Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1906-01-23
CHAPTER TX.
An Intrigue.


with papers, and lighted by two tall
candles, sat Philip Lindsay, with
perplexed and thoughtful brow. OPP
posite to him, in an easy chair, re-
clined his guest, Mr.. Tyrrel; a man
whose appearance might entitle him to
claim something like thirty-five years;
and whose shrewd and intellectual ex-
preston Of countenance, to which an
air Of decision was given by what
might be called an intense eye, de-
noted a person conversant with the
business Of life; whilst an easy and
flexible address no less distinctly an
nounced him one habituated to the
most polished society. The time Of
this meeting corresponded with that of
the interview of Arthur and Mildred,
beneath the Fawn's Tower.
1T is necessary only to premise that
these two had frequently conferred to-
gether within the last two or three
days, upon the subject with which they
were now engaged"
"Sir Henry Clinton does me too
much honor by this confidence" said
Lindsay He overrates my influence
amongst the gentlemen Of the province.
Truly, Mr.. Tyrrel, I am well persuaded
that neither my precept nor my exam
pie would weigh a feather in the
scales against the heady course of this
rebellion"
1--WE are seldom competent to judge
OF the weight Of our own influence"
said Tyrrel. II might scarce expect
you to speak otherwise than as you do.
But 1, who have the opportunity to
know, take upon myself to say that
many gentlemen Of note in this pro-
vince, who are at present constrained
by the fear of the new government,
look with anxiety to you. They re-
pose faith in your discretion and would
follow your lead. If an excuse be ne
cessary, you might afford them some
pretext of pastime to visit the Dove
Cote. Here you might concert your
plan to cooperate with our friends in
the south"
""Tis a rash thought" replied Lind
say, this little nook Of woodland quiet
OF men, who meditated the
spilling of blood. God forbid that these
peaceful walls should hereafter echo
back the words that speak Of such
purpose"
1T is to spare the shedding Of blood,
Mr.. Lindsay, and to bring speedy peace
to a distracted country, that we in
woke you and other friends to counsel.
A single battle may decide the question
Of mastery over the province. We are
we'll assured that the moment Lord
CORVALLIS reaches the Roanoke"
"Cornwallis has yet to win the
ground he stands upon." interrupted
Lindsay: there may be many deadly
blow struck before he slakes his thirst
in the waters Of that river; many
proud head may be low before that
day."
Think you, SIR" said Tyrrel, rising
as he spoke that this patched and
ragged levy-this ague-stricken army
that is now creeping through the pines
Of North Carolina, under the command
of that pompous pretender, Gates, are
the men to dispute with his majesty's
forces their right to any inch Of soil
they choose to occupy? 1t will be
merry day when we meet them, Mr..
Lindsay. We have hitherto delayed
our campaign until the harvest was
gathered: that is now done and we
shall speedily bring this hero Of Sar-
atoga to his reckoning. Then. follow
ing at the heels of the runagates, his
lordship, you may be prepared to hear,
within two months from this day. VIII
be within friendly hail of the Dove
Cote"
You speak like a boastful soldier,
Mr. Tyrrel 1t is not unlikely that his
lordship may foil Gates and turn him
back: such learn to be the apprehen-
sion of the more sagacious amongst
the Continental officers themselves;
but whether that mischance is to favor
your incursion into this province may
be worth a soberer study than, I
doubt, you have given the question.
The path Of invasion Is ever difficult
road when it leads against a united
sition and the means Of these republi-
cans. They have bold partisans in the
field. and eloquent leaders in their SEN
ates. The nature of the strife sorts
we'll their quick and earnest tempers;
and by this mans play Of war we breed
up soldiers who delight in the game.
Rebellion has long since marched be-
yond the middle ground and has no
thought OF retreat. What was at first
the mere overflow of popular passion
has been hardened into principle, like
a fiery stream of lava which first rolls
in a flood. and then turns into stone.
The delusion of republicanism, like all
delusions. is embraced with more en-
thusiasm than men ever embrace
truth. We deem too lightly Of these
men and their cause, and we have al
ready, more than once, suffered for the
error. When they expelled Dunmore
they committed treason against the
British crown; and they are wise
enough to know that that cup, once
tasted, must be drained to the bottom;
they have, therefore, imbrued their
hands the deeper in rebellion. They
have raised their idol of democracy
high. and have fenced it about with
the penalties of confiscation and death
to those who refuse to bow before 1t;
and now they stand pledged to the pro-
secution of their unnatural war, by
such a bond of fate as unites mariners
who have rashly ventured forth upon
a raging sea, in bark of doubtfu
strength; their minds braced up, by
the thought of instant perdition, tc
the daring effort necessary to reach
their haven"
THAT haven shall they never reach,
cried Tyrrel impatiently. Let then
invoke the aid of their patron devils!
We have a spell shall conjure them