Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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My Lady of the North TJfeLOVE STORY?/ A GRAY JACKET By Randall Parrish (Auth.ilV ILLUSTRATIONS BY arthur b. WILLIAMSON fcr A. C McC Uff ? i sk MtMf1! jtrii, lSSSSl Of courts, now 1 was there, the only nelbl* thing for me to do would Rare be*n to ride openly to the front door, god thus learn all I desired. But what man who lore*, who Is continual? ly swayed by hopes and fears, by strength end weakness, ever does the sjonslble thing? I had certainly In? tended doing so at the start, but now ny nerre failed me. She was the wife of snother. I could not confess I had ventured to come to hex lc love, nor could I look Into those clear, hon oat. questioning eyes and lie. "Hall I ordered. "Sergeant!" "I am here, Captain." "Take your men down Into that hol? low yonder, and remain there until I return Better poet a sentry or* the hill here ." "It vill bo done, Captain." "1 shall not. probsbly, be sbsent more than in hour, so don't permit the men to etrav.** "Dot la It. Captain I Till be mit ?orr all orer" I rode down alone Into the thick wo eis at the foot of the hill, and dis? mounting, tied my horse to a sapling. Then on foot I struck across the fields, my intention being to come in by the way of the negro quarters at the resr. In bope of meeting some one from whom I might Inquire relative to the great house end its omarec. It wrs r slight upward Lend of lead I had to traverse, and although the house was a most sightly object osd stood upon the very summit of the elevation, yet so surround**? was it with trees, both fruit snd orrsmental, I wee enabled to make, hut little of Its situation until I approached the out? buildings. I met with no one, nor could I perceive any negroes ?bout the slave quarters. Yet the place did Rot bear the sppesrance of desertion. There were horses in the stable, a cat wae curled up on one of the cabin door steps, snd jmoke continued to pour In r dull yellow cloud from the kitchen chimney. Altogether there wrs much In tho situation to puzslo orer. and I no longer regretted that I had etercleed eome caution In my ap? proach. Tho orchard, with the remams of a garden, lay between the house and tho stable, protected by a low fence of whitened pickets. So far as I could obee. vj. It contained no occupant, and I pushed open tho gate and started down a narrow cinder path which led between two rows of low bushes. To right of me was an extensive grape arbor, completely covered with vines, the fresh green leaves formlug a de? lightful contrsst to the deep blue sky beyond. Aa I car.e opposite an open? ing leac'ng into (his srbor I suddenly caught the flutter of drapery snd stopped Instantly, my heart throbbing like a frightened girl's. It was quite dark beneath the vine shadow, and I could mak > out no more than that a woman stood there, her bsck toward me. busied st eome task. Possibly sbe felt my presence, for all st once flbo glanced sround, snd upon per? ceiving me gsve vent to a quick ex dentation of terror. ??pardon *^e." 1 said hestlly, and re? moving my t .1, "but you have nothing to fear ." There wts a moment's hesitancy on her part, end I knew I was being scru? tinised by a pair of bright eyee. "Surely." said a familiar voice. "I cannot be mistaken?you are Captain Wayne." Before I could even answer she atepped forth from her partial con enalmcnt and advanced toward me with cordlslly extended hands. It was Celle Minor "Well, of all men!" she cried gay ly, ber dark eyes smiling a moat kind? ly welcome. "And Kdlth and 1 were speaking about you only yesterday. Tbst is, I wa*. for really I la not re? call now that Kdlth made any remark spropoe of the ?ubject. You have no Idea. Captain Wayne, what a hero 1 hove made gesj out to be. It would make you positively vain If 1 should conf'ss; why. Arthur has actually gs> ecme so jcaleun that he has almost forbidden me even to mention your Rstne In his prc*?*?n< c. Bo v. hen 1 wsat to talk about you I spoiled lO go to Kdlth She hn?m't DOWeff to Stop me von know, gejt I'm lUfg 1 must bore her awfullv. And then " f? Wed to \ugust, M. bops tile. Ju1> ?-' Mr. and Mrs I theft b PsjBsri announced the 'inducement of Ihetf da UK h t ?? I . Aiidn \. to William .Linos |*j . Tin fiotituts*- will be In A ur.ust. Real i stgde Tinnefir. a iraaefei nf real estate from C, K Jones In II V. fit id. ? I al. trustees, lot on sjlagfdlng street, $ l*tll ha boea ro< oi d< I think that when you stood there Just now, and I saw your gray uniform, i actually thought the guerillas had come. My heart heats so now I can hard'.* talk Hut how palo and hag? gard you look Is It that horrible wound which troubles you still?" "I have been discharged from tho hospital only a short time," I an? swered, as she paused to take breath. "Indeed, this Is my first military serv? ice for several months, yet I am feel? ing quite strong again. Mrs. Brennan, then, Is still with you?" "Oh, yes; we have been here all winter long. It has been so dull, for really nothing has happened, and the valley is quite devoid of Inhabitants ?even the negroes have gone hunting freedom. Hut "Major Hrennan and Ar? thur are to be here this afternoon, and Bometime tonight we are all of us going away together." Eager as I was to meet Hrennan, I had no desire that we should meet in the presence of his wife. Hotter, far better, would it be for me to leave at once and without even seeing her. "You say you are about to depart?" I asked, determined to learn all pos? sible regarding their plans. "Do you go North?" "Yes, to Baltimore end Washington. The guerillas are becoming so desper? ate In this neighborhood that we are actually afraid to remain here longer. They attacked the Cuyler plantation, only ten miles from here, two weeks ago, killed old Mr. Cuyler, turned bis wife out partially dressed in the mid? dle of the night, looted the house of everything it contained of vaiue, and then set it on Are. You see we have no men folks here, except two ne groos, who have clung to us because they were so aged they were afraid to leave? Just mamma, Edith, my old nurse, and myself. It seems so lonely, and Major Brennan and Arthur both Insist It is no longer safe. So they are coming with a cavalry escort to take us all North. I am sure we shall have a splendid time." "You have experienced no trouble, then, thus far?" "Oh, none at all?we have not even been bothered by scouting parlies. Oh, I do not mean you; you are no bother. But yesterday there was a horrible man here; he came to the kitchen door, and asked all sorts of Impudent o.uestions. Mrs. Dungay actually had to threaten him with a gun before he would leave." "It Maria Hungay here, then?" "Why certainly; do you know her? Isn't she a delightful old dear? Just as good as a man." "Her husband is with my party." "Jed?really? Why, do you know, Maria has got it into her head that he had run away from her. I should ?o love to witness their meeting; It would be most interesting. Hut you must come into the house. Captain Wayne; Edith will bo overjoyed to see you again, although you know she is never demonstrative, as I am. It must be awfully nice to be always cool and calm, don't you think?" Determined that I would not be tempted, I yet hesitated, and my vi? vacious companion too everything for granted at once. "Oh, before we go in, won't you do me a favor?" she asked. "Hut of course you will. I was trying to tio this grapevine into place when you surprised me, but I could not hold en with one hand and tie with the other. See what I mean?" And placing one slender foot upon a alat of the trellis ehe lifted herself up until she could barely reach the refractory branch. "Now," she said, smiling down upon me, "please Just hold me here for a moment until I t>erure this end." My hand was scarcely upon her in support when the slender alat snapped "Do You Not See? This Is Captain Way e." beneath her weight. As she foil I caught her with both arms. For a moment sho lay, panting aud startled on my breast; then, as with a little laugh she disengaged herself from my embrace, we stood there hand In hand and face to iace with Kdith Hiennan. Shall I ever forget tho look within her eyes? How plainly I saw it, al? though she stood half hidden beneath tho shadow of tho vines. Ameiemont, Incredulity, scorn were expressed there, yet even as I marked thotn all became merged Into proud uncon g< dousness. She would have turned away without a word, but my com? panion stopped hor. HEdith," sho cried eagerly, "do you got see? This Is Captain Way00." She turned toward mo and slightly Inclined her head. "1 rerognDed Captain Wayne." was her calm answer, "and regret greatly bavlni Intruded upon hint. It was en llrel) unintentional, and I hare do desire to remain " I ran Id not have spoken at that mo met t In r ive m| Ufa II fairly stunned uiu to realise the construction ?ho so plainly placed upon the scene ]unt enacted. Ngt so the girl at my Bide. Her chicks Hushed with indignation, and her audacity gave her speech which made matters even worse than before. "You are exceedingly freo with your criticisms, Edith," she exclaimed sharply, as the latter turned her back upon us. "Perhaps It would bo as well for you first to ascertain the truth." "You wholly mistake," was the calm reply. "I have not presumed to criti? cise. Why should I? It is not a mat? ter which interests me In the least. I presume you have no further ob? jection to my returning to the house?" She did not so much as deign to look again at either of us, but as she moved slowly out of sight Miss Minor turned and looked into my face with questioning eyes. What she may have lead there I know not, but she sank b,\ck upon a bench and burst into a merry pea' of laughter. "Isn't it perfectly ridiculous!" she cried, as soon as she was able ro speak. "Only I do hope she won't tell Arthur." CHAPTER XXVIII. We Capture a Courier. The girl's light burst of laughter aroused me thoroughly to a sense of our situation. "You seem to derive much amuse? ment from a condition of affairs al? most Intolerable to me," I said bitter? ly. "I have always valued most highly the friendship of Mrs. Brennan, but this unfortunate occurrenco will doubt? less end it." She glanced up at me, her long lashea wet, but her dark eyes spark- j ling with mischief. "Oh, she won't care so far as you are concerned," she exclaimed indif? ferently. "Hut I suppose she will think I am perfectly horld. Well, I don't care if sho does; she might have waited and learned the truth first. Wasn't her face a study? And, how shall I over explain to Arthur so that he will understand? I'm sure I have got the worst of it. Oh, Captain Wayne, Is my hair all ruffled up? I know I look like a fright. You must oome in now, and wo will explain to Mrs. Ilrennan the whole matter. She cannot help believing ub both, while I know she would be so cold and proud to me alone." I shook my head decisively. Per hips it was better ended so; at least' I possessed no courage Just them to face her indignation. Sho might but deem wo had concocted our explana? tion, and would very likely receive it with all the scorn she felt, it deserved. Besides, It was clear there was noth-| lng I could do to aid liiem. I should be now merely an un'veloome Intru? der. An escort was to bo there short? ly to convoy them northward, and for me to be found in their company by Brennan would only inflame him and add greatly to tho embarrassment of his wife's position. Much as I might long for immediate vindicatio in her sight, the plain duty of true love was to depart at once, and permit time to straighten out the tangle. "You must pardon me," I hastened to say, Btandlng hat In hand before her, "but it w ould not be best for, me to intrude upon Mrs. Brennan aft? er her late reception. I merely halt? ed here in order to assure myeclf of your presence and safety. My men are even now waiting for me a low hundred yards away." "But I wish you to meet Arthur." "Oh, I think not, Miss Minor. I feel warm friendship for Lieutenant Caton, but we wear different uniforms, serve under different flags, and a meeting here, both with armed forces behind us, would naturally have to be a hos? tile one. However the Lieutenant and I might consent to a temporary truce, his superior officer, Major Breunan, would not likely prove of the same mind." "Then you really must go?" "Unless you specially desire to wit? ness a cavalry skirmish in your front dooryard, I certainly consider it best," and I held out my hand. "Surely we part as friends, and I may hope that you will Intercede in my behalf with Mrs. Brennan?" Sho rose up Impulsively. "How ridiculous; how supremely ri? diculous! Why, of course I will, though I don't suppose Edith really cares very much, but sho believed it would he highly proper to bo shocked. I don't think she likes you so very well anyway, Captain Wayne, for she never will talk about you." With these cheering words ringing in my ears, and feeling thoroughly de? feated in every cherished hope, I strode savagely down tho long hill and mounted my horse. How roughly for? tune had luffeted tue, to be sure, and how extremely small the inspiration left. Well, perhaps I deserved It. for ever permitting myself to love one whom I knew to be the wife of an? other. Doubtless she had seized upon !Ms slight pretext to be rid of me, libd was already rejoicing over its easy accomplishment. In my agitation I forgot entirely tho presence of Maria Bungay si Ihe house, and ordering my men Into sad die prepared for departure without giving n thought to the little fellow and his domestic troubles, 1 chose the road leading toward the north? west, for althougb I had not asked the question I conceived it highly probable that flrennan and his party would ride from the Federal calvary quarters at Colter's Church, and I had no desire to meet them They wore upon an orrnnd nf mercy of far greater Impor? tant e than my revenge \, we swung along ihrouirh the l .llv Umbered land frl ging our road, Bungay pi >ssed his mule into a trot and dually succeeded ir ranging tu? at in) side. Even lu my I is turned mental condition T was amused nt hts unique style of riding, although I would not wound him by laughing. "I Bay, Cap," ho Bald, jerking the words out to tho mule's hard trot, and grasping his saddle pommel deeper* ately, "1 sorter reckon as how ther'll be some fun back thar afore long 'less all signs fall." "Why?" I stared at him, now thor? oughly aroused to the thought that he had Important news to communi? cate. "Wal," he explained slowly, "whin ye wint off, I Rorter tuk a notion ter look 'bout a bit. Used ter be an oT ?tompln' ground o* mine. So Dutcby an' me dumb thet big hill back o' whar we halted, and' by gum, down thar In ther gully on t' other side thar's a durned big camp o' fellers." I reined up short, and with uplifted hand signalled the men behind to halt. "Why didn't you tell me this be? fore?'' I questioned sternly. "How many were there? and what did they look like?" He scratched the back of his head thoughtfully, and answered with care-1 ful deliberation. "Durn It, I didn't jine ye till after y'd started, an' I ' reckon as how it took mo all o' tew mile ter git this yere blame muel up tor whar I cud talk. Thar's quite a! smart bunch, but they had some pick? ets out, an* I cudn't git close 'nough ter tell zackly. Dutchy thought thar wus nigh ontcr two hundred o* 'em, but 1 jist don't know. They wu^n't dressed like sojers o' either army, an' 1 reckon they're out o' ther hills." I glanced at my little handful of men, scarcely knowing what decision it might be wise to make. Undoubt? edly they would fight if occasion arose, but the odds wer? terribly heavy; besides, if Brennan came, and ; his party got away that same even? ing, as was planned for them to do, then it might not be necessary for us to strike a blow. I was certainly in no mood to expose my small command merely to save the empty house from destruction. "Ebers," I said, turning toward the Sergeant, who sat his horse with ex? pressionless face, "you were with the guide when he discovered this camp. How many do you think it contained? and who were they?" "Vel, dere vos more as two gom panles, Captain, und dere vos some horses, but dey vos dressed?vot you calls it??all ober not ner samo." "Not in uniform?" "Dot vos it." "Have any of the rest of you seen anything that looked suspicious?" I asked, glancing around Into tho dif? ferent faces. "Maybe I did," answered one of the troupers named Karl. "As we rode up the first hill after leaving the house my horse picked up a stone, and I had to stop and get it out. 1 reckon I fell behind a quarter of a mile' or more, and just as I started I looked back, and a party of ten or twelve fellows was just riding in through them big gates onto the front lawn. Put thorn fellows was soldiers for sure; they rode regular like, and all of them wore caps. It was so far off I couldn't tell the color of their clothes, but them caps made me think they was Feds." I chose my course at once. This un? doubtedly must have been Brennan's party. "Thank you. my man; It would have been better if you had reported that to me at once," I said. "However, 1 understand the situation much better now. Sergeant, wo will go into camp here. Post pickets in both directions, but put your most careftil men on that hill yonder. Let them report promptly any signs of fire to the southeast, or any sound of guns." Wo completed all our cooking be? fore dark, and when the night finally closed down about us it proved to be an exceedingly black one, although the skies were clear. Sleep was an impossibility for me, as my mind was in constant turmoil. Ebers was lying nett mo upon the grass, solemnly pulling at his huge "Is It Possible This Is You?" He Cried Excitedly. pipe, and I hold my watch t?o the glow In Its howl In order to see. tho time, it. was nearly midnight, f "Those fellows ought to ho nt it before this," 1 said to him, "if they intend to accomplish anything to? night." "I dink so too," be answered slowly. "I vlll see dot. dor guard is nil right, .p.a' den vill get some sleep, for I am pretty moch done op already.1' Ho arose ponderously to his foot, and stretched out his short anus in fl prodigious yawn. As he stood there, his pudgy figure outlined against the sky, there was borne to our eat tho sound of a furious struggle on hilltop to the south a shout, blows, a voile;. of cursing, Upjri silence, ajj Iptattl later wo wore both running tbr- gh the darkness toward the sce..?, ?f trouble. "What is it, Sands?" I questioned breathlessly, as I came suddenly upon the little group. "A fellar on hossback," was the an? swer. "He come up on us like a streak out o' thet black hollor, an he'd a sure got away ef Mason hedn't clubbed him with his gun. I've got the cuss safe collared now." "Who are you?" I asked sternly, striving In vain to see something of him through the darkness. "Where were you riding?" I had scarcely spoken when our prisoner thrust Sands roughly aside and took one hasty step toward me. "My God, Wayne! Is it possible this is you?" he cried excitedly. "Caton?" I exclaimed, as surprised as himself. "Caton? What is it? What is wron/,. Are you from the Minor hoivo? Has It been attacked?" "Yes," he answered, panting yet from his exertion and excitement. "We were to start North with the la? dies at nine o'clock, but the house was surrounded as soon as it became dark. Those devils supposed it to be unguardel. and advanced without pre? cautions. We fired and drove them back. He bad repulsed three attacks when I left at eleven, but three of our men were already hit." "You were after aid?" "I was striving to reach our ad? vance pickets at McMillan. It seemed the only possible chance, and none of the men would volunteer to make the ride. One v?fa8 killed trying it before I started. God knows bow I hated to leave them, but it had to be done. How many have you?" "Only twenty; but if we could once get inside along with your fellows* we might hold the house until rein? forcements came." "Thank God! I knew you would!" he cried Joyfully, grasping me again fervently by the hand. "You are not one to hesitate over the color of a uniform at such a time as this. Only, Wayne," and he hesitated an instant, "it is right I should tell you that Bren? nan Is there, and In command." "I know it, but those women must be saved nevertheless," I answered firmly, my mind settled. "This is no tlmo for personal quarreling, and whatever color of cloth we wear those outlaws are our common enemies, to be hunted down like wild beats. I have seen specimens of their fiendish cruelty that make my blood run cold to remember. The very thought of those who are now exposed falling Into such hands Is enough to craze one; death would be preferable a thousand times. How many fighting men have you?" "Seven fit for duty." "Will you ride forward, or go back with us?" "We must send word"?and the gal? lant fellow's voice shook?"but God knows, Wayne, I want to go back. If est both live I am to marry Cella Minor." "I understand," I said gravely. "Ebers, who is your best rider?" "It vo8 dot funny leetle vellow Glen, Captain." "Glen, come here." The trooper, a mere boy, with freckled face and great honest gray eyes, but wiry and tough as steel, pushed his way through the group and faced me. "Glen," I said, "your Sergeant tells me you are the best rider in the troop. I am going 10 Intrust you with the most important duty of all. The lives . of every one of us and of four help? less women depend entirely upon your riding. You take two horses, kill both if necessary, but stop for noth? ing until your duty is done. You are to carry a note from me. and another from this gentleman, who is an officer in the Federal army, and deliver them both to the commandant of the first military post you find. Insist upon reaching him in person. It makes no difference which army the post be | longs to, for this is a matter of hu? manity. The Federal outpost at Mc? Millan is the nearest to us; make for there. You understand?" The boy saluted gravely, all mis? chief gone from his tace. "I do, sir," he said. "But I'd a darn sight rather stay here and fight." "You will be hack in plenty of time to take a hand, my lad. Now, men"? and I turned to the dark, expectant ring about me?"thts is do ordinary duty of your enlistment, and I wish po one to accompany me tonight who does not volunteer for the service. Seven Federal soldiers and four worn er, three of them Virginians, are at? tacked at tho house wo have Just left by a large party of bushwhacking guerillas, the offscourings of hell. Every one of you knows what that means. Will you go with me to their rescue?" No one seemed anxious to be first to speak. I could see them look aside uneasily at one another. "Bungay," I said, "I feel sure you will go, for your wife is there." "Mariar?" "Yes; Miss Minor told me this after noon, but I had forgotten to mention it." TO BE CONTINUED.) WILL Nor LEAVE. Florence, July i 2.?The liev, R. T. Uillesple, pastor ot the Preobyterian church here, has dc< lined a call to ? Charlotte, (N. C > pastorate. He will remain here and continue his good work in Kloreiu c. \ <<?unt\ which cult i;ih\\ from ??f in i<i" bushels <>t corn to the acre needn'l have t-> hu> a bushel ?>f corn grown from 600 to l,50ti miles awes \\ llmlltglOll Star. NEURO FltiHTS OFFICER, Iii m _ i; i / : Officer Ii. <J McKagen und Jim Evans, colored, had it hot and heavy, fast and furious, for a short time at the passeng? r station Saturday night, shortly after train No* 55 pulled in lr??m Florence, and when Mr. lie* Kagen attempted to arrest Evans for cursing and disorderly conduct in the station yard. Had it not been for the prompt assistance of several men who were nearby when the fight commenced it is probable that the negro would have succeeded in beat? ing up the officer in the tight and netting away ;?t its close. However, assistance was rendered and the ne? mo was taken to the guard house, where he spent the night and was tried Monday and a sentence of $150 or 150 days lodged against him at the ( lose of the trial. Evans got off the train cursing. It is stated that he turned to rne of the negroe* standing near and told him that he had killed one-and he was looking for another one to kill. Of tirer McKagen was assisting some la? dies at the time, but overheard the negro. He immediately returned to the scene and arrested the negro, who at once offered battle. Drawing his pistol he struck the officer in the mouth with the butt of the pistol and then tried to get away. He threw his pistol, an ugly looking thirty eight, under the train, where it was later picked up by tho conductor of the train. He jerked himself out of his coat and the officer caught him by the shoulders, throwing him to the ground. After tumbling about for a few minutes the negro caught Mr. McKagen by the throat and be? gan chocking him. It was at this point that the assistance arrived and with the help of several men, the ne? gro was overpowered. On the way to the station he tried again to get loose from his captors, and he had to be hit several times before he became submissive. In the police court Monday he was arraigned on the charges of cursing, drunkenness, carrying a pistol, resist? ing arrest and assaulting an officer on all of which he was found guilty, his sentence, as stated, being $150 or 150 days. Rosa Dozer was tried for vagrancy, but dismissed. t ^?M ? I Nancy Mallard and J. J. Christian were tried for fighting. Nancy being dismissed and Christian beinr; fined $10. Ueetli of I v Bradfoi d M r I ?? Brs fo * iroll k; * on cith. . . er Coui i: :< u an ex Contederate veteran, died Thursday night at the Sumter Hospital, where he had been for several weeks un? denting medical treatment. The fu? neral services were held at Spring Hill Friday, of which place Mr. Brad? ford was for many years a resident. The deceased is survived by one sister, Mrs. W. H. Steinmeyer, of Lakeland, Florida. He also leaves several children, Mrs. T. M. Bradley of Rembert, Mrs. Richard Munnerlyn of Cheraw and Richard Bradford of Columbia. He was 64 years of age and had stayed with re'atives in the Myers neighborhood for several years preceding his death. He made many friends throughout the country who heard of his death with deepest regret. THEY ALL DEMAND IT Sumtcr. Like Every City and Town in the Union. Receives It. Poople with kidney ills want to be cured. When one suffers the tor t if res of an aching back, relief is eagerly sought for. There are many remedies today that relieve, but do not cure. Loan's Kidney Pills have brought lasting results to thousand*. Here is Sumter evidence of their merit. J. H. Grady. 16 Wright St . Sumter. S c, says: "My baek ached nearly all the time and I had acute pains through my kidneys. 1 was often l ime and stiff and 1 noticed that the kidney secretions contained sediment. Doan'a Kidney Pill?, which I got at China's Drug Store removed these symptoms of kidney complaint and helped me in every way. 1 willingly confirm my termer endorsement of Boon's Kidney Tills They made a permanent cure *n my case." For Bale by all dealers. Price 5S cents. Fost^r-Milhurn Co., Buffalo. New York, sole agents for the United States. Remember the name?Dean's?ard take no other. No. 37. SUMMER SCHOOL. The summer school for tea* hers will he opened Monday, Auguet 4th. it the Hampton school building, end v\ ill continue lor four weeks. Prof. II. Edmunds will he the instructor n English and mathentatica and Mis* 10. W. McLean will be "i charge el he Primer) Methods ami Writing course, I .1 H HAYNS WORTH, 'ount) Superintendent of Education,