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

Pushing hastily from the chamber OF
death, Major Proctor proceeded to the
court below, where he assembled his
men for the pursuit. Though pro-
foundly impressed with the solemn
event which he had witnessed-so far
different from any thing he had ex-
pected to see in the apartment-ne
was too good a soldier. and too mind
full of his duty. to lose time In those
now idle regrets at his own abrupt
ness, which he yet properly felt. A
few brief words. directing his men up
on different routes-having equally d.
vided them. and the party dispersed In
obedience To his commands. One OF
them. consisting OF four men, he him
self led, and in the very direction tax
en- by our flying partisan.
Singleton knew his danger If taken,
and at once as soon as he reached the
horses, prepared for the most rapid
flight. He was weaponless, and there
was no other alternative for safety;
otherwise he would most willingly
have stood his ground, for his was the
spirit prompt always to extricate IT.
self from it's difficulties by the boldest
daring. The strife with Proctor also
promised him large degree of salts
faction. apart from that which the ex-
ercise itself might yield. 1t was with
some vexation. therefore, that feeling
for his pistols in his belt, he remem-
bered where he had left them. 1t was
too late to retrieve, and idle to lament
the misfortune. 1t was only in flight
that 1t could be lessened; and he took
his measures. accordingly.
Tighten your girth, Lance. and
mount quickly; we shall be pursued
shortly, and l am without weapon OF
any sort. 1 have left my sword and
pistols behind me-"
Here are mine SIR; they are small
but they've got good charge, and new
fiints both"
Give me one of them, quickly, now,
and mount. We must get into the
main road. II we can, before they come
out Of the avenue; so hasten but hurry
not: cool, boy-cool."
He frightened his own saddle-gi
as he smoke: took off the handkerchief
that enclrcled his neck, and thrust 1t
into his pocket then seeing that the boy
was mounted and ready, he was soon
in the saddle himself.
Now pick the way. Lance: speak
nothing, but keep cool and silent;
gently gently at first; let us send them
as few sounds as possible"
The boy. with goodly promptitude
obeyed to admiration. Starting with
an easy, slow motion, they emerged
from the heavy oaks by the waters
side, ascended the rising ground, and
skirted along the low fence which
girdled one corner of the estate. and
led directly to the main road. The
track was simply negro foot path;
but the evening was sufficiently clear
to enable them to trace 1t out perfect
ly and keep it with little trouble. 1--WE
shall escape them! A few hundred
yards more will give us fine start
boy and that is all I care for. How
far Is II now to the main track?"
Not far sir; just ahead. l think I
see the opening in the trees. We shall
soon be in ii. Ha! did you hear
noise. sir-now?"
Yes: they are in saddle. they are
after us. Push on, push on; we have
little time to waste"
YES, sir, that they are; and If I'm
not very much mistaken. they are af-
ter us from two sides-dOwn on our
trail. and coming out from the avenue.
You hear, sir? somebody cried out from
the quarter of the road and we hear
the horses feet from the river, at the
same time"
More reason for speed. far more,
boy: we shall have to trust entirely to
that. There is the main road, and they
will soon see us on 1t. You know your
horse. Lance-yOu are not afraid OF
hm?"
Afraid of him! no. sir. that I'm not:
never was afraid Of any horse yet"
Then go ahead: strike in your row.
el, and spare not. There's no danger
in front of you, so drive on"
This little dialogue was all over in
few moments. The boy put spurs to
his animal as soon as the main road
was entered, and with an easy mastery
of his own steed. Singleton kept his
place close beside him. The road was
a heavy sand, over which they had to
speed for the few minutes succeeding
h1t
they got upon tough, pine land ridge,
upon which the beating Of their hoofs
might clearly be distinguished at
some distance by a heedful ear: and
it was not long. accordingly. before a
loud shout from the pursuers announc-
ed their discovery
we could turn down here. sir, into
the woods: and there's n sort Of wagon
track somewhere about here. / think
could find sir, leads to the Stono.
That would lose them. certain. from
our trail" said the boy.
mo matter. no matter keep on as
you are: If they come no higher we are
safe"
But l think they gain on us, sir;
shall l go faster? My nag can do
much more"
mo. keep his strength; they don't
gain much now. and we shall find II
more useful-what is that"
A sound-a rushing motion in the
woods they had but recently left warn
ed them of new pursuers; the cracking
Of the dry sticks under feet was dis
tinctly heard. as the enemy moved over
the same ground with more haste and
less caution than had been observed by
them.
"Ha. we have them there. have we!
and they will soon be on the road
They hear us. and know our route
Push on. boy. a little. but not much
faster: a breath more of speed only
is all we want-sO, So"
The cOOlness with which Singleton
smoke and acted took from the flight