Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1906-05-04
CHAPTER XLVIII.
An Incident Of the War Not Unfamil.
lar to the Time.

inson was seen, from the windows or
Mrs Markham's parlor, pricking along
the avenue that conducted to the front
his horse at the door, the family were
already assembled there to greet him.
The plight, both Of himself and Of his
steed, was such as to tell the best part
of his story-they had travelled far and
seen rough service. The rest was sup
piled by the sergeant himself who, be-
fore he moved from the spot where he
had dismounted, gave a narrative Of
his adventures, which was listened to
with great anxiety by the household. .
BY the sergeant's reckoning, Mrs.
Markham's residence could not be more
than twenty miles from the place
where, at daybreak, he had encounter
ed the British partisan, whom he had
left with a full conviction that the ex-
pedition then on foot was to be direct
ed against the country lying upon the
river These tidings spread conster-
nation throughout the mansion, and the
morning was passed in all the confu-
sion which such an alarm might be
supposed to produce. The fright Of the
females rendered them irresolute, and
incapable of attending to the most OBJ
vious precautions necessary to meet
the emergency.
In this conjuncture. Robinson felt
himself bound to assume the direction
Of affairs At his suggestion, the plate
and such other valuables as were likely
to attract the cupidity Of licentious
soldiery, were secreted In hiding places
sufficiently secure to defy a hasty
search. The family was advised to as
sumo the appearance of as much COM
posure as they could command; and
the last and most emphatic injunction
of the sergeant was, to provide an am
pie and various repast, In the hope
that the ill-will Of the visitants might
be conciliated by the display of good
cheer. All this was accordingly put
into train of accomplishment.
In the midst Of these precautions. the
fears Of the inhabitants Of the man
sion were but too truly realized. 1t
was scarcely noon when the long COLI
ufnn OF Tarletons cavalry was deserted
descending the high hills that lay in
the distance, and soon, afterwards,
taking the road that led into the plan
tation.
Whilst the panic produced by this
sight was still fresh the sounds Of bu-
giles and trumpets showed that the in
vaders had already turned their steps
towards the dwelling. and the next
view disclosed them deploying from
wood and advancing at a full trot.
The quick beat of hoofs upon the soil
and the jangling sound of sabres
shaken against the f1anks of the horses.
struck upon the terrified ear of the
proprietress of the estate like the harsh
portents of impending ruin; and In the
despair and agony of her distress, she
retreated hastily to her chamber
whittier she summoned her female do
mestlcs. and gave way to a flood of
tears. She was followed by Mildred
who touched by the pervading disquiet
OF the family, participated in the alarm,
and found herself overcome by ter
ror which she had never before exper-
fenced in all the scenes which she had
lately gone through Obeying the in
stinct OF her present fears, our heroine
covered beside her weeping friend, in
the midst of the group of clamorous
servants, and awaited in mute sOlici-
tude the coming events.
The cavalry had turned aside and
halted In front Of a barn some distance
from the dwelling-house. and a small
party. consisting principally Of officers
attended by a sergeants guard, were
Immediately afterwards seen galloping
up to the door. The air of eXultation
exhibited In their movement, their loud
jocularity and frequent laughter, re-
sembled the burst Of gladstone riot with
which a party of fox-hunters are wont
game, and gave evidence of the feel
ings of men who set little account up
on the annoyance they threatened to a
peaceful and unoffending household.
When the officers of the party had
dismounted and entered the hall. the
first person they encountered was Ser
geant Robinson who had thoughtfully
posted himself In view OF the door:
and now. with some awkward and un-
calmly bows and scraping of his feet
across the door. bade them welcome.
What" said Tarleton, who was at
ha Of ba infr ha
stumbled so soon again upon our
shrewd and sensible OK! Wise Master
Stephen Foster, we'll met! So you are
the gentleman usher to your good
friend, Mrs Markham! BY my faith
the old lady is likely to have the honors
OF her house well administered"
Your sarvant, sir" said Horse Shoe
again bowling and scraping his foot
with a look of imperturbable gravity
"Mought l ak your honor to stomp as
lightly upon the floor as you can? My
young lady is sick upstairs-and much
noise Is apt to furry her narves."
Tread daintily, gentleman" said
Tarleton. laughing, for your gallan-
try's sake! A ladys nerves are as del
icate as the strings of a harp, and
must not be rudely struck. The dam
sells page here (pointing to Horse
Shoe). puts down his foot like most
considerate elephant-soft as feath-
er you perceive; and l would by nc
means have you give so worshipful q
master of courtesy cause to complain
of you AS your wisdom" he added
again addressing the sergeant, has
found out. by this time, that you are
in the house of Mrs. Markham, al
though you aforementioned that this
morning l suppose you can tell wheth-
er she is at home?'
@I""I can answer you that she Is al
home, sir-that is, onless she has went
out since | saw her, which is not like
ly, sir"
Then, present her Colonel Tarle'