Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1906-04-17
CHAPTER XIII.

idence Of Mrs. Markham.
CHAPTER XIII.
The day had just begun to dawn as
our party, under the guidance Of Mar
ions soldier, were ferried across the
Pedee, on the opposite bank Of which
river lay the estate and mansion OF
Mrs Markham. The alarms and ex-
elements of the past night had caused
to stimulate the frame of Mildred and
she now found herself sinking under
the most painful WEAKNESS. Henry
had actually fallen asleep as he sat up
on the gunwale of the ferry boat, and
rested his head against the sergeants
shoulder: the whole party were over
come with the lassitude that Is so dis
tressing, at this hour of dawning, to all
persons who have spent the night In
watching; and even the sergeant HIM
self, to the influences of fatigue and
privation the most inaccessible Of
mortals, and by fate or fortune the
most unmalleable occasionally nod
ded his head, as II answering
the calls of mans most welcome
visitor 1t was, therefore, with more
than ordinary contentment that our
travellers, when again mounted, were
enabled to descry, in the first light Of
morning a group of buildings seated
upon an eminence about a mile distant
on the further side Of the cultivated
lowland that stretched along the south
ern margin of the river. The guide
announced that this was the point OF
their destination, and the intelligence
encouraged the party to accelerate the
speed with which they journeyed over
the plain. When they arrived at the
foot of the hill, the character of the
spot they were approaching was more
distinctly developed to their view. The
mansion encompassed by tuft OF
trees that hung their broad and ancient
limbs above its roof, was of the best
class of private dwellings, old and
stately in it's aspect, and exhibiting all
the appendages that characterized the
seat of a wealthy proprietor. 1t was
constructed entirely of wood, in ac-
cordance with a notion that prevailed
at that period, no less than at the pres
ent, that frame structure was best
adapted to the character of the climate.
1t occupied the crest Of a hill which
commanded a view of the river with
its extensive plains; whilst, In turn, 1t
was overlooked by the adjacent tract
of country bearing the name of the
Cheraw Highlands.
AS the party ascended this eminence.
Henry, in the eager and thoughtless
satisfaction of the moment, put his
blow with all his might, deaf to the
remonstrances of his sister, who was
endeavoring to explain that there was
some want of courtesy in so abrupt a
challenge Of the hospitality Of the fam
lily. The blast was interrupted by
Horse Shoes laying his hand upon the
instrument, as he gave the indiscreet
bugler a short military lecture
You might fetch trouble upon US.
Mister Henry; this here screeching OF
horns or trumpets Is sometimes sort
of bullying of a garrison; and If an
enemy should happen to be on post
here-as. God knows. Is likely enough
i'm such scampering wars as these, why
you have set the thing past cure; for
it is cutting off all chance Of escape,
just as much as If the people had been
ordered to horse 1t leaves nothing
for us but to brazen 1t out"
An Old negro was first startled by the
summons, and appeared for a moment
at the door of one of the outbuildings,
evincing, as he looked down the road
upon the approaching cava!cade, man
ifest signs Of CONSERVATION. After
brief glance, he was seen to retreat
across the yard to the door of the
mansion house, where he fell to beat
ing at 1t with as much earnestness as
If giving an alarm Of fire, shouting
at the same time, Lord bless us, mis-
tress. here is a whole regiment Of sod
gers coming to turn everything topsy-
turvy. Get up, get up-open the door,!
stop your bawing, you stunted
black jack" said Robinson, who had
galloped up to the spot, "and none OF
your lies. Is the lady of the house at
home?"
A window was thrown up, at the
same moment, in an upper story, and
female head, decorated with n night
cap. was thrust out, whilst Il voice.
tremulous with alright. inquired what
was the cause of this disturbance; but
head was withdrawn, and the door
opening, discovered a youth scarcely In
appearance over sixteen, with a loose
robe thrown around his person and a
pistol in his hand.
"Who comes here. and with what
purpose" was the question firmly put
by the young man.
"Friends," said Horse Shoe-"sent to
the good lady by General Marion. Sor-
ry. sir, to be the occasion of such a
rumpus. But this here young lady has
travelled all night and is most dead
with hardships."
Mildred, who with the rest of the
company had now arrived near the
door, was about to speak. when the
questioner retired, calling the negro
after him into the house. In a moment
the servant returned with Mrs. Mark
hams compliments to the party, and
request that they would alight.
Then alps WELL" said Horse Shoe,
dismounting, and Immediately after
wards lifting Mildred from her saddle
"a friend in need, madam, Is the great
est of Gods blessings. make no doubt