Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1906-02-27
CHAPTER XX-CoNTINUED.


ton of Scripture; then, placing himsei
on his knees, whilst the whole famil!
followed his example, he poured fortf
a fervent and heart-inspired prayer
It was a simple and homely effusion
delivered from the suggestions OF tn'
moment, in accordance with a deVou
habit of thanksgiving and supplica'
ton to which he had long been accus'
toned. He was a Presbyterian, ane
had witnessed, with many a pang, th'
profigate contempt and even saVag'
persecution with which his sect haC
been visited by many Of the Tory lead
ers, especially by the loyalist partisan
Captain Huck, who had been recently
killed in an incursion Of Sumpters a.
Williams's plantation, not far distant
from Musgrove's present residence. i
was this unsparing hostility toward:
his religion, and impious derision OF II
that, more than any other circum'
stance. had begotten that secret dislike
of the Tory cause which, 1t was known
to a few, the miller entertained, al
though his age, situation, and perhaps
some ancient prejudice of descent (fol
he was the son of an early Scotch i'm
migrant) would rather have inclined
him to take the royal side; that side
which, In common belief and in appear
ance he still favored.
Thou hast bent thy bow" he said
in the warmest effusion of his prayer
"and shot thine arrows, Oh Lord
amongst this people; thou has per-
mitted the minister Of vengeance, and
the seekers of blood to ride amongst
us, and thy wrath hath not yet bowed
the stubborn spirit Of sin-but the
hard hearts are given strong arms
and with curses they have smitten the
people. Yet even the firebrand thai
1t did please thee not to stay because
of our sin-yea, even the firebrano
that did cause confiagration along oul
border, until by the light the errine
children of men might read in the
dark night, from one end of our boun-
dary even unto the other, the enor-
nifty of their own backslidings,, and
their forgetfulness Of thee; that fire.
brand hath been thrown into the blaze
which 1t had itself kindled, and. like
a weapon of war which hath grown
dull in the work Of destruction, hath
been cast into the place of unprofita-
BILE lumber, and hath been utterly
consumed. The prosecutor of the
righteous and the scoffer of the word
hath paid the price of blood, and hath
fallen into the snares wherewith he
lay in wait to ensnare the feet Of the
unthinking. But stay now, o Lord, OF
Hosts, the hand of the destroyer, and
let the angel of peace again spread his
wing over our racked and wearied
land. Take from the wicked hear
righteous man safe beside his family
hearth. Shelter the head of the wan
derer, and guide in safety the hunted
fugitive who fees before the man OF
captivity, and make all hearts in this
rent and sundered province to know
and bless thy mercies forevermore
In especial, we beseech thee to give
the victory to him that hath right
and to 'stablish the foundations OF the
government in justice and truth, CIV
ing liberty Of conscience and liberty
of law to those who know how to Use
It," At this point the worship Of he
evening was arrested by a slight
knocking at the door.
"Who goes there" exclaimed Tho
old man, starting from his knee(in'
position. "Who raps at my door,"
"A stranger, good man." replied
voice without. "a poor fellow tina
has been hot pressed and hard run
Friend or foe?" asked Allen Mus
grove.
"a very worthless friend to any
man at this present speaking" repliH
the person on the outside Of the door;
"and not fit to be counted a foe unit
he has had something to eat. If yet
be Allen Musgrove, open your door"
Are you alone, or do you come witt
followers at your heels? My house l:
small and can give scant comfort t
many?"
Faith it is more than l know" res
ponded the other; but If l have fol
lowers 1t Is not with my will that the!
shall cross your door-sill. If you b.
Allen Musgrove, or If you be not, opel
friend. 1 am as harmless as barn
door fowl"
"I do not fear you, sir" said Mus
grove, opening the door; you are wei
come to all can give you, whateve
.colors you serve"
Then give US your hand" saiC
Horse Shoe Robinson, striding into tht
apartment. You are a stranger t.
me. but If you are Allen Musgrove, thu
miller. that have hearn men speak OF
you are not the person to turn you
back on a fellow creature In distress
Your sarvant, mistress" he added
bowling to the dame. Far riding ant
fast riding gives a sort of claim thes'
times; so excuse me for sitting down.
You are welcome, again; you
name, sir?" said Musgrove.
Have l guessed yours?" inquired
Horse Shoe.
You have"
Then you must guess mine; for
isn't convenient to tell It,"
Some poor Whig soldier" sai'
Christopher Shaw privately to Mus
grove. 1T isn't right to make hin
betray himself. You are hungry
friend" added Christopher; land W
will first get you something to eat, an
then you may talk all the better for 1t,
That's a good word" said Hors
Shoe, "and a brave word, as things go
for it isn't every man has the courag
to feed an enemy in these day:
though l made the devils do 1t for m
this morning, ha, ha,, ha! Some water
Mr.. Musgrove, 1t will not come badly t
my hand II you can tangle 1t some
what"