Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1906-05-04
HORSE SHOE
ROBINSON
A Tale of the Revolutionary Struggle In
Upper Carolina.
BvJOHN P. KENNEDY.

Il
come to offer his duty to her."
II suppose by that, you are wishing
to see the lady," replied the sergeant;
III let her know, sir"
| Robinson retired for a few moments
and when he returned he announced te
the commander that Mrs. Markham
was not willing to come from hel
chamber. But whatsoever your hon
or pleases to ak after, the lady prom
ises you shall have" continued the
sergeant.
well, that's a condescension!-a
good, comfortable lady! So, gentle
men, you see we are in luck; broad
roof over head-a larder well stored,
hope-and a cellar not altogether emp
ty, 1 think 1 may undertake to prom
ise. Where are your waiting men, my
nimble Ganymede? You are sluggish
oaf, fellow, not to see that soldiers
must have drink"
Alfred and Henry now entered the
hall, and the former approaching Tar
Teton, said, with a firm but respectful
tone,-
my mother has before been visited
by British troops, and she had so little
then to thank them for, except their
departure, that the fear Of meeting
them again has greatly alarmed her
Our family. sir, has no older man in 1t
than myself-and out of regard to
helpless women"
That's enough. my pert lad" inter-
rupted Tarleton; II have heard OF
your good mother before; she is some
what over ready in her zeal in be-
half of Marion's ragamuffins; and truly
think she Is more squeamish than she
should be at the sight of a soldier,
when she could look upon such hang
gallows knaves without shuddering.
You have another man in your house,
see directing his eye towards Henry
Lindsay, who had seated himself In
the halD and full as old, 1 take 1t, as
yourself"
"I wish 1 were a man Of full age,
said Henry, looking fearlessly at the
British officer, and remaining fixed In
his chair.
why so, my gay sparrow-hawk?"
81 would have disputed with you
your right to enter this door,"
"These young cocks are all trained to
show their game" said the colonel to
one of his companions "Weil, you
are a fine fellow, and should be hap
py to be better acquainted with you.
A little too stiff, perhaps; but you VIII
learn better as you grow older. You
should thank me for making holiday in
your school today"
Here Robinson interposed before
Henry could make the saucy reply he
meditated, by announcing that the
company would find some cool water
and a supply of spirits in the adjoin-
ing ROOM Besides" he added, 81 have
told the households to make ready
somewhat In the way Of victuals, as
judged you mought be a little hungry"
Not badly thought of, Mr.. Ajax"
said one of the officers. as the party
now crowded into the room.
Don't forget Stephen Foster" whis-
pered Robinson, by way Of admonition
In regard to his assumed character, as
he passed by the chair where Henry
was sitting. And keep a civil tongue
in your head"
Henry nodded compliance, and then,
with Alfred, left the hall, whilst the
sergeant repaired to the refreshment
room to offer his officious attentions to
the guests.
Meanwhile, the ladies still kept to
their chamber, ever and anon, gazing
out at the window with a solicitous
and unhappy interest and occasionally
receiving the highly colored reports OF
the servants, who. as often as any new
subject of wonder or fear occurred to
them. were plying backwards and for
wards between the apartment and the
he ad of the staircase.
| After an interval of half an hour
during which the uncouth din OF
laughter, of loud oaths, and Of the
careless staggering of the party be-
low, rose with a harsh note to the cal
of the hostess and her companion, these
sounds abruptly ceased, and 1t was
evident that the visitor had quilted
the house. 1t was with an emotion OF
delight that Mrs. Markham, from the
window, beheld Colonel Tarleton ano
his comrades galloping towards the
main body Of his troops that awaited
him near the barn; but, on repairing tc
] the hall. this sudden CLEAN of salts
faction was as suddenly clouded, wher
the matron perceived q sentinel posted
at the front door, AS soon as she
came within speech Of this function
airy. he threw up his hand to his brow
as he said: THE colonel commanded
me to make his compliments to the Ia
dies. and asks the honor Of their COM
pany at dinner"
Colonel Tarleton forgets himself,
said Mrs. Markham, with a stately re-
serve that showed she had now dis
missed her fears; "a brave soldier
would hardly think 1t triumph to in
suit unprotected females"
He is here to speak for himselt
madam replied the sentinel as Tarle
ton at this moment returned to th'
door.
The lady of the house, thus taken b!
surprise. firmly stood her ground. ant
awaited in silence the accost of the OF
ficer. Tarleton was somewhat dis
concerted by this unexpected encoun
ter He had entered with hurried
step. but the moment he was aware o
the presence of the dame, he halted
and removed his cap from his head
as he made a low obeisance.
Il am too happy, madam" he said
"in the persuasion that you have over
come your unnecessary alarm at thi
visit; and feel pleased to be afforded
an opportunity of making my respect
i'm person"
Il can conceive no sufficient reason
Colonel TarletOn, why a defenceles
house like mine should provoke tn
visit of such host OF armed men,