The Dakota chief. (Gann Valley, Buffalo County, S.D.) 18??-1913, 1906-05-17
MARION'S BRIGADE
BY MAJOR ]. H. ROBINSON

nothing; on the contrary, 1t is for you
alone that tremble."
| Let not my danger distress you, for
Il Is glorious to die for ones country.
Whatever situation l may be placed in,
let it never influence your conduct so far
as Cyrus Dix is concerned. Pursue a
high and truthful course, never violat-
| ing your best convictions of right, or
going counter to the still small voice of
that divinity which presides in every
bosom. A man like the party referred
to can never be congenial to a nature
like yours; hence no duty which you owe
to me or to God can ever force you into
any nearer relationship with him.
would die daily the death of the gibbet
rather than have you connected with
such a villain as Dix has proved himself
to be-"
my own instincts would teach me to
shun him, If you had never expressed
your sentiments on the subject"
"In regard to this Tory gathering at
the old field, near the crossroads, it
seems to me something ought to be done
about it," resumed Mr.. Martin.
II have already considered the matter,
and decided what ought to be done," re-
piled Kate. II propose to advise Ma
rion's Brigade Of the Tory gathering,
But have you devised the means of
its accomplishment? asked the father.
Certainly. / mean to carry the intel
ligence to Marion myself"
"You, Kate? That is out Of the ques.
ton. You would never reach the Santee
If you should attempt it. You would be
stopped by the Tories"
/ "You know that am an expert horse
womanY'
II know there isn't colt in the neigh.
borhood, and hasn't been for the last
year, that you would fear to mount. You
have caused me much uneasiness by your
daring in that respect. You are very
good girl, Kate, but rather wild in some
respects"
MY skill, acquired by such practices,
may now be of some use to me. Victor,
| you know, is feet and strong, and yet
very docile; can manage him when, he
is very restive under other hands. When
1t is fairly night, will mount him and
ride quickly from the settlement. If
am observed, no one will think strange
| OF the circumstances, because I ride so
much, and am so noted for that kind of
exercise. Before morning could reach
Gen. Marion's camp, and tomorrow
night the sabers of the brigade would
wave in triumph over the place of the
Tory rendezvous"
! go, my darling Kate, and heaven will
protect you!" exclaimed the pastor, fer
vently.
| "With heavens blessing and yours,
cannot fall" said the daughter, enthusi-
astically.
CHAPTER TX.
A large, powerful horse, whose black
skin shone like polished glass, stood at
Mr.. Martins door. Kate appeared,
dressed in dark and becoming riding
habit. She approached the steed, who
seemed impatient to be in motion, and
fearlessly caressed his arching neck with
her gloved hand.
| Speaking soothingly to Victor, the dar-
! ing maiden sprang lightly to the saddle,
and grasping the flowing reins, felt that
she was mistress Of the motions of the
noble beast.
! She turned his head In the right direc-
I tion, AID while Mr.. and Mrs. Martin in
voked blessings upon her and her enter
prise. rode away at an easy pace. When
quite clear of the settlement, she no
longer checked the fiery impatienee of
the steed, but suffered him to 60 for
ward at greater speed.
The moon had not risen; It was quite
| dark, and there were many lonely places
to pass Tories were very active and
very plenty, and British dragons scour-
| ed the country In every direction; but
Kate was not daunted by any of these
considerations. She knew she was do
| ing right, aRd felt ready and willing to
suffer in the cause Of liberty.
She had gone about three miles when
she approached wood of considerable
extent. As she entered it, and the dark
shadows fell more darkiy across her
path, she could not help rejecting upon
the extreme loneliness of her situation.
But she quickly shook off the momentary
gloom, spoke cheerfully to Victor, and
allowed him to go on little faster.
Soon after she heard the Gathering of
horses feet which grew more distinct
and appeared to be approaching from
the opposite direction. Although feeling
somewhat anxious for the result, Kate
resolutely pursued her way. It proved
to be q single horseman, and he in
stantly stopped when near enough to
distinguish the outline of her figure.
rs II you. Miss Martin Z" said a voice.
| You have spoken my name," replied
Kate.
II am Joe Sawyer" exclaimed the
man.
"Oh, yes, remember" she answered.
You saved my life, Miss Martin; I
shall never forget II. I've fingered about
| the neighborhood for several days IN