Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1906-05-01
CHAPTER XLVu.


We return to Mildred, who, COM
fortably sheltered under the roof OF
Mrs. Markham. had found herself,
after the repose Of forty-eight hours.
almost entirely reinstated in her for
mer strength: her thoughts were now
consequently directed to the resump-
ton Of her journey. The gentle and
assiduous attentions OF the family
whose hospitality she enjoyed, were,
however, not confined to the mere res
toration of her health. The popularity
of her condition, thus thrown as she
was amongst strangers, in the prose-
cution Of an enterprise, which, though
its purpose was not disclosed to her
entertainer, was one manifestly or
great peril, and such only as could
have been induced by some urgent and
imperious necessity, awakened in Mrs.
Markham a lively interest towards
Mildred's future progress. This inter-
est was increased by the department
OF our heroine herself, whose mild and
graceful courtesy, feminine delicacy,
and gentleness Of nurture. were so
signally contrasted with the romantic
hardihood of her present expedition
General Marion's letter, also, in the es-
timation of the hostess, put her under
a special obligation to look after the
welfare of her guest. Accordingly
now when the third morning Of our
travellers sojourn had arrived, and
Mildred thought Of taking leave OF the
friendly family, the first announcement
Of this purpose was met by an almost
positive prohibition.
"You are young, my dear" said the
matron, "in your experience OF the
horrors Of this civil war, and make
sad mistake If you think that your sex.
or any SUFFICIENT reason you may have
to justify you in going on, will protect
you against insult, in case you should
be so unfortunate as to meet parties
Of the enemy"
MY object, madam" replied Mil
dred, 'is to go into the very heart OF
the enemy's rank. My business Is to
see Lord CORVALLIS himself. / shall,
therefore, proceed directly to his head
quarters. That being my purpose,
shall not regret the opportunity to
throw myself upon the protection of
the first band OF loyal troops / may
meet"
Into Lord Cornwallis's presence!"
said Mrs. Markham, with an expression
Of wonder. You have some very near
friend who has suffered in the late bat
tle-a prisoner. perhaps?" AS this
question escaped the lips of the lady,
who had hitherto purposely forborne to
inquire into the private history Of Mil
dred's journey. she shook her head dis
trustfully, and, after some delibera-
ton, added, You will pardon me, my
child, for what may seem to be an idle
curiosity-I seek to know nothing that
you may desire 20 keep secret-but
your journey is so full Of hazard to
one so young and helpless as yourself,
that fear you have not wisely con-
sidered the evil chances to which you
may be exposed"
II have spent no thought upon the
hazard, madam" replied Mildred.
There Is no degree of danger that
should outweigh my resolution. You
guess truly have a friend who is a
prisoner, and in sad jeopardy-and
more than that, dear madam, 1 have
persuaded myself that have power to
save him." tear started in her eye
as she added, THAT is all l have
thought Of"
Then may a kind and merciful
Heaven shield you! They little know
the heartrending trials of war. who
have not felt them as l have. These
rude soldiers, Miss Lindsay shudder
at the thought of your trusting your
safety to them"
My name, madam" replied Mildred,
"I am ashamed to tell you, has its as
sociations on their side-I must trust
to its power to bear me through"
Not ALL sister," interrupted Henry.
From the beginning up to this day, l
can answer for myself. l have never
had a thought that didn't take sides
against the redcoats."
A faint smile played upon Mrs.
Markham's features, as she turned to
Henry and said, You are a young
rebel, and a warm one, 1 perceive.
Such troubles as ours require grave
advisers"
MY brother and myself must not be
misapprehended," continued Mildred:
Il alluded only to my fathers infiu-
ence. have heard that he enjoys
some consideration in the esteem OF
Lord CORVALLIS, and it is upon the
strength of that have ventured. Be-
sides, l am we'll attended by careful
and wise soldier, who rides as my
companion and guide-one who would
not quietly see me harmed"
Let him be brought into our consul
tation," said Mrs. Markham. Il would
not act without his advice. With your
leave. l will send for him."
Henry and Alfred Markham, imme-
diately upon this hint, went in pursuit
of Horse Shoe.
When that important and trusty
parsonage arrived in the parlor, reg
ular conference was opened. which,
after a few discourses on the general
aspect of affairs-wherein the sergeant
showed an abundance of sOldiery sa-
gacity and knowledge, and a still
greater share of warm and faithful
concern for the welfare Of the sister
and brother whom he had in ward
resulted In the conclusion that meas
ures should be taken to ascertain the
state OF the country around, in refer
ence to the impression made by the
late movements of Marion and his ad-
yersary; and, especially. what charac-
ter OF troops occupied the region over
which the sergeant would be required
to conduct his charge. This duty the
sergeant very appropriately considered
as belonging to himself. and he there
fore determined forthwith to set out or
a reconnoitring expedition. AS we