Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-09-20
The Argus Daily Short Story
Without Respect-B. F. A. Mitchell.
Copyrighted. 1911. by Associated Literary Press

There is house still standing il
South Carolina. one of those old fash
Toned but stately manors, that is more
than 100 years old. The woodwork
above its cOTniCes. its massive chin
neys. its futed pillars extending from
the porch to the roof. smack OF aTiS-
tocratic persons who dwelt there when
the place was new, but who dwell
there no longer.
When the Revolution came on Charles
Ringold. then lord of the manor, re-
manned loyal to the king. but his chill
dren, all of whom were grown. chose
the patriot side. His two sons were
with General Marion. the swamp
Fox" His only daughter. Margaret.
remained at home with her father.
though her heart was with her broth
ers in the continental service.
One evening during that trOublous
period Margaret. looking out or win
dow, saw Il man in Il scarlet coat rid
ing toward the house. Going out on 10
the porch. she stood there between two
Of the great white pillars waiting for
him. When he drew rein before her
and dofied his hat politely she saw
that he was what u woman wOulu
naturally admire. 4 gentleman. Il sol
der and handsome. He came of tL%
same ariSto-ratic English stock from
which she herself had sprung
May l ask" he said. are YOU loyal
subjects Of the king here, or are you
rebels?'
My father is for the king" was the
reply.
And you?"
1T doesn't matter where my syrnpa-
thy lies. for l am woman. but We're
1 a man l would now be lighting for
the patriot cause"
May 1 see your father?"
''Certainly.'
The officer dismounted. The girl call
ed q negro servant to hold his horse.
then showed the man into the library,
where her father was reading. and
left the two together Captain Ar
buckle, one of Colonel TarletOn's Off
GERS, had been sent out by his chief
to make inquiries among such Tories
as he could find in the neighborhoQd
as to where the Swamp Fox" was
lurking. He asked Mr. Ringold for
information. but the latter frankly
told him that though he was loyal to
the British cause he had two sons in
Marion's corps and begged to be ex-
cused from replying TO his questions.
But since darkness was coming on he
offered the captain entertainment for
the night.
Arbuckle accepted the Invitation, not
for the entertainment, but that he
might pass an evening in company
with Margaret. whose stately figure,
comely face and aristocratic bearing
had made profound impression upon
him. Women to young English bloods
of that day were considered legitimate
game, and Arbuckle vowed within him
self that before he parted with the
girl for the night he would take at
least one kiss.
He kept his resolution, though he no
more than kept it, for he got but one
kiss. He left a crimson spot where
his lips touched Margarets cheek
and FIRE in her eye. Rising, she swept
out of the room, leaving him discom-
flied. He had not expected such re-
buff from a woman dwelling in this
wild country, SO far from old England
He was in doubt whether to regret
his act or TO make an excuse to re-
main, with a view to a further effort
But for the present there was moth
ing to do but go TO bed.
In the morning he breakfasted with
Mr. Ringold, and when the meal was
finished. feeling obliged TO return to
duty, he ordered his horse The negro (
who brought it handed him a note
from Margaret IN which she told him |