Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1907-01-25
CHAPTER XVIII.


Singleton and Humphries were hail
ed as they approached the patrols oy
the voice of Lance Frampton, the
younger son of the maniac. He had
volunteered to fill the post which had
been deserted by Google. He report
ed the absence of the half breed, and
vas gratified by receiving from MS
commander a brief compliment upon
his precision and readiness. Such ap-
proval was grateful to the boy. COM
ing from Singleton; for the gentle
manner OF the latter had already won
greatly on his affections. Young
Frampton. though but sixteen. was
manly and fearless. full OF ambition.
and very promising. He rode WELL
and could use his rife already with
the best shots of the country. The un-
settled life of the partisan warrior did
not seem to disagree with his tender
years, so far as he had already tried
It: and his cherries fortunes, indeed.
almost denied him the choice OF any
other. Still. though manly in most
respects. something Of sadness rested
upon his pale countenance, which was
soft like that OF a girl, and quite un-
like the bronZed visages common TO
the sunny region In which he had been
born and lived. In addition to the
leading difference between himself and
the people OF his own condition around
him, his tastes were naturally hne
his feelings delicate and susceptible,
his impressions acute and lasting. He
inclined to Major Singleton intuitive-
lY: as the manly freedom and ease OF
department for which his commander
was distinguished. were mingled with
grace gentleness, and pleasant pro-
priety,s to which his own nature In
sensibly beguiled him. He saluted
them. as we have already said. with
becoming modesty, unfolded his intel
ligence, and then quietly sank back to
his position.
Humphries did not seem much sur
prised at the intelligence.
las expected" he said; 'it's the
nature of the beast. The fellow was
q
There's no mending that sort Of ami
NAL, major, and there's little use, and
some danger, to waste time on II"
How long Is II. Lance, since his
departure became known to Lieuten-
ant Davis?" was the inquiry Of Sim
gleton.
Not a half-hour. sir. When Lieu
tenant Davis went the rounds sir, to
relieve him, the place was empty, and
he said Google must have gone before
the storm came up"
Had you the storm here. Lancer"
inquired Humphries.
Not much of It. sir. 1t swept more
to the left. and must have been heavy
where 1t went. for the roaring OF the
wind was louder here than 1t felt.
The trees doubled little, but didn't
give-only some that had the hearts
eaten out. They went down, sir. at
the first push of the hurricane"
Singleton conferred briefly with
Humphries, and then despatched the
boy to Davis, with instructions to
place the party in moving order by
sunrise-the two officers, riding more
slowly in the same direction, confer
red upon future arrangements.
That fellows absence, Humphries.
will compel us to change our quarters
for his only object must be to carry
the news to Dorchester"
That's it. for certain, major; and
the sooner we move the better. By
midday tomorrow, Proctor and Huck,
and the whole of 'em would be on our
launches, and we only q mOuthful. A
start by the time the sun squints on
the pine tops. sir, would do no harm;
and. then, II you move up to Moultrie's
old camp at Bacon's bridge. 1t will
he far enough to misguide them for
the present. From the bridge, you
see. you can make the swamp almost
at any moment. and yet it's not so far
but you can get to The Oaks soon
as ever Proctor turns back upon Dor
chester"
What force has he there, think
you?"
Not enough to go far. sir. or stay
out long. The garrison's but slim, and
Huck Is for the up country. l heard
him say He may give you drive
before he goes. for he is mighty ready
to please Proctor: but then he goes by
Monks Corner. and so on up to Mel
sons ferry: and it will be out Of his
way to set upon you at Moultrie's."
Why does he take that route. when,
his course is for the Catawba?"
"Ha! sir, you don't know Huck. He's
an old scout. and knows where the
best picking lies. He goes along that
route sir. skimming it like so much
cream as he goes; and woe to the
houSekeeper, loyalist or Whig, that
gives him supper. and shows him too
much plate. Huck loves fine things
and for that matter. plunder Of any
kind never goes amiss with Tory"
True; and the course he takes
through Sumter gives him spoil
enough. If he dares touch 1t; but Mar
ion will soon be at Nelson's. where we
hope to meet him. Let us ride on
now, and see to our movement"
With your leave. now. major. I'll
go back to Dorchester
with what object?"
why. sir. only as one may say. to
curse and quit. That rascal Google
will be in Proctor's quarters by day
light. and will soon have pretty
story for the major. l must try and
get there before him. so as to stop
a little the blow. Since 1t must come
il needn't come on anybodys head but
mine: and If can keep my old father
from trap, why, you see. sir, it's my
born duty to do So"
How will you do that?"
''Tll tell you, sir. Dad shall go to
Proctor before GOggle. and shall de-
nnunce me himself. He shall make
something out of the Englishman by