/ERS1TY ] 
 

IM: WALTON; 
 
 OB, 
 
 nil- lll-r.l-L nl- DORCHESTER, 
 
 BY W. GILMORE SIMMS, 
 
 \iiiiin > i \i \--i i ." "in! r \ i; i i - \ N," " M i i i 1 1 ii \ Mi i , 
 
 \ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 * \v 
 Should Itf tin- Lit ll< i i n.u- Mii." 
 
 KING HKNHI i HI: I v. 
 
 and tLlcoiscd uditiou. 
 
 OMl 
 
 DONOHl I:, H!:.NM:HI:R1<Y & CO- 
 
GENERAL 
 
 PHINTKD AND BOUND BY 
 
 DONOHUL <t HENNEBERRY 
 
 CHICAGO. 
 
KATHARINE WALTON. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 <)i it story opens r.uly in Septemher, in the eventful \rar of 
 A .-riran revolutionary history, one thousand seven hundu-d 
 ami eighty. Our swi;r is one destined to afford ahundant 
 lor the purposes of the future romancer. It lies chiefly 
 D the hanks of the Ashley , in South Carolina, a region which, 
 at this period, was almost entirely covered hy the anus <.f tho 
 fo-ei^n eneniv. In previous narratives, as well as in the his- 
 ; !1 he found the details of his gradual etMiijuest-. and no 
 one need he told of the events following the fall of Charleston, 
 and terminating in the defeat of (leneral (I;r 
 whi ;, tlie hojies of patiiotism, as W(dl as theetioits 
 
 of valor which aimed at the recovery of the country from h* 
 domination, were humhled, if not wholly overthrown. 
 
 <ern lihrratin^ army was tiMiijiorarily di-pei>ed. rail 
 !y to their .standards in the wildernesses of North Carolina; 
 few in immher, miserahly clad, and almost totally \\ anting in 
 the means ;m d appliances of war. Tin- victory of tl,, 
 
 :isid-red complete. It was distiniriiislied hv 
 
 their usual laClifioe*. Many of their prisoners w. ;ted 
 
 upon the >jot, montlv upon the smallest pretexts and the ni"st 
 juestionahle testimony. Th. -e, sacrifices were d hat 
 
KATHAlil.NK \V.\1., 
 
 to tlu> requisitions of the. loyalists, to the excited passions of the 
 conquerors, and, in sonic degree, to their own scorn of the vic 
 tims, lint one of those decreed for sacrifice had made, his es 
 cape, rescued, in the moment of destined execution, hy a most 
 daring and unexpected onslaught of a small body of partisans, 
 led hy a favonta leader. Colonel Richard Walton, a gentleman 
 of great personal worth, of considerable wealth, and exercising 
 much social influence, had, under particular circumstances, and 
 when the state was believed to be utterly lost to the confederacy, 
 taken what was entitled " British protection." This was a 
 parole, insuring him safety and shelter beneath the protection 
 of the conqueror, so long as he preserved his neutrality. It 
 was some reproach to Colonel Walton that ho had taken this 
 protection ; but, in the particular circumstances of the case, 
 there was much to extenuate his offence. With his justification, 
 however, just at this moment, we have nothing to do. It is 
 enough that the violation of the compact between the citi/.en 
 and the conqueror was due to the British commander. In the 
 emergency of invasion, at the approach of the continental arms, 
 the securities of those who had taken protection were withdrawn 
 by proclamation, unless they presented themselves in the British 
 ranks and took up arms under the banner of the invader. Com 
 pelled to draw the sword, Colonel Walton did so on the side of 
 the country. He fell into the hands of Cornwallis at the fatal 
 battle of Caindrn ; and, steadily refusing the overtures of tin 
 British general to purge himself of the alleged treason by taking 
 iiiniission in tin- service of the conqueror, he was ordered to 
 execution at Dorchoter, in the, neighborhood of his estates, and 
 a> MII example of terror to the surrounding country. He was 
 ;ed at the foot of the, gallows, from the degrading death 
 which had been decreed him. Hy a well-planned and desperate 
 enterprise, led by Major Singleton, a kinsman, he was plucked 
 from the. clutches of the executioner ; and the succes>tul ell ort 
 was still farther distinguished by the almost total annihilation 
 of the strong guard of the British, which had left the garrison at 
 Dorchester to escort the victim to the latal tree. 
 
 The beautiful hamlet of Dorchester was partially laid in a hen 
 during tlu short nut saiig iinury conflict; and, before reinforcor 
 
ments could AIT1V6 from tin- fortified po-t -it the place, tlic parti- 
 had melted away, like so manv shadows, into (he swamp! 
 
 nt I he neighboring cy press, carrying with them, in safety, their 
 .M-d captive. Hie occurrence had heen one rather to 
 :e the invader than to disturh his securities. It 
 
 not le.-s an indignity than a hurt ; and, taking place, as it .lid, 
 
 within twenty miles of the garrison of Charleston, it denoted a 
 
 Be of audacity, on the part i)i the rehels, which particularly 
 
 called lor the acti\e VOngl ance of the invader, as an insult and 
 
 .race to his arms. 
 
 l )iit if the mortification <f Major Proctor, l.y whom ll.. 
 at DoTchi - held, was peat, still greater was the 1 i, 
 
 Colonel Baltour, the commandant of Charleston. The intelli- 
 
 reached him. hy express, at midnight of the day of the 
 affair, and roused him from the grateful slumhcrs .if a life which 
 had hitherto heen fortunate in tin; acquisition of everv desired 
 Indulgence, and from dreams holding forth the most deli< 
 
 f that nliiim rum tlixnitun- which was in the contemjila- 
 tion ol all his toils. To he aroused to such intelligence as ii.-.il 
 heen brOUglil him, was t<> denv him both leisure and respect 
 nay, to invol\-e him in p"ilde f rfeitire of the ; M >{ 
 
 Ahich, he well knew, \\rie of donhtfnl tei 
 only, and i-a>ily determined hy a run of snch that 
 
 ii he was now required to contemplate. Wt I -alt oiir. in 
 reality, had nothing with \\liich to reproach himself in the affair 
 at Dorcbest r. No hlame. whether of omission or pen 
 c-udd he charged npon him, making him liable to reproach for 
 
 misfortune. He had no reason to m 
 don in command at Camden. and Cornwall!-, Luf recently 
 
 I OVei Gatet, with the ^reat l.ody of the I -rit 
 
 every COnBpicUOlU p-int in the country, that any sinal! 
 part;. |fl should prove s dai; 
 
 snatch the prey from ti 
 had, !ioue\er, doi 
 
 lieutena.it rej.eatii:;.: ti uj.on the A-l. 
 
 Thon^h really not to Maine. l ,.,l!..;;i \ et \ery wdl knew liow 
 
 re \vere the jud-ments \\lii h. in ( 
 i 1 upon tlu> np-fortunes Of f., i -in 
 
8 KATMAIMNK \V\I.To\. 
 
 America Ho had no reason to douht tliat in his case, as corn 
 monly in that of others, his superiors would he apt to cast upon 
 tho subordinate the responsibilities of every mischance. It if 
 true that he might oiler good defence. He could show that, in 
 order to strengthen his army against dates, Cornwallis hail 
 tripped the city of nearly all its disposable force, leaving him 
 nothing hut invalids, and a command of cavalry not much more 
 than sufficient to scour the neighborhood, hring in supplies, ami 
 furnish escorts. Dorchester had heen shorn of its garrison fur 
 the same reason l>y the same officer. The reproach, if any, lay 
 at the door of Cormvallis. Yet who would impute Maine to the 
 successful general, who oilers his plea while yet his trumpets 
 are sounding in every ear with the triumphal notes of a great 
 victory / Success is an argument that effectually stops the 
 mouth of censure. To fasten the reproach upon another, hy 
 whom no plea of good fortune could he offered, was the policy 
 of lialfour; and his eye was already turned upon the victim. 
 Jut this, hereafter. For the present, his task was to repair, if 
 
 ihle, the, misfortune; to recover the freed rebel ; to put 
 Dorchester in a hetter state to overawe the surrounding country, 
 and make himself sure in his position hy timely reports of (he 
 affair to his superiors; hy which, showing them where the fault 
 might he imputahle. to themselves, while studiously imputing it 
 to Another, he should induce them to such an Adoption of his 
 views as should silence all representations which might he hurt 
 ful to his own security. 
 
 All these meditations passed rapidly through the hrain of 
 Balfbnr, as he made his midnight toilet. When he. came forth, 
 bis plans were all complete. A- are destined to BOG much 
 more of this personage in the progTCtt of our narrative, it will 
 not he unwise, in this place, to dwell somewhat more particu- 
 larl v upon the mental and moral nature of the man. At the period 
 of which \v- write, he was in the vigor of his years. He had 
 krjit well, to borrow the idiom of another people, ami was alto 
 gether a very fine specimen of physical manhood. With an 
 
 person, fully six feet in height, hroad-chested, and athletic; 
 with cheeks unwrinklcd. a skin clear and florid ; eyes lar^e, 
 
 i.i ._ 
 
rJiiseled, lio was altogether a person to impose at a jrlaiico, and 
 
 almost penRUutef without further examination, to the conviction 
 
 of generous impulses, if not a commanding intellect, as the nat 
 ural concomitants of so much that is p: ;^ in the ex- 
 lerior. Hut Hal tour was a man of neither mind nor heart. In 
 ordinary affairs, ho was sufficiently shrewd and searching. It 
 . certainly to delude him. where his selfish interests 
 \\erc at all at issue. In the mere details of hi; was 
 methodical and usually correct ; hut he neither led nor planned 
 an enterprise; and, while ahle in civil matters to carry out the 
 ! others, it is not seen that he ever counselled or e<>n- 
 cei\ed an impro\ ement. His pas-ions were more active than 
 his mind, yet they r.ever impelled him to courageous perform - 
 ance. He was a carpet knight, making a famous figure al v 
 on parade, and, in the sjdciidid uniform of his regiment, really 
 a magnificent person in tin- l.ui^u.-iLre of a l.idy who K 
 him well, "as splendid as Bcarlct, old lace, and feathers, could 
 make a man." Hut he never distinguished himself in action. 
 Indeed, the record is wanting which would show that he had 
 been in action. That he should have risen to his hiirh 
 station, as second in command of the Hritish army in South Car- 
 olina for such was his rank mi^lit reasonal.ly provoke our 
 surprise, hut that the record which fails to tell Us of his ach! 
 incuts in hattle, is somewhat more c<pi.iu> in other mar 
 li method of rising into power was am:i^ the repTOJ 
 ui^ed against him. His oli>e<|uious devotedne->s to the hir 
 and jili-aMire-. \\ e may safely say VlCQt of Sir William 
 Houe, lii>! gained him position, and finally led to his jire>ent 
 appointment. In the capacity of commandant at Charleston, 
 hU arn-^ance insiitlerahle. His vai 
 hern in due decree with the servility which he hail heen f 
 to show in the acquisition of his objoctft, !! could enact 
 C jip-ite jihases in the character of his countryman. Sir Per: 
 [hant, without an HHrt at transition- /" witi 
 fihame or SCUM- of degradation, and command without 
 Or M nPe of veli -n-vpcct. In conn-rl, he was at < 
 and self-opinionated. In the exercise of i rm-nt. he ! 
 Orbed all the powers of the state. " P,y the ml I 
 
10 KATI1 \KI\K WALTON. 
 
 Ramsay, " of evei y trace of the popular government, without 
 any proper c-ivil establish me III ill its place, he, with a few co 
 adjutors, assumed and exercised legislative. judicial and executive 
 powers over citizens in the same manner as over the common 
 soldiery." He was prompt to anger, obdurate in punishment, 
 t i ivolons in his exactions, and hloatcd with the false consequences 
 of a position which he had reached through meanness and ex- 
 eicised without dignity. Feared and hated by his inferiors, 
 rspised by his equals, and loved by few, if any, lie was yet 
 ne of that fortunate class of persons whom an inordinate but 
 accommodating self-esteem happily assures and satisfies in every 
 situation. (Iratilying his favorite passions at every step in his 
 ress, lie probably found no reason to regret the loss of aflee- 
 tions that he had never learned to value and never cared to win. 
 I tterly selfish, his mind had nevertheless never risen to the ap 
 preciation of those better treasures of life and of the heart which 
 the noble nature b-arns to pri/e, beyond all others, as by a nat 
 ural instinct. His sympathies were those only ot the sensual 
 temperament. His desires were those of the voluptuary. He 
 an unmarried man, and his habits wore those of anv other 
 gay Lothario of the army. The warm tint* i.pon his check 
 were significant of something more than vulgar health; and the 
 liqnid softness of his eye was indicative of habits such as were 
 admitted not to be among the worst traits of that passionate 
 Roman whose world was lost probably quite as much by wine as 
 hve. Balfour was not the person to forfeit ///.v world through 
 either of these passions, tllOUgh he too freely and frequently 
 indulged in both. He possessed vet others which Mark Antony 
 does tot .seem to have Chared, or not in large degree; and his 
 avarice ami hi- .if power were the rods, like tho-e of Aaron, 
 which kept all others in subjection. Hut we have lingered 
 sufficiently long upon his portrait. Knough has been said and 
 shown to furnish all the clews to his character. Let us now see 
 to his perfonn.v 
 
 In a short period after receiving his advices from l>orchesier 
 Balfour was prepared l "r : His secretary was so.-u ii. 
 
 -bed in various quartern in 
 >earch of the o:: cer.s whom he had summoned to his morning 
 
OLD -nl.MKIl* II 
 
 conference Hi 1 occupied, na " He ni<|iiaiters." tli.-it nohle old 
 mansion, .-still remaining in tin 1 lower part of Kii 
 
 rleston, known as numher </</<//. At that period it he- 
 
 Miles iuewton. Subsequently, il ! 
 
 tin- property of Colonel William Allston, in whose family it stiil 
 remains. Uut with Balfour as it* tenant, the proprietorship 
 mi:;ht fairly he assumed to he wholly in himself; (1 6 term ill able 
 only in the event, n->w scarcely anticipated hy tin- invader, nf 
 the hein;r recovered hy the arms ..! the Amei i- 
 
 With hi- ,red at the ta hie, his j.en rapidly con 
 
 nvc r the sherts under tlie diction of his snjierinr, Halfoiir tnl 
 the ajiavtnuMit the southi ast chamher in the second story 
 in evident impatience. At times, he hurried to the front win- 
 h\\>, \\hieli were all oju-j,, and looketl t-Mth. as any unusual 
 MUD! iietnrnin^. he utteicd sentence after 
 
 5 ntenc- of insti-iiction, and ji;in>ed mily to njijirnai-h tin- 
 hoard and iciieu his draught of <dd Madeira, a li.ittle of \\hich 
 had ! cretaiy ca:ue. At h" 
 
 t- the relief of hi^> impatience, the sonnd of a carri .. ar.l 
 
 rolling to the door, and the soldier in attendance looked in to 
 
 announce 
 "Colonel Cruuen." 
 
 vv him in." was the reply ; and, the next iii"i:. iit, tlie 
 n thus named made his appearance, and was welcomed in 
 proper trims hy the commandant, who. tin nin^; to the 
 
 !y examined what he had written, as hastih . his 
 
 itnre. and. in h\\ 
 him instructions in what manner t. dUp<.- of the papr 
 
 " l.t-a\c u> HOW,* 1 said Halfoiir. "hut he not far; 1 
 you shoitly. N i mon lleep to ;.i.-!if ; lememher that. "l . 
 may he ; :he \\ine; it ma\- a--i^t \ \\ in 
 
 Hie voun^ man did no scruple t.) emplov the 
 d him. He drank the uine, am 1 , >\ith a lm\ . 
 
 " L.-t us drink, also. Cruden," N\ IT, the 
 
 moment the \ ; 
 
 stimulus neeeaflarji particularly when the matter is a> 
 U truuhlehomc. Come, ih :V.Mi the cellar of ..],] 
 
Jii K.\T!i.\i:i\i: IfALTON. 
 
 f,aurens. some time president of (^on^re-s. He In I a trnet 
 taste for Madeira than p .litics. There is no better to lie loim.l 
 in all tlio city. Tome." 
 
 "But what is this business which calls us up at this unsea 
 sonable hour ?" 
 
 Something in your way, I fancy. But first let me .ongrat- 
 ulatt you on your appointment. As agent for sequestrated es 
 tates, you should soon he a millionaire." 
 
 " There certainly oii^ht to lie good pickings where rebellion 
 n.is been so fruitful," said tlie other. 
 
 " Surely ; and in possession of the fine mansion of that prenm- 
 
 Hire rebel, CoteflWOfth Pinckney decidedly tlu> finest house in 
 
 ( amlina y.,u are already in the enjoyment of a pleasant fore- 
 
 of what must follow. The house, of course, will lemaiti 
 
 , our own." 
 
 " I Mipp<e so, if the state is not reconquered." 
 
 And have you any fears of this, after the defeat of that sen- 
 
 ii HMiuJ liero, (Jates, at ( amden? That allair seems to settle 
 
 question. These people are effectually crushed and rowt d, 
 
 and Congress can never raise another army. The militia of the 
 
 Middle states and the south are hy no means numerous, and they 
 
 want everything as well as arms. The New-Kn^landers no 
 
 longer take tlie field, now that the war lias left their own hol 
 
 ders ; and, come what may. it is very clear that the Carolinas, 
 
 . and Florida, must still remain the colonies of (I real 
 
 Britain. In that event, a peace which even yields indepen 
 
 dence to the more northern provinces, will rive nothing to then- : 
 
 and my faith in the ////-/I/M-/.-//V/.V principle makes me quite easy 
 
 with regard to my possessions." 
 
 And he looked ruiind upon the pleasant apartment which ho 
 occupied with the air of a man peifectly satisfied with the archi 
 tectural proportions of his building. 
 
 " I am j^lad to hear you in this pleasant vein. From your 
 impatient summons, I had thought the devil was to py." 
 
 " And so he is." said the commandant, suddenly becoming 
 the devil to pav. indeed ; and I am sorry to tell you 
 that your kinsman. Proctor. i in dan^rr of sharp censure, if not 
 A loss of his commission." 
 
OLD SOUMKIfc- 
 
 "Ha!" 
 
 "lie has nearh sufl ered the surpnvt .. Ins post Fufiere<l im 
 malignant Waltn.i to be snatched from his clutches on the way 
 edition, half of his men to hi- cut to pieces, and Dorchesta 
 burnt to ashe> 
 
 " You confound me !* 
 
 " It is to., true. There is his own despatch, which, of course, 
 makes tlic best of it." 
 
 lie pointt-d to the table where lay a couple of letters with 
 the seals hoth broken; and Cniden was about to place his hand 
 on one of them, when his grasp was prevented, rather precipi 
 tately, by that of Hal four. 
 
 -lay; that is not the despatch. Here it is," giving the- one 
 letter, and carefully thrusting the other into his pocket, Hut 
 
 en had already seen the Superscription, which bore the 1 
 vhestei stamp also, lie made no comment, however. <>n tin 
 eunistance, and forbore all inquiry, while he proceeded to 
 the despatch of Major I roctor, to whom the po>t at D rrh. 
 and the contiguous country had been c<inlided. 
 
 itainly a most unfortunate allair ; but I do n<>: 
 
 how Trortor i.s to blame.. He seems to have doilC -verythiu^ in 
 liis p. 
 
 "That is 1 . I hope so, for your sake no less than 
 
 his. liut it is a matter of too serious a kind not to demand keen 
 and searching imjuiry." 
 
 " Proctor had no more than seventy men at the post. Corn- 
 wallis stripped him of all that could be spared ; and more, it 
 seems, than it I > spare." 
 
 My dear friend, you are just in the receipt of a hand 
 appointment /nun ( mnwallis. H -wran \ ou mppOSO* til 
 fihould rir in a military calculation of th i. 
 
 that the kin^ r of . aiu can i 
 
 the very moment which brings him a . 
 
 It is impossible ! dune, let us rep! u n filled 
 
 the glasses. Cruden drank, but deliberately ; and while tho 
 goblet was yet unfinished, ; 
 
 "I see, Balfour, my kin; man is to 
 
 " Nay, not so; we shall give him e\ery opp.rtuni ;. 
 
M K THABINE WALTON. 
 
 himself. ()n in, honor, lie shall not IK- pressed to the wall. 
 Hut yon MM- for- \ourself that the attair is an unlucky one a 
 mo>t unlucky one just at this juncture " 
 
 " Aini J roctor .such a good fellow really a noble fellow." 
 " Admitted; aii.l yet, between us. iTiideii, he has been par 
 ticularly unfortunate, I tear, in allowing his ail eetions to he en- 
 ed liy the daughter of this very rebel. Walton; who is : t 
 without attraction ring her va>t eM.r is m,,r 
 
 than good-looking, I hear indeed, Kitty Harvey teiU me that 
 She was quite a !" Moil is not willing to g<- M> 
 
 far. hut says she wa> 1-looking. Now, these, charms, 
 
 in addition to .some two or th.re" hundred slaves, and a most ha- 
 ronial landed estate, ha\ c proved too much i or your nej)hew ; 
 and the tear is that he has shown himself quite too indulgent 
 iiidi-f.i, a little wilfully careless and remiss; and to this remiss- 
 ne>s the rehi l owes his e.-.cajie." 
 
 " 1 lii> is a veiy >lmclxiii^ Mispii-ini, lialfour; and not t he 
 I eporled or repeated v ithmr, the he.st of testimony. John J roc- 
 tor is ne of the movt honorable men living. There does not 
 PCein to have been any re.missm-ss. These, jiartisans of Sii 
 ton were surely unexpected ; and when 1 roctor sends out half 
 
 of kin disposable force t -M-.irt tiu- rebel to execution, one would 
 
 ihink he had furnished quite, as large a guard as was requisite." 
 
 . under ordinary circumstances, it would seem ; and vet 
 
 "did this party of rebels, though led by a notoriously 
 
 daring fellow, find the audacity t" attack such a guard within 
 
 sight .>{ the fort re.s.s. 5u midday, mil ;Iy cmiscious that 
 
 th.e. ehaiK-f.s favored him in an extraordinary manner/ Mind 
 
 you. now, 1 .say nothing of my o\\ n head. 1 give you only the 
 
 | J "it to be 
 lieve that 1 keep my judgment in n uclusivo 
 
 evtde 
 
 " 1 don t doubt that PrOCtor will acquit himself before any 
 
 ..y farther advices no letters/" 
 
 :ie that ; this all ah," was the rather hesitating 
 
 reply. 
 
 " And what is it. Hal four, for whbh you want me now I" 
 
 A c.i : "f your ollice, i/mn ,uni. \ wish to allord you an op 
 
Id 
 
 your ne\\ vocation, 
 must accompany me to 1 )<Mrli> -trr thi- >. line i> a 
 
 memorandum of particulars. Take vMir .-ecietary with 
 I ln of this rehel Walton arc to "^ " 1 You 
 
 iliall take tin-in in charge and administer them. Lands, 
 I .UM , furniture, man ->ei vant and maid-servant, nx and a>s. and 
 inch an eojiiipaue as you will srairt-ly tiud an y \\ licrc in tin- 
 li?& I am tdd that tlu^ Mailcira in Walton - ! tin- 
 
 Idr.xt in tlu- c-ounti-y. licincinluT, there inu>t he a lair division 
 // .spoil. I have not insisted upon your merits t<> ( ornwal- 
 lis j,, 1,,. denied my reward. !V>ides. the stud of this rehel i.s 
 to l, ( . a iMajrniliivut one. I know that Tarletun itdinl to 
 liiul a plea I -.r layii:- hands upon his hl.o(h-d li..|--. \. nuiist 
 
 i.liare them aK", Cni len. 1 am hy no mean- 
 t(n-k, and mn-t recruit and siippl\ mv>ell . The: 
 hree hundred nr^roe>, an im:. 1 .1 r p,|, 
 
 :.out to he harvested. You will he .secure .,f i 
 of tlii- trea-ure, anvhow, e\cn should you tind an heir tor it in 
 yiur nej/ 
 
 1 his la.sf .sentence was said with a smile, whii-li (Vuden did 
 iy leli.sh. There was much in what l all ..ur had sp- 
 
 give him pleasure. Cruden. like the 
 er nuinher (1 f hi- Idiers. was ai, -p.il the 
 
 . Mind and devourii, 
 
 that of P.alt .T.r. and hi- . - ; hut he had atVec;. 
 
 and s\ in jiatliie-. -n h a- are gnitoftll to humaniis. Jj.- 
 proiid of his iM-phew. \\|I..M- -men .us and hra\c <jualiti. - had 
 done h"HMi- t.. t!:eir connection ; and he was nt willii 
 him sacrificed Without an ei;it. This In- clearlv ) 
 
 ui- > present nhject. Why, he did not care to kn-.w. It 
 was (Miou-h that lio n\sol\ . 
 
 his j.ui j 
 
 Wi- need n.,t follow the iarther o>ntere:irfl oi t ; . 
 paiiions. It WM "f a kind to interest tl-- \\ i-h 
 
 .he lirst glimpses <if the !,-n t--k hi- .irpa, 
 
 to hasten his pi ,-parat ions tor the contemplated jnm:e-. 
 
 . having u r iveii all hi- inlers. tlin-w him-.-lf nj .md 
 
 as soundly as it lie had on! 
 
18 KATHAKlNi: WALTON. 
 
 C1I A I TER II, 
 
 SOCIAL STABBING. 
 
 Tin-: Mare >f trumpets heneath his windows, announcing thr 
 
 readiness oj his cavalry to inarch, found lialfuur at tlie conclusion 
 
 of a late hivakfasl. He was soon in the saddle, and aceompa- 
 
 nie-d hv his friend Crudcn, followed l.y some inferior oilirer* 
 
 This party rode on sl.wly, while the major in connnand of the 
 
 1 Q proceeded on the march, drawing up only as they 
 
 reached the -reat -ate of the city. Tin- stranger who at this 
 
 day, shall find hii \\\ upon the. southern front of the 
 
 !y pile called the, "Citadel," in Charleston a huildin^ of 
 
 the state, devoted to the purposes of military education will 
 
 stand at no jrreat distance from what was then the main entrance 
 
 to the city. Aloiitf this line ran the, fortifications, extending froirt 
 
 the river Cooper to the Ashley, and traversing very nearly whal 
 
 is n..w the honndary line- Between the corporate limits of Cliarles 
 
 ton and its very extensive suhurh. At *h;)t .arly jeriod, tin 
 
 fortifications of the place were at some distance fioin the B0t 
 
 Uement. The Mirface occupied hy the city scarcely reached 
 
 l.rvond a fourth ol the pr sei;t dimensions, and in the north anil 
 
 :, was clistinpnMied only hy some scattered and inlerioi 
 
 hahitations. "\ \* the. path" was the pi. i ly which to 
 
 n-uish tlie re-ion which had heen assigned to the def. 
 Mild l.eyoi.d. 
 
 Without, the re-i .n lay partially in woods, hroken only hy an 
 
 :1 fannstea(. and worm fence, which, when the British 
 
 took km of the "Neck" for the purpose of the lea 
 
 800H disappeared, either wholly or in part, heneath the lire and 
 
 the axe. The j;ate of the city stood a little to the. east of 
 
BOC] M. 3TAB IT 
 
 King street ii"t ijuitc midway, perhaps, hetueen tliat and 
 . it was covered within by a strong ////// 
 inally built ly the ! ml afterward im 
 
 proved by tlu- enemy. It was a work .erahle strength in 
 
 that day, fraised, picketed, and intended as a citadel. Tin- Hrit- 
 isli, after tin- tall of the city, greatly Strengthened and men 
 the.-e fortifications; though even in their hands, the lines remain- 
 sat are called field-works <>nly. 
 
 Beyond them, at the moment wben we request the n-ader n 
 
 .lion, were still perceptible, the traces of the several foot- 
 holds, taken ly the enemy when the leaguer was in : 
 
 the ////-/.v f tin- redmilits, under the cover of 
 which they had made their approaches; the >e\eral parallels 
 
 uh thrown down in part, and the eauh removed, \\ith the 
 
 henin^ the fortifications >till showing themselves 
 
 upon the surface, and occasionally arresting the eye \>y an uu- 
 . ii redoulii, or the mound which told where tin- niortard.ai- 
 lerv had heen erected. l ani.> ami fei.res had heen dr>tr . 
 
 had heen cut down for jiiekets ami ahhatis; and e\en 
 imlile avenue, leading from the city, calle.i the " l nadway," which 
 old Archdale tidls us wa> U 90 deli-lit fill a mail and wall; of a 
 t hreadth, so pie, , -en. that 1 believe i; jirinee in 
 
 1 their art. can make SM pleasant a si-lit t-r the 
 \\holr \car," e\cn this had heen shorn of manv of i 1 
 patriarch^, of oak and codar, for the commonest p- fuel 
 
 or <:. till an avenue, h. \\e\er, to <-..inj.rl tin- 
 
 admiration of the Kiiropean. All was not lo>t of / 
 foliage, its -rcen ill!.! :..j . its tall pines, flesh and \eidaiit 
 . and ancient gnarh-d oaks: and, as the Splendidly i 
 dry of the Hritish. two hundred in number, iih 
 beneath its pleasant thick, t-. li,. 
 
 most unique, and mi-ht \\cll jtersiia-K- tin- spectator into a partia, 
 forgetful ness of the fearful .inch these gallant 
 
 1 on. On each baud, from this nearly central point, i: 
 glimpses be had of the two i --atli 
 
 which, on the most gradual slope f plane, ti rle 
 
 ton rise-, the Ashley "ti the w-!, the (.\njicr on the e,isf, hot. 
 navigable t ; a small distance -treams of ample brea-lth, if i 
 
IS KATH Alil.N K WAI. 
 
 of depth; and in fact rather arms <>f the sea than arteries of the 
 land 
 
 Tlii- Iirit ish detachment, about to leave tin- garrison, its o .jectti 
 lint known, nor its destination, was necessarily a suhjoct <>f con 
 siderable interest to all parties. Whij; and loyalist e.j-ially 
 :ded its movements with curiosity and excitement. The 
 of the Americans at I ainden; the Midden and 
 startling event, so near at hand, in the rescue at Dor. ester, and 
 the partial conflagration of that hamlet, were all now known 
 auioujj the citixens. The question with tin; one party was that 
 ot (he dethroned so\ crei- n of KniJand on the ominous appearance 
 ioster. " What hloody seem- iiath Koscius now to act. " 
 while the other looked forward to new progresses, ending in the 
 acquisition of fre>h .spoils from new confiscations, and the punish 
 ment of enemies whom they had learned to hate in due, dr. 
 with the appreciation of their virtuous patriotism, which persever 
 ed, under ail privations, ir a manly resistance to the invader, 
 j rou ps of these, of hoth parties, separated naturally by their 
 mutual antipathies, had assembled in the open space contiguous 
 to the citadel, and were now anxiously contemplating the spec 
 tacle. Amon^ these, scattered at plays that had an earnest 
 signification, were do/ens of sturdy urchins, already divided into 
 parties according to the influence ot their parental and other as 
 sociations. These, known as the-l .ay Boys" and the "Green 
 playing at soldiers, well armed with cornstalks, and 
 hammering away at each other, in char^ini: and re4reatinj. 
 Squadrons. The "Hay Boy*" were ail luvalists, the "(jlreei; 
 IJoys" tin- Whijrs, or patriots: and in their respective desi 
 lions, we have no inadequate siiir.u r estiin of the influences which 
 operated to divide the factious of their elders in the city. The 
 " 1 ted the commercial influence, which, hein^ 
 
 chiefly in the hands of foreigners, acknowledged a more natural 
 pathy with I .ritain than the "(Jreen . those f the, 
 
 wihurhan population, most ol whom were the agricultural aris- 
 ! the low country, and with whom the revolutionary 
 Movement in Carolina had its orijjin. 
 
 The appeal ancc of Half >ur and his suite dispersed these parties 
 retired upon opp . leaving a free passage for the 
 

 aorcs, which were driven forward with hut small regard for the. 
 ilic i-rowds that cuvcied tin- highway. The men turn 
 ed aw..\ \\ith U much promptitude ;is the hoys; neither Wlii; 
 nor loyalist having much assurance of consideration from a ruler 
 O arrogant ami eaprieiou.- i ur. ami so reckless <>f the 
 
 comfort nf inferiors. A few women niiirht he seen, as if in wait 
 ing, mostly iu i^i^ or chair then the ni >.st et inmonly nsel 
 vehicle thon^li one or more mi^lit he seen in rarria^es, ami a 
 fi-\\ OH :, reel --ick. folhwed hy urjrro servants. Those were all 
 prepared to leave the city, n hrief yi>it .-jisttimary. t<> 
 
 the nei^hlH.iin r r farms and plantations alon^ one i.r i.ther nf the 
 tWMi-i\ r rs. They were destined to disappointment, BalfoilT 
 hternly den\inu r the usual permit to depart from the city, at a 
 moment u hen there w ; to s;ipjn>e that stray hodir 
 
 Marion s partie> \\ : lurking in the aeigllborhood. The pre 
 caution was a proper one; hut there was m j^raee >r dtdicaey in 
 the manner of Rdfour s ilenial. 
 
 h>me, madam," was the rude reply to one lady, who 
 addres>e(l him from the window of her CM 
 
 ful f -r the -.er.rity which the arms f his majrsty alTrl y- U 
 within the walls of the. city We will BO ;ifti i r y. U r est 
 
 -\\\ . is, sir, that you will prove yourself only too 
 
 pr \ident," answered the hi^h-spirited woman, as slu> hade her 
 coachman wheel ahont to return. 
 
 "Tlii-n 1 is iii> hreakinj; down the spirit of this people," mut- 
 
 1 Halfour to ( Yuden U tlie; ll wtnian 
 
 al\\. me the 1. :id it is never an u ie." 
 
 "They wlM 1 up may well he permitted to rnjoy tha 
 
 pepper,* said Oradea. "It ruilles \<.u, which it should not." 
 
 "They .-hall hend or hreal. I i done with them. 
 
 nnswered the other. To the major commanding in h: 
 he - injunctions that no HIM- should he allowed to ! 
 
 the city under any pn-tr 
 
 1 ial Williamson, I suppose?" was the in^; 
 
 return. 
 
 "lias he desired to > f>rth to- day?" 
 
 "T -morrow, sir." 
 
 "Well let him be an exception-" and he rode off; "thou-ir 
 
20 KATHAKIM: \v.u;ius 
 
 continuing, as it speaking to himself "\\cre lie wise, he 
 should hug the city walls as his only security. His neck would 
 mil a sorry chance were he to fail into the hands of his ancient 
 comrades." 
 
 "I do not see, that his desertion of tin enemy has done UP 
 much service," was the remark of Cruden. 
 
 " Y"U mistake : his correspondence has heen most etlieieip. 
 He has brought over numbers in Ninety-Six and along the Con- 
 garees. But these are matters that we can not publish." 
 
 At the "Quarter s House." between five, and six miles, the 
 party came to a halt. This was a famous place in that day for 
 parties from the city. The long low building, still occupying 
 the spit, might be almost esteemed :\fnc-snnllc of the one which 
 covered it then. It received its name, as it was the, oilicers 
 (juarte-rs for the old field range contiguous, which is still known 
 as " Izard s Camp." It was now a region devoted to festivity 
 rather than war. Hither the British otlicers, of an afternoon, 
 drove out their favorite damsels. Here they gained and drank 
 with their comrades; and occasionally a grand hop shook the 
 rude log foundations of the fabric, while the rafters gleamed with 
 the bla/e of flaming up from open oil vessels of tin. 
 
 Though not yet midday, Ualfour halted here to procure refiesh- 
 ments; and Mother (.Jrailock, by whom the place was kept, was 
 required to use her best skill which was far from mean in this 
 department of art in compounding for her sensual customer a 
 ]"\al noggin of milk punch; old Jamaica rum being the potent 
 element which the milk was vainly expected to subdue. A 
 lounge of half an hour in the ample piaxxa, and the party resum 
 ed their route, following after the march of the brigade at a 
 smart canter. A ride of four hours brought them to Dorchester, 
 where, apprised of their approach, the garrison was drawn out to 
 receive them. 
 
 The spectacle that met the eyes of Halfour, in the smoking 
 ruins of the village, was well calculated to impress him with a 
 erioOffense of the necessity of a thorough investigation into the 
 affair. He shook his head with great gravity as lie said toCruden 
 
 "It will be well if your kinsman can aopiit himself of the 
 responsibility of this allair. Proctor is a good officer; in quick. 
 
SOCIAL STAI;I;IM;. UJ 
 
 :!ilc, aii l l>iave- hut 1 fear, Omden, I verv much feai that 
 he has 1 ecu smcwhat remiss in this In; And then the 
 
 awkward relations which are said to have existed between this 
 
 rehcl s daughter and himself " 
 
 ay." *aid I . rudcn ; " la approac! 
 
 ;iext moment, Majnr 1 roctor joined the party, and offered 
 <T welcome. He was a yoim^ man, not more tlian 
 t\\en:\ eight Of thirty IB appearance; and more than ordinarily 
 youthful irrived at tlie rank whirh he held in the 
 
 Kill he had heen f -rtunate in his opportunities for dis 
 tinction; and, hoth in the c-oiHjne.st of New Ym-k and ot ( ha]le>- 
 lon. iia-! ITOC ilie special applause of his .sup-riiirs f -r e|iial 
 
 lli> pei>on was ca>t in a very ndde 
 :, and graceful, with a eonntenaiire 
 
 fine , . , lofry hrow, lar^e and animate and 
 
 which, hut for a .-tern compression of the. lips, mi^ht 
 
 haVQ 1 etl eininately handsome. At this time, his face 
 
 appropriate gravity. lie conducted liis vi-i- 
 
 MI ttgb the village^ pointing out the -eene of every impor- 
 
 iction with dignity and calmness. Hut his words 
 
 :lile; and every reference to the Miljeet. naturally 
 
 .iiiful, was influenced chiefly hy considerationfl oi dnty to his 
 
 superior. 
 
 When his examination of the field was ended, they made their 
 vav toward the fortre>s, at the entrance of which they found 
 an otlicer in waiting, in whom Hal four spoke rather eagerly, and 
 in accents much ! !y than thoM- which he riii|liyed in 
 
 dealing with suhordinates. Captain Vanjrhan for such was the. 
 name and title of this otlicer met the eye <>f Pn.rtor ;i t this 
 moment, ami did not fail to ohverve the dark scowl which o\n- 
 hadowed it. A sudden ^le.im ( intelligence, which did noi 
 sei iu without it.s triumph, lighted up his o\\n e\ c^Jih .he Leludd 
 it; and his lip curled with a .-mile hardy peiceptiMe to a n 
 one of lie party. Ualfourji^t then called th 
 
 vvai d. ai. i they passed through the portals of the f-u iier. 
 
 1 roct ir motioned his kinsman Cruden forward also, hut the lat 
 ter. twitching him l.y the sleere, hehl him hack a* he eagerly 
 kked the {ues-tion in a whisper 
 
22 KATIl. \RI.\K WALTON. 
 
 "Fordod s sake, John, what is all this / Iloware you toblamef" 
 
 "Only t or having an enemy, uncle, I suppose." 
 
 " An enemy . I thought so. Iiutwhor 1 
 
 Proctor simply waved his hand lor ward in the direction or 
 Vaughan whose retiring ionn was still to be seen following clos 
 behind Balfoizr. 
 
 "Yon will soi.n see. 
 
 " Van^han! But how can he hurt you? Why should he L 
 your enemy f 
 
 " I am in his way somewhat; and hut not now, uncle. l,e 
 forward." 
 
 Thrv were soon all assembled in Proctor s quarters, wher- 
 dinner was in progress. Balfour had already renewed his draught/ 
 enjoying with a relish, the old Jamaica, of which a portly square 
 botlle stood In-fore him. 1 1 is beverage now was t;i ^en \\ it hoilt 
 th- milk; but was (jnalilied with a rather small allouam-, 
 cool water. The > -ion was only casual. It was tacitly 
 
 inderstood tliat, for the present, the subject most in the mind of 
 ftll parties was to be h-j t fur future di>cnsMon. 1 roctor did the 
 honors with ease and iriace, yet with a gravity of aspect that 
 lacked little of geveritv. Captains Van^han and I)ickson 
 of the company oilicers both belonging to the station and 
 (Yuden c ontiiveil to ex.-:i;iine, at intcrv.-.ls, the features of the, 
 former, of whom he knew but little, with the scrutiny of one who 
 had an inteiv-t in fathoming the character of him he surveyed 
 Hut Van^hanV f.,ce w.-s mte of those inscrutable ones a dark 
 fountain, which shows its surface, only, and nothing ot its depths, 
 lit- rai not unaware of Cruden s watch that circumspect old 
 soldier, with all his shrewdness and experience, beiii no sort of 
 match for tin- person, seemingly a mere boy, small of features, 
 slight of li-ure, ami with a chin that appeared (juite too smooth 
 to demand the reaping of a raZOI whom he snujrlit to fatlnnu. 
 Yet tboM- girlifih features, that pale face, and thin, elVeminate.and 
 closed lips, were the unrevealiii^ representatives <f an intense 
 ambition, coupled witli a cool, deliberate, almost icy temper, 
 which seldom betrayed imp I any of its secrets. 
 
 His eyes smiled only, not his lips, as he noted the furtive scrutiny 
 which Crude ii maintained 
 
r\iu:i\<;. 23 
 
 At length, ilinnor was announced, and discussed. Ilalfotir was 
 *t home at tahle. He was a person to do the lionors lor the 
 ItOH cir<utt ; and here, ].ei hajr-, : f hi> in 
 
 fluence with Sir \Villi;iin Howe. Fish iVoin tlie Ashley, which 
 glided heneath tlie walls of tl.< , and venison iVoin the 
 
 forest- which spread away on every hand within howshot, formed 
 
 the chief dishes of the feast; and the Jamaica pio\-ed an 
 
 cellent appetizer and provocative. Wine- were not wan* 
 and the commandant of Charleston very soon showed svmptoins 
 
 !i acknowledged their influence, 1 x i>re the (doth had 
 removed, his iorhear;;i!ce was forgotten; and, rather ahniptly, 
 
 iir of Walt-.n s re-cue was hrou^ht upon the tahle. 
 " I ll tell you what, Proctor, this nil air is decidedly unfortunate. 
 
 Hen- you bare seventy-si] men in garrison, good men. not in- 
 
 \\ invalids, and you send out a detachment of thirty only to 
 01 i.el Walton to the pillows. I must s.iv. you mi^ht 
 
 tlmost ha\ i what followed." 
 
 "Really, ( "l.-iu-l Hallour, 1 see not that. I send out half of 
 rny force, ,.r nearly BO, to superintend the execution of a sin-le 
 man. One would suppose sue h a ::icient for such a 
 
 pui pose. Was I to ahandou the garrison entirely { Hail I done 
 hat DUght have heen the conse<|Uem-es I Instead of the 
 Me of the prisoner, the po^t mi^ht have heen surpi 
 :rel with all H and the . ut to j.ic. 
 
 .rcelv, if the reported force of t! e true. They 
 
 r seen: to have had more than twenty men in all." 
 
 i will permit me t H arrived at tl 
 
 elusion ( I am not n.i \\-.\\ ini: made any definite rej-ort 
 
 of the numher of tlie rel-els in this a 
 
 "rCCtOr; and t: .rr to i.i | n,..s-t 
 
 unaccountahle omission in your report. V,ii had Hie eviilenro 
 of a worthy 1 .-fly told \ mi that 
 
 they imml-ered only t\\ 
 
 " The deficiencies of my repoi t, ( , -l-.m-l Pialfoiir, seem m na\r 
 heen particularly supplied hy "flier : < ir<>nic.: 
 
 mark of Pnur 
 
 " out your informant .icet hi; 
 
 .ecu tOO jrlad TO assume, n- r. rtan it \\liirli u as only 
 
24 KATHARINE WALTON, 
 
 conjectural. Hhmay state. 1 distinctly that there were twenty 
 men and won: These were his very words. lie did not say 
 how many. Ills whole act-mint was wretchedly confused, since 
 his mind seems to have hern distracted hetween the difficulty of 
 
 ;ing liis motlier from the feet of the horse, by which she 
 really trampled to death, and the desire of taking revenge 
 ujMin a single enemy, upon whom alone his eyes seem to have 
 hi .11 fixed during the affair. This Hlonay, sir, instead of being 
 a worthy loyalist, is a miserahle wretch, half Indian, and of no 
 worth at all. lie has an Indian passion for revenge, which, on 
 this occasion, left him singularly incapahle of a correct ohserva- 
 tion on any suhject which did not involve the accomplishment 
 of his passion. Hut, allowing that the rehels made their assault 
 with hut twenty men, it must he remembered that they effected 
 
 a surprise " 
 
 "Ah! that was the reproach, Major Proctor; there was the 
 error, in allowing that surprise." 
 
 "Hut, Halfour," said Crudcn. "this veems to he quite, unrea- 
 sonahle. A detachment of thirty men from the post, leaving hut 
 fortv in charge of it, seems to he. quite large enough." 
 
 "That depends wholly on circumstances, ( Vuden," was the 
 reply of Halfour, filling his glass. 
 
 ictlv, sir," resumed Proctor; "and these circumstances 
 were such as to call for a guard for the prisoner no stronger 
 than that which I assigned it. Hut a few days had elapsed 
 ; .rl Cornwall!* totally defeated the ivhel army at Cam- 
 den. Were we to lonk for an effort of the rebels, in his rear. 
 of this description? Did we not know that Marion, with his 
 hrigadr. had joined himself to tlie force ofGateS; and had we 
 nut -on to suppose that lie had shared its fate ! The, 
 
 whole country was in nr pOMeMIOlt, Lord Kawdoii held Cam- 
 den ; Colonel Stuart was at Ninety-Six; nr:m--ehnrg, Motte. fl. 
 \V;it-Mn -. M-i:k s Corner, rjuimhy all posts garrisoned by 
 ourselves ; and or, brOUghl no tidings oi any considera 
 
 ble force of rrhrK enihodied in any qUAlt 
 44 Hut the turn,. . </AA," ;. Halfour 
 
 "T l --.relv provided .-igaiiiM ill a force of thirty moil, 
 
 h d by M coiMjir i-nt >! cer, who sealed his devotion with his life M 
 
SOCIAL BTABB1 S 
 
 " \Vliy diil yi U ncil take command of the- <> rt ymir 
 queried Halfour. 
 
 I iiioi, iciit. an -pn-ad OTW the 
 
 tOCtor. Hut he replied calmly 
 
 "It miuht be a sullicieiit answer to >ay. that such v. 
 duly. Tlu- command of the post at Dorchester Involved DO 
 
 tion to aHume the dui -ubonlinate. r,ut I will < 
 
 sdf more frankly. I could not have ;;-unud this duty without 
 violating some of the most precious feelings of humanity. I had 
 enjoyed the ho-pitulity of Colonel Walton ; had shared his intimacy ; 
 and chcrishnl a real esteem for the noble virtues of that p-ntleman, 
 which i .-.icnt unhappy rebellion can not obliterale from my 
 
 mind. I could not have taken part in the terrible event of th . 
 
 Ifl my tluty allowed it, to withdraw from so painful 
 
 
 "Ah: that was the error the The soldier, sir. 
 
 to his kin:; superior to .-iincnt. 
 
 . Major Proctor very sorry no* lea for jrotu 
 than lu-cause of the deep sympathy which I have with my friend. 
 ( rud n. 
 
 . . HalfoU! 
 
 ha< been quite just ilialile. With his force. In- could not h:t\e 
 detached from the irarri-oii more than he did, as an e-cort for 
 tin- i <-utio!i. And, under the eitvu of tlie 
 
 country, \\ith Cornwalli- s< coiuiiletcly triumphant < 
 and with our tro.,;. jcre ox.iauii idious 
 
 point, there could be no rea-oii to anticipate such a ^urj 
 this. N 
 
 dear Crudeii. all this ry \\.-ll ; and 
 
 -ideivd by them-. ! no doubt the defence 
 
 wo-dd be propj-rly urirrl. Hut 1 am afraid that an -\il . 
 may l>e placed upon the palliy wliieh our yoiin- fri.-nd 
 
 ; have felt for the family of thi-* i IK I. H.-M.HIV 
 be. n a frequent vi-ii.-r at Walton x plantation." 
 
 " Only, sir. when ( ..lmu-1 Walton was uini : riend 
 
 of my kim; and government." 
 "That li 
 "lie irafl admitted in our roll ,f friend- ainon^ tli. 
 
2f, KATIIAHINK WAI." 
 
 country; and 1 bave I. "id Cornwall!- -tl i.iftnictiona 
 
 bi treat liiin with irreat eourte>y ar.d favor, it. the in pe of win 
 ning him over to active participation in our c;r 
 
 " Verv true, sir; that w/i.v our ohject ; ln:t how loii is it Riuce 
 this hope was abandoned / Could you have entertained it, my 
 near major, fur a moment after your fruitless attempt to capture 
 Sin^h-toii, the lieutenant of Marion, harhored l>y this very rel.el 
 !;.. -1 l.y Walton from your ^ r rasp. at the heail of an 
 
 armed force, which put you at defiance . Nay, I am not sure 
 that the curious fact, that Walton sutVereil y..u to escape, though 
 i h-aily in his clutches, will not make against you. Even oilier 
 the.xr events, it is understood that you have more than once vis 
 ited the daughter of this rebel, alone, without any attendants, 
 returning late in the evening to your post." 
 I loctor Mnile.l grimly, as In- replied 
 
 " It will he something new. 1 fancy, to the olHcers of his maj- 
 in rharloton and eNewhere, if it he construed into a trea- 
 le atlair when they visit a reliel dan^el. Hut really, Colonel 
 Hallow, this conversation assumes so much the appearance of a 
 criminal investigation, that I see, no other course heforc me than 
 fo regard it a> a ><>rt .,| court of iinjuiry. J erhaps, sir, I had 
 r tender mv >\vord, a> under ari est. At all events sir, per 
 mit me to demand a court of inquiry for the full examination of 
 this ailair." 
 
 !! unhuckled his s\vord as ho spoke, and laid it upon the tahle. 
 
 " What are you ahout. .John ? What need ol this . " demand- 
 
 Midt-n. " 1 am sure that Halfour means nothin.ir of the kind." 
 
 haps it is just as well, ( Vuden," answered Halfour, " that 
 
 "iir \oiin. determine. 1 like to see youiiir men 
 
 fearless of investigation, Hetter he should invite the court than 
 
 ; upon him ; and you will see. from what I I 
 . that there is miici .rioiis nature in this ailair which 
 
 it is proper for him to clear up. Hut rememher, my friend/4, 
 en said ii. a friendly spirit, i have n-o 
 
 Tnucii regard for hoth of you to sull ev you to he taken hy sur 
 You uo\\ sc<- what points are to he explained, and wli.V 
 doul t ! and settled." 
 
 I liis \vas .:11 , ; \ye shall not say civilly. 
 
\I. BTAB1 - 
 
 1 am deeply indehted to your couitesy. i olmiel Balfour," 
 answered Proctor, "and will lie p-lad if you will still furtner in 
 crease my IcknowledgmentB, l-y sutlerm-; me to kno\v t: 
 of that information which, 1 perceive, has f"ll<.ue<! my 
 as a shadow." 
 
 " Xav, now, mv younj* friend, you must really BXCOM me. 1 
 .Id he happy to ohligc you ; hut the nature of tin 1 atlair, ami 
 the caution which is due to my situation, will imt sutler u 
 comply with your desires. i Let KS ha . 
 
 all round." 
 
 iden ; "am I to understand that John is de 
 prived of his command at this p 
 
 " Most certainly," interposed 1 roctor, himself. " I ntil pu: 
 of tliese suspicions. I can certainly hold no station of trust in tin 
 i- of his inaji 
 
 " Your nepheu- has a ri^ht notion of these matt 
 remark^! Halfour; "hut it will not he Ion-. H" will 
 purirc himself of these suspicions, and he in a situation to resume 
 all his tru 
 
 "And to whom," said ("rudeu, " will you confide the ] 
 meanwhile {" 
 
 \V1,,, . ay |" looking round. " I had thought of 
 iu^ our voting fr n-nd, Vau-han, Jiere. o administer its ,! 
 and to take charge of the jirecincts ,f Di.rche 
 
 Vaii^lian howed his head |uietly and respe -tlully. aipl in a 
 few calmly-expressed \v,,rds, declared hi ;i|ili- 
 
 ment. The keen eye of Proctor was fastened upon him with a 
 :nfl glance, and. a moment after he left ihe apart 
 ment, followed hy his uncle. 
 
 "This is a must ahominahle alVair, John," was his remark; 
 a must ahominahle all 
 
 " Io vou think so. sir I There \vould he nothing ahomiuahle 
 ahout it, we/e there not a villain in the hiis m. 
 
 " Ami that villain " 
 
 "Is Vau.L han ! the srrvile t-.ol of Halt -ur; the miseriM? 
 
 ;hant, v/ho fam-ies that amhitioii 11: 
 hood. Rut I shall crush him yet. His triumph || 
 int-nt only." 
 
ATI! A RINK WALTON, 
 
 CHAPTER III 
 
 XATIVK I HIN |>s. 
 
 Tin: sun was still an hour high when Halfour gave instructions 
 t<> prepare his horses and a small escort, proposing a visit to th 
 plantation called " The Oaks," the, domain of the famous rebel, 
 Colonel Walton. 
 
 i will, of course accompany me, Cruden. Your duties 
 quarter. It is just as well that we should have 
 this e-tate \\ ithin ur clutches as soon as possible, and before 
 the alarm is taken. \Ve will quarter ourselves upon the young 
 lady to-night, ami see how the land lies. Should she prove as 
 beautiful as they describe, we shall make, her a ward of the king, 
 and di.xpo.se of her accordingly." 
 
 " In that event, you had best take her to the city." 
 .all most surely do so." 
 
 41 I shall certainly be better pleaseil to take charge of the 
 plantation in her absence. Our authority might otherwise, con 
 flict. With the dawn, we must proceed to gather up the negi 
 and for this purpose I shall need your assistance. You will have 
 a Kuilicient detachment with you . " 
 
 " Twenty men will do. There are some three hundred slaves, 
 I understand "f all classes; and the fewer soldiers we employ 
 In bringing these into the fold, the less heavv will be the. a 
 iiM-nt on the estate." 
 
 IB, the meaning of which was perfectly 
 underwood by his associate. 
 
 44 1 ) ompniiy us, Hal four ?" 
 
 41 If he . 
 
 " I may : irice in the matter." 
 
 " You have brought \"iir -IM tetary ?" 
 
NATIVE PRIX- 29 
 
 Vm Jtdm is a ready fellow at accou;. -lick 
 
 with the pen as with the sword; besides, he knOWl >"inothing 
 of the estate already, and may give s ime useful hints in respect 
 to plate, horses, and other property, which these rebel w 
 are apt to conceal." 
 
 "The plate generally fnuls its way into the cellar, or under 
 great oak-tree in the woods; but I have long been in 
 of a divining rod, which conducts me directly to tin* 
 place of safe-keeping. We have only to string up one of the 
 old family negroes, and, with a tight knot under the left ear, and 
 a little uneasiness in breathing, he soon disgorges all ] .- 
 lint, in truth, these women seldom hide very deeply. It is u<u- 
 allv at the verv last hour that they con-cut to put away tho 
 plate, and then it is rather hurried out of sight than hidden. 1 
 have sometimes detected the hoard by the ears of a silver milk- 
 pot, or the mouth of a coilee-urn. or the handle of a v.. 
 ing up unnaturally beside an old chimney in the basement. Hut 
 see your nephew, and let us ride." 
 
 (Yudon proceeded to Proctor s room; but, on the exp: 
 of his wish, was met by a firm and prompt refusal. 
 
 " II >w can you ask me. Oolouel < n;den, to take part in this 
 business? It is your duty, as tho prop, 
 and that is your apology. I should have none." 
 
 " I am afraid, John, you are quite too deeply interested in 
 this beauty." 
 
 "Stop, sir; let us have nothing of this. Enough, thai Miss 
 Walton can never be to me more than she tB, 
 al\\ -.! imand my respect, and 1 beg that -lie will yours. 
 
 For my sake, sir, administer this unpleasant duty, upon which 
 you go, with all possible tenderness and forbear 
 
 " 1 will, .John, for your sake. To be me 1 vill." 
 
 And they separated Ualfoiir clamoring u itliouf, impatiently, 
 Tor hi^ companion, who soon afier joined him. 
 
 Mi hour brought them to the n bio ftVCniN :irli 
 
 conducted, for half a mile, to the Clltrmo :d Wai 
 
 dwelling a stately, S"ml :e M ; -I 
 arching and uniting completely over the 
 their boarded mosses drooj.ed to the \ ery gmunJ itself. Tho 
 
80 K A Til ACINI- WAI.TO.V. 
 
 mansion wan in a style of ; randeur to correspond with 
 
 Me an entrance. Tin- apju-oach of the British party waa 
 known to the, inmates, even before it had entered upon the avc 
 nue. These inmates consisted, now, only of Colonel Walton s 
 maiden BlSter, Ifigfl I .rl.ara a lady of that certain ap- which 
 
 red the mo>t uncertain in the calvndar when, in ; 
 the >pin.ster cease.s to compute, even as she cea>e^ to p-ow 
 and Katharine, the only daughter of tlie. fugitive rehel himself. 
 Katharine was still a helle and a heauty, and youthful accord 
 ingly. She misfit have, l.een nineteen; and, hut i orthe majestic 
 and admirahle form, the lofty rrace of her carriage, the calm and 
 red expression of her features, the ease and dignity of her 
 hearing the fresh sweetness of her face, and the free, luxuri 
 ant llow of her lonjr, unfathered locks, simply parted from her 
 forehead, and left at freedom upon her neck and shoulders 
 wonlil have occasioned a dmiht whether she. was quite sixteen. 
 An obsequious ne^ro, who rejoiced in the name of Hacchns, 
 without making any such exhibition of feature, or conduct as 
 would induce the suspicion that he was a \\.ir>hipper at the 
 shrine of that jolly divinity, received the iSritish oflicers at the 
 entrance, and ushered them into the ^reat hall of the mansion. 
 COrt, having had previous instructions, was divided into 
 two l-.,i!ies. one occupying the front avenue, the other that which 
 led to the river, in the rear of the, building. Hut two persons 
 entered the house with Halfonr and Cruden Captain IMckson, 
 of the garrison, and one who knew the Walton family, and the 
 
 ;ry of Colonel Cruden. 
 
 It was not lon^- hefore the ladies made their appearance. 
 Though hy n<: meant disposed to wai\e any proper reser\e< of 
 the se\. thev wre yet prej>ared to recognise the polirv which 
 Celled *liem to pve no undue or unnecessary provocations 
 to those to \\ho-r |MI\MT they coiilil oiler no adeijiiafe resist 
 ance. J/x.s. Barbara Walton the old maid in those days heing 
 alway> a //// %// -.v, 1 lirou-h a com tesy that could no lon- er re 
 gard her as a ;/r/.w le<l the way into the hall, dressed in her 
 ; manner, with -urroundin^ her as a sort of 
 
 a purely ui.: n the pi- 
 
 -nnd h"r lie, id Mil-mounted hy one of th"xe 
 
NATIVE i . 1 
 
 silk. gau/.e>, ribands, ami j :. \\hieh u 
 
 i;i th.it i!ay. and which ivmi.ide.; QUO of nothing more ;ijitl\ I 
 of tin- r;. . v iiis of the 1 el in old 
 
 llu Bible, done in the very infancy of art. 1 oor 
 
 good-natured creature, no\vi i iii her 
 
 icter, upon whom a foolish fashion culd do no mischief, but who 
 w.t- always playing the very mischief with the t asliim:.-. i 
 never wen- inoro military in c-liarai-trr than in her ha;. 
 k !n[iiest only i-y the ah>..lute n-nnlsion .! all a 
 
 ants Wlu-thrr. at 1 orty-liM-. this pi..l rreatnre fancied that it 
 \\.i- neCGtSary to put her del em-es in the lr>t i 
 
 :>t >nch a DOtorioUi ^ral-ant as Balfour, \\ e inav i;t - 
 hut ec-itainly she never looked more formidable mi anv |>re\ 
 
 -i..n. Her rery Bfflilea were t;em-hes and pitfall> for tin- 
 invader and every motiun of her person, lmwe\ ;;illv 
 ijite. :ied like A "Warning to quit " jnilieant 
 hint traps and spring -uns" in waiting ! 
 
 Dottbtlett, tip- !e tnaiden mi^ht ha\e la:. 
 
 jelled the C -iisideration oi the liriti>li ojiircrs, hut for the bright 
 creature that .ippeared immediately behind her; an.l who, v 
 
 ::iy ajtjx-aiance of timiditv or dmbt, ([nietlv ad\ anced and 
 Welcomed die Itrangert, . if |>M-fonnin: the most fami: 
 in the world. Halfour absnlufely recoiled lield her. 
 
 i Hi had not <.ften flashed ii 
 
 "I 1 . he muttered at the fii>t opp.irtnni!;. -n, 
 
 "he /v a beauty! What a figtirfi \\liat a lace ! No PTO1 
 your kinsman neglected his duties for his 1 
 
 It is yet to ! e seen that he has done so," wa> 
 NX 
 
 " 1: her." whispered P.alfonr. " I can 1 
 
 without further testimonv." 
 
 We need not follow \\., Katharine |! . ! 
 
 of tl. ri with an case and dignity, which, whih inal. 
 
 the rialten at home, ma.le it sulliciently evi tVlt 
 
 (juitc as much what was due to ||,-r condition a to I;- 
 She \\OH- the ;i ]>] e., , ;, i,ee of one \\ ! the 
 
 -. the res[n,n-ibili! : --. :.: : tl tlOH J \ < 
 
 without yielding to any of ti which in 
 
K A THAU INK \V ALTON. 
 
 he Mipposrd, in one of her s<-x. to flow from their recognition 
 Her M-h.ioiing had already been one of many trials and terrors 
 Her guests knew .something: < f the training through which she 
 had one, and this rendered her hearing still more admirable in 
 their sight. Hut her beauty, her virtue, her dignity, and char 
 aeter did not suffice, after the first impressive effect produced by 
 her appearance, to disarm her chief visitor of any of his pur- 
 poM-s. The usual preliminaries of conversation such common 
 places of remark as belong to the ordinary encounter* of persons 
 i;i good society having hcen interchanged as usual, and R-il- 
 four sei/cd the o]|iortunity of a pause, when his fair hostess, 
 indeed, appeared to expect something from him in the way of a 
 revelation, to hreak ground in regard to the ungracious husiness 
 on which he came. 
 
 " It would greatly relieve me. Miss Walton," said he, with a 
 n- umer at once seemingly frank as seemingly difficult, * if 1 
 could persuade myself that you, in some degree, anticipate the 
 painful affair which hrings me to your dwelling." 
 
 "That it is painful, sir, I inu.st feel; and, without heing aide 
 to conjecture what will be the form of your husiness, I can 
 easily concede it to be such as can be agreeable to none of the 
 parties. To me, at least, sir, and to mine, 1 can very well con 
 jecture that you bring penalty and privation at least." 
 
 v, ti.-iv The.-e, 1 trust, are not the words which should 
 le used in this business. In carrying out the orders of my 
 superior, ami in prosecuting the service which is due to my 
 OTereign, 1 shall certainly be compelled to proceed in a man 
 ner materially to change your present mode of life ; but that 
 this will involve penalty and privation is very far from probable 
 conduct of vi.ur father his present attitude in utter defi 
 ance to the arms and authority of his m;ije>ty, and in total 
 rejection of all the gracious overtures made to him, as well by 
 Cornwall ]* as by Sir Henry Clinton, loaves it impossible 
 that we .should extend to him any i:. ;-,!. >M As a rebel in 
 anPB " 
 
 Irl you speak of my father. It is not necessary 
 tl t ;ld s;iv an\ thing to his daughter s ear, save what 
 
 \ \bsoluteJy nccessarv that she should know If 1 conceive 
 
N \1IVK IMilM 
 
 rightly your ohject in this visit, it i> t vi.-it upon my father^ 
 property tin* penalty of my father s offe: 
 
 " I , ii my soul," whispered Cmden, "tin- girl .speak* like a 
 \ery I orlia. She comes t> tin- point manfully." 
 
 me. Mi*.* Walton; ami, in some mea*n .- 
 
 are DOHect," answered lialfonr, interrupting be* ipeech, M It 
 could not In- supposed that his majestv .vhouKl suiVcr Colonel 
 Walton to remain in ]i..>sc>.-ion .f his proj.crty, while actually 
 
 _ :iin^t tiif l>[-iti>h stamlanl. Colonel (Yulen. : 
 i^ DOmmissioned hy Lnnl Coru\vallis to se(|ue5tratf hi^ 
 tlu-ir future ilisjmsal to depeml wholly unon the final 
 the war." 
 
 Here Cnulen interposed, hy reciting the general terms .-if the 
 Hriti-h regulation in regard to the emifi-seated -r sequestrated 
 estates of tlu- rehels enumerating all the hi-ad> of the : 
 nient, and proceeding to details \\hii-h left no douht in. 
 no amhi^uity which could lead to douht, of the universal liahil- 
 ity of ihe estate of the otlcnder. Lands. boUMB, U V68 , furni 
 ture and Inures ; plate and jewelry "Ofn.. - Walton, 
 the personal ornaments .fa lady would he ri-sp.-eted. and" 
 
 Katharine Walton smiled (|iiietly. This Mnile had its expla 
 nation, when the commissioner commenced his operation*- 
 day hut, though he was very far from conjecturing its signifi 
 cation, it yet struck him a.s something inyMeri" i-mr, 
 also. \va- imprened with the smile of Katharine, which si-eine.i 
 (piite unnatural under the eircumstan 
 
 \ MI smile, Mi>s Walton." 
 
 "Only, perhaps, heeause one who antieipati-s the \\ 
 no such detail* as I oh-nel ("iii len lias hestowed on me. 
 are ;lie BUtften here, I know. I or mvself. \ 
 
 jewel-*. I hail some toys. M;C h and 
 
 watches, hut 1 thought it uuM-emly that 1 shoul 
 OrnameHtS When the >oldier.> of my j.eoj.le \\anted 1: 
 blankets, and they all found their way. lo; 
 cin t of Marion." 
 
 The devil!" muttered Crude::, in tones almost audihle 
 though meant as an asi.le to Halfour. M It i- to he hoped that 
 the family plate has not taken the same direction." 
 
KATI1A1UNE WALTON. 
 
 " We shall BOe at supper, p.-rhaps." MT8I tin- whisper of Bal 
 four. 
 
 Katharine Walt. MI irai seen a-ahi tu smile. She had posai 
 m-aid the apprehend. us of Cruden. At Ira.-:, she mi-ht 
 
 ..il lv have conjectured tliem. She resumed 
 " And in.\v, I olonel Balfour, tliat 1 am in possession of yum 
 dru-rmiuation, you will permit me to retire for awhile, in order 
 1 may properly perform the duties of a hoMess. For this 
 I, at all event-. I may reasonahly he expected to aet in this 
 capacitv let to. morrow hrin^ forth what it may." 
 
 , v ;l moment, Ml88 Walton I am not Mire that you 
 eoneeive all that \s e \\oiild say all, in 1,-u-t, that is appointed 
 
 execute." 
 
 - Well, sii-r* 
 
 .:-iiwaHi> ha> left it to my di.seretion to decide whether, 
 
 A aid of tin- rri\vn. \oii >hiiild he left e\j o M -d to a d.-.n^er- 
 
 ou> ]irojiin.|uitv with rehellion whether, in .short, it would not 
 
 he a.!vi>ahli- that one so lo\i-ly, and so \\orthy <! hi> iruanliaii- 
 
 hhiji. should not he jilarel in gaiety within the walls of the. city." 
 
 "Ha! that, indeed, is something that 1 had not anticipated. 
 And thi>. >ir. is left to your individual discretion f" 
 
 " It is, indce l. Mi-s Waltn." replied the commandant, turn 
 ing his eyei V -ry tcndi-rly upon hers, ami throwing into his 
 ^lanee as nuieli softness as could well consist with the leer of * 
 
 \\V1I. sir, 1 sujpose that even this claim can challenge 
 notljin^ 1-iit sultmission. As I have said already, you are the 
 master h 
 
 Shr ictilfd witii these WO1 
 
 Pon m\- B *ll| !ru l( n, Liu . With what a 
 
 . ds Sh- ;lil.orn ; and so heauti- 
 
 ful ! It (M-.-ht not to he, very dillicult to thaw the heart of smdi 
 
 DUUL That .-In- has not hern won het ore. is hecau>e they 
 
 ha\i i to e.iine to the dt 
 
 , hy , should the plate have followed the jewels, 
 
 . 
 
 "The. ijur>:ioM is a .-erious one. We shall see at supper 
 Your kinsman might have said something of this matter, if ho 
 
N M IVK n;l\ 35 
 
 pleased. Henii^t have seen, in his t leo^ient Wits, whether Any 
 di>jday of plate \va> made." 
 
 He did nut visit i uMjiu-ntly," .-ai.l Cni<U-n. 
 
 "Ah! hut he <lil; t<.,> iViMpu Jitly fr his pnl ; hut lira- 
 
 eometthal gentlemanly negro ; H:u-rhn>. tlu-y rail him. S 
 
 a namr >H-IHS j.art icMilarly suitc.l to a hutlci. I think, Cni.lrn. 
 ha.l hcttcr M ii.1 him to me. I like the frllow .s Dial 
 
 He has rvi.leiitly horn tr.iiiu-d hy a gentleman. Wrll, H\\ 
 
 nai 
 
 "My lady heirs to tell you, jjrnllMnou. that su])]icr waits." 
 .. Very ircll show tli.- way. Did you hear that. Oiidm 
 
 my lady ! How those Provincials do apo nohility !" 
 
36 K .VI HA II I XK WALTON. 
 
 CI1 A I TKR IV 
 
 TIIK It A Mil-: II. 
 
 THK husiness of tin 1 feast had scared v heen begun, when it 
 u.i- interrupted hy a heavy tread without, as of more than one 
 iron-shod person; and, the door hcin^ thrown open hy Bacchus, 
 a dull-faced lieutenant, having charge of the escort of Hal four 
 showed himself ;it the entrance, and hejr^ed a hearing. 
 
 " Wlial s tlie matter, Kcrunsson . Can t it keep till after 
 Hipper {" wa> the .^oinewhat impatient sjieech of Hallour. 
 
 lie was answered hy a strange voice; and a little hustle fol- 
 loucd, in which a person, totally unexpected, made his apjieai- 
 ance upon the M-ene. The, stranger s entrance caused the com 
 mandant s eves to roll in some astonishment, and occasioned no 
 Mnall Kiirprisc in all the assemhiy. He was a tall youn; man, 
 oodly jierson, perhaps t went y-ei^ht or thirty years of a^;e, 
 hut hahited in a costume not often seen in the lower country, 
 lie \\ore one of those hunt ii)L r ->hirts. of plain hlue homespun, 
 (ringed with ^reen. such as denoted the mountain ranker. A 
 n M-.uf was wrappeil ahoiit his waist, with a helt or haldric 
 of hlack. from which depended a very genteel cut-and-thi list. 
 On his shoulder was an epaulette of peen fringe also; and lie 
 c;trri-d in his hand, plucked from his hrows as he, entered the 
 apartment, a cap of fur, in which shone a lar;:e ^av button; 
 hehind which may have, heen worn a plume, though it carried 
 no u- at p;ocnt. The costume hctraved a cajitaiu of loyalist 
 riflemen, f rum tl e interior, and was instantly recognised as sucl 
 hy the British oflicer. But the stranp-r left them in no long 
 surprise. Advancing to the t.- hle, with tlnj case of u man whe 
 
THE I:AN 37 
 
 beru familiar with .-iffy in his ovn p-^ion all hi* 
 
 me. yet \\ith a I,, i.l majlliei v. hici: . ;-.n r<jual 
 
 .iy life, be l.r.vel r.-- ji,. ( ii ully to 
 
 the ladie.>. .-4 ii 1 then addro&sod himself directly to !*<. Jour. 
 Colonel Jialfour, I reckon?" 
 " You are right, sir ; 1 am Colonel Balfour." 
 " Well, colonel, I m right j: you here. It may save 
 
 me a journey to the city, and I m too much in a hurry in p-i 
 back to lo.-c any time if I can help it. I m Captain Fin 
 of the True, Hlne Rifles, of whom, I ivrk"ii, you ve hear-1 ! <- 
 i ore. I ve ridden mighty hard to ^et to you, and li<> 
 the Inisii;. ...n as may In-, that I conic after. ll< 
 
 ;el TaiU ton. 1 reckon you hain t heard the 
 if the mi.schict that s happened ;I!M.\. 
 " What miM-hiet /" 
 " You vr beard, 1 reckon, that Lord Cornwallis avt Saratoga 
 
 - all l.la/.t-s at Uu-.-!y s Mills/" 
 " "1 \\e know all that." 
 
 " Well, hut 1 reckon you don t know that just when ( ..rnwal- 
 lis was putting it t i . in one (jiiarter, hard-iding Tom was 
 
 giving us ir nir.-r in another T 
 
 hard-riding TOIU (" 
 
 " V i Suintcr, to lie sure the ^ame-cnek. as they 
 
 sometimes call him ; and, sure enough, he s got cause enough to 
 
 -on niw." 
 
 " Anil what has he l.een doing ahovc?" 
 
 * Well, he and Tom Taylr hmke into Colonel Carry s ijuar- 
 den Kerry . and hmke him up, root and branch, 
 killing and capturing all hands." 
 " Hi ! indeed ! Carey /" 
 
 " Yes. And that isn t all. No sooner had he ddie that than 
 he sr- 
 
 army; 1. :: the thicket upon the convoy. ki!N and 
 
 captures the escort to a man, anil snaps up the who]. 
 ment, bag and b.. IV witli a 
 
 Hundred ; 
 
 "The devil! Forty wagons, as I live! And why are you 
 We r 
 
88 KATHA1UNK W ALTON. 
 
 Mr , > .ra 1 tht . letter, Colonel. Lord (\>rnwaHis 1ms 
 Tarletoii after Sumter, ami hoth have pine oil at dead speed; 
 hut Tarkton has sent me down to you with my lord s letter and 
 his own, ami they want fresh supplies sent after them as fa>t as 
 the tiling can he done. I m wanting some sixty-live rilles, and 
 as many hutcher-knives, for my ovsn troop, and a few pistols for 
 the mounted men. Colcuel Tarleton told me yon would furnish 
 all." 
 
 Balfour leaned his chin upon both hands, and looked vacantly 
 around him, deeply immersed in thought. At the pause in the. 
 dialogue which followed, Katharine. Walton asked the stranger 
 if lie. would not join the party at the supper-tahle. lie fastened 
 A keen, quick, Searching glance upon her features; their eyes 
 met ; hut the intelligence which Hashed out from his met no 
 RUSWerillg Noire in hers. He answered her civilities ^raecfully, 
 and, frankly accepting them, proceeded to place himself at the. 
 tahle a MM! having heen funii>hrd him. at the upper end, and 
 very near to her own. lialfour ipon the stran-er as he 
 
 In-held this arrangement; hut the latter did not perceive the 
 frown upon the hrow of his Mij>er n<r. He had soon finished a 
 cup of the warm heveraire put heforc him; and, as if apolo^ixing 
 t ,,i Q ,-,.,,111 falling for a frc.-h sujiply, he ohserved, while passing 
 up his cup 
 
 " 1 ve ridden mighty far to-day, miss, and I m as thirsty as 
 an Indian. F.esides, if you c(//,l make, the, next cup a shad* 
 stronger, 1 think I should like it hetter. AVe rangers are u>ed 
 to the smallest po^ihlr ijtiautity nf water, in the matter of our 
 
 drinks." 
 
 "The impudent backwoodsman !" was the muttered remark 
 
 : ..dt our to Cruden, only inaudihle to tlie n -t ol "the company. 
 
 . 1 \\-hich co\rn-d his hrow as lie spok< . and the evident 
 
 00t with which he. turned away hi.s eye*, did ttOl escape 
 
 th"> iii the KaniT -r; and a merry tu inkle, li- lited uj.dii his own 
 
 a^ he looked in the direction of the, fair hoMe>s, and handed nj, 
 
 COp. Had Balfour WAtehed him a little more (! .>!%, it ig 
 
 tile that lie miL-ht iia\e leinarkeil K>metbi]1g in his manner 
 
 of performing this trilling otlire which would have afforded new 
 
 cause of provocation. The hand o| the Ranker linjrerecl neai 
 
I:\M;KR. MU 
 
 the <Mip until a rm^r. wl.icdi had previously t ,.,, 
 
 his little tinker, was dropped adroitly hr^ide the -anrer, and 
 heyond all eyes hut hers lor wh..n, it was intended. Katharino 
 instantly c-o\ ., v >i the tiny hut sparklm- metweilger h.-iivath 
 hands. She knew it wrll. A sud<len flush wanned ln-r cheek j 
 an.l, trustin- her.s.df with a sin-le planer only at the |tnu . 
 w that lie was recoe^iise<i. 
 
KATHAUINK WALTON- 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 |\ MAXNKKS. 
 
 THK evening repast, in the (.<.<! old times, was not one of 
 your einjity shows, such as it appears at jiresent. It eonsi-;ed 
 of goodly solids of several descriptions. Meats shared the place 
 with delicacies; and tea or eojl ee was the. adjunct to such jjrave 
 pefBOnagefl as Sir Loin, Haron lieef. and Viscount Venison. 
 Ualfour and Cruden were both strongly prepossessed in favor of 
 all titled dignitaries, and they remained in goodly communion 
 with such as these for a h-n^er period than would seem renson- 
 nhle, now to yield to a supper-table. Captain Dickson naturally 
 followed the example of his superiors ; and our loyalist leader, 
 Furness. if he did not declare the same tastes and sympathies 
 in general, attested, on tiiis occasion, the sharpness of an appetite 
 which had heen mortified hy unbroken denial throughout the 
 day. lint the moment at length came which offered a reason 
 able pretext to the ladies for leaving the tahle. The guests no 
 longer appealed to the fair h<>tes< I nr rejtlenished cups; and, 
 giving the, Ritual to her excellent, hut frigid and statelv aunt, 
 Mrs. Barbara. Katharine Walton rose, and the trentlemen made 
 a like, movement. She approached Colonel Balf"iir as she did 
 so, and laid the keys of the house hefore him. 
 
 "These, sir, I may as well place at once in your keeping. It 
 will patisfy you that I re -o-nise you as the future ma.ster hen*. 
 I submit to your authority. The servant. Hacchus, will obey 
 your orders, and furnish wha yon may n-rpiin-. The wines and 
 BqUOn are in that sidrboanl, of which yon have the keys. Good 
 
 night, sir; good-night, gentlemen " 
 
 The rase, ^I;K e. and dignity, r.ith which thifl communication 
 
i.\ tfAOT 41 
 
 was made surprised Balfour i. nn^r like silence, lie 
 
 could hardy make an awkward l.o\v and a brief acknowledgment 
 
 as >he left the apartment, closely fllourd hy her aunt. The 
 g6Qtlemen were left to themselves : while Bacchus, at a m< 
 distance, stood in respectful attendance. 
 
 "By my lift ." said Cruden, "the ^irl carries herscdf like a 
 <jiieen. She knows how to hehave, certainly. She knows what 
 is t xperted of her." 
 
 "She i .v a quoen," roj)lied Ralf ur, with quite a hur>t of 
 entlnisiasin. "I only wish that she were mine. It would i 
 me feed like a prince, indeed. I should iret myself crowned 
 Kini; of Dorchester, ami my ships should have the exclusive 
 privilege of Ashley river. The Oaks should he my winter 
 retreat from the ran* of royalty, and my summer palace should 
 he at the junction of tho two rivers in Charleston. I should 
 have a principality small.it is true; hut snu^, compact, and 
 with larger revenues, and a territory no less ample than many 
 of the (M-rman prim 
 
 "lie ware!" said Cruden half srrimisly. "You may he l.mii^Iit 
 up for l> . w -///,/ i 
 
 " T.-haw ! w(> are on 1 . - a vain jest, and in the p: 
 
 ence of friends." was the reply of r,;ilf<>ur. irlaiicin^ ohli(juely at 
 Captain Furness. The latter \\ as amusing himsrlf, meanwhih 1 , 
 
 lancing his teaspoon upon the rim of his cup. A - 
 smile played upon his mouth as he listened to the i-iiuver-.-iti..]! 
 in which he did not seem t > partake. Following tho 
 
 f Halfour, which watched the loyalist curiously, tl; 
 idrii w;i> arrested rather 1-v the occu]i;it ion than the ! 
 of that pei><-M. lli.s mode >f amusing himself with the sjtoon 
 Q of an entirely new train < f thought to the m 
 
 miaaionef "f seijucs; . ;I ; ( -,! ,.; 
 
 " By the way. Balfnur. this 1- 
 ohserve V 
 
 " What looks su 
 
 "I>o you TemtMiiher the Bubjccl of ^!iich we sjiok 
 stlj.pcr \ the plate <>{ this rel rl \V;,ltoii ; If wa> u:. 
 
 to he a Hngularljr-extennve collection pch f Tarious. and h;_ 
 
 valuahlc. V"U lemaik imiu of it here nothing hut a t 
 
i-J KATHARINE WALTON. 
 
 garly collection of old spoons. The coffee -pot i^ tin or pewter; 
 the tea-service, milk-pot, and all, of omnium ware. 1 am afraid 
 the plate has followed the jewels of the young lady, and found 
 its way into tin- swamps "f Marion." 
 
 >\rl gathered upon the 1. row of Halfour, as he glanced 
 rapidly over tin- table. The next moment, without answering 
 (Yuden, he turned to Bacchus, who stood in waiting with a face 
 the most inexpressive, and said 
 
 I ,ke the keys, Cupid, and get out some of the best wines. 
 You have sonic old Jamaica, have you not ?" 
 The reply was atlimativc. 
 
 that a bottle of it is in readiness. Let the su^ar-bowl 
 remain, and keep a kettle of water on the lire. This done, you 
 tnav lea\e the room, hut remain within call." 
 
 He WM promptly oheyed. The conversation ilaggcd mean- 
 
 wh;ie. Crudei! felt himself rehuked, and remained modestly 
 
 t, hut not the less moody on the siihject \\hich had occasion 
 
 I ll his remark. llalfour referred t it soon after the disapprai- 
 
 of I .acchus. 
 
 " It is as y.m sav.Cruden ; there is certaiidy no display hefrc 
 US of the precious metals. I had really not olser\ed the ah- 
 them hefore. In truth, everything was so neatly ar 
 ranged ;ind BO appropriate, that 1 could fancy no delieiencies 
 les. m v eves \\ere satisfied to look only in one direction 
 The jrirl ahsorhed all my admiration. That she has not 
 sell --one into the camp of Marion, is my consolation. I shall 
 compound \\ith you cheerfully. You shall ha\e tin- plat, 
 that you may find, and the damsel comes to me." 
 
 The cheek* of the loyalist captain, had they can-ht the 
 
 ! that moment, of the commandant of ( harle.-toii, wmihl 
 
 h.-i\- -I a peculiar interest in the suhject nf \\hirh he 
 
 iened e\( n to his foreliead and the spoon slid 
 
 from Irs lingers into tin- nip. But he said nothing, and the Mif- 
 
 ed from Id- face u:ino: 
 
 " I am afraid than you would L et the hest of the nr-. dn 
 Hu it may he that the ; 11 in the establishment. Jt 
 
 would h< hrou-ht out on ordinary iM-easions." 
 
 "Ordinary MO-;IM.,IIS ! Our vi-it an ordii ary !" ei- 
 
[N M \\N 43 
 
 claimed lialfnur. "I. ay not tli.it llatterin^ unction to \ 
 my good fellow l! .. > < arolinian- low Sdcb < 
 
 tn ex-ape tlu-in of making a display. The 
 
 would .-p. y available vessel of silver at the entn 
 
 - ->f our rank. N 
 
 make them glorious in our eyes, and prompt u> to proper -rati- 
 iu theirs. They would certainly crowd sidehourd ami MI;>- 
 .il le with all tlie pl.ite in tlie estahlishmcnt." 
 "Ay. r-alfour; hut that were no polity, it we 
 
 Would they tempt eupi<i 
 
 exhihitioi Scarcely! They wuu! t to 
 
 hide a\\a\ ." 
 
 "As if they knew not that \vr I they at 
 
 hide! N... HO, my deiir fellow; I am afraid tii.it \oiir 
 jectui e is the ri^ht one.. If the woman irive-> her jewels, it is 
 prohahle that the plate went hefore. Hut we <hall v M . i,. 
 Meanwhile, 1 am for some of tin 
 
 tain l- urne.xs, let us drink contusion t., the enemy." 
 
 sji." u;is the readv answer. "I ai:. \ illin^ 
 
 for that I am willing t< spoil the Kjryptiaiis in ;iny \\ 
 
 u do things here helow. makes ouc .s moul 
 \\ . . . little chance in OH 
 
 much md when we p>p into an 61 !. i l 
 
 monstrous small supp!-. >od liquo 
 
 country. Thi- !ean m_L out of a rel 
 won t ;;i\e more than a tea>j..oj| round to the 
 like mine; ami the profits hardly enough to n-coni-I 
 taking the pap-sjoon oj-.t of a bill to run into 
 
 Spanish dollars. But here, v in these rich parts, you ba 1 l.iri- 
 
 u> pickll {B| thai 1 I ;catly to he j>ut on 
 
 "Pickin- nied I -alfour. lifting I. 
 
 in^ the lo\al:st from head t ; ie held the u:. 1-let 
 
 suspended hefore his lips "pickings ! \Vli\. 
 if tlie otlici-rs honoi eil with the roiiimis>i..u of his i; -uid 
 
 possit.ly itOOp to t sharii: r . the 
 
 confiscated pom 
 
 "To be sure, colonel ; that s whftJ 
 demanded the loyai iu-l. 
 
14 K. \Tir\Ki\i: \v\i., 
 
 "My pood sir, be a little wiser; <lo not speak so rashly, //et 
 me enlighten you." 
 
 "Pray lo I ll thank yon, colonel." 
 
 "To distress the enemy, to deprive them of the means to bo 
 mischievous, alone causes the sequestration of their goods and 
 chattels. These goods and chattels must be taken care of. It 
 m;iv he that these rebels will make proper submission hereafter, 
 will make amends for past errors by future service ; and, in such 
 will b- admitted to his majesty s favor and receive their 
 -ions at his hands again, subject only to such drawbacks as 
 How necessarily from the expense of taking care of the property, 
 commissions on farming it, and unavoidable waste. These com 
 missions are generally derived from mere movables, silver and 
 gold, plate and jewel*, which, as tliey might be lost, are at once 
 appropriated, and Mie estate credited with the appropriation 
 against the cost .nd trouble, of taking care of it. That the 
 - in his majesty s commission should employ this plate, is 
 simply that his majesty s service may he sufficiently honored and 
 may command due respect. Selfish motives have no share in 
 the transaction. We have no pickings, sir none;! A(>j>i o- 
 /iriti/iftns, indeed, are made ; but, as you see, solely lor the equal 
 benefit of the property Itself, tl in which we are. en. 
 
 and the honor of his majesty. Do you comprehend me, my 
 young friend /" 
 
 " Perfectly, sir; perfectly. 1 see. Nothing can be clearer." 
 
 "Do not use that vulgar phrase, again, 1 pray you. in the 
 hearing of any of hi.^ majesty s representative-. Tickings 
 may do among our loyalist natives. We do not deny them the 
 small privilege! of which you have spoken. Yon have emptied 
 in your experience, 1 understand, some good wives cupboards 
 in Ninety-Six. You have grown wealthier in tea and pap-spoons, 
 ght enough. The laborer is worthy of his hire. These, 
 nre tb !:h which his majesty permits his loyal servants 
 
 to reward them^ ! . . I ut, even in your c-ise. my young frieiwl, 
 
 the h- iy about the matter the better. Remember, 
 
 always, that what is appropriated is in the name, and, roiiHs 
 queritly, for the uses of his majesty. But no more * pickings/ 
 if yon love me/ 
 
:\ MANN 4o 
 
 An air of delicate 1 horror alu >mpnnied tin* use. of the, 
 
 jffrnsive jilirnse-. The loyalist captain professed many regret* 
 at the, errors of his igHOranC6. 
 
 "1 see, I see; appropriations is tlie word, not pickings 
 There is a good deal in the distinction, which did not occur t^ 
 IMC- het ore. In fact, I only use the phrase which is common to 
 us in the np country. Our people know no Letter ; and I ;im 
 half inclined to think that, were I to insist upon appropriat 
 instead of pickings/ they would still he mulish enough 
 that they meant the same thinir." 
 
 1 alfour turned an inquisitive glance upon the speaker; hut 
 there was nothing in his face to render his remark equivocal. It 
 d really t<> flow from an inn-M-eni inexperience, which 
 never dreamed of the covert sneer in his answer. lie i 
 his wine as he finished, and once more resumed his seat at the 
 tal-le. So did Cruden. N dfour. With \\\< arm- 
 
 hind him, ai icr a fashion which Nap denii, in sill-sequent periods, 
 ha- Made famous, if not graceful, our commandant proceeded to 
 the apartment, carrvin^ on an OCCAfiOIud .:ion with 
 
 CruMi-n. and, at intervals, Mihjectin^ Funi"s to a -ort of iii.(n;-- 
 itori.-il pro, 
 
 " What did you see, Captain Kurness. in your route from the 
 
 I )id you meet anv oi oui- ] "iid von 
 
 ay !hiu^ of Mario- 
 
 much, colonel ; hut I had a mighty nan trom 
 
 nail squad, well-mounted, under Major Singleton, rp-m 
 
 what 1 could heai . they were the same le!!o\\> that have 
 kicking up a dust in these parts." 
 
 "Ha! did you meet them T demanded ("ru leu. "Ho\v 
 \\-re there !" 
 
 " 1 i !-:. in there may have heen thirty or t! per 
 
 haps forty nil told." 
 
 Yii beat . " sai-! Cruden. 
 
 "Yes, yes!" rather impatiently was the reply of IJalfnu 
 " Rut how kne\\;ytu that t! Vton s n:. 
 
 " Well it so happened that I ^n tlir 
 
 road, while 1 w;i 1 \- the Imisli. I pushed 
 
 woods out of si^ht, as they went hy. and found m\ .-niy 
 
4 KATHAWNK WALTON. 
 
 upon a m;.;i a po->r devil enondi, wh-> was looking for a hiding^ 
 
 B as well U myself. H< knew all ahout them; knew what 
 
 they had heen after, an. I heard what they had done. His 
 
 name was Cammer ; lie wa.s a I Jntchmaii, out of the Forks of 
 
 " What mute did they pursue . " 
 
 " I p tlie road, pushing fr the east, 1 reckon." 
 
 \iiil you want rilles and satires, eh /" 
 A d a fe\\ pistolft, c.iloiii 1." 
 
 I i . YOU tup] o that you have- imu l work before you, aftei 
 th !ii ! ila:im \ (Jates at Camden I" 
 
 W.-ll. 1 reckon there was no annihilation, exactly. The 
 
 for that. They are jrathrrin-r ajrain. BO they 
 
 report, pretty thick in North Carolina, and are showing thein- 
 
 1 than e\er in our up-country. The fact is, coio- 
 
 nel. though J.ord ( ..rnwallis has pv-u dates a most lam MIS 
 
 druhhiu^. it isii t |u .te sufficient to cool the rehels. The first 
 
 I took the city, i-< rather wearing off, and the 
 
 moic ,. tO the -omul of mu-ket hnllets, the less they 
 
 iit them. The truth is, yotlT l>riti>h soMi.M* 
 
 don t know much ahout the u-e of the L r un, as a shooting 
 
 i :ir Mire si^ht of our native w 1s- 
 
 mcn. J lu-v arc ^reat at the push of the hayonet, and drivt- 
 \thin- lu-forr them: hut at IOMJJ shot, tin- ndiels only l.in^h 
 at them." 
 
 " I .a;; j !,. : t 
 
 11 lonely and our people know it ; and i!nu:li 
 
 they nm fa-t om the haymiet, yet it s hut ivisonaMe. 
 
 oidd do .so. as they have nothing hut the ritle to push 
 
 I : :hi-y lia<l muskets with hay-met-, 1 do thiiiK tin \ M 
 
 S-oi, enough to stand a little longer, and tr\ at the 
 
 !i .1 clever opj.ortllli/ 
 
 " That s your ojinion, is it {" 
 
 mi;ie oidy, hut his lordship, himsel;, 
 
 h m. with my own e.tr>. though it made ( nlone: ianjrh." 
 
 i well he m ;_ ht lau-h ! Stand he hayonet against Hrit- 
 r , that hi> loi-dshij. .should Hatter the scoun- 
 
 - with any sm-h ahsnrd npiiiu.n." 
 
VERS 47 
 
 " >v.-!i no* . "lonel. v. itli due regard to \ our hett.-r judgment, 
 [ don*t fee Uiat there s any thing .i-Minl in it. o 
 
 come..! tin- stme breed \\ith the Knrli>h, ami if tl.. 
 Kritish training, 1 reckon they ! show themselve> ijiiite aa much 
 men as the hot. NOW, I m ADI i\ l.m-n American m;. 
 1 think I m just as little Kkely ; -1 hy a h, 
 
 man I kim\v. Tin not u.-ed to the weapon, I allow; hut 
 me tinu and practice, so as to - rt ,,,y ],.,,,,] j n .] j 
 Von, I d m .t he the lir-t U) -.;, Back (Hit, hoys, a 1;;; 
 
 ng. 1 I eopU- ti^ht more or le-- hravely. as they tL r lit with 
 tliei: en, knowing all tl n jjnnm.i 
 
 ACCtUitomed to, and hav:i!L r a weajn.n that s familiar to the hand. 
 The riile is pretty mneh the \\cajnni for nnr j>eojh . I; 
 
 I nia a well-w !,,! country. Hut take Tom 
 
 them alto^etlier. and train them every day with musket and i 
 onet, with tlie feul of their nei^ldior s tdliow ad the while, and 
 what you can make of them in six month- 
 
 " My L r <>od friend, Furnes>. it is ijtiite to your honor th 
 think well of the capacities of your countrym -n. It will ! < 
 service to you, when yon come to confront our kind s enemi< 
 hattle; hut yo U ;i re >till a very y<.iin:r man " 
 
 "Thirty-tWO, if I m a day. colonel." 
 
 " Vonnir in exjMTieiice. my fnond, if not in yeai^. When yoi, 
 tnbre of the world, you will Irani tha net 
 
 is the derived and appointed weapon for a I .iitivh .-oldier , 
 all nations. lie mav he >aid to he horn to it. It idv 
 
 made for him. NO p,.,,p!e ! : him with it. and take my 
 
 word for it n-> people will." 
 
 " I nle>-. a- 1 was -avinir, a jieoph> of the same hi i-ed ;i 
 tout: 1 peiijili-. Mich us our> that can -land hard knock-, 
 
 mid ne\er -kulk em when they know \ 
 srrn our people (i^ht, and they li^ht well. . 
 
 " A- at ( 
 
 There they did nt ti-ht at all; hnf th. I " 
 
 " Let n- ta I 
 
 feel sure that you wiil fighl \\ell when th> 
 wliile. let us drink, 
 with you, man. Our -dish fo 
 
48 KATFTARfNF .V ALTON. 
 
 Madeira. This is as old n& any in the country. What would 
 
 ;iy to such a bottle in England?" 
 
 What ! can t they get it there ?" demanded the loyalist cap 
 tain, with an air of unaffected wonderment. 
 
 , indeed, Furness. You have the climate for it. You 
 you have yet to live and leam. Our royal master, George 
 the Third, has no such glass of wine in his cellar. Come, fill, 
 Cruden, shall I drink without you?" 
 
 " I m with you ! (live us a sentiment." 
 
 " Well ! Here s to my Altamira, the lovely Katharine Wal 
 ton ; may she soon take uj> arms with her sovereign! Hey! 
 You don t drink my toast, Captain Furncss . " 
 
 " I finished my glass before you gave it, colonel." 
 
 " Fill again ! and pledge me, ! You have no objections to my 
 sentiment {" 
 
 " None at all ! It don t interfere with a single wish of mine. 
 I don t know much about the young lady ; but I certainly wish, 
 in her c i>e, as in that of all other unmarried young women, that 
 sin* may soon find her proper sovereign." 
 
 1 see you take me. Ha! ha! You are keen, sir, keen. I 
 certainly entertain that ambition. IT 1 can t be master over 
 Dorchester and the Ashley, at all events, I shall aim to acquire 
 the sovereignty over her. Cruden, my boy, you may have the, 
 ancient lady the aunt. She is a gem, believe me from the 
 antique! Nay, don t look so wretched and disgusted. She is 
 an heiress in her own right, has lands and negroes, my friend, 
 en<>ugh to make yon happy for life." 
 
 No more of that, Nesbitt. The matter is quite too serious 
 for : 
 
 i:aw ! drink ! and forget your troubles. Your head is now 
 running on that plate. What if it is gone, there, are the lands, 
 the and a crop just harvesting some nine hundred 
 
 barrels of rice, they tell me!" 
 
 A sly expression paed over the features of the loyalist cap 
 tain, as Halfnur enumerated the goods and chattels still liable to 
 the grasp of the seijuestrator ; but he said nothing. Italfour now 
 approached him. and putting on an air of determined business 
 remarked abruptly 
 
!.\ If AVI -IH 
 
 "So. Captain r urness, you dcsii. tn me to ( In 
 
 for anus I" 
 
 olonel ; ;m<l that s a matter I \\ ish to speak 
 abcut. I wish the anus, but do not wish to go to ( liai leston 
 lor them, as I hear you ve got the small-pox and yellow fever 
 in that place." 
 
 " Pshaw ! They never trouble genteel people, who live lie 
 centlv and drink (>1<1 Madeira " 
 
 " Hut a poor captain ofloyalists don t often get a cliance, colo 
 nel, of feeding on old Madeira." 
 
 " 1 . . i on it ! Hy Jove, I like the phrase ! It is appro 
 priate to g 1 living. One might fatten on such stuff as this 
 
 witliout am- other diet, and defy lexer and tin- ague. Afraid 
 of small-pox . Why, Captain Furness. a go,,d .soldier i.s a! 
 of nothing." 
 
 " Nolhing, c donel. tliat he can light against, to be Mire; but 
 dealing with an enemy whom you can t cudgel, is to Mair! a 
 miglitv bail chance of . :ing the victoi v. We folk 
 
 the back country have a monstrous great dread of smal!-|><>\. 
 That was the reason they could ;jrt so f,-\v of the people : 
 down to Charleston when vmi came against it. Thev could 
 have nuisteied three thousand more men, if it hadn t been lor 
 
 " It s well they didn t. Hut there s no need of your g. 
 the city if you don t wish it. You can stay here with Cmden, 
 or in Dordl6ftor, till 1 send on the yvagons." 
 
 "That ll do me, exactly ; and now, colonel, if you have no 
 objections, I ll find mv wav to a sleeping place. I ve had 
 
 :dride ot it to-day more than fortv-tive miles and I 
 it in all n. . 
 
 "We can sjiare \i-u. Ho, there! .lupiter! Cupid 1" 
 
 " liacchus, I think they call him," said the loyalist. 
 
 "Ay! Hnw should I forget when the Madeira is bef 
 
 B, sir, captain, let us t.,ke the ; I 
 
 . to see these bottles under the table before I leave it." 
 
 FurnesH declined ; and, at that H.icchiis maile hit 
 
 appearance. 
 
 "Find a chambei r or this gentleman." sa ul tlio commandant. 
 
fiU KATHAKINK WAl.TOX. 
 
 am\. l.i.Mini: the British officers good ni-ht, Funics* left the 
 
 apartment UH ."ice of tl,e neglO. When they had 
 
 Into the passage-way t ~ l"yali*t eaptain, to the p -at 
 
 mrpriM of the former, ].ut his band familiarly upon his shoulder 
 and in sulnlued tones, said 
 
 Bacchus, do you not know n 
 
 The fellow started ami exclaimed 
 
 " Mas> Uohert, is it you? and you rt afear d ?" 
 
 -Hush. Bacchus; DOt R wonl, hut in a whisper. Where am 
 I to sleep . " 
 
 " In the hlue room, sir." 
 
 " Very gOO 1 : let us <ro thither. After that, return to these 
 iMitlemen, and kee]> an eye on them." 
 
 But vou re ii -ini: to see youn-r mis 
 
 Ve-; hut 1 must do it cant iously ." 
 
 \,,d voua n t afear d to come hen-! Perhaps you -rot your 
 pe,,ple with you, and will make a smash amon- these red-coats?" 
 But we muM say as little as possihle. CJo forward, 
 and 1 will tell you further what is to he done." 
 
 The , ducted the supposed loyalist passing throu-h 
 
 til( . and thence ascending 
 
 ; , tii-ht of steps to the upper story. Here another passage, cor 
 responding in part with that helow. opened upon them, which, 
 in turn, opened upon another avenue conducting to wm^s ! the 
 huihlini:. In one of tlu-e \\;is the chamher assio- n e<l to Kurness. 
 they were pi ocee.iin-. when a door of one of the apart- 
 n.em> of tin- main l.uildiui: ITM Been to open. The loyalist 
 pMii^ed. and. in a whisper, said 
 
 chltS, to my chamher with the li.-ht. (Vver it when 
 , ,| IM , it nill not he seen l.y the soldiers from 
 without. Meanwhile. 1 will speak to your miotn 
 
 ,,,--,0 disappeared, and Katharine Walton in the next 
 moment, joined the straii^T. 
 
 -Oh. K .heit. how can \ on so venture ( Why jiut your head 
 int.. I of the ! 
 
 M 1., in follow th i te, We -hall I.e. more secure 
 
 [foul and his com,, DCp in the chamher holow, 1 sup 
 
 p.- 
 
BT8 IN M \ N M 
 
 
 :> . then, and I will try lo satisfy all yOUrdoabU, ami ,,uirl 
 all \i>ur 
 
 Aii.l Hi, sprakrr fnl.lc.l his anus tnidrrly :I|M>II( tin- uaist ,,f ||,,. 
 inai.lrn. as hr ],,l h.-r forwanl thn.ii-h a pHgf that smn, ,| r.juallv 
 familiar to ln>th the parties. 
 
KATHARINE WAI/10M. 
 
 CHAPTER VI 
 
 L(VK I ASS.MiKS. 
 
 now, Robert," said Katharine Walton, " tell mo tho 
 i CM son of this rashness. AVhy will you so peril yourself, and at 
 a moment when the memory of that dark and terrible scene in 
 which you rescued my lather from a base and cruel deatli still 
 lills my eyes and heart f What do YOU expect here What 
 would you do? which prompts you to incur this danger . " 
 
 "Ah, Kate,," replied her companion, fondly clasping her to 
 his bosom, " were it not a sufficient answer to boast that my 
 coming provokes such a sweet and tender interest in you / The 
 gentle concern which warms the bosom of the beloved one is 
 surely motive enough to stimulate the adventure of a soldier ; 
 and I find a consolation from all toils and perils, I assure you, 
 in a moment of meeting and satisfaction so precious as this. If 
 yoi will censure, my rashness, at least give credit to my fondness. 
 
 "Do I not, Robert I And is not this further proof of your 
 HtftChment, added to so many, which 1 never can forget, as dear 
 to me as any hope or treasure that 1 own / Hut there is some. 
 other motive., 1 am sure, for your presence now. 1 know that 
 you are not the person, at a season when your services arc HO 
 necessary to the country, to bestow any time even upon your 
 affections, which might better be employed elsewhere 
 Surely, there is a cause which brings y>n into the snares of our 
 enemies, of a nature to justify this raslm. 
 
 " There is there is, dear Kate.; and you are only right in 
 HUpnosing that, precious as it is to me to enjoy your presence, 
 and clasp you in fond embrace, even this pleasure could not 
 beguiled me now from the duties of the camp." 
 
LOVE PASSAUKS. 53 
 
 "Hut how have you deceived these people /" 
 
 " How (I nl I deceive you, Katr / You did not see through. 
 my disguise; you who know me M. \\ell, any more than Halfour 
 and Cruden, to uhoin I am so utterly unknown." 
 
 " True true; and yet, that I did not detect you, niav be 
 owinu r t tin- fact tliat I seam-ly noted your entrance >r appear 
 ance. 1 took lor granted tliat you were one of the enemy, and 
 .on scarce a look. Wlien I knew you, I wondered that 
 1 hail been deceived for a moment. Had I not hern al*orhed 
 hy my own anxieties, and prepossessed a-ain^t your appearance, 
 1 should liave seen through your disguise without an etVort." 
 
 " Vet 1 acchus knew me as little as yonnelf." 
 
 " Fur the same n-asons, (Imihtlrss. lint what is the hi>ti>ry ! 
 this dis^ui>e, liohert I And is there a real Captain Fun. 
 
 "There is. We surprised him yesterday on his way to the 
 city, and soi.n after 1 had >eparated ! n>m your lather. li 
 ters and papers . the deception; and I did not scruple 
 
 to employ the contents nf his saddle-ha^s in making my appear- 
 -pond with his. We are m-t unlike in si/e, and there 
 is something of a likeness in the face between us. A 
 
 of considerable importance depends upon my sun 
 ition of the imposture. "UV. >hall procure a sujplv <>f 
 arms and ammunition, which is peatly wanted in camp; and 
 possibly efiect some other objects, which 1 need not detail to 
 you." 
 
 " I .ut the peril, Robert." 
 
 " You have become, strangely timid and apprehen>i\ e. Kate, 
 all on , .,,u would have welcomed any peril, for 
 
 yourself as well as me, which promised glorious results in war or 
 htrata^em. Now " 
 
 "A!- :t,the la>t feu" days have served t 
 
 that I am but a woman. The danger from which 
 my father brought out all my weakness. I believe that 1 have 
 jrreat and unusual strength for one of my sex ; but I feel a 
 shrinking at the Iieart, n<>w. that 
 
 were all my d aj-prcciafion of the rreat per. 
 
 our peoplfl fd. Kobeit. dear ]{ 
 
 torero this adventure. Yon surely do not mean to visit the city ?" 
 
;, I KATHAHIXK WALTON. 
 
 Not if I can help it. Tin- small -jinx furnishes a good ox 
 QtUe, which Halfour is prepared to acknowledge, lint heol n.>l 
 me. At all events, entertain no apprehension. 1 am not so un 
 prepared for danger as you think. I have a pretty little s<jnad 
 in the Cypress, and can summon them to my side in an hour. 
 True, they are nt eiiual to -uiy open effort against such a loive 
 as is now at Dorchester. But let Hal four disappear, and your 
 father but get the recruits that he expects, and we shall \vaiu, 
 the old tahhy walls for them with a vengeance." 
 
 Whither has my father gone ?" 
 
 "To the southward along the Kdisto. He. may probably 
 range as far as the Savannah. He has ten of my followers 
 with him, which straitens me somewhat. Hut for this, 1 had 
 heen tempted to have, dashed in among these rascals here, and 
 taken oil the commandant of Charleston, with his mercenary 
 commissioner of .sequestration. If you only iiad heard their dis- 
 cuvion upon the division of your plate and jewels ! the beasts !" 
 
 " You must have laughed, surely I" 
 
 Knowing, as I did, to what market the plate and jewels 
 went, it was certainly hard to keep from laughing outright.* 1 
 
 " Alas! Robert, this reminds me that the evil so long antici 
 pated, has come at last. You hear that I am to be dispossessed. 
 The. Oaks must know a new proprietor, and the servants 
 that is the worst thought they will be scattered; they will be 
 dragged on" to the city, and made to work at the fortifications, 
 and finally shipped to the \Ve>t Indies." 
 
 " I can laugh at them there too, Kate ;" and her companion 
 could not entirely suppress a chuckle. 
 
 -HowT 
 
 "Never mind; better that you should know nothing. You 
 will know all in the morning." 
 
 "Can it be that you have got the negroes on", Robert ?" 
 "Ah! you will sufl er me to have no secrets. They will all 
 be off before daylight. Many of them are already snug in the 
 Cypress, and a few days will find them safe beyond the Santee 
 The house servants alone are left, and such of the others as 0111 
 British customers will be scarcely persuaded to take. Our \ en 
 rable Daddy Hram is here still, with his wool whiter than the 
 
LOVI: 
 
 moss; and Bttpio, who WAfl an old man, according to hi* .<wn 
 showing in the Old French War; and Dinah, who is the 
 Methnsaleh ot all the. Ashley, and a d.i/.eii others of the 
 cla.ss. Halfour .s lace will he quite a study as he makes tin 
 
 ry. But this is not all. We have taken oil the entire .stud 
 every horse, plough, draught, or saddle, that was of an\ 
 viee, leaving you the carriage horses only, and a few broken- 
 down haekne;. 
 
 "This must have heen done last night f" 
 
 " Partly ; hut some of it this very day, and while Halfotir wa* 
 dawdling and drinking at Dorchester." 
 
 " Weie you then here last night, Itohi-rt . " 
 
 \ v, Kate, and with an eye upon you as well as your inter- 
 
 Yii had a visiter from Dorchester, Kate." 
 " Ws ; .Major I rortor. he eame in the afternoon 
 "Audi- ,-d for coming ! Your charms have 1-een too 
 
 inin-h for him. It is already oVer 1 ><>iclir>ter that he has heen 
 superseded in his command for neglect of dutv, and is to he 
 .ourt-mar.tialed for the allair of your lather s rescue." 
 
 Ah! 1 am truly .sorry for him! lie was an amiahle and 
 
 gentleman, though an enemy." 
 
 " What ! would you make me jealous / Am 1 to he told that 
 lie is a fine-looking fellow al.so nay, positively handsome/" 
 " And what is it to me /" 
 
 "No woman, Kate, thinks ill of n man for loving her no 
 hie woman, at lea>t ; and pity is so near akin to lo\ e, that 
 the very disgraces that threaten this <?rntlriiian make me a little 
 .iibioiis ,-ihout his visits." 
 
 " He will pn.hahly pa\ no nn-. . 
 
 " Wh.it ! do you mean to say. Kate, that voti have given him 
 
 i to despaii I" 
 
 Uoheit. not iO M with a hlush which remai 1 unseen 
 
 "hut thtf dilgraee Oi hi-> remOTCI him from Don-heMer. and 
 
 I " 
 
 " Whithrr you go also {" 
 N >t if I can help it." 
 " Why, what do vou projo>e to do |" 
 "To tly with you to the Saute.-, if I can not remain here." 
 
66 KATHARINE WALTON. 
 
 * Impossible., Kate! Who is to receive you on the Santet. ? 
 Was it not thence that my poor sister hurried to find refuse 
 with you in the last moments of her precious hfe ? Our planta 
 tion was harried, and our dwellings burnt by the lories, beforu 
 I sent her hither. Besides, how would you escape hence how 
 travel, if you did succeed in making your escape and in what 
 security would you live in a region over which the ploughshare 
 of war will probably pass and repass for many weary niontl 
 
 And do you counsel me to 30 to the city to place myself 
 in the custody of these mercenaries?" 
 
 " You are in their custody now. You can do no better. The 
 city is, at all events, secure from assault. Were the French to 
 help us with an etncient lleet, and could our army be rallied 
 under an efficient general, we might do something against it ; 
 but of this there is little present prospect. The same degree of 
 security could attend you nowhere, else in the South at present. 
 Our war must be a Fabian war irregular, predatory, and ec 
 centric in regard to the. region in which it will prevail. No 
 Kate, however much I would rejoice to bear you away with me, 
 even as the knight of olden time, carried oil his mistress from the 
 very castle of her tyrant sire, 1 love you too much to make such 
 an attempt now, when I know not whither I could bear you to 
 place you in even partial security." 
 
 "The mountains of North Carolina?" 
 
 " lint how get there? We cannot hope that you should travel 
 as we are constrained to do ; for days without food ; riding 
 sometimes day and night to (dude the enemy, or to find friends: 
 with neither rest, nor food, nor certainty of any kind, and with 
 the constant prospect of doing battle with an enemv as reckless 
 and more Ruthless than the savage. You must submit, Kate, 
 with the best po.ssible grace, to the necessity which we, can not 
 coiMjuer." 
 
 A deep sigh answered him. 
 
 "You sigh, Kate; but what the need/ Apart from the se 
 curity which the city aiVords, and which was always doubtful 
 here, you will find yourself in the enjoyment of society, of lux 
 uries, gay scenes, and glorious spectacles; the ball, the rout, the 
 revel, the parade " 
 
I.OVK PA881 h7 
 
 SingiPtnn !" was the reproachful exc Um.T-mit. It 
 a moody moment with our hero, such as will sometime* 
 il>t onn tho surface of the nohle>t charact< will 
 
 deface the gentle hpauties of the im>>t transparent water. 
 
 " You will achieve new conquests, Kate. Your old suitor. 
 I l-oetor, will he again at your i \sill It- honored with 
 
 tin- special attentions of that inimitahle jn-tit //m/V/r, the gallant 
 Harry Harry;* Mad Camphell and Fool ( \unphell, + who, in 
 
 of their nicknames, are such favorites with the lory la 
 will attach themselves to your train ; and vou will almost for- 
 :n the hrilliancy of your court, the simple forester, Vh-^e 
 suit will then, perhaps, appear amio>t pn-Mimptuous in your 
 
 " 
 
 " 1 have not deserved this. Uohert Singleton." 
 
 . have n-f. deare>t Kate; and I am hut a per\cr>e devil 
 thus to disquiet you with suspicions that have really no place 
 within my own IMIMHII. Forgive sonn-thin^ to a peevi-l-m^s that 
 springs from anxietv, and represents toil, vexation, disappoint* 
 iiieiif. and unremitting lahors, rather than .he thought that 
 alw 11. and the heart that i.s in-ver so hle->ed as 
 
 when it i all its love. It is M-Mom that I d< yu 
 
 iujust u-e ; never, dearot rousin, helieve me when I thinl-. 
 you <i!nt, and sej>arate from all other human considerations. 
 It is then, indeed, that I l>ve to think of y.-u ; and in thinking 
 "f \ ou thus, Kate, it i i -r^ret that the world has 
 
 other In-ill^.-- of worth or int 
 
 " No more, U-di-.-rt no moro." 
 
 1 ut, as she murmured these words, her head rested happily 
 upon his hosom. With all avuu i her apjircdiension and tP-.ihU-, 
 and all I < douht, it ii"t the nionient w 
 
 rnmiixi d happiness. Huf iddenly fn-m ni> fond 
 
 mlirace, and. in <juick m -uniiMi 
 
 " I know not why it is. Ri ert. hut my sul lias heeu shrink 
 ing. as if within it>elf, umier thv in-.-t "\<\ 
 
 of evil. ] i off 
 
 the feelin-, that MMBetUtkg rniMisug a-i.l dr>adful is nhn:. 1 
 
 * A smull wit in tin- Kriti-i 
 
 Niikiiun.- <.t u,.,i-KiM)wn itinh ui!;.-.- r in Charl*to 
 
K>THARIXK WALTON. 
 
 happen to me; ami, since the decree of this cominanuar.t of 
 Charleston. 1 associate all my fears with my visit to that city. 
 Th.s it is that makes me anxious t escape tfl ry njjyw!:ere 
 for refuse even t-> the swamps of the Cyp. n to the 
 
 mountains of North Carolina, making the journey, if you please, 
 ou horseback, and incurring all risks, all privations, rather than 
 _: to what serins my fate in Charleston. Tell im Robert, 
 is it not possible f" 
 
 "Do not think of it, Kate. It is nut possible. 1 see the 
 troubles, the dangers, the impossibilities of such an enterprise, 
 as th(- can not occur to you. Dismiss these tears. This pre 
 sentiment is the natural consequence of what you have nndcr- 
 , tin- reaction from that intense and terrible excitement 
 which you suffered in the ail air at Dorchester. It will pass 
 away in a few days, and you will again become the calm, the 
 firm, the almost stoical spirit certainly in endurance which 
 you .ave shown yourself already. In Charleston, your worst 
 annoyance will lie from the courtesies and gallantries of those 
 you will despise. YOU will he dependent upon them for civili- 
 and will need to exercise all your forbearance. Balfour 
 will Ire the master of vour fortunes; but he will not presume to 
 offend vou. You will need to conciliate him, where you can 
 where it calls tor no ungeiiial concessions. We have many 
 friendh in that city; and my venerable aunt, who is your kins 
 woman also, will support you by her steady sympathies and 
 courageous patriotism. You will help to cheer some of our 
 comrades who are in captivity. YOU will find full employment 
 for i,u, sympathies, and, in their exercise, gain solace. Tear 
 nothing be hopeful our dark days will soon pass over." 
 
 "lie t so. And \et. Robert " 
 
 \ ! ll.tr you not a movement below?" 
 
 1 I he Hriti>h otlicers retiring, perhaps. They sleep iu chain- 
 beis below, and will not come up stairs at all. Bacchus has hie 
 instructions" 
 
 " You were saying " 
 
 1 . M of my father, Robert " 
 
 "llu-h! My life! these feet are upon the stairs ! What 
 can it mean t" 
 
L01 
 
 there is m> retreat to my rhamher ! Tin- Jiirhl 
 mis! Surely, surely, Kacchus c;tn nut have mi>!akeM 
 t ). Ivohert, what is t. he done I You can not cross to 
 ehamher without beinj; heard. nor I to mine without 1 
 seen !" 
 
 lit calm. Kate. Let us retire as clo.M-ly a> pi.>xi!,l int.. tliis 
 neon. Have no lears. At tlie \\(.r>t. ><-. 1 am armed with a 
 deadly weapon that mak^s no in.! 
 
 He ^ia>ped tlie hilt of a da^er. which lie carried in his 
 liMvuin : and they retired into a dark rec<-. m- ra lier a )iiin-r 
 ue. leading hetw-en two small apartments into the lialomv 
 in tne rear. Meanwhili 1 tin 1 heavy >teps of men certainly 
 tlu-se ii Halfour and Cruden were heard distinetly upon the 
 Htairs : wliile the voice of liacchns. in tones somewhat 
 was heard ^uidin^ them as he went forward with the li-rlit. 
 
 ps rathe. steep, gentlemen : have to he careful. 1 h - 
 -ir." 
 
 " Why do you sneak s.> loud. Hect-T ? Do y<.u \\ i>h to , 
 up the hoiiM> / U ould you iliMuili the yoiin^ lady the j 
 ot Di.n-lie.ster my my - 1 ",den. come ahm^. old 
 
 fellow, and take ca; . \ yot 
 
 Katharine tremr.ied like a leaf. Rohert Singleton f, . 
 bil true, name put her hehind liini in the j 
 
 le, and placed himself in readiness I m- any i- A 
 the wnr>t. there were hut two ,.f {In- riseiny within the li< 
 anl our hero telt himself urcujiyi! 1 . ind, 
 
 as he did more than a match for hoth. Let us leaye flu- 
 ties thus, \\hih- v retrace OQ] -ii!l return to the tuo 
 
 whom we left faiily emi arke.i on tlieir car^us-ils. ( apt-. u 
 Picks. ui, it should not i,,- fm-jrotiiMi. I. ark f> : 
 
 trr aa goon as he had fini>!.e,i in-, supper. 
 

 KATHARINE WALTON. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 CHOICK SIM HITS 
 
 I < UR, even now in the midst of a wonderful temperance 
 reform, with Father Mathew in the land to second the <rreat 
 mural projrre.ss. and to make its claims at once impressive and 
 religious, for the contemplation <>f succeeding time as for the 
 hem-lit of our own, it will he ditlicult to conceive the 6XC 
 which prevailed in the use of ardent and vinous beverages in 
 the days of which we write. Thev had harder beads* probably, 
 in those days than in ours: they could drink with imre au 
 dacity, and under fewer penalties, physical and moral, in th<-ii 
 deii.-uiches. Certainly, they were then far less obnoxious to the. 
 censure of society for the. licentious orgies in which it was the 
 delight of all parties to indulge; ami, indeed, societv seldom 
 interfered, unless, perhaps, to encourage the shocking prac: 
 and to goad the youn^ beginner to those hrutal excesses from 
 which the natural tastes mi^ht have revolted, "lie was a milk- 
 
 " in proveihial lan^iiaire, " who c(, u ld not carry his bottle 
 
 under his helt." "Milk for hahes, hut meat for men," the lan- 
 
 the apostle, was the ironical and scornful phrase which 
 
 ihe veteran toper employed when encountering a more ahstemi- 
 
 -ompanion than himself. 1 recrpt and example thus ;-om- 
 hined, it was scarcely j-:--il>le f.,r the youth to withstand the 
 pernicious training; and the terrible results have ensued to our 
 period, and still measurably hold their ground, in practices 
 which it will need the continued labors of a generation of re 
 formern whollv to obliterate. T<> drink deep, as they did in 
 Flanders, was (juite a maxim with the soldiers of the Revolution 
 on both sides; and too nianv of the American generals, taught 
 
CHOH i: 3PIB ;i 
 
 in the same school \\nvmiu-h more able to encounter their r.riti-h 
 
 adve- bottle than in the trial ami tin- >torm of \\ar. 
 
 h ilrinkiii:: \\a< al\\a\> ifl faniou> as Dutcli or Kn^lish. 
 
 Indeed, it is, and ha- ever lieeii, quite absurd to speak of tlie indul- 
 
 the Irish as distinguishing them above, their sister nati 
 in a comparison of tlie ivlatr. . hieli marked their 
 
 :;d habits. The Seoteh have al\\ ay-- drank ni >r< than the Iri-h; 
 but they drank J<ii n tu<i!ly, and were thu- lea liaMe t" bt-:ray their 
 
 lialfour was a fair sample of his countrymen in this practice. 
 !! had one of those indomitable heads which pi iieir 
 
 balance in spite of their potations. A ni-ht of intoxication 
 would M an-ely >how any of its etVccts in the morning, and 
 tainly never operated t" cndiarra^ him in the executii 
 daily bu>ines>. II usually would seldom 
 
 you in Mispcrtinir him \tn-me t: .inc. 
 
 Il \\oiild I"- called in the indulgent ]>lir;i ,! of that day 
 
 :r own, a ireneroiis or free liver - one \\ ho relished hi- M 
 and ni-v. >m-li 
 
 men usually pay the penalty in the end; but \\e need not }< 
 far farward in the present instance. Mnou^li fr us that, with the 
 departure of the ladies and tin . loyaliM. and Captain 
 
 DiekM-n. the worthy commandant of Charloton deti rmined to 
 make a ni.u lit of it. In this | ( r \\a> i : by 
 
 his companion. Cruden, ho\\e\er, had a COOleT head and a ? 
 .-rate habit. IJc-ide-. In- had i"ii, \\liieli BUfl 
 
 to keej him Watchfttl of his appetite., and t" the 
 
 moment of eZOBSS. Still he drank. What ollicer of the army in 
 tho-e days did not drink, \vlm had served three i-amp:ii:iis in Aim-ri 
 
 tfter having had the "training of one 01 more IIJM.II the continent 
 
 of Mil! 
 
 " Tlie u in,- improve-, Crudeii." -aid Hal four -eiiry. 
 
 how much of this wine ha\e \ on in the c< liar? " 
 
 " We don t keep \\iue in tlie cellar, n plied the 
 
 htis. \\ho showed him- If at tli- wlieii summ- 
 
 " \\e keep it in the -arret." 
 
 Well, \\ell. n. i matter where. I! ; .-h of this wine 
 
 in tin 
 
KATII AKINi: \\ \l 
 
 " A smart chance of it, I reckon, sir." 
 
 " What an answer! Hut this is always the case with a iieirro. A. 
 smart chance of it M if one could understand anything from such 
 an answer, Ha a thousand bottles? " 
 
 " 1 )on t think, dr." 
 Five hiindi 
 
 Can t say, -rein-nil." 
 
 " Five, thi 
 
 h, more than five more than fifty, sir." 
 
 " Knouirh for to-niirht. then, at all events. (Jo and bring us a 
 few more bottles. This begins to thicken. I say. Crudeii. I 
 can revpeet even a n bel \\ ho k <i liquors. Such a 
 
 must al\\a\- pOBMM one or more of the essentials of a 
 umn. lie may not l.c perfectly well bred, it is true, for that 
 la as much on -ood society as upon Lfood wine-; but he 
 IlllOWfl Hint, under other circumstances. something mi-ht have 
 been made of him. Hut why do you not drink . You neither drink 
 nor talk. Finish that ^la^-s no\\ . and tell me if you do not arrive 
 with me that the man deserves ic-pe< t whov ( . \\im-v. ; u-.- unim 
 peachable." 
 
 n readily acknowledge ihe virtues \\hich I inherit." 
 
 [| phruxr to be remembered so lon_r as 
 
 tin -work ! M cjiieviration L oes on with such happ\ n-viills. Hut 
 fMiil fortune does not seem to aLiree with you. You are moody, 
 Cruden." 
 
 " It i- the ell eel of the Madeira. Wine alwa\s makes me - 
 like il, peil 11 a- aii\ body ; but it M.IIIX me for a KMOO. I 
 
 beeoni, I liar-h, Illl^eilial 
 
 \\liatanet1e.t 1 II i> ni.,n>lroii. lti-onl\ be< -aii-e \ on -top 
 short \\ here \ oil should be^in. I >\\\\k deep \\ a-> the counsel of the; 
 lillle poet ,.[ Twickenham. Tha 1 .- tin- oiily-e.nl ho yOU read 
 
 idea . I 1 mid 
 
 indeed, it app- 
 
 " It eon;. with my 
 
 li(iuor. I ne\ei- tliink of it at : ny (ther periods. I would keep 
 
 If. if I could find a proper one. I .M.r Andre did BOOM 
 
 ihymini: for me once, but il went like a broken winded hacknev. 
 
 Harry I, I of knack at veFM inakin-_ r . but it is 
 
i: SPIUITS. 
 
 monstrous insijiid, and only fit for his friend .M M;iliu. M e 
 and my friend M Mallon I Me and my hiend Ban\ ! 
 you nut sick of tin- eternal speech of these t u ,ucd 
 
 loobies, when they prattle of each other T 
 
 " I never listen to them." 
 
 "You are ri^lit ; but as I talk a -reat <leal myself over my 
 wine, I can t do less than listen to the hrutes when 1 am sober." 
 
 " 1 My, Hal four, have yon -ivc.i any orders al-oiit tl\0 
 of this place to-niorro\v ? \\\- -hmild tnke it early." 
 
 "Oli. yon are too impatient. Your avarice ^ets the hetter of 
 you. Sufficient for the day is the plunder thereof. No can 
 ni^ht. Ha! Jupiter, you are there." 
 
 This was said to Jlaediuy, as lie arranged half a doxen dn-ty 
 liottle.s upon the .sidtdioard. 
 
 " I )raw our of those corks ; put tin- hottle here ; remove these 
 skins, and prepare to anvAer." 
 
 He was oheyed. 
 
 A .stand there, that we may have n good view of you. 
 Your name is 1 rutus. you say I" 
 
 " Hacchus, master." 
 
 " Ricehns ! Bacchus! Strange that I should always : 
 Bacchllt, you have a very heautiful younj; misti 
 
 I lie ne^ro was silent. 
 
 " 1 o von not think so. fellow /" 
 
 - 
 
 " >he always piod to me, master." 
 
 "And that, you think, means the same tiling. Well. \ve ll 
 not dispute the matter. Now, Bacchus, do you think that your 
 youn^ inistre I copper for any of the youn^ < : 
 
 Dorchester / Speak up. like a man " 
 
 44 1 don t know, general." 
 
 " \ U general me, you ra-cal ! But you sha n t 
 me I tell you, you do know. A ; rah didn t 
 
 come here constantly after \\ i-n t that 
 
 handsome fellow, Proctor. ;dwa\ 
 
 " Balfour, Halfour," interposed Cruden, "do i. 
 you, that 1 r ctor is my kinsman." 
 
 " Pshaw ! Why \\ ill you he throwin- your nephew constantly 
 in my teeth { Isn t ours a comm-n . 
 
64 KATHAU1M-; WALTON. 
 
 fall together? And if your kinsman is in our way, sha n i we 
 thrust him out of it] What s he to either of us when the ac 
 counts are to he, made up I" 
 
 " My sister s child, Balfour." 
 
 "Pish, were he your own now! Don t interrupt the negro. 
 I say, Neptune, wouldn t you like to see your young inistre.M 
 well married ?" 
 
 "If she have no objection, master." 
 
 "A judicious answer ! Well, she can have no objection, surely, 
 to being married to a governor. Kh f" 
 
 " I reckon, master." 
 
 14 She shall have a governor for her husband, Jupiter; she 
 nbal! and you shall be his body servant. I mean to be gover- 
 here, Pluto, as soon as we ve <lriven all these rebels out; 
 and sbe shall be my wife. Do you hear, fellow?" 
 
 Yes, sir." 
 
 " You re a sensible, fellow, Bacchus, and know that a gover 
 nor s something more than a major of foot, or dragoons either, 
 lie makes majors of foot and dragoons ay and unmakes them 
 too, when they re troublesome. I say, Cruden, this alVair looks 
 squally fiv Proctor; it does: and yet I m sorry for the fellow, 
 I am. I like him as much on his account as your own. Come, 
 we ll drink his health. You won t refuse that f 
 
 ( ruden filled his glass moodily and drank. Balfour proceeded 
 
 " You think, Cruden, that I am talking with too much ie.vity / 
 
 Don t deny it. I see it in your face. You look as surly as Sir 
 
 William, with the last touches from the tail of the gout just 
 
 :min to be miserable. But, you shall see. 1 will conduct 
 
 the rest of the good fellow s examination with due sobriety." 
 
 " if you have any more questions to ask, let him answer about 
 the ])!. 
 
 "Ay, to be Mire; 1 meant to come to that. I .see what trouh- 
 le> vou. Ho, I luto, your master fl ntleman ; I know, 
 
 from your manner:;. 1 can always tell a gentleman by his 
 vantK. They reflect his manners; they imitate them. That is 
 to Bay, your master ira\ a gentleman before lie became a rebel 
 Yu are no longer bis servant, and you continue a gentleman still 
 Your master was rich, eh?" 
 
CHOICK M lUMS. 00 
 
 " I expect, sir." 
 
 " He liatl lands and maroon, and. I feel certain, kept 
 wines. Now, IMutus. a-mon^ tin- (jnaliti. -nth-man \s IM 
 
 i* rich, he must be in possession of a lain. ; he 
 
 must have urns of silver, punch-howls, p!.i: 
 cream-pots, milk-pots, and a thmisand things necessary to the 
 talile and the sideboard, made out of the bright metal, eh i" 
 
 " Yes, sir ; I expect so." 
 
 " And, Juno, your master had them all, hadn t he /" 
 
 " ( ) ys, sir." 
 
 " Where are they, Hat-elms I" put in Cruden. 
 
 " I don t know, master." 
 
 " What I Well ! Ho on, Colonel Cruden, <:o on; if \ 
 not satisfied with my ah! with my mode of of making 
 this little domestic inquisition, why, you are at perfect libei* 
 to do it better, if you can." 
 
 Cmilen sullenly npoluri/ed, as he perceived that there was no 
 propriety in <loing otherwise. 
 
 "Go on, Halfour; 1 didn t mean to take the ^ame out of your 
 hands. No one could do it better." 
 
 " I Hatter myself you re ri^lit, Colonel Criiden. I Jo think 
 that I can ah examine this gentleman of a nej^ro as M 
 
 s.-lully art any Downed inquisitor of of \Vr>tinii. 
 Hut you ve put me out. J must have snne:liin^ .-tn.np-r than 
 Madeira to restore my memory. 1 say. Hrutus Hacch;. 
 have you the water heated I" 
 
 " Vc>, >ir general." 
 
 " And did your master that was did lie have t! 
 fellow, to keep in his cellar any pioil old Scotch whiskey i" 
 
 " 1 don t think, master; but the: DC particular t, 
 
 Jamaica." 
 
 "There is i It will do. Jamaica is only an apoh-^y : 
 Scotch whiskey ; but it is such an apology, Cnulen 1 say. 
 den.it is such an apology as any ^entlnnan n 
 some of it." 
 
 The bottle was already on the sideboard which contained the 
 tlu-n favorite liquor of the South Madeira i al 
 
 ways and Bacchus was SO,, M en-a-ed n jda. , tlJ 
 
) KATHAKINi: \V\|.TO\. 
 
 snirars. :iinl tin- hoilini; water under the hands of Balfour, whc 
 blasted upon uniting the advOFSQ elements himself. 
 
 "How gloriously it fumes! There, (Yuden ; drink of that, 
 old fellow, and hless the hand that made it. Bacchus, you shall 
 have a draught yourself you shall, you handsome old rascal 
 the hetter to he ahle you hear to answer my (piest ions 
 There is much of this .Jamaica . " 
 
 " Smart chance, general." 
 
 Drink, fellow, and forget vour old master in your new. 
 
 The negro showed some leluctance ; and the commandant ot 
 Charleston, rising from his chair, sei/.ed the fellow hy his wool 
 with one hand, while he forced the huge gohlet, with its smo 
 king potation, into his mouth. IVw negroes reject such a hever- 
 
 u- any heverage containing spirits; and Bacchus, though a 
 tolerahly temperate fellow, swallowed the, draught without much 
 reluctance or sulVering. 
 
 .VIM! now for this plate, Cicsar ?" 
 
 " Yes, sir." 
 
 " You sav there was plate?" 
 
 " Yes, sir." 
 
 " Where was it kept ?" 
 
 " In little room up stairs, sir." 
 
 " Have you the key to that room?" 
 
 " It s on the hunch, master." 
 
 " Show it me." 
 
 The n- gro pointed it out. Bal four grasped it firmly, and shook 
 it free from the n 
 
 "And now, fellow, where s the key to your wine vaults 
 your cellar ?" 
 
 "(iarret, P.acchus ?" interposed (Tuden. 
 
 " I thank you. Colonel Cruden. But had you I say, Cru- 
 den, in a moment more I sh >uld have used the word myself. 
 tl t fellow ?" 
 
 " I left it ii. the door, master, last time I went up, thinking 
 niayl.e you niijrht want more of the Madeira." 
 
 "You did? You sensihle fellow! Who shall say that a 
 
 i lacks forethought . Ah, Bacchus ! you are t ho man for 
 me. Come, Cruden, let us go." 
 
CHOICE 67 
 
 " Whither What do you mean f 
 
 .plore the wine-vaults to look into the cellar to 
 after the plate! Now <>r ne\er. I must B6 tin- extent of our 
 
 I sleep to-ni^ht." 
 The curiositv of Oniden his cupidity, rather prevailed 
 
 (jvwr hifl sense >( pp.pru ty. He was quil 
 
 ploration of the plate-room as was Halfour for the wine-cellar. 
 
 and tlie two started, without further delay, under the . 
 
 of I .acclms, l earinu r the candle. It was nly \\ln-u they . 
 
 from the dininir-i ""Hi into the prat j>a- 
 
 that our lo\crs al>o\r \\-rre lirst Kpprizod o| the danger in \\hieh 
 
 they sto.i-l of diseo\ ci-y. The VM HT "f Iiaeehus lir>t told them 
 
 of the jirnhalile intiu>ion of tlie liriti.-li of: .rers into a portion of 
 
 the dwelling not a i-ned to them, and in \\hieh their ; 
 
 at that hour of the ni^ht, was totally unexpected. 
 
 The alarm of Katharine Walton may he ima-ined. Her 
 b, with regard to th, f lu-r eniMj.ani.iii. were naturally 
 
 mixed up with the appi ehei:-i\ e BOI1M "f female delicacy. \\ liirli 
 inuM sillier from any detection under such eireuiustaiiees. Single 
 ton shared in this apprehension, with regard to her, inmv than 
 any \.ith regard to himscdf. lit- felt few fears of hi- 
 safety, for he W*l COnflcioUl that he : . in the la I 
 
 a means for escape, in the conviction that he could. Inn 
 easily deal with the two enemies, encountering him. as they 
 WOllld, unexpectedly. To feel that his pistnl> were rea 
 his -rasp in his l-elt. that the da<rirer was in his -ripe and 
 for use, \va> in reassure himself, and to enahle him. with . 
 
 nenreti to juiet th-M-. of his fair oompanioB. 
 
 Meanwhile, tlie two I ritons. hoth somewhat unsteady, though 
 not e<jually taire. The W 
 
 Hacchus to ^ive due warning to th-->e ahove. prOlD] 
 more fre.juently than seemed i tO lialfoiir. t-. in-ist. in 
 
 loiul tones, upon the nevc-ity of th.- I caution i 
 
 inu r a Slight of .steps \shii-h. he repe., nmre than orii 
 
 narily steej>. 
 
 " BoU on to the bankt rtl," he cried, on 
 
 commandant mak- piuj: lurch t the wall 
 
 steps are mighty hijrh and - 
 
68 K A THAI: INK WALTON. 
 
 "Shut up, fellow, and ^o ahead ! Throw your li^ht more behind 
 you, that we may see the steepness. There, tliat will do. This 
 is a lar^e house, ( rmlen, eh / The proprietoi contemplated a nu 
 merous progeny when he built. Solid, too ; feel these banister.s." 
 
 "All mahogany," was the answer. 
 
 "And carved. Old .style, and magnificent. These provin 
 cials were ainhitious of showing well, eh / An old house, ch ? 
 I say, Pluto, is this house haunted /" 
 
 " 1 launted, mast. 
 
 " Yes, fellow. Don t you understand f Have you any ghosts 
 about f" 
 
 " Wliy. yes, sii The, old lady walks, they say." 
 
 "What old lady .?" 
 
 "The lady of the old laml^raxe." 
 
 " Landgrave if" exclaimed t. rnden, inquiringly. 
 
 " Yes." answered Halfour. " You know that they had tlieii 
 noliles in this jro\-ince : there, were tlu- Iaildgra\ inoes, which 
 is (Jcinian for lord or haron, ami their eas.sicm-s. which is In 
 dian for another sort of nobility ; and their palatinos, which is 
 A step higher than both, I m thinking a juvtty little estah- 
 li.slnnent for a court in the woods: It was a nice, sort of fancy 
 of Lord Shaftesl.iiry, after whom they christened this river and 
 its sister Ashley ami Cooper and if the old f.ix hadn t had 
 his hands lull of other conceits, we. mi^ht have had him here 
 M-ttin^ up as a sort of Prince. Marklr\ elly , the Italian, on his 
 own account." 
 
 All this was spoken as 1 nlfour hun^ upon the banister, mid- 
 \vav up the steps, .steadying himself for a renewed effort, and 
 balancing to and fro, with hi.s eves Stretched upward to the 
 dim heights of the lofty ceiling. 
 
 " Yev," said be, continuing the, subject, "an old house, and ,. 
 prat one not ill-planned fur a palace; the family an old one 
 and of the nobility." 
 
 "An Indian nobility," said ( ruden. somewhat contemptuously, 
 
 "Well, and \\hy not. Nobility is nobility, whether sa \aire 
 
 \on; and I ll marry into it when I can. Take mv ad- 
 
 nd do the same. Is it not arranged between us that we 
 
 we to divide the fair ladies of this establishment / I am to 
 
i: >ri,. ;c 
 
 have the voting "lie. (Yuden, old fellow hrinj: iimir united, 
 kinM, Ly icason nf my youth ami good-fellowship, to litT 
 teiu h: ,trly ami magnificent aunt, Mi-tie-- l ..ti- 
 
 liara, who ha* a ri^ r ht to the ijuai terin^s of her ^rcat pan- 
 ami is an heiress in hero\\n ri^ht, they teil inr she is tiir . 
 ffllnw for ynu, CnuU-n. Yen will makr a lanmus ruijih-. 
 will jiiVKitli 1 likf a jtrinccss in yiur I inrkiu y i-liatrau ; and tlie 
 .1 ships, as tlu-y riit*r tin- liarltor. will !. always suiv t<i 
 you a salute. V,-.. I yit-M ! yni the aunt ; I li. C nnU-n, 
 old fellow, without ^nul^in^; and I will content myself mod- 
 e>tly with the younu r creature." 
 
 This was spoken at fits and starts, the tongue of our worthy 
 oniinamlant, hy this time, haying thickciicil mimidrrahl . 
 .say nothini: of frequent spasmodic impediments of >p-ech, known 
 as hiccoughs t the vulgar. 
 
 " You are dispu.-ed of in a some\\ hat summai-\- maniuT, 1 . 
 \\iiispeied Sinjrlrtuii to liis coinjianion, Imth of whom had heard 
 e\ei y .-ylh.Me that \\as >\>- ken. 
 
 "The hrutr!" wa.s tlie muttered reply. 
 
 "What would Aunt Harhara sav to all this f" 
 
 " If >l;e 1 e awake, "said 1 vat hai ine, " .she hears it all. It will 
 greatly pn.yoki- her." 
 
 " I can fa. icv her indignation ! How she tosses her head !" 
 
 " 1 1-isli, Robert ; they advance." 
 
 "If we fen to divide all our spoils. Halfmir," was the s] (l \\ 
 i ejd>- of ( ruden, "upon the principle yu lay down, my .share 
 \\ould he a sorry one." 
 
 "What! you won t take the antique 1 Ha! ha! Ynu 
 
 ten ! you I hut 1 warn you, no iquinting toward 
 
 my l .(dl;rtiiir.i. She is min<- ! l.ook < Ue\\ hen-, if the old iady 
 dou t suit \ mi ; hut look not to the ymn^ One. Divide the 
 - e|iial!\ Mire! * I ickin^- \\ as the our 
 
 hackuo-ds caj)taiu tlie unsophisticated heathen 1 iekings! 
 1 he rascal mij_ ht as well have called it Hut 
 
 here \\e aie. landed at last. Hello. ! - are 
 
 these? I.il\ your li-rht. rascal. Ha! that s a prett III 
 
 d yilish like our virgin (jue-n. \Vh" - that, i infu- V-ur 
 mist re 
 
70 KATH. \Iil.\K WALTON. 
 
 "No, sir; that s her great grandmother, the landgravine." 
 
 "God Uess her nobility! It s from her that my queen of 
 Sheba inherits her beauty. 1 shall have, no objection to marry 
 into a family where beauty, wealth, and title, are hereditary. I 
 hliall love her will; all my heart and all my strength And this, 
 8cipiot" 
 
 " That s master, the colonel, sir Colonel Walton." 
 
 "The rebel ! Fling it down from the wall, fellow ! I 11 have 
 no rebel portraits staring me in the face me, the representa 
 tive here of his most sacred majesty, George the Third, king 
 of England, Scotland, Ireland, defender of the, Faith, and father 
 of a hopeful family. I say, down with the rebel-rascal, fellow; 
 down with it ! We ll have a bonfire of all the tribe, this very 
 night. They shall none escape me. 1 have burnt every ell gy 
 of the runagates I could lay hands on ; and, by the blessed 
 saints! 1 will serve this with the same dressing. Do you hear, 
 Beel/ebub? Down with it!" 
 
 Katharine \Yalton, in her place of hiding, her soul dilating 
 with indignation, was about to dart forward to interpose, totally 
 forgetful of her situation, when the arm of Singleton firmly 
 wrapped her waist. In a whisper, he said 
 
 " Do not move, Kate, dearest ; they will hardly do what this 
 drunken wretch requires. But even should they, you must not 
 peril yourself for the portrait, however precious it may be to 
 your sympathies. Subdue yourself, dear In-art. We must sub 
 mit for a season." 
 
 " ( ), were, I but a man !" said the high-souled damsel, almost 
 audibly. 
 
 "Hush, Kate.! Believe me, I prefer you infinitely as you 
 are." 
 
 " O how can you jest, Robert, at such a moment ?" 
 
 ".lest ! I never was more serious in my life." 
 
 " Hut your tone? 
 
 "Says nothing for my heart, Kate. It is better to smile, if 
 we can ; and / /</// with words, at the moment when, though we 
 feel daggers, we dure not use them." 
 
 Meanwhile, the negro made no movement to obey the orders 
 of Balfour. He simply heard, and looked in stupid wonderment 
 
<n!MTS I 
 
 "Do you not he;ir inc. fellow ? MiM I tear down the staring 
 myself ? 
 
 He advanced as lie spoke, and his bands were ;dready up- 
 lifted to the picture, when (Vuden interposed 
 
 M LeaY it for tO-nigbt, BAlfonr. You will alarm the housr- 
 hold. Besides, you will give great oflence to the yung 1 
 I don t love rohels any more than you, and will help to 
 themselves as well as their oftljrics to the lire; hut let it he done 
 |uietly. and after you ve sent the :irl t< t.wn. Von wouldn t 
 wish to hurt her feelm- 
 
 "Hurt her feeling . No ! how could you iinairiiu ^urli 
 vain tiling? ( )f course, we Ml leave the rehel for another 
 son. Hut he shall hum in the end, as sure a< 1 m Neshitt Hal- 
 tour." 
 
 " Kohert." whispered Katharine, in treinhlintr accents, " that 
 portrait must he saved from these wretches. It must he. savadL 
 Rohert, at -very hazard." 
 
 " It shall he, Kate, if I survive this night." 
 
 u You promise me; that is enough." 
 
72 KATHARINi: WALTON. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 GHOSTLY l AA;i:s. 
 
 THE lovers were suddenly hushed, iu their \\ hispered conver 
 sation, by the nearer approach <>f the British officers. Crudes 
 had, at length, pemuidod his companion t<> forget th; rebel 
 portraits for awhile, and t<> address liiinselt earnestly to the, 
 more important object of tlieir search. l"nder the guidance of 
 the reluctant Bacchus, they drew nigh to the, plate ehanther, or 
 the closet, in which, according to the negro, the silver of the 
 household was usually kept. This apartment was placed at the 
 extremity of the passage, closing it up apparently in this quar 
 ter, but with a narrow avenue leading beside it, and out upon a 
 balcony in the rear of the building. It was in this narrow 
 passage that Katharine and her lover had taken shelter. The 
 outlet to the balcony was (dosed by a small door; and against 
 this they leaned, in the depth of shadow. With the dim candle 
 light which guided the eneniv, thev Rltgfal reasonahlv hope, in 
 this retreat, to escape his notice unless, indeed, the light were 
 brought to bear distinctly upon their place of hiding. Here they 
 waited, in deep sib-nee and suspense, the approach of the British 
 officers. 
 
 Bacchus might have saved the commandant and the cmmnis- 
 eary the trouble of their present search. He well knew that 
 the silver of the household had all disappeared. It is true that 
 he knew not positively what route it had taken ; but his om- 
 jecturefl were correct upon the subject. He was prudent iy silent, 
 however rather preferring to seem ignorant of a matter in 
 which a too great knowledge might have, ended in subjecting 
 him to some of the re-.|...i|sib dity of the abstraction. They 
 
(IMOSTI.V P4 71 
 
 n>aclic<l the door, and Balfoui fumbled with the keys to the 
 pica* impatience of his companion, who more than once felt 
 tempted to oiler his a ; l.ut forbore, from suilicient ex 
 
 perience of the tenacious vanity of tin- c..mmandant. At length 
 In- opening uas cnYcted, ami the two darted in Bacchus 
 tin-, entrance, prepared to make a lia.-ty retreat 
 ti :irs of his superiors rrMilt in any threatening 
 
 For a time their hopes \\ere encouraged. The\ 
 held several rows of broad .shelves, almost with old 
 
 boxes, some of which were I .iMened down. It retpiired .- 
 time ; hut, at leiiirth, the nnj.l.-asaiit eonv u-tion 
 
 :<ved nj)on them that they had waited their lahor upon a 
 
 ly account of empty 1 
 
 " Bacchus," said Crtiden, "is there no other closet ?" 
 " Hacchns, you heast, whe;--^ the jilato. I sav i" 
 " "I ain t here, general." huiuhly responded the tremhling 
 
 pegra, 
 
 " Well, that s information fur wliicli w<> are grateful ; but, you 
 Moody villain, if yon don t find it if a .spoon s missing, a cup, 
 
 akanl, a pot, a a I ll have you him;: nj> ly the 
 yon villain, with your head dowi;\\ard. like Saint Absalom ! 1 )o 
 you liear. I lutus ! Do you know \\hat han^in- means, eh / Do 
 
 you know how it feeds I \)<> \-,,u know " 
 
 k him. Halfour, if there are not other clofi 
 
 "Pohl poh! Cruden; am I the man, at this tijne <f day, to 
 be taught how to put the ijuestinn to a Mn of I.shuiael . What 
 do we want with closets ( What liave we ^-..t by looking into 
 dOflettl It s the p ] a te we want ; the precious metals, the c: 
 .,t l ..tosj ihr siKer, the ingots, the Spanish ha: 
 black. Kthiopan, Merl/ehub ; and if they re not forthcomin- 
 a\ . to-ni^ht. this very hour ym shall ha\ c de-p.-itrlu^ t ..r \ .mi 
 namesake and L r i andiather. ymi nefarious I luto head down- 
 
 . y.u KN1 of sn,,t and vine-ar ! I >.. \--u ! . .;: ! I 
 io\\n\\ard shall ym swim the Styx, ..1-1 ( haron. with a ; 
 pound shot about your neck, by \\ ay of ballast for | , ago 
 
 The plate. (.Id villain, it \.m wi>h to "lie happy mi dry land, and 
 keep your hones! EtlliopfUl n !" 
 
 liacchus declared hims<df fully sensible of the dangerou< din 
 
74 KAlli \UI\K WALTON. 
 
 tincti m with which lie was threatened ; hut declared himself, in 
 set terms, and with the most earnest protestations, totally 
 ignorant of the \vhereahouts of the missing treasure. 
 
 11 I m a poor nigger, ma>ter ; they never gave the silver to me 
 to keep. The colonel or young missis always kept the keys." 
 
 M us nothing, f.dlow." said ("ruden. " We, know perfectly 
 vsell that you are. th trusted servant of your rehel master; wo 
 know that you have helped to hide the plate, away. Show us 
 where you have hidden it, and you will he rewarded; refuse, <>r 
 pretend not to know, ard as certainly as the commandant swears 
 it, you wdl he hung up to the nearest tree." 
 
 " Head downward !" muttered Hal four. 
 
 " If you will h lievr a poor Mack man when he swears, mas 
 ter. 1 f,wear to you I never had any hand in hiding it." 
 
 "Swear, will you, old Pluto? And hy what god will your 
 reverence pretei-.ii to swear, eh /" was the demand of Hal four. 
 
 11 1 swear hy the Messed ].ord, master!" 
 
 " I oli! poh! that wmi t do, you old rapscallion. Would you 
 lie taking the name of the Lord in vain ? Would you have me 
 encourage \ mi in violating the Ten Commandments. Hesides, 
 you irreverent Ichnhod, such an oath will not hind such a sahle 
 sinner as you -ire. X<, no; you shall swear hy the Hull Apis, 
 j tia" ; yu shall swear hy the Horned .Jupiter, hv the 
 (Jrand Turk and hy Mahomet and Pharaoh. Do you hear? 
 Will you sviar )>y .Iiipiler Ainimm . " 
 
 " I never lica-d of such a person, master." 
 
 "You iM-ver did! Is it jm.ssihle / You see, (Vuden, how 
 lamentahly igii.ir.-ml this rrhellinus rascal is. 1 shall have to 
 take this Kthii-.;>an intn my iwn keeping, and educate him in the 
 right knnwli d. e. 1 \\ill teach you, Hu>iris. and make vmi wise 
 that i, if I dn not hang you. Hut hang you .shall, hy all the 
 * and that is an oath i never break unless you 
 nhow where pOU ha\c hid (his tieasui e." 
 
 " I ne\ er hid it, master: I swear hy all them people you 
 mention !" 
 
 pie! They are gods, fellow, gods! Hut he swears. 
 
 id the other; "and as he does not seem to know 
 
C;IIM>TI.Y i v 7:") 
 
 *hmit the hiding, let him conduct us to the ..thcr closets and 
 ioM PO :;.-. Ti Of an other rooms, Bacchus" continued Cru- 
 <ien, who ventured, upon the somewhat d te ot Balfonr, 
 
 . take a leading part in the examination. 
 
 " Some rooms <lo\vn .stairs, colonel," said the i > rlv. 
 
 " Down stairs/ Hut arc there no others al | \Vliat 
 
 i this opening here, lor example / Whither does th ; s a\enue 
 lead {" and, as ho iiujuired, lie approached the mouth of the 
 . at tlie extremity of which Katharine Walton and her 
 were concealed. 
 
 " Here. Bacchus, bring your lijjht here ! This place imist lead 
 nom, -where to seme cliamhcr or closet. I 8, Your 
 
 light ! J en to (ne this conducts us to the hiding-place ol the 
 ire." 
 
 The hand of Katharine clasped convulsively the arm of Sin- 
 irleton, as she hearl these .-ug^estions. Her companion felt all 
 the awkwardness of their situation ; hut he apprehended little of 
 its danger-. lie felt that he was cjiiite a match for Tn 
 even agaii< the half-drunken Kalfmir ; and he had no douht 
 that Hacchus would not wait for his orders or those of hi 
 
 to join in a death-grapple with t .r enemy. !! ucntly j-n 
 
 the hand of the maiden, with the design to reassure IK r ; then 
 (juietly felt the handle of his dirk. His hreat: painfully 
 
 suppressed, however, as lie waitcl for the movement <r the : 
 of K-iechus. That faithful fellow was siilliciently promjit in the 
 endeavor at evasion. 
 
 "That s only the passage into the open halcoi : that 
 
 just leads out into the open air;" and speakini; thus, he i 
 lutelv hore the li^ r ht in the opposite direction. 
 
 " Never you mind ; liring the light lien 1 , fellow ; U-t us 866** 
 the very apparent reluctance of Macchns stimulating the cnii- 
 onity of ( i U ien. 
 
 " Thtt open air!" said Halfour. "To 1-e sine, I want a little 
 r resh air. The halconv, t->o | That ibould 
 
 the ]>rospect. The sen,,. 1,\ > :srliglit must he a lii.. \\ e ll 
 
 but lo.k-out for a moment. ( ni den ; ami then give up the search 
 for the night. I m sleepy, and, after another tuch >t 
 tankanl, will doff hoots and hull , and to hed. This ignoramtif 
 
7<> KATII AKIXF. \V\L.ON. 
 
 knows nothing. We ll find the plate in the cellar, or mi Icr some 
 of the trees, with :i little digging. Don t l.e uneasy; I carry a 
 divining rod, which is pretty sure to conduct me to all hiding- 
 pi. ict -s. It only needs that the rod should he put in pickle t .n 
 awhile. Ha, i ellow, do you know what is meant hy a rod in 
 pickle ?" 
 
 14 Don t let us forget the halcony, Balfour. Do you not wish 
 to look out upon the night /" 
 
 44 Ay, true ; to lie sure." 
 
 " Here, fellow, Bacchus, your light here." 
 
 " Yes, Mr," was the answer; and the heart of Katharine Wal 
 ton liounded to her mouft ns she heard the suhdued reply, and 
 listened to the movement of feet in the direction of the passage. 
 But Bacchus had no intention of complying with a reijuisition 
 which he felt so dangerous to the safety of those, whom he loved 
 nnd honored. The, negro, fin-red to the final necessity.* still had 
 his refuge in a native cunning. It was at the moment when he 
 turned, as if to ohey the imperative commands of Cruden, that 
 Balfour wheeled ahout to approach him ; and Bacchus timed his 
 own movements so well, that his evolutions hrought him into 
 sudden contact with the person of the conftnandant. The light 
 fell from his hand, and was instantly extinguished, while a cry 
 of terror from the ((lender furnished a new provocation to the 
 curiosity of the British officers. 
 
 " Lord ha mercy upon me! what is that ?" 
 
 44 Wli.-it s what, you hloody l.shmaelite /" exclaimed Balfour, 
 in sudden fury. "You ve, ruined my coat with your accursed 
 candlegrr. 
 
 " Lord ha mercy ! Lord ha mercy !" cried the negro, in well- 
 affected terror. 
 
 " What scare- \..u, fool f" demanded Cmden. 
 
 " You no B66 ( master / The old lady ! She walks! I sec 
 her jeM as 1 was turning with the candle." 
 
 "What, the old landgrave s housekeeper?" demanded Bal- 
 four. 
 
 " I -haw !" ci ied C^ru<len ; " doji t encourage this hlockhead in 
 his Donseme. A\\a\ , fool, and relight your canuie ; and may 
 the devil take you a< you go !" 
 
ClInsTI.Y I 1 77 
 
 The commissioner of confiscate. , now thonn:hlv 
 
 r.nised. His disappointment, in the search arter the in: 
 plat. , and the fear that it would prove \sholly Leyond his reach, 
 had vexed him Leyond endurance. He ITU really ^l.-ul of an 
 
 -ion to vent his fury upon the nej^ro, since the temper of 
 Halfour was such as to render it necessary that he should exliihit 
 the utmost forbearance in regard to his conduct, which Cruden 
 
 nevertheless greatly disposed f; censure a thousand til: 
 day. It was with a heavy ImtVet that he >eiit Hacchus off to 
 
 ire a li^ r ht, following his departure with a volley of oaths, 
 which proved that, if slow to provocation, his wrath, when IU 
 e.l, was siith ciently unmeasured. Kven Halfour found it ju 
 to rehuke the violence which did not scruple at the quality of his 
 
 em 
 
 1 n t swear. (Yuden, don t; its a pernicious immoral prac 
 tice; and here, in the dark, at midnight tor I heard the d 
 
 In-low jn>t before old Charon di-opjieil the candle and 
 with the po. -ihility I >ay possibility, Ciuden that \\f 
 
 winded hy spirits of the dead. . 
 
 :.-.l ile shades oi imhility fur y-.u 11:1;-; n-.t 1 or^et that the 
 ant-extors of this rehe! colonel were landgraves and lam: 
 vinoes his grandmother, as \mi hear, hein^ the first landi: 
 in tlie family yii saw her jnnirait on the wall, with an evident 
 heard upon her chin, no douht intended hy tin- painter 
 the dijrnitv and authority (.f her rank, as Michael An^ elo painted 
 M..VI-., \\ith a pair i.f honi ; and there is a propriety in it. do 
 ; for rho^ts I y the way. Oniden, JfOU i fKeve in 
 ^In-!,. ,l,,,, f t you /" 
 
 \ ..t a Lit." 
 
 " V u don t ? Then I m sny for his maj.--" 
 it has Mich an unhelievin^ infnlrl in it. A man without faith i 
 no hctter than a Turk. I: that he ha* 
 
 And that s the true roatOD why these Americans i 
 The moment the\- ceased to lu-lieve in r.h"st; and <the 
 things, they wanted to - themselves. |)on t you follow 
 
 their example. Hut where are \ n\\ ^nin^ i" 
 
 Cniden was striding to and fro impatiently. 
 
 " Nowhe.rtj." 
 
f8 KATIIAIIINK WALTON. 
 
 " Hon t attempt to walk in this solid darkness counselled the 
 moralizing Balfour, who gradually, and \vitli some effort, holding 
 on to the wall the while, let himself down upon the floor, his 
 solid hulk, in spite of all his caution, giving it a heavy shake as 
 he descended. "Don t walk, Cruden ; you may happen upon 
 a pitfall ; you may {ret to the stairway and slip. Ah ! did you 
 hear nothing, Cniden ./" 
 
 Nothing!" somewhat ahmptly. 
 
 " I surely heard a whisper and a rustling, as if of some in- 
 rient silken garment. Come near to me, ("ruder., if you wo-.dd 
 hear. I wish that fellow Bacchus would make, haste with Ilia 
 light. 1 surely heard a footstep! Listen, Crnden." 
 
 "I hear nothing ! It s your fancy, Balfonr ;" and the other 
 continued to stride away as lie spoke, not seeming to heed the 
 repeated riMjuests of Balfoor to aj)proach him, in order properly 
 to listen. 
 
 Balfonr s senses, in all prohahility had not deceived him. The 
 moment that Bacchus had disappeared, Singleton whispered to 
 his trembling companion 
 
 " Now is our time, Kate, if we, would escape. Bacchus has 
 flung down his li-ht only to give us the opportunity. Let us 
 use it." 
 
 " But they are at the entrance . " 
 
 " I think not. Near it, 1 grant you ; hut on the side, nod 
 with room enough for us to pass. Follow me." 
 
 It was lucky that the necessities of the service had long since 
 forced upon Singh-ton the use of moccasins. There were few 
 hoots in the camp of Marion. The soft huckskin enahled our 
 partisan to tread lightly through the passage; the heavy tread 
 of ( riiden contributing greatly to hush all inferior sounds. Sin- 
 trlefon grasped firmly, hut gently, the wrist of his companion. 
 Hut she. no longer trembled ; her soul was now fully nerved to 
 the task. Balfour had, however, in reality, settled down in part, 
 at the entrance of the p B -i-eking this position of 
 
 humility and repose ;it the very moment when the two began 
 their movement. For the instant, it compelled them to pan 
 hut when aured that lie \va^ fairly couched, they passed Hghtly 
 beside him ; and, had not his superstitious fancies Keen awakened 
 
i \ 
 by the -try "f the ghostly landgravine, his Mi-pi-i..:i., mi^ht 
 
 have i .-I ll more keenly awakened hy tin i rust!in_ 
 
 tlu- ancient silk. TD steer wide ofCnideil WAI 
 
 (nr fniriti\es, as his i >.it>teps announced his whereabouts with 
 
 peculiar emphasis. The irreat p . 1 with s.* 
 
 and the maiden paused at li her chamher. Fortnsia 1 
 
 it had heen left ajar when >he joined Singleton, though this had 
 been done Writhoiti ri-ard to any aiit u-ipations >{ the intrrrti|i- 
 tiitns they had undergone. I n jmsh it open and en: -ned 
 
 no noise. Singleton detained hiT only for an instant, as he 
 v/hi.-peivd 
 
 not alarmed, K;ite, at anything that may take plan- to 
 night at any iipn>ar or commotion." 
 
 "What me. .n y>u , What Hut p> ! 1 hear Bacchic. 
 
 You have not a moment to 1 
 
 lie JMV ed hrr hand, and stoh- oil to the stairway. The 
 - yielded and creaked as he de.M ended ; hut the heavy i 
 .iideii still served as a suHiricut diver.sion of the souml li-m 
 the M-n.ses of the HritMi ulliecrs. Our |.arti.-an paed on that 
 side of the hall heh.w which lay in .shadow, lu-ing eareful n 
 jdare himself v.ithin the ran^e of the li^ht easrii-il l.y liaeehus, 
 v.-h<> liiiu in the passage. He had soiiu-thin^ to >ay to 
 
 the ne^ro, 1m! i it prudently, nothing douhtin^r that he 
 
 would find his uay to his chamber when all had heroine oniet 
 in the h.-. 
 
 J.et Bfl ODCfl J d with the liirht. ami see the condition 
 
 oftheenemj. Bulfoti irafl philosophi/in-. n;> drink had ivn- 
 
 den-d him si>me\\li;it Mipei stitious. 
 
 I n," said he, "if I have i..t felt the rustlii; 
 ^h">t H petticoat to-ni^ht, may I he !" 
 
 " 1 see no necessity why even a female ^ho>t sh.>nl 
 
 " It would be a very improper thin^ to appear without them," 
 wa- ;! i cU ent rejdy. " i :inued our phOo80phOT| " 1 
 
 !y heard her 
 
 "Really. Hal four, if I could concciv M!!. I -h-nhl 
 
 certainly ha\<- MI to suppose that the . lake 
 
 any noise in walking A -host, with so much materiality I 
 
Ml KATHAUIXi; WALTON. 
 
 it H* to make her tout .teps heard, is one with whom any strong 
 man might safely grapple." 
 
 "Cruden, Crudon, you are no better than a pagan. You 
 have no laith in sac-red things. 1 certainly heard a rustling as 
 Iks, and the tread of a person as if in slippers a dainty, 
 light, female fontstej), such as might reasonably he set down hy 
 an ancient lady of noble family. I am SUM* it was a ghost. I 
 fed all over as if a cold wind had heen blowing upon me. I 
 must have a noggin ; I must drink! I must sleep. Confound 
 the plate, I say ! I d sooner lose it all than feel so cursed un 
 comfortable." 
 
 " 1 am afraid it /.v lu.st, Balfour," responded the otlier, in tones 
 of more luguhrious solemnit y than those which his companion 
 hail u.M d in the di.scus.sion of the su}iernatural. 
 
 " N-i matter," was the. reply of Hal fou r ; we ll talk the mat 
 ter oxer iii the daylight. I don t despair. There is the, cellai 
 yet, and the. vaults. Vaults are famous places, as I told you 
 /or hiding treasure. But the mention of vaults hrings hack that 
 .tin. AYhere are you, Cruden . AVliy do you walk off 
 :ich a distancr . Beware ! You ll tumhle down the step* 
 iteadlong, and 1 shall then have you haunting me for ever 
 
 " Xo fear, lint here the negro comes with the. light. Per 
 haps it is just as well that we should go to hed at onee, and 
 lea\e the search till the moiMiing. It is not likelv that we shall 
 nijjkc much pi :>!er jiresent circnmstair 
 
 "S.meol that liquor iirst, Cruden. My nighl-cap is neces- 
 
 tfary to my sh-ep. 1 thought I had taken ijuite enough already; 
 
 hut this cold wind has chilled me to the hone>. and sohered me, 
 
 entirely. The ho>t must have, had .something to do with it 
 
 - pirit acting upon anotln 
 
 "Tin 1 light no\v aj.peared, and llaeehus emerged from the 
 Htairhead ; and with an evident grin upon his features as lie he- 
 held Cruden erert in the centre o{ the passage, as if douhtfu! 
 wher* to turn, hi-wildeicd utterly in the (lark; and Hal four ai 
 the extremity of it, his huge frame in a sitting posture, in whicb 
 dignity did not seem to have been greatly consulted. 
 
 " UA, Beel/ehub," cried the commandant, the moment he bo 
 
;IHSILV r 1 
 
 held tin; visage ..! tin- neirro, "you arc hot- at last ! TliH 
 hanging matter, yiu scoundrel, to leave us here in the dark to 
 IK- tormented l.y I: - of your old grandmother. 1 ! 
 
 lmii many a hetter fellow than yourself lor half the oil .- 
 and, Were you a white man, yon should never B6f another d;-y- 
 li^lit. Look to it, rascal, and toe the mark hereafter, or even 
 your complexion shall in .t save yon from the gallo, 
 
 " J will look to it, jrenrral, jest as you tell in 
 
 " See that yon do. Here, (Yuden. p\r me an arm ; my limit? 
 se-m (jiiite still and numhed. That infernal wind! It was 
 surely - em-rated in a sepulchre !" 
 
 Ouden did as he was desired, and the hulky proportion.-, of 
 the commandant wen- raiseil to an erect position on the li 
 11 >tond motionless fur a moment, having thrown oil the arm 
 that helped him uji, as if to steady himscdf for further ; 
 hut !. or rather h:> Mi].erstiti..u> i i really d 
 
 iwueh to soher him. His hesitation was due less to any real 
 
 , than to his own douhts of the eertainty of his i 
 Whih- thus he sto.id, Cnnli ii in the advance, and r>aeehn> he- 
 tween the two, aiming to divide the li^ht with strict imj.aiti , 
 for their mutual heneiit, the eyes of Halfour re.^ted ujion the jn.r 
 traits against the wall. That of the aneient lan< 
 Compelled his attention. 
 
 " Hark you. lieel/.ehuh ; that, you say, is the veiierahle lady 
 who .still keejis hoiiM- here at midnight f She is the proprietor 
 of the jjio.xt hy which I ha\e heen haunted. It was her 
 menl that ni.stli-d In-.siMe me, and her fo..|>teps that 1 heard; 
 it wa> she that New upon me with her ^ho.stly hreath, giving 
 me rold and rheumatics. She shall hnrn as a \\itch to-mor: 
 \\ith her rehel LTiand.son. 1 )o you hear, fellow? Let the : 
 ots he collected after lnvakfa>t to-moi ro\v. We shall have a 
 hoiifne that hhall he a due uainin^ to witih and ichel ; ami to 
 all, you sooty rascal, th;. 1 ;n tlirin." 
 
 "Conn-, Halfour, h-t us n-tiie." 
 
 .1 the head of the stairway. 
 
 " Let us drink, first. Ad\anre the IL M, Heel/.ehnh ; and nc 
 that you hear it BtCAilHy. Ii -p . id I smite yiur head 
 
 off whuru you stand, -li --! n no u;ho-t. It s not so sure, v 
 
>2 KATHAR1NK WAl.TO.V. 
 
 that you shall escape from hanging. It there be but a single 
 bj.ot of gira>e "it my regimentals to-morrow, I >ecl/ebub- say 
 your prayers suddenly. 1 shall give you very little time." 
 
 The jiartv at length found themselves >afcly below. Scarcely 
 
 had thev disappeared, when Mistiv.ss Barbara Walton put hei 
 
 out of her chamber door, She had overheard the progress 
 
 Inning to end. She had drank in, with particular sense 
 
 of indignation, that portion of the dialogue which, as the two 
 
 ollit-ers lirst ascended the stairs, had related to herself, and the 
 
 cavalier disposition which it was proposed to make of her: and 
 
 .slu- frit that she was in some measure retorting upon the parties 
 
 themselves when she. could vent her anger Oil the very spot 
 
 uh rh had witnessed their insolence,. 
 
 "The hrutes!" she replied; "the foreign brutes ! Hut 1 de- 
 them from the. bottom of my heart. 1 would not bestow 
 :nv hand upon their king himself, the, mi.serable Hanover turnip, 
 .lone his hirelings. The drunken wretches ! Oh!" she ex 
 claimed, locking up at the picture of the veneiable landgravine 
 threatened with the flames "oh! how I wish that her blessed 
 spirit could have, breathed upon them, the blasphemous wretch 
 es breathed cramps upon their bones, the abominable heathens ! 
 To speak ..f UK , as they have done! ()| me, the only sister 
 of Richard Walton! Oh, if he were here if I could only toll 
 him how 1 have, been treated !" 
 
 The iJiitish oHu-ei> sulVeied little, from this burst of indig 
 nation. Balfour was soon comforted in the enjoyment of his 
 night-rap; and (ruden was not unwilling to console himself, 
 under his disappointment, by sharing freely of the beverage. 
 In a little while both of them were asleep the former in lull 
 :i of Mich a sleep as could only follow from the use of 
 
 such a night-cap. 
 
THH 
 
 CHAPTER IX 
 
 HI\U I ll I . ALA K.M-UKU.. 
 IT was not very linr after the house had hecome <|iiiot, that 
 
 the faithful Bacchus ini:ht have heen .seen entering the chamber 
 
 "I Singleton, ir. as we shall continue to rail him for a time, the 
 captain of loyalists. lie reinaine.i .some tijne in r.un-el with 
 the latter; and, at len-th. the t \vo ciiiei . :\ny fimi 
 
 room. But they came forth in utter darkness. invisihle \ , 
 other. xiid oidy secure in their movements l>v their e<jual famil 
 iarity with the .several hu-alitir> .it :h,- bouse. \\ men 
 tion that l- urne.s.s had not sought his coiudi wln-n he 
 from Katharine Walton. He \vas now armed to thr UT;!I. with 
 .sword and pistol ; his hunting-horn susjx-nded from his neck, 
 and his whole appearance that of one ready for ili-ht . 
 Bacchic IOOH left his sidi 1 , and our j arti>an aw;iited him i: 
 
 of the hall. But a little time had flaps, -d uh,>n 
 the m--ro rejoined him. They then let t the 1, ;her, and 
 
 ^isapjteared aim. njj the shade-trees which surrounded it 
 
 An hoiir mi^ht have elapsed after their B, when the 
 
 Milence of midnight was hroken hy tho sin-le l.last <>f a hoin. 
 lently sounded at some : , ; l.v 
 
 anotluM- that seemed Irom the fn-nt aven; 
 
 dwidlin^. Both avenues, front and rear, ha-; i, in 
 
 part, hy the detachment \shich had ftCOOOOpanied the command 
 ant from Dorchoter. and which \v;> ju>f l\ si:pp. >! fully e pial 
 to his protection and objects. 1 ) ,;! ihe force which. 
 tratetl, wouhl have heen ade.p; purposes, was 
 
 intlicieut t) cover the vast extent of \\,,ods \shich encoinpaed 
 
8-1 KATHAKIM: \V.\I.TO\. 
 
 tin- dwelling; and his men, when scattered, were really logl 
 amidst the spacious forest-area of which "The Oaks" constituted 
 tli- centre. Distributed at certain points, as guards ami senti 
 nels, ho\\ever well disposed, there were still long stretches of 
 space and thicket which the detachment failed to cover; tllTOUgh 
 the avenues of which a suhtle scout, familiar with the region, 
 might easily pick his way, unseen and unsuspected, under cover 
 of the. night. The Scotch oilicer on duty for the night, a rap- 
 tain M Dowell, was circumspect and vigilant; but he was ig 
 norant of the neighborhood, and, without any inferiority of 
 intelligence or neglect of duty, had failed to dispose his little 
 force to the best advantage. Hut he was wakeful; and the 
 Kound of the midnight and mysterious horn had aroused him to 
 every exercise of vigilance. Another signal followed from an 
 other ijuarter, which, after a brief pause, was echoed from a 
 fourth ; and our worthy captain of the guard began to fancy 
 that his Tittle force was entirely surrounded. He at mice pro- 
 reeded to array and bring his separate sijuads together; keep 
 ing them as much as possible /// Imml, and in preparation for 
 all events. We need not follow him in his operations, satisfied 
 that, awakened to a sense of possible danger, he is the man to 
 make the, best disposition of his reson: 
 
 It was in the moment when Balfour s sleep was of the pro- 
 foundest character, that Cruden, followed by his white servant, 
 both armed, but very imperfectly dressed, bolted headlong into 
 the chamber of" the keeping commandant. He heard nothing of 
 the intrusion. He was in a world very far awav from that in 
 which he was required to play his part a world in which hit-, 
 dreams of delight were singularly mixed with those of doubt ; 
 in which visions of boundless treasures were opened to his sight 
 but denied his gra>p a pale, spectral form of an ancient lady 
 rejoicing in a beard, always passing between him and the object 
 of his desires. There wen- other visions to charm his eyes, in 
 which the treasure to.ik the shape of a beautiful young woman 
 while the obstacle, that opposed his approach was that of a fierce 
 rebel, breathing rage and defiance, whom his fancy readily con 
 ceived to he no other than the insurgent father of Katharine 
 Walton. With a brain thus filled with confused and conflicting 
 
RING Till-; Al.AUM-HKLL. 
 
 objects, and n it altogether free from the ellects of th.it t -rpity- 
 
 ing nostrum upon which he had retired, tin- events in 
 
 in his actual world, however startling, made little or no im, 
 
 hion upon hi> The noise that tilled 1. 
 
 ated happily with the incidents in his dreaming experience, and 
 
 this failed entirely to amuse him to external consciousn> 
 
 " He sleeps like an ox," cried Cruden, as he held the candle 
 above the .sleeper, and shook him roughly hy the shoulder. 
 
 "lla! ho! there! What would you he after/ Will you 
 deny me ID , u think that I will give it up 
 
 that I fear your sword, you infernal rehel, or your Kh ! 
 
 what !" opening his e\ 
 
 The rough ministry of the commissioner of confiscated e.states 
 at length promised to he, ell ectual. The incoherent speech of 
 the dreamer began to exhibit signs of a returning faculty of 
 thought. 
 
 " What ! Cnulen ! you ! What the devil s the matter ?" 
 
 "Do you not hear/ The devil seems to he the matter in 
 deed !" 
 
 " Hear! What should I hear?" 
 
 "What ! do you not hear / There s uproar enough to rouse 
 all the seven sleepers, I should think." 
 
 11 And so there is ! What is it /" 
 
 11 U use up, and get yourself dre.-rd. There i> a surp: 
 thing like it." 
 
 With the aid of Cm. leu and his servant, the commandant was 
 soon upon his feet, rather submitting to he put into clothes and 
 armor than greatly succoring himself. His laeu! 1 still 
 
 bewildered, but brightening with the rise and 1 all of the n 
 from without. T!. -ueh as might naturally be oceasi>ned 
 
 by the > midnight, by an enemy the rush 
 
 and shi-ut of men on h>r.-ehai-k. the blast of bugles, and oo 
 
 nally the sharp p-!cu>sion of the pistol-sh suddenly 1 
 above the general eoniusion. 
 
 It was not 1": . .1 I \ . With sw<rd and 
 
 1 in hand, accompanied by (Vuden sim:hrly eijiiippeil, he now 
 made his way out of the chamber to the front entrance of thr 
 house in \\hieh quarter thr 
 
8ti KATHAKINK WALTON. 
 
 Wlen there, ami standing in the open air under the light of the 
 *tars, they could more distinctly trace tin 1 progress of the noise. 
 It seemed to spread now equally away to the river, on the mute 
 below, and in the rear of the mansion, making in a westerly 
 direction. They had not well begun making their observations, 
 uncertain in which direction to turn their steps, when they sud 
 denly beheld a lithe and active figure darting from the thicket 
 in the rear, and making toward them. The stranger was at om-e 
 challenged by C ruden, and proved to be our loyalist captain, 
 Furness. He. too, carried sword and pistol ready in his grasp ; 
 and his voice and manner were those of one eager and excited 
 bv the frav. He seemed nowise surprised by their appearance, 
 however iiiucli they may have been at his. 
 
 " Rather more scared than hurt, 1 reckon, colonel," was bis 
 frank and ready salutation. " How long have you been out?" 
 
 " Only this moment," was the answer of Balfour. " lint 
 what s the matter /" 
 
 "There s no telling exactly. Everything seems to have 
 become wild without a reason. I was mused from as sweet a 
 sleep as I ever tasted, by the ringing of a horn in my very ears 
 so it seemed to me. And then tin-re was another horn an 
 swering to that ; then, after a little while, there was a shout and 
 a halloo, and the rush of one horse, and then another, and then 
 a score of pistol-shots. With that, I j -it >ut to see what was 
 the matter, and what was to be done, and followed in the direc 
 tion of the noise; but 1 could find out nothing, got bewildered 
 in the woods, and, in beating about for an opening, 1 heard a 
 rush not far off. Now. says I, the enemy is upon me; and 1 
 itr.-iced mvself up for a hard light as well as 1 could. I heard 
 tin- bush break suddenly just before me, and 1 called out. No 
 an^uer; but, as the bush moved, 1 cracked away at it with a 
 pistol >hot, and soon heard a scamper. It proved to be, an old 
 cow, who was evidently more alarmed than anybody rise. She 
 moved oil mighty brisk ai ter that ; but it s ten to one, she car 
 ries the mark of my bullet. I was so nigh to her that 1 could 
 not well have missed." 
 
 "And this is all you know, Captain Fumess ?" 
 
 " Pretty muvh aH ! I have only seen two or three of Uw* 
 
RTX<; THF: ALARM-BOX. 87 
 
 troupers, and they seemed so much disposed to send tlioir hul- 
 lets- at me, that 1 have tried ti >teer clear of tli< in. They are 
 out mostly somewhere t tin- wot ; but they know thy 
 country better Mian 1 do, for I ve <juite lost my reckoning when 
 1 am." 
 
 At this moment, the clatter of a horseman, at a hard gallop, 
 awakened the curiosity of all parties anew. He emerged fi"in 
 the rear avenue to the dwelling, and soon alighted before I .d- 
 i our. II ant, ami a pretty old one, despatched by 
 
 the captain of the ^uard to satisfy the douhts ami imjuiri 
 his superior. \\\n his information was very meagre. It amounted 
 ojily to this that there had heen an alarm; that the po>t had 
 IK-CM apparently threatened on every side at ditVcrent tii: 
 tliat hii^lcs had heen soiindeil, seemingly as visual-, hut that 
 they had MTU no human enemy, and had found nothing li\ inj; 
 within their circuit \>\\l thenuelvefl and a drove of milch cattle 
 Still, sonic uf the men had reported the sound ..f i 
 of a (on>iderahlr party of mounted men; and. as th.-y M 
 upon the report, the captain had deemed it advisahle to 
 the search in the direction which the enemy had heen described 
 as having pursued. Thi> was all that he could say. He eyed 
 our loyalist captain rather closely timing the recital, and at 
 length said 
 
 "Was it you, sir, I met oil here in the south, heating ahmit 
 the hu.sh- 
 
 "I rei-knn it \\as. servant; and, ii I hail n t heen quick 
 eiuui^li. your pist.-I -hot wouldn t have left me much chain 
 Miisuerin^ you n>\v. T was the nari .ue-t e-ape 1 e\er had." 
 
 " And why didn t you answer/" 
 
 the Lest of reaaOOS, You ask-d me IMI the word, and 
 I knew nothing ahout it. Hut I ll take pn.d ean- ne\er to \,,1- 
 anteei a^ain when there s a Hirpri.se, \sithout ^ettin;^ projier in- 
 Jormation liefondiand." 
 
 1 : :nt looked for a moment steadily at the captain nl 
 
 loyali>t>. lie Wtl a ibrewd, keen. almo>t \\ hite headed >ohlier, 
 and the ^-a/.e of his l-ht hlue e . -id pi-net rating, HJ 
 
 if lie ; to this s,-i-ati!:\ a- a last 
 
 tiouhtS; hut the Mpju-aranri- .-t Fun:- -lllailV 
 
88 KATII. \IUNK WALTON. 
 
 and nonchalant He did not appear to n^ard himself as an ob 
 ject of watch, or doubt, or inquiry at all. The soldier seemed 
 at length satis lied; and, touching his cap reverently, said to 
 Balfour 
 
 " It s all right, colonel ?" 
 
 " Yes, sergeant, that will do. Remount, and hurry back to 
 Captain M Dovvell. Tell him to discontinue this chase. He 
 may only find himself in some cursed ambush. Let him return, 
 and resume his station. We shall hear his full report in tho 
 daylight." 
 
 The sergeant bowed, and cantered off in a moment. 
 
 " It seems you had a narrow escape, Captain Furness," said 
 Balfour, with more of respectful consideration in his manner than 
 had usually marked his deportment when addressing the loyal 
 ist. 
 
 " Ye*, indeed, colonel; a much narrower escape than a man 
 bargains for at the hands of his friends." 
 
 "But it was all a mistake, captain." 
 
 "True; but it s a mighty small consolation, with a bullet 
 through one s brains or body, to be told that the shot was meant 
 for a very different person." 
 
 "Never mind, captain a miss, as your own people sav, is as 
 good as a mile,. It is something gained for yon that we have 
 had such excellent proof of your vigilance and courage in his 
 majesty s cause. Future favors will heal past hurts." 
 
 He was. yet speaking all the parties standing grouped, a*, 
 tin- southern or chief entrance, of the building, and paitly within 
 the ball usually called, in the. south, the passage, generally as, 
 in large dwelling-houses, running through the centre of the build 
 ing- when the dour in the rear was heard to creak upon its 
 binges. Ornden, who at this moment was within the passage, 
 though near the southern entrance and the rest of the group, 
 turned instantly, and beheld a fouiale figure which had just en- 
 
 1 He could distinguish no features* since the only light 
 
 within the apartment was aii ordi-d by an unsnuiled candle, which 
 had been set down by his servant on the floor when hurrying 
 fn.ni Balfour s chamber the light used by the party without, 
 being a common lantern. At (irst, a vague remembrance of 
 
iu\<; TIM-: A i \I:M-I;KI.L. 
 
 Balfour s irli">* <>f the Landgravine pa ed thnniirli ( rudei. 
 1. rain ; hut lu i was (.fan intellect too stolid to sufler him l"iii: to 
 remain under the delusion of his fancies. He at once cor 
 tured that this female must lie Katharine Walton or her aunt ; 
 and, in either case, he associated her appearance, at tliis honi 
 and under these circumstances, with the yet unaccounted for 
 alarms of the ni^ht. His cupidity promptly snjr:e>tcd that the 
 plate, which had heen the ohject of his search alrea veil 
 
 now in course of hiding or removal ; and, with this conjecture, 
 his decision was as rajrer. and his performance as impetuon- 
 that of the younj: lover hnrryini: his virgin favorite to the altar. 
 With a hound, scarcely consistent with the dignity of his otlicial 
 i and t! \ e dimensions of his pers..n. he darted 
 
 RCrOM tb . and grappled the ^tran^-er 1 y the wrist. 
 
 "Ho! there! the li^ht bring the light. lialf >ur. 1 fancy 1 
 have captured your iri, 
 
 ( >i;r comin iHsiMiuT of c oiiiiscated rstatcs did not jierceive that, 
 just behind liis cajitive, and ahoiit to enter the door at fer her 
 
 i .acchus. The larkne>s favored th. 
 of the ne-ro, \\lio. cr<>nchin;: ijnietly without, waited 
 njijiortuni: : the hall unseen. 
 
 What means this violence, Colonel Crude:. lie calm 
 
 imjuiry made l.v Katharine Walton, in the m I ;iid p-n- 
 
 tle accents. Meanwhile, Halfmir and our captain of 
 had hastened to the jrroup at the summons (! the excited Cruden. 
 It was with a dilVicult eflort that Singleton c idd snppre-s his 
 
 tlODB, and snhdne t that prompted hin 
 
 Commissioner hv the throat and punish h m for the hrntal ^ra-p 
 \\hich he had set njion the woman of his heart ; hut the peril of 
 his Situation Compelled his forhearan ! nnwili 
 
 stilled the passion working in his soul, ho\\-evM" viol.-nt. l>nt hiri 
 hand more than once wrought .-is if working with his 
 ami, with clenched teeth, he found himself compelled repeatedly 
 to turn away from the scene and pace the hall in an exciter 
 which was scarcely to i . -ie Walton rr; 
 
 ed her demand of her BJSail&nt, 
 calm, as only to increase his indi.-nation. 
 
 " What means this vioh -, . : ? What mean! 
 
gg RATH A KINK WALTON. 
 
 H ,iis uproar, tliis alarm, madam, at tliis unseasonable hour of tbe 
 insist ? Why arc yon here, let me ask yon, and habited as if 
 for a journey \ Look! it is clear she has been abroad her 
 bonnet and clothes arc wet witli the dew. Answer, Miss Wal 
 ton what has carried you out at this hour? Where have yon 
 , f What have you been doing? Speak you do not 
 answer." 
 
 And if you were to subject my neck, sir, to a grasp as vice- 
 like as that which you hold upon my wrist, you should receive 
 no answer from my lips, unless at my perfect pleasure," was ibe 
 reply of the maiden. 
 
 " Ila ! do you defy me {" 
 
 " 1 scuni you, sir! Release, me, sir, if you would not subject 
 your.-elf to the -com of all those, who hear of this indignity." 
 
 !e.ton could no longer avoid interposition ; but lie main 
 tained the character which he had assumed. Coming forward, 
 lie said 
 
 "That s right, colonel ; I don t see why a woman shouldn t 
 he made to speak out, in war-times, just the. same as a man. 
 I ve seen the thing tried before. There, was a woman up in our 
 parts that bid her husband away, and Major Tatem burnt a hole 
 in her tongue t< make her speak. If yon want help now, colo 
 nel, just you ...;iy the word, and I reckon that both of us together 
 can bring this young woman to her senses." 
 
 ( Yuden turned fiercely upon the speaker, as be rather flung 
 
 the maiden from his grasp than released her. The oiler of help 
 
 .eh a performance as that in which he was engaged. W*/B a 
 
 ^ntlicient reflection though apparently very innocently made 
 
 upon the brutality of the action. 
 
 Mice \\ill be asked wh"ii it is desired, sir," was 
 
 wet, 
 
 i > \ . . 1 it-ckop ; but, yon see. I ve been a Rort of vohmtei r 
 once already to-night, and I m always ready to help his majes- 
 >-rs in time of tronMc." 
 
 id Pialfour. with a sort of severe courtesy, 
 u are aware that the circumstances in which you appear to 
 night are exceedingly sii-]c< 
 
 i itainly sir; I am seen in nil drr-s in my father s dwel 
 
RI.NV, Tin: Ai.\KM-r.i:i.i.. .-1 
 
 lineal midnight. Heretof,, .-. - : . I liavo heen acm^-med to 
 act my pleasure in tins house. I am painfully reminded t! 1 
 have other ami less indul^ iit masters. It mu-t net MI 
 that 1 am slow to reCOgniM <>r understand n . 
 
 fa " 
 
 We are certainly in authority here. Mi-.- Walton; luit with 
 out any ilesire of subjecting YOU to aiiY painful <>r per.-onal re 
 straint or coercion." 
 
 " The honds ot your colleague. -ir. are an excellent conm. 
 
 your forbearance, I confess they atVonl n,, 
 ideas of the liherty \\hich I am to enjoy in futur. 
 liaYC said, you are the masters here. Am Ipeisnittr.lt" 
 
 < Vrtainly. Mi-- Walton; hut you will not think me unrea- 
 nonahle, if. in the mornini:. I >lia!l a-k yon for an expbmati 
 it a ppcarances. This - " 
 
 He was interrnpteil hy an e\clamati(.n from ( rnilen 
 vant. at the southern entrance. All partie> turne.l at the i- 
 
 raption. 
 
 " 1 here seems t.. lea-!. ,,! Sre, Colonel,* laid 
 
 " Lo,,k away yon-ler in the south." 
 
 Balfour ntnl Ciu.len hastily juinnl him. ami a -mih of intclli- 
 
 irence wras interchanged between the maiden ami her lover. In 
 
 the meantime, Bacchus seixed the opportunity quietly to i, 
 liis way into the hall. The party at the em ra: 
 
 1 helmed with /onflictinir speculations as to the eontl. . 
 tiou which no\v SMH-.-H! out magnificently hefore th. 
 The won.ls are on tire." -aid ( mien. 
 
 N " Wai the reply of Halfour; "it i< a h..u<e rath- 
 \V Ir-m, prav ohli^e me can you explain the nature of thin 
 
 Katharine smiled playfully. 
 
 " l wili give yn no an-wer to any ((iie-t i,, n ... ( lolonoJ 
 to-ni^ht if only T ivself that tin 1 coercion mi : 
 
 I lahor does not extend to my thon-ht< Of <pee.-li. 1 
 that, with aiuither day, there will he n ili-.nt ai^ 
 
 the evei M!L ht." 
 
 With the-e irorcU, 
 
 w i .mly half uttered on the lips ,,f Hal four, w 
 
92 K ATM. \KINK WALTON. 
 
 night of Bacchus, stretching forward curiously in the rear ol the 
 
 loyalist. 
 
 " lla ! fellow, is it you? You, at least, shall answer. Look, 
 sirrah what does that fire mean?" 
 
 " I reckon it s the rice-stacks, master, that s a burning." 
 
 " The rice-stacks !" exckimed Crudeu, in horror. " The rico- 
 stacks! the whole crop of rice a thousand barrels or more! 
 What, malignity ! And could this young woman have been guilty 
 of such a crime ? Has she, in mere hatred to his majesty s cans*, 
 wantonly set tire to a most valuable property of her own ?" 
 
 " Impossible!" replied Balfour. "There has been an enemy 
 about us : this was his object. The alarm was a real one. But 
 we must see if .-my thing can be saved, Captain Furness, you 
 have already given proof of your zeal to-night in his maje 
 cause. May I heg your further assistance / We will sound our 
 bugles, and call in our squad. Meanwhile, let us hasten to the. 
 spot. The stacks are generally separate; while one or more 
 burn we may save the rest f 
 
 The idea was an absurd one, and proved sufficiently fruitless. 
 The stacks were all on fire, and in great part consumed before 
 the parties reached the spot. The hands that did the mischief 
 left little, to be done; and Cruden groaned in the agony of his 
 spirit, at a loss of profits which almost made him forgetful of the 
 missing plate. But day dawns while he surveys the spectacle ; and 
 the red flames, growing pale in the thickening light, play now 
 onlv in fitful tongues and jets among the smouldering ash< 
 the ripened grain, gathered vainly from the sheaves of a boun 
 teous harvest. 
 
 " We mu>t have a thorough examination into this diabolical 
 liii-iiM-ss," said Balfour, as he led the rrturni?i party to the 
 
 dwelling. 
 
AM. SORTS OF SUKPIM 
 
 U1A1TK1I X. 
 ALL SORTS OF BUBFB1 
 
 WITH the return to the dwelling, IJalfour and < 
 
 ; reh into the secret- of the household. which, a- \ve have 
 seen, was beiruti with doubtful results during ih. 
 
 of wine proved satisfactory to the former; luit tno 
 ii account, in nio-t respects, which the exploration yielded, 
 greatly increased the ill humor of the l.-it: 
 Jiowhere visible; and certain report-, made liy the cap 1 
 duty in respect to the alTairs of the plantation, tended 
 to increase the irravity of both t!i 
 anticipate the rr:idunl de\elopment of Hie 
 grievance. i to remark, in this place, that, \\lnn <: 
 
 in.-: the stairs from the attic, where he had -e into 
 
 dilion of the Madeira, and pa ini: tli!"i;-h Hie -n at pas- 
 
 rikini: ]>art of ihcir 
 
 labojx the pr - ious ni:_ r ht. the eye of I .alfoiir f 
 the pictures upon the wall, or rather ly the \ aeant pan- U \\ hich 
 appeared anioiii: them. To Id- conslernation. the ; 
 both tlie rebel colonel and of the L r ho-lly lanili:ravine. \\hili lie- 
 had ci|u:ill\ ill voted to the tlame-. had di fn>m their 
 
 The de\ii " he Aelaimcd to Crudeii. |.oiiitiiiL p to tli, 
 
 ciency. "we mu-t ha\e be. n overheard la-t QJ 
 How sh.nild it have been nth, i 
 
 6 < l,a;ub. i b\ the women, and 
 
 as if you meant that tiny -hoiiM h tbll With n 
 
 knowl* ;> "iir purp.-i tluy ha\e defeated it. they have 
 
 contrived to -ec rete the pi tui. 
 
94 K ATM A KINK WALTON. 
 
 "But I will contrive to find them !" was the angrily-expressed 
 r Halfour. "They shall not bailie me. Tin 1 ) can 
 
 not have carried them tar. and they shall burn still. Prayers 
 shall not save them." 
 
 me counsel you first to send oil the women to the city. 
 Make no stir till you have got rid ol them." 
 
 i are right ; hut I -Vill t:ke leave to examine them first, 
 touching the events of lat 
 
 " Say nothing of voiir own ; PI hile doing so," said Cm- 
 
 den. "We have probably uroftdy taught them tjuitc too much. 
 You might have hurnt the por,r; t its ,,f t he old woman and the 
 rebel, without a word, hut for th .T unnecessary threat last night." 
 
 "And would 1 have se -n the p.i (raits, or had any occasion 
 to speak of them, inn for your co-founded impatience to look 
 after the silver { In all probability, the occasion and the warning 
 have been seized for carry inj: ihat away as \\ell as the pictures." 
 
 " 1 am afraid it was gone hr.ig before. Hut that idea of burn 
 ing the pictures might have taught these malignants what to do 
 with the rice. Hut it is too iate QOW for retort and recrimination; 
 and here conies the captain of loyalists." 
 
 Furness came to the loot of the stairs and met them. 
 
 "The young lady tells me that breakfast is waiting for you, 
 
 gentlemen." 
 
 "The young lady?" exclaimed Hal four, eying the partisan 
 keenly. "So, you have, been talking with her, eh?" 
 
 " \Vliy yes," replied the other, with a manner of rare simpli 
 city. " I somehow began to feel as if I could eat a hit alter the, 
 run, and hurry, and confusion of the night ; so 1 pushed into the 
 dining-room, looking <>t for the commissary. ! met flu- yo.ing 
 an then-, ami had a little talk with her; and breakfast was 
 just then beginning To make its appearance." 
 
 " Wh.it had she to sa v about this ail.iir of last night?" demanded 
 
 a. 
 
 " Mighty little : she seems rather shy to speak. Hut she don t 
 : there had been any alarm. She s as cool as a cucum- 
 
 een." 
 
 aptain r urne-," grimly remarked 
 a the three walked to-ethrr into the bre m. 
 
A i, I, BOKT9 
 
 Here they found the excellent aunt and her 
 waiting for their uninvited p;e>t.v In the rij^id and CO1 
 features of the former, so dillerent from tlirir amial-le expn 
 of tin- previous evening, mii:ht l>e traced the coe.n - r inflm 
 produced UJM.II her mind ly what she had heard, during theii 
 
 midnight eonfcranc6, <>f tlic irreverent Rlltiaona tn herself l>v thr 
 
 Commandant nfTharlrstnn. Hut the t ai- i <t Katliarii 
 plai , . .is if .sli<> had ciijovcd the ni"st peaceful and ir l >r"krn 
 it there had Keen nothing to atVect lier r 
 
 of mind, ir to HIIIIDV her with apprehensions either of the 
 
 nt or the future. Indeed, there was a lnmyaiit soinctliinj; 
 in her countenance and manner which declared fur a feelii 
 exhil;.: a iiin, if not <>i triumph prevailing in her bosom. The 
 
 breakfast-table exhihited the most anij le cheer, and all 
 ^raee and neatness in the display. Tlie ladio took t! 
 
 dutation, and the ^iH-.^ts immediately followed then 
 
 example. 
 
 It was the purj>o>c of Halfour to lorl.ear all M: .iinoy- 
 
 ance until after the repast ; hut he ua* QOt j-i-nnitted ? 
 forlearin^. !!< had srarri-ly commenced eating. ! 
 t-aptaiu of tlie jruard reije,i-> d to see him at the t-ntra! 
 cusin^r himself, with V.IIM impatience, he went out ; and returned, 
 after a hrief interval, with quite an inflamed countenaii* 
 
 " Mi-s Walton." said he. M ai e you awau- iliat all the i 
 of your lather have disappeared from tlir plantation ?" 
 
 " I liavt- heard BO, BIT/ 1 piietly rej.lied the lady. 
 
 " Il -ard s<.. Mi>. Walton And who could lia\ ] 
 carrv them ..fV without your penni. 
 
 NM ,,11... I thei hiniM-lt ." 
 
 i .ther him-Mdi ! What ! do you know that he Q 
 
 their depart;; 
 
 " 1 jirr>;nned so. sir. They \\-uld hardly have p>nc u:de 
 he liad -i 
 
 " And whitlier have t!:-- 
 
 "Ah. ii i much more than I can an-wer." 
 
 " And when did th.-y lea\e the phi 
 
 -N.-r can I answer that, exactly. I have reason to think 
 tome hour** hefoie your arrival." 
 
90 KAT1IAIMM-; WALTON. 
 
 " Vou knew ol inir coming, then /" 
 
 " Not a syllable. My lather may have done. so ; and I myself 
 thought it not improbable." 
 
 44 It was in anticipation of our visit, then, I am to understand, 
 that you have conveyed away your lather, I mean all the 
 moveable valuaMes of your plantation and household; youi 
 negroes, horses ; your plate, silver, and " 
 
 The maiden answered with a smile: 
 
 N.iv, sir, hut your questions seem to lead to odd suspicions 
 ! the purpose, of your visit. How should we suppose, that the 
 presence of his majesty s officers should he hurtful to such ]>os- 
 
 Dfl f" 
 
 N<> evasion, Miss Walton, if you please," was the interruption 
 of ( Yudeii. 
 
 "It is not my habit, sir, to indulge in evasions of any sort. 
 I rather comment on an inquiry than refuse to answer it. 1 note 
 it as singular only, that his majesty s ollicers, high in rank and 
 renowned in service, should suppose that their simple approach 
 should naturally cause the riches of a dwelling to take wings 
 and Hy. In regard to ours, such as they are our plate, money, 
 and jewels it gives me pleasure to inform you that they disap 
 peared long hefore your presence, was expected. My father, 
 some time ago, adopted a very new and unusual sort of alchemy. 
 lie turned his gold and silver into baser metals into iron and 
 steel, out of which lances, and bayonets, and broadswords, have 
 been manufactured ; and these have been circulating among his 
 majesty s oilieers and soldiers quite, as freely, if less gratefully, 
 than if they had been gold and silver." 
 
 " Well," exclaimed the. loyalist captain, with a rare abrupt- 
 , "if the young woman doesn t talk the most dov.nright re 
 bellion, I don t know what it is she. means to say." 
 
 Balfour loked toward him with a ghastly smile, which had 
 in it something of rebuke. llOWCVer; and the. risible muscles of 
 the fair Katharine could scarcely be subdued as .-die listened to 
 the downright language, of her lover ; and watched the counte 
 nance, expressive of the most admirable simplicity and astonish 
 ment, with which he accompanied his words. Balfour resumed : 
 
 " My dear Miss Walton, you are a wit. His majesty s olliccra 
 
Al.l. 
 
 re indebted to \m. Hut tin- bu 
 
 us fur jest, howe\er amusing it may seem to you. \Vc 
 nmeh at stake for fun " 
 
 "And I have nothing at stake, sir, I sup: be ahruptly 
 
 replied* the moisture ^atherin^ in her eyes ; "a homo 1 - 
 run with a foreign soldiery ; a family torn asunder, its pr 
 invaded, its slaves scattered in flight, and the head of the. 1 
 in exile, and threat t>m>d with hutcherv. Oh. sir. I certainty 
 more reason for merriment than can In- tl.i- 
 
 " I did not mean that, my dear yonnir lady. I did n<t mean 
 to icive you pain. Hut yon must sec that I am here as the ; 
 of my sovereign, and sworn that nothing shall divert me IVnni 
 my duties. I am compelled, however unwillingly, to a>k vu 
 those ijuestions, as I must report on all the facts to mv supei 
 I he that yon will not hold me accountahle for the simple pri- 
 fc.-mance of a iluty which I dare not avoid." 
 
 lY /rred, sir, with vonr <|ucstion>." 
 
 " I ll thank you, ma am, for another cup of that coiieo," said 
 the captain of loyalists, pushing the cup over to the stately aunt. 
 
 "Miss Walton, do you know hy \\hosc onlers the rice 
 R-ere. consumed last nii;ht, and who was the atrent in tin 
 
 "I ha\t reasi ii to Lelieve that mv father ordered their de 
 struction. Of the particular hand hy which the torch was n}- 
 jilied, I can tell you nothin/ 
 
 " Hut you know ?" 
 
 " No, sir, I do not." 
 
 "There were certain pictures removed from the walls of tin 
 gallery al.nve stairs, during the nirht ?" 
 
 " Which you had sentenced to the llames, sir?" 
 
 " You overheard u>. Miss Walton." 
 
 " 1 did, and resolved that you should hurn me as soon. /had 
 them removed, sir. l i.r this, I onlv am re>p<>MMlde." 
 
 " V u had ? Pray. Miss Walton, who was your a^ent in thin 
 husim 
 
 " 1 answer you, sir, the more willingly, a- I r . lirve 
 
 that he is now entirely ln-ymnl vnr reach. E l -l- 
 
 four to spare you the ne< I urther iixjuirie-. let mo as 
 
 sure yon that the on 1 having any rijrht to (G 
 
K A ! ii A I , INK W A I .TON. 
 
 "ion iV ;i lj,,n s property as has heen done, was tin 1 very 
 MI wild did exercise this ri^lit. It \\ as l.y his act that 
 our plate has disappeared, our negroes and horses withdrawn 
 from the estate, tlie rice iired in the stack, and the pictures re 
 moved." 
 
 " You do not mean " 
 
 Yes, sir, I do moan that Colonel Walton himself had the 
 Iired last ni^ht ; and it was hy his direction, though ;i t my 
 entreaty, that the portraits were removed." 
 
 " 1 mt he did this through the hands of others. Miss Walton, 
 you were aliroad last ni^ht, in the very hour of confusion and 
 alarm. I demand of you, as you hope lor indulgence at the 
 hands of his majesty, to declare what a^ent of your lather did 
 \<>u see in the execution of these acts." 
 
 " No airent, sir. I saw my father himself! To him (he por- 
 livered.and under his eye were the torches applied 
 to the rice-stacks." 
 
 1 alloiir and Crudcn hoth hounded from their seats, the former 
 nearlv drawing the cloth, cups, and breakfast, from the tahle. 
 For a moment lie regarded the features of Katharine Walton 
 with a glance of e<pial ra<;e and astonishment. She, too, had 
 MM-II ; and her eyes met those of the commandant with a calm 
 smile, seasoned with something of triumph and exultation. The 
 loyalist captain, meanwhile, continued his somewhat protracted 
 occupation of draining his cofVec-cup. "One stupid moment, 
 motionless, Stood" th British ollieer. In the next, Halfoiir cried 
 aloud 
 
 "Two hundred guineas for him who takes the rebel alive!" 
 
 With this cry, he rushed to the door of the house, where a 
 rant was in waiting. Katharine almost crouched as she 
 he;" i these words. She preyed her hand spasmodic all v to her 
 heart, and an expres-ion of keen a^-ony passed o\-er her ! 
 It was hut an instant, however. Cruden had followed Halfoiir 
 to the door, and a sin-Ie glance of intelligence hetween the. 
 maiden and her lover served to reassure her. In the next in- 
 Btnnt, our partisan had joined Balfour in the conrtyanl. 
 
 ( (.!-!;. !." -aid he, "if you re jrinj to send or.* in jiuvsnit of 
 the rehel, I in your man as a volunteer. 1 d like to have the 
 
ALL BOW iH 
 
 finp riiiu r of ;i couple of humlivd ..ftlir ical stun" I any- 
 
 tiling I know." 
 
 "Captain Fiiniex-, you will <lo lnnmr to his niajot y s SJTVUT. 
 I acccjtt your oil cr." 
 
 In less than twenty ininntrs. tlic wliolo forc of thr Hritish 
 at tlie"()ak>" wa.- in UITII pursnit ; tin- Minj.osiMl captain of 
 loyalists taking tlu> lead, intrustnl with a <jna*t comnian.: 
 pursuing the chase with an ea^rni.-ss which channed all p.. 
 equally with hin energy an.l zeal. 
 
IOU K Mil. \K1NK WAI TO* 
 
 CHAPTER Xi 
 
 STHANGK KKLATIONSHIPS. 
 
 THK purpose of Singleton, in taking part in the purtmit oi 
 Colonel Walton, may he readily conjectured. With his equal 
 knowledge of his uncle s ohjcets, and of the, country through 
 which he rode, it was easy, particularly as the legion was little 
 known hy any of the pursuers, to shape, and direct the chase 
 unprolitahly. It was maintained during the day, under many 
 encouraging auguries, hut was wholly without results; and the 
 party returned to the "Oaks" about midnight in a condition of 
 utter exhaustion. 
 
 The captain of loyalists had Sufficiently proved his zeal, and 
 Halfour was pleased to hestow upon him the highest coiamenda- 
 tinns. They had long conferences together in regard to the 
 interests of the common cause, particularly with reference to the 
 state of feeling in the. hack country, and hy what processes the 
 spirit of lileity was to he suhdued, and that of a hlind devotion 
 to his majestv s cause was to he inculcated and encouraged. 
 
 On all these matters Singleton was ahle to speak with etji.al 
 confidence and knowledge. It was fortunate that a previous 
 and very intimate acquaintance with these then remote regions 
 had supplied our partisan with an ahundance oi facts, as well in 
 regard to persons as to places. He showed very clearly that he 
 knew his sul j -ets thoroughly, and his report was comparatively 
 a correct one; <>nlv M> much varied, hen- and there, as more 
 and more, to impress the commandant with the importance, of his 
 own inll-ience, and the necessity of giving it the fullest counte 
 nance. The particular purpose on which he came was in a fair 
 
STRANGE Bl LATIONSHffS, 1<>1 
 
 tidied. Hal four promised liiin all tin i 
 
 supplies, perfectly delighted with liis /eal, li * .f intelli 
 
 gence, Imwcvcr rudely displayed; f,,r SiiiLrh-t.ni, with the aa- 
 sumption of the hardy character <.{ the liaekwooilsmaii, wa* 
 Hpecially mindful of all those peculiarities of the character lie 
 had adopted which were likely to arrest the attention ,,f the 
 Briton. His letters to (leneral Williamson, from certain well- 
 known leaders among the. mountain-loyalists, were all freelv 
 placed under Ball our s exaniination, and the latter was at length 
 pleased to say that Williamson would meet with our partisan at 
 the "Quarter" >r the Kight-Mile House contiguous phu 
 
 :t on the road from Charleston without the latter hein" 
 required t expose himself to the dangers of the small-pox in 
 that city; for which the suppled loyalist continued to ex; 
 the most ihtkklering horror and aversion. The>e mattei > wen- 
 all adjusted hefore the departure of the commandant for the 
 capital an event which followed the next dav. 
 
 Katharine Walton, in the meantime, had already taken her 
 departure. \\ ;tli the excellent Miss Harhara ; travelling under an 
 
 :t of a few dragoons, in the family carriage, drawn hy the 
 only bom value which had heen left hv C.lonel \\ al- 
 
 ton, or S ip"U the estate. It was ilurinj: the jmrsuit 
 
 of her father l.y her lover that ^he had heen seiit aw.iv t" the 
 
 . and though her ahsence. on his return, had dashed his 
 spirits with a certain device of melancholy, yet he felt that it 
 was really for the Ust ; since, to ha\e seen her under c<>n>traint. 
 and snhject to various annoyances, at the hands of their common 
 enemy, without power to intei fere, was only matter of perpetn;.! 
 mortification to himself. lint when, again, he reflected up. MI the 
 sudden, umli- admiration whii-h Ha! 
 
 -hown for her. a momentary chill sei/ed upon hi 
 hut, to dispel this, it was only necessary to recall the high qual 
 ities, the superior tone, the known r mi-age and lev. ti-n of hin 
 
 :i, and his thorough conviction of her faith to himself, under 
 all privations, to n equanimity and make him confident 
 
 of the future. He .^>w Kilt-Mir .lej.art t!:e next day without 
 a})])rehension. (^ruden remained tij>..ti the plantation. ha\ 
 with him a small guar.l I 1 ued hy hin nej.heu . M 
 
102 KATH. \IM.\I-: WALTON . 
 
 1 roctor, whose assistance lie needed in making a necessary in 
 ventory of all the effects upon the estate. 
 
 Singleton was, at first, rather shy of the acquaintance of out 
 whom he knew to he a rival, though an uiiMiccessful one; and 
 he was not entirely assured that the other had not enji.xed such 
 a siitlieient view of him on a previous and memorable occasion, 
 when they were actually in conflict, as to recognise him through 
 all his present disguises. But this douht disappeared after thev 
 had lieen together for a little while ; and, once relieved from 
 this apprehension, our partisan freely opened himself to tin- 
 advances of the other. 1 roctor was of a manlv, frank, in^enu- 
 niis nature, not unlike, that of Singleton, though with less hnoy- 
 aney <f temper, and less ductility of mood. Though p-ave, and 
 even gloomy at moments, as was natural to one in his present 
 position of partial disgrace, the necessities of his nature, led him 
 to seek the society of a person who, like 1 Singleton, won quickly 
 upon the confidence. The youn^ men rode or rambled to 
 gether, and, in the space of forty-eight hours, they had unfolded 
 to their mutual study quite enough of individual character, and 
 much of each individual career, to feel the. tacit force of an al 
 liance which found its source, in a readily-understood sympathy. 
 
 Youth is the season for irenerons confidences. It is then only 
 that the heart seeks for its kindred, as if in a fust and most 
 necessary occupation. It was easy with our partisan to develop 
 his proper nature, his moods, tastes, and impulses, without 
 endangering his secret, or betraying any more, of his history 
 than mi^ lit properly comport with his situation. And this was 
 quite satisfactory to I roctor. It was enough for him that lie 
 found a generous and sympathizing spirit, who could appreciate 
 his own and feel indignant at his humiliations; and he failed to 
 discover that, the revelations of Singleton were, not of a sort to 
 involve many details, or exhibit anything, indeed, of his outei 
 and real life. lie himself was less cautious. The volume of 
 indignation, lonjr swelling in his bosom, and restrained by con 
 stant contact with those only of whom he had ju.st need to be 
 now poured itself forth freely in expression, to the 
 relief of his heart, when he found himself hi the, company 
 ->ne whom he perceived to be p-nial as a man, and whoso 
 
HTU\ 
 
 aiinitifs. of n political sort, it tlirv inclined him to the HritMi 
 racist-, wt-re yet hut .seldom productive nf any social atir 
 nrtueen tin- parties. Tin- j>r<.vinri;ils had heen c|uitc too I,..,-. 
 . .suhject of mock to the hirelings ami agents of the crown, to 
 expect them for anything hut the power which they represented ; 
 ind 1 roctor, who had lon^ seen the error of tin- social poli< 
 
 MMtmii Mi, had always heen anum^ the frw who hal sought 
 juito as niucli to conciliate as ronijr.fr. Still, the conversation 
 ot tlif two seemed studiously to t .rl.ear the suhjects which \\eic 
 ino.st i.Uerestini: to hoth. They havered ahout their favorite 
 topics, and llew from tliem . iy as the lapwing from the 
 
 nest \\hic-h the enemv apjiears ti> seek. 
 
 It \s.i.- at the close of the second day of their communion that 
 the |Mi.if was fairly started. The two dined with Cruden. and 
 during the repast, the latter freijiiently dwtdt upon 1 
 situation ; the rvidfiit dis])osition of Half"nr to dotiy him. in 
 spite i,f the ti -s of interest which had altached the unr!- 
 liim. -elf; and the commissioner Of confiscated f>tate> tinally h.st 
 himself in the bewildering conjectures l.y which he ei 
 to account for the antijiathy of the commandant. Sin-let- 
 cour.M 1 , \v as a silent listener to all the conversation . It u a> one 
 in \\hith he did not feel himsf If juMilietl in otVerinj, /my opin 
 ions ; hut when ( ruden ha.l retired to his MI.^H the aftern>n 
 hein^ warm and oppressive the tw<> y un^ men .still lingered 
 over their wine, and the con\ ci -ati.n. treed from the restraining 
 pif-rnce of one who could command their deference, hut not 
 their sympathies, at once as-umed a character"! 
 dom than hefore. I heir hearts warmed to each other o\n the 
 ^-i, n. u- Madi ira which had ripfiifd for twenty years in the 
 attic of "The ( )aks," and all that was phlegmatic in the nature 
 of prOCtOT melted hefore it> influence uid the Denial tone of our 
 
 partisan* 
 
 i have heard my excellent un< le." he sa;.!, as he filled 
 his Leaker ami passed tin- decanter to his companion. " He see* 
 and a\ows his conviction that Balfoni i 
 me. not tlirou^h anv demerit-; of mine, hut 
 some secret C : i -f hi-* 
 
 readi)i068 to Ukc peril upon himself on my he half, and is pre- 
 
104 KATHARINE \V\I.TO.V. 
 
 pared, I perceive, to yield me to my fate to sufler me to lip. 
 disgraced for ever, rather than break with the selfish scoundrel 
 whose alliance, he finds profitable, f >ne might almost douht, 
 from what he daily sees, if there he not some-thing in the ties of 
 kindred which makes most of the parties confound them with 
 bonds, which the heart feels to he. oppressive, because they are 
 natural and proper. I have found it so always." 
 
 "Your indignation prohahly makes you unjust. C<douel Cm- 
 dcn evidently feels your situation seriously. The whole of his 
 conversation to-day was devoted to it." 
 
 "Ay: hut with how many reproaches intermingled, how 
 many douhts as to the cause of oU enee which 1 have given, lio\v 
 many covert suspicions; all of which are. meant to prepare the 
 way to my abandonment I see through his policy. I know 
 
 him hetter than yon. He would, no douht, save me and help 
 me, if he could do so without breaking with Balfonr, or endan 
 goring his own interests; hut he will t;.ke no risks of this or any 
 sort. His whole counsel goefl to persuade me to make my sub 
 mission to Halfour to follow his own example, and surrender 
 my pride, my personal independence, and all that is precious to 
 a noble nature, to a selfish necessity, whose highest impulses 
 sound in pounds, shillings, and pence. This I can not and will 
 not do, Furncss. Let me perish first !" 
 
 "But how have you lost the favor of Halfour ?" 
 
 "I never had it. I rose to my pr i sent rank in the army 
 without his help. No one, receives his succor without doing 
 base sen-ice for it. 1 have withheld this service, and 1 presume 
 this is one of the causes of his antipathy." 
 
 " Scarcely : or ho would not have, suffered you to hold po 
 sition so long." 
 
 " There you mistake. As long as Cornwall!* was in Charles 
 ton, or Clinton, I was secure. From the one I received the 
 appointments and promotion which the other confirmed, lie- 
 sides, Hal four needed .some pretext l.efore he. could remove me, 
 and time was necessary to mature this pretext. I am the victim 
 of a conspiracy." 
 
 Proctor then proceeded to jrj v e a brief history of his cnroer 
 and command in Dorchester, and of that rescue of Colonel Wai 
 
BTRAMii: 1:1 I \ i In.", 
 
 ton nt the place of execution, of which Singleton knew much 
 more than himself. 
 
 " I . ; tl pf.-iin Vau.irhan. of whom you h;ive spoker 
 Singleton, " what has prompted him to heroine the. ajrent of 
 Halfour in this husii 
 
 u ATo/or Vaughan !* retorted the otlier, hitterly. "II. 
 
 to my r;ink in the moment of my downfall. I am : that 
 
 he is simply the arent of Halfour. I have reason to think that 
 lie has motives of hostility entirely his own. It mi^ht ; 
 sutlicient reason to suppose that to succeed to my place* would 
 lie motive (jiiite enough for a spirit at once hase ami amhit 
 Hut, in the case of Vau^han. such a conjecture would not ! 
 entirely satisfactory. Vau^han reallv p..- araeter. lie 
 
 hut without magnanimity. His pride, which is 
 unrelieved hy u - iicr.^ity, wnuhl ]>erhaps (lisconraire a ha>. 
 which hail its root only in hi^- desires to rise. Though am- 
 hitions enough, his amhition dues not assume the char;: 
 
 "ii, ami is anything hut ardent and impetuous. Hate, per 
 haps " 
 
 " Why should he hate yon ?" 
 
 "That is the question that I have \ainly sought to ;t 
 Vet I have the assurance that he ilm-x hate me with the most in- 
 fe 1 itterness, and there is that in his deportment, during our 
 whole intercourse, which tends to confirm th ; s representation." 
 
 " I rom \vhon: does yur knowledge coine on this sulj< 
 
 -ii that I cannot answer yon. There is a mystery ahoiit 
 it ; hut if you will u r " with me to my room, I will show you the 
 sources of my information. Fill your p 
 hottom of the decanter, and I must drink no more. Hut if you " 
 
 Singleton disclaimecl any desire for a protracted sitting, and 
 the two adjourned to l ro ( to r > apartment. Here he ; 
 from Ids tnink a packet of let!. . bfl drtacl 
 
 couple of notes, delicately foiled, and of small f.rm, sin ! 
 ladies chietly delight to frame. Tlie-e, accor- 
 he jIaeel before the partisan. 
 
 "The first was reCOlTcd,* 1 
 w* appointed to a post umh-r me at 1 it." 
 
 The note was hrief, and ran thu< : 
 
106 KATIIAUINB WALTON. 
 
 "Major Proctor will heware. In the person of Captain 
 Vailghan he will find an enemy a man who hates him, ant 1 
 who will seek or make occasion to do him evil. l( . ,, 
 , May 10." 
 
 "Three weeks ago," said Proctor, "this followed it." 
 He himself read ihe second epistle, and then handed it to 
 Singleton. Its contents were these,: 
 
 " Major Pnu-.tnr has heen heedless of himself. lie has had 
 the warning of one who knew his danger. He has nut regarded 
 it. The. serpent has crept to his hosom. He is prepared to 
 Bting perhaps his life, must certainly his honor. Let him still 
 he vigilant, and something may yet hi- dune for his security. 
 Hut the enemy has olitained foothold; lie has spread his snare- ; 
 he is 1 Usy in them still. Captain Vaughan is in secret corre 
 spondence with Colonel Balfour; and Major Proctor is helu\ ed 
 hy neither. Shall the. warnings of a true friend and a devoted 
 faith l>e Uttered in his ears in vain ?" 
 
 "These are in a female hand." said Singleton. 
 
 Yes ; hut that dues not prove them to he written hy a fe 
 male." 
 
 " Not commonly, I grant you; hut in this instance I have no 
 {iirstion that these notes were penned hy a woman. The char 
 acters are, natural, and such as men can not easily imitate. They 
 hetray a deep and loyal interest. It is evident that the heart 
 speaks here in the letters, even U not in the language. That. 
 thev are. slightlv disguised, is in proof only of what I sav ; since 
 the digui>e is still a feminine one. Have y>u no suspicion /" 
 
 " Nune." 
 
 " What iayi C(donel Crnden ?" 
 
 "Would I show them to him? No no! He could not 
 Comprehend the feeling which would make me, though I know 
 nothing of the writer, shrink and Mush to hear them ridiculed." 
 
 Singleton mused in silence for a while. Proctor continued; 
 
 1 have no sort of clew to the Writer. 1 can form no conjec 
 tures. I know no handwriting which this resemhles. I have 
 racked my hrain with fruitl 
 
" Ha\e yon no female acquaintance in tip h"m they 
 
 rni^lit have heen written f 
 
 :ie." answered the, major, somou hat hastily. " I f >rmed 
 lew intimates in Charleston. The rehel hulk s would 
 nothing (. say to us. and tin- others did not serin to me particu 
 larlv attracti\ c." 
 
 " Hut yon wen- in society /" 
 
 " Hut little: a few parties at {.mate hou.-es, a pnhlic l.all of 
 1 ::iwalli> s, and s ine otliers, in which I walked ti 
 ratlin- as a spectator than as a ruest. 1 am ijnite too ear; 
 man to feed much at home in mixed avM-mMa 
 Singleton mused hef ore he rejoined 
 
 " Von li.ivc, I should say, made im.rr impression than y.. u 
 think for. l he-e jiotes, I am confident. \\ , 
 female. Sip- i- rvidently warmly interested in \> - and 
 
 mCCOm. >h- tfl aj]>ai-ently familiar with tlie Ifour, 
 
 \rn thov,. \\hich arc mo>t secret; and that >he 1 
 tured idly, is j ;< \ed l>\ the correct result of her >n. 
 ^ on ha\e \eritied the truth of her warnings. Sh. 
 as she st\ h-s lierxdi , a friend. The friendship of WOU1C11 n.- 
 always something more than lVirnd>hij>. 11- ! he 
 
 lon^ to the impulses, rather than the tlmu-lits; to the |n>l u 
 m-( c ,ther than the tastes nf the individual : thnujji 
 
 aie neCOBMlily a part of the influences which pi\ern the 
 policy. In plain terms, I mctor, \-i,u ha\e made a c<>in|iie*-t 
 without knuwiii^ it." 
 
 .lively. I can think of no one." 
 That only proves that the ladv ha- heen h 
 than yoursidf. and that y>ur vanity has m-t Keen a< 
 work \\hilr you lounged thrmi^li the fair a>s-inhlies of the , 
 Hilt this aside. In tin- lact> I l,a\e ennmei 
 to he lound all tlie <de\\s t-> \ our m\ stn i.nis informant. 
 
 aau ; she has some m hin^ the 
 
 and of fathoming the tility \\ liicli .-he e\ i. mtly indi 
 
 rates as p.-i-"iial mi the jiait .f V.mjii.u!. \Vi:h th. 
 can you make n-> p 
 
 "None. 1 have invaria 1 ijmn the pre-umpti"n that 
 
 the writer waa of the mast let, I am t I 
 
1"^ K. \TII.\iII.\l-: \VA I/ION. 
 
 should bo nighor to a discoyei y were I to adopt your notion of 
 tlic other. And yet, the secrets of Hal four are iiiuch more 
 likely to be fathomed l>y n woman than a man. His character, 
 aiming the SOX, you know; and there arc some in (Miarh ston 
 who have considerable power over him. But, woman or man, 
 the writer of those billets has spoken the words of sober truth. 
 1 have experienced the importance of her warnings, and may 
 reali/e the. fruits which she predicts and fears. The hate of 
 this man, Vaughan, has been long apparent to me. How lie 
 works is the, problem which I have yet to fathom. There is 
 one thing, however, which is certain, that I now feel for him as 
 fervent a hate as he can possibly entertain for me. There are 
 some passages already between us of an open character, of 
 which I can take notice; and, though our acquaintance i 
 recent, I know no one upon whom I can more properly rely 
 than yourself to bring about an issue between us." 
 
 " A persona! one /" 
 
 " Surely ! The feeding that separates us once understood, 1 
 am for an open rupture and the la>t extreme-. 1 can not consent 
 daily to meet the man who hates, and who labors to destroy me, 
 wearing a pacific aspect, and forbearing the expression of that 
 hostility which is all the. time working in my soul. Colonel 
 < 1 ruden will leave The ( )aks in three days. I will linger be 
 hind him ; and, if you will bear my message to Major Vaughan, 
 I shall consider it one of those acts of friendship to be remem 
 bered always." 
 
 " He will scarce- accept your challenge now. His duties will 
 justify him in denying you." 
 
 " I rrhnps; but for a season (tidy. At all events, I shall have 
 relieved my hreast of that which oppresses it. 1 shall have 
 declared my scorn and hate of my enemy. I shall have filing 
 in his teeth my gauntlet of defiance, and declared the only terms 
 which can in future exist between us. You will bear my moe- 
 sage, Furness ?" 
 
 " My deai Proctor, I am but a provincial captain of loyalists, 
 one whom your regular soldiery are but too apt to despise. Will 
 it not somewhat hurt your cause to employ me as your friend in 
 
\TI< \S|| I I S. 
 
 a matter? Were, it not. i - friend aiming 
 
 your own country men in the p-irr- 
 
 \rhumed the yonni; 
 
 man, warmly and mournfully. "1 have no friend in the 
 rison. It IB filled with the : .hour, or the tools of oti 
 
 and scarcely one of them would venture, in the fear of the 
 nmndant s future hostility, to hear my nies>a^e to his creature 
 I am alone ! You see, my own kinsman prepares to abandon 
 m\ cau.M- at the first decent opportunity. !><> not //,/// abandon 
 m<>. I have l.een won to you as I have been won to few men 
 whom 1 have ever met. 1 have opened to you the full sc 
 of my heart. Say to me, Kurness. that you will do me thi- 
 ricA, Let me not think that 1 can not. on the whi.h- i 
 
 -d s earth, summon one generous spirit to mv succor in this 
 hour of mv extremity." 
 
 "1 will he your friend, I mctor; I will stand by you in the 
 truggle, and see you through this difficulty/ 1 was tiie warm 
 efniMo:i ,,f Sii.-let..n a* he --ra.-ped the hand of his eomp.r 
 I take for granted that Vnii^han can: vmi w IL. 
 
 command at 1 )orche>ter ; hut 1 concur with you that tin 
 man! |i to h-t him understand at once the t< 
 
 and ohtaiu from him a jled^- to ^ive you n- tire \\ he; 
 he >hall he at liU-rty to afford you redress. 1 will ride over to 
 l)oreiie>!er t"-inerrow." 
 
 " Hen > my hand, Furness ; 1 have no spoken thanks. But 
 you have lessened wondrously the s-n<e of isolation h. 
 heart. I shall h-ve you tor this warmth and willinu r ne f..r 
 r\er;" ;iml he wrun^ the hand which he grasped with | 
 : ronvul 
 
 lie mijrht well do so. H,- little knew tlie extent of tl 
 
 .on which had been made him ; how manv "Id and not (juito 
 dead and buried jealousies had to le - . 
 various invo! . :!ie pliancy of the un> 
 
 partihan ni -l the COUnt Ma-l ! 
 
 But he had no si; .ml he n< 
 
 of mood that seemed to make him forgetful of 
 
 "We must have a bumper tn^ether. 
 you? Come! To the ball. OIK e m U i 1 ; an 1 then, if \ > ., please. 
 
110 
 
 KATHAIUM-: WALTON. 
 
 for a ranter. There are some lively drives in tins ,.,,,, 
 
 among these glorious old oaks, which I fear I shall seldom take 
 gain with the feelings and the hopes which possessed me ..lire 
 You saw MiVs Walton yesterday {" 
 
 The question was put abruptly. The hloo,l suddenly flush, .1 
 tin- face of the partisan; but ho. answered promptly and in 
 nocently 
 
 " Oh yes; I saw her." 
 
 "A most noble creature! Ah, Furness, th.,t is a woman 
 whom a man might love and feel his dignity mnoblod rather 
 than depressed; and it should l.e properly me nature of tlu> 
 
 marriage tie always to produce such eil ects Outcome! she- 
 is not for us, I fear, my dear fellow." 
 
 8in-leton did not venture to answer; l.uf ho, could not quit* 
 suppress the smile which would -learn out in his eyes and rpiivor 
 on his lips, faintly, like an eveniu- suuheam on the leaves. It 
 :>ed the observation .,f his companion, who, putting his arm 
 .iffectiouately throu-h that of his iH wly-fuund friend, hurried 
 him hack to the dining-room. They did not resume their se;,: 
 the table ; hut filled their glasses at the sideboard, ami were just 
 about to drink, when the trampling of a hors.- s feet was heard 
 suddenly at the entrance. The, door was opened a moment 
 after, and who should appear before them but the identical Ma 
 jor Vau-han who had so greatly formed the Hnbject of th-ii 
 rC"tst deliberations. 
 
THK i., 11 I 
 
 CH A I TKK XII. 
 
 I UK UI.AIK> CROSS. 
 
 THK parties did not readily distinguish each other. Tin 
 window Minds had heen drawn, to . -hut out the ; 
 the evening sun, and tin- room was in that partial dark 
 winch rendered ohjeets douhti ul except 1 It 
 
 WRS was only when Vau-han had advanced into the 
 the room, and within a few steps of tin- spot \\ 
 
 :, his p la still raised in his hand, hut drained of its c< ii- 
 tents, that the- latter perceived his enemy. To flin^ t: 
 down upon the Mdehoard, and raj. idly t< 
 
 lie work of an instant. His m\ 
 
 <[uitc too (juick to sull er Singleton to interjio.se ; and, i. 
 yt-t discovered who tin- I was. lie did not in the 
 
 the nioveii-.cnt.s or Mi^prrt the feelii,. 
 companion. Nm- was he aware, until this moment, th.v 
 tieira wlilch I roi-tin- had drunk was rather more than Ills hi am 
 could well endure. 
 
 In those days, every man claiming the respect of h^ 
 
 for e\en an ordinary amount of mat : to 
 
 he e.j ial to almost an\ .\\ drinking. Our ;. 
 
 had, perhaps, really indulged to i... *l Mid the : 
 
 moderate practice of pre>ent t:: n, in fact, 
 
 clear-headed and as C.H 1 at this moment f hib 
 
 life. He had drunk hut little; and though Troctor mi^ht 
 ^tine somewhat heyond him, the <juantity taken hy h-th w-mld 
 jrohMlil) not have ainioved aii\" veteran. K . 
 of those i-nly fall 
 
 feet! .ijijiarently, at one moment, Mid i 
 
1 12 KATHAK1XI-; WALTON . 
 
 will show themselves onnianageable. Not kuowing this, and 
 not suspecting the character of the new-comer, Singleton beheld 
 the sudden movement of his companion without the slightest ap 
 prehension of the consequences, lie was not left long in douht 
 upon either subject. In the twinkling of an eye, Proctor had 
 confronted his enemy. Their persons were almost in contact 
 Yaughan drawing himself up -juietly, hut not recoiling, as Proc 
 tor approached him. The salutation of the latter, as well as bin 
 action, was of a sort to warn him of the open hostility which wan 
 henceforth to exist between them. 
 
 "You are come, sir! Oh! you are welcome! You come at 
 the right moment ! "We have just been talking of you." 
 
 " I am honored, sir," was the cold response. 
 
 "Never a truer word from a false tongue /" was the savage 
 reply. 
 
 "False!" exclaimed Yaughan; " false, sir !" 
 " Ay, ay, sir ; i alse false ! 1 have said it, Captain Yaughan 
 pardon me, Major Yaughan. It \\ere scarcely fair to deny 
 you the price of your treachery. Judas d ul receive his thirty 
 pieces of silver ; and you have, your promotion and the post of 
 Dorchester. Major Yaughan, you are a scoundrel !" 
 
 Yaughan grew black in the face, and clapped his hand upon 
 his sword. ly this time, Singleton interposed. 
 
 "You are drunk," said Yaughan, very coolly, releasing the 
 weapon from his grasp. 
 
 "Drunk!" was the furious response of Proctor; and the ut- 
 rl efforts of Singleton d-iiid scarcely keep him, though totally 
 unarmed, from taking his enemy by the throat. 
 
 " Drunk ! Jly heavens, you shall answer for this among your 
 other offences !" 
 
 " I am ready to do so at the proper season," said the. other; 
 "but it will be for me. to determine when that season shall be. 
 At present, 1 am on a duty which forbids that I prefer my per 
 sonal a flair to that of my sovereign. I would see Colonel Cru- 
 den." 
 
 " llow many scoundrels shelter themselves from danger by 
 that plea of duty! Y>u come to ,-ee Colonel Cruden ! Yon 
 shall nee him, most dutiful subject of i most generous sovereign 
 
Til! 11". 
 
 t>ut V .ii -hall fir<t sec ino. You know inc. Major YaiiL hau ; \ \i 
 know that I am not one to IK- put oft 1 in tin- just pursuit of n>\ 
 redi. JTOa deny, HI 1 , that you ha\e wronged me tliat 
 
 you liavc defamed me to our superior- tliat you have -enetly 
 lied away my fame ? Speak ! I )> you deny tliese thin. 
 if vou deny not, are you prepared to at<> 
 
 " I have no answer for you, sir You are not in a condition 
 to merit or to understand an answer." 
 
 Singleton interposed. 
 
 "That mn>i IT trm*. Major Vaujrlian. My friend Major 1 ror- 
 
 tor has sutVered his indignation to jret the Letter of his caution ; 
 
 hut I believe that 1 nm calm, sir ; and, as lie has confided to 
 
 nil, the cause of hi* complaint against you. let me 
 
 entreat you to a moment s private confcicncc with me. I ldct.-r, 
 
 re us for a little, while. (Jo to your chamher. I will .-< to 
 
 tliis hu.-iness. Leave it in my hands." 
 
 ii glance at his enemy. Proctor, after a : 
 
 ment s hc-itation, prepared to nhcy the Miirirestion of his tViend ; 
 and had already half cros.-ed the apartment in the direction of 
 his chaml -r, when the reply of Vanjrhan to Singleton recalled 
 
 him. 
 
 " And pray, sir, who are you ?" was the inquiry ! | 
 olh cer, in tones of the co.drst insole; 
 
 ton felt the sudden flush upon hi- face ; hut l.e had his 
 faculties under rare command. 
 
 " I an. 006, <ir, quite too ol^eure to hope that my nai: 
 e\er reached the ear.s of Major Van^han ; hut in the :. 
 ot!:(>r distinction-, permit i. that my claims t 
 
 tention are founded upon an honoralde, though olcure pn-itiiui, 
 and a t(lcra!.le appreciation of what heh I 
 
 am known, sir. as Captain Kurness. of the h-y 
 
 " It iMiethiny new that a 1 ritisi -lniuM 
 
 seek his fr -nd in a pn,\ incial. It would seem 
 thin^ in his ,>wn po>;ti,,n wliirli den ed him a p 
 his own rank and order. Hut you \\-\\ 
 
 the l..y;di-!-. if I r.-fu-e to ! 
 
 capa<:ty. I need not inform a ^ ent much expei 
 
 as VouiSdf that, charged ; ,s | ;:;n \\ ;th the duties of the post of 
 
114 KATHAK LNK \V.\l.To\. 
 
 Dorchester, I cannot s<> far forget mvself as to suffer my pvr 
 Konal aflairs t< take tin- place of tlm.si- of my sovereign. "\Vlu*J 
 1 may do or undertake liere.-sl ier, how far 1 may lie persuaded 
 to listen to the demands of Major Proctor, made in a diilerent 
 manner and under other circumstances, mu>t he lelt to my own 
 decision. For the present, sir, I must decline your civilities a a 
 well as his. Suffer me to leave you, if you please." 
 
 The whole manner of Vaaghau was InstipportJibiy offensive 
 to say nothing of his language, which indirectly reflected upon 
 the provincial character in a way to render Singleton alim^t as 
 angry as 1 roctor. He inwardly ivsolvrd that the insolent Brit- 
 ou should answer to himself hereafter ; hut with a strong will he 
 restrained any ebullition of feeling, and put upon his temper a 
 curh as severe as that with which Yaughan evidently subdued 
 his own. lir felt that, dealing with one who was clearly quite 
 as dextrous as cool, nothing but the exercise, of all his phlegm 
 could possibly prevent the enemy from increasing the, advantage 
 which the wild passions of I roctor had already afforded him. 
 His reply, uvoidingly, was carefully measured to contain just 
 as much b Merness and sting as was consistent with the utmost 
 deliberate "->s and calm of mood. 
 
 " Wen- you a.^ solicitous, Major Vaughan, to forbear offence 
 as you e\ ; ilently are to avoid responsibility, I might give you 
 credit !<- a degree of Christian charity which one scarcely con 
 cedes ! H British soldier." 
 
 " Si i" 
 
 "fvrJ&JT me to proceed. In a flairs of honor, if I sufficiently 
 unoVfs fi nid the rules which regulate them, it is a new ground of 
 objection \\hic-h ui ges a prOVincisJ birthplace as an argument 
 against the. employment of a friend. The truly brave man, 
 anxious to do justice and accord the. desired redrr-s, mak< 
 few objections as possible to the mere auxiliaries in the combat. 
 "What you have said sneeringlv in regard to our poor provincials, 
 was either said by wav ot excusing \ oursrlf from the combat on 
 tlie score of something disparaging in the relation between my 
 principal and myself, or " 
 
 Uy no means," replied the other, ijuiekly. " I am cort;u nly 
 willing to admit that a principal may emjiloy whom he pleases 
 
TH } . HI, A i>I.S < U< >-v>. 1 1 . ) 
 
 tli:it lie be one to whom tin 1 social woild makes n. ob 
 jection." 
 
 " ( )n mic point you have relieved me," replied Singleton tjuiet- 
 ly ; "but there is another. I was about t" UJ thai your lan 
 guage, ill reference, to tlu* employment of a provincial as his friend 
 
 by my principal, was either meant to evade tin- c nllict " 
 
 "Which I deny." 
 
 " Or was designed as a gratuitous farcasm upon tin- da>* >f 
 to whom I have the honor t belong." 
 
 ^han was evidently annoyed. Singleton s c\, deliberate 
 
 B of speaking was itself an annoyance ; and the hiriis <>f tin* 
 tliletiiina, one of which he had evaded without anticipating the 
 other, left him without an alternative. Proctor, meanwhile* had 
 
 liuii about the parties, occasionally muttering sonu .-..in- 
 
 mentary ujnm the dialogue; but, with a returning consci.u- 
 of jiropriety, M ithout seeking to take any part in it. \Vh-n, 
 however, tin- conversation had reached the point to which Sin- 
 U r leton had brought it, he could not forbear the remark 
 
 Something of a dilemma, I should think the hums equally 
 sharp, and the space between (|u:te too narrow for the 
 a very :reat in.in. A poor devil might sc|i:ee/e through, and 
 iy note the. manner of his escape; but for your swollen dig 
 nitaries, your people who read I lutarch, and, ambitious like the 
 on of Aiiiinon. refu-e the contest unless kiiiL r s are to be com- 
 petitors, escape from such horns is next to impos.vible, 
 a Hudden shrinking of the mushroom dignities. I m ne, u by 
 \\ ere you born a buckskin ?" 
 
 Tin- tierce dark eyes of Vaughan, now hingularly contract.-.! 
 l>v the cios ng of the 1-rows above, were turned slowly and vin 
 dictively upon the speaker, the change in *hoM pn-e.-r-lingM 
 tone, and manner, bad been singularly great in the sj 
 few minutes. It .1 as if Proctor, now CO1 
 
 ing blundered by his previous loMOf temper, had lute 
 
 etVort, sulidued bis passinn into scnrn. and substitut. 
 violence. At all evenly, the chang.- "g to 
 
 Singleton than to Vaughan. MOW glanced lp>i:i 
 
 to the other of the. parties, with something of the expression of 
 the wild boar about to be brought to baj. But he never lo* 
 
116 K AT 11 A RINK WALTON. 
 
 his composure. Indeed, he felt that it \\as his only security. Yet 
 his annoyance was nut the less at the predicament to which Sin 
 gleton had reduced him by his brief but sullicient examination 
 of his language. Jt would have been the shortest way to have 
 boldly defied his new assailant, to have continued to deal in the 
 language of scorn and sarcasm, and shelter himself under the 
 habitual estimate which the British made of the native loyalists; 
 but there were several reasons why he should not venture on 
 this course. To deal in the language of violence and defiance, 
 while pleading duty against the dangerous issues which it in 
 volved, was too manifest an inconsistency ; and, at *his juncture, 
 tutored by frequent a-ml severe experience, to say nothing of the 
 necessities of the British cause, the positive instructions of the 
 royal commanders everywhere were to conciliate, by all possible 
 means, the sympathies and affections of sucn of the natives as 
 had shown, or were likely to show, their loyalty. Vaughaii felt 
 the difficulties of his situation, which his pride of stomach neces 
 sarily increased, lie found it easier to evade than to answer 
 the supposed loyalist. 
 
 "1 see, sir, that your object is to force a quarrel upon me, at 
 ihe very moment when I tell you that the, service of his majesty 
 denies that I shall answer your demands." 
 
 " Did I not tell you what an unprincipled knave it was] sai d 
 Proctor. 
 
 "You are scarcely ingenuous, Major Vaughan," was the. reply 
 of Singleton ; "and I forbear now what I should say, and what 
 J will take occasion to say hereafter, in regard to the respon 
 sibilities which you plead. My turn account with you must be 
 left to future adjustment ; but, in this affair of my friend, you 
 can, at all events, leave us to hope that you will seek an early 
 period to give him the interview which you now deny. We ac 
 cept your plea of present duty. We are willing to acknowledge 
 its force; and all that we now ask is that you give us your 
 pledge to answer to his requisition at the earliest possible mo 
 ment." 
 
 " I will not be bullied, sir, into any promises," was the brutal 
 yet deliberate reply. 
 
 "Bullied, sir!" exclaimed Singleton. 
 
THK BLJ .038. HI 
 
 "Ay, sir; I >a% !, -allied! I am here set upon l,y two of JO* 
 when I have no friend present, and at a iu..nicnt which limi 
 unprepared; and will not ; into ph-d-es which it may 
 
 ;l 1;l1 ,- BOB <>f my dignity and character to keep 
 
 . Were I to consent to surh a requisition as your principal 
 makes, I should he oidy afi unliiig him an opportunitv of hol- 
 :: up, at my expense, a reputation whirh is Kaiedj siu-h, 
 at this moment, as to deserve my attention. It will he " 
 
 " Do you hear tin- scoundrel !" was the furious interposition ,f 
 1 roctor. " I lu-re is hut one way, Furm-ss, with a knave like 
 this! Coward !" he cried, sj.rin--in^ uju.u the other as he >j.oke, 
 "if your s\\>nl will not jtrotect your j.luinago, the suhject <.f mv 
 rejiutation i> ,,ut of jdace UJH,H y,ur li] 
 
 With the-e uords, with a sin-le movi inent, he t.>ie the ej.aulet 
 from the shoulder.s of his enemy. In an instant the weapon of 
 Vau^han flashed in the, air, and, aluu^t in the .same moment, 
 I roctor toic down his own sword, which, with that of Singleton, 
 !ian-in^ upon the wall. The hlades cro>s O d with the rapid- 
 ity of lightning, and, bel ore our partisan c-ould interfere, th . 
 Vaughan had drawn hlood from the arm of his opponent. (Joaded 
 as he had l.een, the commander of the po.st at I >orche>!er waa 
 still much the cooler of the. comhatants. His co<.lnr5> \\ a.s i-..u 
 Htitntional, and ^ave him a decided advantage over his more im 
 petuous assailant. 
 
 Hut they were not permitted to finish as they had he^un. In 
 another moment, C olomd Cruden rushed into the apartment, still 
 enveloped in his drearing-gOWn, hut with his drawn sword in hit 
 hand. In the same inMant, having possessed hiinsclt of hi> own 
 weapon, Singleton heat down tho>,. of the comhatants, and 
 parsed hetween them with the action and attitude of a maMcr. 
 
 " How now !" cried (Jnuh-n, "would you hutcher an otli 
 his majesty in my very presence ( Two of you upon a siugle 
 man !" 
 
 " You WC " sai.l Vau^han, with hitter emj.haais. 
 
 "You have lied!" was the instant, hut (juietly Htern whisper 
 of Singleton in his ears. The other started slightly, and h m 
 lips weu- closely c .mpre.x>ed together. 
 
 " You show you: r ; "we 
 
118 KATHAKIM: WALTON. 
 
 were engaged in the prettiest //f/.v.v,/-/////y/w. 1 was teaching oin 
 young friend here, the new major in command at Dorchester, a 
 new stoccdta, which is particularly important, by way of finish 
 to his other accomplishments. You will admit that one so ex 
 pert in stabbing with tongue and pen ought not to be wanting in 
 the nobler weapon whose use may at least atone for the abuse 
 of his other instruments." 
 
 "I will admit, nothing! You an a rash young man, head 
 strong, and bent on your own ruin. I would have saved you in 
 spite of yourself. Hut this conduct is too out rage* MIS. Thifc 
 assault upan my guest, and a royal oilicer in the prosecution of 
 his duties, cannot be passed over. 1 abandon you to your fate!" 
 
 " Said 1 not, Furness I The very words ! 1 saw it all. 
 Nevertheless, my uncle, you owe me thanks for so soon aflbrd- 
 ing you an opportunity of satisfying yoiw desire, and accom 
 plishing your purpose." 
 
 " What purpose ?" 
 
 "That of abandoning me to my fate." 
 
 " Go to ! You are mad. Captain Furness, u ny do I see you 
 MI this quarrel ?" 
 
 "You do not see me in this quarrel. (Lionel Oruden, except 
 as a mediator. My sword was only drawn to beat down their 
 opposing weapons; though MajorVaugban.it seems, counselled 
 perhaps only by his apprehensions, would make it appear that it 
 was drawn against him." 
 
 Vaughan contented himself with giving Singleton a single look, 
 in which malignity contended on equal terms with scorn and in- 
 ditl erencc. But the latter feelings were rather expressed than 
 felt. The young men knew each other as enemies. 
 
 " Let me hear no more of this matter, gentlemen. As for you, 
 John" to Proctor "this last outrage compels me to tell yon 
 that I will countenance you in none of your Do not 
 
 look for my support or protection. That you should have broken 
 through all restraints of reason, at the verv moment, when yoni 
 friei:ds were most anxiouslv revolving iu what mode to .save you 
 from former errors, is most shameful and astonishing. I give 
 von up. There is no saving one who is bent on destroying him 
 self." 
 
THE BLADKS 119 
 
 "Nay, nncle, do not sacrii If in my hrhalf. I well 
 
 know h"\v ready y..u have heen to do so on .-ill pre\ ion- 
 cations. Make no further sacrifice, I pray yon. Ami ; 
 entreat my friends not to sutler their anxieties to make them 
 pale on my account. I would not have them lo>e an hour of 
 sleep, however much I sufler. See to it, uncle : will yon? I 
 mn more concerned in respect to yourself than any of the rest." 
 ae with me, Major Van^han. These vounjj men have 
 I. ecu drinking. Let that he their excr 
 
 The two left the room together. 
 
 14 Friends] Oh, friends ! excellent friends! Ha! ha ! ha !" 
 
 The excited mood of lYortor spoke out in the bitterest mnrk- 
 erv. Sinirletm rememhered what he had said lef"rr on the 
 subject of his uncle s selfishness and his own isolation. He 
 understood nil the secret anguish that was ]irevini r OH a gi 
 
 nature in a false position, and denied all jnst sympathies. 
 He felt too warmly for the suilerer not to for-i\e the ras! 
 to which his secret snllerin^s had goaded him. 
 
 " I roctor, yon hleed." 
 
 "Do I 1 Where?" 
 
 " In your arm." 
 
 " I- it possible 1 was hit? I never felt it." 
 
 " You would scarcely have felt if had the sword pour t 1 
 jour heart." 
 
 11 I almost wish it had, Furness ! The wound i* there, 
 hel, 
 
 " Nay, nay ! that will heal. Let i:ie - tO the arm. 
 -lence and necessity have made me something of a 
 
 With tenderness, and not a little skill. Singleton dressed the 
 wound, which was slight, though it hied <piite fieely. Tlii d 
 lie H aid 
 
 " Troctor, this man is more than a match for JOH," 
 
 " What ! at the small-sword ?" 
 
 ; in point of temper. }{ 1 heade(l nnd 
 
 hearted. His n : : In- ha 
 
 Idood under excellent command. He will alwa 
 lie will finally conijtier in t: -lf 
 
 nnder a more se\ere training than any to which y.-u ! 
 
120 KATHA i: I N I \V A LTON. 
 
 subjected yourself. You will have 1<> learn the le<son t.> subdue 
 yourself to your necessities. Till a man does this, he can do 
 nothing. I can readily conjecture that the subtlety of this man 
 has, in some way, enmeshed you. I have; no doubt that YOU 
 are in his snares; and 1 foresee that, like a spider, confident in 
 the strength of his web. lie will lie f ,,nln until you exhaust 
 yourself in vain struggles, and when fairly exhausted and at his 
 mercy, he will then administer the ( <///, /// 
 
 " What : are you my friend, yet paint me such a humiliating 
 pictur. 
 
 It is because I am your friend, and deeply sympathi/e with 
 you, that I have drawn this picture. It is neces~arv to make 
 you shudder at what you may reasonably apprehend, or YOU 
 \vill never learn the most important of all lesson* in such a con 
 flict not to shrink or startle because you suffer: not to speak 
 out in passion because \ on feel; and never to show your wea 
 pon until you are fully prepared to strike. The subtlest scheme 
 of villany may be foiled, if we only bide our time, keep our 
 temper, and use the best wits that (lod lias given us. For \illany 
 has always some weak place in its web. Find out tJmt, and there 
 will be little difficulty in breaking through i). Do you believe me? 
 do you understand me?" 
 
 "All. Furness ! 1 would I had such a friend a- you in the city. 
 It is then that the struggle must be renewed. " 
 
 "I have a friend there, to whom I \\ill commend YOU; a rare 
 per-on. and an old one. I5ut of \\\\< hereafter. It i- imt too 
 late for our pmpoM d tauter. Let us rid,., it only for an hour." 
 
HOMl!N<; A\!> SF.XTIMKXT 121 
 
 CHAPTER XIIT. 
 
 AMI M-: \TIHK.\T. 
 
 TUK two friends mile together for an hour or m< re, until the 
 night came down and counselled their return. They pursued 
 the great mad below. leading down the Ashlev, and unfold 
 at every mile, in their progress, the noble avenues of oak c.n- 
 tlueting to those nuineroiis stately abodes along t!ie river, whieh 
 rendered it, in that day, one ol the most remarkable 
 wealth and civilization whieh was known in the whole country 
 Some of the.se places were still held l.y their o\\ ners, \\lio had 
 ri/.ed with the invader, or, being females OT Orphans, had 
 ied his exactions. ( )thers, like " the ( )aks." were in the 
 hands of the seiji estrator, and managed hy his The 
 
 mood (l f I mctur did not sutler him to pay iniieli regard to the 
 
 ;>ect, though, under auspices mon- grateful to his feel; 
 he had felt it a thousand times l.rt .Mv. H had ridden . 
 tins very road in company with Kathaiine Walton, at a pni-.d 
 when his heart fondlv entertained a hope that he might find 
 some answering sympathy in hers. lie had Leen painfully di- 
 ahused of this hope, in the conviction that now hetiothed 
 
 irrevocaldy to annther; hut his mind, which was in that 
 uhen it srems to find a melancholy pleasure in hrooding up<-n 
 
 ijijM.intments, now ic\ cited to this among the 
 "1 am a fated person, Fur. Y-u ha\e heard of men 
 
 whom the worl.l MeDU t- thwa:t ; wh- in Fortune . 
 
 out of her way t" ii-ajijioint and afllict ; who fall for . 
 wlien they appear to riSO, anl who drink hitter from the cup in 
 whieh they fancy that I have heen allowed to 
 
 mingle ! I belong ti that peculiar fami 
 
 (i 
 
122 KATH. \KI\F. WALTON. 
 
 " Tar Ion me, Proctor, Imt I have little faith in tliis doctrinfi 
 of predestination. Tlmt Fortune distributes lier favors un 
 e<|iially, I can understand and believe. This is inevitable, from 
 the condition of the race, from its very necessities, which make 
 it important to the safety and progress of all that all should not 
 
 equally favored ; and from those, obvious discrepancies and 
 faults in training and education, which move men to persevere 
 in a conflict with their own advantages. But that Fortune takes 
 a malicious pleasure in seeking out her victims, and defeating 
 perversely the best plans of wisdom and endeavor, I am not 
 ready to believe. In your case, I really see no occasion for 
 such a notion. Here, while, still a very young man, yon have 
 attained a very high rank in the British army an institution 
 notoriously hostile to sudden rise, or promotion, unless by favor." 
 
 " And to what has it conducted me?" said the other, abruptly 
 breaking in. "To comparative discredit; to temporary over 
 throw ; and possibly, future shame. Certainly to an obscuration 
 of hopr, and fortune." 
 
 " Let us hope not let us try that such shall not be the case. 
 This despondency of mood is really the worst feature in your 
 aflaii 
 
 " Ah, you know not all ! I hope to struggle through this 
 affair of Dorchester. On that subject you have warned me to 
 an effort which 1 had otherwise been scarcely prepared to make; 
 and you have shown me clews which I shall pursue ipiite as 
 much from curiosity as from any other feeling. If this affair 
 were all! I asked you if you had seen Miss Walton? Yon 
 will not be surprised to hear me sav that 1 loved her from tha 
 moment when I beheld her. I do not know that it will 
 occasion any surprise when 1 tell yon that I loved in vain." 
 
 It did nnf ; but of this Singleton said nothing. 
 
 " Pride, ambition, fortune, love, all baflled ! Do yon doubt 
 that Fate has chosen me. out as one of those victims upon whom 
 he is pleased t<, exercise her experiments in malice I Yet all 
 shone and BOemed so promising at first." 
 
 " But you are still at the beginning of the chapter, my dear 
 fellow. Your life has sea ice begun. The way is a long one 
 yet before ynn It will be strange, indeed, if it should long 
 
continue clouded. Von will iv< Y..II will <: 
 
 and expose this Yauuhan, and he n-Mon-d to t!i;-t rai.k in the 
 nrmy which \\\ 90 eniineiitly desei ve. 1 j | yam 
 
 nji niic Jf ( (ri/r. The subject is, at all times, a del. 
 Hut is it so certain that your prospects with Mi*s Waltoi. 
 entirely hopel* 
 
 The curio>ity which Singleton expressed in his latter question 
 is not without its apology. It would seem to lie natural enough 
 
 lover, whatever might he his own certainties on 
 of his atlcctions. 
 
 "On that suhject say no more. She is hetn.thed to a: 
 More than that, she t-ruly loves him. It is not a ; the 
 
 day when the youn^ heart, needing an ohjcct ahoiit which to 
 Mid, rather >eeks than selects a favorite. She has made hei 
 choice deliherately, hrinirin^ her mind to co-operate with hei 
 heart, and her attachment i.s intlexihle. This 1 kn-w. S! 
 a lemarkahle woman. Not a woman in the ordinary 
 the term. Not one of the cla^s who readily reconcile th- 
 to events. \\ ho can acc"ii;)iiodate their alVectioi- 
 itition. and expeml just so mm h of them upon their ol 
 maintain external appearances. Her heart p-es tl. 
 with he]- decision, and her \\i\\ oidy follows her affect;. 
 I tire you. You cannot feel greatly interoted in one \\hon, 
 so little know." 
 
 " Hut I am interested in the character you descvihe. 
 than that, I am interested in yan. Follow your hent. am! 
 !iie a willing lister. 
 
 " Nay. on this Milject I will say no more. T which 
 
 has its annoyances. M\- admiration of Mi>^ Walton only u 
 me leel how r;reatl\- I have heen a loser, and L ives such an 
 e-l^e to my despondencies M to make me resigned tO a!mo<t any 
 
 Hut you sjioke of the army, ami of my ; 
 
 On this point let me i:n ; :;. I h,r > 
 
 military amhition. T! :ly importaiil 
 
 to me as a r. t reputation. The stain taken from my 
 
 name, and I sheathe n 
 
 bloodshed particularl \ si* k . : . which I am a->hamod 
 
 )f. and the lav..;,;! | resoll f ifl K b 1 . -eiii hopeless" 
 
124 KAlli.UMNi: WALTON. 
 
 " Ha; how? Do you moan to tlio royal arms?" 
 
 " You are surprised. But such is ovon my tlionght. Grant 
 Britain is destined to ose her colonies. She is already almost 
 exhausted iii the contest. Her resources are consumed. Her 
 debt is enormous. Her expenses are hourly increasing. She 
 can get no more subsidies of men from Germany, and her Irish 
 recruits desert her almost as soon as they reach America. Her 
 ministers would have abandoned the cause before this, but for 
 the encouragement held out by the native loyalists." 
 
 " And they have taken up arms for the crown, onty because 
 they believed the cause of the colonies hopeless against the 
 Overwhelming power of the. mother-country. Could they hold 
 with you in our interior, the British cause would find no advo 
 cates." 
 
 " They will hold with me as soon as the. foreign supplies 
 cease. Already they begin to perceive that they themselves 
 form the best lighting materials of our armies." 
 
 " Fighting with halters about their necks." 
 
 "Precisely; but the moment they discover fully our weak 
 ness, they will make terms with the Revolutionary paity, which 
 will only be. too ready to receive them into its ranks. 1 foi 
 all that is to happen, and the British ministry sees it also. 
 Nothing but pride of stomach keeps them even n<>\v from th-^e 
 concessions which will prove, inevitable in another campaign. 
 They must have seen the hopelessness of the cause the moment 
 that they found no party suiliciently strong, in any of the colo 
 nies, to control the progress of the movement. No people can 
 
 he conquered by another, three thousand miles removed from 
 
 he. seat of action, so lon^; as they themselves resolutelv ///// to 
 t.intinne the conflict. Tin 1 , vast tract of sea \\hich spreads be 
 tween this country and Europe, is itself sntlicient security. To 
 transport troops, arms, and provisions, across thi> tract is, in 
 each instance, equivalent to the loss of a battle. There is no 
 struggle which could pro\e m ..i- oxhau>ting in the end." 
 
 You hold forth but poor encouragement to our loyalist 
 Uvthren," sai<! Singleton, with a smile scarcely suppressed. 
 
 " Hear m> , l un:c->; I would say or do nothing which could 
 injure the service; in which I have hitherto drawn the sword 
 
8COUTI\<; \M> -KMIMF N 
 
 My own loyalty, I trust, \vill al\v:iys he unimpeachahle ; hut, 
 my friend, the regard which I 1 ccl for you prompts IMP to wish, 
 for your nvn sake, tliat you had drawn tin- sword with i 
 peoj.1,- rather than against them. Tlio American loyalists must 
 ami will he ahandoned to their Into. Thev will he tin- 
 
 s in the conte>t. They will forfeit their homes, and their 
 
 memories will he stained with reproach : -ant peri- 
 
 rhaps, fortunate fr them, as tending to lessen this 
 
 rejiroatdi in the minds of all just persons, that the greater num- 
 
 her of them, particularlv in these southern colonies, are i; 
 
 Hritons. It was natural that they should side with their natural 
 
 reign. Hut. for the mttin-s of tin* soil, there can he no such 
 
 IQ, Abandoned hy (Ireat Britain, they will ho doomed to 
 
 an exile which will lack the consolations of those who can plead 
 
 for their course, all the affinities of hirth, and all the ohligations 
 
 ihjects horn within the shadow of the throne. I would to 
 
 < .. for your sake, that you had heen a foreigner, or I 
 
 ; weapon against your people!" 
 
 How ^injjcton longed to grasp the hand of \\. BE, and 
 
 untold to him the truth. Hut his secret wa> too ju, 
 ha/ard, even in the hands of friendship ; and quite too much 
 depended on his present concealment to suil er hii: 
 to the honest impulse which would have relieve. 1 him of all 
 credit in the eves of his CMmpanion. 
 
 i have placed the suhject under new lights hef- 
 
 is \\\< answer. " It is somethir rhonght tip"iu 
 
 That the Hriti.xh power has heen weakened, that i 
 coni|nest is great] d, I have alu-a^iy seen; hut 1 had 
 
 no thought that such opinions were generally prevalent in 
 mrmy." 
 
 " Nor do I Hay that they n:- ;> ilf.iir 
 
 to think as I do, even when the orders reach him i 
 ntion of Chariest-. n ; and as for my excellent un 
 his charge of conii>cated Mtfttei in will fancy tha 
 
 gaiiK- i> jnst what it should he. Hut, to my min : . 
 tiu-xitahle. Th->e cohm-r lina and G 
 
 cut ofV from the confederai 
 b*? temjxtrarv only. 1 : after a 
 
12ti KATHAUlNi: WALTON. 
 
 experiment, and the independence <>f America will be finaiK 
 and fully acknowledged. The war must have ceased long ago, 
 and after a single campaign only, had it not been begun pre 
 maturely bv the Americans. The colonies were, not (jnite ready 
 for the struggle. In a single decade more, the fruits would have 
 hern quite ripe; and it would only have required a single sha 
 king of the tree. Then they would not have needed a French 
 alliance. The native population would have been so greatly in 
 vndant, that the foreign settlers would not have dreamed 
 of any opposition to the movement." 
 
 " Our loyalists, according to your notions, have shown them 
 selves unwise ; but their fidelity, you will admit, is a redeeming 
 something, which ought to secure them honorable condition* and 
 again.-t reproach." 
 
 "I am not so sure of that. The true loyalty is to the soil, or 
 rather to the race. I am persuaded that one is never more safe 
 in his principles than when he takes side with his kindred. 
 There, is a virtue in the race which strengthens and secures our 
 own; and he is ne\er more in danger of proving in the wrong 
 than v/lien he resolutely opposes himself to the sentiments of his 
 penjue. At all events, one may reasonably distrust the, virtue 
 in his principle, when he finds himself called upon to sustain it 
 by actually drawing the sword against his kindred, lint the 
 subject is one to distress you, Furness, and 1 have no wish to do 
 ^0. I have simply been prompted to speak thus plainly by the 
 interest 1 take in your fortunes. Were 1 you. I should seek 
 from lialfour an opportunity to exchange the service, and get a 
 transfer to some ! the Hritish regiments in the West Indies." 
 
 " 1 shall live and die on my native soil," said the other. 
 quickly. " If our cause fails I will perish with it." 
 
 " It irill fail, Furne^." 
 
 "Never! never!" was the emphatic reply. 
 
 " Let us change the subject," said the other. " Did you re 
 mark these pine woods as we passed them half an hour ago I 
 What a grateful and delicate tint tliev wore in the evening sun J 
 Can you conceive of anything more sombre than their gloomy 
 shadows, notr, in the duskv I \ening! Thev stand up 
 
 like so many melancholy spectre.- of gl"rius hopes which have 
 
iMKNT. l J7 
 
 peiished gloomy memorials ! joy* ami triumphs which the 
 heart h;ul dreamed in vain. !). you know that 1 could : 
 with a ri-li.sli, penetrate thcM- grim a\ enues, and lay myself 
 do\vn in the deepest part of the t hicket, to muse, throughout the 
 night, and night after night, with a sort of painful satisfaction !" 
 
 44 1 have mused and hrooded under such shadows a thou.-and 
 times, night and day, without a gloomy feeling nay, with 
 something ot a joy that found its pleasure in ilu. witli 
 
 jrowth of ith most melancholy emoti* 
 
 " i ht* heart ^ivcs its diaractei to the scene ahva/s. The 
 genius of place is horn always in the soul of the occupant. .V 
 is lift a joyous spirit now, and 1 would end-rare these sha-i 
 if a thousand times more gloomy, as if they had I een my kin 
 dred. Hut what is this that stirs/ Ha! u 1. 
 
 he challenge, a .-diadow dashed arp-ss the roadj and 
 1 roetor, clapping spurs to his luirse, with the old military ; 
 i:i of suspi.-ious watch and command, forced the animal foi \. 
 in the direction of the , l.nt he with a 
 
 hat he was totally unarmed as he le- 
 hehl, standing dOM hy the road-side, and partly &heltered 
 hujre pine, the figure of a man with a musket aln-.; !ed 
 
 and tlie eye of th. deliherately coursing al-;ij the bar 
 
 rel. At that iiniii.i -ton cried out 
 
 " Hold nj), my ^ood iellow. Would you shoot us without 
 giving the time of day /" 
 
 r i lu- stranger threw up his musket and hrought the hutt 
 > d v upon the ground. 
 
 "There s no time, of day." said he, with a chuckle, "when 
 you are ahout to ride over a hody." 
 
 -peaker I of the t 
 
 answered, with an air of unalVected confidence. II- 
 in the common hlue homespun of the country ; hut 
 
 !.at mixed military and Indi.Mi el >tcl 
 
 the forester m- ranger of the period. 
 
 " Who are you , " .i-inan-led rroct.u-. 
 
 44 My Dame l Futtrell, if that s \\liat you want to know, and 
 I in from the OypFBM, li. - J D .;lemen. 
 
 you, a t ray >ouel Jiag, with a lla/.o in left 
 
KATilAUIXi: WALTON. 
 
 foreleg uhite uj) to his knee* . He s a right smart nag, and a 
 little wild, that got off i roin the lot now two days ago; ami was 
 tracked down as tar as Bacon s bridge, an thar we lost him." 
 
 This inquiry seemed to anticipate all questions; and, by t.hih 
 time, Proctor, remembering that he was no longer in command, 
 felt no disposition to ask anything further. Having answered 
 the question of the stranger in the negative, he was disposed to 
 ride on ; but by this time Mr. Fnitrell was curiously examining 
 the. horse of Singleton. 
 
 "That s a mighty fine beast of yourn, stranger," he said, 
 etroking the animal s neck and forelegs. 
 
 "You wouldn t like to buy him ?" said Singleton, good-hu- 
 moredly. 
 
 "That I should, stranger," replied the other, "if buying a 
 horse meant taking him with a promise, to pay when the skies 
 hould rain golden guineas." 
 
 " We are in danger of no such shower for some time to come, 
 01 from any quarter," said J roctor. " Let us ride, Furness." 
 
 And, as he spoke, the steed of the speaker went slowly 
 ahead. At this moment, the stranger seixed his opportunity to 
 thrust a scrap of paper into the hands of Singleton, who stooped 
 down to him and whispered a single sentence; then rode away 
 to join his companion, who had perceived n ; ic of these move 
 ments. 
 
 "Dang it!" muttered Futtrell, looking after the two, "our 
 colonel s just as full of stratagems as an egg s full of meat. 
 Proctor was always reckoned a real keen fellow for an English 
 man, yet the colonel goes into him as if he had a key for all the 
 doors in his heart. Well, we shall know all about it, I reckon, 
 before the night s over." 
 
 With these, words, the stranger disappeared within the 
 shadows of the, wood, which, from this point, spread away, in 
 unbroken depth and density, to the west a continuous wall of 
 thicket almost encircling the plantation of Colonel Walton, and 
 forming a portion only of his extensive domain. The spot 
 where our companions encountered Futtrell was scarcely half a 
 mile from the mansion-house. The two former, meanwhile, 
 made their way to "The Oaks" without further interruption. 
 
IT. 
 
 When they reached ihe entrance of tin- dwelling, it \\a.s found 
 that the MT\aiM of Major I mctMr \\ as i;.>t j.n-M-nt, . 
 custom, : ... aid 
 
 and took that of Singleton. 
 
 >r was impatient, and hegan to clamor loudly f..r his 
 fellow ; but the Ciy Of " John John! what ho! there .J.hn!" 
 had scam !y l.een sounded a second time, when the person sum 
 moned a short, s^uat, sturdy Englishman, with a red face 
 made his appearance, in a run, out of hrcath, and seemingly 
 s. i.iewhat agitated l.y his exhaustion or his appn 
 IWtor did not perceive his discomposure, hut contented him- 
 !M-lf with administering a sharp rehuke lor his alienee ami 
 lert. Singleton s e\e was drawn to the fellow, and something 
 in his a}>pearance rendered our partisan distrustful for n nmn.. 
 hut nothing w;u, said, and he boon entered the dwelling will. 
 companion. 
 
 uleu was in waiting to receive them, and his manner 
 much niore conciliatory and gracious than when thev sejiarat i <l in 
 the afternoon. lie was governed hy a jioliey, in this dejiorti 
 which will have its explanation hereafter. We need D* 
 our attention upon the conversation which occupied tl 
 during tle evening, as it was of that casual nature designed 
 bimply jmur JHIXXI r le tntij>x, which need not employ ours. When 
 (Vudcn retin-d, the young men \. to re>miie tlieir coii- 
 
 A hich, though it had regard to the sul-jects most inter 
 esting to t!,em, and in some degree of interest to us. yet c"mi: 
 to nothing more definite, than we have aheadv under-: ;. I 
 
 ated at a toleral-ly early hour, and Singleton retired t 
 ehamher hut not to sleep. It will occasion no surprise when 
 we find our partisan, at midnight, emerging stealthilv from his 
 ipartment, and from the duelling, and making hi.- 
 t < the wo.-d where he had encountered Futtrell. Wha; 
 whom he found, or wh. >ne there, hv himxdf or others, 
 
 must he reserved fur another chaptt r. We must not antic:: 
 It i> sutliciently clear, howt-ver, that Singleton has nt eomn.. 
 himself to the association with his enemies, wit! g friends 
 
 at need, and within easy summon.-, of his 1 ugle. 
 
 6* 
 
K ATM A KINK WALTON. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV 
 CAMP-F1RB8. 
 
 \VHKN (icneral (Jreenc was despatched to the south, after the 
 ii-feat <f (iates at I ainden, to take charge of the southern army, 
 lie found himself in a region of the world so utterly dit^ .rent from 
 ; thin^ in his previous experience, that he was fain to ac 
 knowledge himself bewildered hy what he saw, if not at a loss 
 as to what he should undertake. According to his letters, he 
 \\as in a country in which a general was "never at any inonu-nt 
 quite secure from a capital misfortune." The difficulty was cer 
 tainly a bewildering one, particularly where, the generalship was 
 of that inflexible sort which could not readily accommodate its 
 .strategy to novel circumstances and conditions. This wa-s the 
 peculiar deficiency of Gates, who, for example, hecauso he had 
 achieved the capture of Burgoyne, in a hilly and rather densely- 
 settled country, without the aid of cavalry, hurried to the con 
 elusion that he was equally independent of such an arm in a 
 perfectly level and sparsely-settled region, where, in truth, cav 
 alry should have heen his most necessary dependence. (Jreene 
 \\a- not go Muhhoni; hut his genius was still too much lacking 
 in ilexi hility. Jlis embarrassment, in the scene nf his new opera 
 tions, arose from the immen.-.- lon-fs. the impervious swamp- 1 v 
 which they were relieved and intersected, and the wonderful 
 security in which a lurking enemy might harhor, within sight of 
 the very smokes of the camp, without heing suspected of any 
 Kiich near neighborhood. This, which was particularly true of 
 the region of country watered hy the Pedee, the Oongaree, the 
 Santee, and other leading arteries of the interior, was, in a Treas 
 ure, true also of the tracts lying along the Cooper and Ashley .- 
 
CAMI- i i 
 though portions of tin- Urals which were watered bv these stream* 
 
 liail been, fur a COnnderablc space of time, under a lii jli state of 
 cultivation. 
 
 To those familiar with the country, oven now, it will occasion 
 it" Mir|>ri>e to In- tol.l that the Carolina partisans wen- wont tn 
 penetrate with confidence between the several posts of the Hi it 
 ish throughout the cidony, and to lie in wait for favorable ; 
 tunitie.s of surprise and ambush, within the immediate vicinl" 
 Charleston. A close thicket, a deep swamp skirting road or 
 river, atl orded, t. a people familiar with these haunts, ample liar- 
 1 inra^e even within five milr.x of the enemy s garrison ; and tin- 
 moment of danger found them cjuicklv mounted on the ti< 
 steeds, and darting away in search of other places of refuse. 
 \Ye have seen with what audacitv Colonel Walton ventured 
 upon his own domain, though guarded hy his ! ..>. and under 
 the very eye of the strong post of Dorchester. It will he . 
 to conceive that Singleton s troopers could find a secure ; 
 of hiding, indulging in a rational confidence, for days in this very 
 
 idtorhood. Such was the case ; and to one ..f tln>e ret 
 we propo>e to conduct tho reader, anticipating the approach of 
 the commander of the party lying thus jirnln. 
 
 About a inil<* west of the A>h!ev, and a few miles only helow the 
 British po>t at I )oirhester. the explorer may even now penetrate 
 to a little liny, or small bottom of drowned land, the growth of 
 which, slightly interspersed with cv].rev> and tupelo, is chiefly 
 compo...ed of that dwarf laurel called tl. m whirli the 
 
 . in l\n> jifir/ti/trr of the country, der.\ ue. I ln- im 
 
 mediate basin, or circuit of drowned land, retains to this moment 
 
 rmvth and verdure; but we look now in vain for the d 
 forest of oak, hickory, jiine. ash, and other forest-trees, ly whirl, 
 it was encircled, and under the shadows of \\hich the ; 
 found their refuge in tin- days of the Revolution. 
 a venerable sanctuary for our f 
 
 rable curdrrn of vidette they made them- 
 
 c-ure against surprise, so IOHL: a> tin . keeji their : 
 
 tir-n. \Ve need not describe the place n. 
 
 of our readers possos a -U::M -ient general i iea of the sh: 
 Mid : i;ch a spot; of it> >\ild beauties, an-1 
 
132 KAT11AK1XK WALTON. 
 
 solemnity of its solitude. Let them take into view the neai 
 neighborhood of .streams and rivers, girdled ly dense swam| 
 fastnesses, almost impenetrable. except by obscure and narrow 
 avenues, known only to the. natives of the country, and they 
 will readily corn-rive the decree of security attainable by the 
 partisan warrior, who is alert in his movements, ami exercise* 
 an ordinary share of prudence and circumspection. 
 
 The spot which we now approach was quite, familiar to the 
 party by whom it is occupied. Most of them were, born in the 
 neighborhood, and accustomed from boyhood to traverse its 
 shadowy passages. This will account for the confidence which 
 they felt in making 1 it their place of harborage, almost within 
 cannon shot of the fortress of the enemy. The squad which 
 Singleton had here placed in waiting was a small one, consisting 
 of twelve or fifteen persons only. At the hour when he left 
 "The Oaks" on foot, to visit them in their place, of hiding, thev 
 were in expectation of his coming. Futtrcll had returned, and 
 apprized them of his whispered promise to that effect. A group 
 of gigantic oaks surrounded their bivouac, their great branches 
 glossily and always green, and draped with wide, waving stream 
 ers of venerable moss. The fires of the party were made up in 
 a hollow formed by the gradual sloping of the earth from three 
 several sides. This depression was chosen for the purpose, as 
 enabling them the better to conceal the flame which, otherwise, 
 gleaming through some broken places in the woods, might have, 
 conducted the hostile eye to the place of refuge. In this hollow, 
 in sundrv groups, were most of the, partv. Some sat or stood 
 engaged in various occupations. Some lay at length \\itli their 
 feet to the fire, and their eyes, half shut, looking up at the gjrrn 
 branches, or the starlighted skies overhead. One might be MTU 
 mending his bridle, close by the lire; another was drawing the 
 bullet from his rifle, cleansing or burnishing it ; and others \\erc 
 grouped, with la-ads together, in quiet discourse among them 
 selves. Saddles 1. ! rnralh the trees; cloaks, and coats*, 
 and bridles, depended from their brandies ; and several blan 
 kets hung down from similar suppoit.-, the use of which was ob 
 viously to assist in concealing the gleam of fuelight from th 
 of the stranger in the distance. 
 
LSI 
 
 
 
 On. object in tliis enumeration .should nut he .suffered to es 
 cape .ur attention. J lii.s \*. t pde "I" canc.s, or rec<. 
 
 wrhich tl.< ps ami lowlands throughout the country 
 
 furnished an abundance, and which two of tin- younger pc. 
 of tin- party uere busy in trimming of their blades and plume>, 
 fashioning them into arrows of a yard long, and seasoning in the 
 warm ashes of tin- fire. Feathers .,f the eagle, the crane, the 
 hawk, and common turkey, a goodly variety, indeed, were crowd 
 ed into a harket between the lads thus employed. With tl 
 tliey tilted tin- sliai ts, wlien ready in other respects; and hits of 
 wire, and nails of wrought iron, rounded and sharpened with a 
 lile. were, with considerable dexterity, fitted into the hea : 
 the shafts, The employment all orded a commentary on the 
 I our war of independence, though it is still a <|iies- 
 tion, whether the implements oi the Indian warrior did not possess 
 advantages i>ver those of eivili/atioii, whicli tended to lev-en 
 ly the disparity hetween the se\cral weapons. ( >! this 
 matter something will he, learned hereafter. Sheaves of ai 
 already prepared for use, and rude, hows, made of white oak and 
 ash, might he seen placet! away in safety hencath the t; 
 among other of the munitions of the encampment ; all of which 
 betokened a rude hut ready regard to the exigencies ,,f WVi 
 
 At a little, distance from these partie.- and tlueir to;. Is, and 0,1 
 the Opposite .-i le of the fire, was a group of four persons, of whom 
 nothing ! iid. These were luisy in preparations of 
 
 another sort. Ti,< -.fa line buck lay between them, and 
 
 two of the party were already preparing to cut him up. < ): 
 these perSOTU with arms bare to the elbows, th.uri.shed a IIIOM- 
 strous ,uf<du </< /7//.w<, with the twofold air of a hero and a 
 butcher. This was a portly person of the most formidable di 
 mensions, with an abdominal development that might well 
 come an alderman. He had evidently a taste lor the work 1" 
 him. How he measured the brisket ! how he felt for the fat ! 
 with what an . faction he heaved up the huge haul;. 
 
 of th. ami how his little :;kled through 
 
 voluminous and rosy masses of his own great 
 
 " I give it up !" : med to his compan : "n-. " The 
 
 no wound except that of the arrow, and it has fair!. 
 
134 KATII.UMNK WALTON. 
 
 > 
 
 through the h.>dy, and was broken liy the fall. 1 give it up! 
 I will believe anything wonderful that you may tell inc. You 
 may all lie. to me in safety. 1 have no more doubts on any sub 
 ject. Everything s possible, probable, true hereafter, that hap. 
 pens. But that you, such a miserable sapling of a fellow as y<>u 
 Lance, should have sent this reed through such a beast clean 
 through is enough to stagger any ordinary belief!" 
 
 The person addressed, a tall, slender lad, apparently not more 
 
 than eighteen or nineteen, laughed good-naturedly, as, without 
 other reply, he thrust forth his long, naked arm, and displayed, 
 fold upon fold, the snaky ridges of his powerful muscles. 
 
 " Ay, I see. you have the hone and sinew, and I suppose I 
 must believe that you shot the deer, seeing that Uarnett gives it 
 up ; but I suppose, you were at butting distance. You had no 
 Occasion to draw bow at all. You used the arrow as a spear, and 
 thrust it through the poor beast s vitals with the naked hand." 
 
 "Shot it, I swow, at lull fifty-five yards distance! I stepped 
 it oft myself," was the reply of the person called Uarnett. 
 
 " 1 give up ! I will believe in any weapon that brings us such 
 meat. Henceforth, hoys, take your hows and arrows ah\ 
 The Indian was a scnsihler fellow than we gave him credit ir 
 I never could have believed it till now; and when Singleton 
 took it into his head to supply such weapons to our men, for the 
 want of better, I thought him gone clean mad." 
 
 "Yet you heard his argument lor it ?" said Lance. 
 
 " No. I happen to hear nothing when I am hungry. 1 
 shouldn t hear you now, but for my astonishment, which got the 
 better of my appetite for a few moments. I will hear nothing 
 further, t se your knife, Lance ; lay on, boy, and let s have a 
 steak as soon as possible." 
 
 " ShaVt we wait for the colonel ?" said Lance. 
 
 " J wait for no colonels. I consider them when I consider i\\f 
 core (corps). What a glorious creature! fat an inch thick, 
 and meat tender ns a dove s bosom! Ah, I come back to the 
 OyprOM a new man ! ll -re I am at home. The Santee did 
 well enough; but there -- a sweetness, a softness, a plumpnes.-i. 
 a beauty about bird and beast along the Ashley, that you find 
 in the same animals nowhere <-\^(>. d <>d bless my mother!" 
 
For what, in particular, lieutenant ?" 
 
 44 Thai she chose it for my hirthplace. I shouldn t havo beeil 
 halt the man I am horn anywhere el.-e ; shouldn t have had 
 such discriminating tastes, such a line appetite, such a .sense of 
 (he heautiful in nature." 
 
 Ami thus, talking ami slashing, the corpulent speaker main- 
 tained the most nnflajrjrinp industry, until tlie deer was fairly 
 ((uaitered, a portion transferred, in the shape of steaks, to the 
 reeking coals, and the rest spread out upon a rude scalloldi: 
 undergo the usual hunter-process ot hein^ cured, hy smoking, 
 for future use. The skin, meanwhile, was subjected to the care 
 ful cleansing and stretching of the successful hunter. 
 
 And then the whole party grouped themselves ahout the fire, 
 e;ch husy with his steak and hoe-cake. There \v ; ;is the rcdonht- 
 ahle Lieutenant I or^y, and the youthful ei. 
 
 ; dy known as the taker of the prey, and little .In, v Harm-It, 
 and others, kmwii hriefly ns Tom, Dick, and Harry ; pud others 
 still, with their -miin.s <l> -uch as Hard-Riding Dick, and 
 
 Dusky Sam, and Clip-the-Can, and Black l "\ .uir- 
 
 rel : a mt-rry crew, cool. carele>s. - 1-humored. looking, for all 
 
 the world, like a jrip.-y encampment. I lieir costiiiue, \\eap 
 occupation ; the. wild and not ungraceful ease with which : 
 threw their hu^e frames ahout the fire ; the lire, with : 
 <lrowsy sim-kes sl-.wly ascending, and with the capricims jets of 
 wind sweeping it to and fro amidst the. circle ; and the silent 
 h:s, three in niunher. ^rouj>ed at the fe<-t of their masters, their 
 rr-at. hri^ht eves wistfully turned uj-ward in momentary expec 
 tation of the fragment ; all contrihuted to a picture as nniijuo nB 
 an\ one mi^ht h.. once in merry old Kn<_ r land, or, to 
 
 this day, .imoiij; the /incali of Il.eria. 
 
 All. this is life!" said Lieutenant 1 i.im- 
 
 nelf anew with a smoking morsel from the hissinp coaN. " I can 
 live in alm >t any situation in which man can live at all. and do 
 not ohject to the feminine lu\urie> of city life, in lieu of 
 hut there i> m> n.^at like I 
 
 of which hntrjreil it to his li\in^ !:i-art three houm ago. One 
 
 in the open air; ami, at midnight, under the treca, a 
 
 venison steak is something more than n.eat. It is food for 
 
136 KATIIAUm: \V ALTON . 
 
 thought. It provokes philosophy. My fancies iise. I could 
 spread my wings for Might. 1 could sin^ 1 feel like it now 
 and, so far as the will is concerned, I could make such music as 
 would bring the very dead to lite." 
 
 And the deep, sonorous voice of the speaker began to rise, 
 and he would Iw e launched out into some such music as the 
 buffalo might be supposed to send forth, happening upon a fresh 
 green fiat of prairie, but that Lance Frampton interposed, in 
 evident apprehension of the consequences. 
 
 "Don t, lieutenant; remember we re not more than a mile 
 from the river road." 
 
 "Teach your grandmother to suck eggs ! Am I a fool? Do 
 I look like the person to give the alarm to the enemy I Shut 
 up, lad, and be not presumptuous because you have shut a deer 
 after the Indian fashion. Do you suppose, that, even were we 
 in safer quarters, I should attempt to sing with such a dry 
 throat? 1 say, Herd-Riding Dick, is there any of that .Jamaica 
 in the jug?" 
 
 "It is a mere drop on a full stomach." 
 
 "Bring it forth. 1 like the savor of the jug." 
 
 And the jug was produced, and more than one calabash was 
 seen elevated in the, firelight; and the drop sufficed, in not un 
 equal division, to improve the humor of the whole party. 
 
 * The supper without the song is more endurable," was the 
 philosophy of Porjry, "than the song without the supper. With 
 the. one before the other, the two ^o hcppUy together. Now it 
 is the strangest thing in the world that, with such a desperate, 
 desire to be musical, I should not be aide to turn a tune. Hut 
 I can act a tune, my lads, as well as any of you ; and, as we are 
 not permitted to give breath to our desires and delights, let u.s 
 play round as if we were singing. V<m shall observe me, and 
 take up the chorus, each. !> you understand me?" 
 
 " Can t say I do," said Futtrell. " Let s hear." 
 
 "You were always a dull do^, Luttrell, though you are a 
 ginger. Now, look you, a good singer or a <^ood talker, an orator 
 or a musician of any kind, if he knows his business, articulates 
 nothing, either in smi^ or sprrch. that he does not luuk, even 
 while he speaks or sings. Llo<|uence, in oratory or in music 
 
implies somethini: more than ordinary speech. It in 
 <ir Hirli sentiments and fee!!- -tir uj tl 
 
 that, it we feel tin- passion, k or 
 
 . we must look it t<>n. I),, yon understand me now ?" 
 I liiiik I do," was the slowly uttered i ittrell, 
 
 ooking dubiously. 
 
 Very well. 7 take it that all the rest do, then, sin. 
 ;ire about the dullest clni: amon D thi compliinei.- 
 
 !ider. "Now, then, I am , ! n: to sinir. I will sinjr an 
 original composition. I shall first begin by expressing anxirtv, 
 uneasiness, distn-ss ; these are incipient si^ns of luin:er. a pain- 
 i nl craving of the l.owtds, amounting to an al.solnto jrtxiwinir of 
 the clainoi-uiis inhabitants within. This is the first part, continu 
 ed till it almost heroines despair; the music then chai;-.-. 1 
 have MM-?) the hoys lu-in^in-j- in the deer. He Kes Leneath mv 
 knife. I am prepared to slaughter him. I feel that he is MCQre. 
 1 -f that he will soon he 1. roiling in choice hits upon the tire. 
 I air. iif) longer uneasy or appre! \ .\\^ of Mespair 
 
 lias j, , .<,.,!. All is now Impe, ami exultation, and atiticijiation ; 
 and this is the sentiment which I shall express in t 1 
 part of the music. The third follows the 1 ea-t. Nature is ;, 
 tied ; the youii^ wolf-enhs within have retired to their kennels. 
 They sleep without a dream, and a philosophical o.mp. 
 
 the, brain. I meditate themes of happinex. I >prru- 
 latr upon the immortality of the s i;l. I enter into an analy- 
 the several philosophies of poets, prophets, and others, in relation 
 
 to the employment* and enjoyments of the future; and my song 
 
 subsides into a pleasant murmuring , a dreamy s, M t (1 f ripple, such 
 made by a mountain brooklet, when. :ie tumb 
 
 lings from cra<; to craLT. it sinks ;,t la>t into a |Uiet and 1..-. 
 MpsUlg watercotu.se, th:ou-h a gTOVO, the bor- ! e;-s nf \\hieh are 
 crowded with tloweis ,,f r: -hall 
 
 be my siii. You will note my action, and f<.l!o\v it. by w.i 
 rhoms, as well U yo 
 
 All profe-s. d to be * loasl ^ i!l n^ to nndonUmd him. nnd 
 
 our philotopber { an actor li 
 
 talent lay in the n ent whicli lie nw jifpoged 
 
 to them. He has bin Vti i in 
 
138 KATHARINE WALTON. 
 
 ance in the declared design. We shall not attempt to follow 
 him ; but may say that scarcely one of those wildly-clad fores 
 ters but became interested in his dumb show, which at length, 
 became so animated that he leaped to his i eet, in order the better 
 to effect his action, and was only arrested in his performance by 
 striding with his enormous bulk, set heavily down, upon the ribs 
 of one of the unlucky dogs who lay by the lire. The yell that 
 followed was as full of danger as the uttered song had been, and 
 (piite discomfited the performer. His indignation at the mis 
 placed position of the dog might have resulted in the wilful ap 
 plication of his feet to the offending animal, but that, just then, 
 the, hootings of an owl were faintly heard rising in the distance, 
 and answered by another voice more near. 
 
 " It is Moore," said Lance Kramptmi. " It is from above. 
 "We shall have the colonel here directly." 
 
 "Let him come," was the response of I orgy; but he ifl too 
 Ute for the music That confounded dog !" 
 
WOODCRAFT. 13W 
 
 C1IA 1 TKR XV 
 WOODCRAFT. 
 
 TlIK object of the signal was riirhtly conjectured. It !, 
 Singleton. Successive hoots of tin owl \vi of tin* 
 
 scouts of the party indicated the several points of watch l>y 
 which the route from " The ( )aks" to the place of refuse had 
 guarded ; and our partisan hail no reason to complain, a: 
 his people, df any neglect of duty. He uas received with th 
 frank welcome of those who regarded him with Mjual 
 and afiection, as a friend and comrade no less than a >up. 
 I .Alice Frampton seixed his extended hand with the fm 
 
 Milder hrotl;er; and even tlie corpulent IW^y. in hi> saluta 
 tion of weh-oinc-, expressed the warmth of a f.-elin^ of which he 
 was nowis- la\ i^-h on comm. Supjier had 1 ecu IT- 
 
 . ! fur their superior: and the M ;k. east r.]in the 
 
 coals as he approached, now strenuously set-muled, l.y its rich 
 odors, the in\ it;ition of his followers to eat. But Singleton licrlinrd. 
 
 "Were it p. ;!,!,., I .sli,, M ld i-ertainly fall to, my ^ond fellow; 
 for, of a truth, the smokes of that steak are much m.-re u rateful 
 
 to my nostril* than tin- irell-dreMed dial ea of the fasl i< 
 
 kitchen. My tastei bllTC 1 ft DM H< much accommodated to the 
 
 tri/tl jlaior nf the wi.od.s, in almost evrrythinj;, ll. 
 
 woods, I seem to hnve no ^reat apjietite t -r anythii 
 
 and drink as H matter of c.iin>e, and \\ith too little re!i>h to 
 
 remark oo anything, Had I not al;. >uli 
 
 need no exhortation heyond that of the venisnn itstdf. 
 
 I have no time. I must hurrv hack to the settlement A8 sooo 
 
 M possible." 
 
 "You must certainly fasti- ( ,f the rreat. cnl-,uel," wan the re- 
 
M<> K. \THAi: INK VYAI.TuN. 
 
 sponsc of Porgy, " if only beeau-e of tin- manner in which it was 
 killed with how and arrow." 
 
 " Indeed ! \Vlio was the hunter 7 " 
 
 "Lance: Von know I laughed when you spoke of how* ami 
 arrows for our men. I confess I thought ii monstrous foolish to 
 adopt such weapons. Hut I am beginning to respect the weapon. 
 What put you in the notion of it, colonel ~: 
 
 \Ve had neither shot nor powder, if you recollect. What 
 was lo lie dune ? The Indians slew their meat, and fought fatal 
 battles witli these weapons hefoiv the coming of the white 
 people. The French and Spanish narrative describes them as 
 lighting fiercely, and frequently cutting oIV the whites with no 
 other weapons, (if the elVect of the arrow in good hands, his 
 tory gave us numerous and wonderful examples. The Knglish 
 in time of Henry the Seventh, slew with the clothyard shaft 
 at fnnr hundred yards." 
 
 " Impossible ! " 
 
 "True, no douht. In the time of Henry the Eighth it was 
 considered an efficient weapon at two hundred and fifty yards. 
 Fighting with the French and Spaniards, the Indians could 
 drive an arrow through a coat of escaupi! stulTed cotton so 
 as to penetrate; fatally the breast which it covered ; and some 
 <.f their shafts wen- even found eflicient when aimed against a 
 coat of mail. With such evidence of the power of the weapon, 
 its ii^e ne\er should have been abandoned Certainly, where 
 we had neither shot nor powder, nor muskets, it was the proper 
 weapon for our hands. There would then have been no reason 
 for one" half of our people to wait in the woods, during an action 
 until their comrades should be shot do\\n, iH-fore they could find 
 the means of doing mi-chief by pos-es-ing themselves of the 
 weapons of the fallen men. IJov. s and arrow-., well handled, 
 would have been no had suhslituti s for muskets. In the hands 
 ir people, accustomed to take sure aim. they would have 
 been much more ellicient than the muket in the hands of the 
 raw. unpractised Kn-lishman ; while made of p l -. 
 
 well sharpened and seasoned in the lire, would have been, 
 like the pikes of the Swiss, quite equal to the bayonet at 
 any time. These are weapons with which we might always 
 
DC KAFT. 1 H 
 
 .1 a country of such pent natural advantages for war a* 
 ours." 
 
 " There s reason in it, surely." 
 
 " Hut the nrpiments in In-half of the how and arrow arc "not 
 \hausted. In the first place, you can never p-t out of ammu 
 nition. The wood* everywhere ahound in shafts; and, in a 
 
 Ifl ni^ht, a s<piad of sharp-shooters may pr- 
 tweek l campaign and daily fighting. We: 
 damage your ammunition. A shaft once delivered is not !.>:. 
 It may he recovered and shot a do/en times; and it ifl let! 
 hurdensome, as a load, to carry a Low and sixty arrows than a 
 pun with as many hullets. Tin* arrow u sped .silently t 
 mark. It makes no report. It flies unseen, like the j 
 \>y niu r ht. It tells not whence it cm: 
 a piide to any answering \\eap"ii. Against cavalry i; 
 Urly eflicient. The \\ound fmin an arrow, which still 
 the side of the horse, will absolutely madd.-n him, and he will 
 he totally unmanageable, rushing, in all prohahility, on his own 
 columns, deranging their order, and sending disn:. 
 infantry. In regard to the repeated u>e of UTOW, I 
 
 remind you of the fact that the French in I lmv 
 LatldonnierOi were compelled, in some of their 1 1 
 with the red men, to stop ii^htinp at BV< !e chain, 
 
 order to gather up and hreak the arrows u hich had 
 livened. I need not say what an advantage such a 
 would afford to an as-ailing party." 
 
 " I hepn to re.-peet the weapon. " I vhai 
 
 tise at it my. self. 1 already feel like a Parthian." 
 
 "The greatest sec ret ," coist inued Singleton, " in the D 
 the how. sreni> to consist in dj awin^ the arrow to its head. Thin 
 
 t of the Kn-lMi, and mu>t have heen of all 
 ren nikal le hown : . 1 Q do this, the arrow must he 
 the ri-ht ear. It is then delivered with 
 this requires erjually sleight and stren^ r t!). The ! 
 of the. Kast, the I talians. and the pMitle. timid 
 
 of Cuba, ami of Tern, seem to ! ."\ > drawn the \^ - the 
 
 ladit 1 ^ do, only to the hreast. T 
 the f.rre one half Hut } "U n. 
 
J12 KATII.UUXK WALTON. 
 
 of you. when you have nothing more pressing on hands, so as tc 
 make sure of the hutts at a hundred yards. That will answei 
 for us If thiti war is to last two years longer, as I suppose it 
 wifl, \ve shall have, no other ammunition to rely upon. We 
 must take our hows from the savages, and our pikes from tbe 
 Swiss." 
 
 There was some little more conversation, which, like that re 
 ported, forms no part of the ahsolute husiness of our narrative. 
 Hut Singleton was not the person to waste much time. It was 
 important, he thought, to raise tl<<- estimate of the. how and ar 
 row among his followers, deeming it highly probable, not only 
 that the weapon i;;ight he made very ellicient even in mode.ni 
 warfare, hut that it might he the only one left to them lor future 
 use. The partisans of Carolina, during the struggle lor the 
 recovery of the, Mate, very seldom went into action with more 
 than three rounds to the man. 
 
 "And now. Lance," said Singleton, "a few words with you." 
 
 lie led him aside, from tli" reM 
 
 " Do you hring me -iny letters?" 
 
 " None, sir; the colonel had no time for writing, and m. .-oi T 
 
 reuion 
 
 Where did you leave, him ?" 
 
 " On the Kdisto." 
 
 - West side ?" 
 
 " Yes, sir." 
 
 " Had tlie negroes all come in ?" 
 
 "All, sir, hut one a young fellow named Aaron, whom he 
 thinks must have, fallen into the hands of the enemy, or run off 
 to them, lie has sent them on" for the Santee, under the charg" 
 of Lieutenant Davis, with an escort of ten men." 
 
 " How lues he recruit ?" 
 
 " Well. Mr, he got nineteen men. along the Kdisto, and li fleer, 
 drought, their own rilles. His force is now forty-live, not fount- 
 ing ur pj-opie. who \\ill soon join us. He had a hrnsh with a 
 party of tones, under Lem Waters ; killed three, and took seven. 
 He. thinks of making a push for the Savannah, where there i 
 one Major Fulton, with a p- uiy. He will then come hack to 
 tLw KdiM". and peiliaps M-.iiit alioiit the Ashley in hopes of 
 
i: \IT. 1 i:; 
 
 pit-kin:, up a train of wagOOS, H is mightily in \\anl ..!" ; 
 and hall. and lirir* ilia! \m \\ill -end him all you h:i\- : 
 
 II 11111st look tn til.- h,,\V ;,|,,1 ;,; 
 
 n. Still. I am in boptt I" iiir.ir fT him, if my 
 
 :,irns out \vcll. Hut even thin- is douhlfu! yd. 
 Did y<>u irrt any tidin-s alt-ui: the n 
 
 hini: mu.-h, sir. Tin- country s n . r\ \\here. 
 
 ii"\v CM tin- other ; and I I. 
 
 \\here <>f small parties. -raiheriMLr up cattle ami pr- 
 
 The examination \vas still further pursued ; 1 !i has 
 
 -lid to show the whereabouts a nd the pel format 
 I Walton, which were the chief o!,j ; (etOO The 
 
 CD ivjoined the n-t ; and. : iiivtniclions 
 
 Uld SUggesdong, SingletOD led Lieutenan; P mmuni 
 
 catc his more private \\ iv 
 
 "At tuclve tomorrow," >aid he. "I expcd to IT in the 
 
 rhood of ilie Ki-jliih Mill- ami (Quarter 11.. u~. At 
 other of the-e pl;n--. Cud \\iilii!-. ! hope to he at that hour. 
 I \M -!I you to (Toss the river \viil: ly, ami >helUT 
 
 rei i:i tin- v-A.-imp ! ,,rev| alon- the h.^^i^ 
 
 out \\ith instructions \ tt k< ep \\atch upon l.oth the (^u.-irt. 
 Mile 11. UM . A < ouple of ( hosen men. ijuirk am! 
 si-hted, mu-t he \\ithiii hearin-, luit clofle, in the thicUct of 
 I /anl s camp. Should they hear a tripple i.la-J of my hom.uilli 
 and then another h!a-t, let : :;|i all 
 
 spc-d. to the point from \\hich I sound. I., t them 
 
 1 a> In-.-:. . .ml see that their ; lit for 
 
 service. Hut on no account let them dMurli :n... ali ii.ir 
 
 the roiiti-. 
 
 " Suppose a convoy for I >< !< -In -! i . tinder 8 -mail miard? " 
 
 it |>a.s.s \\jtlniiit disturhance. and let th m not >ln.\v them 
 on an\ pretext, or \\ith any temptation in tir 
 they ], Mai." 
 
 "W( -u-lv ill want of e\er\thi 
 
 horn, and half a do/en <-r ado/en Lulhts. t.. each man. is ., 
 
 Silt i^ . d 
 
 " 1 know all your \\aiits. and I 
 hut I have ohjects in \ie\\ of .still m.-re iinp.,r i they 
 
1 1-1 K A THAI: INK WALTON. 
 
 inu>t not he perilled even to supply our deficient i.-. I.et these 
 instructions he closely followed lieutenant if you please. 1 shall 
 probably find an opportunity of seeing and speaking with you, in 
 the evening, on my return route to Dorchester," 
 
 " Do you venture there again ? " 
 
 "There, or to the Oaks! " 
 
 14 la there anything more, Colonel Singleton, in the way of 
 instructions?" 
 
 Nothing." 
 
 "Then let me have a word, colonel; and you will excuse me if I 
 speak quite as much as a friend as a subordinate. " 
 
 11 .My dear I orgy " 
 
 " Ah, colonel " 
 
 11 Let me say, once for all, that I regard you as a comrade 
 aluays, and this implies as indulgent a friendship as comports 
 with duty." 
 
 "Do I not know it? I thank you! I thank you from the 
 bottom of my heart! and I have a heart. Singleton by 
 Apollo, L have a heart, though the rascally dimensions of my 
 stomach may sometimes interfere with it. And now to the 
 matter. 1 am concerned about you. lam." 
 
 How-" 
 
 " Asa suldier, and a brave one, of course you know that you 
 are liable to I.,- killed at any moment. A wilful bullet, a sweep 
 ing sword >troke. or the angry push of a rusty bayonet, in bad 
 hands, may disturb as readily the function of the bowels in a 
 colonel as in u lieutenant. FT either of these mischances, the 
 ional soldier is supposed, at all times, to be prepared; 
 and 1 believe that W( < to our duties without gi\ing much 
 
 heed U) tfa < "ntingi ncies that belong to them." 
 
 "I am sure that //" /, do, lieutenant." 
 
 "Call me I oi-y. colonel, if you please, while we speak of 
 matters a-ide from buine-s. If I am proud of anything, it is 
 of the affection- of HIO.M- whom I esteem." 
 
 < - : 
 
 " Now, my dear colonel, that you should die by a bullet, broad 
 sword, or bayonet, is nothing particularly objectionable, consid 
 ering our vocation. It may be something of an inconvenience to 
 
vrooix i; \ I i. 
 
 you physically; lint it is nothing tli:il y<>ur friend- sh<. u ld have 
 to he ashamed of. But to lic hy tin- halter, ( i>l<>nel 
 
 a knitted handkerchief of hemp to 
 
 the knot beneath the left tar throwing the head a\\k\\anllv 
 on the opposite side, inMe;"! :;ILT it with the Adam s 
 
 apple to IK- made the fruit of the tree against the nature (if the 
 tree to be hitched into :u d tinil" 
 
 ,th of a dotr. after living the life of a man this 
 sir. would lie a -u!> at humiliation to all your friends, 
 
 and must, I take it, be a subject of painful consideration to your 
 
 " Very decidedly. I or-v," was the reply of the oilier, with a good- 
 natured laii.irh. 
 
 " Why will you incur the dangers of such a fat> I 
 
 what your friends have a rL r ht to a-k. Why p;/ 
 bound. M it were, haiul and foot, in the krepini: of tin 
 Philistines, wlio would truss you up at any moiin 
 swin^ini; limh \\ith as little IT morse as the male . \hiliits 
 
 wh ii he s\\ allows a liecatomli of his o\\ n kidney. Why 
 al Dorehefter, with this dan-cr perjK-tually 
 
 you in the face ? Tin ! aiv fe\\ n,, Q 
 and the place is badly iruaided. The force at i 
 is not so irreat but that, with Col. \\alton s sijuadn : 
 attempt it. Say the word, and, in ! h.-ur-. v. 
 
 harry Imih hoi^e^ ; and if must be done ! 
 
 thebenelit of The ( > .tier. why. in <;..,! . name, let 
 
 JJriti-h ,!! - invt r;i d AH. 1 mi^ht : 
 
 suadeil. in the ca<e of one of these bloody heathens, to think the 
 y one, Hi; i :un a living 
 
 man. ii would tak- awa\ my app-li - 
 
 ile the da 
 
 a bit I tell \.ni - de- 
 
 Their cruellie- are i.. :dy . and for thi-% reason, 
 
 that th-\ find the stale ui : So loiiir a there i* A 
 
 sinirle squad like our- between the I cdee and the Sa\ai.: 
 is there a hope for us ami a hate for them. Hear to n 
 one!, and i-euan- : Th. re is d.-adl> p. ril in the risks uh; 
 
 take." 
 
111! K \ TIIAUNK WALTON. 
 
 "Iknow that thriv is risk, 1 nriry ; hut then- are great gains de 
 pending upon these risks, and they muM be undertaken by sc mebody. 
 
 Our spies undertake such ri.sks daily." 
 
 " A -p\ H a spy, colonel, and nothing but a spy. He was born t<> 
 a sp\ a lift 1 and a spy s destiny. He knows his nature ami the end nf 
 his creation, and he i^oes {> his end as to a matter of obliga 
 tion. He includes the price of the halter, and the inconvenience 
 insulation, in the amount which he charges for the duty 
 to be done. Hut we \vlio get no pay at all, and fight for the 
 fun and the- freedom of the thing onlythere s no obligation upon 
 us to attune the duty (f another, at ihe risk of making a bad 
 picture, and feeling uncomfortable in our last moments. Mo law of 
 duty can exact of me that I shall not only die, but die of rope, mak 
 ing an unhandsome corse, with my head awfully twisted from the 
 centre of gravity, where only it could lie at < a^e ! My dear colonel, 
 think of this ! Say the word ! and light, scout, or only scrimmage, 
 we ll share all risks v.ith you, whether the word be Oaks or Dor 
 chester " 
 
 "The peril will be soon ov. r. IWgy. Three days w ilu-nd it, in all 
 probability; and, in that time, the same prudence which Sias kept me 
 ion- will probably prevail to s - cure meto the end. Have no fears 
 and do i!! for-et that you can always strike in at the last moment. 
 Your- all that goes on, and. in a moment of dan.- 
 
 know the signal." 
 
 "B i BO! we re ready! Still I could wish it otherwise. 
 lint, by the way, talking of what we see, there s something that 
 Host wick has to tell you. He was stationed between The 
 Oak- and I >orchester during the afternoon, and came in s,i,m 
 after dark. Here, IJi.stwirk ! " and ji^tlie fellow came out of the 
 front to the place where the two had been col.versinir, 
 continued : 
 
 "The colonel \\ants to hear of you what took place between the 
 commandant of the post of Dorchester, Major Yaii.dian. and the 
 chunk 1 fellow, whom you did not know." 
 
 wick told hi- stnry. which was brielly this. He liad MOD 
 
 Vani/haii ride toward "The Oaks." and saw him returning to 
 
 -ter }\i-\ before ilark. \\ hen within a mile of "The 
 
 Oak Vau.-han drew up and dismounted, leading his hor.se. 
 
WOODCRAFT, I I , 
 
 a>ide from tin- road ami close t<> the thicket in \\liirh l ,,i-i u j ( k lu\- 
 
 tied. Hi re he \\ a- -oon joim-d by a " rum iky ml faced fellow, 
 
 Bribed him, and a eon\< r-atioii of -e\eral minutes 
 
 tookj 11 the two, a portion of which onlj MigiMe 
 
 to tin- scout. The name- of Proctor ami Furm- . h" 
 several times mentioned by both parties; and Yaunh \\as evidently 
 inuch interested in the subject. At length, th-- stranuvr, whom he 
 called ".!ohn," -ave him two letters, or folded papers. \\hich 
 
 ill opened and read eairerly. Ho-tui.k heard hi: 
 distinctly: 
 
 "The-e, .lolm. are v-ry important. I n.w ne Wl 
 kno\\lel L r e. Find me nunv of tlie-e paper-. .I..hn. He must have 
 other-. These do not tell all, yet he km :ii,>l:hei, 
 
 tin- watch when he receives a ne\\ 
 Y..II will irive them hack to me," >aid .lolm. " now that you 
 
 ail them." 
 
 i cs, when 1 have copied them. You shall have tliem lo-nior 
 row. You say that he shoued these p:i: I tain Furn- 
 
 ur honor; luit he had them on the bed>id. 
 they talked together. 1 saw them through the keyhole." 
 
 With that." continued IJoMuick. "the major took a pi 
 t^cihl iiuuiuy from his jxu-ket and dropped it boide him %\ 1 
 
 The (>th, r -tooped and picked it up. and offend it to the 
 major, who -aid. Keep it for \our ho.ie-t^ . .li-hn. They had some 
 thing more to -ay. but I couldn t make it out, though I listened hard, 
 thinking it mi-lit con-arn you. n.l..nrl. After that, the major 
 mounted ami put olT, and 1 tracked the other hack to Tin 
 
 : in ji-t when you returned from riding with M 
 "Thank you. lin-t \\iek MIC me:u-\ ru me. 
 
 You a: -ellow. and thoiiirh I have m> ^..Id pieces to drop for 
 
 your benefit, y 1 for your him. 
 
 The hush. hoi which brought him ! the eiicauipnu-nt 
 
 of his follower-, the fan-uell of Sin-li -toji \\a- m> Mich formal leave 
 taking :is tlistinu ipshrs the military martinet. It \\a^ th- 
 tionate farewell of coinraih .-. \\ln> felt that th- .Mini; 
 
 friend rather than a super 
 
i48 KATIIAKINi: WALTOJf. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 HOW TO I l.A Y WITH KNAVES. 
 
 OUR partisan returned, without being discovered, to the mansion 
 house at "The Oaks," and reached his room in silence. Hewa- 
 soon asleep, for. with a mind at ease and habits .if physical activity, 
 
 iieep ts never slow to bring us the needful succor. In the morning 
 
 he was ii]) betimes and soon made his way to the chainlier of 
 Proctor, who still slept the unsatisfactory, uneasy sleep of anxiety 
 and apprehension. Singleton had already thought of what he should 
 do and say in regard to the iv\ lalion which he felt that it \\a- 06060 
 sary to make to his new companion. There was .some dilliculty in 
 accounting for the information he hail acquired, touching the faith- 
 of Proctor s srr\ ant, John; Imt our jiartisan had discuss, d 
 the matter calmly in his own mind, and had come to the conclusion 
 that Proctor should hear of the important fact, without being suffered 
 to ask for an authority. This reservation in the case of a man of 
 character and good MOM like Singh-ton was not a matter of 
 dilliculty. 
 
 The treacherous servant, knowing his master s habits of late 
 rising, was absent. Singleton ascertained this fact before pro 
 ceeding to Proctor s chamber. He thought it not improbable 
 that John had gone to a meeting with Vauglian, with the \ie\v 
 to the seasonable recovery of the letters; and, possibly to 
 receive instructions for the future. It was important to avail 
 himself of his absence, the better to effect his exposure. The 
 liritish major was somewhat surprised to find Singleton in his 
 chamber. 
 
\\ h\ . what s the matter. FI, MI devilNi -lad t<> -ce y.u ; 
 
 lull vv hy 
 
 1 i . ! . . . you directly after breakfast, and had sometii 
 
 sav to v ou in private. whi<h i regard as of moment in v our-< If. par 
 ticularly at this juncture." 
 "Ali 1 but whither : 
 
 . w. to inert with (l.neral Willianisiui. at the (Quarter 
 
 
 And what s this hu-ii,. 
 
 "I have made a little di-covery. Proctor, but cannot now inform 
 you in what manner I have made it, nor who are my authorities. 
 On thi< point, you mu-t a>k me n<> question-, for I shall certainly 
 an-wt r none. In fact, a little secret of my ov\ n is involved in the 
 matter, and this must make you content with what I shall IM- willing 
 to disclose, lint you will lose nothing. All that i- ini|>ortaiii 
 shall Iw told, and it n: you when I a--ure you solemnly that 
 
 it comes from the most uiKjuotioiiable soiin i -. YOU may sa: 
 all." 
 
 On your own condition-, then. I have the utmost 
 faith in your a ura- 
 
 " I thank you; and, first, can you let m< iwo h tiers 
 
 of your aiionymoii- correspondent : " 
 
 iiul 1 roctor leajidl mil of U-.I. threw mi hi 
 
 ifi fin i Mch his , The It tters 
 
 \\eiv not forthcomiiiLr. His trunks were next overhaulid, hi> 
 
 case. t!. of his rout they wne now h. re to be 
 found. 
 
 "I am satistied," said Singleton; "I fe, 1 sure that you) 
 
 " I must have taken them with me. and left ti. 
 stall-." 
 
 . they are in the hand- of Vaii^ han. yo , 
 " How What mean yOUT" <h inanded the other. 
 
 i. ton then related \vhat he had heard of the int. 
 between Vau-han and the fdl..w John, a- r,.-twi(k 
 suppr. e, all the . of information; 
 
 hut othervvi-r withholdin- n..tl. ;..r was in a rage of indig 
 
 nation. 
 
150 KATIIAIMN i: 
 
 "Fooi that I wa-: and I saw nothing; I -u-pected nothing; 
 and this execrable scoundrel lias been a spy upon my footsteps. 
 Heaven knows how Ion- lint I shall have the satisfaction, 
 before I send him adrift, of reading him such a lesson with the 
 horse-whip as shall he a perpetual endorsement to his back and char 
 acter." 
 
 " You will do no such thinir. Proctor," said Singleton, coolly, 
 while goin^ to the door and looking out upon the paaL r e. It was 
 clear, and he returned. 
 
 "Dress yourself at once. Proctor, and come with me to my cham 
 ber. It is more secure from eavesdroppers than this apartment. 
 And, lir>t, let me entreat that you will bridle your anger; and, above 
 all. sull er not this fellew to see or to sus|icrt it. Let me exhort you 
 to beuin, from this moment, the labor of self-restraint. Yoursucce-> 
 in extricating yourself from the dilliculty in which you stand, will 
 be found in the adoption of that marble like coldness of character 
 which really confers so much strength upon your enemy. You must 
 be cool, at least, and silent too. Come, hasten your dres-ini;, for I 
 have much to siy, and shall have little time to say it in before 
 breakfast." 
 
 Proctor already deferred to the prompt, cncriretie and clear-headed 
 character of Singleton. He stared at him a moment, and then pro 
 ceeded to obey him. His ioilet \\ as as quickly made as possible, 
 and they \\eiv >o.n in Sinirlrlon s chamber. The latter then 
 renewed the subject, and centimied his counsels in the following 
 fashion: 
 
 " You have lived Imi^ enough, my dear I rr-tor. in our south 
 ern country, to know something of the rattlesnake. If you have 
 <-ver had OCC.-MOM to walk into our wo ds of a summer ni^ht, 
 and to have -nddrnly heard the rattle sounded near you. you 
 can very well conceive the terror which such a sound will in 
 spire in the boM.m of ;tny man. It is a present mid a pn --in-- 
 danger, but you know not from what quarter to expect the blow. 
 The riniriiiLT seems to iro on all around JTOU. x - i fanev 
 Keif in a very n-t of snake--; and you are fixed, fro/en, expect 
 ing your death every moment, yet dread to attempt your escape 
 dread to lift a foot lest you pro\<>ke the bite \\hich is mortal. 
 It is the very inability to fare the enemy, to see where he lies 
 
H<)\\ T> 1 I.A^ WITH KN | 1 T, 1 
 
 in ambush, tliat i> the chief occasion of your terror. C..uM you 
 see him could you look mi him \\heiv hr li,-v though 
 almost at your feet, head thrown hack, jaws wide, fan 
 truded. and eyes hla/im:. a> it \\ere. with a coppery luslr. 
 would have no apprehensions he would, in fact, he hannl> 
 
 ilil survey him at your leisure, and knock him quietly on the 
 BOOB a* y OU had satisfied your curio-ity. | 
 a> particularly fortunate that you have di-( -oven-d. in this ii 
 where your chief l:r : your enemy. You know 
 
 where he is. You know through what apucy he work-, and notli 
 lian to keep your eye upon him. follow him in all 
 bis Windings, and cru<h him with your In el at the most fa- 
 moment. Your man John is the pilot to your rattl. . You an- 
 yn.l.!,l,ly aware that the rattleMiake ha^ hi- pilot . a- the .hark hi-. 
 and the lion hi- 
 N if | 
 
 : and ><> far from showing yourx If an>:ry with this 
 
 <:<>od f<-llow John, W hoM- lielievoleix -e i- Mich that he would M-r\r 
 
 -so far from diMiiis>ini: him with the horsewhip your 
 policy i- not even to let him know what you have di-( ..\en d. He 
 will prolalily brini: Imrk tlu-e letters quieily, and you will find 
 them, afti-r you return from breakfast, in the projx-r |>! 
 your iftf rifir; and NOU will show yoiir-elf quite a- un-:. 
 
 "And keep the fellow still in my BOTTl 
 
 viire. for Ihe best of reaaODSl Through him you in 
 
 able to ajcertain the game of his employer. l ,\ him you will pn.i. 
 
 ably trace out the winding of his . IV ,-. You will simjily 
 
 laki- i in Jo put no important se< rets in Ids u 
 
 " P.ut he has ! n,, ,\> t \i\,i trunk ai. I 
 
 that I ha\. 
 
 "M08( probably, and you will suffer him to /,,/, tliem; only 
 me other hidii \s hi< Ii 
 
 you are sec-iirr that i no key. --imply breaii-e "1" : 
 
 noraiK e of tl)r hidii < >rdinary i \\ill put away 
 
 in the old places as b. ! : \ 
 
 t> know this handwriting uhi-h \-ii ! IH-I 
 
 |,y put tin- otln-r MM in his way. 
 
152 K.\ THAI; FNI: WALTON. 
 
 Imitate the hand occasionally write yourself a few billetsdoiix 
 now and then and yon ma;. little -chemps for inter 
 
 views between yoursdt and the unknown fair one, upon which your 
 xccllent fellow .John will maintain a certain waK h: and /, 
 maintain your watch <>n him. It is now certain, from what Yauphan 
 id, that the handwriting is known to him, and that jt is a 
 woman s ! " 
 
 " But the wearisome toil of such a watch the annoying feeling 
 that you have such a rascal about you." 
 
 "Very annoying, doubtless, and troublesome; but it is one of 
 those necessities which occur in almost every life- - where a man has 
 to endure much, and Struggle much, and exert all his manhood to 
 secure safety or redress, or venp ance." 
 
 " Ha ! that is the word ! venp ance ! and I will have it !" 
 
 " It is an advantage to keep .John, that you do know him. Dis 
 
 mi him and you warn YauL r han and himself that he is suspected 
 possibly discovered. Thi>mak-- :ny cautious. He still may 
 
 employ .lohn to your disservice, thou-h you employ him not. 
 Should you p-t another servant are you better sure of his fidelity . 
 I> it not just as likely that he will be bought and bribed al-o ? Will 
 yiyj doubt him? -can you confide in him? Neither, exactly 
 both, certainly to some extent ! Why not confide in .lohn to the 
 same extent ? In other words, confide in neither. Semi not to MIS 
 pe( t him, but leave nothing at his mercy. This is simply a proper. 
 manly "vigilance where \ou are surrounded by enemies, and where 
 
 their slratepms and your incaution have already L-iven them an 
 advantap in the campaign." 
 
 " Ah ! Fumes-, had I your a i-tance ? " 
 
 " You do not need it. K\ert your own faculties and subdue 
 your passion until \ <u are certain of your prey. If you be not 
 coo], patient, watchful, you arc lost in the -;i uuiile. Are you a 
 man? lien- i> one of the mo-t admirable of all opportunities to 
 MMll and prove your manhood. Any blockhead with the or 
 dinary gentlemanly endowment of courap- can tiirht through 
 the enemy - rank-. Of perMi with honor. P.ut it is the noblest 
 manhood, that in which courage is twined with thought, to li-rht 
 onlv at your pleasure, and malsc \oiir intellect the shield in the 
 
n\v TO PLA1 WITH UNA- 108 
 
 not fear that I -hail <: ..,],, M y,, u 
 
 need a friend." 
 
 "Itliank you. You arc ri-lit. I I M 1 that I ran <i 
 M-l. ami I iU d> it. Let me have your further COUIIM ; 
 
 ed n.it pursue in ;, ii\- which he 
 
 lie detail- of that p -liey with which he 
 
 Jit to impress his companion. IM.u lor \\a- l.y IK. mcai 
 mail in fact. In- was rather i apaMe of thought and 
 
 . of latent > i.idi iKt-d.-d nothini: hut the spur of a 
 
 will which had imt yd IM-I-II forced into sullicicnt activity. ; 
 si!|t. rior will of Sin-lcton finally stimulated his own. lie a* U: 
 
 i tacitly deferred to it. The other f 
 
 OU8 ill 1. ami they \\erc- tho>e of a vigilant mind. 
 
 sharpen, d hy practice, and naturally well endowed with foresight 
 and cireum-p.i -lion. II. injireheii-: t all the diffi 
 
 culties in the way of tin- J>riii-h otlicer. and sue.eedtd in pointing 
 out to him where, and in what manner he would ino-t pmliahly find 
 lh- cl-\\s which would Micces^f-.illy lead him out from ainoii 
 
 enemies, We need only give hi* clodng com \hat 
 
 :i II- at pr. 
 
 ix-t think of 1, -avinir The < >ak- ju-t now. IV... t. r \l* main 
 
 ,-ill- the CM -client .Inhll with \ oil Ulltil VoIlT 1111(1 
 
 
 
 man he ha- with him can Liive him little help, and he kn\\- it. He 
 is di^p.i-i-d to conciliate vou. and I would not show my-elf hosti! 
 sii-pieimis. 1 1 may serve you M>n:e\\ hat . a- \\ell a- ( rud< n 
 
 II poli< y i- to i:ain time, and to IK 9* 
 
 near your .-11. r: !>!<. airordini: him all hi- ; l>rtuni- 
 
 his can In- !"tie uilli pnij.ricty. For thi- \..u ha. 
 
 i i-u.l. it r. tnaii i, \\ iiii- 
 
 ML lady. th<> daughter of Walton, in wh.-m 
 
 app. ar to h;i\r an inter. -t. H.ralTaii- may well need the jurist. -.- 
 of -ueh a friend a- \ <>ur-i If." 
 
 The call to l.nakfa-t DT :i to the ; 
 
 ter. I nx tor j.layed hi -fully, and the fellow had 
 
154 K A THAI; INK WALTON. 
 
 no suspicions, though somewhat surprised In find the former up and 
 dressed, and in the chamlicr of the loyalist. Furm-. We may add 
 that, when Proctor looked into b\B MCritoir, an hour after Sinirlelon s 
 departure, lie found the inis>in.u; letters in the place where he kept 
 them usually. Our partisan left "The Oaks" soon after breakfast, 
 his farewells bein-exchan-rd with Cruden and his nephew at the 
 table. A silent but emphatic squee/.e of the hand, on the part of 
 Pn.ctor, spoke more impressively than words the warmth of that 
 youni; man s feelings. 
 
SURPRISE. 1 
 
 on A i >r r i-:ii xv 1 1. 
 
 BUKPRl 
 
 KIHTNT, slowly, and looking about him with a curious r 
 as he rode, Singleton did not reach his place .f de-tination till 
 nearly one o clock. II. WttB nt unconsciou-. g 
 
 :t-ional intimations in the foiv-t that hi- friends v 
 at the designated points of watch. At intervals, the hoot: 
 
 . . 1. or a sharp whistle, familiar to Marion s n.. 
 him where to look for them in the moment of lie 
 
 : was not without his weapon-, thou-h the small-- . 
 
 v alone \\ ;; s vi-ihle. An excellent pair "I 
 
 eealed within the am]>le folds of his hunting shirt , and a Iwaiiti- 
 fully polMied horn was slun.i: al o .it hi- neck. With a ll. 
 powerful steed of tl. . :ri;iMi:i blood, well-trained, ami ac- 
 
 eustoi!. v cheerfully the simple-! \\ord of his rid- 
 
 i:leton felt as perfectly confident of his own >eciirity a- it 
 sihlc for one to feel under any eirciim-iaiu . 
 with coolne-s. accordingly, to the place of m.ilini:, \\ith a ; 
 for whom, at that period, the patriot- ,,f South Carolina felt nothing 
 hut loathing aixl contempt. 
 
 ral \\illiam-on. the per-on thus regarded. ITM a S 
 man, who had prohably enlereil the colon!, - \e or 
 
 fore, and had aeijiiiri-d con-ideral le so< ial and 
 {Militical intluenee in the upjii-r country -the re-ion \\hich he 
 occupied lieiiiLT riirina!ly -it led in irn-at pai 
 direct from the Old \Vorld. or immediately from I" 
 and N .. In the tir-t dawnin- "f the K,-v..lu- 
 
 stniLT^le. \\ il!iam-oi: \ith the 
 
 party. It is prohahle that he WAI -d in this dii. 
 
l56 KATH Vl;i.\ i: \\ ALTON. 
 
 rather in consequence of certain l>c;il rivalries in the interior, 
 and because of the judicious p< TMia>i<>iix, or tlatterics, of the 
 leading men of the lower country Drayton, Laurcns, and 
 others than because of any ival activity of liis sympathies 
 with the cause of colonial independence, lie was an illiterate, 
 but shrewd pei-s.-n ; and as a colonel first, and finally a general 
 of militia, he behaved well, and operated successfully in sundry 
 conflicts with the Indians of the; frontier and the loyalists of his 
 own precincts. The fall of Charleston, which temporarily pn>- 
 trated the strength of the slate, threw him into the arms of the 
 enemy. He took what is commonly known as a "British pro 
 tection," by which lie professed to observe a neutrality during 
 the pro^re-s- of the war. In the condition of affairs the utter 
 overthrow of the army of the south, the belief thai its resources 
 were exhausted, and the irrowin.ir opinion that Congress would 
 be compelled, through similar exhaustion of resource. 1o yield to 
 the 1)1 itisli. at least the two colonies of (leor^ia and South Caro 
 lina, both of which were coven d by the invading army Ihis 
 measure, on the part of Williamson, was perhaps not so ceiiMir 
 able. The same act had been performed by many others in 
 conspicuous positions, who could oll i r no such apology as Wil 
 liamson, lie was a foreigner; originally a subject of the Drilish 
 crown ; sjinin.ir from a people remarkable always for their l..y 
 ally, and whose allinitii- \M n naturally due to the cause of 
 IJritain. 15ut Williamson s error \\as not limited to the taking 
 of " protection." He lock up his abode within the walla of 
 Charleston, and it became the policy of the liritiMi to employ 
 
 influence auaih-t the cause for which he hail so recently 
 been in arms. In this new relation, it is doubtful if he c\< i, M ,1 
 much intluence with the borderers \\hom he descried. It \\a- 
 enough that Midi Were understood o be his new objects. by 
 which lie h.id siciired, in especial deL r ree, the favor of the P>rit 
 i-h commandant at Charlrv-toii. The atl air of Arnold, in tin- 
 north, furnished a name to Williamson in the south ; and when 
 
 n of subs-eijuenily to the detection of Arnold s treason he 
 was distinguished as the "Arnold of Carolina." This summary 
 will sulliciently serve as introductory to uhat follows. It was 
 to Confer with thi hus odiou-ly distin-uished. that we 
 
tin.1 Colonel Sinirleion. oi M le, in the 
 
 ter :uul co.-tuine of Captain Furm---. of the ln\ali-t rifles, OD 1 
 
 to the public hotel, some ci^hl mile- fi,,ni ( Ihf 
 
 Williamson had bpCD, -.mr\\hat impatiently, awailim: hi- I 
 in one of the chamber- of the lion !, whence he looked forth upon 
 the surrounding woods with the air of a man to \\h-.m all 
 him was utterly dista-t. ful A liriti-h dl 
 fallen in . some thirty yards fn.rn the dwelling, hi- hor-r b IB 
 en.. 1 U) swinging Hnib. and ready -addled and bitted. awai 1 
 the shade. 
 
 There was somethim: in what he >aw to darken the brow- of the 
 p-neral. who, wheeling away from the uindow. tlin-w 1 
 up.. n a .--at in the apartment, and. though tli- DO lire 
 
 on the hearth. dra\\iiiL r n-ai to it and thrustimr hi- li 
 the mantel Ib ut. well built : on the wintry 
 f f.rly. 1" rhap-. with large but wrinkle.l foreln-.-ul. ami 
 features rather prominent than imp: 1 "a* 
 thrown l)ack. hi- in^ cloudily upon the ml his 
 D at .-ueh an anirle a- simply prr^-m d his equilibrium. 
 His meditations \\.-rc n..| of an a-nmbie < -liar.-, dark 
 ened brows, and oeca-ional fragment- of -olilo.p. 1 them 
 to 1>C irl.M.my and vexatious He had many eaii<. - f,,r 
 trnt. if not apprehension He had MCTificed good I 
 ii..ii. and property. an<l ha.l found nothini: in tin- 
 surrender. Hi-; f.-nner comrtdefl were still in the 
 li^htinir, still apparently resolute in tl \\hicli li 
 abandoned, the | ,riti.-h slnn-th \\as M..I i: 
 hold l.-ss sure than l> 1 their tn-ainii-n! of him-elf. I 
 civil and Kapeetful, ttything but c..nlial was wholly 
 \v:inlinu r in \\anuth ; and th.-n- WM M" ap; 
 sition to confer up.n him any su -h command ftfl had 
 t.i Arnol.l. Wheih.r an app<>intn to that \\lii.li he 
 had enjoyed in tin- dili.-him-nt. would 
 him to hi- pr. -. nt n-l:iii,.i.s. it i- dillieult to ,h-tennin- 
 j.p.tTrr ha.l I,, n madr him. n.-r 1 "* " 
 h an appointment. Ib :i man of 
 
 etiterpri-e . but he could not d.-e- ive 1 l>^ 1 
 
 Hi.- Uiili-h authorities ha.l -h..\\n th.-n, ntctl in the 
 
1~S KATHARINE WAI 
 
 amount of strength which his acquisition had brought to their 
 Came. His desertion of the whip* had hccn followed by no 
 such numbers of his toriner associates R8, perhaps, his o\\ n 
 assurances had led liis present allies to expect. His labor- \\eiv 
 now chielly reduced to a maintenance ot a small correspondence 
 with persons of the interior, whom he -till hoped to inlluence, 
 and to such a conciliation of the humors of Balfour - whose 
 weaknesses ihe shrewd Scotchman had soon discovered as 
 would continue him in the in<> derate degree of favor which he 
 enjoyed. This statement \\ill serve to indicate the nature of 
 that surly and dissatisfied mood under which we tind him labor 
 
 Ing. 
 
 lie was thus found by Singleton as Captain Furness, of the 
 loyalists whose presence was announced by a little ii -ro. 
 habited only in a coarse cotton shirt readmit: to his heels. Of 
 the sliirht regard \\hieh Williamson was disposed to pay to bis 
 visitor, or to his objects, or to those of his British emplovers. we 
 may form a reasonable idea from the fact that he never changed 
 his position in the seat which he occupied , but still, even on the 
 entrance of the supposed loyalist, maintained his heels against 
 the mantel, with the chair in which he sat properlv balanced 
 upon its hind le^s. His head was simply turned upoi, his 
 shoulders eiK.uu h to suffer his eyes to lake in the form of his 
 visitor. 
 
 Sin-leton saw through the character of the man at a irlance. He 
 smiled slightly as their eyes encountered, and drew a rather favorable 
 inference from the treatment thus bestowed upon a se< HH IILT loyalist. 
 The auspice looked favorable to the interests of the patriotic party. 
 He approached, but did not seek, by any unneci -ary familiarity, to 
 break down tho-e barriers upon which the dignity of his superior 
 Beemed disposed to insist. At once putt ins: on the simple forester. 
 Sinsjleton addressed him 
 
 " You re the general <Jim-i-al \\illiam-nn 1 reckon?" 
 
 " Y..II are rinht, sir. I am (ieiier.-i! \\ iiliain-on You. I luppose, 
 are Captain Furness, of the loyalist ritles ?" 
 
 " The >;inie. general, and your humble ^crvant. 
 
 "Take a seat, cajitain," \\as Che nspOOSe Of William^. n. never 
 
ink you, Blr, and I will." -aid the other. c.M.lly. dra\\ 
 : within convenient >iH-aUiiii: di-ta: 
 
 YOU bl . ttei iptain Fimie-s. fr..n: ( , .{..nels 
 
 Fletchall, IVari-. an-i .\ca!l Ymi arc in wai: ; 
 
 1 :i thi< -ul.ject, I am aulhori/ed, l.y Colonel Halfour. I., tell 
 y U that .i train of \\auons \vill vet forth to-m 
 
 <>nr <>f tli ially de-i-ned for your ( ,.mmand, 
 
 c ontainini; all your requisitions. It is that \vhicli is nu: 
 eleven. Tin- train will be under a -mall niai.ded l.y 
 
 Lieutenant .Meadow-, whom ymi are iei|ue-t((l \<, a i-t in his jim- 
 
 The rtMite will he l.y Xelxin s F.-rry I.. Camdi: 
 when \.u ha\e readied Caniden. y..ur u:tL r n will le d 
 and surrendered t> yi-ur <>\\n keepinir. VMI \\ill 
 coinmand t<> n-inle/viu< at that point. But hep ter .f 
 
 instrueticii< from Colonel Ualfour. which contain^ more particular 
 
 letOD t<><k the letter, \\liieh he read delil erately ami ptit 
 irefully in hi- liosom. A pau-e en-ued. \\ illiam-<>n I 
 hi- lei -, linally, and said 
 
 There H nothing further. ( aptain Funie-s. V..P have all that 
 
 Miire." 
 "There Were -ome letiei-. -enrral that I l.rouirlK for \ou."wa- 
 
 the BUg L I BtiOE Of >illL r leto|). 
 
 There \\ ; ,v a marke.l he-ilaiicy and di->ati-t a< lion in the re|Jy of 
 
 !iijiani(.n. 
 
 V. I, rfl my friend- nem t> think that 1 oiiulit \n write 
 \>y you to certain per-" horn 1 at 
 
 I do not know that Mich i- the case ; 
 
 -en if it :-tied that I -hall 
 
 friendly act to the p : to l.y ennui rn-iriu ihern. at 
 
 in new and perilous enterprises, and 
 
 form new relations directly oppo-itc to tho-e in \\hich th- 
 aetiriir now." 
 
 " Uut. ireiu-ral. the cau-e .f hi- rn.-i Mini: quit, 
 
 ainoni: u-. \\ f -ha n t he able to 1. : : a all. unless we 
 
 i out on our side such men a- \\ . < !uck. 
 
 Thomas Miller, and a fe\\ oil, 
 
 "That i- the \ .plain Furm-ss. that 1 am unwilling 
 
!<;<> KATHARINE VVALTOK. 
 
 to advise men, whom 1 so inucli esteem, to engage in an enterprise 
 
 which may ruin them foiv\er." 
 
 " How. general . 1 don t sec I don t understand." 
 Very likely. Captain Furne-s," said the other, quite impa 
 tiently. "You see, sir, though as much prepared as e\er to 
 promote the BUCCett >f his majesty s arms and to j-eril myself. I 
 do not see that it would he altogether proper for me, dealing 
 with friend-, in give them such counsel as would involve them 
 in useless dangers, or encourage them in enterprises, the fruits 
 of which may not he profitable to the cause I espouse, and 
 fatal to themselves. In the lir>t place, 1 doubt greatly if my 
 recommendation would have any effect upon the persons \.-u 
 mention. It is true, they were my friends and followers when 
 I served the whig cause ; but I see no reason to think that, in 
 changing sides, 1 continued to keep their respect and sympathy. 
 In the next place. I am not satisfied that the officers of the 
 crown, or the Ilritish government itself, are takimr the proper 
 coulee for pushing their conquers or securing the ground that 
 they have won. They hold forth no encouragement to the peo 
 pie of the soil. They do not treat well the native champions 
 who rise up for their cause. The provincials are not properly 
 esteemed. They, never get promotion ; they are never intrusted 
 with commands of dignity, or with any power by which they 
 could make themselves felt. The war languishes. No troops, 
 or very few, now arrive from (In-at Uritain , and these, chielly 
 lri>h. are better disposed to light // the rebels than tight 
 against them. In fact. sir. I see nothing to encourage our 
 friend^ in risking themselves, at this late day, in the struggle, 
 who are already committed, who have periled fame and 
 fortune on the caii-e. who cannot return to the ranks they have 
 abandoned, they must take their chances. I suppose; but even 
 DO proper motive \\hieh should urge them to persuade 
 ! whom they esteem into the field. I have already done 
 all that I could. When I first left the ranks of the \\ !. I 
 
 to these very p.: ing them the reasons which 
 
 governed me in my conduct, and urging these reasons upon 
 them as worthy ! the first consideration. To these letters I 
 received no answer What should prompt me to write 
 
I M 
 
 thrill airain . < >f \\ hat pov>ib] r a \ ; (i ; | now, 
 
 when their | vrealh Improving and their Btri 
 
 A proper pride. Captain 1 .1 the humiliation ol 
 
 performa; 
 
 " I -.mill have \\ Mird, (Imeral \Vili; 
 
 his t<>nc ami manner rhainriiii:. " that you could have found a 1. tier 
 rea.son than your pride for \oiir refusal to do \\liat 
 
 quired." 
 
 - Why, who an- you. rfrt w demanded Williamson, drauini: baek 
 hi> i hair, and cuiifnuitiiii: tin- s| <-ak- r for the tir-t time. 
 
 A -mile nfSin-lrtoii alone answered tlii- |Ue-tion, while hej.ro- 
 
 iii better ple:iM(l. -ir. to believe in another rea-on than that 
 \<>\i have trivrn forthis forbearanet-. Tin- il.-elim- of Kinrli^h pi.\\er 
 in the back country, and its \\rakne-- and bad management below, 
 
 mainly sullieient rea-on-, t,, k <-p the pair: 
 
 faith. But. sir, permit me to ; ^k if you have MilVerrd Colonel 
 Halfour to msped that you are likely to us,- this lan-ua^e I" 
 
 lettenl " 
 
 An air of alarm instantly over-pread the eountenaiu e of \Vil- 
 
 ain I a-k, \\lio ;, " I ly " i~ 
 
 lion. 
 
 in not exaetly what 1 M-nn. (Jeneral Williamson; but my pur- 
 
 Ifl not to inspire you with any apprehension." 
 AjWyOU not tlic son ,,f my \, ii, Table friend. Kphraim FI;- 
 of Nin- 
 
 I am not, >ir ; I will mystify you no Imi-er. i :i I>ur- 
 
 p08C8, I have borrowed the ( haraetrr of Captain Furne^s. \\hojsin 
 mv hand> a prisoner. I am, sjr, ( oloiiel Singleton. - 
 
 , 
 
 Williamson spiani: in horror to hi- 
 
 I la sir : of Marion s bii-ade 1 What [fl yur pur|Ms with me ? 
 what do you deMLMi? 1 ).. y..u kix.w. sir, that in my 
 
 that I lia\e only [<> sunnnon J your life a.s 
 
 a spy and a traitor is in my ha- 
 
 ral Williamso,,; do : . : v, If. It : 
 
 who are in my hand-. \iur ilragiMHis to the contrary not withstand- 
 
KATHARINE WALTON. 
 
 ini;! A single word from vou.sii, above your ir.. a tli, ami I blow out 
 yetir hrain^ without a scruple. 
 
 He .livw forth his pistols as he spoke Williamson, meanwhile, 
 W&s about to cross the room to possess himsdf of his small 
 that lay upon tin; table kSingiclcn hrew Jiimseh in ike way, a> he 
 proceed- -il tlius : 
 
 " I b me here unadvisedly , General Williamson, or with 
 
 out taking all necess;; y ])rc( autioiis, no , only for ///// sifety but for 
 
 1 have only to sound this buule ami the IIOUM is Mir 
 
 rounded by the best men of Marion Vou know t1nir quality, and 
 you have heard of me! lvalue ben-, expecting to find you in : he 
 very mood in which you ^how yourself discontented Humbled 
 o the du- by \ our own thoughts cooBcious and lepentiog of error 
 
 di>s ;i tistied witb the British dissatisfied with your new alii- 
 unce, and anxious t,> escape all furthei eorneetion with it, as 
 equally satisfied that it is fatal to your future hopes and di-hoiior 
 aide, to your name. But I came al>o jirepared, it disappointed in 
 .deulations, to make you my pn< >n< r, and subject y-,>\i, -i> ;; 
 traitor to the Anieiican cause, to a summary trial, and a felon s 
 death." 
 
 A blank constornntii n over-pread the visairc "f Wiriaiuson. If 
 was under the eye of a maMer an eye thai locked into his m \n 
 with all the ea^er wa!< h of the hawk or the ea- le, and with all the 
 stern confidence in his own strength which tills the soui of the tiiier 
 or the lion. The it Stood OUt in ureat - lops upon the brow 
 
 of the victim ; he attempted to speak, but his voice failed him , and 
 still he wavered, \\iih an inclining to the window, as if he still 
 ; of Mimmonim: the drairoon to !d> assistance, IJ .it the native 
 ! his inielleet, and his manho. ,-IK to his relief, lie 
 
 folded his arms acro^- liis brea-t, and 1 i^ form unce moi-e became 
 -leady and erect 
 
 " You have your j-istols, Col..nci ^inirleton 1\<- them you 
 
 .t Kill use them you shall have mv life, if that is what you 
 
 but I will never yield myself alive to the power of your 
 
 people." 
 
 ^ou mu-t not be sullVrcd to mistake me, (Jeiieral William 
 son. If 1 have been compelled to utter myself in the words of 
 ninir, it was an alternative, which you have the powi r to 
 
81 BPB1 
 
 Hot wMl your dralll. We \\ Ml . \\ r 
 
 know, as wel, if, that the power of the I .iitMi i.s d< elininu 
 
 that tin- clays of their aullioriiy an- numb, r, d. We know U,,. 
 apolo-y which can In- made fur your ! -ertion of the Aim-: 
 
 ,- 
 
 i- n:y judge, < olouel SiiiLTlrlon, I never 
 
 until it had descried inc. 1 M omniended tin- p:< 
 
 lion our IP- ttercd We hail no army left. i;-au- 
 
 fort was cut In piece, our cavalry <li>! : < ..ulil 
 
 ull do iiotliini: f,,| u - :iiid, in de-pail ! a; 
 
 not knowing wliere to turn. I siirned li i instrument which 
 
 \\a- artfully put !>.! . iv u- at this juncture, aril which oIT. red u> a 
 ]>o-ilion of neutrality, when it was no 1 If, r 
 
 cc." 
 
 V ii could have ilctl. general, a^ hundreds of us did. to North 
 .ina anil Virginia, to he in readine-s for better tinu 
 
 i sir; luit BO al>o nii^ht your kiiiMiiaii, Colonel 
 
 Walton." 
 
 Sin-let..!) was >ileli<-ed 1 or a lllollieli t 1 iy 1 he retort ; bll 1 
 for the pui-|>ox,., of reply. 
 
 " ( oloiu-1 Walton i, 11,,-A atoning, -\\ord in hand, for hi- temporary 
 PeaknaH toderm HeWU too nnn h -"\.rned. Cencral William- 
 M ||. by < on-idelaliol:- -neli a--, no doubt. Weighed upon you. 
 had gnat wi-alfh and a favorite daii-hler." 
 
 "Ah! tin iv it i-> Thar. the melancholy truth Family 
 
 and land ti that DM chic. > It made 
 
 Ther- ..f real mental a _ r ony in the 
 
 the utterance of ti . which uio\..l th- Mtiou of 
 
 ton. II derly: 
 
 " rndouldedly. \ 1.11 had your ;.; ,1 \N illim 
 
 for much of ti, ^ fg 
 
 within your ; her unadu-.d of 
 
 \oiir >i;u:.tion, or of the till INIVM- 
 
 to the coui;ir\ I 1 : - l- ar that. . i-h iiiu-t In- 
 
 Jed fn.in the tA . i h it> future maa 
 
 I0IB, J II : : hildrvn. 
 
 your va>t Ian; equally tl. : at 
 
16-4 K A THAI; INK WALTON. 
 
 retire-lions an- pressing upon you. I knmr that you yourself, i.r one 
 whom I assume to be you you alone can determine if 1 am riuht - 
 I .avc already initiated tin- step^ for your return to the bosom of your 
 old friendships and associations Sir. 1 was in the tent of General 
 Greene when .Airs. Tliompson and her daughter reached liis presence 
 from the city." 
 
 "Ah: 
 
 "I saw a certain paper taken from the bosom of the uneonscioii- 
 elp ld by the mother. It had been put into her bosom by an ollieer 
 in Charleston, as she was about to leave Ihe city 
 
 "Enough, sir, cuou-h! And General Greene?" 
 
 " Look at this paper, Gum-nil Williamson." 
 
 Unscrew ing the hilt of his sword. Singleton drew forth a small, 
 neatly-folded billet, without signature or address, which contained 
 certain brief propositions. 
 
 "Head this iiaprr. general. There is nothing explicit in it, 
 nothing to involve any party. Hut il comes from General Marion, 
 with the approbation of General Greene; it is devi-ned for //""// and 
 you are ( ntn-ated to reco^ni/e ///* as fully authori/ed to explain their 
 :jnd to receive and report \ our own. ^ otl will be pleased to 
 learn from me that your situation, your feelings and your d-ir - are 
 ]H-rfeclly \unlerstood; and lhat they plcdirc themselves to i 
 their influence and power in procuring your honorable restoration to 
 the confidence of the country, upon your taking certain steps, \\hich 
 1 am prepared to explain, for putting yourself ri-ht once more in 
 relation to the cause for which \\eaie coiitendim:. It i^ \\ith you to 
 
 decide." 
 
 "Declare your Objects, your Wishes, Colonel Singleton. Say tin- 
 word, and 1 throw myself at once amon- the squadrons of Gr.-eiie. 
 and oli er my -\\ord once more in any capacity, in the service of my 
 country." 
 
 This \vas -aid e:r_-erl\. and with (jiiite as much eanicstn- 
 manner and feHinir as was called forth by the terms of ihc decla 
 ration. 
 
 " I am afraid, Genera, Williamson, thai you could do us but, 
 rvier by such a proceeding. You \\ould only endanger 
 
BtJBPBl jr,;, 
 
 \ourself without serviii- our . >, . T , (fed with you candidly, yo., 
 have a rxiian. i must approve yourself ;i frinnl 
 
 l.y ab.solule and valuah;, 
 
 .- ifli. There is no injustice in thi-. You will lemem 
 
 " w " lition, in 17?;, when Robert 
 
 Cunningham came into your camp and offered hi. - 
 
 objected that, however willing younelf to contide in ; 
 
 the prejudices ,,f your p. opU, ( , )U 1,1 not be overcome with p. 
 to him. Hi- CMC then, i- 70011 now. To show yourself m 
 our troops \\ould be to peril your life onlv. I could not uu 
 for II 
 
 In the name of (Jo<l, then, what am I to do? H,, w r;in I 
 
 \Vhereyou are in the ramp in the city of th.- rnnnv," an 
 Singleton, impn--i\ely n-iiiiLf his haml ujH.n the wri-i of hi> 
 anion, "you may do us a service of tin- laM importance, th- 
 suits of wliirh will he eminently -reat the merits of which will 
 
 wholly acquit \o U of all pa*i ireakneftii i, H. ;u- me, sir, I 
 
 that we have friends in Charleston, \\lm are imjiatient of the mi- 
 I lc. the brutal and de-radini: y. ,itt lialfmir! V 
 
 hat man . rately inclined to ri-e in arm-, ami | - all 
 
 ha/anU, to IVMUC the city from lh- riu-iny. It n,-eds hut little help 
 .lit from without; and th.tt lidp (Jencral (Jreene i h not 
 li>i.M-d in \\ithholil. whene\<r In- ran he saii-tie.l ,f a reasonal le 
 pro>-|H-ct of BOCCeas. The Uriti^h irarri^.n in ( h. :, t ,, 
 
 IM- weak and li<|.irilr.l. Their cavalry i- Mnall. They have no 
 entei pri-e. Supplies fp.ni F.ritain do not often arrive in season, and 
 the commandant has already more than once meditated n-eniiiinu 
 the MaeUs as tro..ps for sti|.plyin- their d. .and 
 
 iiii-eJin^ the efl - which ii :\. |., t tln-m one be 
 
 eoni|K-lled to put thai \rcution, and they not onlv stimu 
 
 late all the patriots into rme\\eil activity --arm many \N ho liave been 
 hitherto inert but dri\e fr.-m th.-ir ranks e\ery lo\alist \\ ho is a 
 
 If th- ir peril this shows their feebleness, 
 this feeble::, -. u , , take advantage on the iou 
 
 ihoi .0,1 fortun.. i- ,,,- ihis pur|oso we desire, within 
 city, a friend \\ho\\ill promptly and truthful , 
 will ascertain our frk-iuls -infori.. , $ 
 
166 KATlIAJilNi; WALTON. 
 
 show where the defences an: weakest, and keep us well advised of the 
 plans, the strength and the nx>\ enieiit> ! the enemy. Il is for \<>u 
 to determine whether you will act in this capacity one no\\ ise ineon 
 sistent with you pn - nt feelings and former principles, and one, 1 
 may add, by no means inconsistent with a sound policy, which inuM 
 see that the days of IJritish rule are numbered on this continent." 
 
 AVha- need to pursue, through its detail, ihe protracted conference 
 betweer the parties? Let it sullice that the terms vouchsafed by 
 Greene, through Singleton, were acceded to bv Williamson. In some 
 degree, he had been already prepared for this transfer of his allcgi 
 anceto his former faith. We must do him the justice, however, to 
 add that he would greatly have preferred to have done his part, as 
 heretofore, in the Held of battle. Hut this was clearly impossible; 
 and his own shre\vd .sense soon persuaded him of the truth and force 
 of Singleton s reasoning. They separated wiih an understanding that 
 they were to meet again at designated periods, and u cipher was 
 agreed upon between them. Jt was quite dark when Singleton, after 
 a smart canter, found himself once more at " The Oaks." We forego 
 the details of a brief interview with his scouting party, on the route. 
 : ,s not nee -.-ssary to our progress, and designed only to instruct his 
 followers in respect to theirs. 
 
TUT i;rvri 
 
 < I1APTEK XVIII. 
 
 TIM: REVEL, 
 
 IN the brief and hurricil inretini: which had taken place 
 
 :i Singleton and his mm. on his return from the in: 
 with Williamson, he hal i:iven them such instructions as caused 
 their irencral movement. Their camp-, mi boih sides of tl. 
 ley, were lii-iiken up that very ni-ht ; and. lighted liy a friendly 
 iiux>n haviiiLT so arranired I berth to The 
 
 as \\cll D hesirr -they were scourim: av 
 
 midnight, through wellknoun forest paths, in the direction of "Tin* 
 the head of the Ashley, where lay another part\ of the 
 hand. 
 
 There was famous frolicking that ni.irht in the .secure recesses of 
 
 .in]. II. -re they mkdit huiirh and -port without :ip; 
 >i ii. Here the. ml up the wild son i: of the hunter or the 
 
 warrior, nor ilrrad that the echoet would reach unfriendly eara. 
 Well miu r ht our fearless partisc. - to their livelier iin: 
 
 and recompense them-el\cs for the restraints of the past in a < 
 hilarity and play. There w:.> a day of respite aeeonle.l ,,, ,i, r i r ,,,ii s 
 and their fin-s wen- .irayly lighted, and their v. ni>on steaks smoked 
 ami steamed upon the lnirniiiL ci.aN. and their hoii. 
 into drinking <-ups . and the dance enlivened their revel-, under tin- 
 tireait oaks and evpn -ses. towerini: over the i-let haillHXK-ks of the 
 deep 
 
 "Shall all he toil and strife, and care and anxiety. m\ 
 was tli- .i\ of I 1 they surrounded the tir. 
 
 supper was concluded, and li-telied to the OllCUUur givingB-fOltll "f 
 that native epii ureai who ride l>y midnii:ht and ti::ht 
 
 by day. who s,-,,ut and se,,ur the woods at all hours an 
 
1G8 KATHAIMNi: WALTON, 
 
 for whom there is no pay and a* little promotion, shall we 
 not laugh and (Inner, and shout ami sing, when oeea-ion OK 
 and leave the devil, as in duty hound, to pay the piper 7 Hear 
 our arrangements for the night, (live ear, hoys, and hearken to 
 the duties assigned you. Half a do/en of you must take the ; 
 and gather up a few coons and possums. We must take care of 
 the morrow, in spite of the apostle. Who volunteers for tl- coon 
 hunt?" 
 
 "If the lieutenant will go himself, I m one to volunteer." said 
 Ben Closely. 
 
 " Out upon thce, you young varmint ! Do you mean me 7 With 
 such a person as mine a figure made for state occasions and irreal 
 ceremonials only ! Do you mean me?" 
 
 "To be sure T do," was the reply. 
 
 "Why, this is Hat treason 1 It s a design against my li: 
 well as my dignity. / hunt coons / spla-h and plunge among 
 these hammocks, hestraddlc fallen cypresses, rope myself with vines, 
 burrow in bogs, and bruise nose and shin against sna.u s and bra mi, 
 Come closer, my son, that I may knock thce upon the head with this 
 light wood knot." 
 
 "Thank you f<>r nothing, lieutenant I m well enough at this 
 distance," said Hen, coolly. 
 
 "No no. my children; the employment should always suit 
 the party. You are young and slight. You will pass through 
 avenues when- I should stick, and leap bayous through \\hidi 
 I should have to tlounder : my better plan is presiding at your 
 feasts, and giving dignity to your frolics. Call up your d< 
 Hen you, Stokes, Iligu-ins, .Joe, Miller. Charley. Dro/e, and 
 Ike Waring and put out without im.rc delay. I km.w that 
 you can get us more coons than any others of the squad; and I 
 know that you like the sport. I c about it. We shall CMM<>]C 
 our-elve- during your absence, as well a^- we can, \\itli dance 
 and sonir. with a few games of old sledge, and with an Occasional 
 draught from the jug of .Jamaica, in honor of your achieve 
 ments." 
 
 Some playful remonstrances from the parly thus chosen \\cre 
 ur_ ed ajaiiis) the arrangement, and no doubt one or more of 
 tin-in would have preferred iniinilely to remain behind; but 
 
Tin: KS\ 
 
 1 youni:, and tin- Mipper and tin- r -t i.f an hour which 
 they had enjoyed had put them in the humor which mak< 
 readily sul>misxi\e to a -upcrior, particularly \\hcn the labor takes 
 
 iiin.i: of lli- a frolic. 
 
 " Hut you will let us have a sup of the .Jamaica. I nclc For. 
 fore v. 
 
 V -. ;. . You are ir<>od children : and perhaps your only de 
 ficiency is in the matter of spirit. You shall embrace the ju 
 
 A -u]) all round." was the cry from some one in the hack- 
 
 :id. 
 
 What impudent fellow is that, yelpini: out from the darkness 
 Let him (ome forward and : 
 
 ;-." 
 
 " If that s what you mean, uncle," said the -peaker, comii 
 ward, " I >hall have the jui: to myself." 
 
 "What! you, Pritcliard! the handle only, you do<j! Why 
 should you have a riirht to ai 
 
 "The best right in the world,. And now let me a-k, I. in. 
 
 iiis old .Jamaica, for it ix old .Jamaica, 
 fron. 
 
 "Truly. I should like to have thai qoeetioo answered my^-if. It M 
 
 ^/.Jamaica. I a\ouch very old -Jamaica. \\ had not a drop when 
 \NC \\i-nt down to I ll. ;nl the Ballon juir that Singlet* 
 
 out to . mptied, do-e it out rautioiuly as \\e could. 
 
 Where, then, did this come from? " 
 
 laderll l -aid another, since no one can tell 
 
 anything ahoi;: 
 
 "A devil i ft! If the devil d thins:* at an\ 
 
 Hut if a devil s i:ift. my childn 11. for \vhi< h of our many virtues has 
 he beBtOWed tlii> upon u 
 
 rMtchard, "thatisan angel i L-ift, if I know 
 
 an\ tiling al.out it. And I ou-ht to knou, sin. ,- ii \\as I \\Jjo! 
 it ht 
 
 ."client yrtuni: man 
 
 .client \..un- w.-maii. *Q of 
 
 Pritchan!. W tlial j 
 
 d ure \\c d.: Ai he.. iavi- I ! 
 over the ju ,inu r ai-ou: D and all that sort of 
 
170 K A THAI; INK WALTON. 
 
 ttnae, without knowing by instinct whose health was to ho tirsv 
 honored, (live me the cup hen-, one of you. Let me unseal. 
 Kate Walton, hoys, is a nohle creature, whom we must treat with 
 becoming reverence. 1 knew her when she was a child, and even 
 then she was a calm, prim, thoughtful, hut fond and generous little 
 creature. God hless her! J5oys, here s man s Messing upon woman s 
 love! " 
 
 "Three times three!" was the cry, as the cup went round. 
 
 "We are mere blackguards now. boy& Nohody that sees us 
 in these ra.irs, begrimed with smoke, could ever suppose that we 
 had been gentlemen; but, losing place and ]>roperty, bo\<. \\ e 
 need not. and we do not, lose the sen-e c.f what we have known, 
 or the sentiment which still makes us honor the beautiful and the 
 good." 
 
 " Hem! After supper, lieutenant, I perceive that you are always 
 sentimental," was the remark of J ritohard. 
 
 "And properly so. The beast is then pacified. There is then 
 no conflict between the animal and the pid. Thought is then 
 supreme, and summons all the nobler aireneics to her communion. 
 Hut have ye drunk, ye hunter.-? Then put out. You have 
 two hours to daylight ; and if you hope to take coon or possum, you 
 must ho stirrinir. Call up your d 
 
 " Hee up! Hee up! Snap! Tea/or! Uull ! " 
 
 The dops were instantly stirrim:, shaking themselves free from 
 sleep, iheir eyea turned up to the hunters, and their lout; noses 
 thru.-t out, while they stretched themselves : ,t the summons of the 
 horn. 
 
 "Here, doi - Ilee-up! hee-up 1 hee-up! Away, boys! lleeup! 
 hoc up, Snaii! Tea/cr. then-! liull! " 
 
 And, with tlie eheerini: -i-nals, the hunters leathered up their 
 
 MC taking an a\c, and others a bundle of liirhlwood 
 
 (resinous pine), bem ;ith ll: arm. Waxing their lights across the 
 
 il.-irknoss. they WCP6 BOOD BWay, tiio tilimmer of the torches sliowin^ 
 
 more and more f;iintly at every moment through the thick woods of 
 
 imp. Tin- d" 1 :- \\ell knew tin; dutie- required of ihem, and 
 
 thev trotted oil in silence, slow coursing \\ith their no^es to the 
 
 earth. 
 
 interrujitif)!! lasted but a moment . and while some of 
 
TIM: 1:1 i; ] 
 
 rty ivniainini: in the camp i aN.tit tl 
 
 drmvxirii: ,,,- talking, other- drew forth from sainted wall. -is their 
 well thumbed pack- .if cardt, A crazy \iolin bc^an to ii 
 
 m the end of a fallen tree on i ,. :" the ham- 
 
 inrf tin- (!<( :i\ iui: liut erect branchi -x of which the 
 musician leaned, while his 1, ,1 the trunk; and other 
 
 preparations were made for still Otlter in... 1 .. 
 of the niirht. hut few bein^ di-po-ed to -ive any h - 
 For t nat matter, there \\as little IM . d ,,f 
 
 nuinhcr. They had slept, the i. throii-li the 
 
 ,<:realrr part <>f the day itreecedinir. wliile in !: " I lie 
 
 11 ami while waiting .:i tln> m,v. in. nN of BingletOD hiring 
 
 ifereiiee with Williamson n-:ir I/ard s camp. ! 
 ino-tly hri.Lrht. tlierefore, for the contemplated n-u-U. of \\ i 
 sort. A wild dance, ratlier more Indian than ei\ 
 the tiddle of tl,. man of the tfnuip, which ii.!.d finally 
 
 in a glorious .stni.iru r K- to draw -ach other into the tin-, around 
 which they circled in the nuM hcwilderim: ma/es. Such 
 I lL Un - Tai lioiin allied of. Little heedimr ti, 
 
 had his circle bu-v in a ruhltrr <>f whi-t; while yet 
 anotiii-r L r.-up wa-; deeply buried in the m\ n up." 
 
 "old s!.-d_rr." or. to sj-eak BlOTe t.. ti \\ c 
 
 nei d not follow the proLrrc-s of th. army. 
 
 lally invetera igh that much 
 
 at it- . cd \alue. chaii-cd h.,i:.N in th. 
 
 an h..ur s play . fortune ha\ i to the [ 
 
 ph. r. l ":L:y. leaving him minus fifteen hundr.il d l; .: 
 sum which. ar-onlinir t" the then state of the currency, would 
 not ha\e vuiljeed I.) buy for the win: 
 
 " Cone and quit t " cried the corpulent lieutenant. 
 
 il u<. 1 ritchard. h..\v 
 
 M-VSXOU ( .f that juu r Wr \\ill t 
 
 a.irain \\hile y.-u t. 11 \ 
 
 his liipiora full hour aft.: Mian just \\hen he i 
 
 eatim: the palate then has no preju.; 
 
 _The party replenished their h< tfl fashion 
 
 and Prichunl replied 
 
K. \THAi; INK WAI.T >\. 
 
 "You must know that when the 1 colonel and Mi^s Walton came 
 
 out to meet her father that night when we gave Ualfour s regulars 
 
 such a scare and tramp, they went forward l.cyond the rice -tacks. 
 leaving me, Tom Leonard, and somebody else Dill Mitchell, I 
 think it was, though I can t say" 
 
 " No matter who go ahead." 
 
 "Well, time of us ^ere left in the little wood of scrubby 
 oaks between the stacks and the dwelling, as a sort of watch. 
 Who should ci me along, a little after the colonel and the lady had 
 BP, the negro! Him A\ e captured, and lie made 
 terms with us immediately, giving up his prog; and his hands wen- 
 full this jug of Jamaica, a small cheese, and a hag of smoked 
 tongue." 
 
 "Smoked tongue and cheese! And you mean to say, Sergeant 
 Pritchard, that you have suffered these most important medicines 
 to IK- hi-! . Smoked tongues and cheese What have you done 
 with them ? I have seen none of them 
 
 " I know better than that, lieutenant. We hadn t well got 
 ; ion of the negro and the pro\ Mons, In-fore the cur-ed bugle 
 
 sounded. The negro dodged ; Tom Leonard took the back track 
 to give the alarm; and where Hill Mitchell went if twas lie 
 no telling; hut the jug, the bag, and the chee-e lay at my 
 feet. Was I to lnx. tin-in to leave them?" 
 
 It would have been cowardice nay, treason had you done 
 nt I ritchard." 
 
 "I knew Unit, lieutenant; and, gathering up the good tilings, 
 I pushed out for the gr< at bay lying west of the mansion, and had 
 ju-t time to hide myself and the jug "- 
 
 " The tongue and ch The tongue, the " 
 
 "Oli, I hid them lob; and there they lay saMy. in the hollow of 
 ft rypre-s. while I made my way. after the red coals had p 
 back to the camp. We took the circuit by the bay, "Alien we 
 pushed for the cypress, and I then picked them up and brought 
 them otT. I have them all here in safety." 
 
 "It is \\i-ll that you have Yet did you trille terribly with the 
 safety of the-.- valuable stores. Two days and nights hidden in u 
 e\ pn H hole, and not a word said about them !" 
 
 " I kneu that we had jJenty of venison." 
 
Tin: REVEL, 
 
 .? they mi-lit lia\c been found by the enem . 
 
 I ritchard. They ink hl have -livldened tin- hearts ,,f ih,- I hilis- 
 tin. | 
 
 I hiil them t.o well for that." 
 
 "They tniuht have been eaten up liy the WO 
 
 I thrust them up the hollow, ami put a ei up to 
 
 !:i them." 
 " II is well that you took tln-e pn . autions. Had the\ 
 
 1 ritchard, I would have brought you to the halbreds. 
 riling, so iieee--ary to our eomini->ariat and medieinc- 
 cliest, are n..t to In- p. riled idly; and when they are t ; 
 
 , -ity. the trust beeoines more snend still. You 
 your stars. Prit< hard, that the llavor of this .lamiea 
 lent " smacking his lip s alter the dram :,: I feel that I must 
 
 ill." 
 
 I -hould like a little supir in mine." >uid one of the y>un.-.r 
 fello\\s shctehini; out his horn." 
 
 iaimed 1 or-y. "What sacril- -e " ^ - iii- man. 
 where did \.ur ediuation? \\ oii!d \ oil >p,-il a 
 
 cordial of such purity as this \\itli nny wretelnd -acrlirim- in- 
 fii-i.-ir. S:: lor liml rum, not for uood : 1 ake it as it 
 
 is; drink it. however unworthy of it. but do not detile i\ 
 such an olTense against |.np.-r ta^te U tlii-. WCT8 ju-tiee d 
 fellow should have a baker s doyen on his |, : , r ,. b:iek." 
 
 Tin- youth \\as L r lad to r.i\e the put ion as.sLMied him. and 
 
 .ilow it at a LM.lp. unsweetened. 
 " And How. bo\ s " they had DI 
 
 inir. ami had L r alhrd anumd our rpit-ui- "and n.\\ . 
 
 it lael. hour to the morniiiL ." said : 
 
 ilver \\ateh. almo d round as a Duteli tur- 
 
 i.l holding It uj) to the tirelitrht. 
 
 1 im 
 
 OUT poet . \\ here s Dei:! . i f till 
 
 creature. He must drink, and irivr us s ( , m etliin-. I km. 
 
 for the last th! verse*. 
 
 Where is he / I .rini: him forward " 
 
 The |>oet of the camp unei iled from th ragged camlet under 
 which he had been inii-in^ rather than ilrow-iii^ - 
 
1* 1 K AT! I A I! INI. WALTON. 
 
 youth of twenty-live, with lon.ir and massive hair, Mack and 
 disordered, that rolled down upon liis shoulders ; and a merrv 
 dark eye that seemed to indicate the exuberance of animal life 
 rather than thought or contemplation. He drank, though without 
 
 seeming to desire, the beverage, ami was then assaileii i\- iWirv for 
 
 his sunn; (ir story. 
 
 " You ve been scribbling, I know, in your eternal book. Let s 
 we what you ve done." 
 
 The ]i..ct knew too well the parly with whom lie nad to deal, 
 and he indulged in no unnecessary affectation. lie had become 
 quite too well accustomed to the requisition of the cam]) not to 
 understand that, in moments like the present, e:i< h member had 
 to make his contribution to the common stock of enjoyment. 
 The hour had properly come for his. The animal excitement 
 of the company had pretty well worked oil, and the moods of 
 nearly all- the phy-ical man heinsj; somewhat exhausted 
 Were prepared for more intellectual enjoyment. He pr> 
 his readiness, and the partisans (locked in to ^cj proper places 
 near ihe lire. Tiny crowded close about the poet, some 
 others kneeling, and others in the background, who \\ished to 
 hear, stretching themselves over the heads and 
 shoulders >f those more ti.rtm::ile in having found places within 
 the circle. Meanwhile, new liirht wood brands were thrown upon 
 the lire, and the tlanies bla/.ed up gloriously, in singular con 
 trast \\illi the gloomy, but <;Totesque shadows of the siirround- 
 < -!. And thus, with an audience admiralty disposed to 
 be appreciative, nowise ea^er to be critical, and hv no means 
 persuaded that fault finding is one of the most essential prods ,,f 
 judgment, the poet () f the partisans spun his yarn, in a rude wild 
 TO, \\eil adapted to his audience and the times. 
 
 He i;ave th; in a mournful and exciting ball-id, recounting one 
 of the frequent CVCnta Of tli" v. ar. \\ithin their o\\n e\|)erieiiee 
 -the mui der of "He () f their most youthful comrades, while on 
 liis\\a\ t.. 860 his mistress, a heartiful .l^irl of Ulaek Miniro. who 
 
 v.ent b\ the name of the "Beauty of P.ritton s Neck." Her 
 
 name was lii itton, and that of her lover Culvert. As the ballad 
 of our poet would oeeiipy too much space to appear in these 
 pages, we shall rive the Utorv in prose, ( ahcrt left the (anio 
 
with Marion s permiion. It wa- n innnln n d. i. that 
 
 Marion, on ^rantinir leave to the \ 
 
 1 t<> him with i, out, 
 
 for it i- 
 
 . that he 
 
 IK-rhap-. forgot the uilvic:-. Hi fell int.. | 
 for liiin by one Martin, who tin- lover of 
 
 and \vho h.-nl i . the route u-ual!y y Culvert. 
 
 Miirtiii was ll.i leader of a small band ! 
 (In in to jetlier \\ith luring 
 
 hi- ri\al. \\hoin he finally slew in cold b! 1. Then, ruling to 
 
 of Mi-. Hritton. he rudely thrust hi* lr<;| 
 
 and pistol- .,f I. 
 
 ill Well known to her. The .-ear!" \vhieh she had \\ 
 for him with her own hand-, s ill ir.oi-t with hi- bl-o<l, \\ 
 spread lie fore In r ; and. overawed l>y the threa: 
 ado, the mother <f the .irirl not only con- nled that he 
 liave her, but proei-rded to in-i-t UMUI ber daughter s imiiH di 
 ceptaliee of the hand which had been so fiv-hly -tained with the 
 blood of her bet p.thi d. 
 
 Mary I .ritton -. em. d toion-ent ; but. walchin- her opportunity, 
 ntrhed to -te.-d away from -i_-hi. 
 
 able, and to ride away 1> Ih- 
 
 i-in, but a few miles oil. without awakening: the aj-pn-i, 
 of the lOlieS, The part: 
 
 down upon Martin s ^aiii:. who were Mirpri-nl and 
 caj tive to a man - Martin himself having but a : 
 -nib rin- ,i ( . : ,t|, U | MII1 tl,, 
 
 be. n found. 
 
 Siu-h \va- the ballad of our : . whieh I 
 
 sati-fy the critical n i|ui-iti.>n- of mo-i ,,f bil ComptllJ 
 tenant : lone, per . N"l that In 
 
 from the narrati ::-t unwi: 
 
 admit that hi- -eii-ibiliii K lied ijui 1 . 
 
 ! ; hut hi :. uhil- 
 
 of indii:nation a^ji! 
 
 :,ted himself with ihowlng that tin- J-H-I was not 
 perfect 
 
r;; KATHARINE WALTON. 
 
 " I was one, the Lord be praised," exclaimed Pritchanl, ";it the 
 stringing up of that vile beast, Martin. He died like a coward, though 
 lie lived lik 
 
 11 Pretty much the case always. I ve seldom known a man who 
 hadn t Imu t, who had courage. 1 suppose. Dennixni, you re a.- near 
 the truth in that story as you could he. You have all the facts, and 
 yet you are not truthful." 
 
 "How so, lieutenant ." inquired the poet with an air of pique. 
 
 " Y<>u lack simplicity. You have too many big words and big 
 figures. Now, the essence of the- ballad is simplicity. This i^ par 
 ticularly necessary in a performance where the utmost fullness and 
 particularity of detail are insisted upon. Here, you do not generali/e. 
 You compass the end aimed Jit y elaborate. touches. The eilVct is 
 reached in a dramatic way; and you are called upon to detail the par 
 ticular look, the attitudes, and, as closely as possible, the very words 
 of the speaker. 
 
 " Would you have had me introduce all the oaths of the outlaw ?" 
 demanded Denni^on. 
 
 "No; but some of them are essential enough to show him 
 truthfully, and no more. What I mean to require throughout 
 the ballad i that wrt of detail which you have given us where 
 you make the old lady take Mary Urilton to the kitchen, to 
 argue with her in favor of marrying .Martin. When you make the 
 poor -irl say, You too against me, mother / you reach the perfec 
 tion of ballad writing. Had the whole story been written in this 
 Style, Dennison, J should have a-ked a copy at your hands, 
 and should have preserved it in my wallet through the cam 
 pai jn." 
 
 "Along with his smoked venison and mouldy cheese," sotto 
 wee, said the disappointed Dennison to one of his companions, 
 as lie turned away. A capacious yawn of Lieutenant Porgy 
 was the tit finish of a criticism, of which we have given but a 
 small specimen ; and tin- parly, following hi- example, dispersed 
 to their lever*! OOVerS, seeking that sleep for \\hich the poem 
 and the critique had somewhat prepared them, just as the faint- 
 reakfl of morning were be-inning to show themselves 
 through the tops of the eypres > , \Vi:h daylight the coon- 
 hunters came in, bringing with them sundry trophies of their 
 
m 
 
 . ami were .->oii after followed by another party \\ : 
 jii>t left t olonel \Yalion. AiiiMiiiMi.. 
 
 -mall im|M>rtance in the e, Framplon. The 
 
 rea-m of this int. ln-i n mi the 
 
 -iiiu- lime, ami met (Jrilliii on his return, on thr mt>kirLs 
 of thr c.-llllp. 
 
 An-l ln>\\- JN all. sir : " \va> tin- rather he-itatini: nurstimi. 
 " All well. Lance, and Kllni M-MI!> 
 11- t.k from hi- !.< m. a- he - 
 
 knitted recently, and handeil them \ the yon: 
 \vith a p>od natured s;ni!e. The latter received them \v ; lh a 
 lilu^h. and hurrinlly tlirust them into his nv.u ln.v,, m . It was a 
 curious trift from a maiden to her lover, 1ml not le<s |re. : 
 
 a L r ift i>ec;r. iiomeline . Let ofl leave the cy prete camp to 
 
 : or the next three hours. At IKM.D. i 
 
 nil in motion, scouring tlcetly BCn -mtry in a D01 
 
 direction. 
 
 8* 
 
1 78 K AT J 1 A U I M : 
 
 CUA PTEB \ I X. 
 
 BKBIMMAOE. 
 
 ON the same day which witnessed the departure of our .squad 
 ;>f |i;irlis;ins from the swamps of the Ash!, y CjrprCBS, Singleton, 
 otherwi-e Fui iies-, took a friendly I -uvc of his ne\v acquaintance, 
 
 Major Proetor, of the British army. We have seen with how 
 nineh sympathy these youn^ men came together; and \vc may 
 add that not a single selfish feeling \vas at work, in either 
 bosom, to impair the friendship thus quickly established. Our 
 ({iioiiil.-iiu loyalist, repe/ited liis injunctions to his friend, to be 
 \\ar\ and patient in his encounters \sith his subtle enemy 
 Yaii-han, \\hose equal coolness and lack of principle \\civ sub 
 
 f sullicient apprehension to his mind. Iut \ve ha\e no 
 need to reii"\v his counsels and exhortations. Jt, i> enough, 
 thai the friends separated with real feelings of symjiathy and 
 , and that the advice of Singleton, well-meant and MO- 
 sible, was such as 1 n.ctor pj-omised to ..l)-er\c and follow. 
 Thru they parted \\ilh a warm shake of the hand; 1 roetor n- 
 turnin.ir to "T!i< and Sin^leti n. as l.-yaliM captain of 
 
 ritles, pu.shin.LC vei- to Dorchester, where he was to join the 
 train of wagons und. r the 68CO11 of Lieutenant Meadows, \\lio 
 broii-lit him l<-j UTS both irom lialfour and \Villiainsnn. Th > - 
 from the latter were .f a rharacJi r td keep up the nn- which 
 liad been a-n cd upon lietweeii himself and our partisan. They 
 .sritten to the old acquaintance of Williamson in the inte 
 rior, and were ostensibly designed to brinL r them over to the 
 
 allegiance. \\ e may add that they had been submilteif 
 to I Jal four s inspi < lion, as a matter of poliry. Williamson had 
 
 ! notion that !. would ever reach their destination 
 
SKRIMMAGE. I ;: 
 
 or. if they did BO, thai they could -ibly help tin- ! 
 
 \Ve -hall net endeavor 1" detail tin- hourly pi 
 
 iiinit and train under the charge of Lieutenant .M> .!*uini; 
 
 .i known military mute to Camden n\. They 
 
 mm. .1 >!o\vly , tin eu-iit* occurring and of little i: 
 
 at well known pl.i Land in .-oiiir IV\\ place* \\ In re 
 
 the labors of a plantation were still imperfecth tarried on \\itha few 
 the country set med almo.*.t wholly abandoned. Smirk-ton was 
 rather plea*ed than oiherwi*e to find in Lieutenant MeadOWl I 
 sublime specimen of the supercilious .lulin Hull; a prr-.-n ! nion- 
 decided horns than head, nmli*h. arrogant, cold, inflexible; one who 
 had rcliiriou-ly imbibed, as with his mother s milk, all the usual 
 scornful prejudices of hi- tribe toward the provincials, and \\ho, 
 accordingly, encouraged no sort of intimacy with the H] 
 tain of loyalists. This relieved our parli-an from all that c-m 1 
 meni which he miirht have felt, with rcirml to hi- future o|>erations, 
 had tlic lieutt nant been a -nod fellow, and had he shown him-. If 
 d to fall into friendly intercourse. 15m let us hurry to the 
 event. 
 
 It was towanl the close of the second day after the i 
 
 in Dorchester that .Meadows had the tir>t intimation 
 o| probable danger from an enemy. His \\ariiiriir. IMWI-VIT. only 
 came with the blow, and quite loo late to allow him cither t 
 the danger, or properly to Lruard aL aiiM it. Siii-L dlojKHl 
 
 olTlolhe fro?it. and \\ as purstiini; his way entirely alone. >ome two 
 hundred \ard- in advance of the party, lie h:. . 
 that the moment drew niirh for the cm ounter with hi* followers, and 
 
 : to withdraw from . :uity with 
 
 Only indisposed tO Show bin :>anionable. but who iniL ht. by 
 
 .er in the mch more of the truth 
 
 ! for our par Furne-s that he should 
 
 know. The wlnJe train, with its m -illy ili-trilmUfl 
 
 in front and rfar had entered a 1 . le in a 
 
 thickly-set foivM. \\iien Binglel nd b\ a u-r, known 
 
 whistle, that the inoim-nt was at hand for the atta. k. II 
 
180 KATHAIMNK \\ A ! .M N . 
 
 accordingly, not ;i whit startled at tin- wild yell and tin- sharp -h"!s 
 with which the onset was begun. 
 
 ".Marion s men! Mai-ion s men! Hurrah!" was tin- slogan 
 which startled suddenly the great echoes of the wood, and caused an 
 instant sensation, only short of utter confusion in the ranks of the 
 British detachment. 
 
 Hut Meadows, with all his faults of taste and temper, was some 
 thing of a soldier, and never lo-t his composure for a moment. He 
 hurried forward, with the first signal of alarm, and shouted t> his 
 men with a cheerful courage, while lie sought to bring them to a 
 closer order and to confront the enemy, who were yet scarcely to be 
 seen. Smirk-ton, meanwhile, wheeled about as if suffering greatly 
 from surprise, yet drawing his sword, nevertheless, and waving it 
 above his head with the air of a person in very desperate circum 
 stances. He was then distinctly seen to rush boldly upon the assail 
 ing Americans, who had now completely interposed themselves 
 Ix-twecn him and the British. 
 
 It will not need that we should follow ///* particular movements. 
 It will be quite as easy to conjecture them Let us give our attention 
 wholly to the affair with the detachment, which was -hort and sharp 
 as if was sudden. They were a ailed equally in front and rear. At 
 first. U he beheld the cavalry of the partisans, and heard their bugles 
 sounding on every hand, Meadows conceived himself to be dealing 
 wholly with that description of force. lie accordingly commanded 
 liis wago iis in \\heel about and throw themselves ftCTOftfl the, road at 
 
 both extremities, thus seeking to clote all the avenues which would 
 
 facilitate the charge. Hut he n ckoned without his host. His 
 operation was only in part succ< ->ful ; since, lie fore the movement 
 could lie fully made, the troop, T- were already culling do\\ n his 
 wagoners. Hut thi- \\asnotall. The rangers of Singleton began to 
 show them-elves, darkly ureen. or in their blue uniforms, among 
 the trees which occupied the intervals, and every sharp crack of the 
 ritle brought down its chosen victim. Meado\\s himself \\a> already 
 slightly wounded in his In idle arm, and, u heeling about his steed in 
 the direction of the si,,,), he found himself confronted by a group 
 just making their way out of cover, and darting boldly upon him. 
 
SKRimCAQK, 1M 
 
 II <l.ipped -pur- in li id iiu-l the leader of the as 
 
 .ill-, \\liM. (.11 fi.Mi. had reached the open mad -pa< . ami was 
 entirely \\itlulrawu from the shelter of the thicket. Thi- 
 son \\a- no other than our epicurean friend, Liciitcnai 
 \\lio. with an audacity quite incoii-i.-tant with hi- 
 
 1 with .-word uplifted to the eiK-ounter with the 
 Urili-!i i;-iit -nani. A -in-le clash of sword-, and the Itclter- 
 tcnij ! of the Englishman cut sheer through the inferior 
 
 metal of the American, sending one half of the shattered blade 
 into the air and de-cendin^ upon the ch< inflicting 
 
 and taking olT the tij of hi- war. Another l"l<.\v 
 ini.irlit have been fatal. Meadows had recovered from the fir-t 
 movement, and his Made wa- already whirled aloft for tin 
 ne\\;d ..f the stroke, when 1 or-v, drawitiir a pistol from his U-lt, 
 the hor-e ..f lii- enemy through the head. The animal fell 
 suddenly upon ]\\< knees and then rolled over perfectly d< 
 The -word of Meadow^ -truck harmle ly upon the earth, he 
 l)einu r pinioneil to the Around by one of \i\< l- ir^. upon 
 the dead animal lay. In this predicami nt . \aiidy en- 
 dea\"iin- 1.) wield and to u-e his -word, he thr< aten, d 1 
 at hi- approach. Tin- lalier. -till L-ra-piin: his ( ,\\M bi 
 POO, \\hirh \\as reduced to the hilt and M.IIIC ei-ht ii 
 <nly of the blade, totally undeterred by the demon-tration 
 of the r.riton. ru-hdl incontineiitally upon him. and, in a 
 tally unexpected form of attack, threw hi- gigtotic luilk 
 the body of the pn.-trate Meadow-, whom he co|llpl< 
 eivd. The other -t niif-led lien-ely beneaih. and 
 
 1 arm five, m : de-|M-rai 
 
 but I oriry so completely be-traddled him that lie 1 only in 
 
 inllictini: ikei u|nm the broad -houldersof the epicure, 
 
 who requited them with ;he mouth with the iron 
 
 hilt of his broken -word. 
 
 " It - no u-e. my line fellow . your faith may remove moun 
 tains, but your Minvnder only shall nm..ve me. YOU 
 tive to my liow and .spear. Halloo *BOUgh I now. if \ on w i-h 
 for iin 
 
 And. stretchmi: himself out on every hand, with arn 
 tended and U-gs -omewhat rai-"l u tin- N-dy of thu dead horse 
 
X82 KATHAKIM: WALTON. 
 
 Porgy looked down into the very eyes of his prisoner hi- 
 beard, meanwhile, well sprinkled with gray, lying in masses upon 
 the mouth and tilling the nostrils of the Lnglishman, who was thus 
 in no small danger of suffocation. 
 
 " \\ ill nobody relieve me from this elephant ?" gasped the halt- 
 strangled Meadows. 
 
 " Klephanl I" roared Porgy. " Iy the powers, but you shall feel 
 my grinders : " 
 
 His good humor was changed to - all by the offensive exprefl 
 sion, ami he had already raised tlie fragment of his broken 
 sword, meaning to pumell the foe into submission, when his 
 arm was arrested by Singleton, now appealing in his appropriate 
 character and costume. Meadows was extricated from horse 
 and elephant at the same moment, and by the same friendly 
 agency, and rose from the ground sore with bruises, and panting 
 with heat and loss of breath. 
 
 "It is well for him, Colonel Singleton, that you made your 
 appearance. I had otherwise beaten him to a mummy. Would 
 you believe it? he called me an elephant! M- ! Me an ele 
 phant ! " 
 
 " He had need to do so. lieutenant ; and this was rather a 
 compliment than otherwise !> y>ur mode of warfare. He felt 
 yours to be a power comparable only to the mighty animal to 
 which he had reference. It was the natural expression of his feel 
 ing>. I am sure, and not by way of offence." 
 
 " I forgive him," was the response of I orgy, as lie listened to this 
 explanation. 
 
 "Colonel Singleton. I believe, sir?" said Meadows, tendering 
 his sword. "The fortune of the day is yours, rff. Here is my 
 sword. I am Lieutenant Meadows, late in command of this de 
 tachment." 
 
 Singh-ton restored the weapon graciously, and addressed a few 
 courteous sentences to his prisoner ; but, by this time, I orgy diseov 
 ered that his car had \n>\ a thin but important slice from its pulpy 
 extremity. His annoyance WM extreme, mid his ,-mger rose- as In- 
 discovered the full nature of his loss. 
 
 " Sir Lieutenant Meadows." >aid he "you shall give me. 
 personal satisfaction for this outrage the moment \ "U are ex 
 
BKBI1OCJ Is:! 
 
 chain: d. You hav.- done me an irreparable injur have 
 
 marked me for life, sir dven me the brand <f a horsethief (aken 
 oil one of my < -ars! ( >ne nf my eai 
 
 my dear lieutenant," said Sinirli -ton. "Only the 
 
 ibli tip from the extremity. OfK heale.l it will 
 
 ne\r be >,- ii. T! MV is IK. sort of deformity. You wen- rather 
 
 full in Unit quarter, and could >p:iiv - >m< ihinj of the develop 
 
 nient." 
 
 " Wen- I sure of that ! " 
 
 " It i* K>, believe me. Tho tliinir will never In- Ol 
 
 have 006*1 OUI T D08C -lit, sir"- to the Mritun is. I have 
 alwayx heen taiiLrht. the greatest indignity that eouid IN- intlii ted 
 upon a LTentleman." 
 
 1 tin BOiry, sir/ 1 -aid Meadows very M.rry. Hut it \\as 
 the fortune ..[ \\-.\\\ Helieve me, I had no idea .f making -ucli a 
 wound." * 
 
 D understand that, sir. You were intent oidy in takini: "tT 
 my head. I am satisfied that you did not m0C6ed in tliat ! 
 
 M to losiiiLf my . ar, I >hotdd have lieen particularly unroin 
 
 fortahle at the loss <.f my head. Hut. if my ear had been maimed. 
 
 I -Ih.uld have had my reven-,.. And even n..w. -hoiild there 
 
 really lie a percej. til. le deticieiny. there shall ! more l.-t^t l.l,.ws be- 
 
 Us." 
 
 The Hritish lieutenant howed. polit.-ly. as if t> declare his 
 readine-s i,. a!Trd any neci-ssary -alistadion. |,ut said imiliini: 
 in reply. Singleton MilTen.l th- t arth.-r. 
 
 lull. ilra\\in^ P.-rL-y a-ide. relinked him for the rude manner of 
 his address to a man \\ho-,,. rifHfe liim..-lf ha.l marked for 
 life. 
 
 ; have laid \\\< mouth open, broken his te th. and injured his 
 
 ami he a youiiLT felh-w, too. prol>ally uninarrir<: 
 whom unliroken features are of the last importain 
 
 -nel. think of my ear; fancy it *\\\\:\. 
 
 t\\", as I di,l. and you will allow for all my viol.-n, 
 mark of the pillory oiiL lit to sutlice to make any \\liit, man 
 Iterate." 
 
 It is jirohal le that M I, \\hen ! aware of the 
 
 true state of his motitli, and felt his <,\\n di-ii _Mirements, was 
 
184 K A THAI: INK WALTON. 
 
 even more unforgiving than Purify. But we must not. in this 
 episode, lose sight of the field of battle. When our epicurean 
 had secured the person of the British lieutenant, the n flair was 
 nearly over. The surprise had been complete. The conflict 
 was as short as it was sharp. The ambush was so well laid as 
 to render assistance almost unavailing; yet had it been de-per- 
 ately made, and the victory \vns not won by our partisans without 
 the loss of several gallant fellows. The followers of Meadows, 
 taking the example of their leader, fought quite as long and 
 as stubbornly as himself, without having the fortune to succumb 
 to such a remarkable antagonist. A brave sergeant, with a small 
 squad, made a fierce effort to cut through the partisan horse. 
 but was slain, with all his party, in the attempt. This was the 
 most serious part of the British loss. The detachment was so com 
 pletely hemmed in on every side, that recklessness and despera 
 tion only could have found a justification for tight ing at all. A 
 prudent soldier would have been prepared to yield on the first 
 ry of his situation, and thus avoided any unnee. ;ir y 
 efTuion of blood. But Meadows \va< brave without being cir 
 cumspect. His own account of the atl air, as contained in a letter 
 to Balfour, will answer in the place -if any farther details of our 
 own. 
 
 "To 1 1 is Excellency, NESBITT B\i.nn i:. ESQ. 
 
 SIR: It is with feelings of inexpiv jble mortification that. 
 I have to inform you of the complete overthrow and capture <>f 
 the detachment under my command, by an overwhelming force 
 of the rebels under Colonel Singleton, of Marion s Brigade. 
 We Were met oil the route to Nel.-oii s |-YlTV. toward siill-et of 
 
 ond day after leaving horche-ter. and attacked in a close 
 defile near Haveners plantation. We suffered no surprise, our 
 advance fueling their way with all possible caution, and firmly 
 led by Sergeant Camperdown, who, 1 am ^>rry to mention, fell 
 finally, mortally wounded, in a de-per.-ite ell ort to cut h ; 
 through the ranks of the enemy. Several of my brave follow 
 ers perMied in the same desperate attempt. All of them foiiulit 
 steadily and brs vely. but uithoiil H1CC6M, against the formida 
 ble numbers by which we were surrounded. Many of the reb- 
 
3KRIX1U 1 x 
 
 re vlain in the eni_ r ai:enient. he in:/ inp in th* 
 
 tlict , but I have no means nf a>eertaimiiL r their precise loss, 
 since they have studiously concealed their ii.-:nl. bavin- borne 
 them auay for burial to the thickets. ( Mu 
 ll out of all proportion to our force; th. . v:ilr 
 of our men provokini: the enemy to tin- nn>-t unsparing sever 
 ity. Kit veil of them were -lain outright, ami as many inon- are 
 
 to perMi from their wounds. Three of th- 
 .tit <lo\vn by the relirN \\hile calling for quarters. I my 
 self am wounded, though not seriously, in my riirht shoulder 
 and face; and I am sutTerinu r severely from bruises, in 
 of my horse, which was killed, fallini: upon me 1 
 ly fear that Captain Fun:e-s. ( ,f the ]oyali-N. i- abo among the 
 slain. I have seen nothing >f him since the action, and the 
 en m\ .-it of him. He behaved very well in 
 
 the affair, and with a bravery not unworthy his majoty s regU- 
 
 rvfoa He Wt : to jtarticular IH-I-J!. as. with 
 
 imprudence, he p.i-i-t.d in ridinu r in advance of the party, leav- 
 
 iderable interval between himself and the command. 
 
 : ,! off from all a^i>taiice. \\ hen la^t Seen, lu 1 
 
 ntendini: une(|iially with no h than half a do/, n of tin- 
 
 relK-1 tr.H.p.r-. \\lio tinally forced him out of the fu-M ami into 
 
 the forest, where he \\ a^ either slain oi i in inakiiiL lii^ 
 
 It i- m\ h..pe that he ha< done K>. lb- i- < ertainly 
 
 not amoiiLf the pri-oners. Colonel Sin.uli ton was not at the 
 
 f the assailing i>arty. He < ame up and took command 
 
 ju-t a- th- ail iir IfM OW, He 
 
 attention ( |uitc unusual with the ivheK and holds out to me the 
 
 He ha> already hurried off the 
 
 niptiir. , ly the -hortevt route. \, t the - Imuirli 
 
 i that one of them I. H tit off in tlie ..p|i<- 
 
 rection. I truvt that your excellency \\ill believe that ! 
 
 . uilty of : of duty. M 
 
 acipiits me, tin. null unfortunate, of any culpable to Un 
 
 safely of my char-e. I have the honor to In- your excellency s most 
 obedient humble >< rvant, 
 
 I .Mr. \i> 
 
isi; KA THAI; INK WAI. TON. 
 
 This Idler was written the day after the action. Of tlx 
 and chagrin of Hal four, on receiving it, \ve shall learn hereafter. 
 The reader will note that portion of its contents which describes the 
 L r ame -unsuspected by the IJriton which was played liy the 
 rebel colonel. When apparently forced from the field, he .simply 
 retired to a thicket, where he changed his costume, reappear 
 ing, shortly after. OD the tield in his own proper character. The 
 alteration in hi- rh and ireneral manner, was so thorough, 
 
 as elTeetually to deceive the British lii iitenant, who showed him 
 self as respectful to the partisan colonel as he had been cavalier 
 before to the same person in the character of a sin, pie captain 
 of loyalists. 
 
 The affair ended. Singleton proceeded to secure his captives, 
 send off the captured wainms, ; ,nd attend to the wants of his 
 wounded and the burial of his dead. While enpi^ed in this 
 melancholy duty, he was suddenly called away by Lance Framp- 
 ton, who conducted him into the adjoining thicket. The youth 
 could scarcely speak from emotion, as he communicated the in 
 telligence of the mortal hurts of Walter (Jrillin. The dyinu 
 man was quite sensible as Singleton drew ni.irh. He lay beneath 
 an oak. upon a heap of moss, which had been raked up hurriedly 
 to soften that Ited of earth, to the coldness and hardness of 
 which he should be BO M.OH utterly insensible. His friends 
 weiv around him, satisfied as well as himself, that assistance 
 would be vain. As Singleton and Lance Frampton drew niiih, 
 the youth went silently and took his place at the head of the 
 sufferer. (Iriflin had done _i_ r <>d service in the hnVade. He was 
 a LTeat favorite with his superiors. Ke-eued by Singleton from 
 the hands of a blood-thirsty lory, named darkens, who had 
 made himself, his wife and daughter, prisoners, and who was 
 actually preparin.ir to ham: him on the spot, (Jritlin acknowledged 
 a debt of gratitude to the partisan, which rendered his fidelity 
 a pa ion. His word-, on the approach of Singleton, declared 
 row-, iint at his own fate, but that his service- \\ere 
 about to end. 
 
 11 I ve foiiirht my la-t ti-lit, colonel ; I ve done all I could. If \ "ii 
 sav I have done my duty 1 -hall die satisfied." 
 
 "That I can safely say. (irillin. You have done more than 
 
your duty. You have <em-d faithfully. like a true man 
 your country .-hall hi ar of your ervice& < an we do mth : 
 you. (IriHiu r 
 
 " I have it here. eo]onel - and her. ,, i,j s 
 
 ihot, and here a l>a , . |.,,ih 
 
 OOUgh. I fed that ill s (TOT; and all that I want is ti 
 should send \vord to my p,,,r wife ami daughter. Thet 
 watch. r<,l,,nel I ve -iven it to La: them and .wo 
 
 iruineas in money. It s all I have-not much hut wi! 
 to liny corn for them some day in a had season. Will y. 
 
 l( Del. and a letter, if YOU plea- 
 
 It shall IM- done, (Jrillin ; ami I will add a liille to the i: 
 for the >ake of your family. You ve served ln- and well, like the 
 rot of us with little pay. The money-Chest of the BritMi that has 
 just fallen into our hands makes us richer than u^ual. Your two 
 ir-.iineas >hall he made ten. Your comrades \\iil > th.r 
 
 : ul child shall never sutV- 
 
 Th.- p fellow \va< much affected, He tOOk the hand of Sing 
 leton and carried it feel.ly to his heart. 
 
 " I m sorry to leave you. nilom.-!. nmv. whiii- every man 
 You will have yj-ar- of fmhtin.ir. and I xha nt IM- thereto help y.ii. 
 I will he then- : (>h COlODel, if the spiriN of the d.-Hii may 
 D earthly thin-s. atler the , : ,rth h . HI L" 
 
 with YOU over the old track^. I ll he m\ h yu \\ i 
 drawing triir^er <.n the enemy ; and if I can whi-jH-r t 
 where the damrer Hi -. .r shout to you when the IM 
 the Charge, \.. u shall >!ill hear tl , Qriffln ri^iiiLT 
 
 with the r- [yio& l men bojl Hurrah H n for 
 
 I" a f-w hou Dent He was huried in the 
 
 fore he died, heneath that ^reat old in< 
 
 luiried at midni-hl. hy the li-ht of Ma/ii ..,,! \\ell 
 
 did Ids comra.i and tin- meaiiin- of that wild *,,! fr,.m 
 
 PnmptOQ, M the fll -own into the shallow 
 
 upon the uncollincd ;.p, ,| only in Ids garments as he 
 
 wore them in the fii:ht. 
 
 The niirht was nearly eon-umed in this mournful . 
 British and Amerieans shar. d a i<.|nn i 
 
188 KATHARINE \VAIT<>\. 
 
 li.-iil lost several of their \H-<\ men, though hy no means tbc large 
 number which Meadows had assumed in his letter to IJalfour. 
 In silence, tlie survivors turned away from the < emetery which 
 they had thus newly established in the virgin forest, and retired. 
 each to his rude couch among the trees, to meditate rather 
 than to sleep. Two of the partisans, however, were drawn 
 aside by Singleton for farther conference that night. TlieM- 
 were Lieutenant Porgy and the young en^iun. I.ance Frainpton. 
 To these he assjg-ned a double duty. With a small detach 
 ment, Poriry was to take charge of a wagon with stores, designed 
 for Colonel Walton, whom he was to seek out between the 
 Kdisto and the Savannah. In order to elTect his progress with 
 safety, lie was specially counselled to give a wide berth to Dor 
 r to make a considerable circuit above, descending only 
 when on the Edisto. Singleton was rightly apprehensive that 
 the report of Meadows disaster would set all the cavalry of Dor 
 chester and Charleston in motion. The wagon was to be secured 
 in tlie swamps of Kdisto until Walton could be found ; and, 
 with the duty of delivering it into hi-, keeping fairly executed, 
 I orgy. with Frainpton. was to seek out the dwelling of (Iriflin s 
 wife and daughter, who dwelt in tlie neighborhood of the Kd 
 isto, conveying a letter from his colonel, and the little treasure of 
 which the poor fellow died possessed Singleton having added 
 the ri-ht guineas \\hich he had promised to the dying man ; 
 a gift by the way. which he could not have made but f<>r the 
 timely acquisition of the hundred and tifly found in British money 
 
 chest 
 
 The duty thus assigned to I or^y and Framplon was one of 
 interest to both parties ; though the corpulent lieutenant si-lied 
 at the pro>p<-H of hard riding over ground so recently compass 
 i-d which lay before him. At liM he would have shirked the re- 
 spon-ihility ; but a secret suirirestion of his own thought rapid 
 ly cau^d a chan-e in liis opinions. To Lance Frampton, 
 vho -to(d in a very tender relation to Kllen (irillin. the daugh 
 ter of the decea-ed, the tad< \\ as one eijually painful and grate 
 ful. To Porgy, the intere-t which he felt was due to consider 
 ations the development of which must be left to future chapters. 
 
LOI U.l> l BEAUTIES IN CHAH 189 
 
 (MTAPTEi; \ \. 
 :<*\ 4JJ8I I .I:A DTI B8 IN < n IBLEfi I 
 
 LBTOfl was complied to f<rc.L r " tin- small but valuabl 
 es which he had been pur-miiL:, by a summon.- fr<>m 
 Marion. Tin- latter had, by this time. provoked the peculi 
 tilitv of the r>riti-h p-neral. ( >ni\\ ;iili> ^-\\\ TarleNm in pur 
 suit of him with a formidable force; and the " swamp f-\ 
 temporarily redueed to the necessity cither of skulking 
 throu-h his suaiiip-.. or taUin.ir ivl iip- in North Carolina. We 
 sliall not follow his fortunes, and shall content our-e!\s \\ith 
 referrii i: to them simply, in order to ace. ,\mt for Si: 
 seiicc from that field, alon- the Santee and the A-hley. in which 
 we have hitherto s-en him eiiL r a-ed. and w n 
 looke.l for and c.ntidenlly < \p. < ted by more than . 
 
 He had made certain enL r aL r ements with Williai 
 sul)j<-ct ahva\s to the viri itudes ,,r ti. -\\hii-h re.piir- 
 
 cd liim to uive that ireiitleinan another meeting a- H 
 
 Me. 
 
 In the hope of thi- meeting, we tind Williain- U very fre 
 quently at the Quarter H-UM, ,,r at lh, tavern iinm. 
 
 it. known a- the 1 
 
 all. in- on this pilunma _ r e. at olln t- lie 
 panions \\li.nn he could not avoid, from amon- tin- ofl 
 British irarri-on M.-; onimoidy. these \: . n-ibly 
 
 for pi- M1 other formed in the 
 
 city, which brought out U> ti 
 
 cade, male and female, \\li-. in rural 
 
 dinners, an.l -ave a KOOM to .their merrim. nt in the \\il.lest 
 rustic dances. The ilam-el-. : 
 
1!M) KATHAKINi: WALTON. 
 
 ily joined in these frolics. It wa- a point of honor with the "rebel 
 l.-ulics" to avoid them ; ;i revolution which the IJritish ollicers vainly 
 endeavored to coinhat. Balfour himself f reorient ly strove to enirairi: 
 Katharine Walton a- one of a party especially devised in her honor, 
 
 hut without success, 
 
 II is time, hy the way, that we should recall that youni: maiden to 
 the reader s recollection. Slie was received into the family of the 
 venerable Mrs. IMck Singleton, the aunt of her lover. This old lady 
 wasa woman of Roman character, worthy to bea mother of the < Iracchi. 
 She was sprung of the best Virginia stock, and had lost her husband 
 in the Indian wars which ravaged the frontier during the la- 
 
 le of the IJritish with the French colonies. She was linnly de 
 voted to the Revolutionary movement a calm, frank, tirm woman, 
 who, without severity of tone or a-pect, was never -ecu to smile. 
 She had survived sonic agonies, the endurance of which suHiciently 
 served to cxtiniruish all tendencies to mirth. Her dwelling in 
 Church street, in the neighborhood of Tradd, was a favorite 
 point of reunion amoni: the patriots of both 86X68. Hither, 
 in the dark days which found their hushands, their brothers, 
 their sons in exile, in the camp, or in the prison ship, came the 
 Uutledires, the Lauren- , the I/.ards. and most of the well-known 
 and famous families of the Low Country of Carolina, to con 
 sult as to the future, to review their condition, consider their 
 resources, and if no more, "to weep their sad bosoms empty." 
 Katharine Walton was not an unworthy a--ociate of these. 
 She was already known to the most of them personally, and 
 l.\ anecdotefl which commended her love of country to their 
 own ; and they crowded about her with a becoming \\elcoine when 
 
 sbe came. 
 
 1 hese were not her only visitor-;. She was an heiiws ; md a 
 beauty, and conse ( |ueiitly a ///<. IJalfour himself, though past 
 llie pcriml of life when a si.irhin.ir lover is reco-ni>ablc, \\ as 
 
 t hi^ ye,: iiion in the assumption of this 
 
 character. lie WO8 f..ll..wi-d. al a ivvp. ct ful distance, by others, 
 whom it heller suited. There were the Campbells, tin 
 known as "mad." the other as "fool." Of " < ra/\ Campbell; 
 tin-re WUi Lachlin o Ferii us. a captain of the ru.-mK a tierce, 
 reil headed Scotchman ; there W9M Ihc gallant Major 
 
mi. L01 A i 1ST I .I.AI i [is is . n \ ; | .1 
 
 . le bd esprit of tin- I .ritMi t wil and rh\i 
 
 and his inseparable, or shadow, ( apt. M Mah< 
 who. with tin amount . cm in the \\orld, 
 
 iniirht i n willin;:- to yield up his ou n individuality 
 
 he have i;o| in place of il thai of his friend. An.! 
 almost a- appre. iaii\ , Rfl M Mali-m. They were tin- moral Si- 
 of (lie "-in-Noii. who perpetually quoted . :. and 
 
 boued, as if throu-h Bell invariably when they did K>. 
 
 There were others, who. like Hie*,., with them and aft. i 
 ho\\ed and >i-hed at the in-w altars of Ix-aiilv which, perforce. 
 ! up when Katharine Walton reached the city ; and the 
 f Mrs. SiiiL. r l( ton, from having hitherto ln-i-n onlv : 
 f the unhappy, who mourned over the di-ir 
 country, was now er., \\drd on all potdbk -y the tri 
 
 umphant, whox,- iron ]\< , pres-cil upon its 1 
 
 could tiie \< in i-il-le widow object to thi- intni>i ii. 
 it by a forbidding v 9he had b >inee 
 
 t.. know that the " rebel ladi< B " v, 
 
 who would rejoice i:i any ; \\iiich they 
 
 would seem justilied in driving forth a <! principles 
 
 flVii-i\r. and whosi- poMeattODI eontis- 
 
 cation. Si: \\iih a 
 
 .ieh were unavoidal le, and led fi.r h-r 
 
 DC8S ns she dJ iiarine Walr-.n was a.s little 
 
 d to endure her d the 
 
 mi- value. 
 
 It was seldom that the " loyal M 1 , . 
 /n the cirel. of Mrs Sin-lelon. They w. re he d to );.. 
 
 J tin- pinion which they had i 
 OOlfl : themaelTefl that ilu- forfeiture w:;s a jus 
 
 seldom that t!,e\ 
 
 ther. it wa- ^.-Idoin Ilia: They lield 
 
 .1 rival set. and : le Hi. m-i i\-- for tlieir 
 
 exclusion from circles which \\<iv ei.chanteil b\ riptivi* 
 
 Hority. by ih. 
 
 thities. They formed ti. B great 
 
 parties irivi-n by Ceiieial Leslie, by t! 
 Balfour, and by other leading ollurrs of tin 
 
I! . KATllAKlNi: \\ ALTON*. 
 
 desirous of conciliating favor, or relieving tlic tedium of garrison 
 life. 
 
 A- a ward of Colonel Cruden, and measurably in the power 
 of Colonel IJalfour. it was nol po^jhlr for Katharine Walton 
 wholly to escape the knowledge of. and even some decree of 
 intimacy with, some of the ladies of the Uritish party. A few 
 of them found their way, accordingly, to Mrs. Singleton s. 
 Some of l!i<-e were persons whose polilical sympalhies were 
 not active, and were due wholly to the direction taken by their 
 parents. Others were of the British party because it was the 
 most brilliant ; and other.-. ai:ain. because of warmer individual 
 feelings, who had found objects of love and worship where pa 
 triotismthe more stately virtue could discover nothing but 
 hostility and evil. 
 
 Of these persons we may name a few of whom the local tra 
 dition still entertains the most lively recollections. Conspicuous 
 amon.ir these dam-. -Is. known B8" loyalist" belles of Charleston, 
 during its occupation by the British army, were " the 1 Icrveys ; " 
 three sisters, all of a rich, exuberant, voluptuous beauty, and 
 one of them, at least, the most beautiful of the three, of a wild 
 and passionate temper. "Moll Harvey," as she was familiarly 
 known, was a splendid woman, of dark. Cleopatra like eyex and 
 carriage, and of tresses IOHLT, mas-ive. and ^lossily black as the 
 raven s whin his \vinu r is spread for Iliirhl in the- evening sun 
 light. A more exquisite figure never tloated ihroiiuh the ma/es 
 of the dance, making the eye drunk with delirium to pursue her 
 motion! She Wttfl of -ubile intellect al-o, keen and quick at 
 repartee, with a free, spontaneous fancy, and a spirit as bold and 
 reckless a< e\er led wilful fancy wandering. She had been, for 
 a loni: time, tin- favorite of llalfour. He had sillied to her. 
 and followed her with addiv e that only seemed to forbear the 
 la-t avowal, Hut this, tliouirh still forborne, was still anticipated 
 hourly by all parties, the lady herself amoiiir them. That Hal 
 four -till refrained was a matter of common surprise, and to be 
 accounted for in two ways only. Though of the best family 
 connection-, she had no fortune. Thi- mi-ht be a suilicient rea 
 son why he should forbear to unite himselt irrevocably with her. 
 or with any woman ; for the commandant of Charleston was 
 
TII i: u>^ AI.I.-T in. LUTIBS IN MIA B 
 
 notorious for hi- ct|ual greedilMM and hi- 
 
 expenditure. There mtf \-t another retBOB. Moll Har\< 
 
 If soine\\ hat too con-picuoij- l.\- her lliriation- \\ith 
 
 than Prince William, then in tin- navv ; U-ttcr 
 
 kiio\\n to us in remit | William IV.. ki; 
 
 Britain.* She miirht ha\e lieen only vain and frivolous, but the 
 
 mouths of public ceiiMire \\ hi-pt red <>f error- of Mill Braver char 
 
 Hie certainly irave much <.eea>i<>n to -u-picion. That 
 the prince \\as madly fond of her i- be\ oiid question. It \\a> 
 even -aid that he had proposed to her a >ec,et marria-e, Imt 
 that the proud, vain spirit of the -rirl would li>ten to n.thing 
 short of the public ceremonial. Such was the on ,/i f aimm^ 
 ino>t friendly and most inclined to defend her cmdu-t. 
 This may ha\e been wild and darin.ir rather than In. | 
 
 but a woman is always in danger v. In. priili - 
 
 gotag beyond her MX. l-inou-h, that public -i.nje. tmv 
 
 account for Halfnur .s reluctance to pr.-pi.M- for her hand, while 
 evidently pa>-ionately fond of her per-on. \\a- divide.l ! 
 hi- known avarice, and his doubts of the propriety of 1,. 
 duct in the flirtation with his prince. Such were hi- n-lali-i 
 Moll Harvey at the period u lien he tir-t -aw Katharine Walton, and 
 
 : ick \\iththct\vi.fnld attractions of her beauty and i. 
 tune. 
 
 Then- were three other youiii: ladies, bel. 
 party, \\ith \\lmm Katharine Walton shortly found herself I 
 nally into contact. One of tin- . us ^I . - M.irv II 
 who divided the the hearts ..f the --|u:illy 
 
 with her competitors. >|,e \\as the daughter .f | upell. 
 
 a Jin, i and ((.nvi>tent ro\ali.-t.a man of \\orth ami character. \vin>. 
 :he Ke\olution. had been one of the kiin; > council t(ol,.iiyi, 
 and held the lucrative offlo ;. r. Man R 
 
 wa> a proud beaut\ . a- tULOghtj M ibe WM lOfelj, and 
 particularly succeful in the ball room. It wa- Dem her fortune. 
 on such OCCttfont, to remain unnoticed, a me ilower 
 
 ai:ain-t the wall. 
 
 1 aulina IMielps was another 9 was a 
 
 lady of hand.-ome fortune, and of one of the nuM re>; 
 rrmdlti 
 
r.l K A THAI; INK WALTON. 
 
 With many admirers, sin- was particularly distinguished liy the 
 conquest of one >f i!i - hinij gallants of the garrison. This 
 
 Major Campbell - Major Archibald C ainphcll, or. Rfl he 
 was better known, " Mad Archy." or " Mad Campbell " a fellow 
 of equal darinir and eccentricity ; his dashing and frequent advcii- 
 tun s of a startling nature securiiiL: for him his very appropriate nick 
 name. We shall have occasion to record some of the-e adventures 
 in the course of our narrative, by which we shall justify its pro 
 priety. 
 
 There was still another damsel, ranked amoiiLC the loyalist 
 ladies :if Charleston, whom we should not properly style a /W/r, 
 since she \\as not a< -know ledm d to possess this distinction. Yet 
 her beauty and irrace were w rthy of it. Klla Monckton was a 
 blonde and a beauty ; but the ea^er impulse of her natifre, 
 which mi-lit have carried her forward to conquests at least 
 secured her some of the social triumphs in which her compan 
 ions delighted had been checked by the circumstances of her 
 condition. Her family was reduced ; her mother lived upon a 
 pittance, after having been accustomed to prosperity, and her 
 brother, a youth a year younirer than his sifter, obtained his 
 support in the employment of Hal four, as his sc.-rectary. Ella 
 ist twenty years l\, with features which looked greatly 
 younger, an almost infantine face, but in which, in the deep 
 lustrous depths of her dark blue and deuy eyes, miiiht be read 
 the presence of the ripest and loveliot thoughts of womanhood 
 and intellect. She v\:e> quiet and retiring sensitively so shy 
 I she united to this M-eniin-ly enfeebling charac- 
 terNtie a cloJC, e:irp(-t faculty of observation, a ju<t, discrimi 
 natintr jud.LMnenl, hi-jh resolves, deliberate iln.u-ht, and a warm, 
 deeply -fcrlinir, and lovinir nature. She was one of those, one 
 (.f tin- vi-ry few amonir tin- rival faction, who commVnded tin in 
 selvs. in any degree, to tin- sympathies of Katharine Walton. 
 Yet. properly speaking. Klla Monekton had no active sympa 
 thies with the Hrilish party. Her father had l>c-n a supporter 
 and Servant <( tin- crown, and she rather adapted his tendencies 
 tiictilv than ly any e.\erei-c of will. That her brother should 
 find his employment with Halfour. should be another reason for 
 her loyalty. There \\civ yet other reasons still, which we must 
 
Tin: LOYALIST B ! \ HAH 
 
 future 01 Shy ami KDfllUvi 
 
 spirit of K!l;i Monckton, she was singularly decisive in the adoption 
 of IHT mood-. 1 rarely chan^eaMe or capricious. 
 
 :t i t her sympathies :m<l aiTertion-. in- of thnsr 
 
 \\lio carry an canu-M and : 
 
 iii tlii- 
 
 lusinc>s in..-! irratcful ami :I to tho \\oinan IK r 
 
 alTVrticms iuvolv. .1 ln-ynml recall :; in all luatti-rs 
 
 when- tlic-i- .fund. a> if !! " . ! ! death \\rrt- on tin- 
 
 Ami, with Mich a hi-art U ben, tin- Iwue ..iiid ls- iii the end no oilier 
 than life and death. liut these hints will sullkv for the present furn- 
 i-hii.i (lew- to other chapters. 
 
106 K AT II A KINK WALTON". 
 
 C II A I TKR XXI. 
 
 BROTHER AND SISTER. 
 
 IT was late at night. The close of the day in Charleston 
 had been distinguished by the return of Halfour from Don-lies 
 ter. "Waiting on his moods, rather than rendering him any 
 required service-, hi- secretary, Alfred Monckton, lingered until 
 abruptly dismis-ed. lie hurried away, a* soon as his 
 wa- obtained. 1" the ancient family abi.dc. one of the 
 to the west, at the foot of Hroad street. The dwelling, though 
 worn, wanting paint, and greatly out of repair, attested, in some 
 derive, the former importance of his family. Ii \\a- a givat 
 wooden fabric, such as belonged particularly to the reginii and 
 ])eriod, capable of accoinmodat ini: half a do/en Mich families as 
 that bv which it was now occupied. The Widow Monckton, 
 with her two children, felt all her loneliness. She had wailed 
 for Alfred till a late hour, until exhaustion compelled her to re 
 tire; foregoing one of her m-M -rateful exercises, that of wel 
 coming her son to her arms and hesii. \\ing upon him her nightly 
 blessing. !! was In r hope, a- he \\ a- her chief support. She 
 well knew how irksome were hi- labors, under the eye of Mich 
 a man as Halfoiir. And still she knew not half. Hut her 
 knowli -ullicient to render her gratitude to her boy as 
 
 active | her loVC ; and once more repealing tin- \\i-li. for the 
 third time, "How 1 \\i-h thai Alfred would nuiir! " she let! her 
 good-nielli and bleing for him wilh Klla, his si^er, who de 
 clared her purpose to Ml up for him. 
 
 This, indeed, wa< her constant habit. It was in compliance 
 equally with her inclination and duty. A lender and emil iding 
 sympathy s\\ayd both their heart:-, and the youth loved the 
 
BKOTH1 i: LKD BI8TEB 1!7 
 
 r none tin- ten because love between tlu-rn was a dutv. 
 
 hi- elder l.y a dngk jretTj :in.i shy and shrinking as 
 
 h.-r temperament, it f dculatcd lor the control of 
 
 hi-, i quick and passionate in his moods. ; ui,l it w ts 
 
 only with tin- nnt determined reference l< the condition of his 
 
 i mother, lirr dependence upon his patient industry and his 
 
 Qtekm, that he was al.lt- t.. endure a situation which, but 
 
 tOO frequently, was nia<le to wound his pride and outnice his 
 
 I .alt our was an adept in niakinir all about him 
 their obligations and dependence. 
 
 Alfred Monckt,,M wa- of sli-ht frame and delicate ap|>earanee. 
 
 In this re-pe< t In- resrinlileil his lister; but otherwise, th.-re 
 
 ph .sjcally but little similarity between them. While >ln- 
 
 . of a coinpl.-xinn a- delicate as that of the roae- 
 
 the crimson bl 1 betray in-: itself throuuh her cheeks at 
 
 . pulsation, he -\as dark and swarthy, with keen, quivering 
 llack eyi s, and hair of the blackest hue and the richest ^loss. 
 A slight mustache, little deeper than a pencil line, dark 
 upon his Up; but nowhere was his cheek or chin rend, Ted man 
 ly by a beaid. This description must suflice. So much. ; 
 h-ip in connection with the character which 
 
 prop i\v. 
 
 II rfved him with a ki-> and a n embr.; 
 
 " You have been drinking wine. Alfred :" 
 
 la. And I sometimes think that the liquor will choke 
 1 drink at the board of Balfoiir." 
 " And why, p: 
 
 "He Md| me drink. Klla ; he docs not ask. He 
 and you can scarcely understand how such a command should 
 (flemfve, when you know that I rrlMi old Mad. -ria as well 
 
 it is. It is as if he \\nulfl comjK-n^ite 
 
 ill tliis manner, for the scorn, the contempt, the frequently haughty 
 and almost brutal in-^lciiee of his tone and manner. II 
 hate him ." 
 
 I - ar \\ itli him. my In-other, for our mother s sake." 
 Do] not bear. Klla V Ah you know n..t half." 
 " Nor \\ould I know. Alfred, unless I could reli Rut 
 
 he has, then, retui; 
 
198 KATII. \KINI: WALTON, 
 
 "Yes; late this evening. He comes back in great good 
 humor. He talks nothing now but of the famous beauty, Kath 
 arine Walton. She is his new passion; and Mull Haney is in 
 great danger of lo^inir her ascendency. Miss Walton is wealthy 
 as well as handsome. I have not seen her ; but she is already 
 in the city." 
 
 "In the city, Alfred?" was the inquiry, in tones singularly 
 subdued and slow, as if they required some cfl ort on the part of the 
 speaker to bring them forth. 
 
 "Yes. It appears that she arrived yesterday or the day 
 before. But I heard nothing of it until he came. He has 
 already been to see her. She lodges with her kinswoman, Mrs. 
 Dick Singleton, where you may have an opportunity of meeting 
 her." 
 
 "I do not care to meet her. Alfred," was the hastily-uttered 
 answer; and the sounds were 80 sad, that the youth placing a 
 hand on each of her cheeks, and looking steadily into her large 
 blue eyes, inquired curiously and tenderly - 
 
 " And why, Ellen my sister why have you no curiosity to see the 
 beauty whom the whole city will run to 
 
 " That alone should be a sutlieient reason." 
 
 "Ah! but there is yet another, my sister. Your voice i.s very 
 sad to-night. Ella, my dear Ella, beware of your little heart. 
 I am not a sutlieient counsellor for it, I know ; but I can see 
 when it siitTers and 1 can give you warning to beware. You do 
 not tell me enough, Ella. You do not contide sullicicntly to 
 your brother yet I see!- I see Mid fear!" 
 
 What do you fear, Alfred f" 
 
 " I fear that you are destined to suffer even more than you 
 have done. I have other news to tell you, which, if I mistake 
 not your feelings, will make \i.u still more unhappy." 
 
 " Do not do not keep me in BUSpenM, Alfred." 
 
 "I will not. You will know it sooner or later, and it is best 
 . to hear ill news at first, from friendly lips. Major 
 Proctor is disL Taeed, and that subtle, snake-like fellow, Vaughau, 
 snow in command of the post at Dorcln 
 
 The maiden clasped her hands ing.-thrr in -peechlos sulTering. 
 
 "Ah, Ella! 1 \\as afraid of thi-. 1 have seen, for a long 
 
r.l:n-| IM.I; \ \ -|, 
 time. how mud, you thou-ht ,f M:ij..r IWt- . t,,],l me 
 
 "And what wafl I to tell \,, u . That I loved bopefeatly; that my 
 
 heart irat yielded tO O&e WhO bad DO heart tn^ivr; that I had be, ii 
 piilty of tin- unmaidenly weakness of lovin- where I c.uli ha. 
 hope of return; tliat, with the foiidne-s of tin- woman, I larked her 
 delirary. and MitTeied ih- world to see that pas-ion whirl, I should 
 never have suffered myself to feel until my o\\ n heart had IM-.-II 
 solirited! Oh! Alfred, Was this the eonlev.jun that ,,,y l.rother 
 would have had me make? You have it now! I have shown 
 all Would it have availed me anythini: that I had told you this 
 
 before?" 
 
 This ua- ptMfongtdj >pokei.. and the irirl covered her eyes with 
 her han. N a^ >he ma. le the ,-. aifesvi,,,, : \\-\i\\,. ;m audible sob. at the 
 roneluvii.il. denoted the convulsive force of that emotion which -|,,- 
 
 " Al1 - "> POOF, It is what 1 feared. I h:i\en..t 
 
 studied your heart in vain. And, \\hat i- v. ! n,, 
 
 Lilian. E can aot eren give you oounael. 1 n.etor. it Is said, ft 
 
 ted t.. Mks Walton. It is throiiLrh hi- pa-i-n l.,r her that lie U 
 
 aid to have helped her lather ill hi- 
 
 rcberter, and is to I,,- court-martialed for the offen. .-. The 
 ( ll: " - TV serious ..DC. It amount- to s ( , m ethiiiL r more than 
 
 neglect of duty. Ufa a charge of treason, and may peril hi< life; 
 
 it j.erils his reputation as a man of honor and an 
 
 officer." 
 
 "And this i\ ,/// u, ( . doin.!; of that renOfl Jure. Vai. 
 
 It, Alfred. This b,,ld. bad man, has b 
 
 long while, spiiininir hi- artful \\eb about the ami 
 
 uiivu-peetiii.i: natui- CtOT. Can iiothin.ir 1-e dour to save 
 
 him 1 / " 
 
 " I lo not do anything." 
 
 "l )(l " tp \.fred. Something H.unt be .l.-nc. 
 
 ^ on kn..w not how miii h may be d.-ne by a resolute and de\ 
 spirit, however feeble, \vhere it boi - re it l.-vi "iise 
 
 may relieve the lion. Alfi- 
 
 " You -peak from \,, U r heart. Klla. Mot from yoI thoiii:ht. ft 
 
 "And the heart has :i facul . 
 
200 KATIIAKINi: \\ ALTON . 
 
 any thought Y<nt may do something, my brother. You trill do 
 something. If we art- only in possession of tin- roundels of ihe 
 enemy, we may contrive to bailie them. You will see you will 
 hear. You will know when- Balfour and Yaughan plan! their 
 snares; and we shall lie able to give warning, in due season, to the 
 noble gentleman whom they would destroy." 
 
 "Ella, my sister," replied the other gravely, "you f<.rg-t thai I 
 am, in a measure, the confidant of Balfour. It will not do for me to 
 betray his secrets. I have hitherto withheld nothing from you. I 
 have spoken to you as my other s-Jf; but. remember, these are not 
 my secrets which I confide to you. They must be sacred. It is im 
 possible that I should communicate to you the counsels of my em 
 ployer, with the apprehension that you will use your knowledge to 
 defeat them." 
 
 The warm, conscious blood rushed into the face of the maiden. 
 She IK sitated; she felt a keen sting of self-reproach as she listened; 
 but. the next moment, she replied with an argument that has fre 
 quently found its justification in morality. 
 
 " But we are not to keep the counsels of the \\ irked. We are Hot 
 to keep faith with those who aim to do evil. It is hut right and just 
 that we should seek to warn the innocent against the snare spread for 
 them by the guilty." 
 
 Alfred Moncton was not equal to the moral argument, lie waived 
 it accordingly. 
 
 "But you forget, my sister, that the innocence of .Major I roctor 
 rests only on our assumption. Kverybody believes him guilty. 
 Of the facts we kDOW nothing, except that they show against him. 
 
 He has suffered a rebel to e-eape from justice eveh at the place of 
 
 execution. He is reputed to be a devoted lover of this rebel s 
 daughter, lie was a frequent visitor at her residence, to the neglect 
 of his duiii-> in the i_ r arrioii. The consequences are serious. All 
 the loyalists families cry out against him; and the general im 
 n of his guilt seems to lie liorne out by the facts and 
 appearances." 
 
 "I Will not believe it. Alfred." 
 
 " There, again, your heart speaks. Klla 1 Ah, my poi.r 
 would that you had never seen thN man " 
 
 She exclaimed ha-lily, and in lui-ky accents 
 
BK< . \j, SDH 801 
 
 rhaps I too wish that I hud H him. Uut it is 
 
 too late for that, Alfred. I c...,not control my heart ; and to 
 y>u I am n. .t ashamed to confess tliat 1 lo\e him fondly 
 entirely. You must lirlp me t.. serve him. Alfn-d help me to 
 
 mil." 
 And yet if he loves ar.i.thi-r !" 
 
 . Alfred, and still we must save him i: 
 
 can. It is not love that forever denial. Me, It is l,,ve 
 
 only when prepared for every sacrifice. I must seek 
 in this instance, though the service may seem wholly t. 
 without profit to myself ; and you must as>M me. though, perhaps. 
 at some peril to yourself. But there will lie no peril to you 
 really, as I shall manage tin- all air ; and where tin- he.v 
 Satisfied in thescrviee.it mu-t needs l,e profitable. The love 
 ""I be the less warm and devoted, because felt for a beinu r 
 who is wholly ignorant of it- existence. Let Proctor be happy with 
 this rebel lady if he may. It is enough that he knows me not 
 that he kWM me D0t I Why should he not love another v 
 Why not be happy uith her 1 The world ipeakl well of his ,l, 
 May they be happy ! " 
 
 " It is n,.t v, certain that he loVCfl hopefully. Klla. On the con 
 trary, much is said against it." 
 
 " Ah. believe it Hot ! Shi- i^ sen-ible. they say ; she \\ill scarcely 
 likened to Proctor with imlitTen-n. 
 
 u will call upon lier. HI] .. 
 " No ; that i^ impossi],;. 
 
 "How will you avoid it .- She is the ward now of Colonel 
 Cruden ; and both P.alfoiir and himself will exjx-ct all t], 
 ladies to do honor to one \\hom they have *,, mueh di-in- to \\ in 
 
 
 mother s intimacy \\itli her" 
 
 -.actly \\liat it has I- . hut there \* ft 
 
 of bitterness now in the eternal ilix-u.-xjoii of tlicir poli 
 they havi- tacitly fon--on, their intimacies. An occasional < all is all 
 that either makev Still, mother will have to L o : but there is no 
 obligation upon me to do 
 
 " And ha\ e you really no cm i 
 
 "No \es| 1 1, ( \ lt .j,| 8eCf search, and 
 
202 KATHAIMNi: WALTON". 
 
 study e\ery cliann. and seek to li<eovrr in what the peculiar 
 fascination lies which ha* won that cold, proud lieart. lint I fear 
 I tremble, Alfred, lot I should learn to hate the object that he 
 
 Mv poor Klla ! \vhat sliall I do for you V" 
 
 " Do for //////, Alfred. You can do nothing for me. I must do 
 for myself. If 1 have been weak, 1 will show that I can he strong. 
 I will not succumb to my feebleiie-s. 1 will overcome it. You will 
 do much for me. if you will assist me in -avin- Major Proctor from 
 his enemies." 
 
 " And win rel ore should I peril myself for one who has done you 
 such a wron:: . " 
 
 " There will be no peril to you, dear Alfred ; and for the wron^ 
 lie has done me none. It is I only who have wronged my 
 self." 
 
 "Ay, but there is peril - nay, little less than my >;u ritice, Klla, 
 which may follow from m\ helping you in behalf of Proctor. And 
 ; nut why / sh.udd risk anything in behalf of a man who will 
 
 neither know nor care aiiythini: about the sacrifice \\ < make. I [ has 
 no claim upon ////, Klla." 
 
 " Ah, l)rother, would you fail me . 
 
 " What is this man to you or me V Nothing ! And 
 
 " Oh, Alfred ! Proctor nothing t //" , when he compels these 
 when, to mention his name only, makes my heart tremble 
 with a mixed feeling of fear and joy! <>h. my brother, you are 
 irrratly chained, I fear." 
 
 She threw herself upon the youth s bosom as -he spoke these 
 words of melanclioly rep roach ; and his eyes tilled with sympathetic 
 drops as he heard her sobbing ujxni his shoulder. , 
 
 "Alas! Klla:" he e\< laimed. "You -peak as if 1 had any 
 to serve or to lave. You deceive yourself, but must not. 
 B me. I know my own feehleiie- I . :.n do nothing tor you. 
 ;ot how we can serve Proctor." 
 
 "Oil, I will show you how !" she answered eagerly. "Ajust 
 
 ami i: 1 man need have no fear of open enmity. It is the arts that 
 
 are practiced in secret that find him accessible to harm You shall 
 show me how thee Spiders WOrk, Mid \\here they set their snares, 
 and ICHVC the re-t to me." 
 
ri: \\i> 
 
 \< . tat, Klhi. you are not to betray any of n: 
 
 would be iii*liMMorii!_ 1 a- endangering inc. I .lla, ami I 
 
 much doultt if i! would be of any M you seek 
 
 to MTVe. I . il I will help you wiicrc I can with propriety. If I 
 can shw you in what way you may avort tin- <laiii: r from him 
 without " 
 
 "Oh, yes! That is all that 1 Bftk, dear Alfred That i- all 
 Tin- poor fellow little Misprctcd to what extent the fond and 
 crriiiir heart of his -i-ter h:u! already .nunitted both. He little 
 k lt \\ that IK r M crct airency which iniirht very naturally nnnlurt 
 to hi.- wa- already >oinethini: more than -u-pected l.y the \\ily 
 i an. 
 
KATHAKIM; WALTON. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 LOVE PLAYS THE SPY. 
 
 IT was probably a week after this conversation, when, one night, 
 Alfred MoncktOO returned home to Ins mother s dwelling at an earlv 
 hour of the evening, and with a roll of papers beneath his arm. lie 
 was all bustle and wearin 
 
 "Come with me, Ella, into the library," he exclaimed to his 
 sister. "I have more work for you than ever." 
 
 Seated in the library, at the ample table which was usually 
 avsi-rned to his nightly toils as the secretary of the commandant 
 where, in fact, his labor< as an amanuensis usually employed him, 
 and. occasionally his BtetCT, until midnight he proceeded to 
 unfold an enormous budget of rouiih notes and letters, to be copied 
 and arranged. In these labors, KH ;l Honckton shared \\ith a 
 generous impulse which sought to lessen the burden of her brother s 
 duties. She now lent herx-lf readily to his assistance, and pro 
 ceeded lo ascertain the extent of the performance which he 
 
 required. 
 
 These are all to be copied and Liot iii readiness by the morning. 
 Klla. and I am BO wearied." 
 
 " me have them. Alfred; show me what 1 am to do, while 
 you throw yourself upon the sofa and iv-1 vourself." 
 
 "There, that s a iM.,,d creature. Copy me that, and that, and 
 
 that. 5Tou see all s numbered ; letter them tim-. A. I;, r, and so on, 
 just as you tind them on the scraps; only copy them on these sheets, 
 the paper ; and the BOOnei you set to work the better. I will 
 come to your helj) as soon as 1 have fairly rented. If 1 could sleep 
 ten minutes only." 
 
Y..II shall. <ii\e DM the papers and let me go to work." 
 And -l-i - beiran t<> gather up, and to unfold, and arrange the sev 
 eral manuxTipK 
 
 " St;i\ Not these. Klla. And, by the way, you arc not to 
 see these, though they would interest you much. They com 
 
 Ah I" 
 
 I; they ar> his trial. Thcr- c.urt of inquiry 
 
 and these arc memoranda of the charges to be made against him. with 
 
 of the evidence upon which they i 
 And why urn I not to Alfred ? " 
 
 " Became I am positively forbidden to suffer them to he seen, 
 Klla. Halfour seems a little suspicious. I think. II par 
 
 ticular in his injunctions. The fact K Klla. the allegation^ 
 
 MS and the proofs are strong. If the \\iine--eslieof the pi 
 
 . will convict and cashier Proctor. The w<>rM is. that they 
 
 will take him ly surprise; for. as it is to U a court of inquiry only, 
 
 ;><M-ilicalions will le submitted, and he will ,-iticipate 
 
 tln-r harircs if he be innocent of them. There. I can t show them 
 
 to you. s ( , don t ask me." 
 
 11 Hut. Alfred, \\ill you really suffer me to do nothing -will you do 
 nothin- yourself for the safety of a person a-ain.st whom the: 
 I c onspir, 
 
 What can 1 do ? What should 1 do : I have no H-M to any 
 thing which shall involve a breach of trust. You would i 
 
 [I, Kl!a. to expect it." 
 
 The i r L irUiirhed lc.-ply ami look.l wi^tfullx upon the 
 
 of papers which he detached from the others, folded up. and put 
 rftoir, Hut she forbore all further entreaty . ami. with 
 a good grace and a cheerful manner, jinxccded to the work a<*i 
 her. 
 
 " And news for you U, Klla." ^iid the young man. now 1 
 up from the sofa upon which he had just Hum: hiniM-lf. " I 
 in town. He came d..\\n \est.-rday. and was this morning to s., ; 
 four. Hut he refused to be seen was ton b;; 
 answer; thouirh 1 knew he was only busy with his Jailor, 
 frequently consults perhaps quite as frequent: INT- 
 
 SOU. I roctor waited in IM\ apartment. I am truly him 
 
V" 1 K A Til AIM Ni: WALTOI7. 
 
 II<- is a th.e manly-looking fellow, and wore so sad, } ot so noble a 
 countenance." 
 
 Another -i-h from Klla but she sai.l nothing in reply: ami in a 
 fe\v moments Alfivil was a-leep, fairly o\ercome by llie toils of the- 
 day and the preceding ni^ht. She. inean\vhile, ur^d her pen 
 with a rapid industry, which seemed resolute, l>y devotion to 
 the task immediately before her. to for-vt the exciting and sor 
 rowful thoughts wliieli were slni^-lini: in her mind. When her 
 brother a\voke her task was nearly ended. Hut his remained to be 
 performed; and, with assiduity that never shrunk from labor, she 
 continued to a-ist in his. It was nearly midnight when they 
 <-<l. 
 
 We have tlonp enough. Klla, for the niirht. and your eves look 
 heavy with sleep. You are a dear ;irl. my sister, ami I love you 
 as In-other never loved sister before. D) you not believe 
 me . There, one kiss, and you must to bed. Tomorrow niirhl 
 shall be a holiday for you. I mustn t receive a-sMaiiee in that busi- 
 . and that s for to-morrow. Cood ni-ht, Klh, ; 
 
 nighl 
 
 They separated, and took their way to their respective char.i 
 
 When Klla Monckton reached hers, s |,,. threw her-elf 
 
 into a chair, and clapped her hands in her lap with the air of 
 
 "lie stni lin.^ with a trreat necessity and a.-ainst a strenuous 
 
 desire. 
 
 " I mu-t B66 tho-e papei-s : M ^\\c muttered, in low accents, to her 
 self. They may be of the last importance in 7//\ case. I cannot 
 sull er him to b<- crushed by thc^r base and cruel enemies. Shall I 
 have the mean- to BEV6 him from a .irreat injustice from a \\ n.n- 
 which may destroy him- - y-t forbear to u-e them? There i- ,,o 
 morality in this ! If I read HICM- papers without Alfred s privity, in 
 wli-i , is h- to blame He betrays no conlidence; he violates no trust; 
 
 he surrenders no secret. I can not si,.,.], u jti, this con\iction. I 
 
 mu-t Bee lhev ( . p ; ,p, . 
 
 When- was the heaviness that weL hed ilmvn the-e evelids 
 
 when her brother looked tenderly into her face at parlim: . II,- 
 
 dstaken wh<-ii In- as< ribe.l tlieir exj.revsion ),, the need for 
 
 sleep. They were now intensely bright, and ,t:litterin^ w ith the 
 
 earncstne-s of an excited will \\hiih has ; ,lready settled upon 
 
&OVE PLAYS THE SPY. . , 
 
 its obj> nu ditatioi "ntinued. and occasionally 
 
 out into soliloquy. Her mind was in coiitlirl, thou 
 will was roolutc and fixed. Hut, with such a \\ill, ami Leaded by 
 \ mpathies of a woman s heart in In-half of the 
 licinu; whom it mo-t ! in hardly doubt as to her final 000 
 
 flu-ion. 
 
 and left her chamber with the lightest foot>tcp in the 
 
 vorld ; traversed tin : . liich divided her brother s chambt r 
 
 from her own, and listened a t the entrance. All was still within, 
 
 and his li-ht was extinguished. She returned in her chamber 
 
 uith a If of the ; 
 
 candle, and rapidly descende. : re to the library. The 
 
 c-criloir \\: . but the hey. she \\.11 kneu. occupied tlie 
 
 corner ,! in the library. Her. -he -on-lit and found it. 
 
 ;il to apply it t> the lock, b vd her 
 
 ion witli the rellection. \\hirh she was - is that 
 
 she -pokr alolld 
 
 an t hurt Alfred ; / \iolate< no trust and I may save the 
 innocent man from the snan - ! the guilty." 
 
 The moral philosophy of ihi> s|,,-ecii \\a^ not (jui 
 :he speaker h* iM-lt. A mi ineiit after, and \\heii 
 \\as laid op. .(r, and before her hand- ! forth 
 
 6 the papers, -he clasped her palms together suddenly ex 
 claim: 
 
 "(I; could \oubut knou how much is tin 
 
 make for youl 
 
 I ith her hands, and the 
 dropx >tole do\\ ii bet\\e( n he: 
 
 She did not IOIIL: remain in this attitude. The ni^ht W a. 
 LT iiiiLT rapidly. She knew not the extent of the labor 
 her. but she felt that W -Inmld be done 
 
 <|uickly. She unfolded the p.ip.i^, \\hicli \\ere nunieroi, 
 si-tins^ of Irtte: ,nda and aHidavi! ad with a 
 
 nrrxoii \\- 
 
 : Mushed. here\es tilled nu ain \\ith : saCBDCd 
 
 of the contents. I ll, 
 
 thai the attachment the beautiful daughter 
 
 rebel \\alton had led to tin . ;he latter, that tin : 
 
. "x K A THAI; INI: WALTON". 
 
 hail frequently neglected his duties; had been a frequent visitor 
 
 at "The Oak-," and had studiously forborne to see those signs 
 
 ot treason and ci.n>jiracy which he had been particularly set to 
 watch. 
 
 It docs not need that we should detail all the f ;i . 
 forth in these documents against him. The nature of the 
 * we may conjecture from what is already known. 
 The important matter in the paper* was the sort of evidence 
 and the names of the persons relied on to establish the accusa 
 tion. The quick intelligence of Klla Monckton enabled her, 
 almo>t at a glance, to see how mucli of this testimony it was im 
 portant for Proctor to know, and to conceive how small a por 
 tion of it was possibly open to his conjecture. She shuddered 
 as she reviewed the plausable array of circumstances by which 
 lie was enmeshed ; and, while her heart shrank from those par 
 ticulars which showed the extremity of his pa iou for Katha 
 rine Wali-m. her mind equally revolted at the depth, breadth 
 and atrocity of the art by which he was to be convicted as a 
 criminal. 
 
 With a quick and vigilant thought she determined to afford the 
 victim an opportunity to encounter the enemy, who was evidently 
 iv-olved upon surprising him by an ambush. She resolved to 
 make a < iit,ili>ijne ra of the charges, the specifications, 
 
 and the evidence under them. l.o\e lent her new strength for 
 the task : ami she who had sat up till midni-hl copying for her 
 broth. -r now < .< < upied the re-t of the niirht in abriduini: tlie docu 
 ment- which threatened the safety of the one whom .-he so unpn.lita- 
 bly 1" 
 
 The irray dawn was already peeping throuirh the shutter- of 
 her chamber window when she was preparing to retire. She 
 had completed her task. Kxcludinir, all unimportant matter- 
 all ui!! preliminarily- -he had irade out a complete re 
 port of the ca-e a- it was to be prosecuted before the court of 
 inquiry. She had copied so much of the te-iimony a- was 
 needful to cover the points made; dismissing all surplus-lire, and 
 confining her-elf to the absolute evidence alone ; and completed 
 rrative by a full li-t of all the witnesses who were relied 
 on to eslabhMi the char:- I the victim With tlii- < vi- 
 
ession, and \vitli ample time allowed him it was 
 in I n if really innocent, to meet hi> enemies on 
 
 their o\\n ,-n.mid; to eiieounier their witness with oth. : 
 rebut their alli irations with all th< in explain 
 
 what was equivocal in the history of his unfortunate command 
 at l"rchester. To cover the papers which she had c..pie<l 
 out, in a brief note, and under a d:-L r ui-.ed hand to I 1 
 wa- the completion of her ta-k: and this d<>ne, and the packet 
 . pi.i.r Klla. doubtful of the propriety of what she had 
 done, yet the slave of a neee-sity that found its authority in 
 her be-t aU ections. retired to her pillow, with :ull of 
 
 .TiT them to be quickly sealed by sleep. 
 
 . next day. I roetor \\a- in :i of the park- 
 
 age from his unknown but friendly -dent, and saw, 
 
 with mingled feelii :t-ternalion and relief, how lar^c 
 
 a b.,dy ,f evidence ha<l 1 i , n ..njiin-tl up a^ain^t him, and 
 with how much subtlety and art. Vet. with the -.,111. of his 
 
 I revealed to him. he aKo felt how comparative!;. 
 it would 1" -t their machinations. Hut let u> not antic 
 
 ipate. 
 
 ne surprise, th, iinir. that Alfred Monck 
 
 iid liis >i>trr pn-pi -. to her mother to accompany her on 
 a vi-it to Katharine \Vall<>n. lie ]n..k<d up. at the moment. 
 and caught her eye-, but said nothing. Hut. an i 
 
 Monekton hal retired. Klla IK r-t -If volunteer, d an explana 
 tion of tin motives which had 
 
 latkun, 
 
 Del P.alfour lia- M t hi h art up<>n thU ladv - U-i: 
 (ei\cd i!,t. t lOCietj, Alfred, it is j.artieularly incumbent upon u> to 
 do what we can t> pleaSfl him. Tin s will be the \v,} : 
 
 of tli.- |..yali- party in the cit\, and my n-fusil. or t 
 
 licy would only subject me t.. 
 That my mother sin .-, . and not 1, would c-ertainly be 
 
 She i-ai^ed. and In r In-lner nut her L r lanee with an eqi, 
 simile. Her < heeks IhNied. and then, \\itli sudden man 
 
 ner. she eonlii 
 
 " And, the truth i-. Al! - e hei . I shall 
 
XMO KATHARINE \\AI.TON. 
 
 until I do. I will nerve myself for tin- encounter with my best 
 strciiLith. and endure Hie meeting with ;dl the courage and philos 
 ophy I can nia-ter. The eiieiny is never more formidable than when 
 at a distance; and and 1 am not without hope that, when 1 
 Bee Mi*^ Vv alton near, 1 shall tind in her such (nullifications of her 
 beauty as \\ ill -erve to e\cu>e a lover for becoming c(.ld in his devo 
 tions, particularly if it he lias no longer reason to indulge in 
 hope." 
 
 Never hope it, Ella. Opinion seems to be too universally 
 ; on this subject. But I am ulad that you have thus deter 
 mined. The sooner we can reconcile ourselves to a painful subject, 
 which we are nevertheless compelled to encounter, the better for our 
 happiness. You will have to meet her. soon or late, for -e\eral balls 
 in her honor are in preparation. Colonel Cruden has already re 
 solved on making the Pinckney House a sort of Palace of Pleasure, 
 and as their ward of the cro\\n, Mi-s Walton is to be the queen 
 thereof. lie will be followed, as a matter of course, by the fashion 
 able widow, Mrs. Cornelia IJivinirton, and she by a do/en others, all 
 emulous, on a small scale, of working after her patterns. But I 
 nuM to my task. The-e papers will keep me more than half the 
 ni.L ht. Mow I \\Mi. Klla. that I could let you see them, but I dare 
 not. Ah! if poor Proctor only had these paper-! " 
 
 And tlicyoun- man proceeded to hi> solitary labors. His sister 
 dared not look up and meet hi* dance, while he spoke so innocently 
 of the secrets in his ponettton. She blushed at the consciousness of 
 the theft of them, which she had comi iiitcd; her conscience not 
 quite saii-fied that, even with the mo-t virtuous motive in the world, 
 she was quite ri^lit in doini: wrong. 
 
I L8HIONABLE MX I i:n I \ QA i;i;i . I I 
 
 c ii A I-T I:K \ \ 1 1 1. 
 
 FASH ION .\r.u; BOOin Y IN QABRI8ON, 
 
 Ii WM eleven in thr in.. ruin-, by the massive mahogany 
 that Mood in tin- Lnvat entrance to the -.[.acinus dwelling at 
 the fin.t i.f Uroad Mreet. which was occupied by the fashionable 
 N iMvinirtim. This lady WHS the wid. wof a wealthy planter, 
 one df the kinir s former counsellors f,.r the pr .1, for 
 
 a goodly term of years, the holder of an otlice of dignity and 
 pmtit under that bc-t tenure, ih/r-n.t, .,/,, placito, in a mon 
 archy. Tin- \\<>rthy widow, as in duty bound, -hared in the un- 
 >elli>h devotion to the crown by which her lord and 
 di-tin_Miishe<l. She \\:IN naturally true to an old M-hool in which, 
 not only had all her at all her fortunes, been acquired. 
 
 She wa- DOW, accordinir] \ !.yali-l. and the leader 
 
 witli all that clav< in the L r oo<l city of ( harloton \\h> professed 
 similar ways of thinking. She cut m.M other^ with little h-ita 
 lion. She turned her back, with a ino>t sovcn: of gu- 
 
 preinacy upon the (I.-MUdin^ and the Uutledires upon all those, 
 in other words. \\h >m >he could not >ubje( t to her author- 
 it^. 1. to her IWtJ W9M fatal to thr olTnidi-r. A 
 d.>ubt of her supreii. . -;ed at 
 ha/anl. She aimed at Bodl a tyranny in sK-ii-ty- 
 - little prepared to av..\\ her poli.-y a^ the kin.i: of Great 
 Britain wa- d.-imu- r the brief 
 period of time in which the P.ritMi .-niiand 
 of the cit\ 1 it successfully. She was an imjmr- 
 tant acquisition to the irarri-on. She had \\ealth. nnd tlje tem 
 per, to employ it was witty if not \VJM-. and her supjK-r 
 ; Fair, but not fat. m-r mu. , 
 
JT. K. \TIIAi; INK WALTON. 
 
 alctl borderline in widowhood, of forty, Mrs. Cornelia 
 had as many admirers, of a certain sort, as any of the more le 
 gitimate IK HIM within the limits of the garrison. Stout, red laced 
 majors of foot, who had impaired their lives in the free u-c of 
 curry and .Jamaica, who enjoyed the i^ood things of tliis life 
 witliout much regard to the cost, wlien the expense was borne 
 by another or to the evils, when the suffering only followed 
 the feast and did not interfere with it these were generally 
 the most devoted admirers of the wealthy widow. They would 
 have been pleased a score of them to persuade her out of 
 her widowhood, at her earliest convenience; hut, with all her 
 infirmities of wealth and vanity both of which prompt, quite 
 commonly, to put one s self into the keeping of another she 
 had up to the present moment, proved inaccessible to the plead 
 ings and persuasions upon the perilous subject of a second mat 
 rimony. Her life, as a widow, was more cheering and grateful. 
 sub TOKO , than she had found it when a devoted wife, subject to 
 a rule at home, which had acquired its be-4 lesson^- from an a r 
 bitrarv ollieial exercise of authority abroad. In brief, M?x Ki\- 
 inirton s present mode of life \\ as an ample revenue for her suf 
 ferings in wifedom. She had no notion of iroin.i: back to the 
 old experiences and. perhaps, was by no means satisfied with 
 the special candidates amon.n the ^arris,, n \\h<> had sought, with 
 l)ended bodies and fair smirkiiii: \ isaires. tor the privii- 
 kniiimj the soft hand, the touch of which, in the ordinary ci\il- 
 ities of s (1( -iet\. they prole-sed to find so wondrou-ly pn-voca 
 tive of the de-ire for denial retention. The widow smiled 
 p-aciou-ly enough ii|>on her ///,/>/ admirers; but her smiles 
 h-d to no substantial results, and afforded but little cnoour 
 
 agement. As Major Kirkw 1 sullenly exclaimed ainon- his 
 
 me male-, at T\ Iman s Club House, on the I Jay. near T radii 
 street 
 
 " She s one of the few women 1 have ever met. who, with so 
 much wealth, and not more than forty five, had fairly cut her 
 eye-tOOth. She s not to be taken in by gammon. The fad K 
 professions are of ftfl little value ill her eyes as ill ours; 
 and the whole u.ime with her is one of a calculation too ^tiid 
 to suffer such nonsense as the affections to be taken into the 
 
PA8HIOS \nu: >.M Bri IN QABB] 818 
 
 it all. What do you think si,. -,,(-. when ! 
 
 myself to sax /j.sh. fjalterin- DOOMIiae in her 
 
 : " ..f his r,.inpaiiiMns 
 with a >h.ut. 
 
 il a i.it : unless -.! construed a very common ipeecb of the 
 
 Mini; which none of us think to L ive it." 
 " i; " " hi. rtainly meant, major." 
 
 " Out with it. OxLorne. and OOnfeai you proposed. Your gill 
 tlir - 
 
 They were certainly red enough. 
 
 10, I t.-ll you. unless you find an avowal in a common- 
 : 
 
 What w ;l . if J The words the WQtd 
 
 The ili-maiid was unaniniou>, and. with an incrraxin.i: redness of 
 and throat, the hardy major of SCpoya admiited that he had 
 
 SUtr.Tr.1 hinisrif to My to thr UlMoW that he >l,oul.I Le the hap. 
 
 pi-t -nan in the u.-rld to take her widowho-.d under the shadow of 
 the Kirkwood name. 
 
 " What," he added. " ha> Le-ri sii.l Ly all of us. a thousand tiroes, 
 to a thousand dillVrent women, and without attarliini: anv real n 
 ini: to tlir -p<-eeh." 
 
 (lA I That won t d,,. major. The speeeh is iniMM-.-nt 
 WOO ! 01 VMU. at a fn.lir in th,- midst ,,f supper, or while 
 Mhirlin- throu-h the hall-room. Uut time and pi a , e alter the 
 thin- \,TV materially. Now. did y>u not say ti, 
 i" a morning rail, and did you not entreat thr meetin. 
 
 in.irton ix n,,i the woman t.. mistake a ^.Idicr s Dalian 
 
 by for a formal p!>poMtj, )n . N (I . ,,,, T) i( . ^i,,,),. truth, .M 
 
 Confess ! eoiirev- ; " 
 
 push in.- quite (00 hard i \ 
 
 wonder where yoaraOOOtmtl w,,uld xt:,,,,!. if you \\err >e,,rrd i" tin- 
 manner gall* the wall. Hut I frankly admit that it Wai in the 
 course, -f a moriiini: rail that .Mrs. Uivin-ton construe.l my rotnpli- 
 mentary <-ommonphur into a proposal." 
 
 " Von die hard. Kirkwood." replied - p.ut I have a reason 
 
 for puttini: y,>u to the torture, sine,-, to anticipate d ! am 
 
 disposed to 1:0 to the confessional myself. The truth i 
 an inklin-of what Kirkuoo.l inu uded. I had n, 
 
.Ml KATHAIMNi: WAI.h N. 
 
 at the trout for nothing. It was at Yauxhall thai I overheard him 
 arrange to MM her at her lit. use the next day. Tin- hour 
 and all was appointed, and a irlaner at the \\ido\\ 
 tlie moment, showed me that Kirk was a < andidate fur the 
 back door out. Half an hour after, I walked with her 
 ladyship myself. I, too, had >et my heart upon this same comely 
 tish" 
 
 " What, you, major ? " was the query from several voices. 
 
 You ve been on the >ly. then ". " 
 
 " I confess it, boys, in the bitterness of my heart, and \\ith a -ere 
 conscience; happy ; however, that I am able to lay my hand on an 
 other s shoulder and say, as the blind man said to the ass. there s a 
 pair of us. In-other ! " 
 
 " Well, what ne.\t," demanded Kirkwood himself, somewhat im 
 patiently. 
 
 " I ll make the Story short for your accommodation. You arranged 
 to call upon the widow at twelve. I entreated the privilege of M . in- 
 her just one hour later." 
 
 " The devil \ou did \ " 
 
 " Yes, i faith : and I will venture a trille that our an-wers were 
 both in the same laniruairr," 
 
 Yet, perhap^. if the questions were alike," irmwlrd Kirk- 
 w I. 
 
 "Oh, mine wa- a nriinenlal commonplace, pretty much as 
 yours. In plain terms, I did as you did, ofl ercd myself, 
 hand. In-art, and fortune }><>nr jmxm r I, (< ////w only, I a.vsiuv 
 
 you." 
 
 And her an-wer 7 " imoih Kirkwood. 
 
 " \Yhat WU VMIIIX f demanded Slock. 
 
 I d ftfl lief tell it as not. It wa^ a sly an-wer. Mich as she would 
 have made believing me to be in earned." 
 
 44 Or not believing it. Uul let s have it." 
 
 "Major Kirkwo.Ml, 1 said she, I ve seen too many people 
 trom the blarney -tone, to allow me not to understand you. 
 It will be your fault if you do not understand me. Of cotine, 
 major, you mean nothing, of what you say. If I could think 
 that you did, I >hoiild think as little of your understanding as 
 I should tin n believe you thought of mine. But, hereafter, even 
 
r L8HIONABLE BO II:TV i \ < \i;i:i -. I*. 
 
 ilo lid let me hear you . \N V ft] 
 
 1 to MiflYr from any innocent credulity. " 
 ll;i ha ha! H> ho 1 ho Hurrah for the widow |Ji\: 
 
 \ml your an>\viT, S 1 
 
 "Thr -aim- in Mili-^tance, tln.ii.irli not in words bdl full of 
 
 deviltry." 
 
 "Ha! ha 1 ha! What a widow She d kill olT the iv-inient in 
 short order." 
 
 \Vell for 11* that precious few cut their eye ti li 
 ciou-ly." rrs|M>nded the p.od humored Stock. " Hut you look Milky. 
 Kirkw. : I : t harbor malice, my boy. The widow s suppers 
 admirable as ever. and she Miiili tly as if she had 
 
 never tlunir the l)laniey-^tone in the face of either." 
 
 Hid -he tell you of my vi>it ? " irr\vled Kirkwood. in painful 
 
 Inquiry. 
 
 V>t a syllabic. I COM jectmvd her answer to you from that 
 
 whic-h >h- inatlr tii inc. Jielie\iii_ r my-elf to be the hand-oiner. the 
 
 > r. and the better man. and kimwinir " " 1>r ^ w iuaii of ail 
 
 mirab aturally felt sure that \ \\ ( .>uld n..t staml \\ln-n- I 
 
 had fallen." 
 
 "Out upon you for a vain puppy " cri.d Kirkwoo.l. a< tl, 
 riinrnt of his comrades ram; in hi- 
 
 Tin- lauirh was a-ainst him. ami he felt tha[ any further show 
 
 would only ,v hU a: \\ith an 
 
 elTort lie succeeded in r- >\eriiiL; hN ^tn iiirth and compi.Mire of 
 
 face, and the two battled candidates a few mommls later. \M re 
 
 . to call upon the :iilinu r lhcm- 
 
 a IH-W pri\ile-.- \\hiih - had jil-t aic. irdd to the fa-hional le 
 \\orld. by \\hich an ant iciidian vi-i: mis 
 
 Ki\ iii-ton hail ji. t ; lopted a r.undof " inoriiinirs." H.I 
 
 room* were thrown open *t ira iinopentfll< - 11 
 
 held /,. ,.<! . ..tii. n \\hnlly. The d \ i< e \\ -H n ,\ |.crhaps 
 
 ed to legitimate Niu-h vi-ii- as ili.se which Kiiku ..... 1 ami 
 Stock had paid her. At all c\, nN -he made ih.- \ivits :, 
 able, and found security in numbers In a -p\\l -lie could escape 
 the dan- -r- of a i from 
 
 kissing the -tone ..f blarney. 
 
21G KATHAKINi: WALTON. 
 
 The old mahogany clock that stood, "like :i tower," in the 
 great passage of the stately mansion of Mrs. Rivington. at tin- 
 foot of Broad street. was, us we have said before, 0:1 the stroke 
 of eleven, when the doors were thrown wide fur the reception 
 of company. And very soon they came. Mrs. Kivinglon was 
 not the person to be neglected by the Charleston fashionables 
 at that period, when the objection to the equivocal in place and 
 birth was not so tenaciously urged as in modern times. The 
 indulgent requisitions of that day insisted rather vpon externals 
 than the substance. In brief, wit and miith, and good clothing, 
 and manners scions Ics regies, satisfied the utmost demands of 
 the nice and scrupulous, and nobody needed to boast of his 
 grandmother to find his proper tatus on the floor. There were 
 bores in those days as in ours, and strange t< say, some of the 
 most unexceptionable in point of quality and family belonged to 
 this description. Hut worlds and cities are oddly made up; and 
 lie who would be tolerant in building up humanity must not 
 show himself hostile to any sort of blocks. Mrs. Kivington 
 knew just as well as anybody else of what miscellaneous stun" 
 society is made. She was indulgent in proportion to her expe 
 rience. 
 
 "La, you there?" she said to IVnfield. who wrote gent, after his 
 name, and had once been a lawyer in hope to be attorney general of 
 (lie pro\incc. He had turned up his aristocratic nose ; ,t BOOM of the 
 /// i- loi of the saloon. 
 
 " I, a. \ou there counsellor, and be merciful to yourself if not 
 to me. Were \\e to admit the quality only, we should die of 
 atrophy, or commit suicide, or somi- oilier less dignified sin; and 
 u.ir we not to sutler the ,;,,,, : Mliy \\oiild lack the 
 
 only provocation that makes them endurable. You, for exam 
 pie, have scaredy had a word to say >ince your entrance, till 
 you saw that long line of Smiths make their appearance, and 
 since that moment vour words and features have both been pos 
 itively sublime. Shall I make the Smiths known to you? 
 They are n-ally very clever people good company enou-h for 
 the summer." 
 
 "f thank vou. I .ut how is the name spelled? With an * 
 
FASH ION. \ui.i: BOi 11 M IN OARR] 
 
 "What ilitli .- -nee does that make?" inquired Mr-. Uivi: 
 All tin- ditTerence in the world, madam. The Sm//thes ami 
 not the Sin/ths arc to lie known in Mu-i.tv. It is the fanner 
 only which you will tind anioiii: the noble families in Kii-land. 
 Indeed, tin- Smiths have all snub noses, which, as my venerable 
 trrandmother always MSUTed DK n of low birth and doubt 
 
 ful origin. Kxcuse me ; but as they are erOttfog liere, I d rather 
 
 tind my way to the opposite end of tin- r n. The-e steel mirrors 
 
 irs exhibit the outline admirably. Tiny are just at the 
 proper haiiLT. Ah. my dear Mrs. KiviniMon, could we only choose 
 properly our i:u> 
 
 And. with a ii:h. iVntield, fVftf., CFOOBed the apartment, while 
 .iths. live in number, male and female, with a warm im 
 pnKr. th.-it b.-traxed frohni-s and exuberance, not the les> 
 fid be. au-e vulgar, came forward alino-t at a bound, to ac knowledge 
 
 the pre-cliee <,f their bOtfc 
 
 i came but a inoineiit too late, jrirN." said the widow. 
 "I should otherwise have broiiirht to your acquaintance the 
 famous counsellor, Pentield. a man of talents, and connected with 
 the oldest families in the country." 
 
 Mi such thinir. my dear Mrs. Kivin-rton." 
 
 Mr- .Jeremiah Smith, the mother of the tloek. " You never 
 
 iter mistake in your life. Old IVnfield. the irrami- 
 
 father of thi- youiii: fellou . \, ,1 man rnoiii:h. and <juite 
 
 I b< li. ve lie \\a- a tir-tiate silversmith; and all of 
 
 our plate no i:reat deal I ll all<>\\ bears hi- -tamp and brand. 
 
 My father u-ed ! say. in his piai-e. that you could r ly upon 
 
 tinu r into his v| us all the old silver that you L r a\e him. 
 
 AS f. >r thi< \ ouiiLTster " go -he call- d a p r-^n of thirt\ 
 "he \\.-i- spoiled b\ Sir Ki t-rti.n I.ei-h. who. tindin- that la- 
 wrote a L ood hand, took him a- hi- and aft-ruard 
 made something of a lawyer of him. Ami tlmt x the true his 
 I ll have a talk with him. and set him riirht in his 
 L-enea: 
 
 l> M Smith, and you \\ill be dnfnir him a 
 
 service. I really beli.-ve. if M <ld could learn tl 
 
 from a proper authority, it would be the making of him." 
 "Would he like it think you. Mr- Ui\ iiiiMon v " whi 
 
 10 
 
.MS K A THAU INK WAI. TON. 
 
 the old lady, now, for the first time having sonar doubts <>n the 
 subject 
 
 "Oh, surely, my dear madam; he is the most grateful being 
 in the world to any person who will prove, unquestionably, the 
 antiquity of his family." 
 
 And the mischievous widow turned away to the reception of 
 other gue-ts ; hut not losing sight of the Smiths, whom she saw 
 in a drove, following in the wake of the mother as she waddled 
 
 lie room, in full chase of IVnfield, the gentleman. 
 The rooms were, by this time, filled with various groups of 
 both 86X68, civil and military. The British officers loomed out 
 conspicuously in their scarlet, while here and there, might be 
 seen a Ioyali-1 captain or colonel, in the more modest green or 
 blue of his oun command. These persons were not prominent 
 nor particularly popular, and it might be seen that they were 
 not often sought out by the officers of the regular service. The 
 ladies seemed inclined to ^ive them the cold shoulder also. 
 though this might be owinir entirely to the fact that none of them 
 had particularly distinguished himself by his services in the ranks 
 of his majesty. 
 
 (Jeneral \V illiauiM >n, who made his appearance at this time, 
 her more in favor. Hut he was a //< m /<//, and something 
 still was expected at his hands. It was the policy of the Brit 
 ish officers to encourage this opinion, and to treat him accord 
 inirly. Hut even ///* star was on the wane. He felt it so, and 
 rated the courtesies he received at their true value. lie was 
 not the person Jo figure in a saloon, and his appearance- now 
 was quite as much to prevent his absence lieing remarked, as 
 to compel remark by his presence. lU-Me-, Mrs. ]{i\ ington s 
 reunions were of a sort to provide the n <Ht of the garrison, and 
 note equally opinion.-, and events. Williamson \\ ;1 s too deeplv 
 involved in polilics to find the scene an attractive one, and he 
 
 1 but, a little while after showing himself to the li 
 lt was while he conver-ed with her, how. ver, that the sal i 
 
 Wai thrown into quite a bu// of excitement by t! of the 
 
 famous bi-llrs. /// t.n ,11, i,,; , the Ilarveys the - they 
 
 allantly styled by the gallant Harry Harry. They were 
 
 certainly beautiful girl< ; but the beauty, beyond companion, 
 
PASHI09ABLE BOCIETT I \ G LRR] 
 
 of the th- Mary, tin- younger, lovingly anil not irreverently 
 
 railed Moll Harvey. l .e>ide her all tin- oth< w pair. 
 
 iipcll rapidly made her way t<> Other B an 
 
 opposite direction; th" lively 1 lu-lps. more di^niliedly. followed 
 this example ; and other smaller lustre-, fearing in like man 
 
 that their lesser tires would be entirely extinguished, left an 
 
 open path for the advancing beauties to tin ; 
 teas. 
 
 It will lie enough if We confine our ileseriplii.il of the 
 
 U auty. on this occasion, to the one liein-r \vh. -ion of it 
 
 thus conclusively rcco^ii/cd by the spontaneous ! 
 
 rival. Moll Harvey was of middle si/c and most symmetrical 
 
 tiLMire. BMC and gnoe were natural to her as life it-elf ; i.ut her 
 
 motion was nt that simply 
 
 is impulse in her movemei; 1 . dsite elastieiiy whii-h 
 
 divpi,,\ed itsilf in a thousand raprie -s .f 1 to 
 
 . her forward buoyantly as a thini: posse^sinir tin- inlinile 
 siijiport and treaSOTC Of tli-- til ordin;ii\ speech, 
 
 sneh w.-is the relation which her action l>oiv to the common 
 movements of her s<\. A fairy property in her nature M--in.-l to 
 
 bring with her the spring and all its tiowers where she came; and 
 
 the loveliness \\hich appeared t<> ray out from her p 
 she walked or danced, compelled the involuntary 1 the 
 
 inakinir the thoii-ht forgetful of all search or iinjuiry except 
 through that siiiLrle medium. 
 
 It was the day for liuckrain li.-ures and Marche.l p\ ramidal 
 structures upiui the head, remindini: you of tin- toweiin- tein 
 plcsofih- Cyl.ele. Hut Moll Harvey h;td <juitc tOO eZOel 
 
 lent a nati\e ta-te to s. :( -rilirr her p-imim- luauiii-s to 
 monstrous eXOOSMt "f fa-hion. A wood nymph could not 1 
 attired hi-rs.-lf much more loosely. She would ha\.- 
 almiralily as the nio.lel for M L A 1 
 
 tlowin-: skirt, the cii:< lure ly no n.< v drawn 
 
 lirini; to show that her tii: !!- ; ^ 
 
 rymar encircled, hut did not enclose the bust, \\hieh. it nn: 
 con! - much more freely displayed tl. 
 
 the Of times so white, so full and exquisitely 
 
 rounded. 
 
:. \M K AT II A i; INK WALTON. 
 
 Symmetry was UK- exquisite characteristic in the beauty of 
 Moll Harvey. The white pillar of the neck, the skin softer and 
 purer than ivory, delicately warmed by health and a generous 
 blood, rose from the bust with a graceful motion that carried its 
 expression also, and seemed endowed with utterance of its own. 
 Nor was the head wanting to, nor the face unworthy of, the 
 r.-st of our fair picture. A perfect oval, the brows rising up nobly 
 and showing a goodly mass above the eyes; the e\es arched 
 fairly, with brows of jetty black, not thick and weighty, yet 
 impressive ; the lashes long, the orbs full, but not obtrusive, lighten 
 ing now, and now drooping, as with a weight of tenderness, (hang 
 ing with the rapidity of light in correspondence with emotions 
 which were forever quickening in her wild, warm heart; the nose 
 and mouth both (Jivcian, of the most perfect cut and finish : and 
 the chin sv.-etly rounded to perfect the whole. When, over the 
 white, full shoulders, you have thrown the happily disordered 
 . and when, upon the forehead, you mark the nice dexter 
 ity which has grouped the frequent locks in the ino.o 
 and playful relationship, ready, like the silken streamers of the 
 corn, to hold converse with every pawing /.ephyr. you see the 
 outline of look, face. form, feature, but lack still that inspiring 
 presence, the life, the soul, which, lik" the aroma to the llower, 
 the possession of a secret something to which the-e are 
 but as the chalices that contain the e^enlial spirit. Sec the life 
 that lightens up the features into love, and gives a motion &8 of 
 the liiM tli-hts of a wanton bird, and you forget the external form 
 in the real beauty of soul, and fancy, and feminine impuNe. that 
 animates it from within. Ah ! too sadly left untuiored, that 
 wild and froward heart, that passionate inipuNe, that delirious 
 irlow of feeling, which now but too frequently usurp the s\\ay 
 and overwhelm the alTectioiis ibdued 
 
 and patient -with fierce pa ions that appeal ever to llic 1:M -ad 
 tyranny of self. 
 
 fhe beauties of Moll Harvey naturally provoked retlectiolis 
 
 eet to her future fortunes. The crov, d which gathered 
 
 about her, and the few that retreated from ln-r side, were all 
 
 equally familiar with her career. They had censures, free 
 
 enough, in regard to her intimacy with Prince William, then a 
 
BIOHAB1 
 
 lieutenant in the Hritish n:ivy. Th y knew ho\\ had 
 
 been the attentions of Balfour. and how undi-L i.: his 
 
 honi: they well knew that he had k* pt himself from any 
 
 ute committal- ; and, knowing the humble diameter of her 
 fortunes and the seliish ehara<-ter of his anil)ition 1 
 
 1 of \\ealtli and power they never doubted that tin- Ilir 
 talion between the parties would never a nine a nn-r. 
 Upect, or, if it did. an aspect <|iiite too serious to : .1 to 
 
 the fame and future of the fain r and th ITty, A 
 
 beautv swept I iy with lier train, the whole subject I 
 
 dteUHed by all t! who but live by other- pain." 
 
 Our excellent Mr-. Smith, still followed by the clan of Smith, 
 the tir<t to open the >nr\ 
 
 Her QOM i- out of joint now, I reckm. II A alton 
 
 i- nt onh a- baodMNH6 M dM -every bit but Bbe l a fortune 
 
 brxides. and evi-rybody knows how much that makes in the 
 
 in >ho\\ini: where beauty lie<. After all. the eoimnandant 
 
 knowx - no uie betti-r that it i-n t \\liat beaui. but 
 
 what it can do what it can buy or what it can bl it U 
 
 is moxt valued and valuable. Yes. you may put it <lo\\: 
 
 certain thai Moll s HOM- i> for-ver out of joint in that quarter." 
 
 Good Mr-. Smith had not d to 
 
 that, while she wa- making this n 
 the subject of it ing directly b. hind her. and must i 
 
 My syllable. The C\e of Moll II -i. her 
 
 lips < in led -Aith prid< . and her bn.w darkened, ami she inly 
 ;\ed. from that moment, that -he would allow no longer ll- 
 tritlin-r of her lOTOT. >h< would no Ion-, r |H i mil 
 
 ,,f ;: | :..n_.riMu to inch a conquest M benelf, \\itin.ut 
 
 ing the proper prk f-.r it. // sl,,,uM submit to v, 
 bonds which the worM a uim-.l him to possess the ; 
 place on /"/ hands at any moment. She disdained ! li-i- 1 
 the farth.-r OOOTVMlion ainonir the Smiths and their roinpaii 
 ions, but s\\ept out of hearini: as rapidl- ^ith 
 
 her pride and di-nity. lb- -nation of tin 
 
 lire. 
 
 \. fa jon comp-irini: with our Moll in beauty, 
 
 that s all a mistake." -aid M a -pinM. r who hud 
 
. -. * KATHAKIXi: W A I !n\. 
 
 become an antique without arrivim: at tin- condition of a 
 "I ve seen this Walton. She s quite loo laruv for beauty 
 IHT features are all biu ; it is true they are somewhat cxprcs 
 rfve; nil no more to compare with Harvey s than mine with 
 Juno s." 
 
 " You ve certainly -one to sutlicient extremes for a compar 
 ison, my dear Mi-<s Calvert," put in .Major Harry, who at this 
 moment joined the in oup, followed liy his eternal shadow 
 Captain M Mahon. Harry bowed and smiled the compliment, 
 which his words did not convey. Mis- ( alvert s cars were thus 
 tauirht to deceive her. She smiled in turn, and immediately 
 responded to the dextrous little wit the wit, j>r < of the 
 
 HrilNi garrison. 
 
 " Now. don t you arrive with me, Harry Harry : " 
 
 " There is, perhaps, but a single raped in which we should not 
 
 . Mi ( .-li 
 
 " And. pray, what i< the exception . " demanded the lady with 
 some little pique of manner. 
 
 ,y, nay." lie answered slyly, "that confession must he 
 1 fora le<s public occasion. You were xp-akini_ r of Mi-s 
 Walt, ni s beauty, and that of our Harvey. You are quite ri-ht 
 about the former. She is larue. but perhaps not too lai 
 her peculiar -tyle. She is evidently a line woman a ma.ir- 
 nilienit woman, indeed and, if to be styled a beauty, we m.-iy 
 style her an ani^el of a beauty ; but Moll Harvey is a love of a 
 beauty, ami is M> much the more to my liking." 
 
 1 knew we should agree," -.iid Mi<s culvert, triumphantly, 
 
 and llattered, she knew not well why 
 
 "Ah!" put in Captain M Mahon, "Mi^s \\ ;dton is certainly 
 a line woman, a real lady, and a beauty too. My friend Harry 
 and myself ca!l<-d upui her yesterdny, and, after a dose discus 
 MOII, we fully concurred in respect Vo her points." 
 
 .d. MM.-ihon," cried Major Stock, "you >pc;d\ of the 
 lady as if \ ou had trotted her out and scrulini/.ed her with the 
 
 e\e of a Jockey." 
 
 "Whmtl doei M Mahon s pun escape you 7 " cried K irkwo(,d. 
 
 " Do you !o] L r ( .| th;r hi- word for ,/////,///*. His ima-e 
 
 d;en l j om the whist tal)le, not from the stables. He ua-, 
 
[IONABLE SO< IETI t 
 
 thinking of the la<! .M-M In- di-cu-- il in r II 
 
 of beauty -like that of m<t of ;. m-t 
 
 IK- Imilt ujMin po-ilive r- in :i 
 
 pri\ate bureau as in an army < h 
 
 1 faitli. my friend M Mahon i- no more prepared to deny tho 
 impeachment than mj U The fart N. a mere l.eauty, li..\\e\er 
 l)eautifill. is ipjilr beyond the means of any of UN. I- or m\M-lf. I 
 confe-s to a preference for Moll Harvey. j>, r ie; the beauty <>! 
 Walton is ( |iii:< mmandinLT f<>r me. It half . 
 
 and .-verpouers me. Still, the .//. / / i/ti ntnm r.-llswm- 
 
 derfnlly in her In-half." 
 
 "Ah. mv friend Major Uarry always di-erimii,aie- the |K int 
 nio>t admirably. You iim>t let me n-|-af hi^ impromptu, 
 made this mornini: as we left the hai: on this \ 
 
 ,, now M Mahon. my <lear fellow, hoii.>r bridil 1 " and the 
 deft and tidy little major alTeeted to be horn. r stricken at the tlr 
 
 exposure, while his littli- eyes twinkled with his anticii 
 triumph. 
 
 >!i. but I m\l<\ repeat. I >a: 
 
 ;: by all means. Come. Harry. Ihi- alTeetati-.n 
 of moilcMy TOn*l -1". You have not a -in-le article in all your v. 
 
 robe thai :iy M MI M you." 
 
 11 Whai! you out upon m 
 
 I \\ould >av- you from yoiir-elf. my boy. and 
 own ranlUes, \\hich \\ill surely be your death the ir,niiu-nt 
 assume tin- -how ..I mcdi^y. We have recM-ni/ed you, by . 
 m..:: the \\it and poel "f UM FoU have : 
 
 :i thousand -hafts of satire at the ]* . 
 
 and we ha\e applau.led t. the echo. Shall we be d. nird 
 |)rnjM-r aliment now? No 1 no: Ah. my .: 
 
 here ill sea>oll B \^ \l doill- a HO r , 8 
 
 r.sual." 
 
 "In verse, of course. 
 
 Are \\, t., be denied particularly \vhn. >ld that it 
 
 relit.-s to the ri\ tin- IIarv-> and ihe WallonV" 
 
 llo\\ can you compare then, 
 
 I ,1,, U ; nly. It k : ari-on that 
 
KA THAI; INK WAI. TM\. 
 
 you arc called to hear. His 1 ricnd M Mahon answers for it, and he 
 is sullicient authority. We must have it." 
 
 rtainly we muM ! Captain M Mahon reads verses like an 
 nmrel. I know; and, as liittfri,-n<l wrote them, he will IK- sine t . read 
 thciil \\ ith the !>C st elTeet." 
 
 "There s no resisting that, M Mahon. Conic, dear yoiu throat 
 and be-in. You arc as lonu; in .irettin^- ready as was ilu. inspired 
 beast that waited for the blows of Balaam." 
 
 "What beast was that, Major Stock?" was .M .Mahon ,j innocent 
 inquiry. 
 
 "Oh, one whose voice was that of an an-cl, so th\t the compari 
 son need not irive you any shock. Come, the ladies w- it. 
 lively. Mrs. Iiivin.u ton. I never saw so much anxiety in any c<. mtc- 
 nance as in yours. How any <:enileman should tartali/.e a lady s 
 curiosity to such a de-ree is astonishing:" 
 
 "If my friend, Major Barry, will only consent," said M Mahon. 
 
 "I won : stav to listen, M .Mahon," cried Marry, trotting out of 
 the circle, but immediately pa^-ini: to its rear, \\here his short ])crs..n 
 mii:-ht remain unsuspected; his ears, meanwhile, drinking in the 
 precious streams of his own inspiration. 
 
 Thus permitted, as it were-, M .Mahon, the center of a <rroup which 
 had so ^really increa-ed, placed himself in a still , schoolboy attitude, 
 and, thrice hemming, extended his hand and arm, in a preparatory 
 ire-tmv. as if about to dm- the pleiades from their place of shining. 
 The painful parturition of his lips foll.med. and the mouse like mon 
 ster of an epi-ram came forth, head and tail complete; and this its 
 substance. 
 
 .]/ M-iJioh 
 
 " When l...iuite..ii< Fat.- decreed <>m- llarvi-y s liirth, 
 \\ e li ll that heaven im-lit yet lie I liiiinl on earth; 
 
 But when the Wftlton to oui i\-en, 
 
 U e knew that man ini-ht \et !>< rai>e,l t<> In a\en. 
 Imlulyeiit I at.--. one lile-^injr mure hestuw 
 Ci\<- me u ith liars ey luiiy tu 1 1 well beluw; 
 Ami when, ami la-t. ye summon me almve; 
 Then let the Walton lie my heavenly , 
 
 "Bravo I bravo! Harry Marry forever, and his friend M Mahon!" 
 cried Major Stock, and the circle echoed the appla>. 
 
I \.-HION M .I.I: BO tETl IN . \ UK: 
 
 1 he diil it, my friend Harry." -aid M Mahon. with the 
 
 -implicily of manner "lie did it in the twinklin. 
 nil eye, just a- we left the hail., vrmilied that 
 
 it >!n>uldn t I t- K -t, and vent back and wrote it down." 
 
 ilude of po-lerity. Captain M M 
 
 and our thanks in particular." said the fair liosti .-.- in the 
 it accent-, and \vit!i a smile that did not wholly conceal the 
 sarcnMii in her thought. 
 
 "What." continued M .Mahon in hi- narrative, "could have 
 put the idea into my friend Harry - head, at such a moment 1 can 
 not conjecture. It was :is much like inspiration as anythi: 
 heard of." 
 
 "What put it into hi- head? Whv the oil. the powder, the 
 pomatum, ami that picture of the Venus Aphrodite, risini: in salTion 
 from a -ea of verdL r ri-. which lianas up in the -hop. Hen - inspira 
 tion enoii<:h for a wit and port at an\ ti 
 
 "Ah 1 " interposed Harry, now -lyly piv ini: through the 
 irroup. "1 am aluays -ure of a wet hlanket at your hands. 
 
 ,." 
 
 \\hat you there And you have heard every -\llaMe 
 Well, all I have to -a\ . Harry . is this, that . 
 stand anything in the way of applau-e. and take it all for 
 
 What further miL r ht have Ixcn -aid on thi- fruit: 
 mu-t le left tn < oi)jeeture ; f. >r ju> at tlii- moment, a -iiiartly 
 dic--ed olliccr. of thirty, in tin- OOBttimeof a major, \\ith a wild, 
 da-hini: air. and Ion- di-he\eled |od llorrid fa. 
 
 dark l>l:u- lla-hi: netratcd the circli-. with : 
 
 I .ivak ..IT i II Non: r fun now; put on 
 
 you- .,,! rehearse f..r ira-jeily. I len- s the conui; 
 
 ant coming, all -torm and thuntler. There s the devil to pay. and 
 no pilch hot." 
 
 "Why what - the matter now, mad Archy :" del;. 
 
 new comer wa- fanioii-. after a fashion, in the cin le. He 
 
 di-tin-uished tlie 
 
 irraleful /."/// //, g*errt of mad or cra/y Camplx-ll. To the 
 
 former epithet he sulnnilted. rather pleased than otherwise at 
 
226 KATIIAKIN i: WALTON, 
 
 the imputation. Tin- latter was commonly used in regard to him 
 when lie had left the circle. 
 
 " Matter enough : .Me:idn\vs and his train have been cut oil 
 by Marion s men. Half the -eort cut to pieces, and the 
 re-st prisoners. The wagons all captured with all the Mores. 
 Meadous himselt is badly wounded, maimed and disligund for 
 life mouth and nose beaten into one by the butt of a riile." 
 
 " Shocking : " was the cry among the ladies. " Poor, poor Char 
 ley ! what a fright he iruM lie !" 
 
 "He seems to have felt it so; for so great was his fury that, 
 even after the rebel who struck him was down a monstrous 
 fellow of twenty stone and upward Charley s fury never suf 
 fered him to stop hewing at the fellow till he had smitten off 
 both of his ears clo.-e to the skull, giving him the puritan brand for 
 life." 
 
 Campbell s narration, received through third hands, is as we 
 mething imperfect. \Ve are already in possession of the 
 facts. 
 
 " And Hal four ?" 
 
 "He is even now coming in this direction, and in an awful 
 fury. I pity all who vex him at this moment. It will n d all 
 the smile^ of the fair Harvey" bowing in the direction of the 
 beauty, who had. by thi^ time joined the group "and even 
 ihe-t- may not Millice, unless seconded by those of the fair Wal 
 ton." 
 
 At this open reference to her rival < power, the imperious 
 beauty bit her lips with vexation. Her eyes (lashed with lire* of 
 scorn she did not seek to suppress, and she turned away from the 
 circle as Ualfour entered the apartment. Hut \\ e need not linger 
 for the tragedy. The farce is sullieient for our purpo-e. 
 
REBEL LADIES OF < II \ : 
 
 t 
 
 c ii A i ! 1 1: i; \ \ i v. 
 
 KI:I:I:I. ULDIBfl 01 < n \ BLEfi i 
 
 NYr. pass from if frivolity to those- ,,f Driver 
 
 I liis i- the true onlcr of human events, ami the traiM- 
 lii ii i- more natural from than the reverse as they 
 
 ha\e il at the theatp ihe moral poet orders it. 1 
 
 extreme change 1 roin the lively ami thoughtless mornings of .Mrs. 
 Kivinirlim. to the gloomy evenin 
 
 the fashionable and frivolous fter motley, in talk and 
 habit, t<i the serious questioner in the sad alfair of life and its 
 The t\\o ladies, it n ,id. are both politi 
 cians; !>ut of very different Bel 1-. Mr-. Kivin^ton. the \\ido\v 
 
 of a n>yal ollieial. liuds it pli-;i-ant Ul his memory ly 
 
 adherin- to In, faitli. tin- more esj-ei ially as hi> party i> in tlic 
 ascemiant. and I in the triluites of a brilliant 
 
 in \\hii-h loyalty commands all the folces, II-r prof 
 provoke no Mirpri-r ainmi^ the ^n-at l.ly of il >im-c 
 
 priM-ni a iriumphant party and CMHe, and an- lln-iii- 
 airreeahlr .social triuni|ili<. Politics, in ln-r rirrlrs, 
 are not .s ( , much discus-id a !; im-a-i;- 
 
 inand a single relliction. thon-h our lady slatc-n 
 in their deelaratins of ti.l.lity to tli- 
 
 Madam Knlainl and her amiaM 
 
 m the a!trart deiti.s to \\hieh th- their una 
 
 vailing incciiM-. At iiiL tou s you \\ill hear a.s much 
 
 -.tid .i-aiii-t n-lM-llioii as a pr.\ iurial l-yali-m. c\.r solicit. .u> to 
 , \\ill al\\ :unl to sa\ ; but the j.<, lilies of her 
 
 circle \\ere not calculated lo alTord much aistam c to the cmin- 
 i-il> of Uall iiur. >Yvi-rthcli->s. | jt-<l them. 
 
K ATI I. M; INI: WALTON, 
 
 They h:id their uses in inlluencinir, through tlic medium 4>f 
 society, the moods of all those doubtful, capricious, and unprin 
 cipled, of whom, perhaps, lln- greater number of mankind arc 
 composed. The youthful of botb sezefl \\ere always sure to 
 lind principles at Mrs. Rivinirton s suited to their own desires, if not 
 to the necessities of the race and family. 
 
 The politics at Mrs. Singleton s were of a different sort. Hal- 
 four more than siispecteil that the old lady was eiiiraired in la 
 bors that were forbidden ; but he had been able to fasten upon 
 her no specific cau-e of oiTenoe. Yd was she busy, with a rest 
 less interest, in the cau-c of liberty, that made her niirhts slcep- 
 :;d tilled her ap-d head with vexinir thoughts and subtlest 
 combinations. Her house was a point of reunion with all those 
 who, like herself, loni: for the overthrow of the exiMin^ r, r/iine ; 
 who yearn for the return of exiles, well-beloved sons of the 
 soil, dear to their affections, precious to their hopes, the kinsmen 
 of their blood. Hither came, almost nightly, those favoring the 
 eau-e of the patriots, who, by rea-on of aia , of sex, of feeble- 
 were suffered to remain within the city of the conqueror. 
 \Vhat could these superannuated old men achieve or attempt, 
 who mi-lit be seen at dusk, or after it, to enter the doors of the 
 old-fashioned dwelling in Church street? How should Hritish 
 lords and generals, captains and men at arms, apprehend anything 
 from those ancient and well-bred la lies, or tho-c fair and witty 
 youn^ ones who showed themselves openly in !,is much -frequented 
 domicil. 
 
 Yet amonir the<e were many rare women, such as would have 
 iriven strength to the (lirondins. and armed them more ably for 
 the work of their own and their country s safely. Mix (Iciieral 
 (Jadsden, \\ho-e stately pride defied the slice r of the willing 
 Harry; the tierce proud -piriS d M B and Mrs. Tar- 
 
 son-, wliom the same wit disci ibid dy queens, so noble 
 
 was their spirit, and so well prepared for the extreme-^ p.-rils of 
 liumanity. The names of l-idward-, H.-n-y. and I-Yp_ r u-on, high 
 ly and equally endowed with ^raee and coiiraire ; of I inckney 
 and the KlliotK n.-mn-s immemorially allied with di.irnity and 
 patriotism; Ihese were all to be found regular attendants at, the 
 e\ eniM.ir* " of Mr-. Jsn;j-leton. And tln-c BVCQiogfl were ii(t 
 
HBBBL I.U N - 01 SABLESTOK. 
 
 M in ploa-ure. as were the mornini:* "f tin- da-him: 
 Ki\iimton. (,i;i\. . eupied l . \\,.rk wtt i 
 
 done under council of tudiou- and far -eeim: heads. Their v 
 went forth from the city with siirnilii anee tn the remote interior, 
 and were frequently followed by lar-e iv.-ulN. Th- ;. ; and 
 
 hey conveyed int.!: 
 
 times money, and sometimes ammunition shot ami powder to 
 their brethn n in arms They devi-ed schemes by \\hiclitorelievc 
 the city from its thraldom. In brief, the dwelling f which 
 Katharine Walton had become an inmate, wa- the place of fre- 
 ((tient av^-mblaire for a very active and sleepless circle of con- 
 ,-pira; 
 
 :-al of th nt with Mr-. Singleton and 
 
 arine Walton, on the evening of the day di-tini:ui-hcd by the 
 
 ,in^ of the fashionable " morning- " of Mrs. Hivimrton. From 
 
 without, >ilence and darknos seemed to brood over tin- habitation ; 
 
 lint there \\a< an inner Foom, well lighted, around the center table 
 
 of \\hichini.irht be :-u|> of bead- which would have been 
 
 held remarkable in any council or a embly. That of the venerable 
 
 >inulei..;i was ii-i It a -ludy. Her thin, attenuated \ixairewas 
 
 .led by a noble forehead, which the few -May irray hairs alnuit 
 
 h< r templit, and tb -ombre wid<>\\ - cap which -he u , ,i e, rat her 
 
 tended t< ennoble than di-para-e. Ibr U. en, -ray e\e and cl 
 
 conipre--ed lips denotl viirilane.-, coura-e. ami < ircum-peetion. It 
 
 had all t! \oiith, burning:, seemin-jly. with as much \iiroras 
 
 the heart of the volcano*: still active-, though in the IKKSOID of 
 
 Katharine sat be-ide h< i\ O!,M rver. and mostly a {- 
 
 lent one, of the i:roup and the -ubjeets which it di- u--i d. nld 
 
 Tom Sin-h-ii ii. the \\it and hutiK.n ~tood 
 
 up in t!:. hat in hand, pivparim: to depart. We shall 
 
 k of him more fully hereafter. Uehind him sto, K l u l>oy, 
 
 p featured and intelliu r nt . of whom tin- parties spoke some- 
 
 tiliu - .liil .sometime- a- Spidell, the lad beiiii; after 
 
 wards \\ell known by the peopie .-f Chariest.. n. by the tWO 
 
 names combined, as a worthy and 
 
 ried on hi- arm a Ia-Ut. which the ladi. :i fllliii.ir \\ith 
 
 , hue-, linen-, and other small articles of dre-s, doigncd 
 
^:jo KATHAKIM: \v UTON. 
 
 for a peddling expedition. At the bottom of the basket, how 
 ever, might have Itccn found one or mere packets, cleverly done up, 
 and looking very innocently upon the outside, which :i very quick- 
 sighled royalist might have found to contain any quantity of 
 treasonable matter. 
 
 The youth of the lad, and the seeming openness of hi- oper 
 ations, however, were calculated to disarm suspicion. Q 
 Spidcll, in fact, was under the active superintendence of .b-liua 
 Lockwood, one of the conspirators of the circle, employed con 
 stantly as a sort of supercargo in a large f> ri if/mi. which was 
 busily engag< d in plying between the city and all the landings and 
 inlets alniig shore to the Santee river. Stopping at certain well- 
 known points, (Jeorge was smt ashore with his basket in search 
 of customers; but it was always understood that his visit was 
 first to be paid to certain well-known dwellings. Here it was 
 that the secret package at the bottom .if his basket was invariably 
 sought out and selected; and in this manner, Marion and Ilorry. 
 and Maham, and others of the partisan c.iptains, contrived to 
 receive weeklv information of the- condition of affairs in the 
 citv. Lookwood, the principal in the-e expedition-, and little 
 B, his subordinate. sulVered some narrow escapes in these 
 innocent expeditions. But these must not beguile us into further 
 digression. 
 
 "Let us be oil . Lockwook," said old Tom Singleton; "we shall 
 have little time to spare. The tide will serve at daylight, and 
 George must have some sleep before he starts." 
 
 "He needs it, and deaervei it," said the hostess, kindly, looking 
 
 at the bov. " Hut have you eaten heartily, my .son . " 
 
 The boy glanci d at the plate, still remaining on a side table, 
 
 which exhibited very few fragments, but enough parhaps for a 
 
 sutlicicnt answer to the question. 
 
 "Thank you, ma am, yes," he answered ; "and I have this, too," 
 
 he add- d. >ho\\ing a hiiire triangular mass of cake, which he had 
 
 deported within his basket. The party smiled. 
 
 to seldom / his food" said Lockwood, " pursuing such 
 
 a pleasant life." 
 
 "And he has learned one ,,f the b&A ISOO, M said old Tmn 
 
 Singleton; "that of making pTOVliloni for the morrow, the 
 
Ki.r.n. LAD ffARLBSTOH, 
 
 Irttte which distinguishes t] l( . \\ j>e man from tin- f..l. Let 
 us practice a littlr upon this les-on ounelveB. It is understood that 
 nothing more remains to communicate to our friends, ^ 
 
 T - 
 
 Singleton paused. his glance fixing upon one of the gentlemen of 
 rho had hitherto been fUent. All*. urned upon 
 
 :-son with an expression of deference and esteem. This was 
 the celebrated Daviil Ramsay, one of the tiiM historians of the coun 
 try, and a physician of high distinction. Ilr WBS then in the prime 
 of manhood, and in the full vigor of his intellect. In person he \vas 
 about live feet ten, healthy and somewhat athletic, luit not stout. 
 
 intenance \\ as liy no means a handsome one. but i 
 unpleasing one. A blemish in one<.f his eye*, from small-pox, gave 
 a slj-ht obliquity to ] mt the entire cliaracter of t!. 
 
 was impressive and >.iim-wliat prepossessing. An earnest relleetion 
 and cool, intrepid judgment, \\cre clearly shown in the 
 
 iiitenance and HP nd alnioM impetuous manner. 
 
 His uttera: \ehcinent and rapid, but alwa\< clear and 
 
 intelligible. Thus addn--ed by Sin-leton. his aii-\\<r \\;LS 
 
 prompt. 
 
 peeking of Williamson. What y.u hear is n<. 
 
 doubt true. His viiuation is precisely as i- d-. ribed ; and. 
 
 doubtle.ss. ! never really intended t.. b.tr.iy his country or 
 
 f. He \\as only . t.. be i a mommt 
 
 .: eMernal pres.ur.-. lb h:^ sluvudn. to - that 
 
 his future sjtu.-ition is unpromising, and fores^l; to di<- 
 
 her own i : must 
 
 now leaily rely on ours, if she hop, s to ntinin- llic \\a: 
 tin- partisan \\arfaiv ha- put an end to this hope with all i 
 Of sagacity. The partisans nm-t inen-ase in number dail> 
 their fn-queiit .small successes will more than avail in ke piiiLT 
 up the popular com :ial large \ictoriesof 
 
 the British re-ulai-. N"U I t.iUe t-r ::ranted. from all I know 
 of the man. that this pn,*|,,-ct has be. n fully ; 
 
 It will become more and more evident with 
 
 Hut is this a reason that we should trust him with ourselves or 
 with our MCreU, particularly a< he has not yd >,, far committed 
 himself to us as to give us an M him? I -up 
 
232 K ATI 1 A HIM: WALTON, 
 
 pose that Colonel Singleton is in possession of a certain amount 
 of proof that Williamson lias, in tart, given pledges of returning 
 fidelity ; but of the character of this proof and these pledges 
 we know nothing; and they may be such as an adroit P.TM.M 
 might readily explain away. I am of opinion that we should, 
 at present, make no use of this information. We should watch 
 him, and when he can clearly MTYC us in any important matter, 
 it will then be time enough to let him understand that we an- in the 
 same vessel with himself; but, with my consent, not a syllable 
 before." 
 
 " You are right, doctor. Once a traitor, always a traitor. He 
 may be useful irmibl be useful, if he could be true; if treach 
 erous, he might sink our v ssel in the moment when th- 
 was most prosperous, and when we ore most richly freighted. 
 Let Robert Singleton manage the matter witli him A\ holly, he 
 has coolness and sagacity enough for any purpose; and there 
 seems to be no reason that we .should mix in this bu>in< 
 all events, not for the present. 1 confers that, to have any com 
 munion with Williamson at all. suggests to me the idea of that 
 unhappy conference the tirst on record which our excellent, but 
 too accessible grandmother had in Kden with the great sin- of all 
 the snakes ! " 
 
 A laugh rewarded \\\\< speech, the sentiment of which \\as 
 generally echoed by the company. The >.peaker was a lovely 
 and spirited woman, the fairest among the Carolina rebels, the 
 wittv, wealthy and accomplished widow of Miles Un-wton 
 The father of this lady, Kdwanl Weym.-m. \\as among the tirst 
 of the Carolina patriots to declare himself under "Liberty Tree 
 in 17(50. She inherited his patriotism; and Mary \\ 
 was, by training and education. \\ell fitted to ben. me the wife of 
 Hrewton, who was as stremu>u< in support of the revolutionary 
 argument as ever was his lather in law. Uy marriage with this 
 gentleman she became strengthened in her attachment to the 
 cause. Her associations rendered it the prevailing sentiment of 
 the household. Her husband was brother to the eelehrated Ke 
 becca Motte, and uncle of Mrs. Thomas Pinckiiey ; and their 
 decided sentiments in In-half of \}\c //><> <</,/<( party in America. 
 even if her own had been inactive, would have MiHieed to 
 
EtBBEI i LD1 
 
 determine hers. I.ut then- needed nothing beyond lirr early train- 
 MILT to briiiLT about this result. >he was \\l only :i warm patriot, 
 hut a thoughtful anil a \\ilty one. \\ liile (.l.-ervin^ the utmost 
 ind delicacy in her deportment in the society of Briti-h and 
 loyalists, not withholding herself from llieni polite and even 
 SOCUble With both lfa Wftfl yd capable of uttcrini; the mo- 1 
 and bi: ins with the most happy dexterity. Her mind was 
 
 frc-h. sparklim: and original ; her manners e.|iially graceful and 
 lively ; and she brought to the luisiness of eon-piracy a >Iin-wdnrss 
 and depth of opinion which appcan-d somewhat tDOmaloUB, thoogfa 
 never nnliec ominLT or out of place, in union with her pleasant wit 
 ami Mirpa>-i!iir beauty. 
 
 "Why, Hrewton," said old Tom Singleton, playfully, 
 
 with .-insular tVelin-: of your venerable grandmother s 
 Ifl if, indeed, you had mne pt r-onal < au-e of com 
 plaint." 
 
 "Ami have I not? I- it not sullicient reason for complaint 
 
 that her weakness should have left u^ perpetually subject to the 
 
 If of your pi ^iife in which, thouirh you always 
 
 play the snake, you still ( lnickle at your capacity to take advantage 
 
 of the woman 
 
 Well, the VMM na-on for your dis, ,,n!, nt still remai 
 
 n," said the other. 
 Ah. what is tl.a: 
 
 lily, that your complaints avail you nothing, nor your re- 
 solves ( iiher : riDOe you only murmur against a fate." 
 
 \\hich means that, doomed to a connection withy 
 
 iiist the snake tindini: its way into our -ardeii. 
 I siipp..*e I i- no reason that 
 
 uld not bruise his head \\itli the hoe \\hei 
 him. In li efOTC M-. Uni.wini: the ivpiilr. it is ULM 
 
 shall keep him nt a di 
 
 do admit him, that \\e >hoiild ! ,r-t I.e aieful to s rt - that i 
 drawn." 
 
 "I am afraid." -aid Sin-leton. "if VMI do that you deprive 
 him of all power of u>. fuln- iss the 
 
 matter further. It \\ill ! li- ii t- <\<> s.. \\ln-n 
 
 be perfect I\ -atisiird tliat he ha- (-./- I, In the mean* 
 
I M KATlIARINi: \\ Aims. 
 
 lime, it is agreed that we leave him in the hands of Hob Single- 
 ton." 
 
 "Ay. ay," said the fair widow; "we may safely do so. U, 
 has quite enough of the family art to keep a menagerie, yet never 
 fear the fani> ,,r claws of its In 
 
 The allusion was to a private .collet-lion ,,f beasts, birds and 
 reptiles, which old Tom Singh-ton kept for his own amusement. 
 
 "Ah!" said the latter who found something grateful in the 
 allusion "ah, lirewton, liy the way. you are yet to make the 
 acquaintance of my juveniles. I have added to my collection. 
 I have a llawdon and a I>alfotir ; a young 1 ruin from I un- 
 comhe, one of the most surly <>f dignitaries, brown and bigoted ; 
 and a Mirpri>ing dexterous monkey from Yucatan, who is a per 
 fect model of an appropriator. In a week I shall have them 
 both in costume, and you must conic and make their acquaint 
 ance." 
 
 " Present me to his lordship, at least. The bear, by all odds is 
 preferable to the ape." 
 
 "Look you. Singleton," said Lock wood, bluntly, "you will 
 peril your neck always upon your tongue. I pray \u Mrs. 
 Brewton, say not a word further, or you will keep Singleton 
 here all night. We have much to do before midnight, and old 
 Tom belongs to that class ( ,f lawyers who prefer to lux- a case 
 rather than a witticism. lie i- so far like \oiir own sex that 
 a ]-.(<\ word with him at parting is essential to his iv-t for the 
 
 night" 
 
 "(Jood ! very good " responded Singleton. "We nuiy now claim 
 bet \\cen u>. to have a po\\er like that of FalstalT, and are not only 
 witty our-eh -. but the cause of \\ it in other persons. Ah. 
 make your bow to P.rewton. She has been to \ oil what the 
 
 that excellent beast \\hich P.alaam knew better how to beat 
 
 than ride." 
 
 " Away with yOO," Crfed the widow. " You are as inveterate as 
 an a urn-, and cau>e ^haking side^ \\herever you come. Hem 
 < . before we ha\e another lit." 
 
 l l - party \\cre |ireparing to leave old Sin-1. Ion. at least, 
 with I.orKwood and Ma^li-r GteorgC Spidell, \\lio by this time, 
 had begtUI tO mimch UpOD the anglr> ol his three oi-m-rcd cake; 
 
Ki:r.i:i. i. LDIE8 <T IIA i;i.i> i 
 but, :i t this v.-ry moment, the tn.ttiiiLT of b audible fr..in the 
 
 "II. : Mr-. Singleton. " they :i]>|>r<ia< h." 
 
 Tin- sounds ceased at the entrance, and the company r.-e in prep- 
 
 arution, if not in apjM-eh<-n^ion. Fretjuent experience had made 
 
 tin-in insiim-tiv. ma >f dan 
 
 i can in t ^o forth now." >aiil Mrs. Singleton, "and must 
 
 steal to your hiding-places. \\Yaretoi.. : 
 
 Tom. and Mr. Lm-ku i. had better take the back-door into the 
 
 garden, while you. doctor and Master (Ieor-_ r e \\ill jilea -e -tep u]> 
 stairs. Take the ba-k I u ilh you. < 
 
 A heavy rat> at tl:e knocker, and the parlies thus addressed hur 
 ried instantly out of si^lit. aeeordinu r to the L r iven direetic; 
 another moment, the doors were opened, and the ttritNi colonels 
 Halfoiirand ( ruden. \vereann<.unc.d- 
 
KATH \ KIM: WALTON. 
 
 CHAPTER XX \. 
 
 SHAFTS AT RANDOM. 
 
 KATHAKIM: WALTON would have left the room when these per 
 sons were announced, hut Mrs. Singleton arrested her. Policy was 
 in conflict with good taste at present. 
 
 You must remain, Kate; it is a necessary nnleal. Have 
 patience. We must submit with a good grace where resistance is 
 without profit. Let u< conciliate those whom we can not defy." 
 
 She was prevented, hy tlie entrance of their guests, from further 
 remarks of this nature. The ladies all had resumed their scats 
 the appearaince of their visiters. Some were busy in needle 
 work ; one appeared to have been reading, her linger resting be 
 tween the leaves of a volume that she held in her hand. The fair 
 widow lirewtoii, alone seemed to he unem ployed. as. perhaps, 
 her nmre natural r>>/i lay rather at the tongue s, than the lingers 
 end. She occupied a venerable arm-chair, which mi- ht have 
 dated from the time of (Jueen Kli/aheth. In this she reclined 
 rather than sat, the capacious seat giving full scope to her 
 form, which was seen to the very best advantage. Thus reclined, 
 witli her head leaning over the side of the chair, rather than 
 against its ba--k. an arch smile playing on her features, and a 
 world of mischief, concentrated and bright, looking forth from 
 
 the half -*hlll eye, she encountered tile lilM glance of the P.riiish 
 
 dignitaries. 
 
 P.alfoiir s hurried look around him look in the whole assembly 
 
 at the entrance of the two " l ir<;,<l,s ,< 
 
 and welcomed them to seats with a stately grace and a cold dig 
 nity that made itself felt, yet left nothing which could be c..m- 
 plained of. Salutations were BOOO exchanged between the par- 
 
BHAFN \T i: \\hn\t. 
 
 Balfour was quite amhitious ,,f tin- ! <-asy f 
 
 well hred gentleman, lie aimed at tha pleasant exhibitio: 
 Juint tn which never forgets to BlKP - iou-ne-s of sui* - 
 
 riority. 
 
 Mr - 11, I am -lad I I looking ><> " H- Wh-n 
 
 h:ul the plea>ure of ealliliiT. YOU were complaining. YOU 
 
 must -ive me < redit for ma-nanimity, my dear madam, -ince 
 
 Miiirht well be out of humor with one who ha- a kinsman 
 
 who proves so troul.le-ome to us. I take for -ranted that \ ou 
 
 are aware of tin- recent perf.. nuance- of Mr. Rob :"" 
 
 >iM wish, for your sake, madam, if not his own, that thU 
 
 youiii: man had not so deeply involved himself, lam afraid that 
 
 I,,-!. ;hat limit when it would have ln-rn the iilea-ure. no 
 
 less than policy, of his maj.-ty to li,,ld out to him the h-.p, 
 
 men 
 
 I ,!four ; hut 1 doul.t if 1: 
 
 leton \\ill easily l.e p< r-ua.led that lhi> 1.....U i- 
 his happi: 
 
 Ah, my dear madam, do I lind you Mill i:ir..rrii:ilil ? " 
 
 ..f priiH iple and feelini: i^not euf. \ -u 
 w il! for tlie frankness which ha- never, from the 
 
 mpl.d an\ di-u ui-e of > ntimeiit." 
 
 1 n-irret to make the couci ioii. madam. I -ineerely 
 th.it j, u , n> oUll rs\i . It i-. pethapt, fortu- 
 howrv.-r. that tli --f his maje>ty no 
 
 -cii.n in the ea-e of yur MX. \\ IN content that time -hall do 
 
 A, .,:. BvenU I h - i Itobk will n-ili- 
 
 , t,, a condition a-ain-t which \ on .-rriiiL ly opp<-e yourself al 
 pr -cut." 
 
 !,-l..!i Lowed with a di-nitied -ravity. hut was -ilent. 
 r.alfoiir now pa--ed round the talle and ap; 
 Walton. 
 
 \ nd liow i- our fair capti\ 
 
 M a captive should be. sir. I -k r h for green pn- 
 I have lost my \ :> >. 1 dug BO 
 
 \\ : ,11 recall it \V. 1, ,11 hear y..u a-ain in ""ill 
 
 sunly KXfebeOOmi r. ...ncilc.l to a captivity that lirini."* v- 
 iian>hip. 
 
38 KATHAIMM: WALTON . 
 
 " NYver ! neve I :nn not conscious .( any better .security here 
 than in Dorchester, n>i !<) 1 need ;niy more loving iruardianship than 
 that which 1 have always ci,j. >ved. " 
 
 "Ah, I sec that yen arc in the hands of erring counsellors. 
 I am afraid. Mrs. Hey ward, that some! bin- of this wilfulness is due 
 to your ministry. Why is it that one MI capaMv <-( devotion to a 
 cause should "et be p ( ,<.es>ed of so little loyalty to her proper 
 sovereign ? " 
 
 "Meanii Lkc Tbird, Colonel Balfour ?" replied ihe lady 
 
 addressed, a vry noble-looking lady, majestic in person, and of sin 
 gularly tine feat 1 
 
 "Surd; 
 
 " He is ii sovereign of mine, sir ! " 
 
 " My dear madam, will you never take warning from the 
 
 " Would Colonel Balfoiir remind me of the assault upon my 
 dwelling by a ruthless mol), when a dear sisti-r lay d\ip^ in my 
 arms . W.ull he force upon me the recollection of that dreadful 
 brutality, which would have torn a woman to pieces because she 
 refused to show pleasure in the misfortunes of her country? Kcallv, 
 sir. if this is the proeev-; by which my loyalty is to be taught, I fear 
 that you will find me the dullest of your pupils." 
 
 I alfour s ins,,]enee, as usual, had made him blunder. The 
 indi-iiant feelini: expressed \<y the lady was too natural and 
 proper not to find the fulle-t jusiilieatii.n in every mind. Mi-. 
 Iley ward s dwelling was a^ailed and battered by a mob be- 
 : -fused to illuminate in honor of the successes of the 
 British. 
 
 The commandant of ( liarleMnn turned away in some cf ihe 
 other laiIi-N. He WU s,, I,,,. what abashed, but not siluieeil. 
 After cerl a iu speeches meant to be pdlaiit. addn-sed to Mrs. 
 SavaL" M . Charles Klliott. lie approa<-hcd ihe fair widow 
 
 n. He was rather afraid of the lady, wlx.se n-adn 
 retort, sufl ieii-nliy experienced liy all of the British ollicci 
 sort which enabled her 1o -bape i-very an-\-. cr to a dart , and to find, 
 in the 11)0-1 cautiously-uttered address, ihe Sufficient provocation 1<> 
 a witti. 
 
 IIa\e I found thee, mine enemy . " he said. 
 
Ml \ a AN DOM. 
 
 die replied. you i 
 la>t. shall I refer thfe to your gallantry or sour caution?-*- to the 
 
 Of my wen 
 
 my i>\vn, of OOUn ." he 
 " The adim.-ion N an app :il to my magnanimity," said the 
 
 widow ; and yetl > h> ackno "1 "- 
 
 longer the riirhl to entertain a h-tilr t 
 He mu-t Mirrendcr at discretion in order to obtain tin- IMM.II \vliieh he. 
 
 \\ li\ , fou have ahvay^ found me at your 
 
 Yes, but with the ^piril of one who \v.-, hem 
 
 all the \\hih-." 
 - \< ; 
 
 -d taith and inn.x . IK-.-, v.hieli Im.k upward a l\va\ 
 too frninently unc<uis-imis of the subtle enemy of \, 
 
 ee no fi-i-lin.ir in their own 
 
 I,,,,,, ,n d tl.ey ar t<-. h fty in their 
 
 to l.oU Cta f sutl\ and contemplal i.-n. Hut, 
 
 when 1 >p"ke of the ; the e\ il "t his 
 
 We an- told that the faithful and the true the inno- 
 reiit and l! | - triumph in the end. N\ 
 
 eimally aMiirl that (\il ^hall n-t al\\ :; md its triumphs 
 
 sliall be temp-. ran. It is the >p.-eial - "Hist 
 
 labor in th. U, and without pr- 
 
 . ;ih the toil and i< 
 
 only to be mortitied eonManily with th B \\itli 
 
 \\hieh, at th.- moment, ! "j breaks 
 
 !i all the in. : 
 
 !, when I behold \o,, and \"ur li\.-ry. busily 
 
 working. lay and ni-hi. in tnis fulile laln)r against tie 
 doni of our people, I thi . . 
 
 in tin- ivmo . of the \\all ; ami I 
 
 moment for the :ipproa h of Molly with the 
 m. " 
 
 irp. piereinj. nn-l inttini: as , 
 
 " How >hould it be oil,. .mini:, v- 
 
 the h. I" " tla> 
 
 in>trument which shall finally M-parat. it in H 
 
V In K \T1!.\ Kl N !: \V.\ l.TON. 
 
 " Nay j your metaphor halts. The stone may suffer abrasion and 
 diminution from wear ; but to be cut in twain by the knife it sharp 
 en^ lie paused. 
 
 " I suppose I mu-t not complain tliat a soldier in the service of 
 such a prim G _e of Hanover dm s not leadily recall the les 
 
 sons of history. My metaphor lacks nothing. My allusion \\as to 
 jeoflhe Iloman augur, Accius Xa^vius. Your Livy will tell 
 you all the 
 
 Y.-u gain nothing, Fialfour," said Oruden, sulkily, " in a conflict 
 with Mrs. Urewton." 
 
 "Oh. yes! I trust that both of you gain in proportion to your 
 I shall suppose thai to be far greater than I even regard 
 it now, if, indeed, you do not profit in one respect. He who carries 
 a weapon that he knows not well how to use, or encounters volun 
 tarily with an enemy whom he can not overcome, is in a bad way, 
 indeed, if he does not acquire some lessons of humility at least from 
 such experi 
 
 " Wisely said, that, Cruden. Hut, of a truth, we must, In some 
 wav, overcome an enemy so formidable a.s Mr-. I .rewton. We 
 must do this by love, by service, by devotion, such as the CttV- 
 :dier> of the Middle id to their chosen mistresses. We 
 
 must woo and win. if we can, where we can not overthrow. How- 
 shall we do thK Mrs. IJrewlon ? You are surely no! insensible to 
 the reputation you would enjoy, and the good that you would 
 do. in making us worthy of your affections rather than your 
 hoetilil 
 
 " Ala<, >\v ! If it be not a sin to venture any opinion a^ to (Jod s 
 hidden providence, 1 should say that lie must find it easier to make 
 a thousand new generations than to mend an old one. You must be 
 born again, before anything can be done with you; and the fear is 
 that, even then, the second childhood will find you quite as prone to 
 pcm-r-ion as the fiist." 
 
 " Mr--. IJrewton. \ou are incorrigi! 
 
 ir ; and if it be a proof that I am incor 
 rigible, that I refu-e to submit to any but proper authority, I bless 
 that he has endowed me with this quality " 
 
 " You gut my invitation . " a.-ked Cruden, abruptly. 
 
 " Fe, I did ; this morning." 
 
Ml kFTB AT 
 
 " Wrll. you arc not too unich of a patriot to conic. Your 
 stoici-m ami .-atire will hardly rcvr.lt at -rood fellow -hip V " 
 
 Surely not. Hut I ,-hould accept your invitation fiv.m quite 
 another motive." 
 
 Ah. indeed 1 And pray what i- that ?" 
 
 rioti-m is a gloomy virtue JIM now. and satire, in her 
 
 :i provocation. I -hall p> to your- in n-arch of it 
 
 all medicines. I timl the in.)-t perfect in l.rini: able to lau-h at the 
 follies of mine enemy. " 
 
 Wrll " said Crudcn, doi^edly. "I don t care on what footing 
 you put it, so you come. I should rather you should laui:h at us 
 than he denied the plca-uiv of i lau-h at all." 
 
 l improve decidedly in voice. ( ,s the foi -aid to the- 
 W h, !. I shall surely look in upon you; l.ut I 
 
 warn \ ou to do your hands.. mcst. In t-nti rim: the h 
 occupy. 1 shrill In- n-minded of many a pi. 
 
 in tin- circle of Cob-worth I inckney ; and thoii-h I can .-canvly 
 ti tin- Ilriiish ollicers in Charl.-ston to supply all of the 
 which made that circle a pride and adeli.irht, yet. in merecMei: 
 I take for granted, as you have all the mean-, you will D 
 \our-lf to I.e outdone." 
 
 \Vc -liall ertainly do ,,iir l c-t to lind favor with one uhom \\ i 
 ire to \\in," \\a- the aii-wcr. \\ilh :i IH.W. 
 
 In regard t-. this appoint : uden had already 
 
 in-, though in under ton.-. \\ iih Katharine Walton. Hal four nw 
 ma.le it llie sub]. M K to her. 
 
 We -hall have the pl< a-ure of NV;l1 
 
 ton. Y..U mu-t not -utT. r \..ur-elf to adopt this unp-nia! humor 
 ,,f , i woiilil prefer that you -liould . 
 
 put on Ibfl mocking spirit of my Iftl FtOB, and 
 
 ,;,!. thouirh it I.e only to lind . r sar- 
 
 ca.-in." 
 
 loud Cruden re.|uires my attendance, ami I -ul.mit to his 
 
 replied th<- maiden, calmly. 
 . . 1 ,-ouM wi-li that \o U rcc,.-ni/ed rather ti. 
 v than of authority, in this matl( r." 
 
 whether 1 "!>ey my 
 own will in thi- : r that .-f anotlu"-. If i ">9J| 
 
JI J K A Til A RINK \\.\I.ln\. 
 
 I sliall certainly be present. I have n<> wi-.li to increase the 
 animosities which exist between our friends respectively." 
 
 "A |rcj,i-r feclinir, and one that ini.irht, with m<>re profit be 
 entertained by all." 
 
 An interval eiiMied in the conversation, which we have only 
 detailed in portions. On a sudden, the eye of Dal four caught si-ht 
 of a pair of lariri- gloves upon the table. He stretched out his hands 
 and gathered them up. 
 
 " Arc the-e yi.urs. Cruden !" he asked. 
 
 " Xo. Mine are here." 
 
 He turned them over, and muttered 
 
 "They are not mine, yet are they a man s." 
 Singleton quietly interp 
 
 "They are probably Tom Singleton s. He was with us awhile 
 
 " IJalfour smiled skeptically. He had, in the meantime, while 
 turning the gloves over, disco\cred the initials "D. !{.," printed 
 legibly within them. He said iDthin^, but threw them back 
 upon the table. At this moment, a si ran ire sound was heard from 
 an inner pa-aue conducting to the stairway. It Avas strange 
 because of it- suddenness, but of no doubtful character. Kvcry 
 car at once di-tin-ni-hed it a- i>^iiiiiLT from a human prod 
 
 decided s v, such as mi-lit be expected naturally to 
 
 from the novirils of a lusty urchin after a supper in . 
 and from sleepi iiir in an awkward position. Ualfour and Cruden 
 smiled, and looked know inirly in the faces of the ladies. 15ut 
 ^iniilcton remained entirely unmoved, and the ivM looked 
 (juite uncon-cioiis. The snore was repealed wilh renewed cm 
 pha-is. 
 
 " Not a bad imitation of Tarleton s bugles," was the remark 
 of I la 1 four. 
 
 "I 1 leininds me very mueh of one or Knyp!iau>en ^," responded 
 Cruden; "that of the- little Hessian who had lost his nose by a 
 sabre cut. You remember him? When he blew, it was evidently 
 the play of two distinct in-trumcnls, the one, however, clearly 
 inferior to the <,-i 
 
 Vet it irnnlil maintain the rivalry, and continued lo do so to 
 the la-l. The no-irils all tliat remained o| them ne\c] 
 
JHAFTS \ i i; \ \ i " i M. -j ).; 
 
 would -m \\ay to the luiirlo ; ami Drick BO they called him 
 
 .short fop Frederick, probably blowim: a double 
 
 bu-le. doini: th ,. two mm, until a sh..t through his 
 
 -in oil elTectually the supply of wind necessary for both 
 
 instrumei 
 
 Tl:< -in the interior audibly increased. 
 
 "That instrument mi-lit he trained to -OHM! service, like that of 
 I>rick, " continued Ilalfour, who was apt to pursue his own 
 the death. " It has all the compass and volume, and the Masts are 
 quite as well prolonged, without subsiding into that squeak <>r snivel, 
 which nn. . TMl hrickV music rather unpleasant at the close. 
 Pray. Mrs. Singleton, where \\m- JQQ ^<> forttinale as to find your 
 
 tagl 
 
 The ..Id lady replied with the most admiral-le gravity. 
 
 K.ally, C oloiu 1 P.alfour, hut for the sex of |>oor Sally, s] K . 
 should beat your KTTice fa that capacity. Kate, my.: 
 wake up tin- LM rl. sin- is :i>|,.,-|i on ij 
 Katharine iTOOe, Jind P.alfour 
 
 IfiH Wal on. i M thix trouble," said the 
 
 oflicious commandant, somewhat ea-erly. advanciiiLf. as h,- 
 
 leading to the j> a - 
 
 But : the ]>.!;. Q that he should find 
 
 v : Spidell ill her dwrlliiiir. Kate Walton hrMtaled. Tin- old 
 
 lady s|iUe. c(K)lly, delibtTately. yd with a manner that w:is COD- 
 clu-i 
 
 Th.inlx J :M! ISalfoiir; hut I jirefer that you should 
 
 i!y out of . 1 can t answer for the .stupid 
 
 at this hour. That -h,. has so far forgotten i 
 .v h<-r musj,- on us from SU( h near in i 
 .l-.uht how far her trespass,., may !. Do you 
 
 . \ve will disjM-nse witli the c. .mmandaiit s iissist- 
 veil in a duty so arduous as that of routing up a drowsy 
 
 The la<t phra- I .alfour . - ,,t He 
 
 felt how greatly his diirnity \\..ul.l ln-in.ir cauirht in the 
 
 II. : i i.. .e been 
 
 quite hushed in the consideration of his own *//// // ///";-/. 
 
 in the co : admirable comp- ained by MfB. 
 
Ml KATII \ KIN i: WALTOK, 
 
 Singleton. Her .-illusion to the possible ii minlon of Sally, in the 
 nialtcr of costume and toilet, \vhich made the younger ladies 
 cast down their eyes, was also sugge-tive, to the coarse nature 
 of the commandant, of a sort of humor which is proper 
 fined to the barracks. We will not undertake to repeat the 
 sorry equivoques in which he indulged, under a mistake, natural 
 enough to such a person, that he was all the while very mischiev 
 ously witty. 
 
 Kate Walton, meanwhile, had penetrated the passage- and wak 
 ened up the sleeping boy. He had been doubled up upon the stairs, 
 and a few more convulsions of the nostrils might have sent him roll 
 ing downward. Fortunately his shoes \\ere oil , and, roused cau 
 tiously, he was enabled to retrace his steps to the upper room, \\heiv 
 Kamsay was impatiently but without daring io move awaiting 
 the departure of the hostile gu- 
 
 This event was not long delayed after the oceu Teiice de 
 scribed. Having exhausted his stock of llippancies, and suc 
 ceeded in whispering some soft (latteries into the ears of Katha 
 rine, Halfour turned to .Mrs. lirev, ton, reserving his " [,i*f tr ( ,,;!x" 
 for her. He said something to this elVect. spoke of his testamentary 
 addn v-es ; arid the retort, quick as lightning, sent him oil in a 
 
 jiffy. 
 
 "Ah. Colonel Hal four, were they indeed your lust ^//v/.s, 
 you know not how gladly \\e should all forgive your nflVmvs - 
 nay. with \\hat gratitude we should accept the atoning sacrifice, as 
 more than compensative for all the evils done in your v-ry short 
 
 "Confound her tongue!" exclaimed the enra-ed commandant 
 to his companion, as they left the hou>- together. " It is all 
 Tartar! What a viper she has at the end of it! Hut I shall 
 have uiy revenge. She i- at mi-< hid , and shall pay for it. 
 1 licM- people are all conspiring ; those gloves \\eiv \>r. 
 Ram-ay -; and ymi heard tin- old woman admit that Tom Sin 
 gleton had but lately left them. The : the Cloves \\ere 
 
 hi*, not dreaming that I had seen Ram-ay s initials in them. I 
 have no doubt that hotn are in the house at this moment. They 
 will emerge probably very soon after they hear us ride away. 
 Now let us Bee if we cannot detect them. By occupying the 
 
>n \ FT8 \T I;AN DOM. 
 
 \\ e c:in readily see all \\li<> pass, and, 1. n to one, 
 \\e liiul Ham-ay, Singleton, and others whom we do ii"t Kl 
 \vln> have been at this secret me< t iiiLT. 1 only want a pretext fi.r put- 
 tini: them all in limbo. There i- n;oiv < oi;ii>cation to be done, ( - ru- 
 den." 
 
 " All s i.r r j >t that comes to my mill." wa- th> Q| Crtidcn, 
 
 with a lmars<- chuckle, as he mounted his horse. 
 
 -oin. in the and] ime "f a soldier, stood in wait in-:. his 
 
 him. a< he brou-ht up that of Balfour. To him the 
 bii instructions, and the party divid.-d in <pposite direc 
 tion-, mo\ in_ r olT at a moderate canter. 
 
 The sound of their departing f..(.t-tepx brMiiirlit the male -n- 
 spirators from their se\eral places of hiding. Tom Sin.irlctou 
 and Loekwood looked in from the irunlrn inipatirntly. sumnu ii- 
 
 : iinsny and the hoy. (leor-e, from the interior, 
 while, the unlucky gloves were once more l.r.-u-lit upon the 
 Mr-. IIre\\t:.ii had rvmarked the peculiar smile upon 
 Halfour -s \ : . turned them over and heard tin m ifl 
 
 to Sin-leton. and her curio-ity wa< awakened. The moment he 
 i.irted from her seat, and hastily snatchint: up tlie 
 i the two capital letters con-pi<uou<ly printed within 
 (lie \\ri-l. 
 
 \ . "lit upon the man." ife cried, indi-nantly, " who must set 
 D manual up->nall his powr^JMii.,. IK, \\e\cr in<ii:tiitieaiit. a- it he 
 forever dicaded nlile:-y ! who must brand ox. and a-s. and 
 lliiu.ir that i- hi-, with his prop< r arm- and initial-: Oh 
 lurnin.i: to him U he . ntered. and ImMini: up il Mf with his 
 
 initiaN. bef<,re his eyes " for a wi-e man you do a ;;reat main fool- 
 i-li th: k at that! See the tell files you earry \\ith you 
 
 \\ heivver y, ,11 
 
 " All. 15ie\\t.-n. this \\a-< cerlaiidy a childish folly. Hut. wisdom 
 alTonls few impunities, since, in due proportion \\ith our knowledge, 
 is the convict!.. n We f , , 1 ,.f the vast possessions that ue rail n< 
 quirr. I shall i .!ter. In tlie meantime, has any 
 
 mischief been done? 
 
 P,-df..ur has read the initials." 
 
 " He knowx. then, that I h . berc. Hut tlii> i> noth- 
 
Mi: KATHARINE \\ ALTON. 
 
 " Much to him, regarding you. as he must, with suspicion." 
 IVsides, it was unlucky," said Mrs. Singleton. " that, supposing 
 them the gloves of Cousin Tom. I admitted lhat / had just left us 
 also. To know that you both werv here, and with us, all of whom 
 arc looked upon with evil eyes, is to set his -u-pieion- at work. \Vc 
 must move more cautiously." 
 
 " Right!" said Smirk-ton and Lock wood, in a breal.i. " And, to 
 do this, the sooner we uir< ojiT together the better, the tide will soon 
 serve for (leorgc." 
 
 " lie has given us proof to-night," said tlie widow, " that he will 
 never "want a wind." 
 
 A laugh followed this, and poordeorge hung hi- liead, inwardly 
 swearing vengeance against his own uiducky nose, that had so greatly 
 e\] ,M d and almost betrayed him. Hesei/cd hi- basket and moved 
 toward the door. Ramsay was moving in the same direction, when 
 Toin Singleton interposed. 
 
 "Look you, doctor, you certainly don t mean to take Churcl 
 street? That won t do! If IJalfour has the slightest reason 
 to suppose that we have been here to-night, and have heeii so 
 much hurried as to leave our gloves, he will naturally suppose 
 us here still, and will set a watch for us. We must take the Lack 
 track, scramble over the fences, ;l nd find our way out upon the 
 I Jay. 
 
 "That is awkward," said Ham-ay, hesitatingly. 
 So it is. doctor; but advisable, neverth. 
 
 Some preliminaries were di-eu cd, and ilie plan was settled 
 upon. Hurried partings were interchanged, ami, stealing down 
 through the garden, the four, including the b< < . pre 
 
 pared to climb the fence, which wa- a high, ragged breastwork 
 of half-decayed pine plank. Tom Singleton went over first, 
 followed by the boy, (Jcnrgc; but the worthy doctor hung in 
 midair for a Beaton, hi- skirts having caught upon a huge -pike 
 in the fence, which had not been perceived, and which narrowly 
 gra/.ed the in- j-tible lle-h. Singleton and J,ockwood 
 
 both were employed in hi- extrication, which was only ell ectcd 
 by increasing the rent in the changeable silk breeches of the 
 worthy doctor. The scene provoked Singleton, who<e risibles were 
 readily brought into play, into insuppressibk merriment. 
 
sn \n- \ T i: \\ -. i: 
 
 " I do not s,.e what there is so ludicrous in the matter." -aid Kam 
 8&y, a :dy. 
 
 " Indeed, but then- iX" was tin- BE . hen \\ e n-il.-d upon 
 
 tin- predicament of tin- future historian of America. Ue\\ered upon 
 a rusty nail in an old wall, and as incapable of helping himself as 
 was Al>-aloin caught l>y the hair." 
 
 Kani-ay s intention of wiitim: a history of the whole country was 
 already kimwn to his friend-. Singleton continued 
 
 " It would make a irlori.nis picture ft r the book, doctor, to have 
 }ou drawn on the fence-top, with Lock wood and my-elf tUiTi^ni: at 
 your skir;..." 
 
 " This is no time for TO&Knfle, Singleton : let us L r otm."\\ 
 
 newliat surly reply. 
 
 Tin- party, in -ilmce. then pur-lied a somewhat circuitous route. 
 \\hicli. under Sinirlettin s ^njitlance, familiar etjually with tin 
 I of the town, promi-ed to be a sal . < 
 
 several fence.., j n which toil the historian MilTered no further mi-lup- 
 of habiliment, they at length found th> Lo a well -known 
 
 end. -i:re. near the corner of Tradd itTO t and the Hay. Tin I 
 at that period, pn-eiited an axpret very different from its appearance 
 
 i hen. instead of a well-pa\ed a\. nue. 
 
 tiua-mire in wet wcatlier. The s. a penetrated it in numerous little 
 indentation^, which left the pa ai:e excee.liiiLrly narrow when tin- 
 tide was liiirli: and the chief obvtriiction r. ,i;i inva-ionwas 
 
 tlie variou- bas!ion> and batteries which looked out ujxm the harbor; 
 thou-h. e\-n in the rear of the-.,-, the \\ :- -nally formed in 
 
 pool- that miirht be called lakelets. 
 
 idling this limit, our fugitives held a hurried eun-ulta- 
 tion under a irroup of LMiar.lian iiat occuj.ied tlie ! 
 
 covered by st.-ttdy builtliiiL r s of brick, which still int. rp"s,-d ! 
 them aiid the thoroughfare, l- inally, it \\ 
 
 ,!d L r o forth lii-st. makiiiL llieir way upward to the 
 place of concealment by their boat, \\hith lay not far di-taiit from 
 
 tTernOT*! ln-idLTe ; \\ hile Bil 
 
 interval, were to pursue th R ith all 
 
 le circumspection. The-. i-rojiLrhi \\\t in 1 .! into 
 
 the nielli. The mornim: star 
 over l>-adl:. . :il and into the -hadow , Ull \\ aiido 
 
248 KATIIAKINK \V M.T<>\. 
 
 river; while Ramsay, safe in his own chamber, was curiously in 
 specting the serious hurts \vhich his changeable silk small-clothes had 
 suffered from his unwonted exercises. The- whole party escaped the 
 surveillance of Balfour, who, after the delay of an hour, Impatiently 
 consumed in watching, rode back to the house of Mrs. Sintrleton only 
 to find it all in darkne . He naturally concluded that the prey had 
 escaped before his visit. Let us change the scene. 
 
THK REBEL S MEM IGERIE, 
 
 CHAPTER X \ VI. 
 Tin: i;i:r.i:i. - KBHA.GXBIB, 
 
 D Major Proctor in M of all the materi 
 al* \\hirh the hatred of Vauirhan, his cunning; and that of ISal- 
 four, wi-iv preparing 1" adduce a _rai:i-t him for his di-struction. 
 Thu- warned, li My armed. He had no rca- 
 doubt tin- te-timony thus put into hi* hand-: ihou-h still igno 
 rant of hi- MCrel friend, and totally withou; hi.-h mi-ht 
 lead to ln-r di-c. Vi r\ . HI- was ii"\v, ho\\ .\rr, 1>< tier prrjuivd than 
 before, to bclirvi- in tin- conjecture of Furnevs. that hi 
 revjM.ndenl \va< really a woman. In the haMe with which Klla 
 Monckton had abrid: ;>ied the doeunieiits \\liich she had 
 sent him. she had -omeu hat for-Mlen her former caution. She 
 mmeiiced her \\ork in the still, feiirncd hand \\hiih -In- 
 had formerly eni]>loyed in communicating with him; but, as she 
 : -led and irre\v more and nioj-e a tfl her labors, her 
 artiti.es ueiv neglected, and the greater portion of the manu 
 script was evidently not only in a female hand, but in a 
 one. written hurriedly, and exhibiting a singular contract be 
 tweeii the >tvle of |M-nman>hip \\ith which -lie had IM-LTUII and 
 that witli which -he tini-liel Still, the hand \\a- totally un 
 known to him. and lie br led OVCF it with an interest great 
 ly inereasid in the v. filer, ni.yed eipially by ruri.-iiy an : 
 ilude. He coulil only content him-elf with the relleetion that, 
 with the ii<itnr<il handwrilini: in his JM>S-, i..n, hi 
 hereafter, of di-coverini: the fair unknoun thing bet 
 ter than b i. if th- truth i:an to 
 fi-el tmite a< i:::ich intep-.-t in thi- new obj nsislent 
 
1850 KATIIA i;i \ i: WALTON. 
 
 with the paramount necessity of usinr her information, with all des 
 patch, for the purpose of his defence. 
 
 Hi-re his ditliculties lieiran. It was now that he needed a 
 friend, like Furm . pn-ent in the city, who would counsel with 
 and assist him. Funicss had promised to hriiur him to the 
 knowledge of such a friend, and had furnished him with a note 
 to one of the citi/.ens of Charleston, pivmi>iiii:. at the saim; 
 time, that the person to whom it was addressed, though . i 
 intimate with the father and family of the loyalist, was yet himself a 
 warm supporter of the iiiniir, >/,< /<f party, and had been active in the 
 labors of the patriots. Proctor had put this note of introduction into 
 his trunk, and had not looked at the superscription, except in the 
 first moment when he received it. That moment was one in 
 which his mind was bu^y wiih other matters. It was, indeed, 
 the very moment of parting with his new friend, and the feel 
 ings natural to the occasion made him oblivious, even while he 
 read, of the name which he heheld written on the envelope. 
 He now took the letter from his trunk, and was quite surprised as he 
 examined it. 
 
 " To THOMAS SIN<;I.I.T<>\, K-M., Charleston. 
 " By friendly favor of Major Proctor," A:e.. A:c. 
 
 Old Tom Singleton, one of the ranke-t of the rebels of the 
 city, a man bitterly uncompromising in his hostility to the Brit 
 ish cause; a wit, a humorist, full of perpetual sneer and sar- 
 ra-m at the expense of the invaders how should Captain 
 Furness, of the loyalists, lie in communion with such a person : 
 A little reflection answered the question. The best friends, the 
 nean-t kindred in the colony, had been divided by this unnatu 
 ral war. This was no reason f..r the disruption of all the ties 
 of friendship and BOClety. Betides, PurneaS had e\pre-ly an 
 nounced Singleton as of the parly, but had still spoken of 
 him as a friend of his family - as an honest man, and one of 
 Shrewd, acute, penetratiiiL persons whose, counsels would 
 be particularly useful in his emergency. That emergency x\as 
 ; -_r upon Proctor now. The P.iitMi interests no longer 
 
 commanded his sympathy. Its leaders had wronged and were 
 pursuing him with hatred and injustice. Why should he 
 
Tin. 1:1 .1:1 1 - M! N kGI 
 
 the services of a friend \\im\\mi.i ierve his 
 
 ^dividual cause, without M-.-kinir to know, OF feeling iiis.nii. t at his 
 political sympa! 
 
 OOO satisfied himself <f the propriety nay. : 
 
 <>f visjtini: the satirical Lrraybeard. Tom Singleton, in his domicil in 
 Tradd street. Hut hen-solved, also, that he must ino\r cautiously. 
 He rememliend the counsel of Furnes. whose -hivwdne-s he could 
 not hut acknowledge. He must do nothing rashly. There 
 need, for example, that his servant-man, .lolm. the traitor, still in his 
 employment, should In- able to report to Vaughn. j-r Ilalfoiir. that he 
 followed him to the dwelling of a well known rel.el. He sent .John, 
 accordingly, out of t .ie way. with a missive. i|iiite innocent in its 
 character, to a remote quarter of the city. Th< - little 
 
 curious eyes should notice whe -e hi- himself 
 went. He chose, therefore, tin the time for his pi; 
 
 visit; and hetwe.-n eiirht ami nine in the eveiiim:. tra\ ersin_i: 
 the uidiirhted streets, lie soon found himself in front of the 
 little old fashioned brjek Iniililiii.ir <>f t\\o with tall, 
 
 pointed roof, which old Sin-leton occupied. The door was 
 promptly op< n< d at his knock, and Sin-leton himselt r- 
 him at the entrance of his parlor. op< nir,- dinctly on the 
 
 Id man ii-appointed when. ln.]liiiL r the candle 
 
 to the face of his visjter. In- discovered who I,. 
 evidently expected a very different JHTSOM. !! ! 
 Ix-fore. luit failed to rrcoirnise him. The liriti-h otlicer at once re 
 lieved Ids curiosity. 
 
 \lajor Proctor, Mr. Singleton, late of the : 
 
 "Ah 1 and to uhal. .Major i rodor. am I ind. l.ted for tin- 
 honor of this \ivi: I am not a\\ai- that it i^ ju-t n-w in my 
 power to he of any his mar this prov 
 
 ince. The-e m -ril or n 
 
 my wits are of little usr e\en to li. has 
 
 the monopolist ( ,f all UK- wisdmn in the united k: 1 
 and its depend, IK ies ; and, for the matter of i, u hy 
 
 you will mice 1 elieve me. liut I now lind it impossilile to grat 
 ify my u-ual appi-lite for /////, , .,// and I i n to the 
 fish market DOW-ft-dAyt, i> oi,I\ : the im.-t ::u:i\vinir 
 
. .V> K A THAI; i NT. WALTON. 
 
 and painful sensations. In brief, sir, forced subsidies would 
 scarcely di-quict me, since it would give me as much pleasure if our 
 noble commandant of Charleston could lind out my vays and 
 means, as to find them out myself." 
 
 " Pardon me, Mr. Smirk-ton, but I am here with no ollicial ob 
 ject. At all evenK, t lie commandant of Charleston would be as lit 
 tle likely to employ me upon any service as to employ yourself." 
 
 " All. indeed?" 
 
 "Let me put this letter into your hands, sir, which will explain 
 the true object of my visit, and probably furnish a sanction for this 
 intrusion." 
 
 "Be seated, sir, Major Proctor," said Singleton, as he took the 
 letter. Taking a seat himself without preliminary, and putting 
 on his great gold spectacles, the old man, the light in one hand, 
 the letter in the other, proceeded to master the content.-* of the 
 paper. The name of " Furness," dubitatingly uttered, aro-e to his 
 lips ; but he soon discovered what, even had Proctor read ihe billet, 
 he would not be likely to have seen, the two Greek letters which 
 Robert Singleton usually incorporated with the flourish below his 
 name. Tin- letter wa< read with the greatest deliberation, then 
 folded, then (juicily passr-d into the tlame of the candle, and the 
 burning scroll deposiled in the chimney -place. Fixing his 
 ray eye upon the feature- of hi< vizier, old Singleton extended 
 his hand. 
 
 " Major 1 rortor, I am glad 1o B66 you. and will be glad to 
 serve you ; though my young friend, Furncss, entirely overrates 
 my capacity to do K>. Mul I con-ider it quite a compliment to 
 my heart, if not to my head, that he has written and referred 
 you to me. I need not tell you, sir, that I am quite of another 
 way of thinking from him-e]f. He ha- cho06D tO take up arms 
 aL-ain-t hi- people, and I naturalh fed -Mine bitterness on the 
 subject. Hut I knew and loved his father, sir ; In- entertained 
 me in hi- mountain region with a warm hospitality, ami when I lay 
 f..r a month dangerously sick in his dwelling, his excellent 
 wife nursed me with a- much affection ftg if I had been her own 
 brother. The voting Furne-s, too, \\a- a smart and proper boy, 
 and promi-i d to b<- a -trong and thoughtful man. I love him 
 for hi- parents sake, and would be happy if he had suHVred me 
 
Tin: REBEL S MI:N IGERIB. 
 
 to love him for his own. l>ut lie is up-mr. >ir ; In- ha 
 dreadfully erri iiLT. You have 
 
 in this war; hut \vh;it is t for him \vln. 
 
 duly in justification. while he call the throat of his kin-nia:i and 
 his neiirh 
 
 All this calm . ; oken, sutliccd admirahiy to impr< 
 
 British otVicer with the entire truthfulness of the whole narrative. 
 : -oinethin:: l>y vvay for theyouiiLT loyalist, hut 
 
 tlie other interrupted him. 
 
 "There is an argument, Major Proctor, for every error, and 
 
 Humanity will never want a lie to justify any of her failings 
 
 to h> rself. But your matter is private. \\Y upon 
 
 :ect. Come with me into my den, wh :i speak in 
 
 safety 
 
 into an inner room, plainly furnished, and ! 
 v-ick door, down into an apartment in the cellar a lo\v 
 criled vault, which had ln-en fitted up \s i infnrt, 
 
 if not display. The room wa- pl.-iteri d and carjieted. 
 was no fireplace, and the wall a-ain.-t \\hich it slmuiil ha\c 
 StOOd I ! \\ith hook-. The-r Wele not S4MM1, IP 
 
 until a second candle had l-en li-hted ; and then Proctor ilis- 
 ! enough to confirm the report, which he had heard he 
 ntricity of old Tom Sindetoii. Ti 
 
 - 1\ ini: with 1. ith thr 
 
 tahle : -pend, d from the wall. an im- 
 
 rattleviiake. \vh -d the dan- of the (and. 
 
 :_rhtnevx ( ,f a pair of diamond luMns in th,- 1. 
 
 Indian prim esx. ( > n the Moor, directly heneath the < 
 
 uh. in which an occasional |la-h w.-^ heard, a- of a ti-h 
 :IILT for ten room ; and all ahout the room miirht IK seen 
 
 :utTed and living hi 
 
 I \\ ith vh, : ,,r heard the I r.-ijiii-nt rattli: 
 
 of paprr, and v. "led at the whi//inir <! 
 
 small ol.ject cl.i-r to his fa. c. which he at one ti; i to he 
 
 rtive assaults of some en. - tic. hut u 
 
 heeii a mi-vile. II,- was Minn infoniud of ih< 
 
 ance liy the sharp addn^-cd to an ol.ject which he 
 
 did n. 
 
J.Yl K ATI I. \IM\r. \V \ i:in\. 
 
 T.. your sleep. Ij.nl Ceorire, before I trounce you !" and there 
 
 Was 8 rustic airaiu amonn- the paper, a< i! the object addressed was 
 
 preparing to obey. " You are in my den, Major Proctor, you will 
 
 eim-mber 1 sh< uld rather call it my m< in ;*, ri< so you \\ ill 
 
 please be startled at nothing." 
 
 "I>o I lu-ar the raitle of a snake?" said Proctor, with a shud 
 der. 
 
 "Yes; T have a most glorious monster in that eaire, with but 
 seven rattles ; he is fully a- large as any 1 have si-en with twice 
 the number. lie i- harmless. I have drawn his fan ITS. That 
 fish which you hear plashing in the tub is the torpedo. I paraly/ed 
 one of your dragoons the oilier day by a touch, which will make 
 him careful never to grapple with tMi again until lie sees it fried 
 and on table. The little monster which annoyed you by his dexter 
 ity of aim your no<e being between him and the light. he evidently 
 strove to see how nearly he could come to the one without 
 extinguishing the other is a monkey, of which I have large 
 expectations. I call him Lord (ieor^e. after your famous nobleman, 
 Germaine, who behaved so well upon the plains of Minden. and 
 so bravely iu the walls of Parliament hou--e. ^ mi shall see Lord 
 
 The monkey was summoned from his perch, and, at the word, he 
 leaped from the shelf where he harbored directly upon the table. 
 The cats wen- awakened by the movement, and raised themselves 
 (juicklv to their feet ; hair bristling all the while, backs rising in 
 aimer, and tongues hissing and snapping at the annoyer, who had 
 now approached the ediTc of the table and was looking down wicked 
 ly upon the apprehensive pair. To Proctor s surprise, and, we 
 
 may add, indignation, the monkey waa habited aa a r.riti-h general 
 officer. 
 
 Head up. Lord (ieorire," cried old Singleton. 
 
 The liea-t took an attitude of irreat dignity, head up. nose in air, 
 and ri jht hand upon his bn 
 
 " \\ir sword. Lord ( ,c- 
 
 OlT he spran.jr to a dark corner of the room, whence lie re 
 turned instantly with the implement, which he waved aloft in 
 the most threaleninir manner, marching across the table with an 
 immense strut, and audaciously confronting the visiter. Proctor 
 
Til I M l.\ \<.\ 
 
 wa- half tempted to >ei/e aixl wrm- the Deck of i!n- i ki: 
 
 mon-ter. \\li.-M- antics and costume In- beheld \\illi a leelm- 
 lion, which hi- found il dillicult to supp: 
 
 you nut incur sonic peril. .Mr in thi- Carlcal 
 
 the uniform of hi* : 
 
 M\ d- ar >ir. did you happen to M e tin- corps of Mark dr., 
 sent otT to Monk s Corner M-mr \\. . k- ago, in hi- majesty s iinifonn, 
 and commanded by Captain <^ua>h the very j)icture of lli> 
 of spades done in scarlet 7 If you , ;hat troop, uniformed 
 
 b\ Ilalfour himself, you will he -atMicd that none of his n. 
 I have a ri.irht to quarrel with the coMume ,f nr, 
 
 r, if you ph-a.M-" in lower ii-nns " Coloin-1 
 
 ur." 
 
 or was silent. He felt the sarcasm, old ^in-leton ad^i 
 the monkey 
 
 "Hence to !)((! ; and no more noi^e, do you hear, or "- --and he 
 pointcil threateningly to the tuh where *wam the torped... 
 
 Tlie monkey shuddered, howcd gracefully to lioth the gentlemen, 
 and di-a|>i> -ared in sih 
 
 " 1 make OIK o| my Nca-t- the terror of the oth -r. I threaten the 
 eat with the inoiiki-y, the monkey \\ith the ti>h. the v IKl ke with the 
 
 Have you ;. 
 
 " A ; :n ; but tl, Uc our 
 
 |oor people iii i: I -hall -el them fn-e the \ery next \ie 
 
 tory \\hich follows to our anus." 
 
 .i-htly Mailed. Sin-let. -n -a\\ tin- -mile. ]>ut did not 
 
 ;! to Holier it. lie j 
 
 1 ely fond of ! anil I 
 
 moralise upon them with a taste like thai OJ 
 e.-t. Thu-, \\hat a <mp and vanity |] 
 
 of my I -he monk, . II,., 
 
 . but I nmJe-s illii e, ami 
 
 nil uneharitahleness ; M . ,11 \\heii in 
 
 are fa-hionable married people. \\ i 
 
 but natural I life of indolence. My spiritless 
 
 :i me the hlrs-in^- U. lo 
 
 those onlv \\ho. from the tir>t, ha\e .i with the 
 
K ATI! A I; INK \Y * LTOK. 
 
 faculty of living in the rye of tin- sun, and bathing in the upper 
 air. And my lish but enough. I am an egotist when I morali/e 
 upon my beasts I must apolou i/.e for nt thinking of your alTairs ; 
 luit, in trulli, you needed an introduction to my associates. It is one 
 satisfaction that 1 feel in brintrini: you to know Ihem, that no! 
 them will betray your seen N. You ban secrets, it appears from 
 the letter of ah Furnos; and lam to aarfd you with my coun 
 sels. Major Proctor. I am a whiir, and you a P>riton. Command 
 my counsels in anything not inconsistent with our respective polities, 
 and I am your-." 
 
 Proctor took the extended liand, and thanked him with a warmth 
 proper to the t rankne s with which the old man made his ollVr of 
 service. 
 
 ".My loyalty shall not seek Jo obtain any advantage over your 
 patriotism, Mr. Singleton. My all air, though it brings me into col 
 lision with my superiors, is yet wholly personal." 
 
 "With this introduction, Proctor proceeded to unfold the whole 
 . as already in our M, of his conflict with 
 
 Yauuhan and Balfour. his exertitt of command at Dorchester, 
 his relations with Colonel Walton and daughter, and those sub 
 sequently which had made Furness interested in his alVairs. 
 Nor were, the anonymous communications of his fair correspond 
 ent forgotten. His statement concluded with the exhibition of 
 the whole body of doeumenlary testimony which was preparing 
 to lie brought against him. This old Singleton examined curi 
 ously. 
 
 "Thi- hand is unknown to me; but Furne-< is ri-ht. It is a 
 woman s hand. His conjecture as to her interest in you is ri-ht a No. 
 Thr-e la<t |iapi-r.s miL r lil enable you to find out who she 18, if that 
 ill object." 
 
 " That /.v an object," said Proctor. 
 
 " Hut no- 
 
 Prr!ia|)s not ; but the curi-ity is natural and" 
 
 "Justifiable. Y..II ceriainl\ OW much to the lady. But now to 
 
 tpeik These documen; . from fountain-head. 
 
 I have no doubt that li; pics, and that they 
 
 show truly what you l,;ive to -uai- l against. It miirht be well, 
 
 ho\\ever, if we could arrive at the possible source of your iufor- 
 
Til i: hi r.i.i. - M IN \(,i:i;i i:. 
 
 mation r.aM oiir Ii:,~ |,oth UK IT lad-, OIK- 
 
 naiin -I Monekton. the other II. - ;.. DoyOU kn..\v eitln 
 
 : : I . .; li> i-ioiially." 
 
 Ai. \o:i intimate with them, or with anv of liU aid- 
 
 Cruden - 
 
 We have nothing in cuininun. Colonel ( rcdrn i- my unck-; but 
 nlKratnl csta c^ much nirc than any 
 
 f kiiiilrnl, ami lie i< llic ally of IJalfour, a< a matter of jMilic\-. 
 As for Pi a rr \ . lie i- a vain foplini:. a small \\\\, \\lio has no .v\-inpa- 
 
 :iL r iianiniity 
 
 " i.j:nl. you have learned to appreciate jiMly the dominant vir- 
 Vou liavc no clue, then, to ihjx \\iii 
 
 M hut what I relate." 
 
 ^ i:. hat matter, then, for the present. And now 
 
 for this ho.Iy of e\ : On the fae.- of it. you pencive that 
 
 ormidahle. It makes out you. 
 
 Something will dejx-i il upon the^- wiim 1868, much up 
 
 :t them. Tlh- iniony 
 
 are all of -i sort to lUed. \\l\n is tl,i> 
 
 in tlie neighborhood of |)o-ehevi,r. who hroUL ht 
 .me and I 
 
 \*> half Indian, hut \\ ho K pn.bahly, lialf mulat : , harac- 
 
 t( r ix notoriously lad. II iietl drunk 
 
 ard." 
 
 I! .> foutetdmoojtotluUeffi This nionay " 
 
 A fellow (f like description. " 
 
 I 
 
 
 r-d all the <ju< M Sin-jletoii; and. in this 
 
 way. the who!. : tiniony \\a> vi|"i,,|. \\ ,. ni ed ii"t pursue 
 
 the detaiN of thein\ , nil for the pn M-nt i. 
 
 irivrn in the old man - 
 
 " It is dear that you \- :ld.or- 
 
 hood. with to all tbe0e wUneMeiL V -u mu-t inert 
 
 their testimony hy that of other witnesses, or o m out 
 
KAI ii A i; INI: \\ AI.ION. 
 
 of their own mouths. At al! cv< nts. get Mirticicnt proof of the sort 
 of people to be sworn against you. Do you know old Pryor, of Dor 
 
 Ilr is. secretly, a rebel." 
 
 " But none the los an honest man. At tliis moment, it will 
 he wise. Major Proctor, to dismiss your prcjudi< r.rilish 
 
 ollicer. Pryor is a rough dog. scarcely civil of speech, but \\ith 
 a man s heart; and lie will serve you faithfully if you can per 
 suade him to take an interest in your affairs. These witnesses 
 against \<ui have, you think, been Ixmi/Jil up by your enemii s. 
 Old Pryor was once a sort of king over all the people in that 
 quarter. lie can probably assist you in getting the truth out 
 of some of these hirelings. (JradocU. you see, and Clymcs are 
 rsons whose testimony is most likely to be troublesome. 
 must be managed, and Pryor is probably the very person 
 to undertake this part of the business, lie can do it for you, or 
 put you in the proper way to do it for yourself. At all events, 
 your policy is to proceed to Dorchester with all the despatch 
 and all the BCCrecy p"wjMe." 
 
 Th" whole process underwent examination between the par- 
 
 The details of the contemplated plan of action need not 
 
 u.sscd further at this stage of on: narrative. Enough 
 
 that the shrewdness, good sense, acutene , and rare knowledge 
 
 of persons, possessed by old Singleton, surprised Proctor, and 
 
 encouraged him to believe that he could meet all the ditlicul- 
 
 ti(- of his cage, At the close of their interview, Proctor re- 
 
 I him to take charge of his papers, referring to the 
 espionage of his servant, .John, and the insecurity of his own chain- 
 
 " Do you keep that fellow still ? " demanded Singleton. 
 
 "I was counselled to do so by Captain Furnc . 11:- "pinion 
 was that any pcrs..n whom 1 should get in his place would be 
 equally liable to be corrupted; v\hile, by keeping // ///. I disarmed 
 the suspicions of my enemies in regard to my knowledge of their 
 schemes; and, knowing John, I was better prepared to guard against 
 him." 
 
 "A WDSfMe fellow is Furness. He i* probably right. Well. 
 Major Proctor, I will be your depository. You arc probably 
 
Ti! ii:. 
 
 not unaware of the 1 act that m\ 
 
 irr. at Insecurity. I :nn ;it any moment liaiilf in ; in mv 
 
 l>ed. ami .-en! to .-hip, at the whim ami mere 
 
 of your despotic commander. Hut I have place- of hiding 
 
 such a- v. ill bo likely for 
 
 s. arch. M, shall take you)- KCTBtfl into 1, 
 
 Hi-hold what :i .-mii: <*crit<>ir he has for the of mv 
 
 friend 
 
 This said, the old man touched a -priii- in 11 
 
 in which the serpnit lay eoile.l in rep. \ MI was 
 
 instanlly revealed. -howing a shallow drawer, which aln-.-td . 
 tained sundry papers. The rattle of the snake was quickly sprung, 
 and the IniniMied head of tin- niMiister wa- threateiiiiiirly r. ; 
 .me moment. 
 
 Mi-is.n the watch, y;; . I , -\ pen 01 would pn.vecutL a 
 scareli in this ijuartrr. with M vi-ilant and terriMe a guardian <>f 
 
 itS 8CCrct>. (Jive me the p 
 
 One recommendation . | l( .f,, r ,. 
 
 ir kindne-s to me and interest in my alTair- will 
 
 me in speakimr of jotK I yur monkey out of his 
 
 uniform ! I>.-.lfnur would you the caricature, 
 
 partif-ularly as you have . -t in a coMum 
 much like his own." 
 
 ter it. I oonfen, And do \ 
 
 . tauu ht him the genuine P.al four strut and can iid the 
 
 old man \\ith a ( omplacein chuckle. 
 
 "A dangeroiu experiment, irhich, if known, will IM- certain 
 to get your lodiriiiL.^ in tin- pn.\, M." 
 
 I i\ \.MIIIL: friend, this alarm- me nothing. What 
 
 it upon what plea. uhrlh-r of fun or paltioti-m. I get into 
 limho? \\lieii j Jx needfid to dispose < ( f me. IJalfour \\ill ne\er 
 lack a pretext. In ih-- meaDtlmfl --IKI!! I l.e irhhoul m\ ainus, mciit ? 
 In the durani-e vile of my pn liin- \\hen 
 
 I can lau-h at the antics of tie- en. my 
 
 or -hook hi-> head. 1 1 ,; old Sin-jl. loo \\ , 
 
 n who ; their j..I, MI ihi-ir peril-, :U ,,| i 
 
 fort.,. re all further exhortations, \\hieli :. 
 
MIO KATHAKINi: WALTON. 
 
 munsrl. They had inucli talk besides, but such as we may 
 with in this narrative. Keturnini: to his Imlirin^s, the Hiiti-h 
 oHieer found his man John returned, and looking very curiou> at 
 his absence. But he ism- him little heed. The next morning he 
 was on his way to Dorchester ; but not unattended ! 
 
1IVITY M ll 
 
 Cll A PTBB XX V I I. 
 
 T>\i D appri/.ed. hy llir treacherous servant. of 
 
 of Proctor from his lodirinirs the iiii:ht before ; and 
 the impossibility of accounting for it, a> usual, led to the conjer- 
 ture that .lolin had been scut out of the \\ay, simply that he 
 miirl t not follow the footstep* of the master. When tl.- 
 <lav. Proctor left the city, it \\ a> determined ly the command 
 ant, after a loni_ r conference \\ith .John, that the latter should 
 him, but in a di-_ r ui-e. and on a horse which Halfour fur- 
 nished. T\\o IIMMX a< ( oidinirly, had not elapsed, when the 
 faithle servant \\:i> on the track of hi^ nn-tei. Tlie progress 
 of Procti.r \\a- i,"t BO rapid luit that he could l<e ca>il\ 
 taken by I fifteen miles from the city the spy 
 
 ii>lied him about half a mile ahead. I Ie maintaim V. thi.x dis 
 tance for tlie rr-i of the jiiuri.- 
 
 kke l-.d_ ing at 
 
 the house of Humphries, "Tlie llo\al (Jeor^e." the better 1< 
 su-pi( ion. A rival tavern !.y Pr\or. but. Mb) 
 
 Vhig, he M" ed the public patroimire 
 
 the patriot^., in order -ided the dwellini: of 
 
 one with whom they yet thoroughly >ympathi/ed. 
 
 The spy, \shoin practice had made an adept, having itvcertained 
 the manner in \\hieh hi had di-p..-cd of him^el: 
 
 B to tlie ; letters fi 
 
 to Vaiiirhan. Hi- i med and stabled, he left the for- 
 
 01 of the iii-ht and establi>h( d a \\at.h upon the 
 of Humphries. Alter -uj.p. r. Prod, :tli. and. as 
 
K A TH A KINK WAI. T<N. 
 
 the localities were all well known to him, In- took the direct 
 route for the neglected hotel of Pryor. Thitlier the spy followed 
 him. but beyond the single fact that he saw his master enter 
 this dwelling, he gathered nothing from his espionage. Pryor 
 received his visiter at the entrance, and conducted him to an inner 
 apartment, where in the course of an hour s conversation. Proctor 
 unfolded all the dillicultics in his ease, and indicated tin- extent of 
 service which the other might perform for him. 
 
 Though a blunt, rude man, and a lierce whiir. Pryor was not 
 hostile to Proctor. The latter, in command of Dorchester, had 
 done his spiritings so gently as to have compelled the respect of 
 the people generally. Besides, the service de-ired by him was one 
 which aimed to defeat the machinations of Hal four and Yau-han, 
 both of whom were hated, and was further commended to him by a 
 brief letter from old Tom Sin-leton, whom our landlord well 
 knew and greatly honored. The consequence \\a- that Pryor took 
 up heartily the cause of his visiter. 
 
 " It can be done. Major Proctor. It xlmll be done ! " said Pryor 
 with an oath. " I will do it. 1 can manage (Iradock and Clymes 
 but I mii-4 have money and my own way." 
 
 " You shall have both." was the prompt reply. 
 Twenty Lruineas were at once put into his hands. 
 " This will do," n-turned the landlord. " If more is wanted I will 
 contrive that you shall know it. You shall hear of me throii-h old 
 Tom Singleton. He will tell you that your money will be safe in my 
 hand*." 
 
 Proctor quickly declared that he needed no such assurance. 
 " Nevertheless, major, it s in tl.e way Of business that you 
 should have it. And now that we underhand what s to be 
 done. \\e don*1 need you any Ion-,.,-. YOU must be oil \vMh to 
 morrow s sun. You can be of BO KHfiOQ in dealing \\ilh the-e 
 p,.,,plr. and your presence here will occasion suspicion, and 
 make the affair difficult to mana-e. Of course, Ualfour knows 
 all about your coiniiiL I 
 
 -- -arccly." 
 
 Don t you believe it. lie knows you ve left the city. If 
 
 I,. ! i u i think, in this matter, and really derfm to 
 
 r,y you, and if your man .John be in hi> employ, and is the 
 
c UTIVITY. 
 
 rascal you think him and which I verily believe I never could 
 hear the fellow then. In- Nlfe Hint he has sent a -py alter 
 
 ." replied 1 rocior, with ran- simplicity. 
 
 Oh. to be Mire not: It is I e and not to U> 
 
 seen. But do you so act MS if you fell that ev. which you 
 
 .vatrhed. (Jo bark to Humphries, and a-k the old scoundrel 
 
 questions in regard to the affair of the rescue of Colonel 
 
 Walton. Don t s;, v a syllable of ( Jradock and ( lyiiie-. Talk only 
 
 (,f Marion s men, and the -ro^le eyed lory. Blonay. This will lead 
 
 with the dawn to morr<>\\ . ,,r an hour 
 
 It, and. by BUnHae, I ll report rvrryMiiii .. iian. jiM as 
 
 Humphries wfll 1)6 sure to do. This u ill s, t \e mr harmless. Other 
 
 apt to enjoy the bayonet pri< 
 
 iruard bef.nv I had fairly swallowe<l breakfast. We miM be artful. 
 \\ ,"r must fi-ht fire with lire." 
 
 led that things were now ... proper train in this quarter, 
 : left the shrewd old landlord and returned t<> play tin 
 ed \\ilhthe loyalist, Hum|ihli-. \\ i: d Hot dwell upon 
 Ihe details. Tlie counsel of I ryoj- was clo^-ly followed, and thr 
 whole history of the n-mr of Walton, by .Marion s men. was delilK-r- 
 utely di-cus-eil. jioiiit by point, in all its particulars, under the dubi 
 oils |i-_;hK accorded by the wit or \\isdojil of the tory landlord. 
 
 With dawn. | roct.r was air. < bri.l_iri-. 
 
 L r a/ini: -ternly. as he pa ed. upon the little fortn--.- in uliirlihi.s 
 e\|ieriences for more than a year, had been those of unmixed 
 trial and hillernes v His hear! wa- tilled with the maledic 
 tions which his lips did not utter, as In- thou-ht of hi> enemy. 
 Vaii^han ; and hi- hand irriped fiercely the handle of hi- 
 in a mute but r the moment \\heii he could 
 
 lie account of enmity between them in the deadly arbitra 
 ment of tiirht. He little dreamed that his action v 
 and its Import projM-rly divined. Tli- traitor John was | 
 
 , Idle. and. from a nei^hln >rin_ r covert, had 1dm clearly in 
 in- spur into 1 md darted for 
 
 ward . and the other doL u nl resolutely after him. taking due 
 
KATHAIMM: \v LLTOK. 
 
 care not to draw too nigh, yet .-is careful never Imiir 1" k)M hi< master 
 from his sight. 
 
 The spirits of Proctor grew more elastic a< lie rode. There is 
 something in the very eH orl to foil an enemy which contributes to the 
 conviction that the thing may he done ; and the exhortations of Fur- 
 ! old Singleton, and Pryor their counsels, and the cool readi- 
 :th which tlieir several faculties had heen brought to bear, in 
 the same manner, and upon the same game -seemed to relieve it 
 from all its embarrassments. For a moment, it occurred to the 
 British major as something singular thai his two agents in the bu^i- 
 nevs ^hould l>oth be of the patriotic or rebel party; and that lie 
 should owe his acquaintance with Singleton to the interposition of a 
 provincial loyalist- though sufliciently explained by the former 
 wa< \ et a circumstance which continually occurred to his thoughts as 
 soiucthiii.tr curious. Nor did it escape him. as also among tlie cata 
 logue of things to occasion surprise, that Pryor should speak so con 
 fidently of communicating with old Singleton whenever the necessity 
 for it should occur. 
 
 But Proctor had become quite too cold, a*- a subject of his royal 
 
 matter, and entertained quite too little sympathy with the exMinir 
 
 powers in Carolina, to allow himself to meditate these doubts with 
 his usual vigilance. If there was anything suspicious in the connec 
 tion between these parties, there was no responsibility on his part, 
 which required that he should investigate the matter. New thoughts 
 and fancies, new conjectures, hopes, and fear-. |>a ed into hi< brain ; 
 and he found himself busied in fruitless gUOMei a- to the unknown, 
 but as he now believed. /"// correspondent, to whom he was indebt 
 ed for all the clews to his present inquiries. 
 
 11 ^ she fair? was she young and lovely . and how. when, and 
 where had he awakened in her ho<om the uch as 
 
 lier solicitude in behalf of his fortunes would necessarily <how that 
 she felt ? He was bound to believe her both yoiin- and fair. Com- 
 ratitude required nothing less, and it gave him pleasure to be 
 lieve it. 
 
 II - interest in the unknown continued to rise it had risen 
 prodigiously within the la<t few days and his fancy began to 
 
C \mvri v. 
 
 frame :t portrait of her to hi- eye. which in ; >ly Income 
 
 a fixed jinaue in his heart. Uul of thi- I roctor hud no mis- 
 
 Ilrtrit grateful for the lore whtch,unknown, had watched 
 
 s<> failhfully over hi- fortune-; and the sympathy which had 
 been thus ijratuitously .shown. mii:ht, naturally, in the h 
 
 much alone in the world, and so much availed bv enemies, 
 L6 and de-er\e a warmer sentiment than simple -rati- 
 tudc. 
 
 It was \\ hilt- thus hro.Miiui: over th. f tin- unknown dam- 
 
 s*-l that our liriti-h major was suddrnlv, and -oine\\ hat roii-hly. 
 liroiiirlit back to more inuneiliate intcrc-t- by a -tern command to halt, 
 from ui known lip-., ami by lindini; the bridle <>: 
 of an a>- ailant. I L Up, to behold beton- him a -turd\ 
 
 er. in the well known blue huntiui: shirt of the colonial i 
 hand preventing a pNtol, while the other bore heavily upon the bridle 
 of hi- 
 
 I . lap spur^ ti hi> hr :lu- ob-truetion. and draw 
 n pi-lol from the hoi ihe in-taut impul-e .f 1 
 
 but lii- action and lurp -e \\cre beheld in -ea-.n for a warnin-:. to 
 
 \\llich he ITU compelled to li-tell. 
 
 II It s iiM le . major. You re surrounded. You re a | ri--ner." 
 The Him. civil, but linn. \\\< \\onU wet* 
 
 onded by the appearance of three oil,. in simi! 
 
 tunic, each of whom piv-enied his rifle a- he drew ni-li. The 
 t-> be eluded or nid. submitting with 
 
 r of them led hi- li..r-e by tlit- 
 bridle into the nei-hlM.rin- thicket. In ten minutes after, 
 ilar party had taken like p^-c-sinn .,f the treachcr< -u- -ervant 
 .lolui. The \\hole alTair happened within twelve miles of the 
 city. 
 
 The capii\e- \\ere tak ii to the shelter of a deii-e forest irrowth 
 which skirted the A-hhy v > 1 \\.i- sjM.ken dui! 
 
 PPM . eilim:. 
 
 : comparatively re-i^n.d to ihe QTOOt Hi- mind 
 
 which enabled him to l.,,,U \\ith - m-thini: like indif 
 
 ference uj>on :.ll ti fortune. Kr the present he 
 
 made no eoquJli I, < o ilentinu r himself with Hi- n (hat 
 
 qilanation would <-..me <juite MX) . a3 per- 
 
KATIIAU vi; WAI 
 
 milled to throw himself at ease, where he would, among the 1 
 and his horse wa- properly oared for by a DegTO -TIM,!!! \\hose r ar( . 
 Proctor fancied lie had seen before; a conjecture which seemed 
 to find encouragement in the broad grin that opened the t -l! 
 countenance to barn-door dimensions ;i s h<- led away the steed. 
 
 But the captive was permitted no words with him. lie was vigil- 
 untly guarded, three or four ritleinen constantly keeping him in 
 
 M.U llt. 
 
 Proctor \\as Mirprix d at the numbers of these p--oplc. Thev 
 were continually coming and going. He noted no le^ than forty 
 ditt erent piT-ons. All of them were well mounted and appar 
 ently well armed. Tin- place had the appearance of being 
 frequently used, as in the present instance. ! ;>r the cam]) of ihc 
 scouting party. The earth was well beaten by the hoofs of 
 hor-e-. | b- trees bore sa Idle- and bridles; lhs-rookp.il smoked 
 constantly with wild cheer of the woods; and yet the whole party 
 were within two mile- of the Ashley Ferry road, then much more 
 travelled than at the present da\." Amon-- all this motley and some- 
 What SaVBgC group, Proctor saw no ollicers beyond the L r rade of a 
 M meant; but the utmost onler prevailed in the encampment. 
 It WSa \\hili- h<- lay at C:IM- in ihc shade that he saw another 
 captive broiiLrht in as he had been. This was his man .Mm. 
 P.ul the IJrilMi major did not reeo-m/, |,i m . and the j.ri> 
 OOers Were guarded -<;> irately, and at no time allowed to come 1,1 
 
 getber. 
 
 At noon, dinner wa -erved him alone, and he was waited on with 
 re-peel, by one of 1 he for. --lei-. He \\ ;1 s \\cil known. The man ad 
 
 1 him by name. 
 
 Who [fl yoill leader, sir f \\a- Jhe question of 1 i oeioi 
 "He mu- 1 :ii! .\ ei- that (jiie^tioi: for himself," \\ a- the n-pls . 
 " \Vhcii shall ! 
 
 " To t.ijiit, I reckon." 
 
 . IK.III- al Nr (lark, when a con-iderablc l, U stle in the 
 camp announced an arrival. M anwhile. a tire had been built 
 amoiiir Hie tjeea where Pro.-tor had made hi^ lent, and a couple 
 of blank- !; \\ere provid.d him, with a thick roll of black tOt 
 by way of j.illow. Hi- had -upj)ed; and uhile he lay at . 
 with hi- feet lo Hie lire, meditating the novel phase in his for 
 
r\pTivm . 
 
 i liiin >f three persons, the 
 taller figure of the party, to his Lrreat surprise, heim: marked. The\- 
 
 of the tire, while I roetor l:iy oji 
 
 1 ti-uie liriran tin- conversation with a^kin;, r tin- captive how 
 h,- had l>een treated. 
 
 \\ell M I could wish, sir, my rapiivity alon> Am 
 
 I to understand that I am a prNon.-r in tlie hands of tin- AIIHT- 
 
 You are 1 You will IK? treated \\. -11. Major 1 ro, tor. and 
 with proper n-sprrt for your r and rank. Indn 
 
 you neeil i li-oncr a moment longer. If you will ^ivc* 
 
 me your word, as a man of honor, that, for on. u will 
 
 say nothing of this adventure, nor make anv report of tl: 
 
 iinx \ou Mi here. yu shall l.e fre :t witli the 
 
 dawn." 
 
 " That b ImpOMible, & I < an make no sii.-h ple.i .-. . My duty, 
 
 vil- 
 
 ii-h. Major I roctdi- 1 It will he my duty then : 
 safely, at leaM for a feu days. It \\ill he our care that you 
 
 lia^e BO reaaoo mplain of anxlhiiiLT hut your detention. 
 
 . and the e.nieh a^-!u r iie.l y.ui i>; a hard on<-; hut | 
 a soldier, ^ir. and mmodatc your-elf to *\\f]\ small ineonvcn- 
 
 I am < onl. nt. -ir. p.m. C.)|.,ni | Walton, your \ 
 
 I kno\\ you " 
 
 i know too much for your o\\ n ,nc of f| 1( > 
 
 Hirers a. r,,inp:iii\in.r Colonel Walii.n. ilrawini: a pistol from his 
 
 u-it. with the words, and pa 
 
 oner. Hut for the timely interposition of \Valion. the rn-h sub 
 ordinate wouM have drawn the tri::-ei. T: W9S aln-ad\ 
 
 d. 
 
 *n M-K. i\. \ p ( ried Will o, ari um " i 
 
 DO hurt. \\ e ha\eonly to keep him snfely. l i;t up \,,ur 
 weapon. I iiothiiiir of thi." 
 
 " You are tOO Indalgl ) . < -i.l. .in 1." s;,id || H . ,,j) irr . ;| |,., v 
 
 for it some dl/. This man 
 
 " At l.a-t. Irt ii- do no murder: Major I r.-rtor. h . 
 word that \ou\\ill not i: . ex aj H -. until we rel.-a- 
 
208 K ATI! A KINK \V\LTOX. 
 
 This will be in a week, at the utmost. If yon refuse, I shall only be 
 compelled to subject you to greater restraint in fact, to put you in 
 irons." 
 
 I can have no objection to make you such a promise. Colonel 
 Walton, in the hope to escape such ignominy." 
 
 " It is then understood. Your range must be limited to the hun 
 dred yards on either side of your present place of rest. To attempt 
 to pa-s beyond these limits will subject you to the rough handling of 
 your guards. Good night, sir." 
 
 With these words the party retired. Proctor, however, could still 
 bear, as they went, the expostulations of the angry otlicer who had 
 threatened his life, against the ill advised mercy of his superior. He 
 congratulated himself upon his narrow escape from a sharp and sud 
 den death, and wondering at the nature of the enterprise which 
 brought the partisans so near to the city garrison, he sank into slum- 
 bers not lr-s grateful because of the rough couch assigned him for 
 their enjoyment. His fortune was much better than that of his ser 
 vant John. The treacherous spy was hustled across the river that 
 very night, his wrists folded together with bracelets of iron, and a 
 determined trooper on each side ready to shoot him down at the first 
 siirn of (litliculty. Let us return once more to the city 
 
<;i; M.r.vi.i.Y DBVELOP1 
 
 CHAPTER X X V I IT. 
 
 BBADUAUA DBVELOPLH 
 
 \Vniii-. theM Cjentl \\en- in proirress in the career of 
 t.-r. soeiety in Charleston WU DOl wholly -la-nanl. The un- 
 
 ;rrenK which represent the moral inlluences of tin- social 
 \vorM, v, - motion; :md tin- -cveral parties to our his- 
 
 \\ere more moved by their varying inlluci: 
 
 Tin -n.it ball at Crutlni^ \\ ; ,s yd to take place, and \\a> 
 i-d forward t.. with eager i \< itrin.-nt. l.y liundrcds of th.-c uho 
 
 lit in M.cicty rather tin- pa-in- !-liulit- than the MilMan- 
 tial virtues wliich make society sn-un- and |MTIII:IMCII|. The in- 
 ti-r\al. nicanwhilr. w a- not unemployed by th. M- \\lio, without 
 bcir,L r able to emulate the splendor of the Intended MKRll 
 
 yd anxious t,. make MM ti.irun- in tin- won nd- 
 
 inir with their proportion* and The <! 
 
 cordin-ly consumed in fit* > /t, imp.ti;. and the niuhtx in li 
 rcunfc.ns. I "- for HaddnH s. Sullivai. N Ior- 
 
 ris islands, v Mi-taut occurance. and drive* into St. An 
 
 .in-v. . nd other oontiguom piae.-s fur- 
 
 nishetl employment and e\< iteinent to i ipt to \\hom 
 
 tin- iiuestion of the lieii/onian, T lider \\hich kin: 
 olTen-d the sliirhle-t ai:ii"\:ii)ee. The<e rxmi all ta 
 
 ken durini; the dayliu lit . for the autumn , a->n. in the sw.nmp 
 lina. did not suffer pleasure to s,,,,rt with imp . 
 ulonij the \\ with the sanction of | 
 
 li.irht and the MID. At niirht. .iray abodes in the 
 and welcomed the buttertly tribes to whom life offered no 88- 
 peet* which rendered the economy of tii; le. Our 
 
 cellent Mrs. Uivin-t.-n had li-r "< a< s M rely as her 
 
K. \T1IA1; I N i: \\ A I. I u\. 
 
 "mornings" ; and there were a number besides, \\\n>, if individ 
 ually less frequent in throwing open their saloon^, were sulli- 
 cie-.itly numerous to suffer n< ni^ht to pass without affording a point 
 iilicrin fr tin- liyht and motley multitude. 
 
 We will suppose some few days p. have passed in practices 
 such :is these, since our la-t meeting with the conspirators at 
 Mr-. Singleton s. The occasions were studiously contrived liv 
 1 alfour and his satellites to brini: Katharine Walton int. 
 pany. The policy < Sinyleton encouraged h r in yield- 
 
 iiiLC t^ this olijcct. however little she may have relished it at 
 hear!. ]!ut two results were aimed at in the concession. It 
 was only prudent n.t to olVend authorities which had the parties 
 completely in their power ; and nuile as important, hy coneed- 
 inir thus much, if possible, to divert suspicion from tin- 
 toils of our feminine Conspirators. Accordingly. Katharine \\.-il- 
 ton moved in a cin-le which in her heart she loathed, and received 
 the devotions of those who-e tributes revolted ccjually her 
 patriotism and pride. IJut she preserved her temper in the calm 
 control of her pure and proper thoughts, and if she was not al 1 
 that her suitors desired, she at least afforded them no nece--ar> 
 cau-e of complaint. 
 
 I? , the meanwhile, she had met with and made the acquaint 
 ance of F.lla Moiicktoii. At lir-t the two maidens were Bbme< 
 what shy of each other. We are in po-sessinn ,f the sullicient 
 reason f,. r this shyness on the |art of Ella. Katharine s reluc- 
 tanee an.se naturally enough: lirst, from the kno\\ led ye that 
 Klla lielonyed to the enemy was of the loyali-t faction; ^ind, 
 secondly, lieraii-e tin-re was lu.thiny either in what was said of 
 her by r in the t //// / >>/////// of her own manner, to en 
 
 able her to li\ or command the consideration or eurio-itv of our 
 heioinc. I5ui circumstances, and occasional communion, 
 to break down the Jir-t liarriers which natural restraints b 
 lift between them. A. word, a tone, a look will sullice. where 
 inirenuous and youny, to appeal t-> the affections, 
 and. very soon it was that, under a ^hrinkini: aspect, which the 
 vulu r -r mi jlit consider pi ide. but which is just as likely to be an 
 e\<|uNite sensibility, Katharine Walton perceived that Klla 
 Moncktc.n harbored the mo-1 delicate, pure, and irenerous of na- 
 
tADUALL ) DEVELOPIH 
 
 On 111. other hand, Klla, M>mehow, f< It licr-clf. ll 
 i-f hei-M-lf. drawn toward her rival. :i- by an ine-i-tible aUraciioM. At 
 
 be laniruaire "f her i, id 
 
 "I d<> not hate, luil I fear her . She pains ami dial 
 tiiou-h -!i :,d." 
 
 < quently, il h:id aii -iiu r lain: 1 . 
 
 Th ry noble and commanding about thii 
 
 I TIII ; pure and rha-te. yet without any 
 
 affectations of dclic:;cy. She fa gCnti l.andtli 
 
 wondr h and melody, mixed, in tin- \<>\ ,c< of i, 
 
 piteof At ffl . I liki- IHT. and feel that I. too. eoull love 
 
 But there \va> a i D about the intimacy of ihc j 
 
 \vhieh time alone could lr :i do\\u. ( >f ei-ui^e, Katliaiiiu- 
 
 Walton was n>l aware of any i;Mi re-t \\liicli -heeotild have in the 
 alTnir- of Klla ; v.hile ihe latter. <>:i the <-ili.-r hand. H : ied by 
 
 fear that Katharine wiild decipher h- r 
 
 ...n. 1 in the tremulous 
 
 |j, harinu 
 
 saw notliini; in iliov,- eyefl but th- 11 of a rap- lender- 
 
 1 noiliin.i: in ln-r \ ( i ir bui 
 
 and touehin- li.:rmor,\ . \\ liieh iiu reaped her ii;iep-t in one in w limn 
 she never th.-ujlit to lind a ri\al. P.ut the partie- iiivrii>ib!. 
 
 to -ether more and 
 
 bet\\eeu the \\il..\\s M..lM-kl-ll and Sill-lcton u as i;ralli:illy rr- 
 sumed tliroii-li tin- irm\\ iii.u r in!imaey beiue-n 1: 
 
 eml a m- inin- at the IM- W9M :i H"t 
 
 unfre|uent thii:u r ^ill KH:i ; ^1> 
 
 suaded to take her \\i-rk. T her book, to the In. 
 Monektoi). ami -> iut" " tll( 
 
 ! h< r d. -\liillnT the 
 
 crowd ne\er ramc. an-l v.heie ihe ITM KldOO " ll" 
 
 annoyatK es \vlii : niiHianied 
 
 pillantly. and a de\otion whi.h nothing L rateful to 
 
 lli-r fa: 
 
 It was one afternoon, \\lii!. -i ( 
 
 Katharine, that lh. -a\ wi.!..\\ I .i e\\ t, . j. .inn 1 tin circle. In 
 stantly ine< .: d of h.-r MX i;il pro-rn-ss. thi.s lady \va> 
 
K. \TH.\I; IN i: \v.\ i TON. 
 
 put in possession of the latest /< < it of the city. She had been that 
 morning- at Mrs. Rivington s, \vlu-re it seems that Proctor, and 
 his command at I Wehe.Mer. had been the subject of con- 
 vt Tsttion. 
 
 There N evidently a detenninaiion, in high quarter-." said the 
 widow, " to de-troy that poor fellow, Proctor." 
 The heart of Klla trembled at these words. 
 
 " I -u.speet. Kate Walton," she continued, " that you are to blame 
 for it all." 
 
 "Mel II- nv y Why?" 
 
 "Ah! do not feign ignorance. Barry, and his eternal shadow 
 M Mahon. were both in full cry against him for his presumptuous 
 admiration of you. It was charged that you are the cause of .-ill his 
 neglect of duly ; and a great deal was said of a nature Jo lead me to 
 sti-pect that great pains will be taken to establish the facts against 
 him. litil I did n;it >o much trouble myself in relation to his case asto 
 yours. The question was in what degree you had given Proctor en 
 couragement. 1 
 
 [76 him encouragement 1" 
 
 :ne, come, Kate! Do not put on that sublime look of indig 
 nation. Proctor is i:ot a prison to be de-pis,. d. He is one of the 
 noblest of all these I .ritMi otlicers and, by the way. one of the br-t 
 looking. A maiden might well give him encoiu .i^enient, without 
 intending it, and might jusi as easily forget to shield her own heart 
 against his attacks. Mark you, I do not say that such has been the 
 with you ; but there wnv th t thi- morning that did 
 
 SO, and who brought forward a large number of proofs to con- 
 elude what they asserted." 
 
 " And what did ym say ? " asked Katharine, with a smile. 
 "Oh ! you may guc--. I a-ked. with no little scorn, if there 
 
 -lujiid a> lo Mijipitse that you were gnjiu 
 
 throw yourself away ujton a red <-(, ;l i : and I turned to Major 
 
 jr, aiid rcmarkcil in lhc-e vcrv words: " t lidoubtedly, 
 
 major, you are among the handsomest, the bravest, aud the wilti- 
 
 f all your crew perhaps the very Magnus Apollo of the 
 
 tribe. Now, pray you. think of Mis^ Walton, of her mind, her 
 
 ii. and, la-l and h-a-t of all, her fortune ; then, be plea-ed 
 
 to win el about and confront your own image in that grand mir- 
 
GRADUALLY DEVELOP 
 
 tfn, Kivin-ton s. Ilavini: done K>, ami having brought 
 all your well-known self esieem t.i bear upon the question, then 
 ask yourself what would In- the amount nf claim ami attraction 
 which you miirht urirc. if seeking the hand of Katharine- Wal 
 ton. " 
 
 !,. Mr>. Bl 
 
 "I did ; and, positively, a miracle. The little fellow biu^nd 
 
 Blu-hed. until nobody thought to lock at the scarlet of his re-inn-nt- 
 
 And Captain M Mahon, looking in hi" face, blu-hed :. 
 reflection, I suppose : and for a moment the whole -quad wassil, - 
 But. with a - -pcratiim. they renewed the tire, as much, it 
 
 would seem, to please that l>ra/en beauty, Moll II.i\.\. as with 
 any otlu-r oltjei t. The ariruincnt v. 
 
 :>!y involved with Proci-.r <-\er to r-cape; thai Half. -ur. accord- 
 in s:ly stood no chance; that \\hatevtr mi.irht he done a 
 was to him a matter of perfect indifference. IJtY 
 
 remaini d untouch< .1 ; that he was- already p v l>:n" ( -d to abandon the 
 British for tin- American caii<e ; and that your love, of which In 
 
 lie, was sufficiently ( ompensalivc for all his los^s and p: 
 
 Klla l It as if -lie couhl have huried her face in tl,. 
 if her heart u -re already buried th- 
 
 " \Vhal a farrago ,,f ahsurdil i-> " exclaimed Katharine. 
 
 \. Kate, upon my soul. I don t sec that. I 
 my word for it they i < TV plausible Qg ilinn. 
 
 . o,l\ dU Miethini: about your on..- having draun 
 
 iriir-jer upon Proctor. a< a pi it di-like ; but the - 
 
 ively drnicd by other-, and IV \\ords rpmt. | 
 
 denial." 
 
 1 It was ncvertheli s, .juitr true." -aid Katharine, gravely 
 
 Tn \ laimed Klla. \\ilh a cmivuNivr "hu-: 
 
 "All true." :nis\\, ;, d Katharine, with increasing gravity. I 
 is one of tlio.se tliinirs of which I do not . i 
 
 at my-clf when I think of it ; and no ilmtbt Major P 
 nies it, with an honorable di-po-iiinn. t me from the 
 
 odium .-f havin.ir attempted su h a erime, I -ut it was in a 
 ment of l( -p ration. :dmox| of maln -<. that the thing wasd. 
 an having told \.u thus much. I mu-t tell you all. by way of 
 
K A THAI; IN i: WALTON. 
 
 explanation ; but 1 entreat yon, Mr-. Brewton. and yon, Klla, to 
 keep the matter secret. My dear cousin. Kmiiy Sin-irton, was dvin- 
 in our h .use ; hi r brotlicr, Hubert, was with us. coneealed, a fugitive, 
 about lo receive her last breath. At that awful moment .Major Proc 
 tor entered the dwelling, followed by his troops. I arrested him at 
 the door of m\ cliamlu r, fr<.ni whii h Robert made his 
 
 escape by the window. Major Proctor approaching with the re-.lu- 
 tion to enter, though I had foibidden it, I sei/ed one of my cousin s 
 ptetols, and fired, fortunately, without effect, for I had no aim! ] 
 knew not what I did !" 
 
 A deep siirh struiru-led forth from the breast of i;ila Monck- 
 ton. 
 
 "Why, \\hat desperado you are, Kate ." exclaimed Mrs. Drew 
 ton. " I th- UL ht I had wickedness and wilf ulnos for anything; Injt 
 I never once dreamed of the pos- ibility of my ever attempting to 
 {hoot do\\n a British major. How did you fed, child, u In n you 
 Were doing it? \\hen you pulled the n-ly little crooked iron they 
 tall th- When you heard the sudden ham! bam ! and saw 
 
 the lias. i ? Did you tremble ? Did you faint ! Did you not fed 
 like p-in.ir off into hysterics ? IJi.-x* me. you arc. indeed, a heroine ! 
 and how the fiin.ir was hu-hed up f ( ,r the j>er>on - - who wa| it ? 
 --that mentioned it this mornim. , irave it oidy as a rumor, and was 
 easily silenced ! " 
 
 "It was too true! I knew not what I \\a- diinir this must 
 lie Miy apology. J ( .\\c much to Maj-T Proctor for his foibear- 
 ance " 
 
 And uill pay him with your heart." 
 
 Never never! Let me tell you further, and thus silence //// 
 doubts forever, Mrs. I5r-\\ i,,n - lam the betrothed of my cousin, 
 IJobert SiML r leton; M a jo|- Proctor can never 1 e a ny t h i n -.- ! m< but a 
 gentleman Of Worth, whom I very much esteem." 
 
 Could Katharine Walton 1, the bri-hi but tearful 
 
 i i:i at that, moment! Wiih uhat a bound her lit- 
 
 tl- hearl tt Ul h.-r mouth, and fluttered then- like lome cap 
 
 live bird, deluded for a moment with a dream of e-cape from 
 
 prison ! 
 
 < tout -ntcn d the apartment at thi nn mi-nl. She heard 
 the revelation of Katharine, and ^poke rebukini^l v. 
 
LDUALLT DKVELOPINO. 
 
 Katharine, my child, this sfiould not have heen told. It is 
 our policy to keep it secret. If known abroad, it mav In- fatal 
 to your fortunes. Bar i earance is due entirely to his 
 
 doubt of your engagement He has, thus far, no reason to 
 
 it. Let him suppose that the affair i irrevocable, aix 
 commissioner of sequestrations keeps no terms with you. 
 you l"-e (. erylhin^." 
 
 " Be it BO, i: v dear aunt," replied the other; hut, helievr 
 me, I should rather h>>e all tha the reproach of hohl- 
 
 ut anv encouragement to others, which mav mislead." 
 "You are quite rijjht, my dear," cried the widow Bie\\tou 
 "I much prefer the manly course myself." 
 
 " N. iy, she is quite WPI,;. and you are quite wron^. permit 
 me- , -ponded " I e ton, with great gravity. 
 
 r n!\- asked, my child, to keep a secret \\hich peculiarly con 
 c. .n.> youixdf, and which nobody has a ri^ht to -eek. In >\ 
 
 u hold forth no encouragement t- "ther^, so hn^ a> your 
 deportment is that of a lady. The presumption which take- 
 granted its own merits as too potential to he withstoo 1, mu>t pay 
 
 vn penalties, and is not panicularly a suhject of coinmi-< 
 tion or concern, lfthe.se people assume your freedom, let t-hein 
 do s,,; if they piTMime upon it, there will alw. 
 intrrpose and check them, either hy simple i ejection of their 
 civilities, or hy showing, if you think proper, that you are no 
 
 ur ou ii ; In your pres.-nt circuiii 
 
 impropriety in that re-erve which simply keeps from ..IM- IJ 
 - :hor a jirivaTe history, which is especially one s own; and 
 every motive oi p,,licy in.sists upon th-- 
 
 " .My dear aunt, my st-cret will he prrfectly safe with Mr*. 
 Brewton and Klla." 
 
 The ladies thus mentioni d hastened to ^ive their assui 
 to this eil ect. 
 
 * No douht, no douht. my dear; hut without my wa 
 would prohahly, under tin- same ; :i, have revealed 
 
 yourself in like manner to a \e." 
 
 " It is very like I should. I have heen always accustomed 
 to this freedom ; nnd I confess to a feeling nowi.se n^reeable 
 yielding to the reserve which you call policy hut which 
 
270 KATHARINE WALTUX 
 
 tainly seems to me to lead necessarily to false notions of one s 
 situation. * 
 
 "Not so; nobody ought to suffer because a lady keeps the 
 secret of her betrothal. The gentleman who seeks a lady must 
 feel his way cautiously. His first approaches, met properly by 
 the lady, are his last, and there s an end of it. Everything 
 depends upon herself. If she trifles with her situation, that is 
 quite another thing. In your case, my dear, there can be no 
 fears of this sort." 
 
 The entrance of another visiter changed the subject. Mrs. 
 Ingliss, who now joined the party, was a genuine patriot, and at 
 present under special annoyance. She had some of the more 
 foppish of the British oflieers billeted upon her, among whom 
 was the famous wit of the garrison, so often mentioned, Harry 
 Harry, Esq., Major, &c. But the annoyance was not greatly 
 regretted by her friends, since her patriotism enabled her upon 
 occasion to turn it to excellent use. Keeping her own counsels, 
 and studiously forbearing to offend the prejudices of tin- enemy, 
 she inspired them with a certain degree of confidence, . 111(1 they 
 spoke very freely before her. By this means >he gathered 
 many items of intelligence, which found their way to our circle 
 of female conspirator*, and were by them conveyed to the par 
 tisans. Something was due to this hidy, accordingly, and it 
 became the policy of our patriots to afford every possible, coun 
 tenance to her mode of housekeeping. She visited the. ladies 
 of both parties, and thev did not withhold themselves from her 
 assemblies. Her present visit was to Katharine Walton. It 
 was the usual formal initial call preparatory to an invitation ; 
 and the customary preliminaries being dismissed, Mrs. Ingliss 
 solicited the presence of our heroine at her house on the ensuing 
 evening. Finding Katharine, hesitate, Mrs. Hrewton interposed: 
 
 44 Of course she will come, Mrs. Ingliss; we will all come. 
 We know what is due to you, and we shall enjoy ourselves 
 rarely with your lodgers. Barry, you know, is my delicate 
 aversion. I approach him as I would Tom Singleton s monkey, 
 with the mood to torture him into the antics, without which the 
 beast has no qualities. We will come, of course." 
 
 Mrs. Singleton gave a similar assurance, and the consent of 
 
\DUALLY DKV 
 
 Katharine followed. Mrs. Ingliss did not lingci long after thi>; 
 and when she departed she was accompanied by tin- lively 
 widow. Klla Monckton still remained, her heart tilled with 
 inexpressible emotions. She had spoken little during the con- 
 etween the parties, hut her interest had been lively 
 enough in all that had been said. There was nothing now 
 wanting to confirm that wann feeling (if sympathy which she 
 had begun to cheri.sh for the character of Katharine. r l hat the 
 heart of the latter was .juite free in respect to Proctor that 
 there was no possibility that the parties should be ever more 
 nearly connected with each other than they were at present 
 
 iviction too firmly established in her mind, from \\ 
 she had heard, to suffer any future doubts or misgivings from 
 that Miuice. 
 
 The poor girl was, for the time, unreservedly happy in thia 
 
 . iethni. AVhen she was about to go, to the MM j rise o r 
 
 Katharine, she threw her arms about the neck of the latter, and 
 
 .nately ki>!-ed her cheek. The proceeding was so unusual 
 
 1O unlike everything that had hitherto marked their inter- 
 
 M that for a moment Katharine absolutely recoiled. I .ut 
 
 in the next in>tant, as she saw the face of Klla covered uith 
 
 blushes, while her eyes, gleaming with a m<>st unusual hright- 
 
 filled with the biggest drops, she took the tender 
 
 prl fondly in her arms, and returned her kisses with a ten 
 
 :a than her own. She could only account f"f 
 the unwonte-l warmth of her companion by giving her credit fur 
 a heart of very irreat sensibilities, which society had not \ < . 
 tutore 1 into resen e and caution. Hut the scene, almost with 
 out w >rds, united the two maidens in a tie very superior to thai 
 which ordinarily brings persons of their age and sex together. 
 
278 KATHAKINK WALTON. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 SWKKTHKAUT AMI STKKD AT STAKK 
 
 Ol R scenes arc required now to change with almost panoramic 
 rapidity. The night of the day on which the proceedings of 
 our last chapter took place was distinguished hy a grand hall at 
 the well-known dwelling of ]\Irs. Tidyinan, in Ladson s court, 
 then occupied hy Biddulph, the paymaster of the British forces 
 in Carolina, a person of showy and expensive habits, who lived 
 in great style upon the profits since vulgarly styled " pickings 
 and stealings" for which his office afforded him such excellent 
 facilities. 
 
 The court was lighted up with great splendor, and every 
 apartment of the house was filled to overflow. Hither came all 
 the select of the garrison, all of the loyalists, male and female, 
 and a very few of the whigs, hut those only who were too timid 
 to refuse an invitation which might reasonably l>e construed into 
 a command. There was one exception, among those who did 
 attend, to this general cla.ssiiiration of the \\higs present. This 
 was Mrs. IJrewton, whose talents for repartee usually saved her 
 from any annoying assaults on the score of her patriotism, and 
 who found these assemblages very favorable to her desires, 
 which at once aimed to conceal her purposes, and to a fiord them 
 opportunities. It was a profound policy which prompted her 
 desire to acquire the reputation of a mere lover of pleasure ; 
 while the boldness with which she declared her whigism aloud 
 was almost a guarantee to the enemy that they had nothing to 
 fear from her secret machinations. 
 
 Here ohe met General Williamson, and, to her gurpriso, wa 
 
8WEETHKAIM A\i -IrKD AT STAKE. JT J 
 
 drawn aside l.y liim from the pies.*, and sounded upon various 
 matters which only did not openly trench upon the actual issuoH 
 between the parties. Slie ohserved that he was curious and 
 anxious, and that, though pO68e88ed of little ingenuity in eoi 
 sation, he yet contrived, through the very necessity in which he 
 :, to throw out sundry remarks, which, had she heeu dis 
 po>ed, might have conducted to an interesting tdanct^t nn /it. 
 had only to seize, wiih a hold asMimption, upon one of the 
 two susceptibilities contained in some of his equivoques, to ! 
 found tin 1 way clear to a complete development. So, at h 
 
 thought. But, predetermined that he was not to he tru^ed, 
 
 loathing his character as she did, she availed herself of 
 
 the oppoitunities which lie really desired to aiVord IMM. 
 
 iiile they spoke together, however, that a young officer 
 
 6 guards named Sadler, ajiproached them, and. addrc- 
 
 .Mi>. Brewton, mentioned that he was ordered to Camdcn, and 
 
 the citv in two d;;vs. !!< politelv offered to 
 
 i her to Mrs. Motte (her h.Je hushand s sister ai ter- 
 
 . a n .us in story for confiding to Marion the how and ar- 
 
 1-y which her mansion-house was destroyed) or for any 
 
 r of her friends in the neighhorhoixl. She replied in her 
 
 spirit 
 
 " I thank you, lieutenant; I should very much like to write, 
 tut really I have no wish to have my letters read at the head 
 Marion s hri^a le." 
 
 " Io you really mean, Mrs. P.reuton. that 1 am in dai.. 
 falling into the hands of the rehel J" 
 
 uld you have me proj.hesy more clearly, sir? The 
 
 ni IIT is inevitahle. It is your fate. I see it as clearly in 
 
 ;,oui fact a- i! I read it in your palms. 1 the c.-m- 
 
 nd somel.o.ly el.-e. Hi- -ie.st iny may he ntherwiiie 
 
 J rilten." 
 
 Sadler turned o!V in a hufY. But we I "ire to pause in 
 
 our narrative to anticipate the rest "f t ; 
 
 was ically captured l,v Singh-ton, of Marion s hrigade ; and. in 
 
 two w,-,-ks af er, he returned to ( harh-st- i-, and called inn li- 
 
 ately upon Mrs. Breutoti to tl Hfl 
 
 fully helieved that she l..:d cuntrix rd to comey intell 
 
280 KATHARIXK WALTON. 
 
 his route and progress to the partisans. This event was one 6l 
 several which finally provoked the British authorities to expel 
 the lady from the city. 
 
 When Sadler had retired, Williamson, with evident eagernest, 
 remarked 
 
 " You speak with confidence of the whereabouts of Marion s 
 brigade. Is your confidence the result of shrewd guessing, or 
 do you know " 
 
 She interrupted him quickly. 
 
 " It is prophecy, sir. I am anothei Cassandra doomed to 
 tell the truth, and not to be believed when I do so. This poor 
 lieutenant only goes to be taken. When I say so, I obey an 
 irresistible impulse, which I certainly believe." 
 
 "Ah! the days of prophecy are not ours! We should hh.lt 
 suspect you of knowing well what you prophesy so boldly. 
 Now, my dear Mrs. Brewton, it concerns me something kno.v 
 hnw far you speak from a knowledge of the fact. It will mate 
 rially aft ect my habits if 1 could suppose you knowing ratliei 
 than prophetic. 1 propose, for example, to take my usii.-il 
 weekly ride, the next day, or the day after, into the country, 
 and " 
 
 He paused, and looked exceedingly sagacious and enceuia- 
 ging. She replied quickly 
 
 "General Williamson, I do not prophesy for everybody. ] 
 can only say in your case that, should yon be taken by Mar: 
 men, your chance of being kept long in captivity would be in 
 finitely less than that of this beardless lieutenant." 
 
 For a moment the significance of this answer did not seem to 
 strike her companion. When, however, the full meaning flashed 
 upon him, his face blackened to a thunder-cloud. 
 
 "Madam Mrs. Brewton !" he exclaimed then stammered 
 and grew silent, lie rose abruptly from his seat, and then 
 returned to it, his features somewhat more composed. Looking 
 at her with an earnest glance, he resumed 
 
 ** It is evident, Mrs. Brewton, that you do not know me. You 
 ftill regard me as an enemy. You will do me more justice 
 hereafter." 
 
 " Nay, General Williamson, if you think that I do not desire, 
 
8WKKTHKAKT AND 3TBBD \! -T\KE. 
 
 from the bottom of my s<>nl. to SOP justice done to J >u do 
 
 nut knmv n,r" 
 
 This was as bad as before. He turned away quickly, saying 
 " Very well, madam, very well! Hut you will yet repent 
 xpressions!" 
 
 hummed gayly, as be went, tbe refrain of an old ballad 
 then quite popular 
 
 " And thej bore away my bonny boy, 
 
 An.l they bore him nway to th<> fatnl tre 
 Hri -t ?|i;if^ thev i^avf him thi n t<> prny 
 But hie latest, hn-atli it w:is breath. -d for 
 
 " Jezabel !" was the single word of Williamson, as be heard 
 the, words, and disappeared jn the crowd. The widow saw no 
 
 f him that ni^ht. 
 
 M- .-inwhile, the dancinj; had begun, and the r.-iyly raparisoT,- 
 ed kni^lits and damstds whirled about the apartment, subject to 
 frequent cMiu-ns^iMH with tin- densely packed <:rouj M that h.ukrd 
 on the while. Mrs. r.rewton became the centre of mir of thr-e 
 inactive ^nmpN ; bnt it was no silent one. The events of tin- 
 evening bad vexed oil;. !1 as Williamson. One of; 
 
 what famo.is A rbihald Camp- 
 hell, better known as Mad Archy, or da/.y ("\iinpbell, a wild, 
 reckless, harem-scarem soldier, who atlltod a most irregular in 
 ellect to a most darini; courage if, indeed, we may consistent- 
 y discover, in a deficient mind, the line moral virtue which is 
 
 (escribed a< court 
 
 iv (Campbell was famous for doi::u r !esperato thing!, He 
 v iin. rash, headlong, and presumptuous, and much f 
 as a tire-eater. The arguments upon which he relied, in all 
 
 imiS, were the bet and the duell I md mon 
 
 ey, equally, on his sentiments and opinions, was hi* f :l \ 
 mode of pro\:ng him>elf ri;:ht. and makini: liim-elf so. H,> 
 had hi- virtnr rOT though, by tin- way, the former 
 
 not always considered vices OT < 
 
 WMiuen rather favored him. p | the n:. 
 
 him. He was 1. ; ;- ,i,l renerous, and Iryl tip 
 
 was one of th of all tl. >ut 
 
 favoi-ite damsel of an F.ight 
 
282 KATII. \UTXI-: WALTON. 
 
 Mile House," or beyond. to (Innsc Creek makrtig his trottej 
 iln his ton miles ly tin- hour was with him a sort of triumph 
 which made, him iiidifVereut to the capture of posts or armies. 
 His great amhition was social coupiest. To come, see, and con 
 quer, in a sense, .somewhat different t roin that of Cesar, was his 
 daily aim. And lie fancied himself always successful. 
 
 This easy assurance led him, on the present occasion, into an 
 error in which his presumption was duly mortified. We have 
 spoken elsewhere of Paulina Phelps, as one of the loyalist 
 Mica at that time in the city. She was a very pretty girl, live 
 ly and intelligent ; her charms being duly increased in puhlic 
 estimation by the fact that she was the heiress to a very hand 
 some fortune. Mad Archy was not so far demented as to be in- 
 sensihle to this consideration. He was accordingly her avowed 
 suitor and constant attendant. She did not discourage his at 
 tentions, as she was not the person to he regard less of the 
 devotion of a young, handsome, and high-spirited gallant. 
 Whether she encouraged them heyond pioper limits is a ques 
 tion. It is certain, however, that he construed her good humor 
 and indul^er. -e into something more significant. On this occa 
 sion, just hei ore the dancing had commenced, and while she ua.~ 
 interested in the conversation of a very graceful gentleman, one 
 Captain Harley, who had recently arrived from New York, Mad 
 Archy broke in upon the party with a bound. 
 
 "Gome, Paulina, Miss Phelps," he cried ; " yorr arm, the) 
 nre. about to dance." 
 
 The lady drew up, offended with this freedom, and somewhat 
 disdainfully answered 
 
 You mistake, Major Campbell ; I am not engaged to dance 
 
 with t/nv" 
 
 < I-:i, ! _ TIO ! what !" he replied, astonished. " Not dance 
 
 with me !" 
 
 " No, Bir." 
 
 " You refuse me, Paulina ! You are capricious, MHH Phelps!" 
 
 "And yon presumptuous, Major Campbell !" 
 
 "The devil you say !" cried Campbell, abruptly; and, tun 
 ing with a rude stan- to Harley, he cried aloud 
 
 - " I ,>t ,. s ,.<. the iiijui who will da::re with you to-night" 
 
SWK! TIIKAUT AND >TKKI> AT BTA1 
 
 At these irorcls, with p-e t ease, dignity, and self 
 Captain llarley said 
 
 " May I haye tin- honor of ltin^ your partner in this dance, 
 
 phciptr 
 
 The lady, still smarting mxier Campbell s insolence, in-tinet- 
 ively ro.se and took the arm of the other. The action confound 
 ed Mad Archy, who, for a moment, knew not what to sav. It 
 in this mood that hi 1 w;is joined hy tin 1 ] Mef- 
 
 makers of the garrison. Major Stock and otliers. 
 
 "I one tor. Archy!" cried St.rk, with a p in. "Clearly 
 cut made do^ s meat of, and no hurial sen 
 
 " I ll punish her!" exclaimed Archy with an oath. "And 
 r Harley. I ll teach him surh a le.->on as will cure his l->ve 
 .. incin^ from now to doomsday. l.ook you, Stoc-k ; you will 
 take my message to him in the morning." 
 
 " You will do no such thing, Major Stuck." said the willow 
 Hrewton. who had overheard ever} syllable. " It Archy Camp- 
 hell will he a fool, with malice prepense and aforetli 
 the lawyers say, there s no reason that you should proye yor- 
 Helf an ;, . rither after or In-fore the fact." 
 
 41 Tun my soul, madam, you ;ire hold." cried Campln-ll. 
 
 " What ! to :er as y.iiir.-elf . l.ook you. 
 
 Major Camphcdl. if you an- so totally withuiit iVien-K a> t 
 al-le to hear tin 1 truth from nope hut a woman s mouth, hear it 
 
 mine. Let me tell you that t! e.\tra<>rdina; 
 
 nown in lein^ considered tin- madman. /><ir <-s!lfir, of a I 
 hilly -rarrison of foot and hr-e. KfiiuMnher. moren\er. that no 
 decree of folly and madness will excuse brutality." 
 
 " Hnit;iliy, madam," cried Campbell, fiercely. 
 
 " Kven 10, NT. There is no ntlu-r word half so aj.j.r. j.i iate 
 
 r present Qte*. You have I een piilty : 
 
 against all the |inijirirtii->. and must not make still 
 
 more enormous. You haye outra^ r ejl the s-n.si!.ilities l a 
 whom you |)i-"fe>s tn admin . and ha\r ! uji.n ; 
 
 \ery \\ -akne>^e> ..f her B61 wbicb .should ha . 
 rities against ofl ence. Yn mu>t not I .-.rtln-i y>u //<//, 
 
 ni.t in the same ei , V.iiran not <in.invl \\itli 
 
 Captain Harlev \\itlnmt ad- in^ .still farther to tl .\\\y. 
 
284 KATHARI vi-: 
 
 Hi- could do no less than lie has done under the circumstances; 
 and. if you cannot emulate, at leaM learn to respect his deport 
 ment." 
 
 "Upon my soul, Mr<. lirewtoii, you queen it most rovally! You 
 say I x/uilliu>\, and I mn*t not ; but, madam, suppose I sav, in an 
 swer, that I will!" 
 
 " Why, then, sir, I shall only have mistaken the nature of the 
 animal that I have sought to tame." 
 
 " Well, madam, and pray what animal was that?" 
 
 " A lion, sir; at worst a royal tiger " 
 
 "Well, madam?" 
 
 "And not a bear not an " 
 
 She paused. He spoke 
 
 "Not an a<s, you would say!" 
 
 " 1J ally, sir. your instincts are sufficiently ,trood, whatever may 
 he the condition of your wits." 
 
 11 IJy Jove, Mrs. IJrewton. you are too hard upon me! liut 
 you have courage. madam, and coura-e is a virtue - and I like vou 
 neverlhelr. Hut I can t submit to this ; and I ber that you will 
 inter/ere no farther. I will shoot this fellow, Ilarley. or pink 
 him" 
 
 you won t, unless you really have resolved to -:ive up the 
 
 " How?" 
 
 " Take another step in this business, and you lose her fo - ever. 
 
 Behave like A man of sense and proper feeling, And if" \ou <\cr had 
 
 a chance of success you will certainly increase it. (Jo to her seek 
 your opportunity become the penitent show that you regard 
 her feeling as well as your own - that you are prepared to sacrifice 
 your feelin-s for hers and you will make a more favorable ini 
 pn ion on her than you ever made In-fur.-. " 
 
 ll- hesitated, and shook hi.x head. 
 
 " Do you really love the lady ?" 
 
 . Mr-. Brewton, as tbe apple of raj 
 
 "Then, do as I tell you. even though you should lose the 
 apple of your eye. Proceed to bully her, or her present attend 
 ant, and. if she have any spark of feeling or of spirit, she will 
 spurn yon with loathing from her sight. Go, now, seek your 
 
SWEETHEART \\ 
 
 opportunity do not despair if you 111:1, 
 
 ter, indeed. mt try to-niirlit, but IK- MMV ; 
 
 aineiuU to ninrro\\ . ami liy the \vay. it v%ould he well to ni:ike 
 
 tleinanly term- with this Captain Ilarley 
 
 "Oli! ly . :i t do that! hut I thank you wton. 
 
 . our counsel. I do 1 I .y tin- Kternal! madam, you have the 
 of a war hor-e; and I honor \MI. madain. thou-h T m afraid 
 
 A :.>! " k of it." sh- . <|iii<-tly. 
 
 ek had heard the hetter j-art of ti. -itioli. 
 
 tlouL r h pulled this way and that hy >oine old ladies v. ho wi-hed for 
 n fr. -hinents. 
 
 \\"ell." said he. when Mad Arehy had joined him. "iO I " 
 
 | <>ur ease in hand. It will he \\ell : 
 
 roun-i Is rightly. Vm <Mii t call out thi* fellow. Ilarley. \vln- 
 juily I layed liand-oine a! \-ur ill run yi>ui i 
 
 .nfortunatc. I think th- with 
 
 th-- I help- after thi- 1 You ve ],^\ hi r. my hoy. for e\ 
 Whal ll you het I don t dance with her to niirhf. " 
 
 teeaa on it 1 " 
 
 , for another; what ll you 1-et 1 don ! maiT] Inr . " 
 " Fifty LMiineas anain^t your trotter." 
 " It s an even go, NOW look to it ; for, as sure as thin. 
 oth the iiirl and the iruii 
 
 the one and you L -et the olher." < and tin- \ 
 
 ed. each BO kin- dill erent avenuex :UM,,II- ti, 
 
K ATM A HI \ i: \\- \ |.r. i\. 
 
 CHAPTER. A .\ X. 
 
 CARTEL, 
 
 Tin: equally restless and benevolent spirit of Mrs. Brewton was 
 not satistied to administer to Mad Arcl.y Campbell alone the coun 
 sels accessary to propriety. At an early hour, after the Interview 
 with him, he BOUght out the fair object of his temporary resent- 
 nient. 
 
 11 Paulina, my dear," she heiran. "you have -reatly j rr j la , ( . ( j 
 Archy Campbell." 
 
 " Well, he deserves it," was the replv. 
 
 "I think it very likely; but are you prepared for all the conse 
 quent es of his ail^erV" 
 
 " I ilnii l sec how it is to allect ;/." 
 
 "Well, in re-ard to yourself I can say nothin.ir. I know I K ,I in 
 
 what h-ive you an- interested in him. It jx v , , -y certain that he 
 
 i-eatly Interested ill //">/. and I much fear that any unusual 
 
 harshiu- ,.;, you, ,,.,,-, wm on]y (1 ,. }v( . hin) in|n Iniv( . ,,;,;, , . (M1 
 
 afraid that he will force a dud upon this newl .iiUcman, 
 
 Captain llarley." 
 
 "God forbid!" exclaimed the other. 
 
 " Let me heir that ///;// will forl.id also. I am sure, uidess you are 
 at <.me pains to h,. civil to your suitor, that <uc], will lie tin- event 
 You may hr quite <-\\\\. and disarm his aiiycr. without eommittiim- 
 \ in-self in any wa \ 
 
 The n-xiili ,,f the conversation, thus be^un. was satisfactor\ ; 
 an. I, whether Paulina really felt an interest or not in Campbell. 
 v| " determined to adopt a eour-e ],-s calculated to provoke \\\ + 
 
 in-itahle nature into excess and dolence, The consequence of 
 
: KL. 
 
 this ; HI was made apparent to Mrs. Urewton wi:hin the 
 
 next half hour, \\hen Major Stock approached her, with no ! 
 ill humor, and pointing to Campbell and Paulina, enga-ed in 
 the mazes of the dance, said 
 
 * I owe it to you, Mrs. Hrewton, that I am live guineas nun-i* 
 lit." 
 
 Both Stock and Mrs. Hrewton remained long enough to dN 
 
 : that Campbell was re.-tored to his UMial good humor; the 
 
 behavior of Paulina being such as to encourage him in the 
 
 highest hopes for the future. He had won his tir*t bet; that 
 
 iiimblingly acknowledged by Stock. 
 
 " Hut don t deceive yourself," said the latter. " You o 
 only to the good nature of the girl. She saw that you \\e: 
 a devil of a sulk, and knowing what a mad L- .hen 
 
 in an ill humor, she was afraid that you d be venting your fury 
 upon her new favorite. Mr*. Hrewton did this fo- you. 1 OV6I 
 heard her. But I .shall li.,\e your trotter for all that. If. 
 woman was taken with a fellow, *he is with llarley." 
 
 "l>o yon think I fear him f" cried Campbell, exultingly. 
 " I ll have her in spite of all the llarleys in creation. Will 
 go another I .l ty guineas on it /" 
 
 "No," was the reply. "I don t know where you d find tlrv 
 money. The hor>e \\ill be loss enough for you at present and 
 
 the disappointment" 
 
 With -ath, Campbell broke away to e*cort Paulina to 
 
 her carria-e. He returned, after a lew moments, in incre 
 spirits, and in good humor with all the world being particularly 
 civil to Harley himself, whom he found ^ with Stock 
 
 and others over the decanters. Ha:Vy was quiet, digi. 
 .ved, in his deportment. It wa* obMTVad that he - 
 , -humored remark made him by Campbell, contrivii 
 un.-wer somebody else at the moment. 
 
 " You design no quarrel with this man, Harley t" said 
 to Campbell, as they left the h u-r. 
 
 "No. Why should I f" was the I fellow wai 
 
 right enough; ami if anybody had cau*e of 
 person. 1 threatened all the world, and looked into hi> 
 while I did so." 
 
288 KATHAlMXi: \V ALTON. 
 
 It was while Stock was busy over a late breakfast, the ne*4 
 morning, that mad Archy bounced in upon him. 
 
 " Look at that!" said lie, throwing down a billet. 
 
 " Kb ! by the powers!" exclaimed Stock, reading the hillet. 
 " This is bringing the mill to the grist !" 
 
 It was a cartrl from Ilarley. The tables were turned. 
 
 44 Prompt and cool, eh ?" said Campbell. " Who d have 
 thought it? The fellow has blood, that s certain." 
 
 44 By ,J>ve, yes ! A positive demand ; no sneaking invitation 
 lo the pacific. Well, what have you done?" 
 
 44 Referred his friend to you. Major Ponsonbly acts for him." 
 
 44 Then it is business. Well, what will you have ?" 
 
 " The small-sword, and as soon as you please; but not witliiu 
 the next three days." 
 
 "How! It will get abroad. Why not this afternoon or to 
 morrow I The sooner the better !" 
 
 44 All true ; but I requhv two days, at least, for my marriage." 
 
 - IMiaw ! are you so absurd as to dream of that?" 
 
 " AliMiid ! Do you suppose 1 mean to lose my trotter, or to 
 forego your guineas? No! no, Stock ! I shall have my girl 
 and your gold, or hold me a spooney. After that shall Mr. 
 Ilarley have his desires, not before." 
 
 "He will find his patience fail in waiting, if you hope for 
 Paulina Phelps before you fight." 
 
 "Never yu fear! Make your arrangements; but hot to 
 take effect before Saturday. I insist only on the small-sword. 
 Make the arrangements accordingly place and time, at his 
 pleasure, or yours." 
 
 " Very good ! You are only a shade madder than I thought 
 you. Do you go to Mrs. Ingliss s to-night ?" 
 
 " Where else ? I dance with Paulina in the first quadrille." 
 
 44 And her consent to this has led you to assume all the rest ! 
 What a vain dizzard you are !" 
 
 " Look you, Stock, get your guineas out of the pay-chest. I 
 shall need them all in two days more. The money is mine, I 
 tell you." 
 
 " Speak out honestly ; has she consented to the marriage? 
 
 "No; but 7 have!" 
 
CARTEL. 
 
 Get you -"iu\ and ee I-Yam-isi-o at 
 room. You may need a little 81 "tli tin- weapon." 
 
 "N t a hit of it. I shall touch no sword, and think of no 
 fi^lit. until I am a married man." 
 
 "Hark! there s a rap. No doubt our rustmncr. J t-^imo !" 
 
 : \-ant entered at this moment, and announced " Maj.r 
 Pontonby. M 
 
 " 1 Ir s prompt. That s handsome !" said ramphell. "(Ju-.d 
 
 ^tock, an 1 MM that you p-t the guineas." 
 
 (\-imjih(dl and Ponsonhy passi-ii rarh othi-r at the rntranre 
 with a lo\v and a smile; and the former hail scarcely rounded 
 the next s<pi;ire, hetore the two seconds had arranged the meet 
 ing tor the ensuing Saturday, at five in the afternoon, sworn* 
 the weapons, the jdaee a well-known j^rove, just without the 
 lines, on the banks of Cooper river. 
 
 13 
 
K \THAUI\K WALTON. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 KAKKY, AS A MTLPTOR. 
 
 THAT night boili the principals wort-, to be seen at tin 1 patty 
 l Mrs. Ingliss, as cool and happy as if their immunities of lite 
 were hiMired in the look of Fate for the next hundred years, 
 it was observed that they treated each other with especial good 
 humor and courtesy. lint llarley bit his lip when he beheld 
 his rival leading out the fair Paulina the first into the ring; and 
 his vexation \\ as not a whit lessened to perceive the smiling 
 grace with which the damsel welcomed the attentions of her 
 gallant. Mad Archy could not forbear, ill the exultation of his 
 spirit, casting a mischievous glance of triumph at his disappointed 
 enemy. llarley saw and understood the meaning of the glance, 
 and he resolved to be as merciless in the duel as his rival wa> 
 in the, dance. lie soon sought his present consolations in 
 another quarter of the apartment, and being as cool and cour 
 teous as brave affecting, indeed, something of the prcit.r <!HT<I- 
 ///v he, very quickly joined in the measured maxes of the 
 whirling parties, coupled with a partner whose bright eves kept 
 his own too busv to sillier him to see, the happiness which he 
 envied in his neighbors. 
 
 The scene of festivity on this occasion, the dwelling of Mrs. 
 IngliRS, is yet conspicuous, a fine, airy mansion, scarcely looking 
 90 antique as lofty, in Oueen street, directly opposite Friend, in 
 the venerable city of Charleston.* It was illuminated for the 
 occasion from t-p to bottom. The region west and north of it 
 held but few houses, and an ample garden, in both these quarters, 
 richly lighted up also, exensetl and lamps being sprinkled 
 * Now in tin- possession of Mr. Williaui Knston. 
 
r.ARRY, AS A SCULPTOR. V . l 
 
 quite freely among the shrubs and orange-trees. Beyond this 
 garden, on the south, the view WHS almost unbroken to the river ; 
 a smooth esplanade spreading down to the green skirts of salt 
 marsh which bordered the Ashley on the east. The whole scene 
 one of great beauty, and the soft airs from thcsouthw. 
 delieiously among the chambers, in grateful unison with the 
 moonlight and fragrance whirh surrounded them. The com; 
 was not In the mood to suffer these lu.\u;ics to escape tln-m. 
 They gave themselves up to in -njoyment, or at 1 
 
 seemed to do so; the secret care at the hearts of many 1 
 hushed into repose, or disguised beneath that social ma>k whieh 
 so frequently shelters the wounds of sensibility and the volca 
 noes of passion. The lower apartments and the pin. 
 yielded up to the dancers. The gra\ of the party I 
 
 grouped here and there among them, as spectators, or congre 
 gated in the upper rooms. Some di-per-ed th- ftbottt the 
 garden, and love and sentiment, and mere humor and pol: 
 found each some fitting place or subject for 
 
 ing the gay groups below, let us ascend to the front or 
 southern apartment in the second story. Here we find Mrs. 
 Ingliss with her more ancient guests. With these 
 Singleton and Katharine Walton, both quietly seated, the latter 
 with an admiring circle, small, but dutiful, in close a" 
 11- re was to be seen Colonel Cnuleii, as her guardian, di-: 
 and complacent IJalfour, to the surprise of all, failed to i; 
 his appearance. Here, too, at intervals in the dancing. Major 
 
 : ry was most obsequious in his wrfloej and pas-: 
 chamber to chamber, the oy groups loiti red with that nti 
 feeling, a pleasant sort of discontent, which, perhaps, at places 
 of this sort, furnishes the be^t stimulus to plea.-i;: .< ite 
 
 ment. We shrill certainly not s< i-k to detain the reader \\ith 
 such general descriptions as h< lily imagine for him 
 
 self, but shall detach, for his benefit, from the events of the 
 evening, such as bear more or less directly upon the progress of 
 our history. 
 
 We have glanced at Major Hair. tbfl guest-. It must 
 
 not lye forgotten that the house of iss was his place 
 
 of lodging. In the distribution of abodes for the T.ritMi oil 
 
292 K \ THAI; INK WALTON. 
 
 after the conquest of the city, he hal been billeted upon hei , 
 This lady, as we liave seen, was a good patriot; but she wao 
 treated civilly by Barry, and his harmless vanity, and almost 
 unvarying good humor, Inclined her in his favor. She rather 
 liked him than otherwise, though she never spared her censure 
 of his conduct whenever it deserved rebuke. 
 
 It happened, at one of these, pauses of the dance this evening, 
 that Barry drew nigh to the group about Mrs. Ingliss, with 
 whom we found Bin. Singleton and Katharine. Walton. He was 
 then officiating as one of the numerous fvrli ge of the fashiona 
 ble widow Rivington. Hither, also, drew nigh our other fa 
 mous widow, Mrs. Brewton. Close behind her followed Captain 
 M Mahon, Barry s shadow, who was, or affected to be, very earn 
 est in supplicating Mrs. LJfeWtOU for some favor or some act of 
 forbearance. But she was obdurate, and broke into the circle 
 of which Barry, though quite jn-titc of person, was the somewhat 
 conspicuous object. 
 
 "Major Barry," observed Mrs. Brewton, "you must positively 
 cut Captain M Mabon." 
 
 "Fie! Mrs. Brewton!" implored M Mahon. 
 
 44 Why /" was Barry s inquiry. 
 
 "He is no friend of yours." 
 
 " I no friend of Major Barry ! 1 am the only friend he la 
 in the world." 
 
 "Heaven help him, then ! The sooner he hangs himself the 
 bettei. But I speak the truth, lie has proved it to me most 
 conclusively." 
 
 "And how, Mrs. Bre.wton /" was the inquiry of Barry, begin 
 ning to be quite curious, 
 
 " In striving to hide, your light under his bushel." 
 
 " In plain terms," said Major Stock, "standing with his big 
 1 ead between vou and the. candle." 
 
 " Something worse than that," responded the widow. " We 
 all know that Major Barry is botl. wit and poet. He is continu 
 ally doing something very brilliant and grateful to Apollo. A 
 true friend would be anxious that the world should be put in 
 possession of these, good things; yet here is Captain M MahoD 
 studiously suppressing them " 
 
:v. \ i M ULPTOR. 298 
 
 "Which means," k, ".showing them to everybody 
 
 under an injunction ofiftCIBOy." 
 
 i>rl\. Now this is treachery to one s friend and trcach- 
 ci v to the public." 
 
 be sure," said Stock; "particularly as the friend knowi 
 all about it. and the, world don t care a button to know." 
 
 "Oh, what a malignant ! cried Mrs. Uivington. 
 
 Mrs. Brewton continued 
 
 i arc mistaken quite, Major Stock. The world docx care 
 to knew. At all events, it should be protected from painful sur 
 prises. Now. if Major Harry s friend would honestly publish hifl 
 . thin-rs in tie Royal (Jaxette,* I could read them or not, at 
 my pleasure; but when his friend makes me a sort of confidant, 
 and forces upon ii: . there is a double injury done to me 
 
 and to the public. The p"sse~-i m of a secret, to a woman, is a 
 sort of temptation to sin; and I will not be forced to keep that 
 of Captain M Mahon or his friend, Major Harry. Here, now, in 
 a new epigram of the major s," holding up a paper. 
 
 Read it ! read it !" was the cry from a doy.fn voices. 
 
 "Oh, don t!" appealed the author, in treble t 
 
 "Oil, don t !" echoed M Mahon, in tones quite as feeble. 
 
 "It appears," continued the widow, " that Major Harry ban 
 been honored with the pit of a pair of slippers, wrought by the 
 fair hands of but that is a lady s secret, and must not be re 
 vealed by <ne of her sex. His acknowledgment for this gift is 
 contained in the following very felicitous 
 
 "Buzz! bu/.x ! buxx !" went round the circle, Harry and 
 M Mahon both striving, but very inadequately, to increase the 
 confi: 
 
 "(h. I won t read till we have perfect silence," said Mrs. 
 Brewton. 
 
 And, with the words, our two Arcadians were the first h) 
 With ch-ar tones, and mock heroic manner, she then read the 
 following epigram, we .suppose, it mu>t be called: 
 
 " Ti. Mi-- I li.li.- , in ruiuplinuMit for a pair of slipi^r*. wrought 
 by her own li.m.l>: 
 
 ** Woman, of oM, with wondrous art, 
 Wa htill cont.nt to xnare the heart, 
 
294 KATHAKIXK WALTON. 
 
 But now h. i inoiv nmliitioi;- 
 
 IH conquest o er the very soul (solcf); 
 
 No more, with understanding sure, 
 
 Man walks the earth lu- ruled of yore; 
 
 On \\Vi\\i\AeT footing now he stands, 
 
 His footstep* tuken through her hand*. 
 
 His sole (soul f) enmeshed, her happy snares 
 
 At least protect from toils and tears (taretf) 
 
 Nor all form it IIT ancient art, 
 
 Still through the soul o ercomes the heart" 
 
 * Is that all ?" demanded Stock, as the lady paused. 
 
 "All!" 
 
 * Certainly t_<it mountain suffered grievously from thai 
 mouse!" cried Stock. "Positively, there should he some en 
 actment, some heavy penalty against this cruel repetition of 
 ancient puns. I am against yon, Mrs. Brewton. Jf you can 
 really satisfy me that M Mahon honestly desired to keep secret 
 these verses when he communicated them, then shall 1 aver that 
 he was a better friend to Major Barry than Barry himself." 
 
 "Oh hush!" cried Mrs. Rivington. "You are too barbarous 
 for a critic, Major Stock." 
 
 "Grant you, ma am; hut not too much so for a friend." 
 
 " Cynic ! but here come the waiters. We have need of cor 
 dials and comfits to take the bitter from our mouths." 
 
 And, with these, words from Mrs. Rivington, the assault tem 
 porarily ceased upon Barry. The circle opened to receive tha 
 servants, hearing splendid and massive, silver trays and salvers 
 containing refreshments. These consisted of jams and jellies, 
 pines, bananas, and other West India fruits, cordials and lemon 
 ade ; and sundry more potent beverages for the stronger heads 
 of the military. It would surprise, a modern assembly, in the 
 same region, to behold, in the, centre, of such a service, an im 
 mense bowl of punch, the chief ingredients of which were, old 
 Jamaica rum and cngniac, of nearly eijual virtue. 
 
 While the gentlemen served the ladies, without finally forget 
 ting: themselves, the ryes of the company were directed, by 
 some remark of Mrs. Rivington, to a good-looking young negro 
 boy of sixteen, in the livery of Barry a blue ground, with 
 gcarlet facings. 
 
I:AI:I:V. IS \ - ULPTOR. 
 
 Hv (In- way," said the fashionahle widow, quite ahruptly, 
 
 where ilid you pick up tliat clever hoy, Major Harry {" 
 
 The question was so sudden, and Harry s consciousness at the 
 moment, so quick, that lu* answered confusedly 
 
 "Me. Mrs. Kivinjrtnn ? that boy where did I ^et that hoy? 
 Why, I made him."* 
 
 A solemn hush succeeded this strangely equivocal answer. 
 The elderly ladies looked ^rave, and the younger vacant. A 
 hoisterous l; .ti^h from Stock added to the confusion. 
 
 "A hetter piece of work, hy all odds, than the epigram. I 
 llOttld greatly thank you to make me a hundred or two of the 
 animal, out ot the same sort of ehonv." 
 
 Barry had, l>v this time, recovered himself. The little wit 
 found it neces-ary to j>ut a hold face on the matter, and to exer 
 cise his ingenuity for his escape from his hlunder. 
 
 "And then- uordd he no pvat diiiiculty in the matter it you 
 !ia\e the necessary amount of faith. Faith is the i:reat 
 tial. The fact i.s that, .some tinn- a^ni, hajipenin^ to he in the 
 neighborhood of Monk s Corner. I thirsted for a draught of io,,| 
 f iV. in a nei^hhorin^ hrooklet. Hut I did not wish to u,-t 
 my feet in ^ettinjj; at it, so I looked ahout me; and just 1" 
 me noted a tract of tin liojj of the most ivory smoothness and as 
 hlack as jet. N-.w, said 1, will I see what faith \vi l perfoi m. 
 I I Up tome of the earth, which v. ;ud pliant. I 
 
 moulded it into the form and features of a handsome h.,y. I then 
 devoutly concentrated my will upon it, and I said repeating 
 tin- ahracadahra. and otlu-r potent formula of ancient ma^ie 
 K B Up, Ctottriot and theieup. ii |i ( > r.s ( .. a pMid-lookin^ lad 
 en<uiL r h. as you see him now. and quite creditahle to ne aa ft 
 sculptor." 
 
 "A round ahout v. . . M .L letoii. in 
 
 . TICS almost audilile tr the cin le, " oi tellih^ u.-, he stole him 
 somewhere near Monk s Corner." 
 
 "There s no en<i rceries. Captain M Mahon, 
 
 your friend needs a new title." 
 
 This nnywt-r wn-* r.-ally L r iv.-ii I.y I . u TV. I ll.- n. .-nf of thin story, 
 which occur in Omi , na lh 
 
 wer tnoatiy ral and well-kitu 
 
296 KATHARIXK WALTON. 
 
 Ah! What, major?" 
 
 " Henceforth let him be known as the Ethiopian Prometheus." 
 
 The name stuck to the major tor a long time afterward cer 
 tainly as long as the negro did. 
 
 A crash of plates and glasses interrupted the scene, and fur 
 nished an excuse to Barry for leaving the circle. His newly - 
 created servant, Crcsario, not heiug bred to his vocation, had 
 allowed the heavy silver tray to slip from his grasp, emptying 
 the entire contents into the lap of the excellent Mrs. Smith, who, 
 it was thought, had caused the accident by bearing with too 
 much stress under a mistake as to the character of its con 
 tents, of course upon the punch bowl. There was great 
 clamor, in the confusion of which, Katharine Walton, taking 
 Ella Monckton by the arm, escaped into the garden. Let us 
 leave them for a season, while looking after certain other inter 
 esting parties to our story. 
 
BRIGHT AND DARK. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII 
 
 HRIUHT AM) DARK. 
 
 WK loft mad Archy Camphell in the full whirl of a mo^t de- 
 !5ions and irrateful excitement. Whether it was that Paulina 
 Phelp.s reallv irave him a preference in her aiVections, or 
 afraid of giving provocation to his aiiLrer.it would not he ea-v to 
 determine. Certain it is that she treated him with all the con 
 siderate solicitude of one \\!m claimed a lai ire portion of her fa- 
 do him justice, he now Deemed properly careful to 
 deserve, it. His hehavior was nnwontedly jrentle. nn>.le>t. ami 
 devoted. He studiously avoided the lanirnajre and manner of 
 
 The coarse phn86ologj in which he 
 
 too much disposed, ordinarily, to indulge, was carefully made to 
 Lrive way to a dialect Letter fashioned to persuade the senti 
 mental nature ; and it really seemed as if the effort to appear 
 more amiahle had taught the lips of mad Archy an unusual elo 
 quence. I ! ITU evidently lahoriiiLT at an ohject evidently t 
 
 It was doiihtful if the fair Paulina In-held any other art in her 
 p-illant tlmn that which should properly distinguish e\-ery lover. 
 From the fiance. h- heirniled her to the garden, and she waa 
 pleased to he so he^mled. She for-i.t the n . ac 
 
 tions of the i:> . (Captain i nid, sitting with A 
 
 Camphell in the Mihdued mooid iLrht, >\ hich fell i; :"{- 
 
 lets through the leave- und hranches of the sheltering 
 the natural lan^ruaire o| jh. WM of C 1 hearts, 
 
 mid sentiments, all of the 1 Af 
 
 ter much harm >i; : c.n. which seemed like inn- 
 
 and reverv rather than fl Archy led his compa: 
 
 unwn the slope of the irarden to :i -pot where the umhra^e Win 
 
KATHARINE WALTON. 
 
 loss close and massive. The green plain stretched away to the 
 liver, the lines which bordered the green marsh not concealing 
 the bright and glittering mirror of the wave from the spot on 
 which they stood. Beyond were the dense groves of St. An 
 drews, the great pines mingling with hrooding oaks, and loom- 
 ing out, grandly solitary, in the embracing moonlight. 
 
 "( >\\, how delicious is the picture. !" exclaimed Paulina. "One 
 ( (!> anxious t<> escape to it, and he at peace, for ever. I detest 
 the crowd, thi.s perpetual hum of tedious voices, that speak 
 nothing to the heart, and leave, ns perpetually wearied even of 
 our pleasures. (Jive me loneliness rather give me the sad, 
 sweet woods of autumn the ground strewn with brown leaves, 
 and the winds sighing gladly over their perishing beaut;. 
 
 " And now is the time, to see the woods in the very perfection 
 of their beauty. ] drove nut the other day to (ioose Creek 
 church, and I was charmed into forgetfnlness at everv step. 
 Suppose you let me drive yon out to-morrow. 1 have the must 
 famous trotter in the world, and my gig is as easy as a cradle. 
 Hut you know them both. Tak.- a scat with me to-morrow, ,.HM 
 you shall enjoy the luxury of the woods in their fullest sweet - 
 
 " I will !" was the. prompt affirmative. " Do yon know I ve 
 never seen the church at (loose ("reek?" 
 
 " Is it possible? Oh, you will be delighted! The region is 
 a perfect fairy land. Hut who comes here /" 
 
 "Miss Walton, the new beauty, I think, with Klla Alonckton. 
 1 )o you think her so very, rcn/ beautiful /" 
 
 " I might think her so if I did not find a much superior beauty 
 
 Uewhere," was the reply, the gallant Archy looking tenderly, 
 
 as he spoke, into the bright eyes of his companion, lie otlered 
 
 her his arm at this moment, and they turned upward once more 
 
 to the sheltar of the uanini and its protecting howeis; neither 
 
 :i the m. 10. 1. apparently, to n ceiV any addition to their 
 
 company. The. spirit- < , .Mad Archv were greatly increased; 
 
 but he kept a strong reii; . \Yc may add that 
 
 y any indiscretion "! look or word, forfeited the 
 
 which he seemed to have gained that evening, and the 
 
 last words which Pauliti "\\ his leaving her, as he e,H- 
 
BRir.HT AND DARK. J . ( .< 
 
 roiled her home that night, reminded him of the engagement 
 lor tlu- morrow. 
 
 The eyes of Katharine Walton ;jnd lu-r companion, like those 
 of Paulina and her lover, were turned longinglv to the, fan 
 -treain before them, and the silent forots that spread 
 heyond it. They, too. had yearnings which carried them 
 into the solitude ami from the crowd. 
 
 < Mi, how these woods recall to me my home ! the sweet, safe 
 thickets, the veneraMf shade-trees under which I played \\hen 
 a child, and where 1 first learned to weep and sol - : 
 
 .;.. \V"i;l I I \\rre among them still! I teel as ii nil mv 
 days of pleasure nay, of peace and hope are gone from me, 
 now that I have left them. 1 feel, Ella, as if I .ned 
 
 me gn-at and crushing calamity. My thoughts !.y day 
 full of presentiments, and hy night my dreams are of evil 
 alwa\>. \V-ii!d I were away, afar, safe from all these Lewi! 
 ing sights and sounds, which speak to me of danger and deceit 
 rather than -f merriment or ! 
 
 " And \\liv is tin*! Why is it that you, young, and .so l.eau- 
 tiful, wealthy and so I doved" 
 
 " llu.sh ! im.sh!" 
 
 " Yes ; why should you he unhappy /" 
 
 Ah. not! You know not what I dread and what 1 
 
 deplore." 
 
 " Indeed, I know not. Before me the prospe> \ ery 
 
 liright. Y. .1 few days ago it was n 
 
 " It is Lei-ati-c \ui Imp.-. I fear! You look fni \\ai.i. It in 
 upon the past only that I cast myrxesw .th an\ 
 The future \\ears nothing hut douhts and clouds upm. 
 (iod forhid. Ella, that it should ever ..eein to y.-u \\hat it 
 to me !" 
 
 11 Ah. Katharine, hut Jvr you, mine would have heen such H 
 
 " Hut for me /" 
 
 ** Yes ! But I dare not tell you now. 1 must re.servethe- 
 confession for another time, when I have m<>- jr. You 
 
 little know how much I 
 
 Katharine ex; ut, th-ugl/ 
 
800 KATIlAIIINi: WALTON. 
 
 trembling to unfold her heart to her companion, Kiln found her- 
 elf unable to approach more nearly the subject \vhich made her 
 tremble. Thus musing together, and contrasting the bright and 
 cloudy in their several horizons, tbe two maidens continued their 
 walk until they were again shrouded among the groves of the 
 garden. Here they paused, and seated themselves in an arbor 
 sheltered by thick vines and the dense foliage of the lemon, the 
 orange, and the gardenia. While they sat, speaking occasion 
 ally only, and then in such subdued accents as could reach no 
 other ears, voices were suddenly heard approaching them, and 
 entering an adjoining copse. 
 
 "It is Halfonr," said Katharine, in sterner tones than was her 
 wont. " Let us go to the house." 
 
 .y !" replied Klbi, in a whisper. " We can not now move 
 without being detected " 
 
 Meanwhile, Hali our and Cruden entered the grove, only sepa 
 rated from the two maidens by n clump of bushes of the garde 
 nia and the rose. They seated themselves directly opposite, 
 and proceeded to converse as if upon a subject already fully 
 lin.ached. Ualfour, it may be said, had only just reached Mrs. 
 Ingliss s. lie had been delayed by business. 1 1 is manner was 
 still hurried, and his tones indicated some excitement. 
 
 " Well," said he, " of her we can speak hereafter. She shall 
 not always avoid me ! But what of your loving nephew? Have 
 you heard nothing recently of Major Proctor?" 
 
 Nothing. What of him ?" 
 
 " 1 >o you not know that he has disappeared?" 
 
 "Disappeared! I have not seen him for a week. lie 
 would take none of my counsel, so I let him take care of him 
 Keif." 
 
 " That is right. You can neither serve nor save him." 
 
 * Hut what do you mean by disappeared ?" 
 
 " He has left the city suddenly. Gone to Dorchester, it ap 
 pears, \\heiv we. have the last traces of him." 
 
 "How Mo you know that he went to Dorchester?" 
 
 " I sent his man, .John, after him." 
 
 "What! As a spy upon his master?" 
 
 " llow can you suppne it? Hut, hearing that he went off 
 
P.KHIIIT AVI> IAHK. i "1 
 
 uddenly ami y. I thought if Lest that tho <> u ld 
 
 Attriul the master, and gave him permission to do 
 
 " 1 v >alfonr, this was not right. You should give my nephew 
 fair play." 
 
 " Pooh ! pooh ! It was only a measure of proper precaution. 
 It I hail lii-en disposed to deny him fair play, he should 
 been cdosely in ward, well secured in irons, until his trial." 
 
 " And why has not his trial taken place ?" 
 
 " Fr the very reason that I wished to give him fair phi- 
 waited for the arrival of new oilicers f:"iii New Yik pe: 
 who know nothing of the afiair, and have no interest in the 
 one way or the other." 
 
 " Well, and what do you hear of my nephew since he left the 
 city I" 
 
 "That he went to I )orche>ter. and made inquiries of old 
 Humphries and 1 ryor in regard to the escape of Colonel Wal 
 ton. It appears that he roiild get nothing satisfactory (M 
 either of them, ami the moment he turned his hack they de- 
 nouii -ed him to Vanghan." 
 
 "1 ii hear all this from Vanghan, and Vanghan is his enemy " 
 
 " Pshaw, Ciudeii, men are their own enemies. They will do 
 well enough if they never ha\e any irOTM than tliem-ehes. 
 Dismiss this notion from your mind. The result of all is this, 
 that Proctor left Dorchester the D6X1 day, and i .nee 
 
 lieen heard of." 
 
 " Indeed!" 
 
 " Kvi-n so ! And this mak> 
 
 II J ptUT] tO jiut him on trial as soon as he return- 
 
 the city. The charge* \seie all jurpaii-d. He has prohahly 
 taker, the only mode of escaping conviction." 
 
 M Uow] WTint do you v 
 
 " That he has iled to tlie eiien 
 
 Katharine Walton felt her hand convulsively grasped in that 
 of Ella. 
 
 "Impossible! I will ::evT b#ll6Vi it I" WtcUumed Cruden. 
 
 "I am afraid you will find it trm _est jart of the 
 
 affair is that his servant John is 
 
 " Well, should that Mirpri- n. with 
 
302 KATHARINE WALTON. 
 
 sneer. "Is it anything strange that so faithful a servant should 
 cling to the fortunes of his master?" 
 
 " Come, come, Cruden, that won t do. We know each other too 
 well for sneers of this sort. There is no denying that John was in 
 my pay, and I feel sure that we should have had his report before 
 this but for the fact that lie has been made away with. He has, per- 
 haps, attempted to arrest his master in his flight, and has been shot 
 down for his pains." 
 
 " Monstrous! What do you take John Proctor to be?" 
 
 " A traitor to his king and country, and a fugitive in the camp of 
 Marion or Sumter! Such is the appearance of the case. Despairing 
 of defence, he has fled, and has probably put to death my emis 
 sary." 
 
 " And rightly enough. The dog deserved a dog s death." 
 
 " Very like; yet we must not say this." 
 
 "What is to be done?" 
 
 "Nothing! Let him go. You will believe me, Cruden, when I 
 say that I do not desire to bring your nephew to disgrace; still less to 
 see him shot as a traitor. I prefer that he should lly. He saves 
 both of us some shame and trouble. There is only one thing to be 
 said. We must see that Katharine Walton does not escape also. 
 She may or may not like him. I cannot yet fathom that. But he 
 likes her; and both together in the rebel camp, a mutual liking might 
 not be so difficult, the fellow being good-looking enough, and not 
 unlike his uncle." 
 
 The smile which accompanied this sentence might have been a 
 sneer. Balfour continued 
 
 " To render this impossible, I must thrive in my own wooing, and 
 you must give me more help than you have done. I have SOUK- plans 
 by which to secure opportunities, of which you shall know here 
 after. Enough for the present. Let us now go to the house. I must 
 play the gallant, and do the amiable to her, with all the grace and 
 spirit I can muster." 
 
 In silence sat the maidens till the two had walked away. Both of 
 them had heard much to deepen and occasion anxiety. 
 
 "Do you wonder now, said Katharine, "that my future should 
 jeem so gloomy to my eyes?" 
 
RRI.IIIT AND DAUK. 
 
 44 No ! no !" replied the otlu-r; M and my star has also p^rown 
 dim all of a sudd"n." 
 
 Tlirv rctunictl to tlio (l\vclliii:, lnt only to cnduro two hours 
 of mortal \\ (\-irincs ;, BOITOUnded ly music and ivvclry whicli in 
 spired loftthing "id\ , and prised \vitli the attention! <>f tlHe 
 whim; tl.ry i-ijually droadtMJ and 
 
304 KAT HAKIM; WAI /row 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 IN TIIR TOILS 
 
 ST. lflCHAEL 8 was just pealing the cle.vcnth hour, when Ma- 
 
 jor Stock opened liis eyes listlessly, and, after a few preliminary 
 yawns (if more than ordinary duration, rang for his servant. 
 The fellow had been waiting in the passage, and appeared al 
 most instantly. 
 
 Who has been here, Paul, this morning ?" 
 
 " Nobody, sir." 
 
 " Have yon seen Archy Campbell I" 
 
 " Oh ! yes, sir; he passed in his chair more than an hour ago, 
 driving a lady, and going oil at full speed. He looked up at 
 the windows, sir, but did not stop, and went by without a word." 
 
 " A lady ! Hum ! Who could it be ? not that girl, surely : 
 not Paulina ! 
 
 This was said musingly, but the servant answered it; and no 
 wise to the satisfaction of his master. 
 
 " It was Miss 1 helps, sir, I m thinking." 
 
 " Well, sir, and what has your thinking to do with it ; and 
 who asked you to do any thinking; and what if it were Miss 
 1 helps, sir / Do you suppose that riding out together makes 
 them man and wife . " 
 
 Oh! no, sir; not by no means, sir; I beg pardon, sir; 1 
 di l nt mean to be thinking, sir; but it did look, sir, as if they 
 w IB pretty thick together." 
 
 " Thick ! do you say ! Certainly, the plot seems to thicken ! 
 Can she be such a fool! Can it be that Fortune takes such 
 ptins to spoil svch a bruin as Archy Campbell ? I must sec; in- 
 t it ! I saw but little of them last night. I must -ah! 
 
IN nil-: TOI1A 
 
 lyawn.s) l ;od, get me the hot water ! That I should hare risk 
 *d inv guineas upon tin- Impossibility <>! a conjunction hetween 
 a ^rack-hrain and a chit !" 
 
 M k was unusually rapid in making his toilet that 
 
 morning. II* scarcely gave himself time to discuss his : 
 nml chocolate, when he departed on his rounds, anxious, hy in 
 quiries in the proper quarters, to relieve himself of hi^ douhts 
 with regard to the safetv of his gu neas. For the })reseiit. we 
 must keej) him and the reader equally in suspense. He lea; 
 hut little that was satisfactory in relation to the matter, and tin- 
 hour of om- found him at the widow Kivington s, still urging his 
 inquiries. He ascertained that Miss 1 ludjts /tad ridden out of 
 town with her suitor, hut such drhes wen- tre<juent enough* and 
 no ji med to attach anv ulterior imjioi tance to the af 
 
 fair. Leaving him still in a Mate of much disijuiet, and still at 
 the fashionahle widow s, let us take the road also. 
 
 Mad Archy ( amphell kejit <juite a B! . di>hment. and 
 
 his trotter, as he Imasted, could show a (dean pair ot lu els to 
 
 any four legged hea^t in Charleston* Paulina I helps was quite 
 
 him whirl like lightning over the sandy ti. 
 
 hrtxveeii the eitv and the Four-Mile Post, M v- f the 
 
 ^pertat^is. ,!u^t heyond this point, the pair came up with , 
 eral Williamson, jogging .-lowly, on hor>ehack, in the same di 
 rection. The general was accompanied, or rather followed, hy 
 a couple of draj.. tied him hy Balfour, as much, pei- 
 
 liajis. l.y \\a\ :ity for his return to the ci uard 
 
 of honor. 
 
 ricar the track, .rnr..,] ; " \\a the cry ! Mad Arc 1 
 with a wild flourish ol the whip, he scored the flank- "f his trot 
 ter, and paSSC t!,ro;i^h the opening files of the horsemen. Tin- 
 next moment he had left the latter far In-hind him. <a\ .;. 
 
 hpe<l from s _ht, h-a\ ii.i: to the : Williamson to 
 
 proceed at 1,-is-ire t" t!ie ^latter Il^n-e. Hither he C 
 after, and, without looking at his wateh, : t it was : 
 
 imately twelve o clock, he 01< .\ 1 of milk punch, and 
 
 retired to a elian, 
 
 The day was unite warm, ami the general threw off hi- 
 anil vest, his cravat, a:i-l s\v<u i. boots, and spurs, and se 
 
306 * rt THAI! INK WALTON. 
 
 down at length upon his eom-li, having prepared himself duly 
 for this attitude, hy quailing, at a single draught, one half at 
 least of the foaming QOggin \\hieh lie had ordered. The. residue 
 was placed beside the bed, upon a small table, upon which lay 
 his watch, sword, and cravat. 
 
 Meanwhile, his escort of dragoons were not unmindful of what 
 was due. to the comforts of the subordinate. Their horses were 
 fastened in front of the dwelling, under the shelter of some Chi 
 na trees, and, by turns, the riders penetrated to the hospitable 
 bar-room, satisfied with draughts of a liquor which, if less ele- 
 gant and fashionable than milk-punch, was quite as potent 
 They strolled about the, grounds, paraded before the house, 
 lounged to and fro between their horses and the, woods, and. fi 
 nally, threw themselves lazily at length upon the, benches which 
 graced the pi/ixxa of the rude hotel, with a sense of luxury 
 quite as lively as that of their superior. 
 
 Thus disposed, our vigilant dragoons saw but little of the 
 world around them. it was not long before, they were seixed 
 with a certain degree of drowsiness, to which the potent influ 
 ence of the Jamaica which tliev had taken, the warmth of the 
 day, ;r d the slumberous waving of the foliage, shading the 
 concurs which they occupied, equallv contributed to incline 
 them. They did not know, or suspect, that, a few hundred 
 yards below, and as many above, the Quaiter IIon>e, there 
 might be seen, stealing from tree to tree, and covering the road, 
 as well from the city, as from Dorchester, certam wild-looking 
 foresters, wrll armed with rifle and pistol, who seemed to he 
 idarlv alert, and who were gradually contracting themselves 
 about the, point which the two occupied so pleasantly. As little 
 did they fancy that, closely harbored within the woods, not 
 half a mile away, were fifty stout cavalry steeds, bitted and 
 bridled, and awaiting to bear away, in tleet career, as many 
 well-armed riders. 
 
 In fart, one of our dragoons was wrapt in a slumbt r quite a.-, 
 profound as ever hushed the cares of an infant. The other was 
 not BO fortunate, but was just in that condition, betwixt sleeping 
 and waking, which leaves the sense doubtful of what disturbs it 
 which feel.s but can not fix t ae disturbance and nim<rles t\\r 
 
I\ TH1 
 
 
 
 A trampling "f tin 
 
 the \\ hinn \ i::i; <>f one of tin -in-- :ui old a 
 
 MS much heed of all eanscs of dif r at leu nth 
 
 1 up I he li:i!f .1: ii-T. 
 
 !! i ,;- 1 liim-clf up-Mi hi- elbow 
 rlimps -* of :i Imnrin f : _ >wa <f the 
 
 UM d him, III d, \v l! . 
 
 panion, he loft the pia//a and \s;,t nut to hi>hor.se, \\hich, \\ith 
 Ucddy tiM.l UJ..M the thicket in which the 
 
 stran-er had (liMipj-eun d. W&8 ui\iin: cur (Ir.-i^nf^M MS full a \\:nn 
 
 ,l:;ry. Half dubious 
 
 that iiiiscliirf n:i-ht IT l>n \\IIIL. yet in.t \\illinir i- show mine- 
 alarm, the .xi!iii.T \\.-t < im -liita; i:t_r ;i call to his comrade. 
 A\ hen his nio\ ( ir.i ms \\(r-.- dc< :lic sudd : 
 a halt :t dozen 1" :n llie \v !s li.-lnu. .-, 
 
 the \\cIlkno\\M Mue hui of (!< Carol ii I 
 
 :]: ln-Jdii- nib to 
 
 which it u.i- fastened, 1 > leap Upon tin- aniiral. :: pis 
 
 tol from hK bolster and din haiL-r it in lln- thfl -!iniiy, 
 
 iin Hi, and in oU-dietM < t" a 
 
 sin-le iiupii!-. . ! -hunt to his . ;i n<l tin n clap 
 
 to hi^ std-d in lliuhl, \\as the \\ . : \ 
 
 that there \\a- 1:0 cliaiK- hat he \\ as al)ut to he 
 
 <>\er\\ helmed hy numbers, and that hi-; :--i ape tu ll; <ily \\as 
 cut . 
 
 II. \\heeled ahntlt. thlllkil.. D CbeSlCT J but. to 111 
 
 ,ii| of i :.;m rapidlN 
 
 1 roli! thix ijiiaM i Ht f<.r the C- -d \\a* 
 
 :uainin.ir i- -"inl no IM ,i!..\\ed him for 
 
 rin>\\ ini: ! i!i-- L:i"i.iid the pi-n.J \\hith lie had 
 
 lie i.lhi-r. and. jM-iminu i : MS he tied. 
 
 ua\t tree reiii- t. hi- hru-e. and applied the spur \\itlioiit c iniiiij. 
 eration. 
 
 II. was lint instantly pursued ; no h. in\ \\ere 
 
 visible; and. t<> his smpri^-. though 1, unoni: 
 
 In- a-- ail; e was di-cha 1 
 
 this firbearance. which \\ e n lie csca|"-d. in tho 
 
808 KATH. \IILV-; WALTON. 
 
 direction taken some two hours before by Mail Archy Campbell 
 and the fair Paulina Phelps. Hut lie hal not yet gone from 
 sight before he saw his comrade in the hands of the rangers. 
 The poor fellow, aroused l>y the shot of his associate, only 
 opened his eyes to see the butt of the huge horseman s pistol, 
 by which he was knocked down, descending wildly in the heavy 
 hands of a man looking as savage as an Indian, and as well 
 bearded as a Cossack. How had Mad Arc-by been suffered to 
 escape, was the reflection of our fugitive dragoon ? We mav 
 be permitted to say that it had been just as easy to have arrest 
 ed the. one party as the other. Hut the ambush had been ^\n- 
 daily ordered to sutler the lover and the ladv to pass. 
 
 " He is not our man !" said one who wore the manner of a 
 leader. " We must make no unnecessary alarm, lest we lose 
 the object we aim at. Uesides, this oilicer is protected by the 
 lady. Let them go. If they stop at the (Quarter, we. shall 
 probably have to seize them, if only to make all things sure ; 
 and, if they go beyond, we are equally satisfied ; they will be 
 out of our way." 
 
 It was for these reasons that Mad Archy and his companion 
 went by with impunity. Let us see. to other parties. 
 
 We left General Williamson "taking his ease at his inn." 
 Hut ease and repose on this occasion, and with him, did not im 
 ply sleep. His milk-punch had not produced oblivion. He was 
 deep in thought and expectation. Hvents had been ripening 
 with him for some time past. He had been in communication 
 with Singleton, and now expected to meet him, still in the char 
 acter of Furness. He had much to communicate, which was of 
 importance to the partisans, and to the future, objects of the con 
 tinental army of the. South ; and his anxieties were, in due de 
 gree with the sense of the weight of that intelligence, which he 
 brought, and which, in war, derives its value chiefly from the 
 adaptation of the time to the tidings. 
 
 He was destined to be disappointed. Singleton s employ 
 ments had delayed him in his purpose of meeting Williamson 
 It was a double misfortune to the latter that he was fated to 
 meet with another of the partisans, who had no "oil of suspicion 
 of the new role which the general had assumed. 
 
IN THK ToILS. 
 
 It \\:is while Williamson was musing tlio condition of lii.s own 
 and the puMic affairs, :ilnnt ;i.s deeply ahstractcd from the 
 world aliont liiin. in consequence of the p: f his thoughts, 
 
 a.> if he liad heen asleep, that he was slightly conscious of some 
 disturbances without ; hut he gave them little heed. Soon I 
 came a shot, the hurried tread of a hoi>e, a struggle in the piax/.a, 
 a groan, and then the rush to the interior of a M->re of feet. IJe 
 immediately threu himself from the hod, and, in the same mo 
 ment the door of tin- ehamher was hurst open, and the room 
 instantly filled with a doxen ran_ 
 
 Well did he ivmemlier the i-oMume. He had led a thousand 
 such fellows on an Indian campaign. He had gained all of 
 reputation that he enjoyed, while in the confidence of this peopU- 
 He liH i deserted his trust, had failed in his faith, was no\\ 
 odious in the eves of those win) latelv followed him with respect 
 if not admiration, and his heart misgave him as he In-held their 
 swarthy faces, and dark eye> glaring upon him arms in their 
 hands, and he alone and almost weaponless. He had >ei/.ed his 
 rtwnrd as he leaped from the hed, and hore it, stretched nakedly 
 and threateningly, with point to the intruders. 
 
 " Put down your weapon!" said the stern voice of a nohle- 
 h">kmg gentleman. " It can he of no service. You are (ieneral 
 Williamson /" 
 
 I am. sir !" 
 
 " V ti are my prisoner I" was the stern response 
 
 " Who are you?" 
 
 Col Walton, of the state line of South Carolina. Give me 
 \.nir >\i..nl sir !" 
 
 " Let me know first " 
 
 " It i> enough, sir. that you know that we are here, in num 
 ber*, aide to put you to death in a moment ; that your dra- 
 kre taken, and that you have no alternative ! What more would 
 you know I" 
 
 1/uu nut know /////, I am here, Col. Walton ? Have you 
 Been Col. Singleton ? have you heard nothing from him? are 
 you not despatched to meet n:e here?" 
 
 These ([ue-tions \\ ere hurriedly put, and in hu^ky accenU. 
 If Col. Walton indeed knew nothing of Williamson s 
 
310 KATHAKIXK WALTON. 
 
 conference with Single on, the renegade was in a perilous case. 
 He was in the hands of men whom he hail abandoned ; with the 
 danger of doom at the drumhead for his treachery. The answei 
 of Walton was equally prompt and unpleasant. 
 
 " Sent to meet you, sir ! No ! And how should I know ////// 
 you care here and what have you to do with Col. Singh ton < 
 Your questions are without significance in my cars, (.leneral 
 Williamson. It is enough that you are my prisoner. I h.m 
 planned this enterprise, solely, to take you prisoner. 1 h.-.n 
 heard of your frequent visits to this place, and knew not that 
 you had any deeper purpose i coming here than the enjoyment 
 of such pleasures, as, it appears, you have not forgotten this 
 morning." 
 
 The finger of Walton pointed to the empty punch-bowl. The 
 face of Williamson was suffused. But his voice grew firmer. 
 
 "1 will not yield, sir! 1 will perish first!" and he thrust 
 his weapon full at Walton s breast. But the other was not un 
 guarded. His own sword was instantly crossed in air with the 
 steel of the assailant ; with quick strokes the opposing blades 
 flashed above their heads, and finally lay together for a moment, 
 lapped in a close buckle, until that of Williamson flew to the 
 opposite quarter of the room. He was disarmed. lie folded 
 his hands with dignity upon his breast, and looked steadily in 
 the face of the visiter, as if inviting the amjt th grace. 
 
 44 Secure him !" was the brief, stern command of Walton ; and 
 his subordinates rushed in. The captive was fast fettered, and 
 conducted instantly to the opposite woods. He was mounted ou 
 a powerful steed, and escorted by two determined fellows OD 
 each hand. Walton then gave his orders: 
 
 44 And now, men, with all speed across the Ashley. If wt 
 Aelay, these woods will soon be too hot for us ; not a moment u 
 to be lost." 
 
 What Ls to be done with Major Proctor ?" demanded 
 M Kelvey. 
 
 44 We must take him with us ! we dare not let him off just yet 
 He would reach Charleston in an hour and alarm the gamfC! 
 Has the dragoon been pursued who made off?" 
 
 " He has Brace and Kirby after him They will skirt th 
 
IN TIIK TO:; 311 
 
 mail till sunset, if they do ii"t overtake the fellow, and at le;ist 
 keejt the otiieer and the lady from reaching town before dark. 
 They have their orders." 
 
 I" ,t will M-rve. We must push for the Edisto with all 
 despatch. Take the head of the command. M Kelvey." 
 
 No sooner said than done. Williamson was immediate! 
 forward under guard ; while Col. Walton, bringing up the rear, 
 oiu-e more penetrated the thicket assigned to Proctor, and an 
 nounced the : -if keeping him in durance a little longer. 
 The latter was too much relieved by finding himself once more 
 on horseback, to feel any great concern as to the route he waa 
 purHuing. 
 
KATHARINE WALTON. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 HOW MAD ARCHY CAMPBKLL DKOVK. 
 
 NKVKR was heart of young damsel more free and buoyant 
 than that of Paulina Phelps, while speeding over the deeply- 
 shaded roads of Goose Creek, borne in a vehicle so easy, and by 
 a trotter of such admirable speed and vigor. The, day was a 
 fine one; a little warm perhaps; but the heat was scarcely felt 
 by our fair one, going at such a rate, a bree/e playing around 
 her as she flew, and mad Archy Campbell in the best of all 
 p .-sible humors. Never, in fact, did he so excellent! v reconcile 
 bis ritint mood with so much grace and amenity. There was a 
 reckless buoyancy in his words and manner, a playful humor, a 
 wild but not irreverent freedom in what he said, that had an 
 inexpressible charm for his thoughtless companion. She was, 
 as may be supposed, a creature, of extreme levity. She uas 
 playful and capricious, and somewhat wilful. It was one of her 
 weaknesses to aim at being considered strong. Her ambition 
 was to exhibit a strength beyond that usually accorded to her 
 sex a dangerous ambition always which, perhaps, proves 
 nothing more certainly than the real weakness of the party. 
 Hut for this, she had never committed the indiscretion of taking 
 such a drive, with such a gallant, and without any other com 
 panions. 
 
 It is possible that mad Archy calculated on these particulars; 
 but it is just as possible that, in what he thought and resolved 
 upon, bis reference was rather to his own character than to that 
 
 of the lady. He was just the person to conclude according to 
 
 his own desires, without considering their propriety, or in what 
 degree they mif t be acceptable to other persons. To Jatf, 
 
HOW MAP ,\!;< IIY i \MPI;I:I.I. DROVE. 313 
 
 uM he inclinou ti fli.ul t to //, simply 
 isc it wa> the opinion of others tliat the tiling should not or 
 could not he done to startle tlic soher UK.., .Is of thought or 
 policy, with a splendid audacity this was his delight, if not 
 his umhition. He hail conceived <>ne ot these scheme.- 
 achieving the impos>ilde ; his mind had matured its pui j 
 and, witli a method, which always improved his madnos, when 
 his design had taken the shape of a Mill, he had made all his 
 
 preparations. 
 
 This done, he \\:;- ASfOrecL He had no misgivings, either of 
 his own failure, or of the defeat of his purpuse, and, thus AS- 
 I, there WHfl notbing of moodhieai in his manner 
 
 I! - mind wa* not pne to hrood upon its ohjects, 1: - 
 their character, <r extreme the exigencies which they might 
 involve. His COnspiiaciefl never kept him wakeful. YOU would 
 suppose him never to entertain a single thought hey<>nd the 
 moment, (i.iy Rfl a hird in summer, he was j^nrndous in a 
 pricious utterance of the most sportive and thou^iitlc^ fai 
 as if life had no ..l.ject lu-yond the momentary flight or son^. 
 Such a random, headhnii: couple never sped away t>- r ther on 
 such a flight, ami with so little seeming purpose, or with M little 
 regard to the judgments of the considerate and ^rave. 
 
 The;. f l/.ard s can j. Archy 
 
 Campboll had his remarks in passing: 
 
 o place lor deer, that ! I have hunted t! ;ently. 
 
 and with success always Went out last witli old St"< k, and 
 killed a couple of does i:;\ > ; l i\e deer were killed aiimn^ 
 the party. I rOASted Stuck that <lay. fann.usly." 
 
 " llmisi,,] him ! Hnw. pray /" 
 .k him, that i 
 
 " 1 am no nearer voui mraninp J 
 
 " ll i\v ignorant you girl i allowed to 
 
 ce BO, \\ ami .v//r /.///- are the im>st >en>ihle ITOldl in a 
 
 /Y/o\ voralndaiy. We Let on tlie tii>t sh"t, which I pit. 1 
 him for two guineas there. Our next hrt \\ a> \\ the 
 
 ng." 
 
 /. M hat s tli. 
 
 !Mia\\ ! I shall ha\ . , -pMrt-man s dictionary, 
 
 i 1 
 
,814 KATIIAKIXi: WALTON. 
 
 To bag tin 1 ! game, is tlu> proof that you have shot or captured it. 
 1 bagged my deer first, and ,v///r/,- the old major there, also, to 
 the tune of three guineas more. He lust every het. ami was 
 thus rrmxfcd, done dotcn, as they say of roast beef when it ia 
 I one /// ." 
 
 "I declare you have the most mysterious mode offtpeakillg 
 \Vhat now do you mean by done ?////" 
 
 " Ton my soul, you need teaching! Why, what should done 
 ui> mean but undone / The sportsman s language, is the most 
 expressive in the world." 
 
 " It may he, when you can get the key to it. Hut it might 
 as well he Kgyptian tor me! Hut, hold up ; whose charming 
 place is that on the right /" 
 
 "Charming! Pretty enough, but not absolutely charming in 
 inv eves, unless, indeed, you were the charmer at the window, 
 instead of that bh>wsahel you see there. That s one Daniel 
 ( .-union s one of the rebels of the city, who forgot to count 
 the cost of his patriotism before lie adopted the expensive habit. 
 That a man should adopt an unprofitable sentiment ! He has 
 paid for it ! Have you seen enough of the charming settlement? 
 Mv trotter, you see, has no sympathy with you, and is anxious 
 toYe off." 
 
 "Let him go. He is certainly a splendid creature." 
 
 " I- he not ! What a skin be. has ! Did you ever see a more 
 perfect purple hay in your life ? It is like a velvet sijk, only 
 richer; and what legs!" touching him slightly with the whip 
 over his Hanks, and shaking out the reins "now shall yon see 
 him lly !" 
 
 " Nay, do not push him. The sand is heavy." 
 
 Hr M-orns sand! lie is of the genuine Arabian stock, to 
 whom sand is nature. How he speeds! and you scarcely feel 
 the motion. What a pity to lose Mich an animal; and yet--" 
 
 " What! Why think of losing him?" 
 
 "Ha! ha! Paulina; to think that that heathen Turk, Stock, 
 should have set his eyes on the least, that he should hanker 
 after such a creature, and re-illy fancy that he was the m;.:i tu 
 get him. I d sooner cut his throat, than be should have him ; 
 and yet 
 
\I.\D MXiiY c\Mi !;i.u. DUOVK. 
 
 - Vet what " 
 
 44 Wo liavo a hot upon his performances to-ilay." 
 
 Indeed I" 
 
 " Yes ! the trotter is staked against a purse of {guineas; fifty 
 yellow haininors against my purple hay ! Which shall fly, 
 Paulino / The hirds or the hea.st ? Kh ! It would ho a p ty 
 M Mich a creature." 
 
 " I Would Dot IOM> him for tllO Worhl." 
 
 " What would you do to kooji him . " 
 
 " What would I not do /" aiisworod tlio lady. 
 
 Mail Archy chuckled, and with a sly Blanco at IUH cora 
 panion 
 
 " I must win the hot. of course ! 
 
 Surely ; it you can !" 
 
 "Ah! there s the ruh ! // Iran! I must do my 1 
 it leave im means untried for it oh?" 
 
 (Vrtainly i. 
 
 p. tly. overturn fences, hreak through farm-yards, lau^h 
 at the laws, it nece.vsarv, the c hun li . " 
 
 "All! all!" cried the ^ay damsel, with a meny 
 "anything rather than lose so heautiful and lino a horse. Hut 
 you have not told me what tho hot i.- , Theie is im p 
 
 ui.out it r 
 
 "Ah! hut there is! for the jire>eiit at loast ; hut you will 
 ho the tii>t t. know it, 1 I , I am re>.,lvod to win it, 
 
 and will ! If I had entei taiued any d.ml . ymir onrour- 
 
 .,ont ha.s settled them. I .ut 1 may call u]>on \ 
 
 Indeed, to c<.nfe-v the truth, the het is of such a n.v 
 that, without your help. I shall lo>.- it. May I count uj. 
 
 "Oh! tO b Mire 1 I .ut you rack mo \\itli ouri" 
 can you do M. / !>. yu forget that I am a woman f f> 
 
 " Heaven forhid ! It is as a woman only that ; 
 will he valuahle. I .ut, rest in patie: >oaMHi. In truth, 
 
 Ue secret will ho \\orth nothing \ y>u at j.rosont. It 
 tlmso \\hich can have ID inteiot, hut in tho iimmoiit I 
 
 ry ; and that di>civerv. I pr- ii, 
 tr you." 
 
 44 Ami to-day ?" 
 
: WALTON. 
 
 4 Before the day is out ; nay, possibly, in the course of a very 
 few hours. But here is Garden s. You know the doctor and 
 his place, Otranto T 
 
 " Yes ; shall we stop ?" 
 
 " By no means ! we should suffocate ! Don t you suffer, at 
 this distance, from the perfume of his favorite flowers to which 
 his name is given the Gardenia /" 
 
 " I see none of them." 
 
 " But you scent them ?" 
 
 " I can t say I do." 
 
 "It don t matter, we are safely past. Go it, Turcoman go 
 it, Arab ! You know not (but you should know, ! most royal 
 beast) what a burden of beauty it is that you carry You know 
 not, oh ! bird-eyed deserter, that upon your legs depends the 
 happiness which you enjoy, in the possession of such a master ; 
 nay, the happiness which your master enjoys in the possession 
 of such a beauty. You shall help him to get more exquisite 
 joys, my sleek-skinned Arabian ! This day shall be marked 
 with a white stone in our calendar! You shall feed on silver 
 oats hereafter; you shall sleep in a .stable of swan s down; and 
 there shall be a page, night and morning, to sprinkle you with 
 rose- water, ere you come forth, as a fleet hippogriti , bearing the 
 lady of my love to pleasure." 
 
 Speaking this extravagance, which he concluded with a wild 
 whistle, our harem-scarcm cavalier touched gracefully and lightly 
 the purple Hanks now slightly flecked with froth, of the high- 
 spirited animal ; who went oft* with increasing impulse at an 
 application which rather showed than enforced the desire of hin 
 
 master. 
 
 * Why, you are quite poetical !" exclaimed Paulina. 
 
 "Should I be otherwise ? I have a champagne exbilarance 
 working in brain and bosom ! I feel that 1 have wings. I am 
 v>n my way better mounted than ever was .Mahomet, when lie 
 rode Alborak, the mule to something more certain to give me 
 happiness than any of his seven heavens! And did you note 
 that my noble Arabian understood every word I said /" 
 
 " I can t say that I did !" 
 
 "Indeed; where could vou have been looking all the while t 
 
HOW MAI) &RCH1 ELL DROVE. 317 
 
 Did you not see how lie threw uj) his head ; how his ears I 
 erected; with what an air he set down his foot, and steppoil nil 
 as if lie knew there was nothing hut air to receive him / He 
 understood me., he RUTC yllahle ; and that whistle which 
 
 I gave" here he repeated it "do yon see what .. 
 honnd he takes, as it with the view to leaving the shafts 
 hehind him? But he, shan t do that! How we spin how 
 
 :ly even as the fairies do! Do yon helieve in fai 
 Paulina ?" 
 
 ho sure I do ! Not your masculine fairies, they 
 c<>ai>e a creature. Your Oheron is a sort of monster, for 
 amjde ; hut I have, no douht ahout Titania, and Loline, and 
 Nviujihalin, and t: ; tlie tender srx. 1 would not 
 
 uji my faith in the female fairies for all the world." 
 
 A.- if these could he tolerahlo, even to thomsrlve.s. without 
 a just proportion of the other se\ How wo pi! Th.it 1 
 should pvc up such a hu>o as this! It \\ 
 
 make .such a het ; hut, with your encouragement, Paulina, may 
 1 B utterly consumed in hitumen, if I toM him! You Bftj I 
 shall not and I will not. Paulina, you do not ki 
 
 " What do you mean \ \ know that you are Mad Arehy 
 
 OampbelH " 
 
 "Ah! hut not fnu Archy Carnphell ! Y"ii shall MM-! YOU 
 know me! Well, I suppose you do, in some r. Von 
 
 know me most devoted wor>hippcr. Thai I 
 
 granted; hut you little know that I can set tire to the \ 
 trnijilo in which 1 worship! Hy .Jupiter Ammon, to en 
 Balt our s most ox: : . capahle of a devilish si;ht 
 
 of thinjrs of which yon have no conception !" 
 
 " You wi>h to scare me, do y.ni / Hut you re in i 
 
 know enough of \.,-,i (.> f-ar you nothing!" 
 
 "Ah! Kli ! I)o ym; Well, .h. you see that Imjj 
 
 ;u r to make his way into that coinfudd / a hup 1 1" 
 U they woidtl havo hunted with do^, and cry, and 1 
 in the forest of Ardenne>. Y-u 
 
 against the fence, ahsolutely heat to send it down hy i. 
 force \ Now shall you >oe n:c , ! those wheel > over his 
 
 hack hefore he or von can civ out 
 
318 KATHAIIIXK WALTON. 
 
 "For Heaven s sake, Archy Campbell, don t think of such a 
 tiling! Do y,i, sco tin- ditc-li I We .-hall he upset." 
 
 " Not ;i Lit of it ! Through the ditch we go ! II a ! Smack !" 
 and the whip was now laid on with unction. "Bravo! Least ot 
 mine ; across him for a thousand !" 
 
 A jolt -a hound the ditch is crossed, and, even while tho 
 hog, with forefeet erect, is pressing all his weight against tho 
 worm-fence, which lie had already half shaken from its proprj. 
 cty, the obedient horse took the irregular motion which had 
 been prescribed to him, and the vehicle rose in air, upon the 
 Log s quarters, and hung in this manner for a perilous instant. 
 A scream from the lady was nothing to the wild succession of 
 screams that issued from the throat of the porker. Down rolled 
 the 1 .east into the ditch ; down, for an instant, settled the wheels 
 upon him ; another jolt of the vehicle, and the ditch was re- 
 crossed; the wheels recovered their balance, and oil Lonnded 
 the good Arabian, seemingly as heedless as his master, of the 
 condition of the hog. Before Paulina had recovered, Mad Archy 
 spoke, : 
 
 "By Jupiter Ammon, it was almost a hang! I knew that 
 there was some peril in it from the first, Paulina, and but for 
 your assuranc e that nothing could scare you, I should never 
 have tried it. You arc. a fearless creature not once to cry 
 aloud not once to tremble." 
 
 Then, looking round with a mischievous smile, into her face 
 " Nt the slightest change, in your color or feature! Ah! Pau 
 lina, yon are worthy to be a soldier s wife. You hnn> courage, 
 indeed!" 
 
 This novel sort of flattery did not. soothe the lady very ma 
 terially. If imt absolutely scared, she was bewildered and con 
 founded. She felt that a mocking devil was in the smile, \\hich 
 beheld her features. She knew that they were pale. She felt 
 that her heart and lips were equally trembling. She knew that 
 she had screamed in her momentary terror, and was as perfectly 
 Satisfied that he had heard her M-ream. She spoke nothing. 
 She began now to feel all the imprudence of which she had 
 been guilty in riding with such a co.npaiiion. W;is he, mad or 
 not? He wan rapidly, to her mind rcali/.ing the propriety of 
 
BOW M \i> ,\i;< HI > AMl KKi.L DI:OVK. 
 
 the epithet which had hitherto heen conferred upon him in jot. 
 Hi> recklosmi -Miming an aspect ijuite as uncoinfort 
 
 to her, as his madness would have been, lie did not allow her 
 apprehensions to subside. 
 
 " Y>u .say nothing, Paulina / Perhaps, you wonder that 1 
 sliould suppose it a meritorious show of courage, on your part, 
 t< fee! no fear at such a small adventure. Hut I can assure v.n, 
 that mn.xt of your sex would have felt or expressed some alarm. 
 You do neither. All! it is delightful to drive such a wo) 
 One is annoyi-d at the petty feminine fears which see danger in 
 IT, do yo.i see yonder pines ^rowin^ upon the old 
 track? I ll venture a guinea that there is scai rely a lady in 
 Cl :!e.ston who would not he disquieted at my driving Let-.- 
 them !" 
 
 " For Heaveu .s sake, sir, do not attempt it!" cried the dam- 
 Md, now seriously alarmed, and all over in a tremor, catching 
 his ;m:i as >he -poke. 
 
 "Ah! child Patdina, this apprehension is ex; r me ! 
 
 Von U-el none yourself. You dread that I will falter at thu 
 proper moment, and li- y driving. Hut 1 will show 
 
 that 1 am as cool and firm of i \ ou are. I have i 
 
 through that ^ro\e 1 efore ! I led the wav f..r Harrv and M .M 
 lion. I drove old Stock, and the old fellow hadn t a word tu 
 By that I knew Ids ner, L W- \N i nt 
 
 through at a hound. \Ve tm- ::-ui ed it aflerwar<l, ami t 
 hut an inch to span- on each hand. Then I .-limited 
 
 me on ; and he did after a fa>hion ! He IOOH >a\\ -i-ht> ! 
 The trees, hr ime m,t into the path. The left \\heel 
 
 struck, locked, was torn out. and ran a hundred \ 
 h->s. Harry went out on one .side, as if making hi> 
 
 pet river; while M Malioii, for the first time taking a di: 
 ent direction, hounced upward, on his wav to 1 \\ .i 
 
 picked them hoth u]> with I. loody n -<. Ma! Smack! TI. 
 man ! Now for it, and oh ! vill.vn. if you 
 riliand, 1 11 roast your thinks for you !" 
 
 With a lon^r wlii>tle, our .Jehu :_ r a\e the animal tin- 
 threw his head forward, slightly in-- :p >n the 
 , ami, in a moment. Paul. is ..f the passage 
 
320 KATHAltlxi; WALTOH. 
 
 between the trees. The wheels rolled on a root, ami the slight 
 shock, in her nervous condition, persuaded her that the vehicle 
 had gone to pieces. A deep sigh escaped her, and when Arehy 
 looked round upon her face again, with that half diabolic smile, 
 the madman felt that he had conquered. She was powerless. 
 The lustre had left her eyes. Her cheeks were pallid ! Tlu 
 gaze with which she met his own, was tlrtit of a subject. The 
 fair coquette, so boastful of her strength and courage, was abso 
 lutely speechless ; but she could still appreciate the danger of 
 A philosophy so wild as that with which her companion contin 
 ued to regale her senses. 
 
 " Talk of driving !" said he. "There s no driving where 
 lii -re s no danger! Where s the, merit of doing that? A cat 
 may drive a blind horse over a beaten track, and safely keep 
 the centre; but it is a man only that can scrape the edge of a 
 precipice with his wheel, yet never cease to whittle while hc fl 
 doing it ! I could take you now, Paulina, full speed, among all 
 the tombs and vaults of the Goose Creek churchyard, chip the 
 corner of every tombstone, whirl three times round the church, 
 leaving but an inch to spare between the corners and the wheels, 
 and haul up at the altar place, cool enough for the marriage 
 ceremony ! There s the church, now !" 
 
 And he touched the flanks of the trotter with his whip, and 
 began to whistle. 
 
 " Oh ! for Heaven s sake, Mr. Campbell, don t think of it." 
 
 The poor girl found her voice in anticipation of new and 
 greater danger. 
 
 " Don t think of what?" he demanded. 
 
 " Driving among the tombstones. It can t be done with 
 Kafety. l 
 
 "Can t be done! What will you bet on it ? I ll show you. 
 Such an imputation on my skill in driving ! Ah you think I 
 fear ? You would test my courage my nerves in every way ! 
 You are a fearless creature; but you shall see that 1 have as 
 firm a heart as yourself." 
 
 " Oh ! I do not mean that, Mr. Campbell. I am not firm. I 
 nm fearful very fearful. In fact, I feel quite sick. I must 
 have some water " 
 
now M.\I AUCHY . \MI-I;I I.L MJOVK. :;-Jl 
 
 " It is this cursed hea>r ! II slowly ! H, 
 
 if ho h.-ul tlu> p.ut ! We have ht-.-n a tedious time on the i 
 and you arc naturally tired out. I could cut the rascal s tl. 
 Water! we will -et it at the parsona-e. We will diive ! 
 first; after that we can visit the church. It : the pret 
 
 tied of the antiquities in all the low country. Fine : 
 aisles fine mahogany pew> carved work in nhnndai;ee. and 
 hut," looking round upon the pale face of his companion, 
 " hut for the pai>ona<rt l , now ! You know the rect..r, Hllm-tun /" 
 -o to the parsona. 
 
 phew !" a shrill prolonged whistle, and artistlike Hourish 
 of the " persuader," as he styled his whip, and the vehicle was 
 whirled up at the door of the parsonage. 
 
K ATM A KINK WALTON. 
 
 (JII A PTEll XXXV. 
 
 How MAD AKCMV CAMI UKLL WON HIS BIIIDK. 
 
 lr is probably very well known by our readers, that the es 
 tablishment of the English cliurch was that which generally 
 pre\ -ailed before, and during the Revolution, throughout all the 
 jKiris/i country of South (Carolina. Hence, indeed, th&parOcJd- 
 nl divisions which exist in the same region to this day, occa 
 sioning something like a political anomaly in the distribution of 
 civil power throughout the. state. The church establishment, 
 at that period, was a highly respectable one. Great Britain had 
 a reasonable sense of what was due to externals, at least in mat 
 ters of religion ; and th*e temples which she raised for worship 
 were strong, fair-proportioned brick fabrics. Good dwellings, 
 near at hand, were provided for the. rectors, and the incumbent 
 was usually one of those "sleek, oily men of God," who show 
 themselves duly sensible of the, value of an arrangement which 
 HO happily unites tbe. state with the church 
 
 In Smith Carolina, the English church was probably quite as 
 well served by its priests as in any other of the colonies per 
 haps better than in most. It posse.-^sed a very fair amount of 
 education, talent, and good manners. The, reverend Edward 
 Ellington, the rector at (loose Creek, was a very respectable 
 clergyman a man of good looks, easy, pleasant address, and 
 fair ability. There are those living who have listened to and 
 been greatly edified by his preaching. As far as we can learn, 
 though an honest man, and laboring properly in his vocation, he 
 did not Miller his xeal to distress his nervous system was of a 
 gentU- and easy disposition not at all favorable to martyrdom ; 
 
HOW M \ : HIS imiDB. 
 
 and. probably. was much i:i >, Me t<> turtle-son]) ; nd 
 
 M eira. 
 
 W- do not blame liiin lor tills. Men must live and ttul ac- 
 M to the endowments of their nature. Tin* phlegm atic 
 
 temperament may l>e united to a verv excellent liead a id a 
 pod Cliri.stian disposition. without feeling at all anxious t> en 
 joy the distinctions of John lingers : indeed, without any j -ver- 
 i--h y.eal to vex and ^m\i\ their neighbors into the way of j 
 Mr. KHiie/t" -i wa< a pi tliis order. He was mild and 
 
 meek, and indulgent; no fierce reformer; and perfectly *ntis- 
 lie ! \\ith a i\ <ck which betrayed the least possible distn st iii 
 
 :d to their situation as well as his own. It was seldor that 
 flock or pastor diMnrhe 1 the <juiet of one another, or sn lered 
 from anv spasmodical excitements to which they could jr n e the 
 name >f reli^i-m. Whether they vere worse or hetter than 
 their neighbors, in conse juence of thi- e,i-y mode of euro .nter- 
 in^ tlie f!,->li ai,.l the devil, is n piestion which it does n -t bo- 
 come our province to di.- 
 
 jiastor was ta:. -aso on th.^ >liady side of hi- 
 
 /.i a> Mad Archy Campl-cll and tlio fair Paulina drove up to his 
 CUtnmce. Th ll > le-tr i them, and a .servair. in a 
 
 neat lr. <TV jiroinptly made his appearance, to whom Can pludl 
 thiew his icins; then, jumping out with an easy hound, 1 
 
 .pauion, tn-inhlinr all the while, to the solid t arlL, 
 liei heart i. eating almost audibly with the sense of a dhi 
 
 The worthy paMor arose from the t t of 
 canvass, on which lie had been soliciting his sie>ta, and j. 
 
 ended the flight of sti-ps leading to the pia/./.a, to re. 
 and uelcoiiie the parties, lioth of whom he ^li^htly knew. 
 
 \\ lth a sMir.( \\ h it ; .>i-te; " :- . Archy 
 
 to the gentle salutation of the rector, wh>, ^ivin^ hi- 
 Tauli ia, assisted her into the dwelling. She sank feebly 
 the fir<t chair that pr in the pia/7a. and faintly 
 
 calh d for a ;lasH of water, which was immediately bro". 
 Mr. KHin.irton s.n p-.-rn-ivi- ! that her \ hnf 
 
 dlSCOmpOSOd, but lie \va* fon phlcgniAtk > fine the fiih 
 
 extent to which thev h-id i- -n t ied ! M M d Archy ^.IT 
 him little leisure for meditation or scrutiny. 
 
324 KATll. \II1XK \V\l.i \ 
 
 "We arc out of breath, parson ! Surli a horse ! Look at 
 the creature ! Hardly milled ; never a .stain upon Ins skin ; 
 and just enough moisture to increa.M 1 tin 1 beautv of liis purple. 
 Yci. ll hardly think it, but we have, reached you in less than 
 two hours from the city." 
 
 The preacher looked incredulous ; turning his eyes from one 
 to tl.c other of his visiters, with a doubt fill inquiry in his glance. 
 
 " By Moses and Aaron, parson, but what I tell you is the 
 truth," was the irreverent response. Tin- rector looked A he- 
 comi.ig gravity as he. replied 
 
 4 Swear not at all !" 
 
 "Oh! psho ! Parson, you don t call that an oath ? I only 
 appe-iled to such witnesses as I thought you might believe iu 
 Now Moses and Aaron ought to he good evidence with vi.u. 
 and f you have any mode of communicating with them, you 
 can s >on learn that what I tell you is solemn, hnnl-filYorcil fact. 
 Don t you see, that Miss Phelps has not yet recovered hreath. 
 In truth, we Hew rather than rode. It is a beast among a thou 
 sand, that of mine! Pity to lose such a heast, eli, Paulina? 
 13ut you say we must not lose him, and we, will not. Parson, if 
 you have no objection, we M ill let him pick from that grass plat 
 on the left; there, under those oaks, where he will find both 
 shade, and substance." 
 
 T ie rector was evidently bewildered by his vi.siter, but lie 
 consented to the arrangement ; and, with a few words to the 
 osth r, the horse was stripped of his furniture. In the meanwhile., 
 ranging the pia/xa with the air of Sultan Solyman, Mad Archy 
 divi le.d his attention between the rector, the lady, and the A 
 hian. Tin- gig was suffered to remain beneath the .shade, trees 
 at the entrance. 
 
 " Von have a world to yourself, Mr. Ellington," was the con 
 descending remark of Campbell. " ( an be happy here as tlu 
 lay is long. Hut your world would not suit me. Peace is not 
 my (dement. Rep-iM- dues not refresh me. I pu-fer a Morn. 
 any dav to a calm ; and if I were doomed to such a life a.- 
 yours, I should burn down the parsonage first, and then the 
 -Jmrch, if it were only to have the trouble of rebuilding them. 
 Did you ever in your life enjoy a bit of fun, parson / Were y-i 
 
HO\V M \!. A kll BELL \V()N HIS HIIIDK. 
 
 ever in a n>\\ When \ ou \\ere a hoy. for example, did you 
 ever knock down a watchman, 1*1 upset his hox /" 
 
 " N ! the parson meekly. 
 
 " A: C ge, i <"< :, you have taken tlie road as a whip ? 
 You liave rode steeple chases; you have torn oil the gown of 
 an official, < f * dark night, and met his eyes innocently in the 
 morning ?" 
 
 " I am glad to say that I have never done any of these 
 
 "(Had to say ( 1 don t see why it should make you glad ! 
 But you are fond of cards, I am certain." 
 
 "I acknowledge that 1 find pleasure ina ruMier of u lii.st 
 with shilling poiii* 
 
 " Shilling points ! Silver! There is no dignity in such play. 
 What think you of fifty guineas on a cast/" Then, \\ithout 
 waiting for an aiisuer: " Now, pray, look at that heast of mine. 
 II- i B depei Iff Oil his and my performance to-day. HI 
 done his part thus far, with very excellent success. I must not 
 neglect mine. 1 >o you know Stock, Major Stock, Mr. Kl 
 lingt 
 
 " I do not, sir." 
 
 "The last man in the world to do justice t> a horse like that! 
 It is handy pOfriblc that he thinks to own him. He has put 
 fifty guineas on his head; and it will soon he certain whether 
 he or 1 shall have the felicity of Hinging the rihands over him 
 hereafter. This day will decide it. That warns me th;. 
 time is to he ht. Paulina, my love, you have said that \v e 
 must not lose the horse; and you are right! Pray, ri.-r, my 
 chaimer. Par-on, \\ e have come to he married; will you make 
 the ceremony a> .short as possihle I We must take our di: 
 in town to-day !" 
 
 The parson looked more bewildered than ever. The lady 
 stared aghast, he: - _"ing from one to the other gentle 
 
 man. Both the p. ileut. Campbell grew 
 
 impa; 
 
 "Zounds! parson don t you hear? don t y<>u coin t re 
 bend ( we are come to he married." 
 
 44 Are you serious, Mr. Camp hell ?" 
 
.".-J ( KATHAuI.Xi: WALTON. 
 
 "Serious! Do I look like the man to jest when my happi 
 ness is at stake I Is nut happine>s one of the most serious in 
 terests in this life? Have we ridden up to you for any less oh- 
 ject ? I tell you, sir, that Mi>s Paulina IMielps and myself have 
 come hither to be married. We know the pleasure that you 
 feel in bringing hearts together, and we entreat this ollice at 
 your hands. Will youjiot rise, my Paulina? I know that y< u 
 are fatigued, but the church requires that we should be married 
 in a standing posture, with head uncovered ; unless, indeed, one 
 is too sick to rise, and suffers from a bad cold ; then some allow 
 ance is made lor the suffering party. But we can make no such 
 plea. Come, sweetheart! It will occupy but a few moments. 
 
 The lady remained seated and silent, but looked more terror- 
 stricken than ever. The rector beheld the expression of her 
 face, and it suggested to him the answer to Campbell s demand. 
 
 " I will cheerfully marry you," he said, if the lady consents 
 to it." 
 
 "If the lady consents to it! And what right have you to 
 suppose that the lady will not consent to it? For what purpose, 
 has she come hither? Do you question my word? Should I 
 not know? What ! She says nothing herself! Well, sir, and 
 does not a lady s silence mean consent? Are you capable of 
 making no allowance for the delicacy of feelings which would 
 rather have, you understand them, without absolutely forcing the 
 tongue to speak ! Sir, I m shocked and surprised at you. Learn 
 better, hereafter, how to appreciate, the nice feelings of the sex." 
 
 44 hut, sir Mr. Campbell " 
 
 "No unnecessary words, Mr. Kllington we are in haste; 
 We must be in town for dinner. The sooner, therefore, you ojli 
 ciate, the better. We are both of marriageable years, vuid 
 should know what we de>;re." 
 
 44 You speak for yourself, Major Campbell." 
 
 44 /ounds, man, I speak for the lady also." 
 
 "She does not say tliut /" turning and looking at Paulina. 
 The, poor girl caught his hand and looked appeaiingly into his 
 face. 
 
 44 But she says nothing airainst if," replied Campbell. 
 
 "That will not suffice, Major Campbell. She must speak for 
 
HOW M.\l> AIM I!V < AMIT.KU. \V)\ HIS HIIIDK. 
 
 her.-i lf !" replied the rector, taking an accent and a.-pect of ? 
 decision. 
 
 "Ha! do JTOB -ay that!" exclaimed ( amphell, in sulidued 
 
 tones, his rye re-tin^ upon the face of the jale and trendilinj; 
 
 na " I). i yon say tliat I Yon are not satisfied with what 
 
 I tell yon! NOW, hy .Jupiter Aniinon, you many us instantly, 
 
 >r 1 -A ill hlow your hrains out ! It is an oath!" 
 
 With these words drawing a pair of pistols from his coat, he 
 clapped one of them to the head of the rector, cocked it quickly, 
 and repeated the oath. 
 
 We arc conic hither to he married! Either you many us, 
 or I put a hrace >f hnllets through your hrains. I anlma, tear 
 nothing, my h>ve ; he shall do as 1 command. 1 will somier 
 shoot hoth of us, than see you disappointed." 
 
 Ellington looked into the fare of the madman, and read then* 
 a (1- . desperate resolution, under which his firmness HIC- 
 
 cumhed. He liai! met the eyes of a master. He felt that 
 
 ii with whom he had to deal was capalde of any 6XC6M or 
 violence. lie leagued rapidly with himself under the exigency 
 of his situation. 
 
 "It is true," he said, " that the lady seems paralyxed with 
 tenor, and evidently appeals to me for protection from this man ; 
 hut why has she intrusted herself to him! t nless mar: 
 
 her purpose, why consent to such a hair-hrained expedition 
 as the present one which should seriously invoke her reputa 
 tion i To perform this oth ee will really i tins reputa 
 tion ; and if the lady does not know her own mind, it is hi;li 
 time she had somehody to teach her all necessary lessons in fu 
 ture." 
 
 Such \\ere the rapid conditions of the rector, under tin 
 cive terrors of ( amphell s pistols. The latter iraxv him hut lit 
 tle time. He MW that the par- i.irmrd and prepared to 
 yield, lie had no douht of the pliant nature of the lady. 
 
 " Hark ye, Mr. Kllinjrtmi, I am willing 
 
 even though 1 shoot yon. i / /////. and - and 
 
 ghoot myself, rather than p> hack to tin- city to he a finder p.-int 
 
 for evM-y d <1 hlockhead in the . \ 
 
 to what is the common 1),, you suppose 
 
328 K AT HA It INK WALTON. 
 
 t.h-it Miss Phelps rode out with me to Goose Creek with me 
 alone unless she understood that my purpose was honorable 
 marriage? You can not surely suppose her a simpleton. What 
 then? Shall 1 disappoint her reasonable calculations? Will 
 you contribute to this result, at the manifest risk of this lady s 
 
 character ? By , sir, you shall not ! We shall both perish 
 
 6rst. Rise, Paulina, my love. Mr. Ellington sees the justice 
 and propriety of all I say." 
 
 Campbell took the lady s hand as he spoke, and looked into 
 her eye, with that mixed smile of deviltry and aflcction which 
 be had shown her in the maddest moments of their morning 
 drive. She rose as if unconsciously passively yielding at his 
 will and, in this action, she afforded to the, rector an opportu 
 nity of complying with the demand which his courage did not 
 allow him any longer to oppose. lie conducted the couple into 
 the parlor, and prepared his books. We mav pass over a brief 
 period of delay consumed in preliminaries, which greatly in 
 creased the impatience of Campbell, Uis madness had so much 
 method in it, as never for a moment to allow him to lose any 
 thing that he had gained. lie still continued, by words and ac 
 tions, to keep up the apprehensions of the rector and the terror 
 of the damsel. To the latter he, said, while the former was ma 
 king his preparations 
 
 "It is a sublime thing to perish with one that we love! I 
 have always thought well of French passion, from the fVeijucncv 
 of this habit among that people. A couple, truly devoted, will 
 say to each other other We are happy why should we en 
 danger our love by exposing it to the vicissitudes nf time . We 
 
 might change a terrible caprice mi^ht endanger both heart, 
 
 and familiarity produces coldness, and age neglect, Better es 
 cape this peril. Now, that love is secure, let us die together! 
 And they agree, and suffocate themselves with charcoal, dying 
 together in the sweetest embrace ; or, they drown together, and 
 are taken up locked in each other s arms; or, the man shoots 
 the woman, and taking her upon his bosons, in this attitude 
 shoots himself! This is love this is to be, beloved !" 
 
 And, thus speaking, he kissed the pistol in his grasp, with the 
 air of one who embraces a 1 -iiefactor Poor Paulina had not a 
 
HOW MAD AilCH Y C \M!M ,i:!. I. \V.)\ HIS BRIDE. 
 
 word to utter. When tli<> reitor prepared t officiate. Campl-ell 
 
 still kept one of tlif pi>tols in hit .:nl. sometimes, as it nn- 
 
 ;oiis]y, would point it, taking aim the while, with a 
 
 . at the mirror, or the picture* against the wa! 
 through the windows. To the ceremonial requisitions, Paulina 
 iroopinirly ; an action that the rector preferred to con- 
 stiue into a proof of modesty rather than of fear. lint the cere- 
 ninny was performed ; and, flinging a pnr.xe containing ten guin 
 eas into the hands of the parson, Cainp hell exclaimed 
 
 " We have <aved the horse, Paulina : I knew we should : hnt 
 it is at the peril OJ life. I y Jupiter, hnt he will Mvear! 
 
 We must do our madman the justice to say that he closed the 
 aony hy most affectionately kissing the hride, and hy wrap 
 jiinir her in an en: : fervent :- 
 
 devoted lover. Then, leavinj* her with the : -al 
 
 lied forth to ^ive orders fur the liar: f his trotter to the 
 
 vehicle.* 
 
 " This is a strange proceeding. Mrs. ramphell ;" remarked the 
 
 \Viy. -ir," cried the newly-weilded wif--, rl.-.spi i^- her hands 
 with strong emotion ; " hut what could 1 do ?" 
 
 Further explanations were, perhaps, fortunately anoted at 
 tliis moment, hy a clamor and a loud sli.utinr. which sounded 
 from the road without. The rector mov >d to the entrance, fol 
 lowed l.y Paulina, and there dix-overed a Pritish dragoon, riding 
 at full speed up to the dwelling. Meanwhile, har 
 
 nessed to he 1 Arehy.and that worthy, more ma^niti- 
 
 cent than ever in his carriage, was ji >t al ..nt a>- "i.din^ (),,, 
 I of tin 1 pia/.xa, when arrested hy the appe.i the 
 
 This dragoon, as the reader will readily conjecture, was the 
 fujritive who had succeeded in making his e.vcajte from 
 
 * It may 1..- it ]>r\ i tluit lJi.> 
 
 Tia^ . thai If^nt.-.l, >\:>\ > . . -, un.i.-r il n-umnUin- 
 
 6C, 
 
 M nlmve. I !, hininrlf, mil !*<] IUMI 1 1 v rt-|><irt-.| all lli- pnrtirnlnr*. W niny 
 .11. th:it lon<_ ft!"!- r. Mi-, t i ; ; 1.,-H u.linitte! that *!> 
 
 u-l t.rriti.-.i into tli.- :i.-t ; llii! ^1,,. lui.l i- . \rchy 
 
 for u lni"l>iiii.l 
 
830 
 
 K ATM A RISE WALTON. 
 
 "Quarter House," and from tl,o -rasp of Walton s partisan,, at 
 the moment when his companion was taken. He had been 
 pursued, for several miles, very closely l,y a couple of Walton s 
 troopers; but, through the merits of his stout English dragon,, 
 horse, had heen fortunate enough to leave them hehind him. 
 That they still pursued, he had no reason to question, and a cer 
 tain urgent conviction of his danger, led him very readily to 
 place himself entirely under the direction of Mad Archv. II,. 
 had almost unconsciously followed the track of Campbell * 
 wheels, and now only drew his breath with ease, when lie found 
 himself in the presence of so famous a fire-eater ! 
 
DOW BALFOL U BPEGDC I\ HI- WOOING. bttl 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI. 
 
 HOW BALFOUR SPREES IN HIS WOOING. 
 
 IF anything moved by what he heard, the feelings of Camp 
 hell, as he listened to the narrative of the dragoon, were rather 
 of a sort t welcome tlie tidings with delight, than to recoil : 
 them with apprehension. Strife, tumult, the hazard of the die, 
 the rare provocation to wild adventure, were things grateful 
 to his impnh-ive temper. But he subjected the IK. 
 cl<-e and M-nsihle cross-examination. From him, ho\\ e\ r, l.e 
 gathered little beyond the simple facts detailed at his tii>t en 
 trance. HO\\- he and his comrade, had heen surprised by H 
 
 lie latter knocked down and taken, and hit. 
 pursued till within three miles of the parsonage; this was all 
 that he could tell. Of the captivity of Williamson he knew 
 nothing. Oamphell readily conjectured it ; and, 
 t< he the object of the expedition of the par 
 
 1 the full danger of the captive. He 
 
 suaded. from what he heard, that they had disappeared : 
 the scene of action as soon as thev had .secured their victim. 
 Hi- rearmed for their policy >\ith reference to their i; 
 and reasoned justly. A s<juad of fifty light-horse were not likely 
 to linger long in a neighborhood 
 after such an adventure. HU decision was taken ah: .tly. 
 
 " Paulina, mv love, let us lie oiT ! \Ye must jush with all 
 speed for the city ! Not a moment to spare, 
 a thousand thanks, for the .spontaneous manner in which 
 have complied with my \\i> 
 
 This was spoken with a delightful grin, that CAOMCl ;t 
 
& K A THAU INK WALTON. 
 
 suffusion upon the cheek <if the rector. But the, disij-uiet which 
 he felt did not prevent him from expostulating \vitli the husband 
 upon tlie peril of taking his wile with him upon such an adven 
 ture, threatened, as he was, with enemies upon the. road. 
 
 "You will surely leave Mrs. Campbell in my protection, 
 nntil " 
 
 "Devil a hit will I ! In your protection, forsootli ! As well 
 ask me to employ the wolf to keep my Hocks. IIo ! ho ! rever 
 ent sir. He who has hut a single diamond, and that so precious, 
 will do \\ ell to keep it in his single hosom only. Shall I just get 
 a wife to part with her so soon? I were as mad as my worst 
 enemies are pleased to consider me, were I to do so ridiculous a 
 thing; and, sufl er me to say, nuvning no particular personal dis 
 paragement to yourself, Mr. Ellington, that 1 have no such faith 
 in your cloth, as to leave to any of the brotticrhood the keeping 
 of my ewe lamb. She goes with inc. She is a soldier s wile. \Ye 
 will encounter the danger together. You shall carry one of my 
 pistols/ Paulina ! You shall! They are both charged with a 
 brace of bullets! And when I say the word, look you, then 
 shall you thrust out the weapon thus, full in the face of the 
 assailant, and, keeping your eye open all the time, you will pull 
 tenderly upon this little bit of curved iron, do you see, and leave 
 the icst of the ail air to me!" 
 
 Campbell suited the action to the. word, while giving these 
 instructions. The rector was too much disconcerted by his 
 speech to expostulate any further, and the. bold-hearted Paulina 
 Mas as much subdued as if she had been caged for six months 
 on bread and water. 
 
 to your pistols!" said Campbell to the dragoon, as he 
 lifted the passive, wife into the vehicle. " \Ye shall have a glo 
 rious day of it, Paulina. Hy my soul, you urc a heroine! 
 There, my angel, I put one of these bull-dogs behind you. Jle 
 sh-ill give tongue at a moment s warning. You do not fear, eh /" 
 No !" was the faint respmi.se. 
 
 "1 thought, not (Jood-by to ye, pars.m ! We shall pay you 
 another visit at seed-time, and harvest,! There, my lad!" 
 throwing the .servant a couple of shillings. " And now, my 
 bio -d. my beauty, now that I have saved you from the rapacioui 
 
HOW I .Ai.mri: SPEEDS IN m< fl 
 
 ,. show your uratitude liy -houm- your 
 
 " Phew :" a wild whistle, followed l.y a tlouri-h. Bin ;:>rp 
 
 application ->f the whip, and the iroodly trotter \v nt oil at a hound 
 that so..!! left the parsonage out of M-ht hehind them. 
 
 .v am I the happiest of living men, Paulina : I have ti 
 B and the loveliest wife in the country I shall mark tin 
 with a \\hitr stone in my calendar. How that inanieluke. old V 
 will irrowl ! P,y .Jupiter, a treble triuinpli ! I have not only won 
 
 i.ut conquered him. and saved IJiuvplialt;- My pfed 
 what say you: shall we make the drive to Charleston in an \\> 
 
 n do it ! " 
 " It will kill your h 
 
 : y likely But I feel happy enough to ]) killing s<m< thini:. 
 and if tli i>el- do not give as 8 chance at them. I shall hi- 
 
 wolfish ! .-t in town. I lark you, my -ood fellow," to the 
 
 "ii. " iio\v many pur-ued you. do \ 
 
 Tu,,. major, that I >aw <!OM- after me. Ti maoj more 
 
 at the (Quarter.* " 
 1 1 \\ 1 1 . 
 " ^^ i-e liian lifty." 
 
 oidy two pursued you" Why the d 1 didn t you 
 HiMil. v. lien \,u had drawn them out of the reach of tl ff^ " 
 
 You \\ere well armed, had yur ^-ilin- and pi- 1 
 One of them I had already emptied, major." 
 
 " Well the other w:i- enough ; the -word for oi f the i 
 
 and the pistol for hi- m.-r \..u. m \- .j- 1 fellow, if you ^how 
 
 better spirit while with me, I ll ihool ymi m\ my \\ife 
 
 shall do ii l.ook you, I aiilina. u-e \.-ur pi-tol upon this I. 
 dragoon the moment that you see him di-jox,.,l to skulk. Tha 
 mav l.e alilr !> do it de\. r v. i : tho 
 
 left ; keep jil-t tiv. that \>u may he \\ilhin 
 
 id -( c that you keep up. I warn \ .u lhal \-u u ill 
 have to gallop like thunder if you expect to d<> no : hut if you do n..t 
 keep up the Phili-tiiies will U- upon you Phew!" and the u-ual 
 whi-tle concluded the -peech. and W9M f"li- tlouri-li 
 
 and -mack of the whip. 
 
 The dragoon oU-yi-d order-: placed him-elf on the left of the 
 
>- M K ATM A I, INK WAI/FOX. 
 
 vehicle, and rode under Ilie constant terror of flic lady s pistol. Tlie 
 d Of Campbell s trotter kept the dragoon s rhnnrer at a strain, 
 and. a- he h;id been compelled to tax his utmost Mren^th .".nd spirit 
 in his flight from the partisans Mad Aivhy \\a- soon forced \- 
 that if he did not relax in his requisitions, the poor 1 i a-i .f the dra- 
 .n-Doii would be dead foundered and broken-winded. 
 
 "Ho! there! It s a bore to hold him; but d n your (least, I 
 must not kill him if I kill my own, and to leave you, without the 
 protection of myself and wife, would be pretty much to kill YOU too. 
 The rebels would swallow you at a mouthful. So hold up, and let 
 the elephant creep awhile in the^e sandy pla< . 
 
 The drairoon \vas very well pleased to do a- he was comma nded. 
 He Irid a:i allVctio:) foj- his charter, which, pressed much longer as he 
 had h"en, would, he well knew, 1 e very soon in a condition render 
 ing Him fit for do^ s meat only. The progress of both hordes sub- 
 si.ii-.i for \\hileinto a walk, Campbell taking advantage of every 
 of hard -round, Jo make up by an increased speed for lost time. 
 In this \vay Ihey reached the " Quarter House" without encountering 
 any interruption 
 
 saw no enemie.. It is probable that the partisans of Walton. 
 l!n,.inu r t lie pursuit of the dragoon una\ ailinir. and content with hav 
 ing driven him oiT suliieiently far, wheeled about and took the route 
 back, ax in-!ructcd by their superior. It is possible only that they 
 lurked in concealment on the road-side and forbore the attack upo-i 
 
 a party of which one of the number was a woman. At tin- " Quar 
 ter I! iiipbeH (obtained full particulars from the llOStCSS, of 
 
 the sei/.urt- of \Viliianiso, i. He al^ dixc.ivered by whom lie had 
 been made captive. Charged with ihe^e pariinilar.-, lie |.iis|ied with 
 all speed for the city, leaving the dragoon to follow at his leisure, the 
 ro.nl thence beiiiLT oioidered >afc from the partisans. 
 
 \\ < pan (tver imii -cessaiy detail-;. The reader will sup 
 the newly-married \vife, "so wildly strangely won," 
 
 1<> h . i at h T o\vn habita 
 
 tion. .Mad Anliy then hurri.-d a\\ay to Balfour s quarter-, 
 where he found the ii-ual -ii;ml at the entrance, lint Balfour 
 
HO v BALPOUR SPEEDS IN His wooiNd. 
 
 himself 1 our r.enedick proceeded to seek liiin at 
 
 his usual liaunts. Hut he failed in tin- .search at ! >mi- 
 
 oil in Oneen Mreet ; failed equally at tin* house of tin- beautiful 
 11. in Heaufain ; and, after vain imjuirie- 
 
 he ;.t length obtained a clew \\hich conducted him 
 
 ton, in Church .street. Hut, before jv.u hh:g 
 
 thi> point, lie contrived, iu j-a^iirj. i<> st,.p at Stork s qnnrt 
 
 and rep ^. uliich lie emilil searrrlv li>ju- to inak- 
 
 iVin^ to the old major a> they u err to himself. He found the 
 BlAJor engaged ai his toilet for the evening. A few worils sutiiced 
 to empty his hud-et of the matter nm.st intei t^tin. 
 
 " 1 rk ; they are now aUolntely n- 
 
 to my Mtabltebinent." 
 
 " \Vhat do \ MU mean, fool . " 
 
 ".Mean! That 1 am married, and to Paulina Plieljis. The 
 Sultana i^ mine, and that saves me the Sultan." 
 " 1 ) .n t helie\ I <>! it," Mid - 1 "" 
 
 V. j 1 ,. . . ; hut yni will ha\e to lnd;i-ve in fear an-! 
 hlin^r ani | ur slow faith in tin- har^ain. \Ve 
 
 hitJied for liie, man ami wife, this very day, at tin- . 
 jiar> ;!. lr ;e, 1 Jlin^ton, the rector, presiding, and ynr lill 
 servant submitting. Von will hear all >i.u rnnu^lt. 1 
 
 I until y-u a: 0d ; lnit that \\ ;il 1 
 
 inon nile. the -- work on hand ;. 
 
 ral Williamson ha- I .-en eaptnred \ty 
 the rebels, I leax- prepare are- i-.lin^ly." 
 
 ^one with a madman, as yu a,e. I he 
 
 -il.le " 
 
 l> 1 grant yOUj liut nevertlu-less juite true." 
 ll it he Bo, liy all the p.\\ei , pray tint llailey 
 
 >u ejuiti- inditleicnt t your wife and n 
 I ll help him to cut youi tliro.-it ; hy (i d. I will!" 
 
 " I tliink y.nir ma! 
 
 taJkin^ of throat-Catting, remind> me ti 
 \s i:i ilan-^er of a short-cord, ;md five minutes only to 
 
 ill it. He \\ U Cap! 1 Wai:-" \\ith 
 
 party, at the C v >u.i . 1 am mw looking ; 
 
 him the tidings." 
 
K. \TIIA KINK WALTON. 
 
 " Well ; lu 1 will be grateful for them, no doubt. Seek him at 
 the widow Singleton s. He is there now pretty constantly. 
 The star in the ascendant is Walton s daughter. He will be 
 delighted to show her how many are the obligations he o\svs to 
 the, family." 
 
 Leaving the old major in no good humor, Campbell immedi 
 ately proceeded to tin-, designated dwelling, where he found 
 Balfourin no pleasant humor ; at the interruption. But, when he 
 heard the intelligence brought by JMad Archy, he was aghast. 
 It took him no long time to learn all the particulars, and to 
 anticipate all the consequences." 
 
 "Great (Iml !" said he, " Walton will hang him !" 
 
 " Very likely," was the cool reply. ..." When a man turns 
 traitor to his color>, hanging forms a part of the understanding. 
 It is the peril always incurred in such cases." 
 
 44 But we must save, iiim if we can !" 
 
 " Jf they mean to hang him at all, it is probably too late. 
 Uope and tree a;v. too convenient in our forests, to render much 
 delay nece>sary." 
 
 " They n .y delay with the vie to a formal trial. A provin 
 cial colonel will seldom venture on any such decided measure us 
 x.-cution without trial." 
 
 " According to all accounts, Walton is an exception to this rule. 
 Tin- .surprise and capture show boldness enough, here, within 
 live miles of the, city ; and why this audacity, unless they 
 d.-MLrned \o make an example of the captive?" 
 
 "(J ranted ; but a hurried execution .sill a fiord no such example, 
 as they req iiie. They will aim at an ostentatious exhibition of 
 their justice. In that is our hope. We must move promptly. 
 Campbell, do you get your command in readiness. ( , to Major 
 Fraser, instantly, and let him call out (ill the cavalry of the 
 garrison. To horse, (ill nf ///;//, and scatter in pursuit. There ib 
 no time to be lost." 
 
 I! mands were instantly obeyed ; and, stripping the city 
 
 of all it:; horse, Major Fraser led his forces that very night in 
 pursuit of our partisans. Mad Archy was hurried away with 
 his squadron, with a moment only allowed him for leave-taking 
 with his wife, lie bore the necessity like a philosopher of t/.e 
 
Mn\V BAI IN III- WnuLVi. 
 
 toic order. I oLlinjr tin- lady in an emhracc rather more fer 
 vent than BCmptdoUB, In 1 hade her 
 
 ira^c proper to a soldier s wife. 
 
 -hall pay for our privation.-, Paula-Paulina ! 
 
 I almost wish that I were a Cherokee. that I : in-tilied 
 
 in W-inirini: you a score ..fsealps for your l>ril;il trophi, 
 if there he any so,,ty captive- to he taken, you shall bav s 
 
 enough. Theue, my heauty ! One more smack] K 
 
 it 1 jirri>li, St. uk has nu claim ujxni my Arahian, and j 
 
 a claim for lit t\ guineas n|io:i him. I may die in your drht, 
 
 Pacla-Paalin*, hut not in his. Tlu-n- ! aimtlu-r! 
 
 A:id with this characteristic .-jircih and ji.-rtin- :cliy 
 
 hurried fioiu the dwelling, leaving his wi!e <|i;ite UIIJMI 
 deterniiue \\heth<-r liis death in hattle \\onld reallv Lean e\ il 
 or a l:le>sin^. \\\- must in charity coiu-iinle that her 
 were iinally put at rot hv coiudu>ions tavMrahh- to tl:r : .r mutual 
 fortune. 
 
 We must not forget u hat took jdace bel t ai.d 
 
 Katharine Walton, when, after the departure of Aivl v < an.p- 
 iiell, he returned to the apartment where he had left !. . He 
 Iiail been, as we may conjecture, ur^in^ iml::- 
 liei ic- rves had too much . j ed to siiiVer him to ; 
 
 policy more frank. He had heen doin^ the his 
 
 fashion. l,u- a ^.,..11 lioiir hefuic C ani].hell had appe,: 
 
 t, his deportment had heen iorhearin^ and un> 
 his solicitude had heen as gentle and delirate 
 his nature; marked, indeed, hv a device of timid, 
 heen steadily on ti .- from the moment when hi> in:- 
 
 first h -L r an, in the lady and her fortunes. Ti Tni 
 
 di-rnity of her chai acter had si-nsihly coerced and 
 
 :nd he was thus, j >mpelh d 
 
 t sut.mit to an influence \\ hich he felt as a curh, from which he 
 would have found it a real to Weak away, if. in d 
 
 this, he should n.-t there 
 
 grateful to him than the license which he Lived. On t; 
 occasion, the tidin.. Ill him of Willian ure, and 
 
 it Walton^ agency in thai r\r | mind 
 
 of a mode of accounting \\i;h the da the n-h 1, in such 
 
KATHAU XK WALTON. 
 
 a way, as not to compromise his own suit, yet to enable him in 
 smne degree to exercise his freedom. 
 
 " Miss Walton," lie said, with serious countenance, "my esteem 
 for you conies gu r.tly in conflict with my duty." 
 
 " How so, sir /" 
 
 V"ii cr.! not know how indulgently I have forhorne in you* 
 case already, to the great annoyance of all the loyalists in the 
 garrison. Hut I have just received intelligence which makes 
 it almost criminal for me to regard any oi your name with 
 favor." 
 
 "Indeed, sir?" curiously, hut with a smile. 
 
 "Yes, indeed, Miss Walton. Your father " 
 
 "Ah! sir: what of my lather. " more, anxiously. 
 
 "He seems resolute, to deprive, his friends of all power of Ha 
 ving him, or saving his daughter." 
 
 A pause. He was answered only with a smile. 
 
 " You do not seem curious, Miss Walton ?" 
 
 "Well, sir since yon desir" it what of my father / 
 
 " He lias done that, Miss Walton, which, in the case of any 
 other rehel, would conduct all his connections to the provost, 
 and w>.rk a rumplete forfeiture, of all their possessions, and of all 
 hope of the future favor of our sovereign. lie has audaciously 
 Kurpi ised and captured (jeneral Williamson, almost within sight 
 of the garrison." 
 
 "General Williamson \\ as a traitor to his country! I see 
 nothing in tins hut the act of an open enemy, and such my 
 father has frankly avowed himself to your so\er< ;;n and his 
 armies." 
 
 " Very tine; hut (ieneral Williamson, if a traitor to the rehel 
 cause, is true lo that of h s Sovereign. If a hair of his head suf 
 fers at the hands of your father, I fear, Miss Walton, that his 
 pardon will he impossible." 
 
 " It will he time enough, Colonel Halfour, to think of his par 
 don, when the attitude of my father shall he that of supplication." 
 
 The maiden answered proudly. Balfour s reply was made 
 with a deliberate ravit which l.ad its effect on his hearer in 
 
 own 
 
 41 And you may ve.y soon hehold him in that attitude, Mm* 
 
HOW BALKvu i; >IM-:I:I)> i\ HIS \\UOL\<;. 
 
 Walton ; needing and e. *reatinjr mercy without finding it. 1 
 have been compelled to order <>ut inv entire cavalrv in pursuit 
 They will spare im speed they will forego no efforts, for the 
 recapture of (Irncral Williamson, ami the destruction of the 
 ! s<ju;i<ln>n. Should they succeed, which is highly prohalde 
 should your lather fall into their hands, I shall not he nhle to 
 answer for his life. It will need all my efforts, ami I shall lahor 
 in the very teeth of duty, if I strive t, .-ave him from his fate. 
 What shall move me to these exertions why should I so lahor 
 MI his hehalf? There is hut one consideration, M:>s Walton, 
 hut one ! Your hand, your heart, vour affections, in return lor 
 which I now prolVer you." 
 
 II. tok her hand as he spoke these, words, hut she instantly 
 withdrew it from his ;rrasp. 
 
 "Colonel Halfour, let me entreat you to he silent on this suh- 
 
 and at such a moment as the present. You descrihe my 
 
 father to he in a situation of irreat danger. I am not prepared 
 
 dievo in th ; s danger. Put if your report 1 e triH-. it is 
 
 neither a .:-imi v th. 1 
 
 should be -d to this e!l . i-t. and at this junetui . Let mo 
 
 her your forhcarance. You have ^iven me sutiicient cause for 
 
 sa>i thought ; for apprehensions \\hich forhid all con.sideration of 
 
 il ject of \\iiicii you speak." 
 
 " I tit you do not forhid the suhject /" he a^ked eaL r rlv. 
 
 "And of \\hat avail that I should? I have already. m<>re 
 than once, entreated your forhearance. If I could hop,- that 
 my command would he regarded, when my entreaty is ii"t, the 
 should he spoken. Is it not enough that I tell you that 
 the Mihjert if ungracious to me, that you only ;ive me pain, that 
 I can not >ee you in the character which you assin. 
 
 " It is no a>-um{)tion. It is felt, it is real! .ton, I 
 
 lo\e y ( ,u || ti-rviMitly as man e\er yet loved w.nnan." 
 
 He threw himself at her feet, and a^ain e; i to }K)gflO61 
 
 himself of her hand. She rose calmly, and with diu 
 
 "Colonel Halfour, this mu.-t I must leave you. I 
 
 CAII not entertain your suit. That you :nay he sure that I am 
 sincere, know that my affections are wholly ^iven to another." 
 
 "Wlmt!" ho cried, with an in-.j dmost amounting to 
 
340 KATHAIUXK WALTON. 
 
 anger, which he did not endeavor to conceal ; " win t ! is ft 
 then true ? You are engaged to that rascally outlyer, Single 
 ton ?" 
 
 "Enough, Colonel Balfour ; this was not necessary to satisfy 
 me of your character, and to teach me what is due to mine. 1 
 leave you, wX lu future, I Khali much prefer that we should 
 not meet." 
 
 "You w U repent this haste, Miss Walton !" 
 
 " I may suffer for it, sir !" 
 
 " By the Eternal, hut you shall suffer for it !" 
 
 She waived her hand with dignity, bowed her head slightly, 
 and passed into an inm-r apartment. The lips of Balfour were 
 firmly set together. He watched with eyes of fiery hostility the 
 door through which the maiden had departed ; then, after the 
 pause of a few seconds, striking his fist fiercely upon the table, 
 he exclaimed 
 
 " She shall pay for this, by all that s damnable !" 
 
 In the next moment he darted out of the dwelling, and made 
 his way, with mixed feelings, which left him doubtful K iere to 
 turn, toward the residence of la belle Harrty. 
 
WALT"\ - 
 
 (MI A 1 T I! II XXXVII. 
 WAI.TMN S < AMP. 
 
 THK Htir and excitement in the ^ood city of Charleston, now, 
 
 had scarcely been equalled by ;iny event occurring since its con- 
 t liy tin- British. Tin- loyalists were everywhere in alarm, 
 dreading that every moment s intelligence would hrinj; them ac 
 counts of the Minimary execution of Williamson ; and in his 
 . they perceived louerin^ intimations of their own, at tlie 
 hands of the patriots, should the events of war throw them into 
 tin- same predicament. For tin* same reason, the patriots in the 
 city writ- in a hi^h state of exultation. The aven^ 
 work to redress their g| , am! to exact Moody atonement 
 
 for the wrongs, the insults, the injuries, which they had : 
 made to sutler. The exertions of the offieOTl in garrison, had 
 he entire cavalry of the 1!riti*h in motion, S....M after the 
 commands of I .alf..ur had Leen Driven; and that very ni:l 
 v,- have -ecu. Maj i I laser, \v it h nn ample force, set forth in 
 | ui ,uit of Walton. Of cour-e hutli parties were in .: 
 (Mjual excitement for the re.-ult of i itlOIL 1 i a^er oh- 
 
 tained his eh-\\ <, and war; soon a< < )nr 
 
 ac(|iiaintance, mad Archy ( amplu-ll, we may mention, condi 
 one of the stron^- st of his iletaidnnents, whicdi wen* all - 
 dispersed in several directions, as the whole I them approached 
 the Kdisto. Leaving them to Irmt out their gninc as they best 
 could, let us once more join the j 
 
 Walton had selected, for his temporary camp, a very pretty 
 spot on the east hank of the ( ..ml-ahe. II- own <juarter 
 were taken up in the ilwellinj:-hu.xe of the plantation which hit 
 occu]>ied an airy, comfortable habitation, the proprie 
 
342 K A THAU INK WALTON. 
 
 tors o/ which were in exile. His sentinel* and videttes were BO 
 placed as to secure all the avenues to the place, and his scouts 
 ranged freely for a considerable distance, around it. With ordi- 
 ry vigilance on the part of the subordinates to whom these du 
 tics were assigned, there could be no possible danger of MII 
 prise ; and the commander of the party, feeling himself secure, 
 was enabled to bestow his attention upon his several prisoners 
 Major Proctor was one of thes<> prisoners, but he was held ii. 
 no duresse beyond that of courtesy ; his word being taken that 
 he would make no endeavor to escape, if subjected to no bonds 
 but those of honor. Even these were to be released, now that 
 an interval, supposed to be suilicient for safety, had been tlin wn 
 between the partisans and all pursuers from the city. It was ;;t 
 dinner that day that Colonel Walton was pleased to say to his 
 guest, or prisoner, that he should be free in the morning to depart. 
 
 " You will need," said he, " less than two days easy riding 
 to reach town, and may as well remain till to-morrow, and take 
 an early start with the sun. I trust, Major Proctor, that you 
 will have seen in your detention thus far nothing less than an 
 absolute necessity, which 1 could not escape." 
 
 44 I have nothing, Colonel Walton, of which I could pnssihly 
 complain. You have treated me with great courtesv and kind 
 ness, and the release which you grant me, without any euuiva 
 lent, is a debt which I shall always cheerfully acknowledge and 
 
 requite." 
 
 While dinner was under discussion, a sergeant made, hi.-^ ap 
 pearance at the door of the apartment, and summoned M Kel 
 vey, one of Walton s oilicers, away from the company. He re 
 turned a moment after with the tidings that one of the prisoners 
 bad somehow succeeded in making his escape. 
 
 " It appears, by the way, Major Proctor," said M Kel vey, 
 41 that the fellow was a servant of yours. This I have just as 
 certained, lie was taken about the. same time with yourself, 
 while returning from Dorchester." 
 
 44 Ha !" exclaimed Proctor, with surprise. 44 Is it possible! 
 He taken ?" 
 
 44 llad you mentioned him, major," said Walton, " I should 
 have placed him in your hands." 
 
WALTON S CAMP. 343 
 
 " It is, perhaps, better that you did not. Had yon done so, 
 I had most pn.liaMy .shot liini. He is a scoundrel. If taken 
 me from 1 )irchi<;er, lie was a >py up in my . unions, 
 hv mv enemies. And he has escaped I* 
 
 " Within an hour," replied M Kelvey. 
 
 " You will do well to pursue him," said Proctor. M He ia 
 a consummate scoundrel, and will bring y< nr enemies upon 
 y.-u." 
 
 re-fly, for we shall he away hy sunset, leaving yon iu 
 ;i of the mansion. We can .-pare no time, now, f..r pur 
 suit, and the fellow is not worth the trouMe. Had we k- 
 his relations to you before, we mi^ht have prevented this; but 
 fill, Major Proctor ; do not let it annoy you. This 
 old Madeira, such as seldom honors our camp." 
 
 led the ^rlass mechanicallv ; ! 
 
 with thought, and his imagination readily su^es in;^ to him that 
 circumstance^ had. strangely enough, woven around him a weh 
 of increasing meshes, rendering his case more than ever com 
 plicated. With an effort, he .shook otV this mood, and abruptly 
 addr !onel Walton in reference to his more distinguished 
 
 captive. 
 
 " Pardon me. Colonel Walton, but you have another p: 
 Pray tell me what is your de>ign with regard to (lenernl Wil 
 liam 
 
 " He is a traitor, Major Proctor, to our cause!" wa 
 re ply. 
 
 " Yes, but " 
 
 " There is but one fate for Hiieh." 
 
 " Hut tjnu you will not be the voluntary instrument of pun- 
 Uhment ?" 
 
 " 1 would not if I could escnpi- it. If it I 
 
 vey him to the hands of Marion or (Jreene, 1 would gladly do 
 HO. but " 
 
 " There is no need of this. K.-lvey im 
 
 patiently ; " I know n 
 
 unpleasant duty upon othe: "U- duty to t 
 
 or it is not. lie punishment, or he 
 
 in our hands, and the blood of our father>, IP -mien and 
 
344 KATHARINE WA TON. 
 
 other places, by Cornwallis and his tory allies, demand that . 
 shall not be suffered to escape without his deserts. 1 arn for QV 
 ing my duty. If we delay, we may lose him. We ought not l 
 lisk the chances of securing justice, by any wild attempt to con 
 vey such a prisoner quite across the country, from the extreme 
 south to extreme north, from Combahee to Lynch s Creek, only 
 that he may be tried and punished for an olVencc of which he is 
 notoriously guilty, and upon which we have the right to sit in 
 judgment and to execute. Had you suffered me, he should 
 have been swinging to the highest tree on the high road to 
 Charleston, in twenty minutes after he was taken." 
 
 " 1 am glad you did not consent to so summary a procedure," 
 said Proctor to Walton. 
 
 The latter eaid gravely, answering M Kelvey : 
 
 " Do not reproach me, Captain M Kelvey. I have no desira 
 to escape m} duties when 1 clearly recognise them to be such. 
 As for this inan, Williamson, we have ordered him for examina 
 tion this afternoon, and my decision will depend upon what shall 
 be then educed in evidence. I hope to prove myself neither 
 blood-thirsty nor weak. If his death can he shown as likely to 
 promote our cause, he shall die, though I myself become the 
 executioner. If this can not be shown, then shall he live, though 
 I myself perish in defending him. In this reply, Major Proc 
 tor, you too are answered. As you remain here this afternoon, 
 you will please be present at his trial. 1 prefer that you 
 should be able, as an impartial witness, to report truly what 
 we do." 
 
 " This privilege, Colonel Walton, determines mo to remain. 
 But for this, 1 should have entreated your permission to depart for 
 the city instantly. It is, indeed, quite important to my own in 
 terests that 1 should be there. You are, perhaps, not aware 
 that I too labor under suspicions which seriously threaten my 
 safety ; and that I momently expect to be brought to trial for 
 something like treason to my sovereign. It is but natural* 
 therefore, that I should sympathi/.e with another in a like 
 danger, though, perhaps, under circumstances exceedingly 
 unlike." 
 
 44 Yes, indeed : there can be no comparison in the facts ti 
 
WALTOX S DAMP. :;-4 r > 
 
 yonr case ami those in the easo of Williamson Hut what arc 
 pour 
 
 "A ibppOMd participation in your escape at I )oirhe.ster " 
 
 " Good Heavens ! Is it j.o^sil.lr I" 
 
 " Ami other treasonable conduct evinced durinj: mv command 
 of that }>ost, particularly in my visits and supposed intimacy 
 with yourself and family." 
 
 " Hut my testimony would acquit you of all these alisurd 
 
 etargi 
 
 haps ; if your testimony would lie received. Hut 
 you forget the position which yu yourself occujiy in the eye <>f 
 the British authoriti- 
 
 True ! true ! Hut can I do nothing for you P 
 
 " N< tiling that i can s. merciful to this 
 
 unfortunate man in your custody." 
 
 Walton grasped the hand of Pmrtor, as the parties rose from 
 the talde. He made no other rej.ly. M Kelvey was not thus 
 silent. 
 
 Meivy to .-:, \d to our people, deny that so ^reat a 
 
 traitor should have merrv " 
 
 This I alnnd. and, as he left the room, he muttered 
 
 audihly : " Would that I had run him up to the first nak hefore 
 we left tin- A>hley." 
 
 " He is m>t ti:c proper person to sit on this trial. Colour! V. al- 
 t -n," said Prnrtor. referring: to the la-t spraker. 
 
 " At all eyonts. Major Troctor, I shall excri ise the ili.-ei etion 
 of a supreme jud^e in this case. I do not say that we may not 
 find it imjieralive ( condemn this man to instant execution; 
 hut I can assure you, that I shall feel a real satisfaction i: 
 raping from such conviction." 
 
 Nothing more was s;,id upon tin- suhjeet. PrOCtOI wa< h-ft 
 for awhile to himself, and employed his s"litude in Leconiin-, 
 meditation! of his own future and fcffiun. He !;;id enough to 
 make him gloomy and apprehensive 1 : - intellipMire ->t tlm 
 na^e of his man John I m- such it evidently uas of ]\\ A 
 capture and M him the prohal-ility ..f new aip! un 
 
 expected involvements, making his < ieiOUf in char 
 
 acter and more diflicult of del e.ire It was only with a .. j.er 
 
346 KATHAHIXR WALTON. 
 
 ate effort, finding liis head to ache under the embarrassments of 
 
 his thought, that he succeeded in giving a new direction to hie 
 meditations. 
 
 Meanwhile, Walton had ascertained the particulars of the 08- 
 cape, made by Proctor s servant. The fellow had been gone 
 fully three hours when his absence was first discovered. A wo 
 man, bringing in fruits and vegetables to the Vamp, had met 
 him several miles on the road below, and described his person 
 exactly. Uy what means he had escaped the vigilance of the 
 sentinels could not he ascertained ; but that he had thus suc 
 ceeded, counselled Walton to a strengthening of his guards, 
 which accordingly took place. Having given orders to his offi 
 cers to have their men in readiness for moving across the Com- 
 hahee by sundown, Walton prepared for the examination of 
 Williamson. The great hall of the mansion was assigned for 
 this purpose, and the unfortunate prisoner, conscious equally of 
 his degradation and danger, in the eyes, ami at the hands, of 
 his old associates, was brought manacled into the centre of a 
 group, in whose stern faces he, read no sympathy, and from 
 whose harsh judgments he. could possibly entertain no hope. At 
 the very moment that he was thus brought up for trial, with a 
 penalty the most fearful in his eyes, the runagate servant of 
 Proctor was encountered by the. Hritish detachment under the 
 command of Mad Archy Campbell, lie was brought before 
 that dashing oilicer, and his examination may well precede that 
 of Williamson. 
 
 "What! John, is that you? Where the devil have you 
 been ! Where s your master I" 
 
 "Ah, sir; your honor, I ve been in bad hands; I ve been a 
 prisoner to the enemy. They re only seven miles, here away, 
 a matter of fifty horse or so, under the command of Colonel 
 Walton." 
 
 "Beelzebub! Do you say/ Walton; and but liftv men; 
 and I have sixty ! Push forward with the advance, Captain 
 Auhl ; but seven miles! We must have a grand supper on 
 steel to-night !" 
 
 " If vou ll move cautious, major, you ll surprise em. They 
 don t look for you or any of our people. They re, very loos* 
 
WA! \MP. 
 
 A\ \\l the sentinels ; that s how I came to jrct away, Most of 
 their parties an- luisy looking for i ruit ahout the farms, the reg 
 ular p-uh hcing pretty scarce in those quarters." 
 
 "Ajrond notion! Better to surprise than he surprised, and 
 .in amhnseade is an inconvenient thing. Hold np your men, 
 captain, while we discuss this matter. 1 ay, John, you are 
 i|iiile sure of what you say I" 
 
 " Oli ! yes, sir, it as trie as the Rook." 
 
 " It is Walton s party, and he has hut fifty men, and hifl sen- 
 tries are card. 
 
 " All true, sir." 
 
 " Has Colonel Walton any prisoners your master?" 
 
 " Why, major, my master s n-,tl, Colonel Walton s party; hut 
 whether he s a prisoner or not. it s n.t for me t.. say." 
 
 " Why, you d - d Trojan, what do you insinuate /" 
 
 " Well, major, I don t insinuate nothing, only J can t help see 
 ing for myself. I followed my master from Dorchester, and 
 : :it me in ropes, ami let him o i 
 
 " Why, you hoohy, did you think that they wouM tie up a 
 gentleman like a hlackj, r uard ! 1 hey could relv on voiir inas- 
 Aonl of honor, fool; hut who could rely on yours/" 
 
 " JTot, fir, I know that, hut -- 
 
 " Hut what /" 
 
 "1 don t think that M, been a prisoner 
 
 I ve .1 notion that when he went into Colonel Walton s camp. 
 he know d jtretty much where he was piiijr. He\ i 
 
 Cilice. I never lieanl that they watched him at all; and, 
 indeed, (lie people t >ld me that he had -rone over to t!,e 
 ran- 
 
 " Silence, you d - d heathen! That a fellow .slum! 
 pect his own master! Where do you e\p. 
 die, Philistine ? Say i : ! Hut tell i. 
 
 ral Williamson is still a pri.soner with Colonel Wa/ 
 
 IT, and they do say that they mean to hai,. 
 There was something said thi.s very inoinin^ of a jury to he let 
 upon him." 
 
 " It is not too hite ! "W nl iju;< k! 
 
 tiously. Captain Auld. This f.-H.-w \\ill like 
 
HIS K AT I [A 11 II\ K WALTON. 
 
 him to the front and follow ;.5s information ; but, if he shows 
 any trifling, cut him down as you would a cabbage. !>. you 
 hear that, John? do you understand it ? Very well; I B66 you 
 do; and you know that there s no jest in it! Now, go forward, 
 lead us faithfully, and, if we succeed in surprising the rein-Is, you 
 shall have five guineas. If you fail us; if you show treachery, 
 or even lie, in this business, you arc only so much dog s meat to 
 the sabre." 
 
 " Thank your honor," said John, lifting his hat, and referring 
 wholly to the five guineas. " If they ain t moved from the 
 camp, you ll be sure to catch em in it." 
 
 " Reasonable logic ; away!" cried Mad Archy, and the party 
 disappeared from sight under the guidance of the fugitive. 
 
 He led them unerringly. Unhappily fur our friends, his report 
 of the remissncss of Walton s sentries was much too true. Newly- 
 raised militiamen, not yet subdued by training, and far from sys 
 tematic in their military habits, they were quite too prone to as 
 sume th:>ir position to he secure, without making it certainly so. 
 Without dreaming of any movement from the garrison, they did 
 not anticipate one. Pinched by hunger, or lured by the love of 
 fruit, the sentinels had wandered oil , in most cases, from the 
 posts assigned them, and were busied in deserted orchaids, 
 thrashing the peach- trees for their late and unripe harvest. 
 
 While thus occupied, the Uritish troopers stole within the line 
 of sen rirs. One incident will serve to illustrate the fate of 
 these unfortunate wretches, in their miserable neglect of dutv. 
 On the edge of an old orchard, which was bounded by an open 
 tract of pine, forest, a young woman was seated upon a fallen 
 . peeling peaches, and chipping them up into small pieces, 
 evidently meant for a pot which stood near her, in which a few 
 quarts of water was simmering above a slow lire. At the side 
 of the, woman, lay a man upon the ground, his head leaning 
 upon the log. lie was sleeping. lie \\as garbed in the usual 
 costume of the, rangers, with a light-blue hunting shirt fringed 
 with cotton, and with falling <"ipe similarly ornamented. At. 
 th. end of the fallen tiee, leaned against some of the upright 
 branches, was the riile which he carried. With the exception 
 of a coutcau tic ///c/.v.w , stuck in his licit, he wore no other weap 
 
w ALTON S CAMI. 
 
 on Hi.- c< -oiiskin cap had fallen from liis head while l.e slept, 
 and now lay on tin 1 ot!.> : tin- log. 
 
 On a sudden, the young woman raised her head and seemed 
 tc listen. She resumed her occupation alter a moment 
 AS it satisfied ; hut again, after another brief interval, she p: 
 the attitude of a listener, and at length, with BO1 v in 
 
 lier manner, she laid her hand on the arm of the keeping man. 
 
 1, Joel," she cried, "wake up: 1 hear ni he- 
 
 low." 
 
 " I Ji ! ah!" sighed the .-deeper slo\\ iy comprehend! 
 and opening his eyes vacantly 
 
 " 1 hear horses from helow, ,Joel." 
 
 " A!i ! some of our scouts I >] 
 
 " It sounds like a troop, ,J, r l ; hetter get up." 
 
 " Oh ! Sail, it s only ji.st that yon wants to be talking to me ; 
 it." 
 
 " NO ! 1 de Ian ! Don t yon hear them, Joel ?" 
 
 "Why, yes 1 do; hut it s only a few of the scouts got to 
 gether, and a riding into the camp." 
 
 "Then B em, I reckon l.y the sound." 
 
 "So there is." cried the. fellow, rising slowly to his feet, and 
 looking curiously almiit him. 
 
 .liing to pen . - thing unusual in the approach of 
 
 surh a l.ody of hoi>e as he now distinctly heard, the 
 
 aneC was n.t Mif.iciently hahitual to move him to nn in 
 decision for his own safetv, <>r the performance of !. 
 Had he then sei/.ed his ritle, prepared to discharge it a< IOOO as 
 thorougldy certified of an enemy, and da>hed for the thi 
 a moment after, he would have .saved himself, and advi-ed the 
 camp of the approach of danger. Hut he stood gaxing at the 
 
 . from which the sounds continued to appiach. 
 still leaning among the hiamlie.s t\ventv feet tVom him and 
 more. 
 
 On a sudden, h p.ght to the fullest 
 
 folly and his danger, as a group ! tl. -lied 
 
 out of the wood, within less than fifty yards distant. Ti 
 let uniforms at once opened htf 
 U)iind forwr.nl to the d-ice \\ h . tiref 
 
350 KATHARINK WALTON. 
 
 instinct, but it lay between him and the appro-ienin^ enemy 
 He hesitated. Sally cried to him, catching his arm as she did 
 so, and pushing him toward the thicket 
 
 " Run, Joel. Take the bushes that s your only chance." 
 
 But the manly instinct, tardy as it was, interposed to prevent 
 hid adoption of this now judicious advice. He flung her off, and 
 rushed for the rifle. But his haste, and the fact that, while 
 seeking it with his hand, his eye was kept upon the enemy, 
 caused a momentary embarrassment, some of the dead branches 
 of the tree catching the lock of the weapon. When, at length, 
 he drew it out, one of the three horsemen was upon him, and 
 within a few paces only. The whole proceeding had occupied 
 but a few seconds. The rifleman, in a moment, perceived that, 
 to prepare his weapon, turn upon his assailant, take aim and fire, 
 would be impossible, where he then stood. His object was to 
 secure a little space which would give him momentary safety. 
 To le.ap the massive shaft of the tree, and throw its brandies 
 between himself and the horseman, was the obvious plan for 
 safety ; and he attempted it ; but too late. Even as he leaped, 
 the sabre of Mad Afchy for he was the foremost enemy 
 made a swift bright circle, in the air, and, striking with horizon 
 tal edge, smote sheer, slicing off completely the coronal region 
 of the unfortunate man. He fell across the tree, prone, without 
 a st niggle. 
 
 " Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown!" cried the reck 
 less trooper in a quotation from Shakspere, shouted rather than 
 spoken. He added, making the sentence significant "Yours, 
 mv good fellow, has no such impediment to sleep hereafter. 1 
 
 The horrors of the scene, seemed only to enliven the mood 
 of the desperate soldier. His eye glared with that rapture 
 of the. strife, which made the Hun so terrible in battle, and 
 which forms the. vital passion of the Birserker of the northern 
 nations. Mad Archy Campbell belong -d to this order of wild 
 and terrible spirits. His sword was still uplifted, when the 
 young woman rushed toward the body of her late, companion, 
 her arms extended, her face wild as that of a maniac. 
 
 "Out of the way, woman!" he cried aloud as he beheld hex 
 movement, and sought to draw his steed aside from her path. 
 
,V.\1 
 
 Out ot tlu 1 wav. I srtv ! A woman is never in iiMre. danger 
 :h;in when she would run over a hor.M inan." 
 
 She did not heed him at all; hut, tottciii:- fonvai. fell down 
 I \ the side ot the murdered man. (lapping spurs (... his 1.- 
 ( \-iin phell went over her at a bound, clearing, And \\itl.out tniu-li- 
 inj:, the uidiajij>y creature. For a moment the fie.ve lionemnn 
 tliou^ht it jos-.il.l that his wild hlow had cut nsun ler s.-me 
 and very precious, though very humhle human I : hut 
 
 linhappfly such jieiforinaiices lay within the jmmnce .is.vi-ued 
 him. and" he had still other and like duties to jierionii. He 
 h.oked not even hack upon the mixed jjrouji, tlie living and the. 
 ;; hut, joined hy others ot his squad, hearing s^ool.s al- 
 n-a(iy dripiiing like his own, lo hurried forward to the -iurpri*d 
 of t^e rebel camp. 
 
852 KATIIAHINK WALTON. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVIII. 
 
 LIFE OK DEATH. 
 
 WE have seen Walton and liis officers assembled for the tria 
 01 examination, of tlie prisoner, Williamson. Major Proctor was 
 j-n-M-iit at the. proceedings, a curious and somewhat excited 
 spectator. Walton presided, grave, stern, commanding, and res 
 olute to do his duty, and that only. Williamson looked weary, 
 hut his carriage was not undignified, lie noticed the presence 
 ^f Proctor witii looks which seemed to betray dissatisfaction. 
 Knowing, as we do, his secret, the presence of the British officer 
 was necessarily a restraint upon him. II"W could he declare, 
 in his hearing, that he was actually playing the part in the 
 British garrison, as an emissary of Marion and (ireeii? Yet, to 
 establish this fact, to the, satisfaction of his present judge, was 
 the only hone left to him of safety. 
 
 Kvery fonn common to such trials was rigidly adhered to. 
 The otlicers of the, court were sworn. The prisoner was duly 
 arraigned. The charges and specifications were then stated by 
 a judge, advocate, by whom a list of witnesses was submitted, 
 upon whose testimony he relied to establish the truth of the 
 charges made. I pon these charges he dilated in a speech, 
 which reviewed the whole career of Williamson, from the first 
 period of his public life, when he did good service to the state 
 against the Indians, passing to that when he strove honorably 
 in the cause of the patriots ; and showing, in contrast with these 
 honorable, histories, his supposed unhappy falling olT from sworn 
 faith and country. To all this matter the arraigned person was 
 permitted to reply. 
 
 Williamson was not an orator, not a speaker at all, not even 
 
Oil DKAIH. 
 
 A tolerably-educated man. He was absolutely illiterate ; l.ui 
 
 by no means wanting in intelligence. He had mother-wit ami 
 shrewdi:es> in considerable share ; W8& M-n.sihle and thoughtful , 
 haii lived too IMIIJ: liv his own efforts, and among intelligent and 
 
 men, not to have acquired a considerabli 
 of readiness, and, indeed, a certain share | 
 
 reply to the charges made against liiin, and which, we need imt 
 
 \\ere proved oy several credilile witnesses. II. i.\! 
 the history which had been just -riven of his career. lit- d: 
 complain of any injustice, until the period was reached which 
 rihed him as deserting IVom the cause of his eonntrv, and 
 taking ddes with her enemies. To this point he answered in 
 
 such laii ( u r ua^e as the lolioxvini; : 
 14 This alleged desertion from t 
 
 in my having taken a HritMi ]n tection, even a> you, sir, 
 
 have t.tlien a Hritish protection " 
 
 This wa- .l-nirl Walton. His hmw wai 
 
 wannly fltished, as he rejdied 
 
 " When I took a Hriti>h jirotection, >ir, I was under d 
 a prisoner, in fact, and in a situation well known to the con: 
 and the protection which I took, under protect all the while, 
 nr^- -d upon i- -olntely nna\ 
 
 situation, and absolutely IK my family no 
 
 than my own. Hut / am not undi BT! \\heii it 
 
 becomes nei essai-y for me to ansucr ( mv countrv, 1 tru^t that 
 1 shall not find it ditlicult to meet all the charges ma<:- 
 me." 
 
 " I ardon me, sir," replied Williamson, modc.stlv. " I:. 
 riu^ to the protection taken hy yourself, I nu-ant only tn imli 
 
 the true character of that compromise which the necc>- 
 of tiie time forced M. many nf us to make. 1 ntil I . 1 ;: 
 1 appeal to all the. world to say, if I did not holm: 
 truly maintain my allegiance to the revnlu;! Imt 
 
 in the defeat of iJiitWd went down all Organized u in 
 
 the >t.ite. It Wai lappowd, on all hands, that t!. : wai 
 
 at an i-n-i. M fai U > -uth Carol 
 
 The regular tnp* of hi.th : and mostly in captiv 
 
 ity. In the fall of C harle -able 
 
KA THAI; i.\.-: WALTON. 
 
 troops were taken from the field. The defeat of Bufonl dis 
 posed, in like manner, of all our Virginia allies. The contin MI- 
 tal army was a skeleton, and continental money liad ctxised to 
 be a tender. "Without means, or men, or money, 1 called my 
 officers together. My command of rangers was almost the only 
 one in the state which had not been dispersed ; and, after delib 
 c.rate consultation, it was agreed that the contest was hope! 
 1 declared my determination to abide by their decision, and the 
 ,t of our deliberations \vas that we should abandon the field 
 and disperse." 
 
 " Hut not surrender to the enemy" said the judge advocate 
 " not join his forces, not give him aid and comfort." 
 
 "1 did neither," was the somewhat hesitating reply of Wil 
 liamson. 
 
 44 It is unfortunate for you," said the advocate, " that your 
 correspondence with Richard lYaris, Robert Fletchall, and oth 
 ers, is on record, and in our hands." 
 
 " All these letters can be explained, and shown as innocent, 
 ll-. r-ides, when they were written, I can show that I too wa* 
 under <////-r.v.vr." 
 
 " Yes : but it was of your own seeking. You had voluntarily 
 thrown yourself into the city of Charleston." 
 
 "What was to be done? Of all the acknowledged leaders 
 of the state, not one was to be found. Some were in captivity ; 
 others had lied. General Moultrie was a prisonor-of-war ; so 
 
 was General GacUden, it was not known what had become of 
 
 Colonel Marion ; ; i General Sumter and Governor Rutledge 
 had both tied t; 
 
 44 Fled only to North Carolina, and thither only to find 
 recruits in order to renew the struggle," answered the judge 
 advocate. 
 
 44 I grant, sir," continued Williamson, " that I might have 
 done the same : I confess my regret that I did not. 1 now see, 
 by what Marion and Sumter have done, what might have been 
 done by many others ; but I must plead ignorance of our re 
 sources, or my own resources; and not wilfuiness or a treacher 
 ous purpose, when, forbearing to follow the example, which a* 
 yet had not been shown, I yielded up a seemingly bopeleHB 
 
I.I I! \TH. 355 
 
 1 follow frcqnciit example, in taking 
 
 Uritish protection, ;i> entirely any other." 
 
 "The eha:_ simply that you vmir c 
 
 ; , ami suhmitted to the enemy ; it is that you joined tl 
 and took diiM your friends. I herewith suhmit to the 
 
 DC intercepted letters to certain notorious royal: 
 
 hack country, and y..i;r letters to certain jiatriuts of the 
 
 g uj)on them tlic the 
 
 1 n-it: . If y"i deny your agency in t) 
 
 prepared to prove your signature." 
 
 " I aiii very far from denying the-" letNM s. I freeh 
 them ; hut look at the dates when the} 
 
 \vill ili>i-over that written at the moment when 1 my 
 
 Mik the protection of the Hritivh, and end odied simj-ly th 
 which I was influenced ; .Allowing, indeed, the 
 exigency \\hich, as I Mi})po>e,l. prevailed throughout the 
 N-.ii. Jy then hi-licved, jr ap})eared : , that \\ e had any 
 
 thing to li.ipe for. Cu;^:e.->, it was understood, M-arcely aide t( 
 maintain its ground in the north, was prepared to ahandon tin 
 
 ii to its fate. That Marion, Sumter, and ut 
 should Mil .^e(|uently take the field, and with so much MI< 
 
 \\a> nowhere anticipated ; and that they have done ao, affordi 
 
 i... -ion (juitr as that which any el." 
 
 A smile of derision lightened up the faces of M-ver.d m. 
 of the v dint at this a.^seition. \Valto: 
 
 a ^i.ive >nn-uw of countenance. 1 lie jud^e advocate indulged 
 in .i kntt .; ai:l C aj.tain M Kidvey, striking impatiently 
 
 upon tlie talde. exclaim. 
 
 in my "<>\\\ \ve ha\e to,, much talking hy half. What 
 
 . of it I The, prisoner confesses the charges against him. 
 lit- admits the h-t!er>. ami tli.-y j 
 
 lid trv to exjdain tln-i: > ah-unl. 11:- crin.r . 
 
 knowledped. I don t sei- why we should not proceed to j 
 ineilt. I one. that he i> a pTOTefl traitor, tad 
 
 the death of one ; and I move you, lent, that 
 
 the vote on the ipiest ion." 
 
 " Av. av ! the vote : -Milty or n - tin- echo from 
 
 several other voices. Williamson hecame fearfully a^tated. 
 
356 KATUAU1XK WALTON. 
 
 "Is this a trial. Mr. President /" 
 4 Be patient, sir," answered Walton. 
 
 "It is a more formal and regular trial, by far, than Rawd m 
 and BaJfour accord to the whigs, our brethren," >\ as the angrj 
 reply of the judge advocate. 
 
 " Ay, indeed, Uawdon s mercy, and Tarletou s Quarters, 
 are rare sorts of trials!" cried M Kidvey. 
 
 The feeling was rising. The court was becoming momenta 
 rily more and more irritable and boisterous. " Death to tho 
 traitor!" was audibly announced. 
 
 "Mr. President," said Williamson, "it is surely clear to you 
 that 1 can not have justice at this board, with such a temper 
 prevailing amo .ig its members." 
 
 "Silence the traitor !" muttered several voices; "we Lave 
 heard unite, enough !" 
 
 "The vote, Mr. President," cried M Kelvey. 
 
 "1 do not see why the pi-. siiou should not be taken, Mr. 
 President," pursued the judge advocate. "Every Mibsianiial 
 fact is admitted by the defendant, lie is guilty, by his own 
 confession, of going over to the enemy of corresponding \\ith 
 the blood-thirsty tories who have been rioting in In- spoils of 
 our people upon the borders; he admits that I.,- nas writien 
 these letters to our friends, seeking to seduce them from their 
 allegiance ; asserting the inevitable ascendency and succe>s of 
 the British. He lives within a lJritir.li garrison, and is, 118 W6 
 can also show, the trusted counsellor of Balfotll and Kawdon. 
 Is anything more necessary for his conviction /" 
 
 The, excitement increased with this speech. Williamson 
 ;ly and urgently entreated to be heard; renewed his argu 
 ments and explanations; and was with ditliculiy secured a he.n 
 ing. It was evident that a vote taken in regard to his guilt, 
 and decreeing summary and extreme punishment, \\onld he 
 almost, if not <jnite, unanimous; and the, defence of the prisoner, 
 as made by himself, was now of a sort rather to provoke than 
 conciliate hostility. His agitation, and the exhibition of some 
 temper, were at variance with all prudence and good policy. 
 could no longer restrain himself. He D N from his seat, 
 
i. in-: OB m-:.\Tii. ;{; >", 
 
 t> that ..f tin- pn -:<:ent, and placed hefore him a paper 
 m .viiich lie had pencilled (\u^> w.rds 
 
 ike, for your own sake, CoL-m-l Walton, do not 
 Kiifler the.-e liicii t They are retoluto to have 
 
 thir. man s Mood, and the circumstances of the c ise, and the 
 ition of the country, neither call for, nor will sanction iti 
 Tin.:. Let me entreat you, as a man of honor and a Chris 
 tian, to intcrp 
 
 Walton wrote at the lnttom of the paper 
 
 the ri^ ht moment, 1 will, Fear nothing. I will adjourn 
 the c urt anil refer the CftM t.. (iencral (ireene, and a hoard of 
 
 rior utliti 
 
 Tl.i- . :iad not taken {dace without causing a new emo 
 
 tion in the as>emhly. There were audiMe murmurs ah<nt the 
 coint in regard t.. the impertinence of one prisoner taking j.art 
 for another. These murmurs were silenced liy the judge advo 
 cate, who. in a \\hisper to the nio.st turhulent said 
 
 me u\rr to us. He has no more 
 love lor the traitor th;.n we. l^e still !" 
 
 ^\hetller be OZpreSlod his own conjecture, or repeated only 
 what he had heard, can not he said; hut Williamson ,,j.p 
 
 . the interposition ni Troctor with a m!nl suspicious that 
 
 it augured him no ^ 1. With a somewhat violent manner, lie 
 
 imed 
 
 "This is Unwarrantable, Mr. President. I protest against any 
 
 inter 1 : the part of a Hritish otlicer and an 
 
 y. This court i> not in the temper for the just trial of my 
 
 It is full of my eneii 
 
 " 1 ral Williamson appeal from this court f His ap 
 
 peal will lie to ( 
 
 The ^d l<y the aci 
 
 " 1 do appeal," he cried ; " i-ut in the meantime, I have that 
 
 v to the pre-ident, if allowed to speak with him in pri\ 
 which, 1 think, will satisfy him of my innocence, and, that I oii^ht 
 to gn !:,, from trial air 
 
 " Ha ! ha ! ha ! \ . :y -<">d was the response of M Kelvey. 
 \N .. kOO L r raN el\ >j.ke : 
 
 Genthinen, with your permi^ion. I will nccord t)(M-neral 
 
358 KATHARINE WALTON. 
 
 Williamson the private interview he seeks. This can do no 
 harm ; particularly, since his appeal will render delay inevitable." 
 
 " If allowed," cried the judge advocate; "but I see not why 
 it should he allowed." 
 
 " It must he, if urged," answered Walton ; " our jurisdieti ,n 
 in not final." 
 
 "It ought to b c," muttered the judge advocate; and audible 
 inurniiirs around the hoard showed how intractable were tl-f 
 wild spirits whom the president was required to control. Wal 
 ton did not seem to heed these murmurs, hut, rising from his seat, 
 said to Williamson 
 
 " Now, sir, if you have anything to communicate, we will 
 retire to the adjoining chamber. 1 would not do you injustice, 
 General Williamson; nay, would save your life if this be pos 
 sible." 
 
 "I will show you good reason why you should," answere 1 
 Williamson, eagerly, as the two left the room together. A noisy 
 discussion among the heated bloods of the court, followed the 
 departure of the president and the prisoner. It was now very 
 evident, to Proctor, that, but for Walton, Williamson would, 
 long ere this, have expiated his offences, real or supposed, on 
 the nearest tree. His reflections assured him that, according to 
 the mode of judgment in these times, such a summary execution 
 would have been perfectly justified by the circumstances, assu 
 ming them to be true. ( )f course, he knew nothing of the secret 
 relations between Williamson and Co -mcl Singleton. 
 
 While the. officers around him continued in noisy discussion of 
 the matter, our Knglishmun rose and went to the window. lie 
 gazed out upon a once lovely lawn, nov in ruins. The shade 
 trees, in front of the house, had shed numerous brandies, which 
 were unreinoved, ami the undergrowth was gro.ss and matted ; 
 all was significant of the wild and vexed condition under which 
 the land was groaning. Broken and decaying fences, right and 
 left, and the slender skeleton stalks of the cornfields of previous 
 years, looked equally mournful ; while the silence, that spread 
 everywhere without, was singularly expressive of the real dcs>- 
 lation of the country. 
 
 While Proctor gazed and milS^d, the silence was suddenly 
 
l.IIi \TH. 
 
 i .and no 
 
 attention ainoni: the a emhly \\ithiii. I roc or thought th< 
 worthy of remark, as it would ha\" lieeii in any \v-!i 
 
 campment : imt : d upon the loose habite, and fn|u-nt dis- 
 
 iiiiiili.i, and In- concluded this to !( nothii 
 than one of their ordinary violations of discipline. 
 
 l)eyond tin- 
 
 fu-ed!y from OD in the 
 
 after, lie deni d tin- lla-hini: 
 
 ; let linifi.rm^ amoi LT Ih. This 
 
 unfolded to him the true I;! 
 
 ; .iid liiin. a!id i .-r Walton ; all of them \\lmlly un- 
 coiiM-ious of the apparent daiiirer. NVilh B It impuNe, 
 
 he turned to the company, .-till c I 
 
 WflUamson. 
 
 Dot, you] 
 
 if not actually surprised. I have h 
 
 M^ht ^limpNcs (,f the liritixli unif. ; in that 
 
 uocd upon the souil: 
 
 The whole party ru-hi-d \ < tin- \\ ind" . 1 . . ! - this time, otln 
 
 PC heard. S. >. n, olliri - of the riMeim D, and in 
 
 evident tliirht. \\i-ic ^> t -\\ to hurry fof th- 
 
 ntield. and. at lcni:th, a .irroiip of d h nni- 
 
 fonn of tin- r.iiii-li 
 douhlfid. 
 
 They \\ill IK- 
 :ion- tlian 
 
 . that the 
 i . men. 
 
 and let i: 
 
 \. iWi 
 
 " hut to H\ 
 
 him a ! ujM.n him witli 
 
 l>ut. \\ ii !; 
 
 ton and William - ith the hiJt 
 
 i the door, whieh he v.iinly attempti-d t> open, iv- 
 Ut the \\ 1. 
 
3GO KATHAUINK \YALTON. 
 
 1 The enemy are upon us, colonel ; you have not a momer 1 
 to lose." 
 
 The door waj instantly thi.>wn open, and Walton came forth 
 eagerly, followed by Williamson. 
 
 " The enemy ! where ? And no alarm ?" 
 
 " None ! The sentries have been asleep, d n em, and 
 
 our men are probably all dispersed." 
 
 " We must see to that," cried Walton, preparing to go forth. 
 
 " It is too late, Colonel Walton, to look after your men," said 
 Proctor, approaching. " Fly, while time is allowed you. The 
 dragoons are, even now, speeding across the cornfield, directly 
 for the house." 
 
 "Too true!" cried M Kelvey, who had been looking; "we 
 must take the back track, colonel, for the swamp. Fortunately 
 our horses are just behind the house," 
 
 Walton looked out, and saw a squad of Campbell s dragoons, 
 headed by that impetuous captain, in full speed for the dwell 
 ing, and scarcely three hundred yards distant. "////< ( ^i 
 peutf was the counsel of every instinct. The back door of 
 the house was already open, and the party rapidly descended 
 from the piazza to the horses. Looking back, just as he \sas 
 mounting, M Kelvey saw Williamson at the entrance, watching 
 every movement with great appearance of anxiety. 
 
 " Shall the d d traitor escape after all ?" he cried, fiercely. 
 
 "Not, by Ileavens, while 1 have a bullet!" 
 
 lie drew a pistol from his holster at the word, but Walton 
 caught his arm. 
 
 "Stay!" said lie; "you know not what you do! I,ef the 
 man alone. He better serves us in the Hritish garrison than lie 
 did when he was ours. Spurs, gentlemen, and scatter for tiie 
 swamp !" 
 
 Walton saw his officers off at different points, making for the 
 niefields beyond which lay the. thickets, which, once reached, 
 would afford the most ample, refuge. With a courteous wave 
 of the hand to the, balcony, when- Proctor and Williamson 
 stood, he gave spurs t> his own splendid charger, a black, uhich 
 had never before failed him. M Kchey kept beside, him, a 
 fierce but devoted follower; and tbey were rapidly approaching 
 
LIKI: on ni:.\Tn. 
 
 the rear fence which \ the Imu^o enclosure fr in tho 
 
 abandoned ri. -.\ hen tin- British dragoons, ( amp/>ell at 
 
 tlu -ir head, hurst into the yanl They never noticed I roctor or 
 Williamson; hut, with tho fugitives lull in view, dash >d pell- 
 ini ll upon their tracks. Meanwhile, Walton, a.- M Kelvrv and 
 olf approached the, fence, gave \vav to the latter, crving 
 
 "Go Ahead, Captain, and take the leap; the cau-eway will 
 hut one hoiM-man at a time." 
 
 This irafl a -fiiei-oiis sugge.-tion, for the Q wa.s 
 
 in the lead. It was an unwise decision made at that moment, 
 since, to t-naMe M Kelvey to p> ahead, it ^. that 
 
 :.n should curh the impulse alreaily ^i\ en to his 1, 
 M 1 Kidvey, to do him ji: .led audibly at the idle con; : 
 
 hut felt that it was imt a moment to <lispute the jrivih-^c. He 
 drove the n>\\ d into his lighter-made ^tee<l, and the animal \ 
 cl-ear. \Valtoj> v\ lunate. I he track ^reu slipjie: 
 
 he dtsrended tlie hank. !! felt the 1 ea>t lahi-r >l;-l.tly, and, 
 in fact, triji, ju>t hefoiv the feme was reaeiied. \iii him 
 
 spur and rein at the right moment, he. too, went over, hut fell 
 pron. tO the earth, as K-aj.in- heyoinl the . .M KeK.;, 
 
 Stnmhled ujion a hreak in the rice-dam. Walton was thrown 
 Completely over his head, and lay stunned for a mo; 
 
 In that moment the British ti ed. M Kelvey, 1>O 
 
 holding the danger of his superior, wheeled ahuit. and da>hed 
 hack, sahn uplifted ; and, with all ti I knight 
 
 ri-int. - i>lr-d headhn:^ . -it d..wji 
 
 in the conflict with two of the dr;!_ !. when Walton s 
 
 eyeu opened upon the scene, the la>t .struggles of his I : 
 lieutenant were at an end. 
 
 lie opened his eye> only to find himself a pri>onor. Mad 
 Archv. with | ; : him. elVectnallv 
 
 prindudi! ,_ .ought of conflict. Stunned and hni 
 
 orn 
 I to tlie dwi ll .: !iy was eiiahlc-d to reali/6 
 
 \feut of ! e found luith \ - 
 
 ion ami Troctor. ". ; 1-y n 
 
 ft-ith Camp: i- il. he COUgratnlated upon his e--aj e having 1 
 
 ibeadjr taught how imminent li;-.d h-eu hi- 
 
862 KATHARINE WALTON. 
 
 very properly omitted all reference to the inteview which he 
 had had with Walton, in which, by the way, he had shown to 
 the latter what nll-sulhYient reasons the.re wore, why, if to he 
 hung by anybody, he should suffer that fate by the hands rather 
 of the Briti.sh than the American. 
 
 To Proctor, the manner of Archy Campbell was marked by 
 great gravity and coldness. 
 
 "Your servant is ho.ro, Major Proctor. To him we are in 
 debted for guidance to the rebel camp. Perhaps you will do 
 well to sot him rijrht as to the true circumstances in which he 
 left you here. I have only to say to you, that his report BDOW8 
 him to entertain very equivocal notions of your present relations 
 with the enemv." 
 
 My servant is a scoundrel. Major Campbell," was the stern 
 response of Proctor. 
 
 "I think it very likely," was the indifferent answer; and 
 shall l,eg you to take charge yourself of his correction and 
 reform. I kiv e but to pay him five guineas, and we are .juith." 
 
S i MATERIAL mi; \\ r, 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIX. 
 WIDOWS Tin: BEST MATKIMAI. mi: w< 
 
 IT was noon of the day which has thus been di-tinirui-hed by the 
 "f \Villiam-oii ami the capture of Colonel Walton, when two 
 . n iniirht have hem seen slowly ridini: in :i ^>uthcr!\ 
 lion, on the route hctween ti, md ihe Combaheti rivers. 
 
 They were l.oth well mounted ami armed; the one -uh> -. n:ed the 
 
 -word by -ide. and pistols in 1. 
 
 in addition to pistol^. ha\ inir a neat. wel!-jK)li-h d. and short ritle, 
 lyiiiLT across the pnniincl of hi- -addle. In the porth 
 fn-xh. tlorid feature- of the forim-r. we rOOOgDJ 
 
 B l coininand: in the latter the yOUD 
 
 Pnuttpton. 
 
 If the reader has not forgotten sonu- former pa>saL r f in this 
 true history, he will find it ea-y t> account for the . 
 these t .m.-es in this neighborhood, at li. | junc- 
 
 bably not IK t n foi-otten. that. >o..n after the 
 which MnL leton had tfi\eii to Lieiit -nai. 
 Mure of that ollicer and of his OOOTOJ, the 1 
 
 1 l- ramptoii. ; 
 _ r on. with 
 
 As this camp \va> kno\\n to ! - aa wo usually t . 
 
 anionir he ; - the duty thus a 
 
 them implied delay, difficulty, a tedious search, and th- 
 cise of nit caution. I.ieutenaiit Porgy was ir 
 
 take hi- wa- n with as much di-patch as was 
 
 . . to the rover of the -wamjts of tli- 
 
 side of that river; to leave it then- i:: ;ent. with 
 
 lion of his detachment, and then him>elf, with Fnunptou, to 
 
864 KATHARIM: WALTON. 
 
 proceed in search of the squadron of Walton. There was yet 
 another duty, if we recollect, which was assigned, at the same 
 lime, to this officer anil his young companion. This was to 
 seek out the widow of Walter Griffin, one of the soldiers of 
 
 Jeton, who had fallen in the engagement with the troop of 
 Mi adows and to convey to her and her daughter the tidings of 
 his death and burial, together with his effects, and a certain 
 amount in English guineas, which Singleton was foitunate 
 enough to gather from the treasure-chest of Meadows, and 
 which he promptly shared among his followers. 
 
 This latter duty was properly confided in part to Frampton. 
 lie might now be considered almost a member of Griffin s fami 
 ly ; the tender interest which he felt in Ellen, the fair daughter 
 of the latter, having received from Griffin, while he lived, every 
 sanction, and being generally supposed equally agreeable to the 
 young damsel herself. The melancholy part of his task, there 
 fore, was not without its compensative considerations, and no 
 one. could better express the, language of sympathy and regret 
 than one who was thus necessarily a sharer in the misfortune. 
 Nor, according to his own notions, was Lieutenant Porgy him- 
 self improperly assigned a portion of this duty. This excellent 
 epicure had his own secret. He had a selfish reason for his 
 readiness to undertake a search like the present, which, but for 
 this reason, would have brought him annoyance only. But w 
 i;m>t leave it t himself and the sagacity of the reader to u* 
 fold this secret motive as we proceed. 
 
 \Ye need not very closely follow the footsteps of Porgy ana 
 his party, from the moment when they left Ravenel s plantation 
 on the. Santee, and proceeded to the Edi>to. Porgy was a man 
 nearly as full of prudence as plethora. lie was luxurious, but 
 he was vigilant ; fond of good things, but neglectful of no duty 
 in seeking them. He succeeded in conveving his ba^gaLre-vvag- 
 on in safety to the spot destined for its hiding-place, in the 
 swamp-thickets of the Edist-i. Here he le.il it in charge of 
 Lieutenant Davis, a shrewd and practised ranger. This done., 
 he set out, as we have seen, with Ensign Frampton, with the 
 twofold object of findii-;: Colonel Walton and the widow (Jriffin. 
 
 Of the former, the part/ had been able to hear nothing by 
 
WIDOWS THK III -T MATKRIU. FOR WIVES. 
 
 which to guide their progress. He w*6 supposed to he ranging 
 somewhere between (he Salkelmtchie and tlic S.i\annnh. In 
 the route now pursued, they had the widow Griffin in \ 
 rather than the partisan. Frampton knew win welt, 
 
 And it was liDped that, on reaching her abode, some intelligence 
 might he ohtained from her of "Walton. The two had ac< 
 irijly taken a bee line from the swamps of Kdi.-to for the hum 
 ble farmstead of the widow, and at noon of the day in que 
 might probably be s<me ten miles from it. But they bad rid 
 den fast and far that morning, and when, after 
 let, or />runr//, which gushed, bright and limpid, across the 
 high road, Frampton exclaimed " It s only nine miles and a 
 skip ; we could mal-- it easy in two hours, lieutenant ; 
 the other answered with a growl that singularly resembled 
 an imprecation. " Only nine mile pti:n. ur 
 
 gently. 
 
 " And if it were only three, master Lance, I would not 
 
 farther until I had seen our wallet emptied. 
 young n i must learn a letter le>s.n. Xe\ er d 
 
 hurry, even if it be on the road to hapj.i:;< . N-. man enjoy? 
 life who gallops through it. Take it slowly ; stop frequently 
 by the way, and look about you. He who g"p- ahead . 
 pH--e> I treasure on both eh he never finds (> 
 
 back. By pau>ing. resting, looking about you, and medit.v 
 you secure the ground vou have gained, and acquire 
 
 mjuer more. Many a man, through sheer impatience, has 
 <jwain for the shore, and sunk just when it r 
 the f.o] turned on his back and floated for an hour, the v. 
 jourpey would have be. 
 
 L.ince, we ll turn upon our backs for an hour. 1 
 tite just now. If I fail to satisfy it. 1 lose it till ; 
 the !"> is irn-tii -val s .me jerked beef in your 
 
 wallet, I think, and a few biscuit. We will turn up thi> 1 sanch. 
 the water of which is cool an<l clear, put mi: lose. 
 
 quiet place in the woods, and pacifv the (1 
 
 The young e: impatient, and not hungry, was 
 
 compelled to subdue his <!eniie to hurry forwAl 
 that arg iiment, at tliis hour, and under f hese circu: with 
 
KATIIAIIINT. W M.TOX. 
 
 his superior, was vain. TTo submitted accordingly without fur 
 thor expostulation, and with a proper grace ; ;in;l, riding ahead, 
 ascended a little elevation, which led him, still following tho 
 winding of the creek, to a cool, shady, and retired spot some two 
 hundred yards from the roadside, lie was cls<dy followed by 
 his more bulky companion ; and, dismounting, stripping their 
 horses, and Buffering them to graxe, they prepared to enjoy the 
 ,1 provision which was afforded by the leathern wallet which 
 the yoiin^ man carried. This was soon spread ut u}>on the 
 turf; and, letting himself down with the deliberation of a buf 
 falo about to retire for the night, Lieutenant 1 orgv prepared for 
 the, discussion of his dinner. 
 
 It was scarcely such as would satisfy either the tastes or ap 
 petites >f epicurism. Vorgy growled as he ate. The beef was 
 hard and black, sun-dr ed and sapless. The biscuits were <>i 
 c()ni-nieal, coarse, stale, and not palatable even to the hungry 
 man. But the tiger was earnest, and the food rapidly disap 
 peared. I- iampton ate, but little. His heart WM t . full of ex 
 cited hopes to sutler his appetite to prevail. It would be doing 
 injustice to 1 orgy to suppose that hi- was glad to behold this 
 abstinence. Though fully equal, himself, to the consumption of 
 the slender provision before them, he, was sincerely urL r ent that 
 the youth should feed. 
 
 "\\liy don t you fall to, bov ! Ho \\\ supple there s not 
 enough fin- both i Kat. I >ay ! You ve done nothing worth the, 
 name of eating since last night. Kat ! 1 know I m a ! 
 seeking what I may devour, but Understand, that 1 regard yon 
 : mv cubs, and will see you feed, even before I do mv- 
 self. Take that other biscuit, and there s the beef. Cut, slash 
 it will need a sharp knife, and sharper teeth t<> get ; t the 
 merits of that hull s quarter." 
 
 I Yampton complied, or seemed to comply with the cc./mnan.i 
 
 Meanwhile, I orgv at" on, growling all the while. 
 
 "This is life, with a vengeance, and I ;//w bo a patriot if I 
 Btand it mneh longer 1 Nothing see: lime! Hand 
 
 me the bottle, I.ance, and run down to the branch with the cup. 
 1 believe I should perish utterly, but for the little seasoning of 
 Jamaica which is left. Al ["looking at the small remains " 
 
WIDOWS Tin 367 
 
 the liquor in tin- 1 ,>ttle, " it is now uiilv what the ] .,et rails the 
 
 drop of sweetening in the draught of c 
 
 " I ut if it he :i draught of rare, lieuteuai arch 
 
 ly, taking up the cup, and moving toward the branch. " why do 
 you drink of it so often . " 
 
 ften ! When, 1 pray you, have I drank of it ! 
 
 " Only three miles hack, at the (Jivm P.ranch." 
 
 "Oh! I drank three miles hack, at the (iieen Branch, 
 Well, it was the cup of Lethe to me, since J certainly forgot all 
 ahout it." 
 
 " Tin-re couldn t have heen much hitternesn in the dr.iiii:li; 
 lieutenant, or the taste would still he in your mouth. Hut, : 
 you forgotten the other cupful at Swan s M -out nine 
 
 miles hack I" 
 
 " I)o you call that a draught, you ajie of manhood, when y< i, 
 know that the .Jamaic -t employed to p th^ 
 
 that \ ile mill-pond wat. 
 
 gone, and hring the water. This i.\ goou :,d I will \ 
 
 a draiiLr! genuine cupful ; since the oth- 
 
 calculated to provoke the thirst and mortify the desire. 
 
 The returned with the water. The worthy epicure 
 
 refreshed hi> inner man ; threw himself hack upon the ^ 
 turf, ui-.-ler the pleasant shade-trees, and 
 in meditating tin- merit of his perfoiman 
 
 crunched <jui-tly on ti . lit 
 
 tle while, neither par 1 At length 1 
 
 taciturnity \va i virtue, hr.ke the 
 
 " Lance, mv boj, JTOU 
 
 " Iln\s >., li<-utei. 
 
 M When do you propose to n little girl, Klh G 
 
 " Well, sir. I can t Mty . I 
 
 " r.-haw, fo.,1. When a giil 
 
 married. iy to he mar:^-;. l.iy that doWH M a law 
 
 The consent to marrv inij ! dug ; and all the:. 
 
 apon the man." 
 
 "Perhaps " 
 
 " Perhaps I tell y-m it M so, and more than that, I fel 
 
KATHAIMNK WALTON. 
 
 pretty sure that unless you are picked up l>y a British bayonet 
 or bullet, you ll marry before the war is over." 
 
 " I should like it, I own, lieutenant." 
 
 " No doubt ; no doubt ; and you are right. I begin to think 
 that marriage is a good thing. I have wasted many vears uu 
 prolitably. How many women might I have made happy had 
 my thoughts led me this way before. But I may yet do some 
 good in this behalf before I die. 1 must marry soon, if ever." 
 
 "You, sir!" with something like .surprise. 
 
 "Ay, to be sure! why not? am I too old, jackanapes ?" 
 
 "Oh! not a bit, lieutenant!" 
 
 "Well! what then ? what s to prevent? You don t suppose 
 that I m fool enough to think of marrying a slight, fanciful, in 
 experienced thing, such as you desire. The ripe, sir, not the 
 green fruit, for me. 1 require a woman who has some knowl 
 edge of life ; who is skilled in housekeeping ; who can achieve 
 successes in the culinary department; who knows the difference 
 between hash and haggis, and can convert a terrapin into a 
 turtle, by sheer dexterity in shaking the spice box. There is 
 another quality which a woman of this description is likely to 
 possess, and that is a due and reverent sense of her husband s 
 authority. It is because of her deference for this authority that 
 she acquires her art. She has learned duly to study his desires 
 and his taste>, and she submits her judgment to his own. She 
 waits to hear his opinion of the soup, and is always ready to 
 promise that she will do better next time. I feel that I could 
 be happy with such a woman." 
 
 " No doubt, sir." 
 
 "The difficulty is in finding such. There are precious few 
 women who combine, all the necessarv qualities. They are not 
 often native. They come from training. A wise father, or a 
 wise husband, will make such a woman ; she can not make her 
 self. Were I, for example, the husband of a girl such as your 
 Ellen " 
 
 "My Ellen, sir!" 
 
 " Oh ! don t be alarmed, boy ; I have no idea of such a folly ! 
 But were I the husband even of such a young and inexperienced 
 it lire, and did we live together but ten years ; were I then 
 
TH1 MM; wiv 
 
 to die, .-he would In- a pii/.e for any man. M ab 
 
 eolutely perfect a> it 1- with Oni part (.1 
 
 who.-r IM^I merit.- depend \cry much upon their imperfection! 
 
 N..\v, this leads me to tin- reflection that, perhap-. 
 
 after all, the he>t materials out of which to make <M>od wi\e- 
 
 always assuming that they have been fortunate in tin 
 
 hion of hu-hands like myself, who have heeii aide to -how them 
 
 the proper paths to follow, ami who have had the will to keep 
 
 well them always in the tiai es. I am c-leaily of the opinion 
 
 that widows allord the very he>t material out of which to man 
 
 nfaeture \\ 
 
 " Indeed, sir." 
 
 "V :! isiv \\idow would ! a treasure t " any man 
 
 and if 1 could only find the widow of a man who in some r 
 
 -eml.led my.M lt , I >hou!d commit matriin- 
 
 " ( ,,!, unit ! when you .said that, lieutenant, I thought mur 
 der was to he. the next word, in>tead of matrimony." 
 
 "l>id vou ! You are -eltin^ hunioroii.s in y-ui ohi 
 hon." 
 
 r l\ . ifter this. .1 minutes: hut 1 ^ 
 
 reMimed, apparently taking up a new topic entindy. 
 " 1 
 
 ,,, ! 1 do pity her! I liked Critlli . : : 
 
 much a person of my own r .cline.l, j . 
 
 copious or various, hut with an evident teiide. 
 
 l-ody in camp relished my terrapin M-JIJI half >o well, and, fora" 
 ordinary BtCW, he WM a-lmirahle himself. ^^ 
 Ti,tes fol OtU . i it surpi thai 
 
 otu- ingredicnti and the .jm.ntii. letkm, the 
 
 rtry time, I liked tin- jioor fellow from that n 
 he, I think, hal (jiiitt- a liking for : 
 
 That he had, lieutei 
 
 .-1 : ; Lance. Many of his other 
 
 tiet. re>einhle.l mine. lie | I 
 
 in too ^reat a hi.: I which \v Q WM I 
 
 of character, ind ;l lnan {>i will> 
 
 tod when he put his t-t down, there it stuck. It wan Uw. 1 
 
>. > KATMAKIN I! WALTON. 
 
 have IK. t tin- slighted doubt that poor Mrs. (JriMin is an admirablv- 
 t rained \voinan." 
 
 There \\as a pause, in which IWijy hiinsel! roee, look his cup 
 and bottle and went down to tin- brooklet, sayinir " Thinking <f 
 p-H.r driliin, I will drink to his memory." 
 
 li" - on returned and resumed the 1 sul jeet, somewhat, we should 
 f :n ivy. lo the annoyance of his companion. 
 
 "I am of opinion. Lance, that Mrs. drift::!, when a irirl. must 
 have --really resembled your Kllcn. S!,-. ictlj the same 
 
 and hair, the same mouth and chin, and, allowing for the 
 natural portliness of a woman of thirty-five, very mueh the same 
 
 She i-; a line-lookim: woman now; and in lu r you will 
 
 ratified to see what her daughter will lie twenty years hence. 
 
 If she has trained her :, rself has been trained, you will 
 
 have every reason !> be satisfied. Did you ever pbeerve, when 
 
 .in was in camp with us on the Santee, how frequentlv 
 I dined in drirtin s mess? Well, it was in tribute to her excel 
 lent merit in preparing the dinner. Her husband shared the 
 labor, it metIm.CS contributed by couriM 1 ;|S an 
 
 amateur. This, i,, doubt, helped her very much ; but that 
 
 Id net be allowed to di-para-e her real merits, since, to 1x3 
 :i d to submit to uood counsellors, shows a decree of \\i\- 
 
 dom, such as ordinary \v.me:i s- -ido.Mi arrive at. Poor \voman ! 
 how I pity her! How such a woman, so meekly dependent 
 -band, can endure widowhood, is verv problemati 
 cal |" 
 
 There was another pftUSC, Lance l-Yamp on b< in- heard to turn 
 
 My behind the tree. v. IK n Tor d 
 
 5TC8 ll-e tnilh b n,.t tO !> denied. 1 have been (Mlile too self- 
 bh! I iniirlit have made many a woman happy - I ini-hl b 
 arri .:ii,n to th.- l.eari of many a suirerimi wido\\ ! I have 
 
 lived iliii^ ] (>n . in \ain. I nuM make amends. 1 must sink self, in 
 the sense of duty! Cora -addle the horses, lad. and let u- 
 
 ling." 
 
GKIKF i: A en:,- ta 371 
 
 (MI A I T ER X L 
 
 UKIKK BA< O.N AMi I 
 
 IN less than two hours, our companions reached the 1. 
 farmstead which the widow Griffin occupie-". Tin- dwelling 
 A poor Cabin of l.-^s, with hut two rooms, such as wa- common 
 enouirh nl (-:l the cmin y. Tin- tract of Iniul, consisting ! 
 hunured acres, was anij.Ir for so small a family. This proj 
 with a few head of catth . a scon- f lm-s. several of \\hich lay 
 gmnting in the road in front of the entrance, and other tr 
 
 >t oi a 1 .r-:lier, a crij|ile, who died hut a 
 
 few months befon i whom Mrs. ( Jriliin. \\ itli her daughter, 
 
 had . i the camj) .f Marimi to attend in his last ill. 
 
 Tin place had a very cheerless a-pect. Tl. dis 
 
 mantled, the open sp: ^i->\vn np ii: .,nl seme 
 
 p lies of c< in, from which the frn .t had 1 een partially Btri] 
 already, strij ped, indei il, as it ripened added rather t 
 cold ..ml discouraging appearance of the pi. 
 
 Our companions did not, at once, and l-oldly, ride np t<> the 
 habitation, i liey . well pi f | 
 
 an indiscretion. When within halt a mil. 
 
 turned into the proodft, made a partial </> fin// , and while 1 . 
 remained under c \ ramptoii stole forward, on : 
 
 to reconnoitre. The 1 I I in 
 
 the thick 
 
 Lance was absent ahout a quarter of an hour only, hut ln- 
 enough to make his superior quite impatie:,;. The vmith, 
 though ea^er to i^ain the c-.t:. . \ et too well t. 
 
 move incnutionnly. He had 6) himsrlf ii. 
 
 npproach, RH well as he cmihl, by the cuver of contiguous tree* 
 Theae had ber.n allowec to grow -diuost to the eaves of th? 
 
372 K ATI I A KINK \\MA\-S. 
 
 building, in front ami rear, affording an excellent protection 
 from the sun, which, as the house was without a piazza, was ab 
 solutely necessary for comfort in such a climate. 
 
 The door was open in the rear of the, building, and the first 
 glimpses of it showed Lance the person of his pretty sweetheart, 
 sitting just within it, busily engaged with the needle. The 
 youth, his heart beating more than ever quickly, glided forward 
 with increased stealthiness of tread, in the hope to surprise her. 
 To creep beside the building, until he had nearly reached the 
 doorway, and then, with his cheek against the wall, to murmur 
 her name, was the simple art he used. She started, with a 
 slight cry, at once of pleasure and astonishment, and ex 
 claimed 
 
 " Oh ! Lance ! Is it you ? IIow you scared me !" 
 
 " I did not mean to scare you, Ellen." 
 
 "To surprise me so," continued the girl: "and I without 
 stockings on ;" and with a blush, she drew the delicately-formed 
 white feet beneath her dress, but not before the eye of the 
 youth had rested upon their whiteness. 
 
 " And how s father ? where, did you leave him ?" 
 
 Lance was silent. The gravity of his face at her question did 
 not escape her. She spoke eagerly 
 
 "lie s well, Lance, ain t he 1" 
 
 " Where s your mother, Kllen V 
 
 " In the room." She pointed to the chamber. 
 
 " Well, I must go and report to Lieutenant 1 orgy. Ill s 
 lere. lie s got letters for your mother. There s been no Hrit- 
 isli or torirs about?" 
 
 "Yes: they ve been about, I hear. t>onie passed up ye.-ter- 
 day, by the other road. But all s safe hereabouts now, I 
 reckon." 
 
 " I ll mn, then, and bring the lieutenant. He ll be mighty 
 tired of waiting." 
 
 "But yon haven t told me, about father, Lance:" 
 
 "No ! * said he, hesitatingly, "the lieutenant will tell you all " 
 
 "But he s well, Lance he s well/ You haven t had any 
 fighting, have you !" 
 
 " Wait awhile, Elleu," he answered as he hastened away, and 
 
GKIKF , AND KGGS. 373 
 
 his evasion of tin- inquiry at once alarmed the quick instincts of 
 tin- girl. She called immediately to her mother. 
 
 -Oli! mother, there s news from camp, ami I m afcanl it i 
 bad news" 
 
 " I 1 .. id D0Wfl : Kllen," answered the mother, coining forth. 
 
 "I m at eard ; for Lance has just 1-een here, and, when 1 
 ,iked him ahout father, he would tell me nothing, hut has gone 
 irt tw call Lieutenant I orgy, who is here too in the 
 
 LftuOC wouldn t hring had news, Ellen." 
 
 : if he could help it, mother; hut why didn t he answer 
 me \\hen i a.-ked after lather; and why did he say that Lieu 
 tenant I -.igy would tell us all?" 
 
 :ueiia.il I orgy he s here too/ said the, mother, 
 smoothing her wip and apron. "If it was had news, Kllen, 
 hear it soon enough. It s never slow to travel when it 
 had." 
 
 " I in sure father s hurt ; something s the matter. They ve 
 had a hattle ; and why didn t In 
 
 " Well, I don t know.- hut mayhe lie did write." 
 
 "Hut, if he did, wouldn t Lance ha\ bt the letter the 
 
 first thing {" 
 
 "Mayhe the lieutenant s got it ! I).. n t he foolish, Kllen. I 
 don t think Lance would he the one to come with had i;> 
 
 " Oh ! I know he d he sorry to do so ; hut, mother, he ! 
 orry enough when I a-.ked al> ut father, and he spke M> little." 
 
 Come, child, you ie always thinking "f the idmid he- 
 comes! That s not right. (Jo, now. and look up something t<>r 
 Lance and the lieutenant to eat. 1 reckon they ll he precious 
 hungry. Put on a pot of lunnuuj at once, and kindle up the 
 and get down the gourd of eggs, while 1 that 
 
 hacon. I don t think there s any had n. ITS, 1 don t !! like 
 it! God knows we ve had sorrow enough to last u.- ii"W fora 
 long time, and I ain t willii .::rr any 
 
 more on a sudden. Come in. Kllen, and stir yourself; that f u 
 the way to lose tl. 1 > >n t he h-okii 
 
 them" meaning the men "it don t look quite proper form 
 young girl, Ellen." 
 
 44 Oh 1 mother, how can you 
 
874 KATHAIilXK WALTON. 
 
 The souk-nee remained untinished. The girl obeyed, and 
 was soon busied with the domestic preparations which the 
 mother had suggested. The pot of hominy was soon upon the 
 tire, the eggs laid out upon the table, and Mrs. Griffin herself, 
 with a somewhat unsteady hand, prepared to cut from the shoul 
 der of bacon the requisite number of slices. She was interrupted 
 while thus employed, by the arrival of the expected - 
 Her agitation, when she received them, was not less ^.n .: , 
 though less conspicuous than that of her daughter. The. pooi 
 woman seemed to fancy that a certain degree of hardihood was? 
 essential to proper dignity. It is, indeed, a characteristic of 
 bumble life among the people of the forest country of the south 
 and southwest, to assume an appearance of stoicism under grief, 
 in which they resemble the Indian; appearing to consider it a 
 weakness of which they have reason to be ashamed, when they 
 give .vent to their natural emotions under affliction. In like 
 manner, it is their habit to suppress very much their show of 
 impatience, particularly when they are conscious of an active 
 and growing curiosity. Mrs. (.iriilin felt fully the anxieties of 
 her daughter, but her training was superior to the nature which 
 strove within her. She met her visitors with the air of one who 
 had nothing to fear; and, that she really felt anxiety, was to bo 
 seen entirely in the measured and cold manner with which she 
 welcomed them. 
 
 "I m glad to see you, Lance. I m sure you re welcome, 
 lieutenant ; sit down. You must be mighty tired with your long 
 ride in this hot weather." 
 
 "Tired and hungry, and thirsty and sleepy, all together, M rs 
 Griffin, I assure you. And how is Miss Kllen I has she no wel 
 come for an old friend /" was the reply of Porgy. 
 
 The girl, who had hitherto hung back, now advanced and put 
 her hand shyly within his grasp, hut said nothing. 
 
 1 Ah ! you are still as bashful and still as pretty as ever, my 
 little damsel. Don t be shy of me, my dear creature. I need 
 not tell you that I am old enough to be your father; and 1 fee 1 
 that I could love you like a father. You would hardly think, 
 but 1 have a heart full of the milk of human kindness. It might 
 have been better, perhaps, for me, in a mere worldly point of 
 
r. \C-ON* i 875 
 
 riew, bad I less. But I am content. The feelings which I 
 possess are more precious to me than vaults of gold and wagons 
 of silver." He released her hand as he spoke tliis, and, ad . 
 
 Mrs. Griffin, proceeded as if the girl were no longer in 
 hearing. 
 
 " Ah ! madam, what a treasure to you to have such a child as 
 that. She is all gentleness ana sweetness, and all duty, I am 
 
 " She is, indeed, a blessed child. There are few like her, 
 Lieutenant 
 
 Kllen stopped not to listen to her own praises thus began, but 
 *tole out, :oll<iwcd by Frampton. I orgy. obeying the 
 
 ,ted request of his lioness, proceeded to take a seat, while 
 woman, bavin;: finished slicing her bacon, and thrown 
 it into the frying-pan, laid the implement upon the table con 
 veniently beside the eggs, and. having looked at tl 
 hominy, given it a :-tir. and pushed up t -h i , 
 
 J .rew a chair near the fireplace, and, folding her hands in her 
 .; ]>, assumed, unavoidably the look of a person in waiting and 
 ex pectation. 
 
 The lieutenant surveyed her curiously as she sat tin 
 
 Lent upon the ground, and only rai>- nallv to look 
 
 t the tire. Mrs. (iriliin was a comely woman, not much Le\ 
 :he miildle period of life, ami. as thus she sat, plainly, but m 
 dressed, with a face smo,,th yet, and fair, and with the bloom of 
 health upon her cheeks, our lieutenant inwardly said 
 
 V.-rily, the woman is well to look upon." 
 
 His conviction took a somewhat different shape when put into 
 I 
 
 " Mrs. Griffin, you are very comfortable here; that i 
 might be. with health and youth, and a pleasant abode one 
 that may be made so, certainly but, don t you find it 
 lonesome J" 
 
 " I m used to it, lieutenant." 
 
 "Yes, indeed; and that is fortunate. I 
 
 lonesome- : e independent, in in 5^* 
 
 of life. Solitude, once familiar to the mind, ceases to !>,- ,,j.; 
 give; and who is sure hav*> a larg* 
 
376 KATHARINE WALTON. 
 
 number of relatives and friends, but what is to secure us against 
 the chance of losing them ? We may liavc a full house to-day, 
 and all shall be silent and cheerless to-morrow. Such are life s 
 vicissitudes. It is fortunate, therefore, when one has been pre 
 pared already for such privations. Misfortune, then, can do us 
 little evil, and should death steal into the household " 
 
 " Death ! Lieutenant Porgy ?" 
 
 " Yes, Mrs. Griffin, death. We must all die, you know. One 
 will be taken away, and another will be left, and the survivor 
 will have necnl " 
 
 " Lieutenant, a n t you just from the camp ?" 
 
 Not very long, ma am." 
 
 "And my husband didn t he write didn t he know that 
 you were coming into those parts ?." 
 
 " Why, no, ma am, he didn t write he didn t know he " 
 
 "Lieutenant, there s something you ve got to tell !" inter 
 rupted the woman. " Speak to me, now that Ellen s not here. 
 Let. me know if there s anything the matter with my husband." 
 
 " Well, Mrs. Griffin, I m sorry to say that something is the 
 matter," replied Porgy, seriously the earnest, sad, almost stern 
 manner of the widow impressing him with solemnity, and com 
 pelling him, by a natural intuition of what was proper, to forego 
 all the absurdities and affectations of speech which a long in 
 dulgence had rendered, in great degree, habitual. He con 
 tinued 
 
 " You are a strong woman, Mrs. Griffin ; you have seen much 
 trouble and sorrow, and you must be pn-pareil for more." 
 
 "Tell me !" she exclaimed, clasping her hands and bonding 
 toward him. " Tell me! Don t keep me in this misery." 
 
 "We have had a battle, Mrs. Griffin." Here he paused. 
 
 " And he was killed ! he was killed !" was her cry. 
 
 Porgy was silent. His ryes were cast upon the iloor. 
 
 " Walter Griffin ! Oh, my God ! my poor, poor Walter ! He 
 fg dead he is dead ! I shall never M-e him again !" 
 
 The head of the woman fairly dropped upon her knees, while 
 strong, deep sobs broke from her breast, with occasional ejacu 
 lations. 
 
 " Walter, Walter, my poor, poor Walter !" 
 
r.lili-F 
 
 y did not reason unwisely when lie forhoye all et" 
 consolation. He took the opportunity, now that slie M-emod to 
 he in full , . of the tart, to relate the j.artin; 
 
 " He died like a hrave man, Mrs. Griiiin, in hattle against the 
 enemies of his country !" 
 
 " All ! 1 know d he would. Walter was a true man. He lia.l 
 the heart of a lion in him !" 
 
 " That he had, indeed, Mrs. Griffin. I will hear witness to 
 his courage and his manhood. He was a hrave. generous, wh.-le- 
 Houled fellow a jjfood companion and an excellent friend." 
 
 " r, poor Walter! Hut you don t know half 
 
 what he was to n,.-, when there was nohody and nothing! ah ! 
 how could you know? And what is to her-. me of us now! 
 my child my poi.r Kllen, fatherless here, in these cruel time*, 
 and in these lonoome \\ 
 
 "Ah! Mi>. (Jriiiin, rememher you an- a Christian. Tm-- 
 ( :th it the hest of j.iomi-ev II, temper! the wind 
 
 .< shorn lan:h. You will never want a jn 1 am Mure, 
 
 and your swei-t and gentle daughter wfl] surely tind a father 
 and many frie: 
 
 "Oh! 1 don t MM- ir/ t rrt; lieutenant ; \\ e are very |H...r. and 
 very unl.efriended. If the \\ar >\ j le w..uhi 
 
 hack to the scttlemei: 
 
 "The war \\ ill ! ver 1 lie j.-nj.le \\ill 
 
 c,.nie hark to the settlements. You \\ill have many ami 
 kind neighbor*; air! I can j)romiM- \-oii. If n. Griffin, OD arm-n^ 
 them, v. Ir- \\ili he a> true a friend t- lie was ; 
 
 hushand. I.i-t ; >ied to us. rind if mv life i> sjiared 
 
 IIK-, 1 nii-an to live in this ia;-i>h. I \\ill he your friend. I \\ill 
 
 your daughter. I will ho a father to her, out of ti 
 1 hoto to her father." 
 
 "Oh! lieutenant, 1 thank yu for JOV kit, MI tho 
 
 hottoin ..f my heart. I reckon \ ou \\ill le as : 
 hody in the world; hut there s RO Mich t! 
 hushand and the father, and in.- kinj: MS feel as if \\ e ha<. 
 known the lofti, < )h ! W.M! ! 
 
 that you would he kille.l ! v the enemy ! I know d ho 
 
 :,!0 he v. as, lieutenant. 1 told him he ought not to ho 
 
878 K ATI!. \IH.\K WALTON. 
 
 rash, for the sake of his wife and dan - liter ; and it s all turned 
 out as 1 warned liiin. My God ! what are we to do now, hcr 
 in this lonesome wilderness ! 1 don t s<-e ! I don t see ! I feel 
 as if I could lay right down and die." 
 
 4 Don t give, up, Mrs. Grifiin. There s no help in despair. 
 Death must come, at last, to all of us. It might be Grifiin or it 
 might be me. It might be on the field of battle, or it might be 
 here in bed. We can t know the moment when the summons 
 must be heard, and we must resign orrrselves with philosophy, 
 to a fate from which there is no escape. There s no use in sor 
 row." 
 
 "Oh! but who can help it, lieutenant! I know there s no 
 bringing Walter back ; but that don t make me feel easier be 
 cause he s gone. If 1 did nt cry, my heart would be sure to 
 burst." 
 
 Her speech throughout, was broken by continual sobs and 
 wailing. The evidences of real feeling were quite too conspic 
 uous to suffer 1 orgy to indulge in any follies, and what he said, 
 dy way of consolation, Mas respectfully and kindly said, though 
 as usual in such cases, of no value. At length, he bethought 
 him of Singleton s letter, and the money intrusted to his care. 
 
 " It ought to be a great satisfaction to you, Mrs. Griflin, that 
 Walter had so completely won the love of everybody in cam}). 
 I ve seen the colonel himself standing over him, with the big 
 tears gathering on his cheek, as he listened to his last words. 
 The colonel has written to you in this letter." 
 
 " God bless him ! Colonel Singlet- m is a good man, and Wal 
 ter loved him very much. Read the letter for me, lieutenant, 
 for I m too blind to see the writing." 
 
 The letter of consolation was read accordingly. It set the 
 stream of tears flowing anew. 
 
 " Really," thought Porgy as he watched her, "a most exem 
 plary woman. It is pleasant to think that we shall be thus 
 wept and remembered when we are, no more." 
 
 This reflection led to another. " What a profitless life i* 
 mine ! Were they to assign me my last tenement to-morrow, I 
 doubt if a single eye would give out water ; unless, indeed, this 
 youngster, Lance, and possibly p om the cook ! Verily, *hii 
 
(JRIEF P. A i <>\ \\[. : ,7? 
 
 tiling moat be emended. This poo-/ woman is tin- ISOD 
 
 o whom I must administer consolation. ;unl frnm whom I ; 
 
 :ve it. Hut, not now! not now! We nm>t _ -lvp 
 
 She feels her sorrow, that is clear, and docs not merely 
 it ; hut the stream Hows too frcelv to hi-t over loni: ; ami 
 the fountain that exhaust.- itself (pickly, will soon feel the : 
 of new supplii 
 
 Such was the unspoken philosophy of our epicure. He real 
 ly penoaded himself that the sort of conflation. which he pro 
 PM-IM! ultimately to ofler to the widow, was the proof of a 
 tain virtue in himself. He congratulated himself with the con 
 viction. that he was ahout to do a charitalde action. An inter 
 val in the -rrief of Mr-. (Jntfiii allowed him to place in her hand 
 the ten guinea.- which had l.een sent her 1 y B 
 watch, and some other trifles which h 
 
 them little heed, emptying the ^o]d up m the tai-le, and putting 
 the watch into her l-nsnm. TluMi. as if ^in-leto: ha.l 
 
 to 1-e read, she turned it over, and appran-d striv n,. 
 iiersdf of its contents. Hut she blU a moinei I 
 
 ij in| 
 
 " I can t WC the ictu r !" What does the (.]. nel say, lieu 
 tenant r 
 
 !! Igail e : DD6OCC ; ::. ; - RUal of the letter, hut ha.l 
 ly r- : a sentence, when hasty fret Wta 
 
 trance without, and, in the next moment. Kllrn (Jritlin 
 J<ancr Imniedly entrreil the apartment. lioth seemed 
 much agitated. Tin- eyes of tlie ^irl v.cre red with weeping, 
 and the !!; dp.ps yrt sf ..... I upon her cheeks. Hut there wa 
 little time allowed for observation. 
 
 " T}u l ied-coats, lieutenant t!ie Hritish !" 
 
 " Not a (juarter ahove, coming down at a walk, drapmiiv 
 than fifty that I see! We must cut lor the hu>hes. We ll 
 have time, if v ut we must nin for it." 
 
 " r rhe devil ! run ! as if I had not an infirmity in in} heel, 
 like that of Achillr 
 
 "Shut the front door, Kllen." cried the j ; ilBn. 
 
 " H.-tter gather up the _ 
 
380 KATHARIXK WALTON. 
 
 44 or the British will swear to tin- stamp. Lance, my boy. can 
 we fin<l cover all the way back . " 
 
 " Pretty much ! There s a bend in tie road above, just here 
 at the con er of the cornfield, where there is a piece of woods 
 that screens us for awhile, and if we get beyond that, we re, in 
 I he thicket. But we must put out at once." 
 
 * To be sure we must! Mrs. (Jrillin, with your permi.-.-ion 
 we ll withdraw the temptation of this bacon and these, eggs from 
 ilic eyes of these rapacious red-coats. We must not feed, or 
 give comfort in any way to the enemy. Lance, tumble the<- 
 eggs into the frying-pan it already contains the bacon, and 
 take it on your shoulder. I will take possession of the jmt f 
 hominy." 
 
 "But I have my rifle, lieutenant." 
 
 " What of that ! carry both, can t you ? I have my sword, 
 do you see ; yet, 1 mean to take the pot also." 
 
 " We must be in a hurry, lieutenant," said Lance, swinging 
 the frying-pan, laden with eggs and bacon, over his left shoul 
 der, and grasping his rifle in his right hand. 
 
 Oh ! yes ! better go !" cried Kllen, entreatingly, who divi 
 ded her time between a watch through the cracks of the, door 
 and her lover. Wiping her eyes with her apron, Mrs. Griffin 
 hurried their departure also. 
 
 Porgy had already seized upon the hangers of the hominy 
 pot, and was unbuckling his sword, to carry in his hand, that it 
 might not embarrass him in walking. The sonnds of the ap 
 proaching horse were beginning to he faintly heard, as the two 
 partisans stepped out of the door in the rear of the building, 
 neb armed after the fashion described, and stealing away un- 
 ler the- shelter of the trees. 
 
 It required no extraordinary haste, for the British came slow 
 ly down the road. This was fortunate, since Porgy was not the 
 man to fatigue himself in flight, lie would much prefer to en 
 counter odds in conflict at any time. His portlv figure present 
 ed quite a picture, such as Cruikshank would have painted con 
 amore, rolling, rather than striding, away beneath the trees, hi* 
 *word in one hand, thrown out at right angles with his body. 
 &e better to preserve that balance, which was necessary to his 
 
BACOS \ \ i> i <;os. : > s l 
 
 the hominy-pot nt a proper di-tame from 
 Mrs. (JriHin and her daughter watched tin- two from tin- 
 door for awhile ; then. 
 
 the entrance in th well us the front, and 
 
 they prepared within for the possible "ivinir unwel- 
 
 eon. The nicney. ju-t I and watt i 
 
 other portal>l down within a seen t ln-llo\v 
 
 in the lliH.r; and. with a IH>JM- that the enemy would pa-- by 
 without pa i^ini:. the wid<>w and the daughter both sat down, 
 
 1 in knittinir and needle-work. 
 
 Uut they were not tliu< destined , The drsgOODfl in 
 
 ; iiee vj ( , ],].,! ;it the entrance of the d\vellin<_r, and, as the 
 several divisions came UP, the\ ^as some 
 
 delay, during which all was anxiety in tl, 
 and hi-r dau-. i r. A k:. ek followed at the 
 of authority demanded ::a t ly thn 
 
 \Ii-. (Iritlin her- If. while her daiuhi. 
 
 . : Lei us 1< ave the widow \\ith her un^ 
 while we follow the footstepa of our lieutciiaut aud cusi::n into 
 the foic.-t. 
 
CATHARINE 
 
 CHAPTER XL1. 
 
 POROY PROVES POT-VALIANT ONLY. 
 
 THK two partisans, ladei. as they were, the one with the ^. 
 of hominy, tlie other with the frying-pan, made their way to 
 the woods with all despatch, and without detection. Forhi- 
 tnnatcly, as we have, said, the forest cover extended almost to 
 the cottage. Our fugitives soon satisfied themselves that they 
 were in a place of security, though hut a few hundred yarda 
 from the dwelling. They were in a tolerably close covert, on 
 the slope of a moderate hill, at the foot of which stole off a 
 slender brooklet, the child of a great bay or wooded pond, that 
 covered a hiu .Ired acres, more or less, a quarter of a mile dis 
 tant. Here Porgy paused. lie l:/id found his pot of hominy. 
 precious as it was, an incumbrance. He laid it upon the ground, 
 down his sword beside it, drew a long breath, and wiped 
 repeatedly the perspiration from his brows. Lance Frampton 
 followed his example; and the youth, at the bidding of his su 
 perior, proceeded to strike fire in his tinder-box, which he 
 brought from his horse furniture ; tin two steeds being fasten 
 ed Mill farther in the woods, where still bitted and saddled, 
 they were allowed to nibble the rass, which was now tolerably 
 rank. The fire kindled, and the pot set to boiling anew, Frainp- 
 ton proposed that he should take an observation in other 
 words, see how the land lay with tin- enemy. 
 
 " Ay, do so, lad. You are o<" no use. here. You have no mer 
 its in the kitchen. I will do the cooking, for which I flatter my 
 self I have a native faculty, and, if you do not stay too long, 
 you will find your share of the dinner in waiting for you. And 
 
p<n;.,y PROVES i "i-\ \ ; i \ \ i MS \.\. 
 
 to ha\e a chat with Kllcn. -Many a poor fcllov 
 pampered al li Wfl head. I " ii the loofc 
 
 you \\iil In- tru ed up to the inst all odds, a- 
 
 r than a spy; and I sha n t be there to hear your la- 
 sion. lie olF, at OHOe, and -how your-elf had. SOOD OS 
 
 >le." 
 
 l:,d promptly icted on thi- permission. l!< 
 
 w jll, thr thou-h with tlu- cnnnini: ami 
 
 tinii of a much smaller animal. 1 -.n\\ hilr. 
 
 dug. In thix i-roNiiuc he \\as at home, i d t. 
 
 boil ; \\ith the ai<l of 1 
 \\hiih tin- paiUMU habitualh 
 
 1 : , j.ji , | clapboard, \vhich hr found D1 to 
 
 hi- lianl. int" : article of wliirh our m.rt:. 
 
 trimds kno\v nothin.ir, uidc.s-. perhaps, a- . as 
 
 Intitule for M hool l.irch. \\in-n an unruly urchin i- I 
 inoMi-hr.h with which he MiiTed the sinun.ri: 
 
 ily dr. w it up f ; . Hi- - .^ rs "^ l a.n. n 
 
 Nv h, dj in the fryil -pan. to be dapped oil the lire the 
 
 nioin. r,t that the hominy had ivach-d the pi 
 In t " 
 
 knew \\li.it a L r ""d Msppi-r re(|uind. and he had i tin- 
 
 v. Hi- (al.ulations \\ere that the B OD their 
 
 1 made but :i DKM1 
 
 had no Mj-pi- \iinily of 
 
 of the Amen " th:it lhr . v wouM 
 
 iihYirntly far 
 Hi upon 
 
 Ptirini; all lh- 
 calculati. 
 
 longed n i w i. iMuv, it would be 9uy t tram his <>wn lip 
 
 prove him c.|iial epicure and phi . :1 8- 
 
 1 ,hies will, hi- 00 lIpetkHM, :.:>: ;- w > !l11 
 
 charms of Cntiment He WM inl.,d a rare compound of 111.- 
 sual and the s.-nliniciital phi! 
 
 .! to assume ; 
 
 -n-hich rendcixd il tit for 
 
K ATI! A KINK \V ALTON. 
 
 away tin.- lire from beneath in, in order to set on the frying-pan, with 
 enls of I L:!;S and bacon, when Lance Frampton reappeared. 
 ! i was all consternation. 
 
 " ( )h ! Lieutenant, would you believe it? thc\ .-lonel 
 
 Walton a prisoner ! " 
 
 "The d 1 they have |" 
 
 " Ye< I ve seen him myself, sitting in a chair in the liall, 
 ;. in! of six dragoons with their pistols cocked and 
 watching every movement I counted more than seventy dr, 
 and I reckon there s quite a hundred. How could it have hap 
 pened V What s t- be done? \Ve omrjit to be doiiiir something to 
 p-t him clear : " 
 
 l)oiii _r soinethinir, boy! What the d 1 would you do with 
 seventy dragoon-, or more y If ir own bacon. i; s ;; s much 
 
 as ue can h"p" to do. Did the enemy look as if they wei 
 picious ; I)o they sh->w sigDS of Stopping loi;^ ? " 
 
 " \ M that 1 Bee! They have only stopped to re-! and refresh. 
 They ve been oil to the spring and irot some buckets of water 
 for themselves, and most of tlicni are leading their h": 
 
 rinu p and rubbitiL r them down. I saw several of them out 
 in the bushes, here and there, but they did not str:i.u r .u r le far from the 
 lint what s to be (lone fur Cnl-ux-l Walton ?" 
 
 " Wh:it can be done? II, - s a iri-oner, and must wait for his 
 exchange. I suppose, with what philosophy lie may." 
 
 "Oh, Mr. I Wiry. I m afraid of something WOT96, I am afraid 
 they ll not treat him as a common prisoner. YOU remember that 
 they v,vre <r.oin<r to hanir, him when our colonel rescued him 
 
 l)ef( 
 
 "Thai - very true," replied I nnry, with incr. ivity ; 
 
 "that s very true. I had not thought of that. Uut, what 
 ever may be tlieir jutrpose with him. we have no power to serve 
 or save him. We must only be on the lookout to see that we 
 bled up by tlirsc scarlet bodied dni-oons- - 
 whether, indeed, they should not be called <h-iii,">n>t rather than 
 
 " Lieutenajit," said the youth cjuickly, as if with the resolution 
 suddenly made, " I must hurry <>1T to camj) and let our colonel know 
 all about it." 
 
Why. !.y this time." 
 
 Y. j, sir, I r :. , but Til find him." 
 \\ i - ml him 
 
 will ha\e lh< ir ! h( iv 
 
 would In H, i! tii 
 
 .ml c .:t i! 
 
 to Hi. . and t<> know that Wallon is 
 
 in the provM, will K; only anin.yin.^ in! 
 is a incutli hence as now." 
 don t know, Mr. I Wiry < >isr < 
 \v. I know 1 
 
 rltini: up 
 llii-^ capture, aii-1 
 
 at once, bv hard-riiT < him the information much 
 
 M licar of it from (In I must 
 
 " Yd! >h:i n ! LT" till you have e:;ti-n. 1 
 
 " I <! . li< utenant ; I m not at all liu; 
 
 "YOU :i!- a fool! N-.l :tt il"-fr;i::l Hi-- ,;iimal that 
 
 \\ !,!! its \\. rk i .11 rat 
 
 ri<le. A^ for riding with you, ; ItCT to the 
 
 and at tliis moment. I don t all the \ v . 
 
 and > ihis and Ihiekl- i 
 
 if \ on ( ;, . 11 that 
 
 you >hould ; for, a> you 
 
 < tiling 
 
 his kin-man M till yu have 
 
 rat-n. Ind d. \ on can not 
 di-;ii 
 
 " I can t;iki tin- hack track, lieute- :ijhal ilir- 
 
 ,j>\\arda!, id. and tin n \\ tnd pu-hin^ 
 
 DM of the Upp- I : iUto." 
 
 d defeat \oiil 
 more in \\t . ! 1\ in.iT 
 
 :i hour, you in..\ 
 rond, without an em my in the \\:i\. ()i. 
 
 . ii ride. I .-ha ii t u" \\ith y u. mark th 
 17 
 
KATII AUINI-: WAI. TON. 
 
 tainly stay to-nicht at the house of our friend. I have much to 
 communicate --much to say, in (he \\ay of e. -isolation, to this 
 amiable and lovely widow. You may tell the colonel that 1 shall 
 devote myself to the task, MOW that Colonel \Vallon is taken, of 
 saving my little party, ami our wauon of stoivs. My object will 
 he to lind Colont l Harden and furnish his command with all 
 tliat is necessary, rather than risk everything by returning will 
 such an incumbraiice. Tush up those brands, boy, and tun, 
 that bacon. Our mess will soon be ready. AY hat a savory 
 niloi-: Heaven send that it penetrates MM worse no.sirils than out 
 own." 
 
 The boy did as he was directed, turned over the slices of bacon 
 in the pan with an air of resignation, while I ..- the hominy 
 
 a finishing stir, and drew the pot from the lire, to- enable it to 
 cool. lie was thin busied when he heard Lance Framplon ^-ivc 
 v cry, and wa> astounded to see the youth leap awav, at a 
 couple of bounds, putting the brooklet and the bay between them. 
 .Just then, a harsh voice, just above him, in the direction of the 
 house, cried out 
 
 "lloo noo ! \vha would ye be after there, you overgrown divil 
 that ye are I" 
 
 1 oriry, the /W-AW.-.v, with pot depending, still in one hand, and 
 the hominy stick in the other, looked up only to discover a dragoon 
 HMirely inarehing down upon him, and but a fC If, !b 
 
 cast his eyes about him for his sword, but it lay where he had been 
 sitting, to the windward of the lire, fully ten paces olT. Here was 
 a quandary. The dragoon was in the act of picking his let ih 
 when he lir-t >aw him ; lie wa- now deliberately drawing out his 
 sabre. 1 orgy s glance ::t hi- sword, and a slight step backward, 
 moved the Scotchman to Mi-peel him of llight ; to prevent which, 
 the latter rushed directly upon him, his weapon now flourishing 
 in air. 
 
 The bulk of Ponry, the nearness of the enemy, and tip 
 
 it which hi -i-d lay, forbade the hope of hi- 
 
 ermg it in season for his defence, and as the dra;:"on darted on 
 him, obeying a first, impulse, our epicure raised the pot by the 
 hangers, with his left hand, caught one of its still bunii- 
 in the right, and, with a desperate whirl, sent tho entire contents 
 
PORG1 ri;\ i g |.,,i-\ MISS, o LT. 
 
 "> th. --aldim: hot. dire, tly into il,- his assail 
 
 ant. 
 
 The ially awful and instantaneous. Tin- di 
 
 dropped the uplifted .sabre, and set up tin- wildest yell .f 
 while lie danced about as if under the direct >pe]N of Saint Vi- 
 I he hominy stuck to hi- fan- and neck like a pla-ter, and the 
 effort to remove it with his hands, only tore a\\ay 11, 
 witli it. Porgy was disposal to fallow up his success; and. 
 knocking the feilo\v on the head with the empty \ .1 p,-r- 
 
 formance which wa< totally univsi.sted. In the a-ony of the dra 
 1:0011. his approach for his imrin.se was totally un>een. Down he- 
 rolled, under the wild *l,..<-k f llie iron krlll.-; and out 
 
 i ulatins: himxlf with his narrov- i upon ihe 
 
 pan. not di-po-ed to |QM his bacon as well M ,!. and 
 
 was \\ h.-eli!iu r m-ike off for the \\oods. \\heii another d; 
 his appearance on the brow ot the hill, inakin.ir swift tracks in pur 
 suit. 
 
 I> ii that fellow. Lance, muttered I oi-y to hiin.M-li", he 
 lias left me t.. 1-e butchered: " 
 
 H jHihered up his sword, as a point of honor. l)iit still held a 
 
 [pe upon the fr\ in- pan. Th.-iv was but one ilra.i: .n in 
 and if he could draw him \ ct farther into the woods, the noise of the 
 strife would probably alarm no other that i-. if the howlin-s of the 
 
 n the alarm already. 
 
 () ur (pi. . know, had little speed of foot, and witli his 
 
 im|M-dimeir 1 and frying pan in his hands, h,- ma ,: 
 
 awkward headway. The pur-iiin- MrapM.n gained upon him; and 
 :y ln-parinir to \\heel about for the purpose of de- 
 feiis,.. when his feet tripped in .s t ,,,ie roots that ran a . .rface, 
 
 and over he went, hradlon-. the content* of the frying-pan tlyi 
 ward in all directions. In another moment, and when only half re 
 g 00 his knees still, and painfully risin.i: t.. his fet-t the 
 
 lbOT him 
 
 " Surrender, ye. d -- d ribbel. or I shorten you by the shoul 
 d Ts." 
 
 Furious at the loss of both meat and bread, Porgy roan^l ...it his 
 defiance. 
 
 "Surrender : d: I),. I l,,,,k like th.- man to rr 
 
38S K A TIT AIM NT: WAI 
 
 to such a sawney as you? Do your best, barclegs, and s. -e \\liat 
 you ll make of it: " 
 
 With unexpected agility, unable to rise, he rolled over at these 
 Words, and now lay upon his back, his sword thrust upward, and 
 prepared to parry that of the assailant, after a new fashion of de 
 fence. In this situation, no defence could well be made. The exhi 
 bition was, in fact, rather ridiculous than otherwise. The abdo 
 men of Porgy rose up like a mountain, seeming to invite the 
 attack. The dragoon, however, did not appear in 66 anything 
 amusing in the spectacle. He showed himself in sober earnest. 
 His brother soldier groaned hideously at this moment, and he 
 had no reason to doubt that his hurts were mortal. He strad 
 dled the prostrate Porgy, and, in reply to his defiance, pivpared 
 to strike with his broad claymore at the head of the. epicure. 
 His sabre was thrown up, that of Porgy thrown out to receive it. 
 when, suddenly, the dragoon dropped lifeless upon our partisan, and 
 the next instant the report of a rifle was heard from the neighboring 
 wood. 
 
 " Ah! " cried Porgy, throwing off the incumbent body of his as 
 sailant, " that dog Lance; he has not abandoned me; and I should 
 have known that he never would. The rascal how I love 
 him! " 
 
 The next moment Lance Frampton rushed in. 
 
 " l"p, lieutenant, we have not a moment to lose. That shot will 
 bring all the dragoons down upon us, and we don t know how nigh 
 they arc. The horses arc ready, not thirty yards off. They ve n-tr.l 
 well and eaten, and we can soon leave these heavy English dr. 
 hind us." 
 
 " You re a lad among a thousand! I love you, Lance, by all that s 
 an"-<-ti..iiatr! " 
 
 Then, as he bu-tled up, with Frampton s help, seeing the scatter. .1 
 :M! bacon strewed upon the ground, he fairly groaned aloud in 
 the tribulation of his spirit. 
 
 "I mii -t !"> my dinner after all! And that hominy Wl 
 good a pot as was ever boiled. It served a purpose, however; 
 never, in fact, boy, did pot of hominy do such good service he- 
 fore. " 
 
 Hut there was no time for trilling. This was said while our 
 
i v. 389 
 
 corpulent protV-snr, hurrying <>1T under the uMiidar . usign, 
 
 was niukinir sueh headway as. in 1 -,- was (juite new t< liis 
 
 : lh in the saddle, and in full retreat, when 
 
 the Britisli trumpets. M, muling the alarm, faintly echoed thromrh the 
 
 Pursuit was fruitless. 
 
KATHAHlNh \VAJ 
 
 CHAPTER XLII. 
 
 TUTTING THK CARDS. 
 
 THK night appointed for the great ball of Colonel Cruden at 
 length came round, and at a tolerably early hour in the evening 
 for great parties, in that day, convened some hours sooner 
 than at present the quests began to crowd the spaeiou*. 
 well-known mansion of General Pinckney, on East Bay. This 
 venerable mid stately dwelling still stands, one of the many me 
 morials which the city of Charleston has to show, in proof of the 
 troubles and changing scenes of that period of revolution. As 
 we have already mentioned, it had fallen to the lot of Colonel 
 Cruden, who fondly anticipated such a permanence of title as no 
 caprices of revolution could disturb. The dwelling, on the occa 
 sion referred to, was splendidly illuminated "from minaret t 
 porch." The spacious gardens were draped with lights, which 
 were multiplied and reflected a thousand times at the extn i 
 of each avenue, from pyramidal lustres of shining steel, bayonets, 
 burnished muskets, and sabres grouped in stars ami en-scents. 
 
 The fi h was the great display of the season. It was attend- 
 d. accordingly, b; all who felt a becoming loyalty, arid by 
 iiany who only sought to display it. Th.-iv wi- fyHiprs, 
 sides, whom policy, or the love of pleasure, drew to the a^eiii- 
 Mage, but who did not sympathi/e with the common sentiment 
 ?f the company. In the former category, hither also came Mrs 
 Singleton and Katharine Walton, govrrned. in doing so. by ton- 
 aiderations of prudence, which were greatly in conflict with 
 ever) political and social sentiment which tilled their bosoms 
 They were not without countenance from others, their f iendi 
 and relations. Witty and mischievors a^ fv-r. Mry 
 
UK - \ ttDS, 
 
 was the life of the circle whitln r >he \\rnt. and made merry with 
 
 flu speetade \\liicli >he had not the stoici-m to avuid. 
 
 Balfour quickly attached hirn-elf to Katharine Walton, in spite 
 -f the angry gla;, ipon them Loth hy l,t /;,/;, // 
 
 who looked her lovclie-t that night, and seemingly looked J M 
 vain. Balfour was in the Ie-t spirits, though it mu remarked that 
 the sulxlued and grave feaiuivs of Katharine promi-ed him no 
 - -incut. She had evidently come with the determination to 
 endure pav-ivdy a eertain decree of annoyance in re-ard to certain 
 leading necessities; and her air was that of a re-igimtion, where 
 will, though Mitliciently deterrniued. was yet held in alx-yam-r. 
 H.T jKisviveness ,,f i.-mprr d.^ided Halfour He re-anled h,. r 
 D as an indication in his favor. \vh< : priv- 
 
 ilr-rf-s were to l>e inijtlore.! ; aixl his satisfaction in this nm\icti..n 
 almost rendered hj, n ^.-tllant. It was in the mi.Kt of l,j s attenii 
 pr..iiu-nailin.ir DIM of the srvrral tlironired apartnn-nt^. that he 
 was passed by th, Harvey. She was \\alkini: with .Major S 1 
 caught the eye of Halfour. and her eye Hashed with incn 
 Af thej pMMd sl<.\\ly. restrained hy th. 
 him- 
 
 .. j^ :. 
 
 Why should it bi 
 
 "Who i^ not / "/ me i me " She answered through 
 
 closed teeth. \\ loiiel Halfourl I alway.s told 
 
 you that your da: | i -hall pay for ail 
 
 thi-! " 
 
 He laughed - full in her face he laughed; and the next moment 
 the . 1 them. She re-aided hi- retn ating form hut a 
 
 moment, and with a glance full of malignant pawions that might 
 ha\e taught .\en a Imldrr Iiatun-thail Halfour that her threat WU 
 something to ! Bui he \va> one of tho-e men whom jr<X)d 
 
 su<-( ( ss and prosjxTity n. id of all prudei.< l(. \\ as <juit- 
 
 loomuchenan harim-lo ;ing 
 
 of vexation, disapjxiintmtnt. batlled lo\, :, the bosom of his 
 
 form-r mistress. 
 
 " What had you to whi-pei -,, lovingly to Halfour 
 manded Stock of hi- comjianion. " It Defined to amuse him 
 wondrou-: , 
 
KA THAU INK \\ Ai*\\.X. 
 
 " I dn! whisper him lovingly, and that is reason good wky i 
 ahoultl not tell you what was spoken, lie is a person o he 
 loved, is he not?" She did not wait tor the answer, but contin 
 ued thus "But might he not have shown a much better taste 
 i:i the selection of his new flame? She positively is not even 
 ^ood looking." 
 
 " Is it possible you think so ?" asked Stock curiously " You 
 mee thought otherwise." 
 
 44 Yes, in truth ! But such a stiff, starched, cold, no-meaning 
 aort of person as it is now, as if there were no more blood in her 
 veins than in those of an icicle is enough to change my opin 
 ion. And they speak of her as a very paragon of virtue, a sort 
 of Una, as if i! were any merit in ice not to burn." 
 
 " My dear Harvey : let me. difTer with you ! You are u 
 beauty in your way indeed, very brilliant and very beautiful ; 
 but, by Jove, don t deny that the Walton is a beauty also. You, 
 at least, are bound not to deny it." 
 
 " Why, indeed !" 
 
 " From policy ! Utter such an opinion to other ears thaL 
 aine, and you will be set down as envious of a rival, and trem 
 bling for the loss of empire. Now, Harvey, believe me, ijvn can 
 well afford to give the Walton as much credit as anybody else." 
 
 "Look you, Stock, I don t care that" (snapping her fingers) 
 "for anybody s opinion. I repeat that she is positively homely." 
 
 44 Now, my dear child, don t be wilful; yon must not say BO, 
 for another and a better reason. People, then, will be quite as 
 apt to decry your lack of taste as of generosity ! But let us on ! 
 I have a sneaking notion that a tumbler of punch will be par 
 ticularly grateful at this moment." 
 
 They passed into the adjoining apartment ; while, pursuing 
 another route, Katharine Walton never dreaming that sh 
 formed the subject of Miss Harvey s criticism passed into a; 
 opposite room, still attended by Balfour. Let us follow Stock 
 and his companion. 
 
 That rousing howls of punch should be conspicuous objects at 
 a mixed party of males and females, in that day, will something 
 shock the sensibilities of ours. Vet the fact is not to be denied 
 Major Stock made his way with the lair Harvey into the midft 
 
fttt 
 
 *1 n tit ie HUTOUnuillg a table upon Tvh.ch stood i richly enain- 
 
 ! ed V;IM. holding several gallons <>t (!.. In 
 
 < odly-M/ed nips of filagree:! china. tlic liijii f. was served .>ut. 
 K.lling one of tlu- smallest of these for his rmiijaiii 
 yiovided himself with another of BIOTC ample di:: 
 
 ridcnce of the host always remembering that the capacity 
 
 .idurance was much greater in some ])ersoii8 than in nth- 
 Thu> anne<l, the two made their wav to one of the ample 
 . at which stood the centre ol a d- -up tlu 
 
 ! y Mary Ronpell, aii"t!ier of the h\ 
 
 ! whom we have ali ead\- s])nken. She half sat iip-M: 
 half reclined against the open window, tl ? whi-ii. 
 
 happened, was sustained hy a dra.. ; the hntton 
 
 whic-h usually supported it, ha\ . i-mki-n ilV durin- tin 
 
 ugh and somewhat awkward -allant 11 
 
 n-ived in some way to jostle the .sahre. and (dl.owed it out o! 
 place. T!ie beavj >a>h f(dl upon In- v.i>t \ M I fll. 
 
 who screamed violently, and under lie 
 hurt, i ainte 1. (I re;:t was the confu>:<ui. The -ro\vl I 
 
 ihe plart 
 Ot Hie lad\ was, for the time. :: j iteililc. In rli. ;:c\ . 
 
 tiy excited, and lief-u-e any one cmilil in:. 
 lent iiiajiM-. .sei/ing upon the ni.iii:ii!rli l-owl ol j.ui.cii. inconfi 
 
 !v dix-hai^eil its voluiniuu- -. with admii.. 
 
 |. \\"-|. .: 
 
 If only t I .. ;it the condition in which 
 
 l:e found he 
 
 tl that \ . J 
 
 | courtiers A it of the 
 
 cinde, and, "Vcred, into 1 . \~ 
 
 !"ippose, slu- ne\i id ho escape tha* 
 
 ; i^. Harry s mu- v put ;:, 
 
 ;-| i n :-iip. 
 
 I la! ha! ha! decidedly the hi-ft tiling that I e\cr !: 
 ill iii> life," said M Mahon, 1 ic.-.ki;]^ into t! iiicL 
 
 Mn, kivington W.HK the centre, My friend, N >nry. is 
 
 nderfu 1 geriiua ilerc it 
 
394 KATHARINH WALTON. 
 
 And he repeated : 
 
 "When fair Koupell lay fainting in her pain. 
 Ohl what, cries all, will bring her to again J 1 
 What! what! says Stock, but punch a draught divin* . 
 Twill ease her pain it a! ways conquered mine!"* 
 
 The company cheered and applauded. 
 
 "But that s not all," continued M Mahon. "My friend. M 
 or Barry had another arrow in his quiver. Listen to this -- 
 
 "Stock, to the lalv dearest to his brea>t, 
 Gave the sweet beverage that lie loved the le.-l, 
 Yet mourned the fault committed i" his haste, 
 Such goodly physic doomed to such a \vasU , 
 And prays his friends, should fainting be his case. 
 They ll fill his throat and leave unsoused !<is face; 
 A natural error twa*, that what is good, 
 Taken int.-rnally for flc-sh and blood, 
 More grateful, too, than anv dose beside, 
 Should still be good externally applied."* 
 
 The laugh was too great for Stock to withstand. He disap 
 peared hy the hack stairs, and found his way alone into the 
 garden, which, like the dwelling, was brilliantly illmninnted 
 But he was followed hy the merry crew whom he thought to 
 haffle, and, unequal to the encounter with them, lie darted once 
 more into the dwelling, and hurriedly made his way through 
 the lohhy and into the front portico, resolved on (light to hie 
 own lodgings. But he was prevented. At that nunnent rode 
 up a couple of officers, who proved to be Mad Archy Campbell 
 and one of his lieutenants. 
 
 44 You, Stock (" asked Campbell. 
 
 "Yes, what they ve left of me! I ve been doing \ d ) 
 
 atnpid thing, and shall never hear the end of it." 
 
 " Well," said Campbell. " it will keep, then ; and I will p r 
 mit myself to hear it another time. I need you, now. (Jo Mini 
 bring Balfour out into the garden. I ve news for him mat 
 t .-rs which must be seen to at once." 
 
 "Get in yourself, then, and see him." 
 
 Nay, that s impossible. I m covered with mud and dust, 
 
 TLtt : r.<:id-:it ially oe--. .*.*! to Mit-a K.nij-e.ll at the ball in question. 
 
CTJTT1 JWi i Ml- Uf>-. 
 
 and something of ->tain than citlior. I vo had a sharp 
 
 inish. and have brought in certain prisoners." 
 
 Have you saved Williamson ." 
 
 " Ye.s ; hut take my message, and laugh at the laughe 
 suppose it s no one worse tlian Barry " 
 
 " D n him for the meaix-st of all doggretlfU!" was the surh 
 answer, while the major w/is disappearing. A groom, tn, 
 while, took rampheH * horse and he, glided through the wicket 
 gate into the garden. 
 
 Halfour very unwillingly left the .-ide of Katharine Walton, 
 at the instance of Major Stock; hut the revelations of Camp- 
 heli in the garden reconciled him to the interruption of 
 ,ed to promise him every encouragement. 
 W.-.lton here, and my prisoner f Then .<>/ i, in my j 
 But what did you say of Proctor ?" 
 
 Campbell, with a gentlemanly reluctance, related this part of 
 his history ; that portion of it. in particular, which In 
 rived from the revelations of the tieache. ug-man. 
 
 " Knough ! enough !" exclaimed Ball our, " an-1 In . 
 h; ! Campbell, you are a hird of hright omen. What a ! 
 of your net this has heen !" 
 
 Cruden was now summoned to Terence ; 
 
 " l f is all as I told you, Cruden. The n ! 
 
 Procter. II has g"ne over to the iehel>. u .i> \ I;NV to 
 ture of Williamson, privately whi>pen-d his ci-uusels int- 
 ear of Walton, when the\ illy tni .1 f--r 
 
 his life, and haH ii w heen rajitured with Wahon. ! 
 the very act. Nmhing now can s;ive him. He mu*>: 
 for his life." 
 
 " I know not that, Half 
 
 " I know you h.ite him ; hut he must have fair play. The 
 mu.st lie hail. <>! course ; In- himself will de-vie it ; hut i 
 for my sake, you will Mihject him to no in.lig; 
 
 44 He in under guard ; he ought to U in cu>tody." 
 
 "No! no! 1 will he hi.s surety that he will not wck 
 tape " 
 
 " Beware! you undertake to much." 
 
 * I would undertake nothins t 1 o-il ! avoid it Hut he i* 
 
K A 1 H AIUXK V, A i A i N . 
 
 my sister s child, Uallour, and 1 must not abandon him u,thout 
 an effort." 
 
 " Make your effort, but 866 that it docs not involve yon iu 
 any embarrassments with our superiors; particularly a* y.. u 
 will scarcely serve him, however nnu-li yon may sacrifice voiir- 
 sclf. But to another matter. Yon perceive that this capture ,f 
 \Valton places Katharine completely in my p,,wer. You uill 
 i"t forego any opportunity of impressing this upon her." 
 
 "Truly not: hut what is the process?" 
 
 " We shall try him for his life, -if need he. as a traitor to hi* 
 majesty s cause, and a spy ,,f the enemy. For that matt,-!, 
 .ording to Uawdon s maxim, we need not try him at all. We 
 have, only to identify his person, and hang him to the neajest 
 
 " It certainly is a most fortunate, event." 
 
 " Yes, indeed! It makes her mine, if there had been any 
 doubt about it before.. 1 am now the master of her fate !" 
 
 They left the garden together, having discussed sundry other 
 matters in detail, which need not concern us. Scarcely had 
 they gone, \\lien Moll ILirvey rose from the deep thicket of a 
 bower, where she had been crouching, and where .she had heard 
 v syllable.. Her features were, greatly inflamed, and she 
 spoke in a brief soliloquy, but with accents of concentrated bit 
 terness. 
 
 " So! thus the land lies, Signior N.-sbitt Halfonr! and thus 1 
 fim to be sacrilicrd ! Hut we shall se.e ! There shall be ^Moth- 
 er party to thi; game, or the, soul of woman never knew th> 
 in of revenge, and nevi-r had the courage to enjoy it \\\ 
 ohall see ; yon may >hnthV the : cards after your own fflhliiou 
 . will cut tlu i m after mine." 
 

 OF 
 
 OH A 1 TKR X LI II. 
 
 BALFOIK TKir.MI lls. 
 
 l,aa> twenty iiiinntcs after tlii.s con . ersation, Mr> 
 jleton liuiri"l Katharine Walton a\vay from tl 
 though withon j^ ivin^ her the re bicb promi 
 
 what precipitate withdrawal. .- 
 
 >ituation BI p /ivary. Slu- M 
 
 , \vliic-li had lu-cii 
 pl. ell ; tin- ] -.in, hen 
 
 . with information as their tniij> 
 Hnli our, it may he nn-ntioncd, hail h : 
 diatcly after tin- |.nrt-d. lie with. 
 
 jilu ll ; I!M i-iiTU! 
 diatf ahscncc. ("ruden rcturh. . 
 wliat graver than , a without Li-tray: 
 
 which might can- .firm an 
 
 not ojjiose tin- irjiarttin- of Kathni D, and imnu"! 
 
 ly ji Tci ivcd. t ntm the i-nunteijauee of Mr. . " 
 
 in jir.sse.vsion of tl 
 
 Katharine tor the first time, remarked in the face of tL< 
 A stern and melancholy gravity, uhich struck her as - 
 
 .aething evil. 
 
 " You have heard Bomotliin^ s.in-thinj; th . 
 What is it ?" 
 
 " I hare hcKrd son. iy child, ami somethii.. 
 
 ously concerns your peace of mind. Kaiha: 
 have need of all your courap-. Keal that ; your father 
 the hands of tin- enen. 
 
 Katharine clasped her hai.d-. t.-^etl.. A ith u 
 
 vacancy of look in the lace of <. .an. 
 
398 KATHUUNE WALTON. 
 
 "God be merciful!" was her only exclamation, as she took 
 the little billet, which hail been brought her by the boy George 
 Spidell, written by old Tom Singleton, and which, in a single 
 sentence, contained the whole painful information. 
 
 " He is in the provost ;" such was the fact contained in tin 
 note. " Oh ! madam, you will go with me at once." 
 
 " It is midnight, Katharine. * 
 
 "Day and night are the same;" answered the other vehe 
 mently. " He is in bonds and shall I sleep in sorrow and hn 
 miliation perhaps, covered with wounds, and shall I not /-on 
 sole and minister to him ?" 
 
 " 1 doubt if they will give us admission at this hour." 
 
 " Oh ! madam, no doubts, unless you would drive me mad 
 How can they deny the father to the child ?" 
 
 " We shall need to see Balfour hrst, to obtain permission." 
 
 " Is this necessary ?" 
 
 " I take that for granted. They would scarcely admit us At 
 any hour without this permission." 
 
 " Then let us go to him at once." 
 
 " It might be more prudent to wait till morning; but be it a 
 you say. The carriage is not yet put up. We can have i< 
 ready in a moment." 
 
 A few moments sufficed for this, and the two ladies r/ere driv 
 en at once to Balfour s quarters. Two sentries guarded the en 
 trance, who gave surly answers to their application to see thj 
 commandant. They were denied, and told that he was absent. 
 He had not returned from Cruden s party. Hack to Crudeii e 
 the carriage was driven. There the merriment still continued ; 
 gay crowds were passing and repassing, in quick succession, lie 
 neath the shining chandeliers and cressets. The garden 
 n >w, also, full of crowds. The sight of all this gayety 
 to sicken Katharine. 
 
 1 Ask quickly, quickly if you please." 
 
 Oruden was sent for, and came out to the carriage. 
 
 4 The commandant, is he here still, Colonel Cruden ?" 
 M He is not, madam ; he left ns nearly an hmr agA, on leceiv 
 ing some important intelligence." 
 
 * You know it then, fir," exclaimed Katharine " my father r 
 
J have been inlonin >\ alt-tn. 
 
 1 where shall \vo fiml ( olonel Hal tour ?" a^ked tin 
 U l impatiently. 
 
 " Must prohaldv at his own house." 
 We have born there. lie is not there." 
 
 "Then I know not, unless at the prov.^t. Hut would it n< i 
 he well to wait lill morninjr, lai 
 
 "Wait! wait. How can 1 wait: ami he a prisoner? in) 
 father in bonds perhaps woumied. ill and sufleri; 
 
 "Nay, I ran relieve you mi that score. Vonr lathes 
 hurt. He is not sirk, he ha> lei-eived no wounds, and. except 
 iii a tew bruises, he has no cau>e of stifle* 
 
 " 1 mn-; BCfl him, nevei t hele> ide. < Mi 
 
 madam, will von let them drive to the pro\ 
 
 " Surely, my rhild, we w ;l! _-. thither; 1 . ii d t In- r.-.rria j- . u . - 
 driven off arri)i(lniL r ly. They reaehed the guarded . 
 
 ."oiiiv editire at the ea>; ( -ii, < .::ri;. -reel 
 
 "where m>w the merrhants RiOKl :" ;n: 
 
 t to another disap])ointment. Haltou: 
 rould they iditain dirertion win-re to find him. 
 
 " Hut you will sutler me (.. Bee my father, -ir Katlia 
 
 rme to the otiirer on duty, Mtd who treateil the lad;. 
 
 :nlly. 
 
 " 1 am - Walton, that 1 am not permitted." 
 
 11 What ! not permit the rhild to see the lad - 
 " It would pve me pleasure to n.u : -u, il thii 
 
 vere puhsiiili ; l>ut the roinmandant h;;s strirtl;. 
 ih piisoner is to be seen by iiol 
 
 "Ah! he ha> i-eeii here, tl- t exclaimed \\ii!i 
 
 li iful ! It is his humanity that wrotlhl not 
 
 ;i\i- ;iie eve> of the daughter Ixdiold the chains about ti 
 .! the lather." 
 
 " Your father is not in chains. Mi \\ dtn ; lie 
 guarded, but subjected to m> indignities. Col>nel H 
 said nothing about exidudinLT you in partirnlar. H 
 commanded that rmlmtlti shall \ e snt*. 
 unless with his permit. I presume f! 11 tin i : 
 
 ^ulty iu obtaining this permit during proper hours, in <la\ 
 
H \IM\I: \V.\I.TM\. 
 
 "Then we mu.si wait, 1 suppose ; and yet, my dear madam, 
 if you would consent once more to drive to the commandant ? 
 quart* 
 
 " Cheerfully, my dear child ; cheerfully." 
 
 "Thank you, thank you," cried the maiden eagerly, the big 
 - rolling from her eyes, and falling rapidly upon her hands, 
 which were now clasped upon her knees. A few moments suf 
 ficed to bring them once more to Balfour s dwelling, which, as 
 before described, was that fine old mansion at the loot of Kin: 
 street, now in the possession of the Pringle family. The visit 
 again fruitless. The commandant had not yet returned. 
 They received the same answer as hel ore. In silent despair, 
 Katharine gave up the effort for the night. 
 
 " We. must wait till morning, my child," said Mrs. Singleton. 
 She was answered hy an hysterical sobhing, which lasted pain 
 fully, for several minutes, to the great anxiety of the venerable 
 widow. A free flood of tears at length came to the relief of the 
 sufferer, and she appeared patiently to resign herself to a disap 
 pointment, for which there was no apparent remedy. The par 
 ties reached their abode, and Katharine retired to her chamber, 
 but not to *leep. The rest of the night, indeed, was a long 
 vigil. Slumber never, fora moment, visited the sad eyes of that 
 -ring daughter, and as soon as she could reasonably insist 
 upon another visit to the commandant, she did so. p.ut it 
 no pait of Balfonr s policy that she should see him >/<!. He 
 well knew that her excitement would be intense, and that she 
 would be an early petitioner for his indulgence. Jle determined 
 . oid her. 
 
 " She shall feel J ////// that I am the master of her fate. She 
 shall sue for the smallest privileges, and be made to understand 
 that every concession must have its price. I shall concede 
 nothing too (jiiickly. She shall pay well for every favor." 
 
 With this policy he kept out. of her way. It was easy to do 
 HO ; and, hour alter hour during that long first day of her father s 
 captivity, did she haunt every abode in the city where it was 
 pcssibh; to find the person who kept the keys of his dungeon. It 
 was only at the close of the day, \\hpu Halfour well knew that 
 tthe was half disti aught, that lie Hiliercd himself to receive het 
 
When ne (ii"l s". at his <jiia:t- . :i. h^ on. 
 
 nance boded no favorable auspice. II. 
 
 ing. 
 
 Ml WaltOIl," said lie. " I m- tlif first time Bfflce ! 
 
 :i you, do I regret to MM- your face." 
 "Do DO4 My, do not l.-ok thus, ( "lonel Halfour ; yu will m- 
 
 that 1 should ICC my father." 
 
 " 1 know nut li.i\v 1 >hoidd consent, Mi-s Walt.-n." 
 " N>t o lisi-nt not sutler the. <lant, r litei- (,, console the 
 in his honils !" 
 
 " \Vere t!u->e siiupli* i-oinls. .Mis> W.-.ltMH. \vnv h 
 
 nary ease " 
 
 lie |)au-el with wel -Miuiied ^ravi* ^a 
 
 " What mean yn. ( ..inirl Haltoiir . " 
 
 t jiossihle you ui not rcn.ciiil er. that von 
 hencl J" 
 
 " Wliat shouhl 1 reiiiemher . " ihl ! col 
 
 1 
 
 My latlii-r i> a jiri.soner. taken in hattle, tin- victim of the eh. 
 of war, and inuM reniaiii M \ until - x 
 
 (.ieiieral Mar: 
 I have no doubt " 
 
 1 lr >hook his head v> I 
 
 > Walton, your lather is not Minj i 1 . 
 11. IS n _ ..: - II a t upm e ii.-n: ] . 
 nation of a emnju teiit trihunal, a^am>t \\lioinjudt:- 
 stan 
 
 "l>eath! heath! .lud^inent of death 
 almost 1;-itel\ ; M Colonel Half :. not mean tl 
 
 do u i are iiud. sir, thus t-> tnlie with tin 
 
 daughter !" 
 
 " 1 have found li- jdeasiiie in sj eak:n_ 
 
 which you \\ill \< lied to hear tVom other-. I -ut 1 can 
 
 u t .shrink from a duty. hwe\er painful." 
 
 " Hut you will stiller n ,.m /" 
 
 -K\en this would ! an innul^i-nee. which, under present 
 vireum.staJiees, 1 shotti . iuctanti\ . : imps, 
 
 make mv.self liable to mm h lejip-ach in -ioni^ so. 1 . 
 government is in an 
 
lU J KATU.MilNK WAl.Io.V. 
 
 insurrectionary - ul \>-nk \\iili.i. ilus i.iv, that a conspn 
 
 acy has been for some time on foot, and that Colonel \Valt-u 
 has been jirivy to the secret workings of this nest of traitors 
 My duty forbids that 1 should suffer them in any way to com 
 mune with one whoso, boldness and daring may give them any 
 counsel or encouragement." 
 
 " ( )h ! C-. .onel K llfoui, I m no conspirator! I will promise 
 you to take no part with any traitors, or share in any treason. 
 It is the child that socks her father, to console with him, attend 
 upon him, weeji over his captivity, and succor him with love and 
 duty only. I -rive you the word of one who has never wilfully 
 spoken falsely, that 1 will convoy 1:0 message of treason that 
 1 shall in no way partake in any plots of any conspirators." 
 
 "Your assurance. Miss Walton, might well satisfy mo. as a 
 individual. As Ne.-hitt Halfour. my dear Miss Walton, it 
 would not need that you should give them. Nay, it would ul 
 need that you should ask for the sympathy and favor \\hich niv 
 heart would rejoice to offer you unasked. Jtnt 1 am not permit 
 ted to forgot that 1 an. bore in charge of my sovereign 1 ;- interest. 
 I know not tin- exfcnt of our dang6T, nor the decree to which 
 thoso conspirators have carried their designs. Caution become-, 
 necessary to our safety. Distrust of all is now a duty ; and yon 
 ind yours, it is well known, aic the Ulldcviating enemies of my 
 lovereign." 
 
 Mrs. Singleton, \\lio had said little before, now interposed. 
 
 "Colonel Halfour. the hostility of Katharine Walton and her 
 father, to say nothing of myself and all my kindred, has been 
 an openly avowed one. to your king and his authority. That it 
 has been always thus openly aviwni should be a suth cient 
 guaranty for the assurance that we make yon now, that Katha 
 rine Walton will not abuse the privilege she solicits, of seeing 
 and being- with her father. Her claim, indeed, is the less ques 
 tionable, since you proclaim the painful and perilous situation in 
 which he stands. The policy, real or pretended, which should 
 deny her the pi Mime of conxdin^ him in his dungeon, would 
 be an outrage to humanity." 
 
 " So would his death, madam, under a lawful judgment ; hut 
 humanity is thus outraged daily for the, maintenance of right 
 
BALPOOR lun MiM,* 
 
 i.d just 1 am not . . . .rur \ mil 
 
 repioaidies. however little I max shrink at tl . her per- 
 
 I will ,ant your petition ; preferring to inc. , .ii.y risk 
 
 raiher than M-c yon >utVer \\ here 1 have tic power t prevent it. 
 
 rder snail he made out that you shall s"e your father." 
 
 ! tliank yon! thank you ! Ami shall I have it now?" 
 K;it hat inc asked ca^erlv. 
 
 "On the inMaiit ;" ami with the word he hastened to the 
 talde and \\ rote. 
 
 "This order," he said, will secure yon admission at any hour 
 of the day, between nine in the morning and six in the fci 
 noon. You \\ ill have Something over an hour in which to spend 
 \\ith him to-day." 
 
 "()li! tiiank>. Colonel Balfnur helieve me, I an, 
 rrateful." 
 
 lie smiled \sith a peculiar self-complacence, \\ liich did not 
 ;e the 0}*e t Mi- Singleton; and taking the extended 
 hand of Katharine, carried it to his lips, liel .ue she was av 
 of his pnrp- -e. She hastily uithdrew it, while her eh- 
 d. ned with shame and annoyance. He lan-hed (jiiietly K 
 percei\ed her disquiet a low sinister chuckle \\liich mi^ht i 
 lieen construe"! to say " You are coy eii Mi-h no\\ , my Lea 
 hut then- shall he a season \\hich shall find you more sn 
 
 " Hut his lips said nothing heyond some idle M 
 comte.sv and compliment, and as the ladies j-iej.aicd 
 he ^ r a\e an arm to each and assisted them to the can 
 When thev had whirled auav, he nibbed his hands t-^ct ier 
 c. \ulti 
 
 A. let no lurkini: devil at my elhow dash the en; 
 my li;..-, and ininr shall he a draught worthy .f all tin- 
 
 < l\ mpllS ! Let her lrlli-r n. e. and the I .illn-: lliOfl d u S liy the 
 
 I opc Will she sutler til N J i il on ti 
 
 conditions: she dare imt incur the u-ju-oai h. e\ en it she had not 
 the sti-.n^ attaidsment for her father, of siilVennjj him to p-rish 
 hv a shameful death, when from her would 
 
 |,j< lijV> And what is the sacril; tier, indeed !" 
 
 He passed the mirroi with -reat COITI] "h.lc he 
 
 this. " S.-u-riticc. indeed ! She will peihap> i.e ivot unwilling 
 
*<M K A ! il AKINK \VAL10.V. 
 
 to find an exc, ..-. mr a necessity which gives -.c ( . a good- 
 looking feilo.v lor her lor t 
 
 "How now/" alou<! io yonng Monckton, who suddenly 
 
 entered the, apartment "what do you wish, Monckton /" 
 
 ".Major 1 rocfor, sir, was here repeatedly to-day, and seemed 
 very urgent t. MM- you. He came, at last, and brought this 
 Vetter, requesting tliat it should be placed in your hands the 
 tjioineiit yon came in." 
 
 " Ha! Well ! Lay it down. I ll see to it." 
 
 The sc.-retary disaj))ieared. 
 
 " Proctor, i-h ! Well ! we have him, too, in meshes t<io fast 
 to iie h;. -ken throu-h." 
 
 II e lead the ejiistle. which, as we. may SU}>JOM\ ^a\e a de 
 tailed account of 1 i-Kctor s captivity, and of what he saw while 
 m the camp of the partisans. 
 
 " 1 shaw !" said he, "that hird can never rly that fish can 
 never swim that story can t he swallowed." 
 
 He was interrupted hy the entrance of Ouden. 
 
 " lialfuur." said the latter, " I ha\c seen 1 roctor. He has 
 
 heer. to UK he lias heeii to see you also, a do/en times, he 
 
 . .>ut without finding you. He explains all this matter, and 
 very satisfactorily." 
 
 "I have his explanation here." was the answer, " and I m 
 sorry, for your sake, to say, that there s nothing satisfactory 
 a iout it. JJis revelations are all stale. He makes them only 
 i In 1 can t help himself; when he km^vs that Williamson 
 has told tin* story, and ( ainphell has told the story, ami his own 
 fellow, John, has told the story. They all agree in most par 
 ticulars, and 1 roctor supplies nothing which we have not frmn 
 another quarter, in anticipation of his account. They are all 
 hei-ire him." 
 
 14 Hut, Haifonr, that is not his fault; he sought for you las 
 night and. ;vpe;itedly to-day." 
 
 " 11 >u idle. ( ruden Camphell sought forme last night, air! 
 so did Williamson; they could find me. Why did not I roctoi 
 come to your lr.nse in search of me, last night f" 
 
 " He did so, and von were gone." 
 
 44 He was unfortunate; Hit, in truth. Ornden, his narrative it 
 
K M.I M; i< ! ,;ii:\i! H>. 
 
 . . 
 
 Look at tin- tact- He lea-. .1 of 
 
 ! !:en suspected, ami I >ent In- iiia.M. 
 
 .)lm. after hiiii. In- loads John into an ainlm-h. \\h"i- th* 
 
 - laid up r.eck . ; Is, hurried acn<-- the . \-ldrv ami 
 
 rto, with lii: If. .-d undor the belly >f -i h 
 
 i meanwl lie* witlj and pi^tuls in ; 
 
 ides in I uiMpauy v/i;l; tin- ndtei h ader.-, Walton ami ntl. 
 .u-tnally takes part in tin- iins which tlicy lil<> 
 
 !|n>Ti the fate <>1 \Villi;iin<in." 
 
 1 )<>es William- 
 
 t it. John, the .servant, contr, 
 
 -rer, \;hen fouiKi, is in the . 
 
 -.IIMJI Jind undvi no iv>traint." 
 
 .hit 1 rortor explains all thib." 
 
 ;iw, Ouden, lease it to the criminal to *.xv. nnd ! 
 . xj:iain awaj the, <:llow.,. ( ..me in witi. 
 HC all the allidavits." 
 
40G KATHAKIXE WALTOX. 
 
 CHAPTER XLIV. 
 
 PRICE OF LIFE. 
 
 PERMISSION nad no sooner been granted to Katharine Walton, 
 than she flew to visit her father. In an agony of tears she threw her- 
 self into liis anus, and, for a long time no words werespoken between 
 them. Colonel Walton \va-s the first to break the sih-nrc. 
 
 "Nay, my child ! Kate, my dear, exercise your firmness. There 
 is really no necessity for tears. I am a prise mcr, it is true. 1 am in 
 the hands of the enemy, useless to my country, when every soldier is 
 needful to her cause. This is a great urievaiice, I confess; but I 
 shall be exchanged as soon as our people shall find a British captive 
 of rank equal to my own." 
 
 "But, is this true, my father? Is it certain that you will be ex 
 changed V Is it sure that you will be regarded only a- a prisoner-of- 
 war ? " 
 
 "And why not? Where is the reason to think otherwise, mv 
 child?" 
 
 "Oh ! if you were sure : but " 
 
 "But what? Wherefore do you herftatft 1 Who has led you to 
 suppose that such will not be the Cft* 
 
 "The commandant. Ualfour lie tells me that you are to be 
 tried as a fugitive from ju>li<-e as a 
 
 A< :i what, my child ? Speak fearlessly." 
 
 With choking acemts, x] H - answered " As a traitor and a spy." 
 
 " Ha " 
 
 Walton s brows were clouded for a moment, but he shook off 
 idden feeling which had oppressed him, and answer, d : 
 
TH r. ! i;i< i: 01 i. in:. 
 
 " It was base and unmanly that lie sin mid seek to alarm you thus! 
 He has sonu- vicious purpose in it. Kven were it true, my child, 
 which it can not be, he should have said nothing of the 
 He -hoiild have felt how cruel was such a statement to a woman and 
 
 No, no! If it be true, my father, I thank him that he ha- 
 told me all. Better that I should hear the whole danger at the 
 cutset. But you tell me that it is not true. You are sure I 
 You know ? Do not you deceive me, my father. Let me know 
 all the danger, that we may labor in season to save you from 
 
 people." 
 
 \ nd what can you do, my daughter ? " 
 
 "Oh ! much can be done in all dangers, by love and courage. 
 
 n, armed with a roolute will, can move the mountain. 
 
 We are feeble, I know ; I know that I am good for little ; but 
 
 you have friends here. There are wise and virtuous citi/.ens 
 
 here, busy always day and night, in planning measures for 
 
 ue of the country. What they can do for you I can 
 
 not say ; but they will strive to serve you. I am certain. Do 
 
 not deceive me, therefore ; do not sutler me to remain in blind 
 
 ignorance of the truth until the bolt falls, and it is too late to save 
 
 " Be of good cheer. Kate. I >i>miss these apprehensions. I have 
 .vithiiisr vet which should lead me to apprehend that Halfour 
 really designs what you mention. I hat he only ai: 
 
 ii you the L r reat value of his favor, in permitting you in 
 vi-it me. Tin rr i- no denying that the British aiith<>: 
 sutlieient pretext for bringing "> to trial ; but there would be DO 
 I>oli( y in doing so. They would train nothing by it but discredit to 
 their cause. I sec no room for fear- at present ; of one thin- 
 
 . that should 1 ever fet 1 that I stand in danger, you shall be 
 the tir-t to know it." 
 
 " Oh I thanks for that, my father. Do not underrate my strength 
 for endura: ran die with . an not save 
 
 you." 
 
 The father pressed her to his bosom. 
 
 Y . noble, fearle - hild. my Kate, that 
 I have ever known you. Believe me, I do not feel or fear the 
 
!<)> KATHAKIM: WALTON. 
 
 danger that you speak of ; yet I do not doubt or deny that, if the policy 
 of the British authorities lay in putting me on trial for my life nay, 
 putting me summarily to death at this moment there would be suf- 
 preU .xt, and no law of right or reason would he respected by 
 them. But their policy at present is forbearance, toleration, and a 
 mild government. Revenge or cruelty would only embitter the pub 
 lic feeling, and arouse a spirit in the country such as they could never 
 allay. Kmmgh now, my child, on this subject. Have you 
 heard anything lately from Robert ? " 
 
 She told him the history of the ruse de guerre by which Lieuten 
 ant Meadows had been defeated by the wi-diaant loyalist, Furness ; 
 at which lie laughed heartily. 
 
 " But of course you keep this to yourself, my child. I presume 
 it is known to you only. Furness did not appear in the business, 
 exempt as a loyalist, and if I know Robert Singleton truly, he will 
 not abandon a character so long as it will serve a good purpose 
 We shall hear more of this Furness, be certain. You have not 
 heard directly from Robert since you parted with him at the The 
 Oaks? " 
 
 " 0/him, but not /row him. We were told " 
 
 " Hush ! some one approach! 
 
 It was the officer on duty. The evening had closed in, and the 
 time bad come for Katharine s departure. She would have lingered 
 she clung to her father s neck with ; renewal of her tears, and it 
 was with some effort that he put her away. When the officer reap- 
 at the entrance, she met him with dried eyes and a calm ex- 
 , which greatly astonished him. An hour after her departure. 
 Colonel Walton was honored with another, but less welcome visiter. 
 This was Balfour. 
 
 "Colonel Walton," said the intruder, in mild and gravely sym- 
 pathi/ing accents, "1 am truly sorry to find you in this situa- 
 lion." 
 
 the sentiment honors your magnanimity, Colonel Balfour, at 
 
 i of your policy, I am bound to give you credit for sincerity. 
 
 1 certainly find it irksome enough just now, to be a captive; but it is 
 
 the fortune of war ; it is one of the incidents of our profession, and 
 
 uot the worst." 
 
Pint, im >lonel Walton, has it- soiine in the )> 
 
 condition which you occupy as a prisoner 
 
 to the fact that his majesty s irovernmcnt rciranN you in quite another 
 character than that of mnv prison* r i,; 
 
 ,. j. 
 
 When rMCUed at iWchc-trr. you were under senteii. 
 That sentence has never been rev<>;. 
 
 lint was that the: sentence of a proper tribunal, Colonel Hal four V 
 
 not a denial of the right which I had to a proper trial by my 
 
 erdae by Lord Cornwallis. of a .i 
 
 will, in which hi; sacrificed law and justice to arbitral 
 thorn \ 
 
 " 1 have no Hirht to discuss this question with y>u. I! 
 officers heie are not prcpan d to opp< <e their superiors in in;/ 
 whidt the responsibility is theirs alone. It i- the expressed opinion 
 
 vdoii, for example, that all that i- 
 tify your person, and immediately carry out 
 
 allis." 
 
 in truly obliged to his lordship, < four. I! 
 
 not niince matters \\ith us poor provinciaN. Well. sir. am I 
 
 ,d that \.. u concur with him ? That you > carry 
 
 out his opinion into pcrforman. : ifr, I lia\- 
 
 ilie rouble of all investigation, by assiiriirj I am the 
 
 teal Kirhnrd Walton, colonel in the state line of South < 
 mili; 
 
 "It is my wi-h. Colonel Walt-n t MVlB JTOU 1 i- ll.- 
 that I am reluctant 
 
 : much prefer an investi-ration 
 reirular trial, as if no 
 forth . in ! time, ti 
 
 -If to his majesty s i;iivrrnmen(. and mak> 
 
 with the : "i have so jjrievi.u-ly They 
 
 are not vindicti\e. and. in the Q*H "1 MM whoM- priva 1 
 they have so much reason to rcsjM-ct. they would \ 
 indul. 
 
 . doubt of it. sir; no doubt. Hitherto, they have p 
 their indulgence in a thousand cases, as well ki; 
 as to me. :d to our sensibilities 
 
 1A 
 
410 K ATI! A KINK WALTON. 
 
 Colonel Balfour, that you should deliberately eninniunieate to 
 my daughter the peril in which her father stood that you 
 should speak of me as a fugitive and a spy. and point, a* it were. 
 to the ignominious gallows in which I was to IK- justified as 
 such?" 
 
 The face of Balfour paled at this address. His heart and ejQfl 
 sank together under the stern questioning of Walton, lie spoke 
 stammeringly 
 
 "I had to excuse my reluctance, sir, at suiTering her to visit you 
 in prison." 
 
 "And whence this reluctance ? Suppose me the condemned crim 
 inal, convict, and doomed to the fatal tree; even in such case what 
 ground would there be for refusing the visits of a child to a parent. 
 At such a time, and under such circumstances, she had an especial 
 claim to make them, if, indeed, you recognize humanity as having a 
 claim at all." 
 
 "But, Colonel AValton, you do not know the circumstances ; you 
 do not know that there are traitors in tin s city an organi/.ed con 
 spiracy. including wealth and numbers, who are forever plotting 
 against the peace of his majesty s government." 
 
 "In spite of all its indulgences ;iiid huiranities ! " 
 
 "Yes, sir; in spite of all ! The^e conspirators would like noth 
 ing so well as your extrication from bond-." 
 
 " I should be grateful to them for it." 
 
 "No, doubt, sir; and what would be my answer to his majesty s 
 government, if, knowing these things, and knowing how many wo 
 men are concerned among these conspirator*. I afforded them such 
 facilities of communicating with yon, through your daughter, a- to 
 enable you to make your escaj 
 
 " A subtle diMiculty, ( olonel Hal four, but the plea is without sub 
 stance. All captives will de-ire toe-cape from captivity, and all true 
 friends will help tin-in 1o do so. It is for the jailer to see that they 
 do not succeed : not sir. hyadenial to humanity of what it may jiMlv 
 claim, but by vigilance that never Bleeps Of tires. Sir- - Colonel Bal- 
 four you have done a very cruel thin- in speaking to my daughter as 
 you have done." 
 
 Halfour by this time had recovered his native effrontery. He 
 felt his power, and was di-po-i d to a>-ert it. The tone of gu- 
 
periority which Walton employed annoyed li. 
 Aii l he answered somewhat pettishly 
 
 1 am willing to think. Colonel Walton, that I may i 
 
 I certainly have no desire t< ohject that // / / sliouM 
 think so. The error, however, must he imputed t 
 
 I had no desire to make Mi> Walton unhappy. 
 
 "Let us >av no is; ;< of it, C"lonel Balfottr." 
 
 1 h,- l-.fty manner in \\hich this *M <poken had in 
 pearancr of di>j_ r ust which iuereaM d Halfour s irr: 
 was douhly vexed that, resist it :;>> lie would, 1 
 lion tjiiite un.-eated in t!ie QMlfen ::(>r - 
 
 with soiui th n . ; (-ration, theveinie. thar 
 
 rcMime tl;e conversation, takin- a Iligbcr Rtlil 
 in tact, deterin nied on makin- Walton fully feel ni: 
 hoj)ed) tVar his Mtuation. 
 
 - Colonel Walton." he said, " I nm*t t.-ll y.u that 3 
 pursue the ri.u ht 6OUIM t make i 
 will never answer. Here you are in our haii 
 the (h-cree of our hi-hcM h.cal authority your 1 
 
 Y..U re a recovered t u-iti\e iVom our jiwti< 
 
 what is said of our power, having idcntita-d you, ! 
 
 . t.. tl.e <lom of death, from which 
 foUuuate ; ! - ll;M< w! ; 
 
 |fl the help Of tbOM IfllO *< old 
 
 your situati -n. and, perhaps, help you tfl lu. .e its da: 
 or prudent, that you .-li<>idu Cl thus I 
 
 H Colonel Halfmir, 1 take for -ranted |l 
 .n.anin- NS hen you l|KMlk tlllW. \Ton D 
 miu.l, in the first place, that yOtl ) tViein hl\ 
 
 to n 
 
 Tudouhtedly, sir; you I 
 
 Well. <ir. Rprofeek>n of this kind fron: 
 sition, to a peftOO in my 611 
 
 gomethin-r may he ,h,iu that, in fact. DJJ uti.r!;, 
 
 ile-perate." 
 
 " I certainly mean to (mi\e\ that 
 
 " Well, sir," now that iff 
 may I ask in what manner you 
 
 
41 L KATHA1UNK \V ALTON. 
 
 ly feeling toward in* Clearly, Colonel Ralfour, inv onject is to 
 escape from captivity and death, if 1 ma v d<> so. That 1 am legiti 
 mately a prisoner, I admit ; lint only a pri>oner-of.war That 
 1 am lawfully doomed to di( . 1 deny; yet I do not j)r! t 
 Link myself sale because I am innocent. I frankly tell 
 ^;r, that I do not doubt the perfect coolness and iinlillWrm-e with 
 v, liich the present authorities of the. country will commit a - 
 crime, if it shall seem proper to their policy to do so. 1 
 perfectly willing to deprive, (hem of any excuse for the commi>- 
 .-i ii of this crime, in my case, if you will show me. how it is (< 
 he done ; and it, in its performance. 1 am requTed to yield noth 
 ing of Belf-respcct and honor " 
 
 " Oh ! surely, Colonel Walton, J am hound to do so. I would 
 not, for the world, coun.sel you to anything at all inconsiMent 
 with either. I have too high a respect for your name and char 
 acter too warm an admiration lor your daughter " 
 
 \h! " 
 
 " Yes, >ir. for your daughter, whom 1 esteem as one of the 
 most amiable and Accomplished, as she is one of the most bean- 
 tiful women 1 have ever BO 
 
 " I thank you, Colonel Balfour, hut I, who know my daugh 
 ter well, can readily di>pei,-,e with this elogium upon her." 
 
 Balfour hit his lip.-, replying peevishly 
 
 "iiel Walton, you carry it quite, too proudly. I would 
 be your friend, sir would really like, to serve, you. " 
 
 " Well, .sir ; proceed proceed !" 
 
 Thus, then, Colonel Walton having endeavored to show 
 you perfectly your situation, and the, danger in which you j,tand. 
 I declare myself friendlily disposed, and willing to a>si>( you. 
 Your case is a bad, but not exactly a desperate one; that is I" 
 it may be in the power of some person*, bo to interpose he 
 .; the jllfltly -aroused anger ! our sovereign, and the victim 
 6 him from his punishment." 
 
 1 In other words, sir, you, Colonel Hal four, can exercise 
 tit influence with Lord Comwallis to relieve ine fr:n 
 
 " Precisely, my dear coh.ne.l ; that is exactly tltti 
 nay venture to allirrn that, besid.-> myself, and possibly ].i. 
 
Rawdon, there is no other man or set of men, in South fa: 
 na. to whom this tiling is possible." 
 1 think it very likely." 
 And 1 jini disposed, Colonel \V;ilton, to use this influence in 
 
 df." 
 
 I am very much obliged to you, (Colonel Balfour, as I h.ive 
 t ; I think it very probable that y-u may int 
 
 fully, for 1 that no <>th<- 
 
 that I know, is likely to do so. But, >ir, yu will sut:< 
 
 that I am too well aware, that I have no personal claim up- 
 on you for the 6 act "f friendship. I 
 
 hum it on the score of former >ympathir 
 
 your recognition of my individual claims as a 
 if worth and char.t 
 
 ur winced at this. He felt the hit- \Val 
 
 Ion j . : 
 
 " It is clear, therefore, that I can not expect y>u thus t- 
 
 without il acknowledgments. There must be a 
 
 ideration for this. The quid ]>K> tji/<>. I understand, is 
 
 looked in anything that ma; ;>on." 
 
 " li.-allv, Colonel Walton, y<>u r-lieve D 
 
 . vou liave no pi-i Minal r p:i 
 
 claims upon me, except, generally, as a man of worth 
 Tie . -M-U no previous ndati-- 
 
 tweeii us If, therefore, I am moved to R, it must 
 
 .\- be in consequence of certain coi: 1 t 
 
 :. wliich ah :" 
 
 1I-M be !. . i : i I moment. The stern but calm eye of 
 Walton was upon him. Hi 
 
 l.ut the ! n of the vantage hich lie held, 
 
 tn 
 
 rit, when !, ! what he waa any 
 
 - In short," said he, "( ..1 -i.el ^^^l!:.Ml, I can save you frou. 
 : , ;, : . .n ! I alone : and I will COB 
 
 MI, and i. 
 N .: i Halfour. iinljr. 
 
 Your daughter, sir. Itoii " 
 
 Ah!" 
 
411 KATHAIIIXK WALTON. 
 
 The brow of Walton prow clouded. The air of Balfonr be 
 came more desperate, as ho added 
 
 " Yes, colonel, your daughter! I acknowledge her virtue 
 and her beauties. They liavo subdued a heart which lias m-\ 
 or yet trembled at the smile, or power of woman. Sir Color" 
 Walton, give me th< hand of your daughter, in honorable ma 
 nage, and you are saved. I pledge my life upon if." 
 
 Walton started to his feet with a hurst of indignation |.i ; 
 he could not repress. lie confronted the commandant \\ith .1 
 stern visage, and a voice that trembled with passionate em<. 
 
 "What, sir, do you see in me to suppose that 1 would sell my 
 Idood to save my life, ! That I would put the child of my af 
 fections into bonds that T might break my own ! Colonel Hal- 
 four, your oiler is an insult. You owe your safety to the fart 
 that I am your prisoner !" 
 
 " You will repent this violence, Colonel Walton," said Hal- 
 four, rising, and almost white with rage. " You are trifling with 
 your fate, sir. Be warned ! Once more I repeat the offer I 
 Iiave made you. Will you give me your daughter s hand in 
 marriage, and e; rape your dangers ?" 
 
 " Never ! Let me rather die ;i thousand deaths ! Sell my 
 child yield her to such " 
 
 "Beware, Colonel Walton ! You are on the precipice. A 
 single word a single breath, and yon go over it !" 
 
 "Away ! sir ; away, and leave me!" 
 
 " Very well, sir ! if the daughter be no wiser than the father, 
 l"ok to it! Your doom must be spoken by Jn-r lips, if not by 
 your own. That is your only chance !" 
 
 Balfour gave the signal at the close of this speech, to the 
 keeper of the door without, and as soon as it wax opened to 
 him, he rushed out with feelings of fury and mortified 
 such as he had not often en<!nr<>d. 
 
 " lie means to ofler this alternative to my child this dread 
 fill alternative ! But no ! she shall never he made the sacrli. < 
 i -r me! Richard Walton can not accept the boon of life, bow- 
 ever precious, at the peril of his child s peace, and to the ruin 
 cf her be.-t ailecti..iis !" 
 
 WM l!,e Mern resohit oii of Walton, spoken aloud, after 
 
THK I RIPK OF LIFE. 4 1 5 
 
 Hallour had retired. He frit that his peril had i:reatl\ 
 cd in consequence of the passion wliirli the 1 
 
 fitter. He !IM\V well nnderstMud !. : 
 
 l.iy in the had character of the commandant, and tl 
 
 -ponsibility of the British p.iwer, at present in the state, ilie 
 r.-klessness of its insolence, and the conviction which it; r.-pie- 
 M-ntatives ^em-rally felt, however hlindly, that then- 
 Icar to I ejitei - taine<l that they were destined to any 
 Walton s mind promptly grasped all the circuiiistani-f: in his 
 . and he deceived himself in im respect with rr-ard t the 
 
 :uity -if his danger; hut the result only found ! 
 n-.- dute in the determination lie had formed so promptly, to per- 
 i.-di a thousand times rather than stiller his daughter to i. 
 such a cruel sacrifice as that which wns required ns tl,- i 
 bit deliverance 
 
4!0 KATHAKINK WALTOB. 
 
 CIIAl TKR XLV 
 BLTIMATUM. 
 
 WHKN, the next day, Katharine. Walton presented herself >L 
 lather s dungeon, ho had reached tin 1 course which lie \\n*\ 
 M! to pursue, by which to defeat the desires of Hallbur. 
 
 " Kate, my child," said the father, as he pressed her affec- 
 ti..uately to his bosom, " there is a matter upon \vhichlmust 
 ik wit!i you in advance of all others. You are engaged, I 
 know, to Robert. Singleton. Hut ties of this SOTt, "..less the 
 heart really furnishes the, cement between the parties, are per- 
 h;,is I < tter broken than maintained." 
 
 " Hroken, father ! You surely would not have me break faith 
 with Robert !" 
 
 Hy no means, my child, if you really feel that you love 
 him heyoml all other men, and if your confidence in his judg 
 ment and honor be such as to enable you to repose with perfect 
 r - iance upon his bosom. It is this very question which I de- 
 ) urge. Are von as quite satisfied this hour with the en- 
 :nent made to Robert as in the hour when you first consent 
 ed to it I Is there no falling oft of faith no coldness, no in- 
 difference., no distrust between you?" 
 
 " None, father. Hut w he, re fore do you aak ? Surely, you do 
 n it hold me so tickle as to " 
 
 14 No! uo ! Kate, my precious! 1 have no such suspicions; 
 flod your answer, as it concerns yourself, is perfectly conclusive., 
 /.nd now tell me of Robert. Are you quite satisfied with him f 
 Is he still, so far as you know, as faithful, as devoted to you aa 
 fou feel yourself to him ! Have you no neirlect. no coMi 
 
ompUun <>t i 1>> m ,, t n,,,,, 
 
 character, and ni high M>nliineiit that \\ e lia\, hitherto al . 
 thought Jiiin /" 
 
 1 ha\e Derei once fancied that 
 
 ii. in my iniiui, th< and 
 
 laitlilul "I litlfiium." 
 
 u^h, then, on that Mii>jeet. .My opinion 
 
 ton h;iv; ionjr !>een thi 
 n-main the value a> e. . 
 equally " Minatory. AIM, : .M- me , : 
 
 UN r it mi liif >acrcil M.|IIIIU. inv vin 
 
 lliat, while Kohrr inur> true to hid 
 
 yOQ will nr\ci WM! \\ith any il,cr man 1 " 
 
 TO tins, my lather ! Oh, h 
 that I shoulff do so f Can you, ii. .. 
 
 -iK-li an oatli " 
 " Kate, my child. I am Imf taking 
 
 I ll - - \v liirl-. :i- ye|. \-"i| 
 
 which 1 shall !><> the i to unfold to vm. 1 do nt 
 
 iloul-t your ;it} ectiu-. my child, or yimi principl* 
 
 iiead. \\1. r t!ie suj>}>".-t 1 ilesire 
 
 \e yon !,y tlic .at!) \\hich I 
 ini^ht tiuii yon freMc. and MM-:II tC 
 which your oun In-art would ahhoj. You i; . 
 
 to niptui e your tieti \\ i;h lv 
 liand to aiii.tl.er JM I 
 
 M NeV - . Oli.Iiiy lather, Imu call \"U BO ft. 1 
 
 What contin^encirr, cai, ; to make me 8O 
 
 liobert ! MI \H\- n g 
 
 \\tdl as jii- 
 
 \- 1 !,. . 
 
 IM tiiaU <! whici, 
 (|iastion yuir faith, ymir ! 
 cijiles. Your truth i-> nilf "I the 
 la-Art. Hut 1 i list i 
 and would \v .-h : pym : 
 The j-n.ce^ foi < the .-ne that 
 
 Do uot y u luulit me. niy chi! .i I ha\ . 
 
K.VTIlAKIXK 
 
 1m \\i<<u 1 uu. ii htill dc\ui< L< . eit Singieton. pre 
 
 terring him to all the world of men, and still eonlidei.t >( bin 
 integrity and nobleness, it can not give yon pain to riMie-* m 
 me, in the most solemn manner, in his he.halt , the pledge* 
 already made to him. Submit to me. my child, and believe me 
 that there are necessities for this proceeding of whicb I may not 
 speak to yon. This Hible which yon hn\ <> brought me is yonr 
 dear mother s. She has kissed it a thousand times. Take it to 
 yonr own lips while 1 adjure ynu. and you promise me, that, so 
 long as Robert Singleton lives and without loss of character, 
 yon will wed no other man. no matter what events may happen 
 to make it appear politic to do so; though death, though dan- 
 r, though wrong, contumely, and murder even, should threaten 
 yourself and others most dear and precious to yon ! Swear t 
 me, my child, and remember all my words, for there mav come 
 a moment when you may discover that the very meanest of 
 them has a value. Will yon not do for me \\hat 1 require, my 
 child . what I entreat ?" 
 
 The maiden took the sacred volume in her hands. She 
 looked bewildered and confused ; hut she spoke 
 
 " 1 will do as yon require, my father. I should be wretched, 
 however, to .suppose that you doubt, my faith, and deem it 
 -ary thus to make, it steadfast." 
 
 "1 do not douht yonr faith; but you little dream in u hat 
 manner it is to be assailed. I would really seek to strengthen 
 i u/.\c/f in the conviction that nothing which mav happen shall 
 prevail to separate y-u and yonr cousin." 
 
 "And nothing shall, my father, while Robert remains faithful 
 
 to his pledges. 1 will take the oath which yon propose. It is 
 
 sworn. I have preyed my lips on pa^es \\hich mv dear mother 
 
 made doubly sai-red by I he (VeqiH-nt pressure of hers. I 
 
 :nnly vow that no other man shall have the hand which 1 
 
 have given to Robert Singh-ton." 
 
 " I am satisfied, my child. You have relieved me of a dread 
 fid apprehension. But of this 1 must say nothing. 1 will not 
 shock your ears by a revelation which 1 lea- \h;it yon will he 
 compelled to hrar from less scrupulous lip- He ir m in what 
 you have promised, for you are destined U be imilily tn ed 
 
n.TIM \ i I M. } 1 1 
 
 i i r motiei 
 
 your father. the one a pure spirit. tin* other a MUI Miitcrin^ mor 
 tal, are the \\itiiessesnfa pledge that thev will Imtli expect \ u 
 deem with all your In-art, uitli all your soul, and with all 
 your Mi-mirth." 
 
 W.- need not linger now with wir captive in liis dungeon 
 Throughout tin- l.nir lay it \va> relieved of its jjoom, if not 
 6 cheerful. ly the fond and unwearied attentions of liin 
 iatlghter. Her f<>..d was limu^ lit her also in his prison, and it 
 nightfall, when required to dej)art, that she i-"i.- 
 UT hersel! away. She returned to her home that 
 :lier. for the first time, an inkling of the JMII-JM. 
 itlier in the ^- leinti re<juisit;in which he had made upon hei. 
 !iad the t< Mn Singleton he<-n removed. 
 
 when ( ..l.-jiel Hnli uir was announced. II-was pnunptly CDII 
 flucted to the parlor. wh(>n he desirod tho servant to sav that hi* 
 WftltOTl Katharine did not lon: delay 
 li. rself. 
 
 Balfour Wai! profouilil i:i his COUrtCnOt. He mse at her n- 
 
 .ier t tin* s-.fa, and seat d liin.sclf Itesi.ie her. 
 
 \\ c iigl IBS, v. itho.it notice, the preliminaries, the civil in<|uirien 
 
 her own and the health of nther parties, hi- remarks upon 
 
 i all those usual ; .th which the r< 
 
 . -liiiician wmiid naturally strive to (jualify the (fleet .f i 
 aniH vin^ matter. lialfnur s hardih- 
 his anxieties too urgent. hi> 
 
 to allow of much delay in approaching the D 
 of his vi 
 
 " M!-s Walton," said he. after finishing his prefaces," 1 surely 
 need not now inform you that, since I have known you, 1 have 
 .tainedtli i you, and the most ear 
 
 i happy." 
 The t .irr ! K : 
 she steadily met his glance. He eoiitinued 
 
 " You will do me tie justice to admit that, from the moment 
 of your arrival in this city since, in other VTQfdt, you have be- 
 c<ime a ward of tin- rmwn you have heon honon-d with the 
 rcspecL r ul attentions V.ur health, happiness, and eumfort 
 
420 KAT!l\l;. 
 
 have been (. Dually cared tor, and your slightest win lies considered, 
 where these did not conflict with the rights of his maje.-ty." 
 
 -Colonel Balfour, I lo not know what i* the. nature of the 
 acknowledgment which you desire to extort from me hy this 
 speech. It may be enough, perhaps, to say that 1 have no cum- 
 plaint to olTer. I do not acknowledge that my happiness or 
 de-sires have been at all an object of the solicitude of his inajes 
 ly s government, as these can not well be consulted in a 
 tiition of captivity such as mine." 
 
 " Captivity. .Miss Walton ! Surely not !" 
 
 " Surely yes! J regard my situation as one of captivity, tlu* 
 severity of which has been modified only with reference to my 
 sex. Were it left to me, sir, the mountains of North Carolina 
 or Virginia should environ me, rather than the \\alls of a British 
 garrison." 
 
 "Iain sorry to hear you speak thus, Miss Walton. I had 
 hoped that the kindness with which you have been welcomed 
 everywhere in Charleston, the respectful devotion of all in gar- 
 rison, the indulgence " 
 
 "No more, Colonel Balfour. Is it not enough to say that I 
 have no complaints? 1 utter no reproaches." 
 
 " No, Miss Walton ; let me say that this is not enough, when 
 it is remembered how small was the. claim upon his majesty s 
 indulgence which could be urged by any of your name, or any 
 of your connections. We find them all against us, all hostile, in 
 sentiment, and most of them in arms against their legitimate 
 sovereign." 
 
 " I am willing to admit all these, alleged offences, Colonel 
 Halfmir ; but whither do your charges tend / I am your captive 
 my father is in your bonds. Our humiliations have kept pace 
 with our supposed offences. What farther admission would you 
 have me mak 
 
 " Your father s situation, Miss Walton, should Mirely convince 
 you of our power." 
 
 " It is not denied. We are 1/1 your power." 
 
 "We! You! I would it were so! We shall see. Your 
 father /.T . and vou must be sensible in what danger. I have 
 spoken of this matter already." 
 
KIM. 
 
 fet, Oolonel Hallom. , and 1 truM tii.tt u it, m>t 
 
 for tin 1 renewal of that communication tl at you seek rne now. 
 
 i not heliexe that, in your rainier an i OH, In moii > 
 mean to ur-e M. cruel a sul-j. 
 
 " Hut if it he true t If it he that your father is in peril of hit 
 
 " It is not trui ! It can not he true! I can not douht fha 
 
 .umatiity enough in t! < 
 
 magnanimity, perhaps. 1 should say to rretl all ttich ; 
 deroilfi purpoM-*. such a^ you \ e>ter< .-i 
 Hallbur sliook his heail. 
 
 "SuppOM I tell you. .M ^ - \Valtnii.that you hoj..- against 
 h-ipp ! Are yii ju fjtai cU to li-ten to the whole truth, and with- 
 i.t looking with hate. and horror on him \\li-- 
 
 " 1 know mif. sir ! I know not ! I5ut, at all cvi 
 tiie truth, the whole truth, whatever 1 e the 
 Have no tears l-r me. It what you |ip.j...se t" !!! : 
 inith, it is just as well that yo* should dec! 
 
 v let it he ilir (ruth that you sjieak, and wit! 
 
 tious of its inix-hievoe.- iinjiort as tl.. 
 I too frequently employ when they u.-uh; in .j-ie^stlie 
 
 If the truth 
 
 ;t and |>repare for if as I mav." 
 
 " V-"! arc . IflM \Valton very hitter" 
 
 " Hitter, you say! Certainly a very unnatui. in the 
 
 6 with such a juospec! 
 
 "The pi..>pect ix dark emn.L r h. I jrrant you : hut : 
 it., li^ht. It I show you the threatening tempevt. it i 
 
 ou the hi 
 
 nt with me. I entreat yon. \\hile I <! ..... I 
 . o| .J.,,,my and terrihle thiiiL^ ; hut vmi 
 that I c;ui pnint you out the little r;leam of li-ht which 
 Up out of the darkness. What I - 
 (piite hue. Your father has nothing to h<>p< hut fruu tl 
 of h . s repir : na. II i> a 
 
 man, as he himself mu-t feel; mie \\h". whether un 
 
 forfeiture of life. That senter 
 from tho nature i.f the case, be carried into efiect by an 
 
KATH.MUXK \v.\i:ro\. 
 
 ouieer who found liimscl! in H if Colonel Walton i 
 
 person. He is in my possession. 1 hold this authority to exe 
 cute the decree of Lord Cornwall!*; ;uid what prevails to prft- 
 vent that 1 should do so ?" 
 
 " You will prevent ?" 
 
 " Ah ! Von shall hear yet further. We regard these states of 
 Carolina and Georgia as already conquered. Your continental 
 ;:;( even now Hying before Cormvallis in Virginia, and Rawdon 
 holds undisputed authority within the interior. Marion, and Sum- 
 ter, with their rajrjrcd followers, will soon share the fate of your 
 father s coininand. Tin- southern states will all fall into our hands 
 one liy one. The New England states no louder sujijdy the ar 
 mies of Washington and his generals, From the moment that 
 the war was withdrawn from their harren domain, thev ahan- 
 doned the contest, The destruction of a French fleet will effect 
 ually cut off another <-f the allies of reUdlion ; and your states 
 of the south will peri.-h under the natural exhaustion which is 
 10 follow from such an unequal conflict. It is mere de>pe- 
 ;. to hope, that anything van he done for saving those states 
 of which we ha\e possession. The st rubles of your father and 
 Such men are simplv suicidal." 
 
 " Y.ii will not convince lint of that." 
 
 "That is hi* misfortune. Hut we must hrintr hitii to this con- 
 vietioti, a.s one of the means of saving him. \\ e must persuade 
 him to renounce the conflict and accept the mercy of his m;t 
 
 jesty." 
 
 Kiitharine shook her head mournfully. 
 
 "lie will never prove false to his country." 
 
 " \Ve Khali not ask him to take up arms. We, shall simply 
 require him to lay t-!iem down, and resume the neutral attitude 
 \\hich he kept until, in evil hour, he^uiled to take the. field at 
 ien." 
 
 "And it he consents should we persuade him to this." 
 
 " Something then will have heen gained toward restoring him 
 tj the, favor of his majesty ; and, upon certain other conditions 
 beinj; complied with, i think 1 mi^ht venture to -y that his 
 mercy " 
 
 "Ah. there are other conditions!" 
 
V - M ^ i 
 
 lex difficult for compliance. In tact, my drar M.-- \V::lt n. the 
 rev will depend on yourself." 
 
 < >n mo, sir!" with unfeigned astonishment. 
 " Yes, on yon, and you wholly ! The fact is. my 
 Walton I need not perhaps, tell you that, to : 
 Sir Henry Clinton has confided the wh le ^.iverument <>f ;r 
 in this section. Mine is the power to hind and In. 
 
 uto. The life of your father is in my hands. Mv \ 
 my will, can savo him ; and the question i>, what shrill he 
 influence 1 v which I am to ho moved ti> exert this voice and 
 will /" 
 
 "Oh, gir ! Colonel Bnlfonr humanity alone " 
 " Won t do for me ! I confess to beinjj a rat! . man ; 
 
 and when I see before me a great treasure, ndly be 
 
 lieve I may attain through the exercise or the f 
 the power I ; f life or death, I tell you frankly 
 
 my selfishness rejects all minor considerations, and insist! w! 
 on the treasure for which it thirsts. Do yon not u: 
 
 11 1 ( nfi ! do not." 
 
 "My dear Mis- Walton, you have already hoard mo 
 the admiration which 1 felt for you, and the j iic!i 
 
 - it> first and only "hjrct. YOU hn\ 
 . .11 with scorn, uir r 1 am imt the man 
 
 tamely. I gladly ur >corn. 1 (lo- 
 
 votion. Once more I flin^ myxdf ;;t y.ur 
 
 :ited to t! 
 
 lii>e, i: - Halfnui ! I i an n->t sutler t!. 
 
 Katharine h id. 
 
 " Nay, my dear .M. ^Valton. it 
 that 1 ;///< .\/ m. m, ;ui l \ i that T 
 
 i, and the d.-xire that I cherish 
 EtiM, sir ! It is ini] 
 He ro>e, relurtantly. 
 " Nay, do not say imp 1 
 
 all the circui; 1 he. no- 
 
 .ty of iuuiing frieiuU at this juncture "f finding nr 
 
4 2\ KATHAKIXK WAI/ION. 
 
 friend as myself, one who lias the power t(. destroy ; but who 
 may he persuaded to spare and save. lUd eve rno, you havp 
 hut to say tlio word, and all the power i possess shall be <nl>- 
 ject to your will." 
 
 "You do but try me. Colonel Balfour. I can not believe P.O 
 harshly of yon as to suppose that you \viil make a father s life 
 depend upon a daughter s favor. You sav vou have the power 
 t save, him. I helieve it. 1 rely upon you your sense of 
 jiiftice, your humanity, the obligations that you owe. to the pe-i- 
 ple over whom you rule, the policy which heroines the - 
 that yon represent. You will not outrage all of these by an 
 treme exercise of power by the cruel murder of a noble 
 
 in, from whom his enemies always found humanity and 
 " 
 
 You jdead eloquently, my dear Miss Walton, but the selfish 
 ness of my passion will not allow me to listen to your plea. I 
 love you too earnestly not to take every advantage of the 
 cnmstances in which you are placed. I can not afford t 
 lianimous. 1 see before me a treasure, the loveliest 
 most precious that ever blessed mortal eves, or was intrusted to 
 mortal keeping ; and 1 feel that by the exercise of a certain 
 ohition.that treasure /////A/ be mine. I can not venture to be gen- 
 1 can not Ming away, perhaps, the only hope upon which 
 I build for the attainment of this treasure. You mu.-t be mine. 
 Katharine Walton, if not through the love von bear to me. 
 through that which you bear your father." 
 
 "Oh! Colonel Halfonr, this is terrible it is cruel, it is un 
 manly and when you know that it is impossible " 
 
 " I know nothing of the sort ! Nay, Katharine Walton, let 
 me tell you freely. I know that there is nothing impossible in a 
 situation like yours. Your father s life hangs upon a thread, as 
 fine. ly sundered as that by which the spider h; 
 
 against the wall. You love your father I know how precious 
 li the tic between you. Will y^///.v be the hand to smite that 
 thread which is his only hold upon life 7 Will yours 1 e the stern 
 voice which dooms him to a premature and .shameful death ? 
 
 "No IDOM, Colonel 1 alfour! You have no light to torture 
 me thiio ! 1 gs of this wanton cruelty, tint 
 
L L 1 1 .* . 
 
 pmfligacy ami tyranny, tl:;- e.jiial al-u-e of power and humanity 
 
 t,. Lord Cornwall) Henry Clinton. t> tlio foot of the 
 
 thm: ami y<ui shall feel ami In- in;, 
 
 your turn, at n power to which all that ; it a 
 
 reath, an echo, without cither B< 
 
 : ,ther from tliis clanger, consent to his exchai . >me 
 
 list captive of his own rank, or I expose you to you; 
 
 Ami is it thus, my lovely Katharine, that yon defy me, ami 
 oppose your feeble strength to mine ? YOU will exp< 
 Cornwall ami Clinton y.u will carry your plaint t. 
 .,f the throne it.-clf ! One would suppose, my fa: that 
 
 U had all- iently 01 
 
 UableneSfl of petitions at the foot of the throne ; 
 Will you learn nothing from expr: Hut why -h -uhl I 
 
 With tl to convince ? The result mu>t 
 
 I Walton. th- Of will nm; 
 
 invest ;pitiii within the next tl: 
 the , 1 thai] v you. M-a-.\\h! 
 
 mend y.u to a calmer view of the whole Bubjed Katlm- 
 rine Walton. . < me at the peril 
 
 all |] value,. On t! 
 
 : nor a n. 
 
 to think that the Hriti>h author/ 
 D a ll t l,;. : BI in humanity, in order that the 
 
 Kail triumph." 
 Haltour muled hitterly. 
 
 i will recall t 1 ..,.. 
 
 ken them. When you n-t in my nnns, as my lawful 
 M ; : ,. K : will Idush for these n 
 
 
 
 uie.l s..ldiorshii) and man: ; } > should 
 
 have applied the epit! IfboiB name y-u hoar." 
 
 Katha; I her full height. 
 
 i !thu f n- Mmy 1 
 
 hope tluii you wi! . w ?" 
 
426 KATIl. MMN K \V.\I.TON. 
 
 This was spoken with a rare mildness of I..IM- and manner 
 It impressed her visitor. His accents were changed and apolo. 
 getic. 
 
 " You provoke, me unreasonably, Miss Walton, and mine is a 
 temper not too placable. Tt would always yield to you. I will 
 not trespass longer. You have heard me, What I have said is 
 earnestly and truly said. The facts an- all as I have Malrd 
 them. The danger is precisely what I have shown it. The 
 remedy, I repeat, is in your own hands. Think upon it calmlv. 
 for you may he assured of this, that I have declared the oniv 
 conditions upon which .your father s safety depends; and, as I 
 live, I will relax in nothing of what I ask ! I love you too pas 
 sionately to forego .1 resolution through which only may I hope 
 to bend your stubborn heart to my desires." 
 
 With these words he left her, miserable enough. 
 
 "This, then, was the secret of my father s purpose. Can it 
 be that this base, bad man revealed to him his cruel calcula 
 tions? But, he dare not he dare not! Rawdon would not 
 suffer it, nor Cornwallis, nor Clinton. I have but to declare the 
 facts in this interview to shame him before the world." 
 
 Poor Katharine she little fancied how little responsibility 
 the world feels in such matters how quietly i: submits to the 
 wrong-doing that trespasses not upon its individual limbs or 
 pockets. Still less did Katharine, in her rare simplicity of 
 heart, comprehend the degree, of independence enjoyed by Brit 
 ish officers when three thousand miles from the throne, or how 
 intimate was the alliance Let ween these worthy agents in Car 
 olina when victims were to be chosen and upoils were to be 
 appropriated. 
 
ril AI TKR XLVI 
 lIUBLLO, 
 
 KVH\T> he^an to move with unwonted rapiditv among all 
 parties in Charleston. Proceeding! were init ; \)\&. 
 
 nel Walton as a rebel HIH! a Kpy, and a court of inquiry wai 
 
 1 for an early investigation of Ins e;iM. Similai 
 .ings, under charges which were studious!-, 
 ueie ;I!M) appointed f"i the consideration of another C"nrt, 
 
 nvcMH tl, in regard to t! f Major IVoi-ti.r. Ho 
 
 remained still under a nominal arrest onlv ; a foi : 
 cl, icily in the de>ii<- "t Hall-mr ID r iiriliafc Crnden niiii 
 praraiu >. Hut tin- wily coinniandant only waited tin- 
 wlion hi.N ^ r ;iine \\.i-; |iiitc siiri 1 . t" convert ihe nominjll i:;f 
 actual MITOSt, !n;t<!c icitain with holts and fen- 
 
 la the nieanu hih 1 , tlie )>atriot> and frirnd> - ! ^ 
 1 ii^v, d;iy and ni^ht. in Mndyi: incct : 
 
 r his d(divei-;u:v . Mcrtin^h took |d;ice nijjlifl; 
 
 ::id uther jdares. But the consultation* "f tin- 
 8}iii wi-d them their \\eakncss; and at length. 
 
 whole hope of rescuing AValt";: rd npin ;i jda: 
 
 niitin^ the keepers of his person. In thN work, 
 an active part. andmade 
 
 iates. Hrfu.MMi In-i-rlt and T"ir Sin^lrt -n two of thr 
 puard.s wi-ie hiled; 1-ut ti esses pioxrd dch: 
 
 con-npted jaitieM hein^ rnnoxeil the very night Jf had 
 
 old theip.-cb. - 
 
 The pa mo had to he licgun anew, and with innensed rantion. 
 U was evident that the vigilar: Bnlfour n all 
 
4^5 &A1 
 
 their movements, and the zeal and activity of Mrs. Brewton 
 drew down upon her the, especial attentions oi tlie commandant. 
 She was congratulating herself one morning upon the con 
 siderable progress which she had made in the favor of a British 
 sergeant, in whom the officers placed Considerable confidence, 
 when she was surprised by a visit from Hal four. lie was 
 smiling and very courteous, and these, with him, were. always 
 suspicious appearances. He, did not leave her long in don 1 
 to his purpose. 
 
 " My dear Mrs. Brewton," said he, " I am sorry to perceive 
 that the atmosphere of Charleston does not quite agree with 
 this season. Everybody remarks how much Mesh and color Y<>M 
 have lost within a month. My anxiety in your behalf make* 
 me resolute that you shall change the air. I have brought you 
 a passport, accordingly, giving you permission to retire to tin- 
 country, whither you will please depart within the next twenty- 
 four hours. You had better go to the Congarees anywhere, not 
 within eighty miles of the city." 
 
 The beautiful widow, for once, was overwhelmed. 
 
 "What do you fear?" she at length demanded, impetu 
 ously. 
 
 "Your health, your beauty, your spirits, all of which are in 
 peril while vou remain here." 
 
 She would have expostulated and argued, even promised and 
 pleaded, for she was \\illing, at this moment, to submit to some 
 sacrifices, to make some concessions of pride and spirit, but in 
 vain! The petty tyrant was not to be moved, and, with a 
 Parthian arrow, she prepared for her departure. 
 
 " 1 could have looked for nothing less from such ns you. The 
 want of gallantry and grace is always the sure sign of an equal 
 
 want of character and courage. (Lionel Balfmir, I am encour- 
 
 by your fears, since these alone expel me. from your gar 
 . Well, sir, the fortress which thus apprehends danger 
 from a woman must surely first have become conscious of the 
 worthlessness of its men." 
 
 "Ah! madam, you will then give me no v redit for the sym 
 pathy and care which are thus mindful of your health. We 
 hall greatly miss you from the garrigoii, but shall find ootisola 
 
.\\ the fact that \\ IMTI vm < 
 
 i all your 1.1. ...ID ;ui! heauty. 
 .t slial! atttMni yi.ii t.. the Four-mile HO,; 
 
 Her iepartii; . our rm, - what 
 
 disc their hopes and efforts. B f them, 
 
 lii;! .Mod in consultation at ..1 1 T, 
 
 when Proctor suddenly presented himself. 
 
 him ai .ne, in an upper apartment, and did not now tako him 
 D to the vaulted fhainl.fr \\hitli. ; ; iiicd him ..n .1 
 
 -ion. T 1 . rd Iiini hurriedly, and 
 
 e alinijit::- him 
 
 repeate l!y. \\ c may l.-crc mention, in interviews which 
 not ; Oft Tl.e : 
 
 i-Mialusions. whicl 
 
 "1 rvor," It-ton, has done all that 1.- 
 
 : tidavits whii :red, and i-s86i 
 
 ming. 1 ut, from all that I can see and 
 
 they will 
 
 r.rdiour . ] "U, and l:e is \vi-l! 
 
 I, \ ;iUL r ha:i. What ti.. 
 
 \i\ the alVair "t . :aij;lit he met an-i . 
 
 that alone the .liiliculty ; l.ut \ un- 
 
 haji; 
 
 tii.n. ti,. evi lence f ^ D an-! of you 
 
 -r than r 
 
 v from the jjarrivm, and 
 mount 1 lina." 
 
 What! >ir. .-my not stand this trial I 
 
 " By no nir 
 
 "I: my honor ! " 
 
 D not con .urnolf. liouiul hand And 
 
 foot, into the han i 
 
 UN shook his head mournfully, and 
 
 Singleton with the papers fi f 1 finding 
 
 manner of the laf lent, he : 
 
 to t 
 
 tlli appeal a ay the 
 
4HO KATH. \RI\F WALTON. 
 
 a-as unclosing for the egress of Proctor, of his supposed loyalipt 
 acquaintance) Fumess. 
 
 Proctor was really rejoiced to see him, and old Singleton dis 
 quieted. A sqiipp/p of the hand with tlie latter, and a word or 
 two, as it were, to remind him that he. was youn Fnrness, son 
 >f ultl Furness, whom he ought to know BO well, and the par 
 : turned away with Pn.cJur, saying to Singleton that he 
 would see him again within the hour. The old man replied, 
 vniffly 
 
 Bettor see your friend out of the city, and take care,hoth of 
 that no one sees your hacks unless heyond cannon distance." 
 
 With these words, he closed the door upon them, and returned 
 t" his guests in the cellar. 
 
 Fumes*, or rather Singleton, soon told his story to Proctor, 
 P.K he had, within two hours, told it to Balfour. Ho professed to 
 have been taken by Marion s men at the defeat of Lieutenant 
 Meadows escort, and had just succeeded in making his escape 
 from captivity. 
 
 Such was the substance of bis narrative. Of course, Le 
 revealed as little as possible to his companion, being moic 
 anxious to hear him speak than to say anything himself. The 
 details given by Proctor, in answer to his inquiries, unfolded 
 fully the condition of affairs in the city, his own approaching 
 ti ial, with that of Colonel "Walton, and the charges brought 
 : Mst both. Singleton soon gathered from the statement, in 
 Proctor s own case, that he stood in an attitude of serious dan 
 ger, lie did not hesitate ti. give him the same counsel whirl) 
 had been given by old Tom Singleton. Proctor was unwilling 
 e the matter in so gloomy a light ; but was evidently deeply 
 Oppressed by what he heard. 
 
 "In a few daw," Said Singleton,"! hope to leave for t e 
 mountains myself as soon as I shall ha , e proem ed some neu 
 supplies from the commandant ; and if you will onlv (-tea 
 awav before that time, and meet me on the road, we can find j 
 fafe retreat for von until yon can be sure of a proper tribunal 
 and honest : Think <>f this matter to-night, and do nt 
 
 deceive yourself. There is eviden ly ,i -,d strong pui 
 
 pose, on the part of Balfour, to destroy you ; and, unfortunately, 
 
LLO, 
 
 eircun. :.iiu all th. 
 
 i soon t<. nu>rn>\v nay. if you will nive m- a part of your 
 l>ed, I will sleep with yon lo-niirlit. -lit no 
 
 quail 
 
 !y; and 1 ve liii:i : 
 
 where to tind him. 1 and Sinirleton imin-iia!ely liur- 
 
 ick to his kinsman. Hi- conferred with him for ten or fifteen 
 mimit. .11 that ha ; :id nil th;: 
 
 then proceeded t 186 Katharine, whom h- unter. 
 
 She tl.: neck a- ihfl n < >i:.ii/ d him. | 
 
 claimed 
 
 >u peril everything for mr for him 1 Tell r 
 you save him airainv " 
 
 " I have coat and try, Katharine. ne knows 
 
 yet \\ i. iv achievt-. A- y.-i. I know hut li 
 
 condition and hi- dani:-r-. Sit, dearest, and you shall tell me 
 all." 
 
 iid so nil that she knew. frit, u 
 did the -.iiii -. < Mir partisan shudiie: i 
 was Do :ie in which a troop of 
 
 ichirv.- del; I he did n->t Miller hU gravity t> 
 
 "Ob l* ta i 
 
 \Vr mu-t imt d< ijat will n. 
 
 Me. I iii ;-t hurry < i must 
 
 -uni oth.-r partiru I I can 1. 
 
 I will try to see you in the morning, !>ut mu^t n 
 You reiiu-inher that I am still < 
 
 This, fur tin- tirnr. ended tin-:: ami the i:. 
 
 i hurried otT 01 see his ancient kin-man. ^ 
 
 not ask they discussed, as, for the tin iission 
 
 was without result. Knouiih. that the m< ie our partisan became 
 
 the caM- in the affair of Walton, tl,< 
 
 did its dangers loom out upon his imagination. When old Singleton 
 appri/.ed him of the tTins oiT.T, .1 !i\ I - : .foiir for t!, 
 ton. he wa- - with a bullet. These had leen suppressed by 
 
. 
 
 -Can it bo mie !" he i-xi-:.. -peech 
 
 "Then, it we, fail to rescue him, Katharine will consent." 
 
 "Never!" cried the old man, fiercely. 
 
 "She must She <jin not avoid it !" was the mournful repl) 
 :>f F.obert Singleton "I shall deplore the necessity more thar 
 all perhaps, hut it /nil be a necessity, m vert he 
 
 When told of the oath prescribed by Walton to his dau<Ji:c:. 
 he exclaimed 
 
 "Ah, th- same magnanimous spirit and true heart! JJut. 
 should ilie last necessity ./cur, evil that oath will not. 
 niu-ht not to bind her." 
 
 * Would you have her many thai *eoun<lrel /" 
 
 She must .save her father, even at -hat sacrifice !" 
 
 " Never!" 
 
 11 Hush, sir ! Hush ! i lks is all idle." 
 
 We need not pursue the nnproiitabU dialogue. It was Lite 
 when t*he parties separated ; but Singleton, or Furness now, 
 found Proctor waiting him with anxiety. I hey sat up late to- 
 
 Br, these youni: men. making their mutual revelations. 
 M chW\ng the cud of sweet an. , bitter thought." Our pa;: 
 continued to persuade his companion to a secret and swiit 
 departure from the city; but with no BUCtt 
 
 "No!" was the rejily of Pnu tor. " Though 1 jirrish, 1 will 
 "ever, bv such a Bight, give countenance tn the slander tb;il 
 assails my honor." 
 
 Karly next morning, both of them were abroad. Soon after 
 KlaM. Furnr>> found his way to the presence of liall our. 
 We. have already mentioned hi.s communication with the latter 
 the day before. It will sutlice to say that he pivr the eniii- 
 mandant a full and satisfactory account of all his adventures, as 
 a loyalist, from the moment when he set out with the BflCOll 
 Meadows. Halfour had no complaints of Furness in this I 
 
 . On the contrary, baling hia judgment upon the fa\i-r 
 
 able, but singularly mistaken, report of Meadows, he WU 
 to bestow a lii^h compliment upon the fidelity and desp. 
 courage which the, former had displayed. In fact, the loyal. .-i 
 captain was in a fail way to become a favorite with Halfour 
 The p ufound deference of the provincial was particularly p 
 
till to tli< in ->t the puiie-i-up 
 
 :u oj ln.s n\vn ami puldir alia;i>. until, -it K-- 
 i NValti M WMS hronirht upon tin- carpet ii 
 full parftV-ulars of i <-ry attentive ,-i-idit. 
 
 ir ea f dink-nit t> restrain tic exhibitions of h, 
 
 and keep them within the limits of simple cur 
 ?uddenlv clappfl I 1 : 
 
 ain. yi U ait- tin- vt-ry man t> 
 
 ! i:it I can i". riil.mrl f" 
 
 i can do much. V"ii shall \ ; >it Walton m * 
 -hall h>t him know lm\v h; iin 
 
 n tlu l.a.-k country. Toil hall cep MI all the d 
 
 -naili- him >! the D( f 1 nll suh; 
 
 ,, he ili>tr>;-t. me ami will iluulit all tin 
 
 ..\vn |M .jiK-. who knows the inti 
 .-.-in rejM.j-t truly h hnil.l on, 
 
 
 
 Uujjiter. an<l 3e !iim t. BUcl -iiall 
 
 lire in return l-.r I. panlon. I am IP 
 him these tlni. ^s. 1 j.nv.ke 1. 
 
 that I do n..t 
 
 use my jn.wei nn<? tnl, if, tnr- 
 i will rej. u-t t. him also th . 
 
 D what 1 <1 I 
 
 . in the v 
 It ton |ia-: In -uji].!-.- 
 
 , wlien told that he Iff Walton in hifl 
 
 .iui! _ 
 
 " 1 will do it, colonel ! I will do what von ltM}1UF6. I 
 
 .f I can ; hut I am .-1:1 
 
 likely to I ^ten to me. a loy:ili>t. ;t s t,, i!. 
 
 1 am " 
 
 I M,h ! ]>ooh ! You di-tnM 
 Y"i are Only 
 
 :d. than ped : l-ut 1 l 
 
 and net ! 
 w,dl. I ! 1 \ .TV certain. Ii 
 
434 KATHARINE WAI.TOX. 
 
 for your admission to Walton. You will go to him tonight, after 
 his daughter shall have left him, or to-morrow night that will be 
 better, when he shall have undergone his trial, and been made awav 
 of his sentence. To-morrow evening dooms him to the gallows 
 yu will insist upon the only measure by which to save him from it. 
 Do you understand ? " 
 
 "Perfectly. I will see him to-night and prepare him for the 
 danger, and to-morrow, when what I have predicted shall have 
 been realized, he will, perhaps, be better able to appreciate his 
 situation." 
 
 "Meanwhile, I shall work upon the daughter. Do /our part 
 faithfully, and it is odds but we carry the game. But where- are you 
 lodging ? " 
 
 " Nowhere, exactly. Last night Major Proctor, whom I met at 
 Dorchester, gave me a bed at his lodgings." 
 
 Ha ! Beware of him ! He is a traitor ! " 
 
 "He! Major Proctor!" 
 
 "What! You have not heard? He is about to be tried 
 also, for offences which will drive him from the army or hang 
 him. Beware of him ; but continue to lodge with him, if he will 
 suffer you. You can keep an eye on him. Eh ? You under- 
 Marnl ?" 
 
 " I do ! I see ! It shall be done ! " 
 
 What are you doing with yourself to-day? Nothing? Then 
 diive out at twelve o clock to Ilampstead the field of honor; 
 anybody will tell you where to find it. There is to be a duel 
 to day between two hot bloods of the garrison, about a lady s favors 
 .Mad Arehy Campbell, who captured Colonel Walton, a regular dare 
 devil, and Captain Harley, of the rifles, who is said to be a fir. 
 They tight with the small-sword. It will be a pretty passage, and 
 you will be delighted. Your presence will be no objection. There 
 will be several spectators." 
 
 " Hut do you suffer such affairs ?" 
 
 "I do not see them. I hear of them only when all s over, and 
 then arrive at nothing positive. I only see when I am not dispo^-d 
 to suffer them. In this case, there are reasons why I should not see. 
 Do you go, and report to me the affair." 
 
 "I shall be there, colonel. I shall be pleased to see." 
 
DUBLLO. 
 
 , round, 
 
 rake j.l- You 
 
 *"W you will 
 
 ;t hoi;i. tlu i-e, at that li.nir, any day in t! 
 iHadly availed himself of Knlfoni - ,,n ^o 
 
 lad. He rode .ut with 1 rortor. who pn.rured t.r him 
 having made liis appearance in the citv \\ith- 
 I!- precaution had stahled ! Ted. \\ ith the 
 
 i.f his heM ;r.M.j,, )s. a:id in tlioir keeping, within 
 miles of town, in a <!: <> thirkct. not tar from the Gooae 
 i; road. 
 
 c!^ already upon the ground. Tin* 
 en in tiiat day for Mich pi u lnit a little 
 
 aiiii-i a dump .f niip^lin^ ; 
 nail heailand on the hanks of th 
 Hither BOOn ranie tin- t\\.. n,inl.;!tant>. att. 
 : al friend.-, a COO] nd a< n: 
 
 ;i^ wraa tiien M \\m\-, in tin- same n-^ioii. a ird^rn; 
 
 ; . I .nt it wa> then un allair .t 
 .iitly now. an allair of maliiv. Tlie .s-.! :ritude 
 
 amply to maintain t! itfifnde. ;l g6 
 
 vindicfi\ . 
 
 : chivalry -sage at arms betv 
 
 .- IIM-II ; and t til advantages, in } P" 
 
 nei;t. wa> a! . 1 :ully, hut tenaci"Uslv urged 
 
 iie jiarties. even al t-i wcapc,],-, had heen - 
 Sin^h -t -n observed the seen.- with much intn.-: !! 
 liim.-elt upon hi.s own swordmajiship. and ant;> 
 
 :it. 1 lie par I oth tine looking i 
 
 Arrliy Camphidl was in tin- 
 
 f" miiitai \ . in the : -lemanly 
 
 a>h m "t the time 8l 
 Hai -:d as a n. 
 
 and. tinder the direction >t Stock. 
 phell threw ..fl his i4)at. \. 
 
 >pi-ct;itc 
 
 gainenters of tli- on-kpit. lav^ -iy i 
 
 But. the j *-re all dehtiur.: ;...intinen; : 
 
436 KATIlAlUXK WALTON. 
 
 honor" in that day did not deny such a conclusion r ) the atfaii 
 as that which followed. When all WHS expectation, the. friend 
 of Harley stepped toward and demanded ol Stock, loudly 
 enough for everybody to hear 
 
 "Is it true, Major Stock, that your principal it; married {" 
 
 " The devil ! Yes ! But what a question ! True, to he sure 
 it is" then, not to t <>ce " and the worse for me ! But" aloud 
 "what has this marriage to do with the hush;. 
 
 A great deal, sir." replied the other, "as we will show you 
 hen-after. ( )ne other question : is it true that your principal ie 
 married to Miss Paulina Phelps f 
 
 " Certainly, sir. It is to Miss Paulina Phelps thai Major 
 Archibald Campbell is inanied." 
 
 "Then, sir, we withdraw our invitation to the field. It is not 
 our policy or principle to fight with a gentleman on hehalf of 
 his own wife ; and, indeed, we conceive that, in marrying the 
 offender, she has preierred a mode, and perhaps the best, of 
 punishing linn for his offences to herself. "We repeat that our 
 challenge is withdrawn upon the original grounds; hut without 
 the assertion of any claim on our part that the duel should not 
 go on. It is with the defendant to say whether he will suffer 
 us to quit the field." 
 
 This was said with a profound gravity, and with the stateli 
 necs of a tli^lomntc. A hearty laugh followed from Campbell. 
 
 To he sure," said he, " 1 consent; hut on one condition, 
 that Captain Harley and his companions dine with me and my 
 to-day. Kxpecting to he hurt in the encounter with so 
 -wordsnian, 1 ordered a good dinner, in order that my 
 friends should not behold my sufferings without some conso 
 lation." 
 
 The parties embraced ; and thus ended an affair of honor of 
 the eiglaeenth century. Stock seemed the only person not 
 -tied with the arrangement He said, with an affectation of 
 disappointment 
 
 " h s too provoking ! 1 was in hopes that Harley would have 
 given you your quietus, and then 1 should have saved my 
 guineas." 
 
 "Not so." cried Campbell. "I prepared against that, and 
 
DUELLO, 
 
 left pr. ,lrl)t in tl. 
 
 the claim, if only that >hr iniirht have in h 
 
 :Ilt." 
 
 : eilcd t< your escape and safety," i 
 
438 KATHARINE WALTON. 
 
 CHAPTER XLIX. 
 
 THE PLOT. 
 
 THE rest of the day was employed by Singleton, the partisan, 
 with the assistance of tried friends in the city, procuring cer 
 tain implements for the use of Colonel Walton in prison. The 
 permit which enabled him, as Furness, the loyalist, to have free 
 access to the prisoner, offered him an opportunity -quite too im 
 portant to be foregone. He accumulated tiles, acids, and a rope- 
 ladder, and took them to him that very night, after Katharine 
 had left the prison. We may take for -minted that he urged none 
 of the arguments to Walton which Balfour had put into his 
 mouth. 
 
 The next day Walton s trial came on if that may be (ailed a 
 trial which examined no witnesses. Conviction and sentence were 
 Ol OOUne; and the prisoner was remanded to his dungeon 
 with the assurance that he would, in four day-, expiate his offences 
 to the crown upon the gallows. He heard his doom with a calm 
 and fearless spirit, indignantly protested against the mockery of 
 v.hieh he had just g.me through, and appealed to the arms 
 of his country for the punishment of those who should shed his blood 
 under such a sentence. Scarcely was the examination over, when 
 Balfour au-ain waited upon Katharine. He WM the first to report 
 the decision of the court. 
 
 " Your father s life is in your own hands. Miss Walton." 
 
 " Mercy 1 , mercy!" she shrieked, falling before him. 
 Hoon for boon, prayer for prayer, mercy for mercy love for 
 
 She held up her hands, pleading dumbly. 
 
 we both live. Katharine Walton, UICM- are the only condi 
 tions ." he answnvd, 
 
Til 
 
 i>l l.-iy without siirn of !: 
 
 face. I! her up in alarm, and (all.-,! 
 
 She hurried in and relieved him of hi< burden. 
 
 " Wll . v " you li: 
 
 your work i-lTectually. for the present at fettl 
 .MI. if you pl. : is. It will 
 
 An oath rose to I: -.vhieh ]. f,,,, n l ; 
 
 clirticult to suppress II. wlzed 1 
 disappeared. with,,ut <ayini: a wi.nl. II urn in- t.. th,- 
 he left in.xtnirtioi-.s there that Mi., \\ ,; ,. 
 
 admitted t,. | ,-lier. T! -ness 
 
 for her f:elini:s ai thy with her <ituat: in truth. 
 
 tlf I>"li ated l.y | \ upon ],. 
 
 fcar< to make IT feel, in era 
 
 and entire wa< hi- pon i\vl)i!e. tie 
 
 pla< e wen mOTfng. A memorial in behalf ol 
 
 :-an-.l and >iiriu-.l l.y all U 
 whi.ir inhahitantv >evrral of th- 
 signatur. 
 
 nt.d it. ;.,!.! the petition u 
 
 f those presenting it. It \\a- wiih-.ut c: 1 
 The f IJ.-dfou: 
 
 ral Williamson that lie 
 the 
 
 "What "said litilfour. "You. too, gcner;. .11 so soon 
 
 i your own recent e-ape from tlie dutches of this insolent 
 
 and it is tliix reedHeetion that now ; reaty. 
 
 H that, hut for the inu-r|Misiii,, M Ol 
 
 whieh v; iv ,d inr from th. tender mercies ,,f his sulM.rdi- 1 
 
 should rertainly luive tasted of the terrible do, m whieh n,,\v threat- 
 
 :m." 
 
 " And whieh he mn*t sufTor " wa 
 public safety require- thi< m 
 the punishincnt of ->me >f 
 
 That day Halfur took lii- .limn r a!,.n,- a hi- .marter,. dining 
 at a lati- hour, and after many fatisrucs and 61 
 
440 K. \niAiiiNK WALTON. 
 
 to a mind like his. \\ ere nor ii;;iii:\ed with plea.Mire. 11 u a.* 
 rioting in power. He \v;is not without a hope ->f realizing hi* 
 most selfish objects. At length, he had persuaded the people 
 of Charleston, and Katharine W.-.ltmi in particular, of the ear 
 nest purpose, which he entertained. .She, at length, felt that 
 her father s life was really in danger. She had already begun 
 to seek and to sue, in tears and gloomy apprehension: She had 
 paid him a visit, in order to obtain pel-mission to see her father 
 again; a privilege which, as we have MTU, lie hail that day dc 
 nied. He had avoided her, and he conjectured the extent ol 
 her agonv. floating over hi> *nti\ iciions, liG ilrank lively of 
 his Madeira and was airrauy at tin- close of hi* least, when Al 
 fred Momkton made his appearance from the adj.-iniisg room 
 v/here he wrote, and communicated the arrival of Major VnughuL 
 from Dorchester. He had been .summoned down to attend ;hr 
 trial of Proctor, which was assigned for the imbuing day. 
 
 Send him here," said Bal. our, and Vaunhan was in.stamly 
 ushered into the presence of the potentate. 
 
 "You are welcome, Vaughan, doubly welcome at th: 
 .ueiit. Sit, and fill yourself a glass. We are at the harv,-, 
 jme at last." 
 
 " Yeo, colonel, and a full harve.st shall we have of it. 1 brin^ 1 
 you news which shall strengthen the evidence against this arch 
 traitor." 
 
 " Ah, indeed ! The more the merrier, though we M 
 ,ieel it. We have quite enough in jhis late affair, for hi.- f i. 
 conviction. But what s your news ?" 
 
 " Such as will startle you. You remember the fellow that 
 ,alm<(l himself oil upon yon as Captain Furness of the loyal 
 ist riller ?" 
 
 Vex Well, was he not what he called himself/" 
 No, indeed ! He was n-i other than the rebel, Colonel Sin 
 _-leton, of Marion s brigade !" 
 
 What!" cried Balfour Parting to hi.- feet. " How knew 
 vou this 1" 
 
 " By the true Captain Furness himself, who has j-ist 68 
 from the guard assigned for hi> Bftfc-koephlg among tl 
 He made bis \vay to the post at I>.:clu:ate.r, and ha> C.MU.- 
 
t\Vll I li;i\ . . . 
 
 fri in yon t i:; - 
 
 the Lrd Harry, hut th iH \ excellent! 
 
 \ml 1 roctor knew him at I)ondn 
 
 Intimately !" 
 
 M A* l the} are intimate t<>. re. at this moment, and 
 
 KT!i; .me Iml^i: 
 
 " lii !rrd ! thiMi \vc have them ! /. 
 
 " Here ! hen ! ami llie n-l -l !i;-> 
 Shall lie n< t s\v m^ ! Hut hi ing in th< . A . < 
 
 ;re ! II: 
 
 :.;]., in, liriii^j him in ! 
 lover, far 1 
 
 tliipj; 
 
 it j ui 
 Init the life of one, ami h 
 
 B rett lit u ; .< 
 
 han ret; : -- M, 
 
 ter, hut \\ 
 
 tone, the < \\int* 
 
 ; imjiatient Halt.T.i 
 
 * 
 
 vanity, at : iiis ilt- 
 
 tenni:: 
 
 ;un. in tl.-- 
 
 had unfolded hinisi-lf t. the hJij-[- ami hitt. 
 
 how mu -li material ! . rn and : 
 
 mil-t ha -d to the ; 
 
 u-ith the reflection , y tht- 
 
 ruddv juices which he drank, and. 
 
 . lined, in f thunder 
 
 Shall h as lii^l, u 
 
 llama 
 
442 KATIIAKTXK \VALTOX. 
 
 "And you say that he is here here now within (lie city?" 
 demanded Vaughan. 
 
 "Ay, Indeed ! and a lodger with that other traitor of our own, 
 John Proctor." 
 
 " Then we have them both ! " 
 
 " Ay, indeed ! in the same net ! They shall pay for their 
 audacity." 
 
 "Should you not seize them at once, colonel ? 
 
 " Ay, indeed ! " rising " I will see to it. Here, Mr. Monck- 
 ton." 
 
 The secretary appeared at the entrance. 
 
 "But, no ! " said Balfour, resuming his scat, and tilling his glas* 
 anew. "You may go," said he to Monckton. " IV* the bottle, 
 Major Vaughan, to Captain Furncss. I have a better plan lor 
 making this arrest We arc probably watched. Any movement, at 
 this moment, were I to send a guard to Proctor s lodging^, and 
 Singleton not happen to be there, might only give him warning, and 
 enable him to make his ex-ape." 
 
 "HOW Can that be? Issue orders in advance, that no one leave 
 the city, and strengthen the guards along the li 
 
 "Ah! Vaughan, that would only make the matter v 
 The city is full of traitors. They have their emissaries every 
 where, and communicate with the enemy by means of the winds, 
 I believe, for there s no finding out the process exactly. Hut it 
 is fortunate that my very confidence in this rebel Sin-lcton 
 me the means for securing him, if we make no stir, and do 
 not alarm his apprehensions. He is to vNit Walton to-night, at 
 eight o clock, in the provost. TJtere, we have him. lie will scarcely 
 fail to be there ; tru* there last night, and made me quite a glowing 
 report, this morning, of what he had done toward convincing 
 Walton of the necessity of making submiion, and doing what is 
 required of him." 
 
 "What is that, sir?" 
 
 "Oh, sir. a matter of state, which" looking a-kant at the 
 loyalist " iiee.l ii, ,t be dwelt upon. It is <-n<ugh that the rebel 
 will seek Walton again to-night in his dungeon. I am now 
 satMie.1 that he will do so with the view of facilitating his 
 escape. Against that, we will guard. Hut we will take him in 
 
THE PLOT. 
 
 .ho toil.x. \\> have this fellow of iVortor s. I"hii. C 
 
 on the heels of his master. I will have him lion-, ami command 
 
 his watch uj>on loth, and, t Miijrht \m >!:.ii 
 
 L nard, to arrest him in Walton .- dungeon. HOW d y ivl 
 
 ish the service ?" 
 
 14 Command me, ^ir, eagerly. 
 
 "Ami you, Captain Fnrness, will have no sort of objection t- 
 change jilacos with yonr late captor t- tin 
 
 i:.to limlio ?" 
 
 No* a Int. colonel !" 
 
 " Verv good ! Let us make <> " arra 1 ./ -im ills.** 
 The plan was ilevise.l. Tim detail, which were full; 
 : :iate to the object, need nut concern n. Kmm^li that 
 Van^han.and the loyalist, were all wanned with a ti^er aji;- 
 ! .. the hlood of the victim, whicl. c>nld 
 
 wliicli determined not b> nnve unril i: I -ul-i U 
 certainty. W mav add that rmi-t.r s tread 
 .John, was MHM pit in rcMjuisition, ami counsellel t" iepc.it e ( 
 .,!) the movements .,f Singleton M uell U tho 
 
 When, at the rliM- ..f the COllfi 
 Alfi ttOO was a-a:n called for. he had 
 
 . u . to din . was the 9DSW9X ot tl:e 
 
 had just letunied from b 8 
 
EATUAiliXl-J WALTON. 
 
 CHAPTER XLV1I1 
 
 THK ror.NTKR PLOT 
 
 R\l,ynt u, filled witli excitement and w5ih\ had spoke. i :, 
 i<-,;der accents thin were necessary, and Mnnckton liearJ \ 
 
 . He was at once stniv..v with tue importance of the m \\ 
 er, not only to Proctor with whose f;te lie deeply syni- 
 nathized on account of his sister but to Singleton, in wli.ix 
 behalf he felt a rising interest, in consequence of his intiiiKiry 
 with Kathatine Walton, which had duly ripened with that of 
 Klla Monekton. We have seen how lar^e was the influence 
 which his si.ster possessed over him, and how small was that of 
 Hallbur. The latter he regarded with positive antipathy, the 
 consequence of the tyrannous and wanton insolence of the com 
 mandant, which he seldom forbore to exercise. Should he suriei 
 these two noble young men to become his victims ? Should he. 
 :-e, to the sister whom he loved that intelligence, the timely 
 use of which nii^lit save them a result so precious to her de 
 sires and best afiections ? lie had not strength for this. His 
 conscieiKM reproached him with the betrayal of his emph- 
 secrets; but his will was not Sufficiently potent to sutler him to 
 keep them when the safety of such dear interests counselled 
 their revelation. The stru<r^le in his mind was a very brief one 
 With ea-rer agitation, he revealed the whole afi air to Klla, with 
 all the resolutions which had been adopted by the commandant, 
 , he particular means to be employed for the capture ot Sin- 
 {jletoii. She was overwhelmed at the danger which threatened 
 he man she loved and the lover of her friend. 
 
 "Alfred." said she. "you must jjo to Kate this very inon: -:i< 
 ami tell her everv ^vlbible." 
 

 " Impossible! I niu>t hurry back thi- or a 
 
 as I have swallowed my dinner. I am 
 
 re 1 n-turii. it will IM- only U-cause Balfour has st.v 
 another bottle." 
 Thru 1 mu- 
 And with that calm, but unyiYMiiiir energy which was charac- 
 
 thc in .1>U- girl at once hurried off t< 
 dwelling ..f Mr-. Sin-l.-ton. while her brother. trembling with a 
 
 I wrong, hastened bat 
 .vrctary-hip. 
 
 .ton was absent: and. in an agoi MMHI. 
 
 Mrs. Singleton. Tin- old lady was 
 
 .^ly alan- 
 They ii. UMll M Mi : 
 
 r in season to pn-vent : kO find hit 
 
 v < hild- 
 that is ii.-ct -x>:iry ! IK- said to Tom Sin.Lrleton. Fortuna 
 
 f..r hi- trip lie will 
 
 find him, and carry the l.-tti-r siMy. Thi- i- "iir only chance." 
 
 . ,wn to th Mi-d the ha>ty Lillet, giving all 
 
 bq the im; 
 
 i m and d :i( J: wljilr Kll:i h:i>:- 
 
 home in ^ this moment an 
 
 Me. 
 
 i to the I.H 1 gings of PHXM 
 ittingdown to a lat. 1. 
 
 ,. .riMomy unl hut little inclined to eat. Their 
 
 inclination \\ appearance of old 1 
 
 Me :,j M ,l... . idrh t.x.k 
 
 rner of the r<..m. 
 
 :rkton \\as thru-: d 
 
 powessed him- If <>f i>> :: nN If tur 
 
 \vh a mm! 
 
 \\i,at 1 should: Proctor, I have deceived you. Read 
 
 that" 
 
 H4)dfcphjed the bill.t jm of the astoniahed ! 
 
 who lia.l Baldly glanced at the pa; exclaimed 
 
M l KATHATMNE WALTON. 
 
 Iocs this come from / Whose hamhxnHng is it?" 
 x \"h;:r matters that?" demanded Tom Singleton. " Enougl 
 i: CMIMOS IVoin a true friend. It is all the trulls. * 
 " Pardon me," said Proctor, "that, seeing the handwriting, I 
 did not consider the contents. Yon will see that it is from tht 
 K;II no pen that wrote me the anonymous warning of danger. " 
 
 "Then I congratulate you, Major Proctor, on having 
 interest in the heart of one of the noblest youug creatures in ;!u 
 ciJ-y." ;!iis\voro(l Tom Singleton. 
 
 : Who ?" demanded Proctor, eagerly. 
 
 Monekton Klla Monckton ; as sweet a girl as 1 CM-; 
 knew. Hut of this hereafter. What is to he done?" 
 
 " Proctor," said Rohert Singleton. I am in your power. I 
 llirow myself on your generosity. Yon see how I havo de 
 ceive-! you !" 
 
 "A lid can you douht me, Singleton t* 1 The voting English- 
 rnau extended his arms, and the two were at once locked in a 
 embrace. Old Tom Singleton looked on silently for a mo- 
 M-.-nt. At length he spoke 
 
 " All very well, and very grateful, young gentlemen ; hut you 
 neither of you out of the halter yet. The question is, what 
 i.- to ho done ? Now, if you will listen to me " 
 " Spe;.k, sir." 
 
 " Well, hriefly, then, the hou.se is watched at present. Your 
 fellow, John, is on the lookout somewhere. He has seen me 
 B in. He must see me go out. And the next question is 
 f.i.w to get P.oh Singleton out without his heing seen 1-y 1 no 
 ;;ily eyes. Now my notion is, Major Proctor, that, if 
 v.e t vo go forth together, we shall certainly draw this >py after 
 We may go foith to a certain distav.ee and then separate. 
 When we, have, thus drawn off the. spy, our kinsman here 
 his departure and shape for himself another course. T- 
 liing for A/.v safety, we must first cut the clews of the spy 
 I \\ill give Rohert directions wliither to g ; and, when 1 sopa 
 rate fn.in you, I will seek for him. The rest hereafter. Arc 
 y<>a prepared to lose yur dill 
 
 P y <or caught up his hat on the instant, and old Singleton, 
 ift t few words to our partisan, \veut out \\ii\i the fonuer- 
 
THE COr.VTKl! PI 41. 
 
 "liaUe ti: 
 it-ton wont forth :ilsu ; Mid, tin- inMnictions of hii 
 
 man, t.mk his root ualij 
 
 .isi to the Governor^ I .,-; 
 I ll. 1 streets were generally jui-t. He i; 
 
 but one or two of the mfliUuy. Tl. arm 
 
 - iust that time of tin- day when, dinner I 
 
 : the j>e<.> 
 
 full r <>f ti g cofltomary - BingkH i 
 
 . ,V.I<! Ci-n-l.-itnlate:! hinisr f itll tll<- < I !(-f t hat he 
 
 , 
 ring, 
 
 hut a short -listancc In-low the lii:r> u iiich <livii!c(i it in 
 
 er 1 ioJii "The Nc< k 1 old hulk 
 
 ie(l hcsih the ulnrf. uhifh. ;t tr.is |nii:V 
 ic of palmetto h.-v. clllRlRlIy tlirnwu t 
 
 i:; decay. OB .- 
 
 .liieiently lar^e for the ei. ianre of a n a: l< 
 on loitered awhile ahout the old hulk, tin 
 k in the neighboring places, and he fancied hi; 
 
 . he ijiiie- the hulk and I 
 
 : 
 tf>a< * * hail never heen filled in, and. M 
 
 \v->is low. hi> teni: .ill rea>"i. 
 
 At . : : lie could still have kejit his head <> 
 
 \ et ki pt within his cavern. Looking ahout hi 1 : 
 within the recetB, al-". the well ke| 
 
 in in the wharf, on the n.-rthei:, 
 craft the me 
 
 : in the bottom "f the vessel. Single! 
 -litations. the nature of which, as we UiP.y ff 1 ; 
 
 hythin^ hut I 
 
 Meanwhile, ol : I tOO and I r- cror jnjrsiiod their Wat 
 
 lur in a iy pawing into Brod 
 
 btreet. 
 
 " I am greatly your kinsman * safety." 
 
 " (oct"i. " What plan rill | Mkp< 
 
M > KATHARINE WAI.I<>\. 
 
 cr 1)1, it you bhouiu /.-,. -,uil tin; <>1. 1 man ; "trie 
 
 H ignorant you are, oil rim; subject, the h-> ninban 
 PJ you if called upon to answer, l^o not In- dispieji^eu. i; 
 could really assist in his escape, 1 should tell you freely ^-hat 1 
 purpn.M-. 
 
 "And if you need tiie help of a weapon, sir, I bog you will 
 think of mine." 
 
 "No! no! Proctor, we must keep your enemies in the \ 
 It will he of no service on your trial, even if you could prove it 
 so ; hut it is something also to sutler with a pure, heart, and a 
 fearless conscience/ Had you taken the counsels of this dr:;r 
 girl in season !" 
 
 " What do you know of Miss Monckton ?" demanded ! 
 abruptly. 
 
 "Know her! I know everything of her knew her iruin an 
 infant know her mother, and very intimately knew her fa 
 ther." 
 
 "She is of good family?" 
 
 " One of the best in the country." 
 
 " She is not beautiful ?" 
 
 "No! but very sweet, and very true, sir and thor? a 
 world of beauty in her heart. You do not ask if she is rich !" 
 
 "1 did not U)hik of it." 
 
 " Humph ! a very singular omission. And now, sir, as I take 
 for granted that y^ur scoundrelly servant has his eyes upon us. 
 and tint Robert Singleton has rrude oft in the opposite direction, 
 it may l;e just -.-, uell that we -.hould separate. We are ii"W 
 within a hundred yards of the widow Monckton s dwelling. 
 A i, old lions*-, sir lacks paiut, } ou see. r l he, widow is r;i 
 needv." 
 
 The old man wheeled off without any adieus, Involuntarily 
 I rocti.i turned about in the same direction. Hut a moment s reli - 
 tion *auglit him that, with the e) es of the .-py in all probal 
 upon him, his bettbi . ourse. was to continue onward. As In 
 so, his e) es caught again the venerable outlines of the widow 
 Konekton i mansion. Instantlv a i:ew imjiulse fastened i 
 his nn.:d. \ l> \ did m-t soliloijui/e, but the thoughts, l 
 lewliat in this manner, passed through his brain. 
 
" li t; :.iv l>e that I ;ii. i .1 thi. 
 
 moment, the onlv t u o 
 in my I m tunes. an-J \\1. riven t<> avert my 
 
 .1 I have never sought. Here is H noble rebel R 
 whom I have fought. lie has taught me to umlor^taml tlu- full 
 beauty nt tliat tViendsliip of \vl.ich \ve i.-ad in the 1. 
 Davii! ami .lonathan. 1 cDulil : in hattle lor that i. 
 
 Ami here is on> a woman ymn.i:. 1 irfl] 
 
 her 1 1 will speak to her the tli-.u/hts the gratitude tha* 
 mv . t all thi- :li teel a pal 
 
 mv death. Her liands. al<". :e sad tlower 
 
 lie looked round in ft 
 
 i : man was nearly 
 
 forward. A !ew momen: : him to ti;o do..: 
 
 widow s dwelling. lie raised the ant i|iiated ku wan 
 
 : U:e heavy r- . Wed 
 
 frum the stroke. He asked ! ,.- Mi>^ .M..ii.-ktii. and wiuj in 
 :\y admitte , 
 
KATHARINE WALTON. 
 
 CHAPTER XLVIII. 
 
 THE D0\ K S CO.VQrEST, AM) THE ADDER S H/OK 
 
 SFJWN into the parlor of the ancient nim.sior. of Mre. Monrk 
 ton, and left alone by the servant, Proctor, for the >!-! 
 began to reflect coolly upon the motive- of his visit, lie n.ui 
 Btmply obeyed an impulse. But that impulse, when he appealed 
 to his deliberate thought, he soon discovered to spring from a 
 just recognition of his duty. In his mind, he ran over very rap 
 idly the whole history of that grateful interest which (he now 
 knew) Miss Monckton had taken in his fortunes. The discovery 
 which had just been made, furnished the clew to a long train of 
 services which he owed to that lady, and revealed her to him 
 8 a being of generous and noble nature, whose devotion to his 
 safety and honor, so long and deiicately concealed, was .signifi 
 cant of warmer feelings than those of mere generosity. He 
 rot-ailed hurriedly what he knew of her personally what he 
 had heard liei say her looks, tone, and general manner; and 
 his interest in her person and character sensibly increased in 
 consequence of this review. When, again, he reiiiembeivd his 
 own isolation, the ftbscncG of nil relationships on which he could 
 i- !y in his emergency, the. indifference and selfishness of his 
 kiiiMiian, and the hostility of his superiors, his heart warmed 
 more than ever to the young and gentle creature whose prefer 
 ences, so secret arid so useful to him, had been so generous and 
 decided. When, at length, Klla Moncktoii entered the apart- 
 n.ent, he was prepared, though unconsciously, to do justice m>t 
 only to her devotion, but to lu-r affections. A warm sufl usion 
 -c(l her face and neck as she ;i]ij, eared before him: but her 
 eye was tremulously bright, at:d her heart was glowing witb 
 
THK DO ! UK ADDKU S 
 
 lii. 
 
 aj pe.in -. . i impetuously, anl, un-u-i ;mot! 
 
 imp ititude. I ,-d her his h;nd. SilcntK 
 
 ed her o\\n to his pasp. \\hich \s as accompanied with a 
 warm JUV--U.T; ami In- scarcely Mittered Ion:- 
 to a seat. Lefotf he declared his knowledge of all hat she had 
 wrought in his l.ehalf. 
 
 "Miss Mil nekton. I ran not do justice to my gratitude by 
 >> 1 l:;i\c nly lately hri-.iiu- >t what you : 
 
 done i,,r IIM-. You );a\c tound me al-me, rh<(>rlfss. hoj" 
 stniL. many and jn. \veiti-l eiu-mies. Y <>n lia\e. like 
 
 nn un-eeii an^el. \\hisjn-ved to me in i-oi:;is-N and \\arningfl 
 
 whicli 1 h. - i\- fficicntlj heeded It i^ nou 
 
 late t ..r s.itftv not ton hite !<-r arkno\\ i. -dement and | 
 iiite sm-li kindnos. ^\\c ] 
 :ny thank tf and I o: 
 
 I 
 
 1 1 . : . \( bei .and to hi 
 lt \\a< her only (UlSWer. He COfltUlliedi 
 
 II id 1 hut known in sea>"ii ! Had I hut suspected the 
 
 source of these .secret intimations of my guardian an^el, wlnci 
 
 I my secret dnn^ers! Had I 1 u* 
 
 i them the heed which the\ li<>|>eleM 
 
 now; myenemiei t tiiumuh; I am in the ( 
 
 will coin|Uei ; Hut, it i MJ8I 
 
 Monckton, helieve me. the thought of your interest in my fate, 
 the : within my soul, will b* 
 
 the la>t o,nscioiisiie<- which will lea 1 . :it." 
 
 : her than sj"ke 
 
 " ( )h ! d(. not yju-ak thus do in -t -j.eak of j.erihh mg. Sandy, 
 surely, M r. you hnvo means ofe.sca; 
 
 red ^lo.,mily "i: rakrn place te 
 
 \v. M % eneinifs are jnv lim 
 
 stances of the most ciuel sort comhine against me, mid ftl 
 jiroof \\hich \\ill >e condi will U 
 
 vlecl;:ied my x\\\\i and i ^11 find i. and 
 
 phnine will fasten upon my name, even if the tyranny 
 which 1 suiler shall ti-hear my ! 
 
KATIIAIIIN K 
 
 " But you may escape. You are still live. You will flj from 
 the rity and avoid this trial !" 
 
 "That will he, as fata! to mv fame as if 1 \\rrc to Linger here 
 and perish. That, is what my enemies desire. It is for this 
 reason that, charged as I am with the most criminal oJl r, 
 Halfour leaves me out of bonds. He pretends to ascribe this 
 forbearance to a due regard to my uncle, and to the. hope, that I 
 will free myself from these imputations. But >. knows hi* 
 power to convict me, and only affords me these opportunities 
 of flight that 1 may convict myself. 1 dare not avail myself 
 of this opportunity I must face my enemies and must 
 perish!" 
 
 Ella Monckton covered her face with her hands. A slight 
 gob escaped her, and Proctor beheld the glistening tears steal 
 ing through her fingers. He was seated beside her on the sofa 
 Unconsciously, his arm encircled her waist. 
 
 " You weep for me, Miss Monckton ! Ah, these are precms 
 tears! So strange to me, and doubly precious for this reason 
 I could die, for such ! I could almost dan 1 to live, for them !" 
 
 "Oh, live! live !" slie exclaimed impetuously. "Let me im 
 plore you to fly from this danger, and from these merciless 
 enemies. If they convict you, as you say they will nay, as 1 
 know they will it is shame, and perhaps death also. It can 
 not be worse if you fly ; and time will then be allowed you to 
 refute these charges to fasten the shame upon these hateful 
 and treacherous people." 
 
 In thus speaking, she had removed her hands from hei 
 and her eyes h^d resolutely sought his own. The big drops 
 yet stood upon her cheeks, and the soft suffusion yet hung upon 
 and fell from her lids. Hut the, animation of glance which 
 seconded her appeal made her very beautiful in the eyes of 
 Proctor. How had he failed before to disc"ver so much loveli 
 ness? His heart was deeply touched by her warm sympa i 
 
 "Alas!" he exclaimed,"! can not hrtar you. I must n<>; 
 listen to such counsel. No, my dear Misw Monckton, I have hren 
 trained in a pshool which teaches that such a flight would b- 
 unmitigated dishonor. 1 must hrave and face the danger, e\ < 11 
 though I foresee that H wiK overwhelm me. Whitl.nr shouhl 
 
THE DON 
 
 I fly . To t 1 140 
 
 doubt would; hut a safety found in shame would make } v 
 
 1 must ii..t conten j 
 else -.mill I Uy / To 11,1 region covered hy our arms c>uld I 
 
 retire, without the (lntit.li> . 
 
 I IMC with a wall .f tire 1 
 1 must encounter all that thoy threaten." 
 
 She answered him with neu eal 
 
 urnfrtlly checked ln-r t 
 " It is all in vain. To this fate I must yield. 1 can i 
 
 -uc-h course, not r --n though lite were certainly saf\ and 
 sliainc were equally certain DOf t" t .ill.iw. II 
 . r to the sure! hut unknown \nice that coun 
 >n wlien I irai 
 
 at my he.N Ah I had 1 k:;"un y.-n r 
 1 k MOU ! Hear me 
 
 " ! ;, r me. Mi-- Mmirktnn. if it he nt \\-i--e than m.i 
 
 a <ieelarati"Ji t ni7M >m- who. 1 tide 
 
 hrink i the ; with tin 
 
 .1 picpaiiii^ to hurl him <io\\n t!.. 
 .it the h. :.t. when ithout hop,- a;./; 
 
 f mi fruition , hear me in the wild 
 uonld gladly live, if it werr . iil\ IKW 
 
 llei h"ad retted nji-.n h> slmulder. \ 
 Ki^ r h ajid >"h sj,.,ke more than any word>. the ; 
 which IM-I i,.-a if ! 
 
 \\ itli the a.ss;iran,-r that ii \\ 
 Impel 68*1 y and in vain. !! continued 
 
 I teel that 1 do not df 
 
 that I do not make you an idle . Y.-M ! 
 
 this ! 
 
 
 -imply to humanity and friendship. I 
 
 ckton. do I deceive my -elf have 1 
 
 She threw he h a wild d h- 
 
 held her there, closely pressed with omotioiirt such A 5< 
 
454 KAI H.\KI.\I: \VAI.TO\. 
 
 kindle a now bein$ hreaM. Tl.i-y were thenceforth 
 
 united. 
 
 "It is not vain! it is not vain, this precious consciousness 
 .von though I die to-morrow!" 
 
 " You must not ilio !" s!io said, in quick hut u hispered accent 
 You must // /< now you tcil live"- the rest of the sentence 
 was spoken in a whisper "if not for yourself, for /;///" 
 
 She buried her Mushing face in his hosoin. A ne\v neci 
 
 apparent to him. Whatever he should finally dolor- 
 mine, she at least must be Spared every unnecessarv pantr. She 
 urist lie encouraged for the present with a hope, even if lie in 
 dulged in none himself. And lie promised 1m knew not ex 
 ;u- ly what to fly, to live to preserve a life, which had ac 
 quired a new value to lioth in that passionate, hm fleeting inter 
 view of Miss. He promised her to elude the mockery of a trial 
 which iie well knew was hut designed as furnishing the sanction 
 to a hrntal and selfish crime; though without really entertain- 
 ing such a pinposo. Hut her tears, and his own tenderness of 
 mood, made him readily yield to an entreaty which he co;:!d 
 find no oilier way to answer. 
 
 Why linger upon the scene . Knough that Proctor tore him- 
 seli away from the maiden whom he had made happy and 
 wretched in the same moment happy in the sweet response tn 
 a sympathy which can live on nothing else; and wretched with 
 tears that threatened to dash the cup of joy from her lips in the 
 very moment when its delicious waters had heen e-nlv tasted, 
 i roctor had heen gone, hut fifteen minutes. Klla .Monckton 
 : her knees, hefoie the sofa on which he had left her, 
 when she was startled hy a loud and sudden rapping at the 
 [1 -pcned hy tin- servant, and the visitor, without a 
 
 v.-ord, pushed into the passage, and darted at once, into the pa;- 
 lor, the way to which he sterns to have \\ell known. Klla look 
 ed up to licliold in the intruder the prr-on of Major Vaughai 
 the enemy of I roctor, if not her own ! 
 
 " JIow now, sir!" she exclaimed, stalling to her feet, her f af^ 
 al flushed with indignation. " You here ! Hy what right, sii 
 Jo you presume thus to intrude upon me /" 
 
 His e lied the room. lie did not instantly answer 
 
nil-: DO 
 
 ami her (jiu->ti..!i I It 
 
 was evident that i 
 i <ind her ;il me ; but he put 
 r that mantled his lii 
 
 caee. 
 
 "Ho has gone. ! ho h.. 
 t)iil von H-ipj.o.r. K!la M"iu-kt- n. *l..-i: it wa> 
 
 ught your dwelling 
 
 " If it werr, nn CM \f tlmt 
 
 r-ich ;. in: | in vain." 
 
 . 
 
 - that bn-u^lit me to your pivsenre. It u purpose 
 
 ? a long- Jrlayi- : 
 
 (} way ia your heart, no uthcr shall !" 
 " In that I defy you, sir! You are t 
 
 h all ihe exultation of a heart for the firfct liu in a 
 
 i ijuite*l affection. 
 
 " I know it noic ! But ;,*our triumph shall ] 
 ..m\ Look : I hold in my Luids the authority f i 
 your trillion. He shall be in bond* 
 
 . MMKAV brings his trial as a traitor. a;:d in tW6llty-four liOttfl 
 | death. ]Ja 
 
 tu. ^ A ?" 
 
 " I luatln- I >!! Hi" 
 
 ha\r hiM-r ii"i;r I., insult liu itli y.ur lat . 
 
 your presence Voil mJ? irinmpli :; -linll 
 
 triumph 
 
 t //////, in\ la>t \MM-il.-. .-h iull be : 
 - 
 
 \Vith a ^rin of bitter i: k the uamuu nt her. j 
 
 In- cr 1 . 
 
 11 Know, at h- 
 
 a, havv loojiu d h lu. ; 
 mi . Conld yon nou 
 
 all clip 
 
 that your fair ban 
 
 .: and craven i 
 
 Your vanity u! -.-i.s of 
 
456 KATHARINE WALTON. 
 
 lady with another feeling. Begone! Were you not utterly 
 
 you would seek your enemy with your sword, and not with the 
 
 wretched artifices with which you have striven to destroy him." 
 
 "And were he not already r., ,.. ,->. \ should seek him now with 
 the sword. But that were a poor revenue for mi N<> Klla Monck- 
 ton, I shall not now balk the sweets of a perfect vengeance by giving 
 him an honorable death." 
 
 " Away ! and meet him if you dare ! You but cloak your cow 
 ardice under this miserable plea of vengeance ! " 
 
 With a lurid grin that lighted up his features with a Satanic ex 
 pression, he once more shook the order for arrest before her, and, 
 striking it with his hands, exclaimed 
 
 " When ////.v has done its work, Ella Monckton. you may look for 
 another visit from tin- man whose aHVctions you have outraged. Till 
 then, 1 leave you to your very pleasant meditations." 
 
 Once more, the maiden was left alone. Let us drop the veil for 
 the present over her sorrows. 
 
A I TKR X MX 
 
 HIN.M 01 
 
 TIIK .nek 
 
 known. ; p r oc. 
 
 tor hal tracked tin- latter t. the >j,..t. Yau^han had in-. 
 
 : jiartici; 
 
 i rm-t ir m:_ !ii in:ik- : an i the Ijiy, 
 ly housod, had lnn 
 
 Vauirhaii. in his lonir inti-rvirw with Halfnnr, hal dntnk 
 ! :h ur-liiiarily a tcinpcr.-; . -Id and cin-uin^j" 
 
 had hern taken nfV iliar intl : 
 
 vindictive jia.s nni. The -id the 
 
 M>U! to l>e sjmkiMi. This e<nv:, | 
 
 is not t ! ! 
 
 ^till unsatisfied. He wmiM obi 
 
 . 1 iit tl:- -:e an-^ 
 
 i.i-h left ; s* tk- 
 
 
 
 
 I om. thinj; .\hich : n. It 
 
 tl)* li -lief t i . the fee I .lln F6- 
 
 _ r ai<!c . v uiikiu.wn t.. the latter, an 
 
 ^d uj) from -11 K hosom 
 
 .f tlie lP.ti- Mi her-elt . ! 
 
 ii from him. lie 
 his own lodging!) inflimod \\ith wine aiid ^nawiiij; j>;. 
 
 l\f traitor, J"hn, i: ijipearanc hurritMlly, ami ID 
 
458 KATIIAKIM WALTON. 
 
 formed him of Proctor s appearance at the residence of Mrs. 
 Monckton. 
 
 Thoroughly roused by the information, in his excitement he 
 lost his coolness and circumspection; and, congratulating him 
 self on the precaution which had provided him with Hal four s 
 warrant for the arrest of Proctor, lie hurried in sean-h of him. 
 with the hope to take him in the very presence of his mi-tn --. 
 His evil passions rendered him insensible to the brutality of 
 such a proceeding. We have seen the results in his temporary 
 disappointment. The event of the interview did not great Iv 
 improve his temper or his prudence, When he emerged from 
 the dwelling of Mix Monckton, he found the spy in waiting with a 
 couple of Hessians, who had been brought for the purpose of taking 
 the prisoner into safekeeping. Vaughan was not willing to forego 
 their services, 
 
 "You must recover trail, John," he said to the spy. 
 
 "Must have time for ft, major. We must get back to his 
 lodgings and see if he s gone back there ; I left a pair of eyes 
 on the lookout in that quarter, and can soon know. But it 
 won t do to be going in a crowd. These men can follow us at 
 a distance without appearing to follow, and you had better keep 
 a good bowshot behind inc. These rebel- have their spies out 
 as well as ourselves, and they whisper from wall to wall, who s 
 coming." 
 
 "As you will," said Vaughan "only hasten! \Ve must. have 
 him by the neck and heels before night " 
 
 The party distributed by the spy pursued their way. but with 
 considerable intervals between the several divisions. They 
 reached, at length, the neighborhood of Proctor s lodgings. 
 There they ascertained, from the subordinate who had been left 
 to watch the premNes that he had reappeared, entered, and 
 again gone forth, not ten minutes In-fore. The direction which he 
 had taken was pointed out and the pursuers again resumed the 
 chase 
 
 Fora long time they found it fruitless. Proctor, it seems, had 
 set out to seek for Singleton, alias Furness. His mind had taken 
 a new direction since his recent interview with Klla Monek- 
 ton Strange t9 say, the feeling of despair, and complete resig- 
 
.1 him 
 
 hour hefore. liail e;iveu \\ ay entirely in n 
 and life. II, ;,ed fully 
 
 Jit ; hut. I M- tin- first time, lie fell how m.uh 
 
 lie conn* 
 
 trial i:i which lie was already unjust!-. i-rd 
 
 .\d not vrt fairly determined to adopt t). 
 the earnest desire to M-e and talk 
 
 ;ely rontemplated this very .! (|,,. !; 
 
 eiMjil "yin- ir. He>ides, we must d> him tlie ju^ti- 
 
 :y om.siderahle feelii.;: of anxi. Kit 
 
 ter er.tei ed into t! A!I U!I lie fdt in i 
 
 But llOW tO seek the fugitive \\asthr ijiu-ftimi ! 
 
 n hni, v. him no , 
 
 fonsi-i .iiij, that if, a> he ki 1 . 
 
 1 only conduct the pu: k to 
 
 II the former to fmd him out. W lat- 
 
 ter had fomul shelter. It \ :, and tin 
 
 Approaching, whe.i l -m Singleton lei: 
 
 n street, ai.d | Uhe<l | eii- 
 
 .ountered neai Co! ;] Crudeii s (1 isuk i roc- 
 
 tor. the la>t man he de.-iied to -., !;,. . . 
 
 ;l ed him. hut he pushed !>y h :. _ ahiuj.tly. AS he 
 
 d 
 11 M.ijoi J i.,1 tor. il you would not .<!.. 
 
 ; ver. and fir^et th.it you have M-ei. B 
 
 "Tint 1 \vnuhi !;iend Singleton I IIH\ e .som--tliing to 
 
 hiju of \ 
 
 ;ir looking-*:!, 
 
 e harher of Mi, las did. and i udi. 
 
 I tell you. sir. that you will mar everything that yu .v ill . 
 hriuj; the ei;emv iijion 
 
 Pmrto! paused, half pi<jUed at t ,-,* of the old mnn, 
 
 Hiid half iin].ressed hy the his gtlggefltlOO. He StKHl 
 
 aside, JKCordin<. r ly. atid BUflbrCfl him to make his way a> 
 pleased. ()M . forward, and. l or n : 
 
 } n.>ctor watchetl him. J ln . back, and seeing 
 
460 KATHARINE WALTOX. 
 
 that he was watched, darted aside into Pinckncy street, pursuing 
 a due-west direction. Proctor conlimu-d up the Uay, walking 
 slowly, and fast forgetting the external world in his inward 
 meditations. On a sudden, however, he wax startled by the 
 reappearance of Tom Singleton, who crossed the Hay from one 
 of the streets at right angles with it, and hurried rapidly down 
 to the wharves. Proctor s desire t< i speak with llohert 
 
 Singleton was immediately levived within him. He looked back 
 upon his own footsteps. Jle .-aw nobody, and the du-k had now 
 so thickened that he could distinguish objects only at a small 
 distance. 
 
 "This old man," he said to himself, the danger. 
 
 There is no one after us now; and if there were, he could see but 
 little." 
 
 He came rapidly to his determination, his desires prompting 
 him to make light of all causes of appn -hen-ion; and, wheeling 
 down the wharves also, he kept old Singleton s retreating figure 
 constantly in his eye. lie little thought that, when he wheeled 
 from the Bay into another street, he placed himself under the 
 very espionage which he Haltered himself lie had eluded, and 
 which indeed, had failed, up to this moment, to come upon his 
 tracks. It was in this very street that the keen eyes of his 
 treacherous servant, John, still followed by Vaughan and the 
 d caught sight of old Singleton. Tin- same treach 
 erous scoundrel now instantly detected a something in the air 
 and gait of the new-comer which reminded him of his master; 
 but the dusk was now too great to enable him to reduce thi> to 
 certainty, unle-s by a nearer approach, which, as he knew hf^ 
 master s ti-mper. hf was careful not to make alone. He waited 
 . : M.i:ly, till Vaughan came up, when lie expressed his belief 
 that Proctor wa< just before them, a space of not more than fifty 
 yards." v 
 
 Why, then, do you st<>p y " demanded Vaughan, eagerly. " Why 
 did you not dart upon him ?" 
 
 " He will fight like a devil major." 
 
 " Push on wit li mi- ! " 
 
 " Hadn t we better hold on till the Hessians come up ?" 
 
 " He is alone, you say ? " 
 
FINAL 
 
 : of him." 
 
 ve us .-my trouble. But do you run back 
 and hurry on t . man in 
 
 He was sed forward, and with 
 
 a low- 
 
 irf -that in which we have. s< 
 Something which Van 
 
 MM his i-ace. It was now p-owim: dimYult 
 iniruMi objects at thirty yards. Vatii:lian .- im] 
 would not allow him to delay. He knew In.- 
 before him, and rca> knitted th.it all that was necessary 
 
 was to retard 1. I few moments until the arrival of 
 
 II.- qtf k< : .- d his walk, already 
 
 hurried to a run, and suddenU almost at 
 
 A of the wharf, with a r shadowy figures upon it 
 
 and a boat on one >ide. in \\ 1 -ons were to be seen. 
 
 8 of the JM r-oiis in the b<at 
 
 sound . U) hring out all tin- \ 
 
 ity of 
 
 u-ly before him but with 
 on his ar: :uingas 
 
 he did SO 
 
 r your 
 
 iiel Hall 
 
 hiniM-lf free, and wi D blow 
 
 of the iM. d. -liv. -red fairly in th.- t .-issailant, he sent him 
 
 recovered l rew his 
 
 ^houted to the eini-ary. .I.hn. with hi- Ilrx-inn-. whom he 
 lose In-hind him. and rushi-d with mortal fun upon 
 his enemy. At this i -nt-leton s voice wa distinctly beard 
 
 to say 
 " Ti 
 
 to? had drawn his sword the moment be had given 
 
 : .,n tlie blow. rosaed; and the group 
 
 on the wharf, -eeim: th- Elearfans, with the spy, 
 
 the ridfit, c.-mj-l- " the shadows 
 
 of th- wharf, and on the old hulk .that lay there in the marsh 
 
I ! . KATIIAKINK WALTOK. 
 
 Vaughan heard t lie cry of the treacherous servant announcing hifl 
 
 approach, and lie called to him while still fighting with Proc 
 tor 
 
 Ize the boat ! The rebel. Singleton, is in it " 
 
 The Hessians, with the spy. at once jumped upon the hulk, to tho 
 Stern of which the boat was fastened. Scarcely had they done so, 
 when the two former were sei/ed by unseen enemies, and violently 
 thrown down Upon the deck. John, the spy, however, continued to 
 sei/.e the fasts of the boat, and, stretching over, laid his hand upon 
 the prow. A -single blow from Robert Singleton with an oar, 
 which he caught up suddenly, delivered roundly upon the head of 
 (he fellow, stunned him, and falling between into the dock, he went 
 down like a stone, and never reappeared. Meanwhile, tho con- 
 or ween Proctor and Vaughan was continued with 
 fearful violence. Both of them were wounded, though not dan* 
 gerously, and Vaughan, aware In some degree, of the capture of the 
 Hessians, and no longer hearing the voice of tho spy, was losing all 
 his caution in the fear of losing his prey. Proctor was never 
 cooler in his life. The desperateness of his situation seemed 
 to bring out all his character. Meanwhile, Singleton leaped 
 ashore. 
 
 " We must put an end to this, Proctor. Lights are moving down 
 toward us, and they are waving torclus upon the eastern bastion, 
 i take and tie this worthy gentleman, and either leave him on 
 the wharf or take him with us." 
 
 "A moment! only a moment more " was the reply of 
 Proctor, who felt his advantages. It scarcely needed so much. 
 Almost while he was speaking, a desperate lungr of Vaughan 
 threw wide his guard, and the prompt weapon of Proctor found 
 it8 Sheath in his bo.M.m. He leaped Up a- lie received the thrust, 
 and fell forward upon his enemy, the sword hivakii 
 at the hilt. Singleton stooped to the body, which was utterly life- 
 Ices. 
 
 " It is done ! And your fight is decided." said he. " You have 
 i the arrest of your superior, and your fate is sealed if you 
 remain !" 
 
 :or oiTered no resistance; but silently MilTered himself to 
 be led away to the boat. It. was pushed off the moment he was 
 
he boy George Spidell, and t\v<> faithful iu-irn. 
 four took the oar-; lujt of th -e little 
 ihclide. : 
 tin reijuired direction. 
 
 "Th .iniiur out too hriditly." >aid I.o.-k\\ 1, "and 
 
 may give thos,. fell-n- .,n the o-ti.m a <:lii: 
 
 strike . ! -nidi-ill s until <>ut of si-jlil. then take the tide for the 
 
 :; going 
 on the West Bide of ! : 
 
 -, certainly. My lior-es are hidd.-n tlii- sidr of th- 
 and Mieh a OOOIM will he totally un- 
 
 ;.i<lriH x." 
 " Oa: :. " we in , 
 
 ! 
 
 ke UN KG 
 ,: of a twenty four jx-un 
 
 llil-tled OVei he hrmls of Hi. | 
 
 I < ivility d<--i-ned for US 1 "I" " } B^ldttlt] 
 " They will : 
 
 lusty pull-, my good boys, and they miM aim at ; 
 
 her and another >hot foll..ued. l,i.- 
 of the obj< 
 
 They tee us 
 
 i-ylhinu- t 
 
 :id it tn in- 
 
 The night I, Mini under i: littli- IMU< 
 
 more a; 1 the we-tern .banks of 
 
 called i 
 
 of the inar-h w h n ; IH b(MU Kt- 
 
 ting forth from the <-it\ ii. ; 
 drill s. 
 
 Safe for the pn-M-nt. colonel," said Ixx?kw. .ncr 
 
 we part the better, ^ i ru put 
 
 up if you d 
 
 ill find that 
 easy, i -...thins: i- mon- KX I have horacs at band, such M 
 
464 KATHARINE WALTON. 
 
 none in garrison could overtake, unless, perhaps Ardiy Campbell s, 
 and no one will look for us in this quarter. "What will you do. 
 Lock-wood ? " 
 
 " Give yourself no concern about me. Daylight will probably find 
 us up the Wando." 
 
 The parties separated; and, before dawn, Singleton and Proctor. 
 with a few followers, were rapidly approaching the heads of Cooper 
 river. 
 

 A I T K 
 
 \\ K may imagine tin- fur. 
 night. Two of 1 .lli-i 
 
 hau i 
 
 Hilt the . 
 
 0. At all f, 
 
 that tin- fate "I ( iiluiii l \\ i lnv 
 
 ciiij.tion, unless with ili. 
 
 .it tin- 
 j)la; 
 jus 
 in^ r to the jih-a put it 
 
 criminal |in>>,viiti.in. Hi- 
 
 (.f t ; i^i.-u 
 
 .-:. 1 ! 
 :i^ IM-I and 
 
 i : i re t 
 
 ami condemned, with!: 
 
 
 
 \\ hrluifl M i 
 
 
 
 . ftri WC I . > 
 
 >ied 
 
 lihly uii ii 
 
 he ! . .lHd 
 
 with HUati-rity. I nirii f 
 
 uu loyal 
 
 
 
466 KATHAKIM: WALTOX. 
 
 public character greatly esteemed by all parties, K i.ewcd the petition, 
 and all without success. In Balfotir s dwelling Katharine AValton 
 threw herself at his feet in a vain entreaty for her father s life. 
 
 " It is in your hands," was the only reply you have but to speak 
 to save him. You know the conditions! ]}y the God of heaven. 
 Miss Walton, you shall have no other ! " 
 
 She was taken away swooning. 
 
 The day came assigned for the execution. Colonel Walton was 
 taken from the vaults of the provost, and carried upstairs in the 
 same building, to the northeast chamber, in the second story, v, here 
 he was permitted to see his friends, and to habit himself properly for 
 his painful public exhibition. Hither his daughter found her way at 
 the earliest possible moment. There was a sense of utter desolation 
 in her grief that left her almost speechless. But we shall not attempt 
 to describe the agony, which needed not, and was indeed superior to 
 the necessity for. any words to declare its intensity and extremity. 
 There are some sorrows, over which the judicious painter always 
 draws the veil, despairing to depict them. Such is our policy and 
 necessity. At length the moment came for parting. At this mo 
 ment, Balfour appeared in the dungeon. He approached Kath 
 arine. 
 
 It is not too late !" he whispered in her ears. " You h:n 
 time ! You may yet save him ! " 
 
 The voice of Walton immediately followed the whisper of lialfour. 
 
 " Katharine ! " 
 
 She looked up through her tears. 
 K> member, my child ! your oath ! your oath !" 
 .ink down at her father s feet. 
 
 i-mel Balfour, " said Walton, " this i very unmanly. !>> you 
 tliemiserv which vou inflict? You embitter the last moments 
 of my life." 
 
 " I would .wv vour life!" was the answer. 
 
 " You cannot do it by this pr - 
 
 "There is then no other " was the savage reply, and with 
 these words, Balfour left the chamber. As he was about to de- 
 
part, Kitharine half rose with tlic JHH-J..-- _- him, 1m 
 
 her fat!,. : her l,y the arm. 
 
 " My child ni\ K ?r. : t think to sa 
 
 hort remnant of my life by tbi icm- 
 
 h ! It M 
 i this man !" 
 We forbear the rest of the sc> 
 
 uj.oi. her | iivering lips, Walton tore hinis.- f , . },; 
 
 mug laughter. F-.r a moment after. >h- lay t:i 
 in the anus of he: 
 
 :)!! of the melancholy !nim \\-ir 
 
 nriit </f tin- sad jr- 
 
 us <i." | !, " I can IK- 
 
 1 must go tc /<m< / to Aim . " 
 
 " To whom, my c :. 
 
 " To )i;!lf..li. 
 
 Mrs. Siii^li-t -n (ii.l not IIJIJIMM- h-: It MTi 
 
 hnrriei! to th- 
 it was driven with all 
 
 N ton in the v.-l i< me. 
 
 Witliout nutiiij; whn was j.- -ored 
 
 "in ill which hitlirrto she had found -it 
 
 " Sj.are him, save liim. i 
 reijnire " 
 
 She nas nns\v \lf:rd Monckton 
 
 not hi Walton." 
 
 >h My God, do n,.t t.-ll me HO! \\ ef" 
 
 " I have to go to him, even i. ness/ wn* the 
 
 " I will conduct you to him" 
 
 "Thank"! thanks I : ! :. n, or we nhall D6 too l.r 
 Tin- voting man assisted !u-r into the carriage, ami look 
 
 \. II. orden I tl ve at once 
 
 . whither Halfoiu :. certain |t. 
 
 (is The noi>es wr:v jmt to t s(<in at the 
 
 i-v siileiice of that rival leant y 
 
 >it:i the commaiylant wlien Katharint- \\ al: <>il upon 
 
 t e scene. 
 
468 K ATI! A KINK WAI. TON. 
 
 Balfour, after leaving the provost, hail hurried to his residence, full 
 and disappointment. Here lie hud left a few orders ; then, 
 mounting his horse, he had galh-ped up to the dwelling of the 
 beauty he had so much neglected of late, seeking that consolation 
 from the 006 damsel Which he had failed to obtain from the other 
 whom he most affected. His steed wa* fastened at the entrance, and 
 he entered the house. As he did so Moll Harvey cried out from the 
 BtOiy bidding him take a seat in the parlor, and promising to 
 he down directly. She had not made her toilet ; and now pp. 
 to this pleasant duty with a full sense of the situation of affairs, and 
 a full determination to make herself as irresistible as possible. 
 
 It was tvhile she w. ; in this employment that she heard 
 
 the carriage which bore Kate Walton drive up to the door. 
 Ing through the lattice, she saw her alight and enter. The 
 conducted her into the parlor, whither she was followed by Alfred 
 Monckton. Mrs. Singleton remained within the carriage. The 
 moment Kate appeared, Balfour saw that he had conquered. He 
 hastily took the papers from Monrkton, and told him to wait in an 
 adjoining room. The hurried words of Katharine, meanwhile, had 
 announced her resignation to her fate. 
 
 "I consent, Colonel Balfour only save him hasten, before it 
 is too late ! " 
 
 You will be mine, Katharine?" 
 
 Yes ! O yes ! anything only do not waste these precious mo 
 ments." 
 
 Meanwhile Moll Harvey had descended to the lower story. 
 
 :nding beside the half closed door as the words were 
 
 i. She heard all that VTai said. She knew all that was 
 
 determined upon. Through the crack of the door, sh< 
 
 four approach a table, and, with a pencil, hastily pen a few 
 
 rap of paper; (lien, as he came toward t!,< 
 lie drew back and sheltered herself within a C] 
 four came out, entered the adjoining room, and putting the pa 
 per into the hands of Alfred Mi.n-kton. bad him take his hor<e 
 illop off, with all haste to l! BCQtioD. U>- \\as 
 
 1 to put the paper into the hands of Major l- ra/er. corn- 
 
ig tin- ileiacliiiietil. 1 ln> d-> 
 
 apart i. !iai Irlt K .It-.u. 
 
 AliVctl M Mirk; 
 to mount tlu IJD: four, wlicn Mull Harvey ra. 
 
 Slu- rarrird a t-.ldrd jiaju-r in lirr li;. 
 " Mr. M 
 
 ; . 
 otlu-r pajin. i !. 
 
 01 y-u \\iii ; , 
 ktuii t-iiui.t i 
 
 | 
 
 ;itl\ uj the- 1-ack 
 
 In- piifo 
 
 , lull >f ; 
 . 
 She only sai i \\lrtcll ! i lia 
 
 ii was ar, i)U il to tlu> }i. 
 I >r. liainsav and tli i : 
 i crlt Ka^tir.il i-Ici. i tllC 
 
 
 
 jlial I oi; 
 . im-il a liiillir.. 
 
 tion ; tin- ! ; - on tin- right I .iitl.-li in 
 
 nath 
 
 I, It hail ill:- 
 
 ppoiiited 
 
 known in th;<! d.-y as 1; 
 
 ton made Ins 
 
 WIUMI till COUI1( 
 
 eii him the billel 
 
 tuinr-d it . \ i 
 
470 KATHARINE WALTON". 
 
 What means this? There is nothing here! Are you sure, sir, 
 that you have given me the right paper?" 
 
 ,iU sun-!" was the answer; but the youth was greatly be 
 wildered :is he examined the seeming billet and found it a blank en 
 velope only. 
 
 " I understand !" muttered Frazer. "It is just like Balfotir. 
 It was only to get rid of some importunate petitioners that he has 
 sen! this empty paper. I could have wished it otherwise, gentle 
 men." he remarked, turning to Ramsay and the other anxious 
 friends of the condemned. "But it only rests with me to do my 
 duty." 
 
 They expostulated with him, and insisted upon the evident inten 
 tions of Balfouy in sending a messenger in such hot haste ; the blank 
 paper wsa t-.idently some mistake. But Frazer shook his head 
 mournfully, but firmly. 
 
 <:< uen, this blai.U paper means everything I It especially 
 to do my duty, and shows me that no orders are de- 
 it. Let the prisoner prepare himself. The minutes 
 chausted." 
 
 Vv hen Bal four, having despatched Monckton with the billet, re 
 turned to the parlor, he found Katharine Walton with her face COT- 
 ; by her hands, and leant upon the arm of the sofa. She was 
 silent, but. at slow intervals, drew long convulsive sobs. Balfonr 
 undertook the work of soothing ; but such a task required tin* agency 
 of in<T M liabilities than any in his po-x-sMon. He either annoyed 
 the sufTercr, or failed to make any impression on her 8611864, When, 
 however, his pertinacity fixed her attention, she hastily started up 
 and exclaimed 
 
 me go now, Colonel Balfour. my aunt is in waiting, and 
 I I ---should lie. at home. I am very sick and very weary." 
 
 ".Mrs. Singleton lias already none home, dear Miss Walton, hav 
 ing left the carriage fr you." 
 
 He! and I am here alone!" she exclaimed, with some 
 : d anno\aiice. 
 
 1 why not. my deav Miss Walton 1 / You are not alone. Who 
 should better a-ert the iiL r ht to protect and comfort you than he to 
 whom you h.t\ . claim? " 
 
win ii will he return?" 
 on." 
 
 Ah. thank-! thai 
 
 It will not tak the im:i.irin:itiin t<> -nfurt 
 
 lation mixed with bald is <.f alT.-eti..n. whiclj 
 
 aiti-nipt In be-low upon hi- 
 i, I,,- h;ir.l to underhand with what a:n, 
 tun heard them all. Hut ifafl l.a.l adopted 1, 
 ul. mitted with resignation to h 
 
 ],, . . Whrll hr Would !. 
 
 .vai-t with hi< arm. .lid -lit- n-\..lt an.l r 
 
 mit to this not so so.i 
 
 We pa- "v.-i an interval <f timr. whic-h Uj t-- 
 
 ,:ixi-ti-. I \va> in a IUMIIU-MI wh.-n BftlfOQI 
 
 lr,l by the sill! 
 
 .,,n: What can it i 
 : rinc looked up with sudden 
 
 ! , 11 me tell D 
 
 Halto ir. it b.- that " 
 
 Ithkv, withh.. 
 
 , :ll ,1 him, while. .-videntl> am.oyrd ;. 
 
 appn.achrd tl, 
 
 I Katharine, who n,,w impelu-usly appeal, d U> til 
 
 her fath- 
 H safe, dear Ml Waltc 
 
 will l>ehere dip 
 
 At thi, mooieot, Holl 
 
 dre^ed in tl,.- Q 
 
 them, Katl. > ^ithout :. 
 
 intt ; rpri> -with eyes iiul. 
 
 led from the 
 
 : UJ her un.ouscioufl ri ^ >rt> ful1 " f <icora 
 
 and lire. 
 
 He tells you that your father U afc-UuU he will be here 
 
472 KATHARINE \V.\l.Tn.\. 
 
 directly! He tells you what is fal>e! lit is himself a living false- 
 hood! Your father is dead he will be here only in his coil m! 
 That cannon announced the moment when the executioner did his 
 work " 
 
 With one wild scream, Katharine Walton >ank senseless. 
 
 " Fiend," cried Balfour, " what have you done? " 
 
 "Spoken the truth! I have saved her, and punished //</. You 
 wonder that Walton perishes. Know that when you gave your order 
 for a respite to Alfred Mouckton, I exchanged it for one in blank, 
 professing to do so by your orders." 
 
 " Woman, you have been guilty of murder! " 
 
 Hang me for it, if you dare! I overheard your bargain with 
 tlii- poor creature, and I determined to save her from such a mon- 
 
 V. ; you vould willingly surrender your own charms to such a 
 
 iiion- iswered, with a sneer. 
 
 Nesbitt Balfour!" she answered, sternly. " You 
 
 . ilmt an hour ago. Now! No! no! Never! I have 
 
 . pride for that: too much scorn of so base a spirit as that 
 
 ^irWch you bear, to link myself \vith it for life. I would sooner link 
 
 I to a carca^! And she, the unhappy minion whom 1 have 
 
 saved from this doom she will loathe you now as much as I do. 
 
 If I mistake not, your bargain is void. I have spoiled that very 
 
 pretty arrangement. I avow the deed. If mine is a crime which 
 
 merits punishment, inflict it if you dare! 1 defy you, and challenge 
 
 you with all your power! " 
 
 ii are a devil, Moll Harvey! But keep your secret. ^ ou 
 ha\e done mi-chief enough. For this poor girl, you have killed 
 her." 
 
 " No! no! no! I have xurtt/ her. She will do well enough 
 now. Had you succeeded, //""/ would have killed her by a 
 thousand tortures; for 1 know that she loathes \<>u. 1 saw that 
 in the choking accent which declared her compliance, and 1 re 
 solved, from that moment, that she should \\<> Hired. 
 From that moment, I pitied her from the bottom of my heart. 
 Away now, and leave her to me. I will recover her. I \\ill 
 see that she is restored to her haughty but honorable kins 
 woman. And, Balfour, in leaving this hou-e, let that you do 
 
n. unless 3 
 
 ami know that I deal with paa 
 
 will de- 
 
 : : death it-rlf f.. r ami v. 
 
 I could li 
 one 
 
 ly nuailed in >pirit befov 
 ! had : fury. There was a story and r. 
 
 I \\hieh 
 
 .-.LTound in t: . S 
 
 for the s,rn which 
 
 . will grow wiser 
 
 rmw. Hut. ju>t now 
 
 ill v..u linirer : 
 
 . 
 
 "U will if you da:, 
 and lei : only I. 1 
 
 mail 
 
 :i met hi- fate with firm- 
 
 !- nuwsion 
 : \t for ti 
 could not 
 
 *e of 
 
 .e in-.st : 
 Ms nfter \Vn! 
 Dr. Kamsay, old Tom > with thi: . sot 
 
 i 
 o!T in a prison ship to St. AuiruMinr. whi-re they were kept M 
 
 hy Cam; was 
 
 killed, sonii- time after, at \. i .ridce. Me 
 
 fell a and beadstitmg wi: 
 
4 < 1 KATHARINE WALTON. 
 
 Campbell vas taken prisoner, disarmed, an<l placed muler thf- 
 guanl of Nicholas Yenning, of Christ Church parish, who \va*. 
 ordered to kill him if he attempted to escape. In a little while 
 after, the fortune o! tho day begun to change ; the Americans 
 were ahout to be repulsed ; and, seeing this, Campbell her 
 ?r> impatient and so insubordinate that, after repeated th: 
 ind warnings, Yenning 1 put his orders into execution, and sle\\- 
 iilin. . Here ends our chronicle*. 
 
 It may be well to mention that, in our progress, we havod.-al! 
 lar- -elv with real historical personages. Our facts have m* 
 
 I J 
 
 been drawn from the li\ iii records. Our dialn^uos, our incid. 
 cur }>ortraits, have mostly a traditional, if not an historical ori- 
 U-in. AVe may add that many of the details in the narrative of 
 ^ alton have been borrowed from tho^e in the cai eer 
 :., >brated Colonel Ilaync. It was Ilayne who took 
 - ; T>risoner, as described in our story. He bimseK 
 
 er the very circumstances given in the case of ^ al- 
 ti . and ?!ie (ieiails of the execution are gathered from the :; ; . 
 it hving witnesses. 
 
 m p 
 
LOAN DEPT. 
 
 . 
 
 > 21A-40m-L 
 
 nil Library 
 University of California 
 Berkeley 
 
 
 ru-ral Library 
 
 lifornia