Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 38, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 March 1906 — MARION’S BRIGADE [ARTICLE]

MARION’S BRIGADE

By MAJOR J. H. ROBINSON

CHAPTER VlTL—(Continued.) Cyrus Dix took Kate's hand, which •be gently withdrew. „ “I thought by your manner that you -were about toMxtnimuuicate something of importsnde." said ■♦vasiveTy. •ad with the Iqast possible shadow of a smile, which being observed by Dix, gratified him very much. “I was aUhit to confitle to ywrr safe keeping a secret, which musF transpire sooner GT.later. I do this as a proof of that strong yet tender friendship which 1 ntrvT& on ntr yxiu it T r i iitt it v months. For the last, few days 1 have not wen idle. True to the great cause for'which I have been constantly .in the saddle, warning all the Royalists hi this •ad the adjoining settlements to meet •t an old field near the cress roads. 1 found them wide awake for the enterprise. and tomorrow they will begin to assemble.” . . 1 S ,7 T f **** . T - ■—» » .fc* . 3 _ f - ~ y r i *vn±-etnt» . * X i la uil «r .»! ISS *>l HrTin. , with considerable emphasis. “It is trite," added the Tory; “and 1 have been promised a captain's commission*- -if yntt really fed that friendship for toe that ymtr glowing check and timid manner would seem t<» indicate. I trust yon will licej» this little’piee<e”<rt‘ gossip a profoniliT secret until we make .our-’ selves known and feared by pur deeds, It is apnetyx well guffrdcd attoirr matters of fins kind. One of our first moyenrrtipe differ get ting—fgiriy organiaed, will be t>> hunt up < leu. Marion and his ragauttjftin crew, and rid the country of such vagabonds.” : “Do you suppose you can gather much ♦J a company. Captain Dix?" “About sixty resolute fellows as ever drew a sword; nil mounted. too.” “It will be in your power to throw a strong protection around my father.” said Kate.

*’lf his fair daughter proves kind and considerate, .he ..srlpilj.. suffer no harm in person or property.” was the reply. . “Ai><l if sue should not prove kind and considerate. what' then?" asked the amt idem ’ ~ ~ “1 will not be answerable-for his safety a single day—no. not for a single hour!” exrlalined Dix. striking-the-table,-“O dear, don’t look so stern. Mr. Dix!" cried Kate. , , “I made my last remark, gentle neighbor, that yon might know precisely how (he case stands. 1 wish you th look at tlie subject hi a plain, reasonable and uiatteraifzfact ; way. ami act accordingly. You must endeavor to influence your TSTT+ef.” \ "Must !?"■ asked Kate. “I.have said it.-my dear, and pardon me ill. insist upon compliance." “Certainly, raptnin: you’re so much deeper than 1 am, and know so much tatcrv about these things." “Yon arc the most sensible and reasonable <>f girls. f ;nd I shall always adore y.»u. You do not think me positively hateful. do you?" asked Dix, in a. coaxing VOICO. “I will express my sentiments more freely at our next interview, perhaps," was the playful rejoinder. Further conversation of this nature was prevented by the entrance- of Mr Martin. Dix departed, and left Kate mistress of his secret, ami greatly Ji is superior in ’shrewdness. She had experienced r n-i let able difficulty in controlling her virtuous indignation during the interview. but feeling that much good might result from the practice of some selfcojitrol and a little dissimulation, she had passed through the scene triumphantly. . Iler noble and ingenuous mind at first revolted against lire idea of deception in any case whatever: tint ns she looked into Dix's character, and perceived what he »as trying to accomplish. she conquered her aversion, gained a deeper ■::sit* t into his nature, and overcame himtn the skillful playing of that game at which he considered himself an adept. The unutterable repugnance which she Teh in her pure soul when he departed. niu*t be left solely to the imagination. Her father soon after remarked in her bearing that it was greatly to he regretted that a young man who appeared so honorable and honest in his intention, should enibr. • ■ ■ b id a cause. “Do you refer to Mr. Dix. father?" asked Kate. "Tin n 1 am sorry to be forced to say that you ’are egregiously mistaken in his character. A more unprincipled person it has never,Jteen iuy fort me to bo acquainted with." •‘Your words greatly astonish me." ex liimed the pastor. “You should not condemn Mr. Dix so severely on account of 'KTi ■poffßcaT -e'Trhnrnrs."“You shall judge for yourself." answered Kate; an 1 she rehearsed the cm versation in detail which had transpired ’befween herself slud the party referred to. Mr.. Marlin was exceedingly surprised at the unexpected relation. and felt that rt wn« Indeed diflb tit to judge of character by the outw.inl seeming. "ThingsJiave now assumed an aspect entirely unexpected." he added. "I am pained, embarrassed and indignant. We -are placed ’ln a most unenviable ;>osirion. I have long known that the jealous eyes «f our enemies, are fixed upon me. and that I was not ws’iirv from personal harm for a day or an hour; but I had trusted that the l»au\l of villainy would fall upon me alone, and not involve you. Kate. It seem* that 1 have been mistaken. and have more to fear for you than for myself.',’ “Do not think of me. father —I feat nothing; on the contrary, it is for you alone that I tremble.” “Let not my danger distress you. for II is glorious Jo flie for one's country.. Whatever situation 1 May be placed in, let it never influence your conduct so far as Cyrus Dix is concerned. Pursue n high and truthful course, never violating your beet convictions of right, or going counter to the still small voice of that divinity which presides in every besom. A man like the party referred to can never be congenial to a naturt tike yours; hence no duty which you owe to me or te God can ever force you into any Bearer relationKldp with him. I would die daily Ute death of the gibbet * •

rather fh'an have you connected’ with , -Sgch a villain as Dix has proved himself j t<i bo.” . , j“My ‘own instincts would teach me to I sMiu him, if you had never expressed your sentimenfsr on the subject.” — “In regard tn this Tory gathering at The' old field? near tFF" cross-roads’,’ iT~ seems to me something ought to be done about it," resumed ’Mr. Martin. “I have already considered the matter, and decided what ought to be done." replied Kate. “1 propone to advise hfa-lioii’tßj-ige.le of the Tory gathering.' ’ ' - “But have you deydsed the means of its accomplishment ?” asked the father. “Certainly. I mean to carry the intelligence to Marion mys<df.”*.__ “You. Kfite? That is out of the question. Yon would never reach the Santee if you shout'd attempt it. You would be stopped by the Tories.” “You know that-1 am an expert horsewomnu ?", ~ ' ■ . ' "I know there isn’t a colt in the neighs borhood, and hasn't been for the last year, that you would fear to mount. Y’ou !mv.- caused me much ungasine-s by your daring in that respect. You are a very good girl. Kale.-Amt-rather w.ild in some : expect-." . “My .skill, acquired by such practices, may now be of some use to me. ... Viytqr,. you know, is' fleet and. strong, and yet very docile; 1 can manage him when he is very restive under other hands. When it is fairly night, 1 will mount him. anil ride quickly from the settlement. If I atn observed, no one will think strange of the circumstances, because I ride so ntjieh. and am so noted for that kind of exercise. Before morning I could reach Gen, Markin's camp,. and "tomorrow night the sabers of the brigade would wave in triumph over the place of the Toby rendezvotisi" —“Go; my du fling Kat-e, ami•heaven will protect y.m!" exclaimed -the pastor-, fervently.'' "With heaven's .blessing ami- yours, I cannot fail," said the daughter, enthusi-, astica'lly.

CHAPTER IX. A large, powerful horse, whose black thin shone like polished glass, gtood aL Mr. Maltin’-; door. Kate appeared, dressed in n dark and becoming riding habit. She approached the steed, who seemed impatient to be in motion, and fearlessly caressed his arching neck with her gloved hand. Speaking soothingly to the daring maiden sprang lightly to the saddle, end gi’Hspin- lhe tlnn iug- reins, felt tha t she was mistress of the motions of the' noble beast. ■ She turned his head in the right direction. ami while Mr. and Mrs. Martin invoked blessings upon her and her enterprise, rode away at an easy pace. r -’When quite, clear of the settlement, she no longer checked the fiery impatience of the steed, but suffered him to go forward at greater speed,. , 1 he nioon had not risen; it Was quite dark, and there were many lonely places to pass. Tories were very active and very plenty, and British dragoons scoured the country in every direction; but Kate was . nor. dtuuitell l>y any of these considerations. She knew she was d<>-W-tefiit. and fell r«-.t.ly and suffer in the cause of liberty-. She had gone about three miles when she approacbe 1 a wood of considerable extent;---A*she entered -rt, and the dark shadows fell more darkly across her path, she could not help reflecting upon the extreme loneliness of her situation. But she quickly shook off the momentary gloom, spoke cheerfully to Victor, and ailoned him to go on a little faster. Soon after she heard the clattering of horses’ feet, which grew niore distinct and appeared. to be approaching from the opposite direction. Although feeling somewhat anxious for the result. Kate resolutely pursued her way. It proved to be u single horseman, and he in -tautly stopped when near enough to distinguish the outline of her figure. ’’ls it you. Miss Martin?" said a voice. “You have spoken my name,” replied Kate.

"1 am Joe Sawyer," exclaimed the man. “Oh, yes, I remember.” she answered. "You saved my life. Miss Martin; I shall never foryet it. I’ve lingered about the neighborhood for several days, in hopes to get a glimpse of your sweet face. 1 think of you all the time, and sometimes 1 feel that it wouldn't be very wrong for me to get down ou my knees ami pray to you.; because, you .see. 1 owe you sueh n debt of gratitude, and cMul never repay in I know yeiu'U despi-e me for acting as I have, but I I can't help it now. and it’s no use to cry ■ about the past.” "Yq’.i’U be a fine lad yet, I dare say," I sai l Kate, kindly; "and you wilLdoubtless wipe out the errors, of the past by the doing* of th« future that is now before you." "If everybody had been ike you. Miss Martin. ! --houldn’t have been what I ant;, but they ain't nnd never will be. Thej blood hounds of Captain Nick would <wWin have torn me in pieces, if you hadn't shown your blessed face just as you ilid." "An offense like yours, 1 l»elievo. is always punished with death,'’ remarked Kate. "I know it is; But we'll let that pass. Henceforth 1 enre nothing about parties; 1 will serve you only; you shall be my queen! and 1 will be your subject. I swear to yon a lifelong, allegiance. 1 will be to yoti the most abject of slaves. There is tio service so hard, so dangerous or so humiliating, but thnt l will not attempt it iu obedience to your coinTnindi” . / tengttage surprises me." exclaimed Kate. "That's because you didn't copect gratitude from a man who could be Imim mottgh to betray his neighbors. You can say it boldly iu plain words, if you want to. and 1 won’t .think hard of yon,” “1 am glad that you have redeeming qualities. Joe. but I cannot stop to talk with yon now; I bare far to ride.” “1 shan't leaye you. Kate Martin. I'll follow you anywhere that you please •o go,”

“To Marion’s camp. “Yea. Yog can’t shake fne, oiff. Go ! whereytfti will. I’Jl tramp after you, «e« ! if T won’t,” added Joe, decidedly. ■ “Blit vvliat possible motive can yoy have for persisting in finch a strange course*'” ; “To look after yog if you should be in danger, and die for you like’a dog that perishes for his master,” fisaid Sawyer. ■ " ,- “But you were afraid of death the ’ Otdier day, Joe.” “I was engaged in a badicause then, I Miss Martin: and a bad cause makes ; anybody a miserable coward. Yes, I will 'go anywhere with you! So ride along, and I will keep,jeajf Xob ” ' • ■ "Indeed. Joe, I don't know as I can jtLlkiw__xau__trLjm--witli “You can't help yourself. I’m bound to stick to you. like shoemaker's wax, come what will.” “I don’t think your horse can keep U P ” . . - “Then I'll jink—him to death!” said Joe. and then ad.h- 1. "Iml there’s nothing that wears hoofs that can keep out of his way, when in the'TWttrse of.human events speed becomes necessary; s<s go ahead. Queen Katie" "You are resolved to follow. I sec.” “You may btflieve. it’s a fact. Give that horse the .rein. What a noble-spir-ited animal he is! You sit upon him as firmly as a trooper. Ilere we go, my queen and—D- Now for- Marion's etlmpand if they string me up. all I ask is just one tear from them heavenly eyes of yours.” > “You shall have two, Joe—-two as real tears as ever a queen shed over a devoted subject,” responded Kate,''"ghyryr Miss Martin did not mm-h regret that, she was to have coinpany during that long and dangerous ride. -- In some resiieets Joe migirt irrove - the success of her enterprise, but in others he might prove of essential service. Site had nd rejaon to-distrust the sincerity of his professions. So Kate went forward with a brave and hopeful heart, while Joe clattered along by her’ side, speaking only when he was addressed. A little before midnight the moon arose, and the maiden hailed the event with gladness. As they were proceeding in the manner described, Kate perceived in the road a few yards before Tier the figiif-e---->of a man, lie ivas on fopt and walkedalong slowly, as if engaged in thought. A military, cloak was thrown over his shoulders, which made" Kate think that he was an officer, belonging probably to the British aTntyrAsr'“lrea<ling some of the Tory bands that infested the country. The man stopped when he heard the >- m:id Of IfiiT.TOS’a feot.~niiTd drew a pistol from beneath his cloak. “It is : Col. Cunningham,” whispered Joe. Kate’s heart beat a little faster than -usual, but she kept on as if she felt there was no reason why she should act differently. - ——pretty -faee -with.-wour veil.” said Joe. She attempted to follow his well-meant direction, but the veil unfortunately had become entangled about, the hat. and she struggled with the vexatious thing in vain. “Stop!” exclaimed Cunningham, who, upon discovering that a young female, attended by a countrymam was approaching, had remained in the middfe of the road, with the pistol still in hand. "Who are-you, and where are you going?” he asked, in an authoritative voice. "This young lady,” replied Joe, quickly. “is on her way to Camden.” “WTrat for?~ Don’t you know, my clodhopper. that t’amden is in possession of Lord Cornv, allis?" -.==■— “If it wasn't, this lady wouldn't be going there, L reckon.” answered Joe. “Oh, she’s a Loyalist, then?” returned Cunningham, gazing rather earnestly at Kate. “Perhaps you're one of the Whig fellows.” said Sawyer, artfully, "but I hope you won’t interfere, seeing she’s nothing bitt a female.” “Certainly not; but I have a little curiosity to see what -she looks like. Turn your face in this direction, young woman,” said Cunningham, condescendingly- V— _ (To be continued.)