Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1906-12-04
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A Romance of the American Revolution
BY w. GILMORE SIMMS

Il
cay, God save the king, and God bles
him, too!" echoed old Humphries, a
the entrance. A few only Of the crow'
gave back the cry. and even with then
the prayer was coldly uttered; ant
there was nothing like that spiri
which, when the heart goes with TIT
decree Of the ruler, makes the welkii
ring with its unregulated rejoicings.
you are silent; you do not cry will
the rest" said one at the elbow OF TIT
stranger. He turned to behold TIT
features of the Tory captain. Of whom
we have already spoken, who now, Will
scrutinizing glance, placed himsel
close beside the person he had ad'
dressed. The mean cunning-the low
searching expression Of his iook-wer'
eminently disgusting to the youth, wht
replied while resuming his old posi-
tion:-
What? God save the king? Did
not say It? It's very natural; for an
so used to 1t. I'm quite willing tha
God should save his majesty-Got
knows he needs It."
This was said with a very devou
countenance, and the expression was sc
composed and quiet, that the Tor1
could say nothing, though still not sat-
isfied, seemingly, with much that was
In the language. It sounded very like
sneer, and yet, strictly speaking. Il
was perfectly unexceptionable. Baf'
fed in this quarter, the loyalist, who
was particularly desirous Of establish.
ing his own claims to British favor
now turned with a similar inquiry tc
Davis; but the countryman was ready
and a nudge in the side from his COM
panion, had anything been wanting
moved him to a similar answer. Huch
was not exactly prepared to meet with
so much willingness on the part OF two
persons whose movements he had sus-
pected, and had been watching; but
concluding them now to be well al
fected. he did not scruple to propose
to them to become members OF the
troop of horse he was engaged in rails.
ing. To the stranger he first addressed
himself, complimenting him upon his
fine limbs and figure, and insisting up
on the excellent appearance he would
make we'll mounted and in British
uniform. A smile Of sovereign con-
tempt overspread the youths features
as he listened to the Tory patiently tc
the end. Calmly. then. he begged per-
mission to decline the proposed honor
"why, you are loyal sir?" he asked
seeming to doubt.
who denies it?" fiercely replied the
stranger.
"Oh, nobody; mean not to offend;
but, as a loyal subject, you can scarce
withhold yourself from service"
II do not contemplate to do so, sir"
"And why not join my troop? Come,
now, you shall have a lieutenancy; for
blast me. but like your looks, and
would be devilish glad to have you,
You can't refuse"
But do." said the other. coolly-al-
most contemptuously.
And wherefore? Huck inquired,
with a show Of pique in his counte-
nance and manner-"Wherefore? What
better service? and to q soldier Of for
tune, let me ask you, what better
chances than now of making every
a
have gone into the swamps, leaving
large estates for confiscation? What
better business?"
None: I fully agree with you."
"And you will join my troop"
mol"
The man looked astonished. The
GOODNESS and composure with which the
denial was made surprised him not
less than the denial itself. With a
look Of doubt and wonderment, he went
on
well, you know best; but. of course
as a good citizen, you will soon be In
arms; twenty days, you know, are all
that's allowed you"
Il do not need so many: as a good
citizen, I shall be in arms in less time
I'm whose troop?-Where?"
"Ah, now we come to the point" was
the sudden reply; "and you will now
see why I have been able to withstand
the tempting offers you have made.
am thinking to form a troop Of my
own, and should I do so, certainly
should not wish so much success to
yours as to fall into your ranks"
Indeed! Well. I'm glad, anyhow
that his majesty is likely to be so well
served with officers. Have you yet ap-
piled for a commission to the COM
mandant?"
mo: nor shall I, till my recruits are
strong enough to make my appearance
respectable"
That's right? 1 know that by ex-
perience. They never like you half SC
we'll as when you bring your men with
you: they don't want officers so muci
as men: and some Of the commands. 1
they can choose you out Of your re
cruits, will not stop to do so; and thel
you may whistle for your commission
l suppose your friend, here. is alread!
secured for your squad?"
The Tory referred to Davis, who di'
not leave his companion to reply; but
without scruple, avowed himself a
having already been partially secured
for the opposition troop.
well. good luck to you. But I sa!
comrade. you have commanded befor
of course you are prepared to lead?
Il have the heart for It," was tn
reply; and as the stranger spoke, h
extended his arms towards the Tor,
captain. while elevating his figure t
its fullest height; "and you can sa,
yourself for the limbs. AS for the head
1t must be seen II mines good for any
thing"
II doubt 1t not; and service come
easy after brush or two. But would
mt you like to know the major?"
"Who?-the officer in command o
the garrison here?"
THE same"
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