Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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HORSE-SHOE ROBINSON A TALE OF THE TORY ASCENDENCY BY JOHN P. KENNEDY Dlmoak’sT” Mid Roblnaoa: “that waa the name landlady apoke about—If I remember myaelf. I did not bear ot him, ma’am, In my travel*; but hla servant, James Curry, I met oftener, I undertake to say, than the fellow never saw It cheated Into it before." "You shall bare the letter tomor row, Stephene,” said Mildred, hands, do not fall to mabe an ofTori to learn something of Major Butler, and to have my letter delivered to him. He was made a prisoner some where on his way to Georgia, and I have heard escaped; but, perhaps, that’s not true. You may find some CHAPTER XXXV1I1. An Arrival at the Dove Cote. Mil dred Resolves on a Perilous Ad venture. It was in the state ul painful ex- peefctuun duscnbcd in the laut chap ter that Mildred now rude out, daily, «pu* the highways, in the feeble hope el bearing something of importance from the casual wayiarers who, in Ike present excited condition of the country, were thronging me roads. On Ure morning to which our uarra-- tive refers, she had charged Henry to procure the attendance ot Stephen Foster, to whom, us it was known that he was about to accompany his troop towards tne scene ot hostili ties, she was anxious to intrust a let ter tor Butler, as to communicate to klm some instructions relating to it. Bfaephen was, accordingly, now in attendance. A sleek, fuiiblouded roan, of an active, deer-like figure, and Mowing by his mettlesome an tics the high training of a pampered favorite, stood in the care of the groom at the door; and Mildred, aided by her brother, sprang into her saddle with the ease and confidence of oae familiarized to the exploit Whoa mounted, she appeared to great advantage. She was an expert rider, and managed her horse with a dexter ous grace. The very position of com mand and authority which her sad dle gave her, seemed to raise her spirits into a happier elevation. “Follow me, Mister Stephen,’’ she said, “i have service for you. And it wUI not be out of the fashion of the ppoplp" were turned. + It o + a lurltr ’anil 1 '•Ail _ _ who bad accompanied Oates’ army; his drees was rustic, and bis weapon, according to the almost nnlvarsal fashion of the country troops, the long rifle. The condition of bis stur dy steed showed lotfg and fatiguing service; whilst the bold and manly | wished. He was consemed in am- person of the rider left little room to | bushing, Major Biftler and me at suppose that he was to be classed ^rlndau’s Ford. It was our opinion ainonst the many who had fled In he was hired.’’ panic from the field of action, ab , “There,” exclaimed Mllderd, “that soon as the stranger became aware' confirms what I guessed of Tyrrel’s of the presence of the lady, he slack-1 villany. I will go to Cornwallis my- ened his speed and approached with , self; i will expose the whole matter and j a respectful salutation. to his lordship. Henry, my dear win | “If f imught he so bold, ma’am, how brother, It is a rash venture, but I ne Cftft as you value your poor friend, worked that purse with her own 1 far moflght It be to a river they call will essay It. You must accompany Turn the Wick\ the Rockflsh?” and protect me.’’ “It Is scarce two miles away, sir,” j “That’s a sudden thought, sister, replies Mildred. and you may count on my hearty good ‘And there, If I don’t dlsremem-, will to help It along. It Is a brave her," said the traveller, “Is a house thought of yours, besides,” said Hen-1 kept by the widow- Dlmock; the Blue j ry. pondering over It—“and every-! jBall. i think?’’ (body will praise you for It.” one who can tell you more about him. “There Is, sir.” Robinson listened to his resolve Inquire of all you meet: and, Stephen, "And no forks li? the road betwixt with an Incredulous ear. In my name, beg your comrades to | this and the widow’s?” i “You wouldn’t venture, young raad- atd you. Remember,” added Mildred. “It Is a plain road,” replied Mildred. ; am, to trust yourself amongst such with a smile, “this Is a lady’s secret. “And about two miles beyont—Is rough and unchristian people, as you Squire Llndsay’js, at a place they call the Dove Cote?’’ "Does vour business take you there?” asked Mildred, with Interest; “are you from the array?—wfience come you?” I am sure you will keep It.” “Most sacrilegiously and with all possible punctuation!” replied., the woodman. ‘‘And you shall hear of the Major, Miss Mildred, dead or alive.” "Oh heaven!” exclaimed Mildred aloud; and then recollecting herself, she breathed In a whisper, “that word vibrated a note of fear. Your zeal shall have my wannest gratitude, Stephen.” By this time the party had reached the second ford, where the road re crossed the river. In the neighbor hood of Mrs. Dlmock’s, and In a few moments they were at the door of the little Inn. A brief halt, and a few words with the good hostess, furnished Mildred neither with a letter nor with any In- would have to ,o among before you could see Cornwallis? In danger of being taken up by outposts and pick ets. or arrested by patroles, or drag ged about by dragoons and feliuwe that have more savagery In them than “Beg pardon, ma’am,” replied the wolves. Oh no, ma’am, you don’t stranger, smiling, “hut I am an old sodger, and rather warry about ans wering questions that concern my self. i suppose It Is likely I mought see Mr. Lindsay?” know what you would have to put up with; that’s onposslble. Mr. Henry, here, and me can take a letter." “I may not trust to letters, I must go myself. You will protect me, Mr. “Pray, sir, tell me what brings you .Robinson? My brother and I will form here, and who you are?” I have j some good excuse that shall take us special reasons for presuming so *ar i through safely.” upon your kindness. I myself live at. “Sartalnly, ma’am, I will stand by the Dove Cote, and”— “Then, mayhap, you mought have hearn of one Major Arthur Butler?" “Oh, yes sir,—If you have any news of him, speak It to me quickly,” ex claimed Mildred, with much agitation. you thought all chances, if you go,” replied the sergeant. “But there’s not many women, with their eyes open, would set out on such a march.” “It will be easily achieved," -said Mildred; “it Is an honest and virtu- time that a lady should be 'squired by an armed soldier. We take the road down the river. Have a care, brother, how you bound off at the start—the hill is steep, and a horse’s foot is not over sure wueu pressed too rapidly ou the deceut." The cavalcade descended the hill, trosbed the ford, and then took a di rection down the stream, by the road that led beneath the Fawn’s Tower. Mildred sighed as she gazed arund her, and saw the spot of her last meeting with Butler. The little skiff by which her lover had glided across the water, now lay upon a dry bed of rocks, in the same position, perhaps, whore a month ago he had left it. The summer drought had reduced the stream, and deprived the light boat (whose tackle bept it prisoner to the root of the sycamore) of the element on which It had floated. This speota- •le suggested to Mildred’s thoughts a melancholy image. “Even thus,” she muttered to herself, “have I been left by him. He has gone to obey the calls of honor and duty, and I, fetter ed to my native woods, have seen the stream of happiness roll by, one wnue swollen to a torrent, and again dried dp by the fervid heat of war, until, like this sun-withered bark, I have bees left upon the shore, without one drop of that dear current on which alon« I hoped to live. Come hither, Stephen,” she said, as she slackened the rein of her horse: and the obedi ent attendant was immediately at he? side. “You set out southwards, with your eomrades of the troop, in a few days?” “Orders may come tomorrow,” re plied Foster. “It Is no holiday game that you are poing to play,” continued the lady. “When Congress cut this here war for us, Miss Mildred,” answered the hunter, “they didn’t count upon set- tUsg of It without making some tall fellows the shorter. And It is my opinion that it Is a p’int of conscience that every man should take his spell of the work.” “You go to It with a good heart,” said Mildred. “We women can only pray for you, lieutenant.” ”f shall pull trigger with a steadier hand ma’am, when I think that your father’s daughter Is praying for me." “Stephen,” continued Mildred, “you may chance to see some one whose duty may lead him further south than, perhaps, you may be required to travel: l will give you- a letter to a friend of mine, who, I fear, la In distress. If such traveller be trusty and willing to do me a service, as perhaps he may for your sake, I must beg you to put the letter in his charge, and tell him to seek out Ma jor Butler, and contrive to have It de livered to him." “If It concerns you, Miss Mildred, I will take upon myself to hunt Major Butler, or I will make as sure of the letter reaching him as I may have a chance." “Many thanks. Stephen. There is a purs© containing some few pieces of gold for you. Do not spare the use of It to perform my wish.” Stephen looted bashfully at the la dy as she held the proffered purse In her hand “Take It, Mr. Foster. It is money to be employed In my service, and It may stand you In good stead when better friends are absent." The laugh “If you would allow me to take the smallest piece of money, It would morn than hi?® ® man express.■' “Take It all, Stephen, It is but a trifle They call this the sinew of war,” said Mildred, smiling. “It’s an utter, moral, and resolute impossibility,” answered Foster, “for me to take all that money. Bless your soul. Miss Mildred, mv pockets arn’t used to such company. “Pshaw, Steve,” ejaculated Henry, “yon ar® the greenest soldier In these hills, to he playing boy about this money. Take It, man, and none ot your nonsense; preclons little gold vou’ll tjb before yon get back!” “Well. I’ll not be ticklish about It,” said Foster. “Empty the bag, Miss Mildred, into my hand." “I mean that you shall have the purse with It," added Mildred. “No no; that’s too valuable a piece of fine silk network for tne." 'Tliere again, Uentanant PoatBf, said Henry; "If you were not my own superior officer. T would say yon wore “Give It to me,” replied Stephen, laughing. ”1 have heard of cheating money out of a man’s pocket, out i formation of moment from the quai ter, where at this time the thoughts 1 “By that sparkling of your eye. lous cause that takes me away, and I of nearly the whole of the American : ma’am, It Is no fool’s guess that you I will attempt If with a valiant spirit. 1 are the Identical particular lady that 1 [t cannot but come to good. My Wofnl days. Miss Mildred,” said I have rode nigh on to five hundred 1 father’s name will give me free pas- the landlady, shaking he r head, and i miles to see. You have beam the wearing a face of lugubrious length. Major tell of Horse Shoe Robinson?" “wnful Indeed! nothing hut hnrry- skurry. and bragging and swearing. What with Gate’a runaways, that— shame upon them!—come whipping post hast© along the road; and mes sengers, dragoons, and drill ser- creants, all out of breath, out of money, and out of everything hut ap petites; which, mercy on me! never fall In the worst of times: and what with musterlngs of volunteers, and drumming and fifing of It. up hill and down dale, It Is as much as one can do to keep one's wits. Heaven help ub. mv dear! I don’t know what we shall come to. But poor Arthur,” she continued, In a mournful and lower key. “not a word from him. It looks awfully: T could almost sit down and weep. Nevertheless, Miss Mlldren. my child, be of good cheer. God will keen his foot from the path that leads to the snares; we must all trust In His goodness.” “Alas, alas!” breathed Mildred, in an accent of sorrw. "Brother, ride forward. If a good word peaches yon. Mistress Dlmock, send It to me, even If It he at midnight." Mildred pursued her ride, and Hen- rv seeing how much she was deject ed. applied himself, with the kindest assiduity, to bring back comfort and cheerfulness to her mind. He sought to amuse her with such fragments of the country-side as were likely to in terest he r patriotism- and he con trived to recall to her recollection pas sages In the life of Butler, which re lated to the perils he had heretofore encountered, and from which he had extricated himself bv his address and soldiership; and Henry told these In sneh a way as to Infer from them ar guments of comfort that suited the present state of his sister’s feelings. Aa was nsnal In most of the young cadet’s discourse, he glided Into that half-boastful and half-waggish vein In which he delighted to refer to h^- own pursuits and aspirations after military glory. “A man naturally, sister," he said, erecting himself In his stirrups, and assuming the stiff carriage of a con ceited young adjutant on parade, ”a man naturally feel proud ou horse back. It Is what I call glorification, to have a noble beast under yon, that you can turn and wind and check and set forward as you please, as if his limbs were your own. You feel stronger; and, in this world, I do be lieve a strong man Is always proud thin! And Arthur Butler. “He Is well, madam, and In good heart, excepting some trifling draw- hacks that don’t come to much ac count.” "Thank God, thank God, for this news!” “I have brought two letters, Miss Lindsay, from the Major, for you; they will tell you, I believe, mainly, that the Major Is In the hands of the PhlHstlans,” said Horse Shoe, rum maging through the plaits of his dress, and getting loose the belt and leathern pouch from which, by the help of his jack-knife, he extricated the missive; “but they leave the story to be told prettv much by me. The long and the short of it is, that the Major is a prisoner, and wants some assistance from you: but there Is no danger of any harm being done him." Mildred eagerly tore open the let ters and read them; then heaving a sigh, she said, “He is closely watefted, and galled with misfortune. He re fers to you, Mr. Robinson, and I must beg you to tell me all.” Horse Shoe, with a pbeerful and occasslonally even with a laughing manner, adopted to reassure the lady and quell her fears, recounted $11 such particulars of Butler’s adven tures as were necessary to enable her to comprehend the nature of hla pres ent mission to the Dove Cote. Before this narrative was brought to a close, Henry and Foster had re turned, bringing with them a large turkey which Henry had shot, and which the young sportsman was ex hibiting with ostentatious triumph. “Huzza, here’s a new turn of good luck! Horse Shoe Robinson, the brave sergeant,” shouted Henry, as soon as he observed the stout figure of our old friend. “la Major Butler here too?” he demanded, as he shook the sergeant’s hand, "or have you come alone? Now, sister, you ought to be a happy woman. Yon bring ns good news, Mir. Horse Shoe, I know you do.” “The news Is beter than it mought have been if the Tories had had their way," replied Horse Shoe. "But a sodger’s life has both shade and sun shine In It; and the Major Is now a lit tl© in the shade.” “Brother, mount quickly,” said Mild red, “we have business before us. Mr. Robinson, ride beside m®; I have much as high as you can—there’* no danger—aa low aa you please —there’* no smell. That’* because the smokeless device prevents smoke or smell—* that means a steady flow of glowing heat for every ounce of fuel burned in a PERFECTION On Healer (Equipped with Swokelew Device) You can carry it about and care for it just as easily as a lamp. Brass oil font holds 4 quarts burning 9 hours. Handsomely fm- ished in japan and nickel. Every heater warranted. The Rdyb Lamp “ adds cheeriness the long winter evenings. Steady, brilliant light to read, sew or knit by. Made of brass, nickel plated, latest improved central draft burner. Every lamp wauanted. If your dealer can not supply Perfection. Oil Heater or Rayo Lamp write our nearest agency for descriptive circular. STANDARD OIL COMPANY (Iwcorporatcd) to say to you.” Stephen Foster, after saluting the Now, I should think that a woman j sergeant, and reminding 4 Mildred of wduld feel even more bo than a man; his engagement to meet his troop, because, being weak by nature, she took his leave of the party, must grow happier to think how much j The re^t repaired, with as much muscle she can put In motion by i expedition as they were able to em- l only pulling a rein.” 1 ploy, to the Dove Tote, Horse Shoe i “There is some philosophy in mat. detallino t» (he b •< ther and sister, as Henry,” replied Mildred. they went along, a great many partlc- “So there is, sister; and I tell you ulars Pf the late history of Butler. ! more, that when a person has this j When thev reached the house, or- 1 sort of glorification, as they call It.jders were given for the aceommoda- they always get more contented with , tion of the sergeant; and the most 1 themselves. And that’s the reason, I sedulous attention was show to every-i as far as I am a judge, that you al-'thing that regarded hi* comfort. Fre-1 ways feel in better spirits when yoif quent conferences were held between 1 are on horseback; and, especially, if Mildred and Henry, and the trusty It should be In front of a troop. Hello, 1 emlssniy. The letters were reperused ! Stephen!" ejaculated Henry, taken by •md all the circumstances that he-1 surprise. In the midst of his discourse, longed to Butler’s means of liberation ! by the sight of a flock of wild turkeys were anxiously discussed. < that ran across the road, some -How unlucky Is It,” said Mildred, hunter uttered an awkward | hundred paces ahead. ‘tDld you see'-‘that my father should be absent at 1 that? Halt, man—here's game for such !l moment ns this! Arthurs ap- us.” And, In an Instant, he sprang peal to him would convince him how i from his horse, which he fastened to wicked was Tyrrel’s charge against ; one of the neighboring trees, and ran Ms honor. And yet, in mv father’s! off with his rifle In his hand, In pur- late mood, the appeal might have , suit of the flock. , been Ineffectual: he might have re- Stephen, whoso instincts were those fused. Sergeant, we are In great dlf- 1 of a keen sportsman, when game was fleultles, and I know not what (o do. | before him. did the same thing; and \ letter, you say. has been written to in a few moments Mildred found her- j.ord Cornwallis?” self left entirely alone in the road, “Yes, ma’am, and by a man who j half disposed to chide and half to'sharpened his pen with his sword.”, smile at the eager and ungallhiit de "You heard nothing of the answer sertion of her attendants, who were'of his Lordship?” now In quick hut cautious pursuit of ’There was not time to hear.” sage through the enemy’s lines. And you shall pass as my attendant.” “If you have a heart stout enough, ma’am, for such hard fare, I believe I mought undertake for your safe pas sage,” answered Horse Shoe, “and it sartJnly would do the Major great good to hear that you was stirring In this matter." “Sergeant, recruit yourself as long as you thing necesasry,” said Mildred; “but If you can be ready to set oiw tomorrow, I should like to go then, and at an early hour.” “Don’t stand upon my fatigue, young lady: I never saw the time when I wan’t ready to march at the shortest warning. With your leave, I will go loob after my horse, Captain Peter, I call him, ma’am. A little chance of a roll, and the privilege of a good green pasture, soon puts him in marching trim.” The sergeant now left the room. “Sister,” said Henry, “yon never thought a better thought, and you never contrived a better act, than just taking this matter In hand your self. under mine and Horse Shoe’s protection. Because Horse Shoe Is as brave a man as you ever fell In with, and as for me, I’ll back the ser geant. We can finish the thing in two or three weeks, and then, when T see you safe home, I’ll go and join the Rangers." “It Is a perilous and uncertain Jour ney, brother, but It Is my duty. I would rather fall beneath the calami ties of war than longer endure my present feelings. Provide yourself, brother, with all things requisite for our Journey, and give old Isaac, the gardener, notice that he xhnst go with us. We shall set out tomorrow. I will write a letter to my father to night explaining my purpose. And one thing, Henry; you will he care ful to say nothing to any one of the route we shall travel.” “I’ll take my carbine, sister," said Henry, T 6an sling it with a strap. And I was thinking I had better have a broad sword.” • “Leave that behind," replied Mil dred, as a smile rose on her features. “The bugle I will certainly take," added Henry; "hecuase it might he useful In case we got separated; and I will teach you to understand my signals. Isaac shall carry horse-pis* tolg on his saddle, and the sergeant shall have a great wallet of provis ions. You see T understand cam paigning. Mildred. And now,” added the eager young soldier, as he left the apartment, “hurra for the volun teers of the Dove Cotdf w » wrw • ir-s r *r- » r 9 ■■ i This Trade Mark Don’t Push The horse can draw the load without help* if you reduce friction to almost nothing by applying Is an emblem of faith -it guarantees to you that the makers of Buck’s stoves and rang es hold themselves re sponsible for their wares. M It means [that the mak- M ers are proud of their ^ good handiwork and put their stamp of approval upon it.When you buy a Buck’s stove^or range you buy satisfaction. Let us show them to you. m v.v«i«OTM«ri k!NS-WATSON HARDWARE COl | wj ^ RIGHT NOW I Is the time to subscribe for a few shares in the rea^e to the wheels. No other lubri cant ever made wears so long and saves so much '.orse power. Nextytime try Mica Axle Grease. Standard Oil Co. the brood of turkeys. Th<» speed with which these birds are accustom ed to run through the woods, allured their pursurers to some distance Into the depths of the forest; and Mildred patiently awaited the return of her to lx companions the ground whore Shoe. they had left her. After five or ten minutes had elapsed. It was with ft sensation of some little concern that she descried, upon the road, a stranger mounted on horseback, and coming at a hrlsbtrot to the spot where she had halted. The appearance of the Individual was that of one of the Irregular soldiers “Cornwallis will he prejudiced by those around him. and he will refuse,” said Mildred, with an air of deep solicitude. “Not if he he the man I take him young lady,” replied Horse “The world say he Is above doing a cowardly thing; and It isn’t i.atnral for one brave irtan to wish harm Rtfalnst another, except In open war.” “Did you hear of one Tyrrel, In the British camxi? But how cold youh— that was an assumed name.” “You ra®an the gentleman who was here when the major stopped at Mrs. '’OR ALL COU TV IM JORVANT MAPPANtNOS IN THt ATfc AND tYfiN’ S (NTCRISI N FORE ION iAND*. TAKE ANf READ THE LE3RAN. Peoples B.&L ‘ No back dues to pay. There is no safer in vestment, and every wage-earner or salaried man or woman should carry some stock where share-holders get absolutely all the profits, if you do not understand the plan, call on any of the officers and they will explain. The more share-holders, the smaller the propor tion of expenses. ; ; : : * R. M. WILKINS, Prest. R. 8. LIPSCOMB, Trem. J. F. GARRETT, V.-Prest. H. K. OSBORNE, Atty. Office M. and P. Bank, Gaffney, S. C. / 6 room cottage,|Depot street, lot 80x136 east front with shade trees |i,s > * 7 room dwelling, Depot street, lot 90x136, east front, shade trees, 5 room cottage, North kogan St.,(theSam W. Clary place) with o U h lil l ings, and orchard, lot 160x200, $1,500. 6 room cottage, Victoria Ave., (between Limestone College and th * .ril ed School) lot 160x244, $3.25 0 - 6 room cottage, Petty St,, (near buainess center of town) lot Si'ciS}, $3,500. Building lots everywhere. ( FARMS. The Bill Anthony place, containing 95^acres, 2)4 miles from the city, $ 1 per acre. 13 acres not far from the Irene Mills. This is a nice city farm, ill U highly cultivated. SAM L« FORT, Real Estate and Flra tnsuranoa SB FOLEYSKIMEYCURE WUI Cur* Anr Ca»* of KIDNEY or BLADDC* DISEASE Not Berond tit* Roach of Modlctato For tils by Choeskss Dm* 0«> Oms Oa. Fsr •*!* by Cbsrskss Drug pa. •ubsorlba fsr Th® Lbdpsr; $1 a tl a fsr Th* U%«r; H a ; ft* ..a » . K Hi BB1 .