mother"
Johns sunburnt cheek blushed GRIM
step out of the way, mother and
should not have stayed long. Mr.
Musgrove and his folks are safe and
well, hope. and Christopher"
Tut, boy! speak it out, and don't
blush about It," interrupted the father
briskly: "she Is a good girl, and you
needn't be ashamed to name her. as
you ought to have done, first and be-
fore all the rest. Mary is well, John
and has just proved herself to be the
best girl in the country"
This little passage Of mirth between
the parents and their son, led to full
narrative by David Ramsay Of the
events which had occurred in the last
two or three days, concluding with the
capture Of the ensign, and the retreat
of Horse Shoe and Christopher Shaw
to the Devirs Ladder. The communi-
cation wrought grave and thoughtful
mood on the young soldier. 1t present
ed a crisis to him for immediate ac-
| tion. He was wearied with long ride,
but II seemed to him to be no time for
rest.
Father" he said, after turning over
in his thoughts the intelligence he had
just received, ut was a brave and
beautiful thing for so young a lad as
Andy to do: and the taking Of the en-
sign has served a useful purpose, but
1t brings this house and family into
danger. And / fear for poor Mary.
Christopher Shaw must get bayck to
the mill, and quickly too. His absence
will bring his uncles family into trou-
BILE. l will take Christophers place,
and go to Horse Shoes assistar ce this
night We may take the prisoner with
us to Williams"
Tonight" said the mother anxious
ly, you would not leave us tonigh:,
John?"
AYE, tonight, wife," answered Dav-
is Ramsay. "the boy is right, there is
no time to spare"
Have mercy upon u.s." exclaimed
the dame; Ito ride so far tonight, af-
have not strength"
Dear mother" said John, think
that you are all in danger and that
Mary. who has behaved so well, might
be suspected. and brought to harm.
must hurry forward to Colonel Will
liams, and this road by the Devils
Ladder is far out Of my way. No, !
am not so much fatigued, mother, as
YOU suppose. 1 will rest for a few
hours and then try the woods. Day
break, warrant shall not find me far
from Horse Shoe"
John Ramsay was not above six and
| fnn 10 MI
and manly frame. well adapted to hard
service: and this was associated with
a bold and intelligent countenance,
which. Notwithstanding the dint of
had for a year or two past been ac-
| lively engaged in the war, and his
manners had, In consequence, acquired
that maturity and decision which are
generally found in those whose habits
Of life render them familiar with per-
| lis. On the present occasion he re-
garded the necessity of cooperation
with Robinson as so urgent, that no
other thought crossed his mind but
that which belonged to the care Of put
ting himself in condition 20 make his
service effectual.
With this view he now directed his
horse to be carefully tended; then,
having taken a hearty meal, he retired
to rest, desiring that he might be
walked up at midnight, when he pro-
posed to follow the path Of Horse Shoe
and his comrade.
| TO BE CONTINUED.
FRESH BLOW AT DRUMMERS.