Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1906-02-20
CHAPTER VI,

CHAPTER VI.
An hour after the capture of Gainey
by Marion's Brigade, young Forstall
noun Ted his horse and rode up to Mr.
| Strickland's. Ruth Strickland knew that
she was beloved, but we cannot say that
Frank Forstall had the same comfort
able assurance so far as she was con
cerned. Various emotions agitated his
mind when he entered the dwelling anC
stood in the presence of the maiden dear
er than all others. He was conscious
OF feeling some pride and considerable
confusion. Ruth received him with hel
usual modesty, and that dignity which
was natural to her
Though dignity in a maiden otter
chills the hopes of her admirer it must
be remembered that it also secures his
respect, and shields her from imper
Thence. But dignity and modesty are
not incompatible with cordiality, as oul
hero soon discovered, much to his salts
faction.
We have heard of your gallant ex
PLOTS at Brittons Neck this morning,
said Miss Strickland, earnestly.
Frank torstall colored and replied
that the credit was due principally
to the gallantry and prudence of Gen
Marion, who had planned the expedi
ton"
Major Gainey and his confederate:
nave distressed the peaceable inhabit
ants not little during their brief STAY
here, and every heart will be reioiceC
that they have thus been checked If
their career of crime" added Ruth with
increased enthusiasm.
Your words fall most agreeabIv upor
my ears" said Frank, warmly. "To hea,
you discourse thus more than rewards
me for any peril 1 may possibly have
| incurred"
Indeed, Mr.. FOrstau, | express but
teeoly and imperfectly the joy which
| this unexpected event has produced
among US. | am sure the news of this
victory of right over wrong will cause
hope to revive in every patriotic heart
Our good neighbors say that hundreds
who were about to seek royal protection
Will when they hear of this victory, be
induced to swell the ranks of Marion
ana sumter" returned Ruth, with still
| greater earnestness.
1t is pleasant to be thus cheered or
and stimulated to heroic deeds by the
gentle voice of woman" replied the
young man, feelingly; but, Miss Strick
land, 1t would be more pleasant if
Although Frank had felt no fear wher
he met the swords of Gainey's dragons
he now quailed and trembled before the
soft eyes of Ruth Strickland. The sen.
tence was left unsaid, and Ruth was
confused past description What might
nave next ensued, it is impossible to
tell, for while Forstall was stammerine
ana colorlng to his eyebrows, a man
rushed into the room, bringing the news
Of the battle of Camden, and the dis.
astrous defeat of Gen. Gates.
The army is annihilated!' he cried
"our troops are flying in every direction
and South Carolina is Iostr'
My father was there" exclaimed
Ruth, wildly. Murder and spoIiatioT
will now be the order of the day."
This is indeed dreadful news" said
Forstau.
Il can only tell you that he stood firm
with those who remained on the field
and was taken at the time Baron dc
| ANSRAb ACAs S0Ad Tic mail
Captivity is far better than disgrace
said Mrs. Strickland. 81 should have
grieved more had he been with those
who fed the field"
Right, madam, right" exclaimed the
surgeon. "Cowardice is more to be de
plored than Imprisonment, wounds OF
death"
| The surgeon soon after took his leave
and FOrstall and Miss Strickland were
! again left together. The former would
have renewed the conversation which
had been interrupted by the entrance OF
the surgeon, but he had not the presence
Of mind to do so; he therefore endeav
ored to comfort his fair companion by
holding out every hope of her fathers
release that the circumstances of the
case would possibly admit
L presume" said Frank, chat this
news affects you deeply, and it is but
natural that it should; but l am inclined
to believe that his exchange can be
effected without much difficulty. l shall
make every effort to see him."
DO so, Mr.. Forstall, and whether Won
succeed or not be assured that l shall
not be unmindful of your exertions," re
joined Ruth.
Il know of no peril l would not dare
in order to win your good opinion" re.
piled Frank
You shall have my constant prayers
for your safety and success" added
Ruth, timidly.
IF your lips pray for me. Ruth
shall indeed be safe and successful" ex.
claimed Forstall.
"Hark! What do hear?" cried Ruth,
''The bugles of MarioI's brigade" said
Frank, proudly. ''They are coming this
way; it is the signal for me to leave
YOU"
The parties went TO the door to obtain
a view Of the brigade.
(which is Gen. MarionY' asked Ruth,
THAT small man at the head of the
brigade" was the reply.
Who is that large man in the center
of the first rank?" continued Miss
Strickland.
That is Job Dawson, a very singular
Parsonage indeed" replied Forstall with
a smile
Il have heard of him." said Ruth
His name has been mentioned in con
neetion with certain young lady who
lives further up the river. So far as
am able to judge from vague reports
that have recently reached me he is a
most extraordinary character"
Il do not remember of ever having
heard of him until yesterday, when
saw him in the ranks of the brigade,
answered Forstall.
The brigade made short halt, and
Frank gave Miss Strickland hurried