Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1906-04-17
Madam, we can promise but little

dred. seating herself. Brother. do not
quit my side" she added, In a low
voice: 81 feel foolishly afraid"
But a few moments elapsed before
the light Of the torches, cleaning upon
his figure, disclosed to Mildred the ap-
lproach Of a person Of short stature and
delicate frame, in whose step there was
a singular alertness and rapidity. He
wore the blue and buff uniform Of the
staff, with a pair Of epaulets, buck
skin belt, and broadswords. A three
cornered cocked-hat, ornamented with
a buck-tail, gave a peculiar sharpness
to his naturally sharp and decided
features: and pair of small, dark
eyes twinkled in the freight, from a
countenance originally sallow. but now
swarthy from sun and wind. There
was a conspicuous alacrity and cour-
tesy in the gay and chivalrous tone In
which he accosted Mildred
General Marion, madam, Is too hap
py to have his poor camp honored by
the visit of lady. They tell me that
the Tories were so uncivil as to break
in upon your slumbers tonight. 1t adds
greatly to my grudge against them"
"I have ventured," said Mildred, "in-
to the field of war, and it does not be-
come me to complain that l have met
it's vicissitudes"
"Gallantly spoken, madam! May
be allowed to know to whom am in
debted for the honor Of this visit?"
my name is Lindsay, my father re-
sides at the Dove Cote In Virginia; un-
der the protection of my brother and a
friend, I left home to travel into Caro-
lima"
"A long journey, madam" interrupt
ed Marion; "and you have been sadly
vexed tonight, learn. We have rude
and unquiet country"
my sister and myself" said Henry,
counted the chances before we set
out"
81 would call you but an inexpe-
rienced guide sir" said the general, ad-
dressing Henry. and smiling.
| "Oh, as to that" replied the youth
I'VE have an old soldier with us-Horse
Shoe Robinson-hem-Stephen Foster,
meant to say"
Horse Shoe Robinson!" exclaimed
Marion, where Is he?"
"Mr. Henry Lindsay general, and
me-" said the sergeant bluntly, have
been practising lie to tell the Tories,
in case they should take us unawares;
but it sticks, you see, in both of our
throats. It's the true fact that I'm
Stephen Foster is only a hanging out
of false colors for the benefit Of the
red-coats and Tories, upon occasion"
Horse Shoe, good fellow, your
hand" said Marion, with vivacity, Il
have heard of you before. Miss Lind
say, excuse me, If you please; l have
business tonight which Is apt imperti-
nently to thrust itself between us and
our duty to the ladies. Richards" he
continued, addressing a young officer
who stood near him, "see If you can
find some refreshment that would be
acceptable to the lady and her brother.
Horse Shoe, this way; l would speak
with YOU"
Marion now retired towards the
place where the writing materials were
| first noticed, and entered into an ex-
animation of the sergeant, as to the
particulars Of the recent attack upon
| Wingate's cabin.
Before Robinson had finished his
narrative of the events of the night, a
horseman dashed up almost at full
speed to the spot where Marion stood,
and, finging himself from his saddle,
whilst his horse stood painting beside
him. asked for the general.
How now, Bloody Spur! What's
the news?" demanded Marion.
said the soldier.
Il have heard that already inter-
rupted the chieftain. Tell me what
else"
Il stayed long enough to secure
Wingate's cattle, and then set out for
the river to cut loose the boats at the
Ferry. 1 did it in good time. Four
files followed close upon my heels, who
had been sent ahead to make sure of
the means of crossing. The fellows
found me after my work was done, and
chased me good three miles They will
hardly venture, general, to swim the
river tonight, with all the thievery they
have I'm their hands; and l rather take
it they will halt at the ferry till day.
light"
Then that's a lucky cast, Dick Pey-
ton" exclaimed Marion. "Ho, there!
Peters. wake up that snoring trum-
peter. Tell him to sound to saddle.
Come lads, up. Gentleman, to your
duties!"
Forthwith the trumpet sounded, and
with its notes everything asleep started
erect Troopers were seen hurrying
across the ground i'm rapid motion;
some hastily buckling on broadswords
and singing their muskets; others
equipping the horses; and everywhere
torches were seen passing to and fro In
all the agitation of a sudden muster
As soon as Marion had set this mass In
action. he repaired to Mildred, and In
a manner that betokencd no excite
ment from the general stir around him
he said,-
Il owe you an apology, Miss Lind
say, for this desertion, which l am sure
you will excuse when you know that /,
is caused by my desire to punish the
, varlets who were so ill-mannered as tc
intrude upon your slumbers. | hope
however. you will not be loser by the
withdrawal of our people. as / will take
measures to put you under the protec-
ton of a good friend of mine, the wild
ow of a worthy soldier Mistress Rach-
el Markham, who lives but two miles
from this, and whose hospitable man
sion will afford you a shelter more con-
genial to your wishes than this broad
canopy of ours A guide shall b'
ready to conduct you"
Your kindness. general" said Mil
dred puts me under many obliga
tions."
Horse Shoe shall take a line Of ex'