Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1907-02-19

was no time to be lost In lamentlne
this misfortune. Besides, his condition
was that Of all the rest, and the pros
pect of the escape now was quite as
good as that of the pursuit. In an In
stant more the partisan was mounted
the head of his animal turned up the
road, and. with a single glance behind
him to note the distance Of his enemy
he piled the spur. and once more re-
sumed his flight.
What Is that?" cried Proctor to the
corporal. "Ha! it must be the rebel;
and, by Heaven! upon one Of our own
horses. Ride-ride, sir-after him with
me, and he shall not escape us yet-my
horse is too good for any he could get
from that pack, and I can soon over
haul him. Sound, sir, sound for the
men to saddle: and follow-sound, sir,
and follow"
His orders were given with rapid
ity almost emulating his horses speed.
Vexation at being so foiled, anger at
the cause, and a sense Of his duty-to
say nothing of motives and feelings
working in his bosom, which Proctor
did not dare to analyze-all combined
to stimulate the Briton to the most
hearty endeavors. His steed went over
the ground like an arrow, while the
corporal wound his bugle. calling up
the wandering troopers dispersed about
the wood. His animal failed utterly to
keep up with that of his commander,
and Proctor had the satisfaction to
precefve that he gained upon the fugi-
tive. Singleton was soon conscious OF
this fact, and seeing there was but one
enemy. he began to calculate the nec-
essity of a conflict at all hazards, al
most without a weapon, and trusting
only to a proper management of his
steed to foil and overthrow that Of his
pursuer. He was famous horseman,
and knew most of the arts by which
this might be accomplished. His cal
culations became momently more and
more necessary. The closer tramp of
the pursuing steed was now sharply In
his ears, and he had already meditated
a sudden turn upon him as soon as he
should reach the top Of that slight ele-
walton of land to which he was fast
speeding. This would give him an
advantage in descending upon the up
toiling charger. With this purpose, he
gathered up the reins with firm but
not a close grasp upon the animal. as
his object was not by any means to
restrain him: he placed his feet firmly
in the stirrups which he threw close
under the belly of the steed, wrapping
his legs. as 1t were, around him; then'
crouching forward upon the saddle, he
awaited the proper moment for the
contemplated evolution. The pursuer
came on with a reckless, understandable
motion. and had already begun to move
along the elevation, when he drew the
curb so suddenly upon his horses
mouth as almost to throw him back
upon his launches.
Both parties were suddenly arrested
in their plans and progresses. The
rush of a troop in front was in their
ears. with the cry Of many voices. The
partisan looked forward, and wondered,
dreading to find himself between two
enemies; but the next moment reas-
sured him. as he heard the voice of the
boy, Frampton, who was evidently in
advance Of the new -comers.
Here they are! here they are. Col
onel Walton! They have killed the
ma jor! shew 'em no quarter!-cut 'em
down-cutem down! There's not
many of them"
Back boy! keep from the track
to the rear, to the rear!" cried the In
dividual in command Of the new-com-
ers, while waving his sword and ad-
vancing towards Singleton. The par
tisan cried out to his uncle in the next
moment
"Ha! a friend in need, good uncle!
I shall remember the proverb." And,
without a word farther. he wheeled In
with the advancing troop, which con-
sisted of a little party Of volunteers
pledged to go out with Walton.
Proctor was near enough to hear the
dialogue and to understand the danger.
1t was now his turn to fly, and he de-
layed not a moment in the endeavor to
do so. But the troop of Walton, COM
parative!y fresh for they had just
started forth from their place of as
semblage near the Cross Roads when
they met with Lance-was down upon
him in an instant. Proctor bravely
threw himself forward upon the first
trooper that approached him. and his
sword flashed back defiance upon
them. while his voice shouted encour-
agingly-as if it could have been heard
to his men, who were now approach
ing, though not yet in sight. They
certainly could not have come up in
time to save him, had Walton pressed
the assault: but that gentleman dis
dained the advantages which were in
his grasp.
"Forbear. Major Proctor" he said,
mildly and respectfully, as he rode up
in front of his enemy. I'VE purpose
you no harm at this moment. You
are free to return to your troop. When
we meet, sir. again in strife. there Will
be no surprise on either side, and our
several positions will then be under
stood"
Colonel Walton" replied the Bri-
ton. Il bitterly regret to see you thus
-espousing n cause so indefensible and
hopeless"
Neither indefensible nor hopeless,
sir, as you shall see in time. But there
Is no need of comment here. l forbear
all the advantages Of the present mo-
ment. as am unwilling that you should
think have played the hypocrite to de-
ceive you thus to your ruin. You have
forborne, sir. heretofore. in your treat
ment of my hOuse-yOur intentions
have been friendly: permit me. sir, to
requite them as l do now. You are
at liberty. Farewell, sir. The terms
of our meeting. hencefOrward. must
accord with those existing between my
country and yours-peace or war!