Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 23) (1877 12 31)
The text was read from the page scans by machine (OCR), so it has mistakes and its columns may run together. See the pages · About this title · At the Internet Archive
Page 1
Ww Copyrighted in 1877, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, Wa WW S {. NX VRE Single Number. Vol. L No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. Nick o’ the Night; | THE BOY SPY OF ’76. BY T. C. HARBAUGH. CHAPTER T. ; THE CAPTURED DISPATCHES. At a late hour one night in the month of April, 1781, three figures appeared suddenly, like roe peor on the summit of an eminence that overlooked one « the fords of the beautiful Edisto in South Caro- na, They consisted of a horse, his rider, and a dog. Behind them rose the pale, moons moon, across vhose disk dark and ragged cleuds were gliding. slow, the glittering waters of Carolina’s legendary | »/ver flowod oceanward with musical murmurs, and nigb* songster, perched among the branches of a almetto that grew at the river's edge, charmed the our with his notes. Wi en the horse suddenly pricked up his ears at a sound that did not rouse his master, the dog looked | up as if to say, ‘I, too, hear it,”” and then getting on his feet, for he had laid down for a rest, he looked sharply across the stream. “What is it, Whig?” the rider asked, noticing the actions of the dog. ‘Are the hirelings of Ki George abroad to-night? It is said that their couriers flit between Dorchester and Orangeburg like ghosts. Ah! could we but catch one to-night!” and a light laugh rippled over the speaker’s lips. He was young, as his tone indicated. It was not hard, like a man’s, but soft and melodious as a girl’s. His face was faultless in contour, and remarkabl handsome. The eyes, large and lustrous, were full of depth and expression, and the wreath of dark hair that adorned his head, touched his shoulders, broad and strong, a la cavalier. A light hat, with a broad rim, covered his head, and his clothes, home- pee and serviceable, fitted his person without a ‘ault. ee ——————— a === BEADLE AND ADAMS, PUBLISHERS, His arms consisted of pistols, cavalry sword, and « _* a rifle. * muabaa e horse was the type of animal symmetry ard beauty, and the keen-eyed dog the picture of castne strength and endurance, The latter led his young master to look beyond the ford, and to listen intent ‘ Presently the sounds that had attracted the ani- mal’s attention fell also upon his ears. “ Somebody’s out, certain,”’ he said, as if address- ing his companions. ‘“ We will watch the ford.” e sounds, made evidently by hoofs, continued to approach the river from the opposite bank, and at length the moon, peeping over the edge of a cloud, showed a solitary horseman at the edge of the water. ‘*A courier to Dorchester!’ said the boy, with de- light. ‘*‘ We'll see what he carries to the king's offi- cer who commands there.” The next instant the summit of the hill was bare and the so-called courier was in the middle of the ford, proceeding across with a nonchalance that dia not :<amp him a watchful messenger, \\\ ‘ Hy) y) Pj pi SSS ““YOU ARE MINE, JOTHAM!” SAID THE YOUNG PARTISAN, DARTING A LOOK OF TRIUMPH INTO THE FACE OF BIS FOZ.
Page 2
’ 2 - ap ett Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. If the youth’s horse made any noise in descendin the hill, the courier heard it not, for his own ste was plashing through the water, and he was not thinking about the presence of an enemy. Once across the stream, the night rider halted for a moment as if to take his Sapien y then proceeded straight forward in a tolerably well-defined road. ** So far, so good,” he said to himself, in a co - ulating strain. ‘“‘ Few couriers ride so far without meeting Nick o’ the Night. I'd like to encounter that devil-may-care boy, whose exploits have made him famous, and who is the terror of our troops. I’m on his old stamping-grounds now, and this is a ene hour for him to make his appearance. Yes, otham Nettleton, of the king’s army, would like to meet him.” The speaker, who was riding slowly forward, held a pistol tightly clutched in his right hand, for he was in a lonely part of the Edisto country, and the moon Wee ices by a atop abies b :, e time, the place an e hour, suggested ghosts to the superstitious trooper. 7 . All at once, as the orb of night, as if obeying a pre- concerted signal, showered her light on the road, a ae on a broke the stillness: ‘ a ei”? The British dragoon started at the voice, and his steed, frightened as badly as his master, retreated -without command. In the center.of the road appeared the cause for the sudden change of scene. * There stood a magnificent horse, and the trooper saw the rider with rifle leveled at his breast! Near the steed’s front feet crouched a dog, ready, as it seemed, for a panther-like % The Briton took in the figures at a single look, while the spell of fright was still upon him. “ Deliver up Ter papers!’ said the same voice that commanded him to stand. ‘* My papers?”’ said the dragoon. ‘‘What do you sup- pose I am?” . ‘*A courier to Dorchester!’’ was the reply, ‘‘ and I, sir, am Nick o’ the Night—the very fellow you have -been longing to meet, You have met me now, and, sir, your obliging disposition, and that alone, will be the only thing that will take you on to Dorchester. Come, your papers—the dispatches!" The trooper cast a longing look at the eastern heavens. “Darkness will not assist you,” said the young -partisan with triumph, ‘‘asthe moon will shine for io minutes, at the end of which time I will have the pine Sp aa be you dead or alive! Bring them orth! Jotham Nettleton, of the King’s Horse, bit his lip, _and thrust his left hand into his bosom. “Shall I throw them to you?’ he asked, drawing forth the precious packet. ‘*No; cast them on the ground.” The trooper obeyed with an oath: “Get it, Whig!” The crouching di sprung forw: seized the acket with hid teeth, and w: toward is master. © “Thankyou,” the youth said to the trooper, ina sarcastic tou. “T trust that our acquaintance will prove mutually siemens You may tell the com- mandant at Dorchester, that Nick o' the Night will pice the dispatches in the Swamp Fox's hands. I o not want you, dragoon—what’s your name?”’ ‘Jotham Nettleton, curse your supreme foe an dence!’’ cried the trooper, irritated beyond endur- ance. ‘Mr. Nick o’ the Night, we have not met for the last time! I’m going to turn hunter now, and I swear by yon fair moon that.I will rid this State of your brandish resence. You dare not carry on warfare in a Christian manner, buf you must sto folks at night, and lead Marion's infernal mi u sleep bem and unprotected The day of your triumph is wing to FS gt ed the villainous deed which you have one has ttictom, of the Rove Royal Ho oogirt’. “reser é te) “May you e a foe he of my steel!” said the you r ashort laugh that made the trooper gvind his teeth with rage. road, _ for the robbed dragoon to SA - an or ro nm 0) Slowly Netdeton rode by. He kept his eyes fixed on Nick o’ the Night, until he D pwser shadow. ‘We'll meet again!”’ he hissed over his left shoul- der. “By all that is good, young bandit, I'll hunt you to the death!’ A laugh from the youth was the and Nettleton turned in his saddle and shook his fist at the plunderer, until the moon was eclipsed by a cloud, “Tl do it!” reiterated the dr: nm, ‘I don’t per- mit = rob me with impunity. By the crown of King rge! he shall rue the hour in which he stopped Jotham Nettleton, and robbed him of his wieyors di the boy bent AS n aapbeared, e boy over pom amen: ama taags ch the dog held up to him in Ss ° Then he turned his horse’s head and rode down the river-bank, After riding in a southerly direction for some his horse, time, he wheeled to the left and u down a well-defined road at a rapid gait, By and by he reached the vicinity of a plantatio and soon rode up an avenue of o toward one 0 the colonial mansions that have been the pride of the Carolinas This avenue was quite Bing but a light that ey far ahead guided the young San, and at length dismounted before the residence. It was twelve o’clock, but his knock was respond- ed to with promptness, and he recognized the man who opened the door, for he said ‘“‘ Good-night, col- onel,’’ and was admitted. The horse and his canine companion remained in the court. The man led the youth into a spacious and high- ceiled library, lighted by a rich English lamp. There were several family portraits on the walls, and the resemblance that the man bore to them was ewe Se icholas,”’ said th turning th “We icholas,”’ sa e man, upon the boy, in the mellow oer of the lamp. ‘‘ What is up that you visit me at this hour?” . “T bring you a little packet that a British soldier gave me to-night,” was the reply, and there was a merry twinkle in the speaker’s dark eyes. “Gave you, Nicholas?” “Yes, at my command, and with my rifle at his breast! Sir, will you not see what it contains?” The man took the captured packet and hastily broke the seal. Nick o’ the Night watched his hands, and then his ee as he read a paper which they un- folded. *“You intercepted an order that concerns you, Nicholas,’ the Carolinian said, with a smile. ‘‘Can you read?” ** Yes, sir,’’ said the boy, approaching the desk, at other taught which the man had seated himself, ‘“ me to read before she died.” Then the unfolded paper was placed in his hand, and he read what appeared to the postscript to the main body of the captured packet: “Lord Rawdon desires the capture or death of that troublesome youth called Nick o’ the Night, who infests the territory watered by the Edisto, Ashley and Cooper rivers. He has frustrated man of our plans by his cunning and daring, and h lordship commands you to hunt him down. Marion would not be so formidable without him, and Sum- ter would remain ignorant of our plans. Attend to Lord Rawdon’s wishes, and by fair means or foul, rid the district of its infernal pest!” peaces to this communication were the initials é British officer in command at Orangeburg. The eregreph was but.a postscript to one of the len, ee in the body of the ket. “They don’t like Nick o’ the Night,” the youn; partisan said, with a smile on his lips, he look up into the man’s face. ‘“‘ By fair means or by foul, I am to_be dealt with now, and I want to tell you, Colonel Hayne, that I am_ not afraid of the whole British army in South Carolina!’’ The boy’s eyes flashed like sparks of fire as the last sentence fell from his lips, and with the final word he brought his clenched hands down with em- phasis on the desk. Colonel Hayne, the devoted patriot, gazed with pride upon him, P ‘‘Beware! Nicholas,’’ he said; in his careful voice. “Do nothing»rash, now that er are outlawed by the generals of King George. firm, be cautious— a lion and a fox!” “*T will!’ cried the boy; ‘‘ this letter does not daunt me. Thesword thatT have drawn for freedom shall hot be sheathed by the command of a merciless foe. Let them hunt me; let. them set a price upon m head! I can ride where no British trooper dare fol- low; my hiding- are legion, and. so long asI am Nick o' the t;Lwill fling scorn.and d ce at the royal cause!”’ CHAPTER II. SECRETS. OVERHEARD, “You cannot hate the *s cause more ; iking’ ® bitterly than I do,”’ said after a pause. ‘The enemies of American’ om are my enemies, her defenders dearest friends. ButI am on parole, and until certain, not unforeseen events occur, I can- not take up arms against the id ‘ Sa o’ the Night gave the patriot an inquisitive 00 “Those events I ma not mention now,” Hayge —e answering the look, and then sudd “ Nicholas, whither are you before dawn?” ‘* Thope td see the Swany fox Before daylight,” was MF sos pation = With, SS aN eee ex 5 such men e our cause vod himself a destroying thusiderbolt tothe royal ro a ro. oe, and his Gword eill sot Bnd tte abeath tll we ace “True as colonel,” cried Nick 0’ the Nigbt, with eyes of patriotic énthusiasm. . ‘‘ O South Destin be proud of her sons who fought ang, George. the war is over, we will sit un- der the ww egy! and talk of our victories.”’ The smile that wreathed Colonel Hayne’s lips was quickly driven off by a thoughtful expression. When the war was over! 7 the EELS ator puasteenme to were pee The day of his doom was not far dis- “That glorious is co g, colonel,” exclaimed @ live to it t T mast ride setae - the little partisan, “ and —: of pn 2 spend : eit ride mwa , atches, not, ve nt, but the ts of a little tees ’ raat placed in Marion’s hands. I in his canebrake camp, near the ° ss “ Bear to him the best respects of Isaac Hayne,” said the patridt, taking the boy's hand, “Greene has re-entered the State, and I look for better times than we have had. Be on your guard, Nicholas; do not forget that Rawdon has outlawed you. The pur- oe of the courier’s message will reach Dorchester the course of time; then they will try to run you to earth.”’ ‘Let them try it!’ the youth said, defiantly, and released by the Carolinian, he walked to the cut. A minute later he was in the saddle and the black horse was galloping down the avenue of oaks, Close at his heels followed Whig, the dog. Out from the avenue, into the road revealed b the setting moon, then across the country, rode Nick o’ the Night. : Starlight presently ruled the heavens, and a brisk southern breeze elevated the rim of the boy’s pal- metto, and toyed wantonly with the long locks of raven hair that fell over his shoulders, ‘The ground over which he rode was pliant, and his steed’s hoofs made no noise. ‘“‘Here I am!’ he suddenly exclaimed, as a great dark mass of trees rose before him. ‘Helen, I trust that he dreams are sweet, and eful. I would not ipate them for the world. It makes my blood flow backward to think that he who calls him- seif your father would make you love the king's cause; that he, not you, will choose your husband. He your father? No! Helen Latimer, he is no more our father than he is mine, and I know that mine ene before Tarleton’s merciless sword at the Wax- aws.”’ Talking thus, in an in ant strain, the young rebi ne rode into a dark place, an avenue well-bor- ered by the magnolia, and this avenue led to a southern home where wealth and comfort dwelt. Hugh Latimer, the owner and tenant, was a stern man of fifty years, whose sympathies were with the royalcause. No devouter loyalist lived in the South, and he had received many favors from Cornwallis and Rawdon, the former of whom had passed several weeks at Azalea, as the estate was called. The loyalist’s household consisted of two beautiful girls whom he called his daughters. Blonde and brunette, their tastes were almost an- tagonistic; the elder, Bertha, the “ dark-eyed witch of Azalea,” as she was called, was in her nineteenth aw while over her sister’s golden hair had passed. ut sixteen summers. Hugh Latimer was proud—proud of his ancestry, proud of his children. His word was law at and the servants ee better than to disre his most foolish w But more of this family anon. It was toward Hugh Latimer’s home that the young partisan rode. He could see the trees that bordered the avenue but indistinctly. They looked like ghosts with their contorted branches; but the fragrance of their blos- soms was deliciously sweet, Not many A eg rom the entrance of the avenue Nick o' the Night drew to one side of the path, and moved his hand along the bod, He appeared to be of a venerable tree. or something—some- thing that seemed to elude his hand; but at last a low ejaculation of triumph parted his lips. His hand suddenly disappeared in a hole, unseen in the gloom, A moment later it was withdrawn, and the paper ri by the ig was quickly thrust beneath the partisan’s coat. The post-office had yielded a letter. it he did not deposit the message. Fe Be nLbe woken tolt sudd on. his ears, and he became Sue of orsemen, . " ~ gry er tee, you, W lie down!’ he spoke to his co and ing the messag. poms te back into the et, he quietly drew a pistol. The sounds grew more distinct, and presently the words became intelligible. “Holly will be here to-morrow night you say, Latimer?” “ ” “In force?” “Not very strong; twenty-five or thirty men will accom a) . bat that will be sufficient." “Ts ciently large to quarter them?” H Latimer laughed. e Azalea, the 1 ly. In Bocas ~ hs was the : compa ments of the old hos and -eyed enemies it. search for them in vain. Wait till you have seen the mansion, i “Tam im , Latimer. We will not your ters up, I su ai ht be awake,” * Awai your ” “ No.’ A moment's pause followed Latimer’s monsyllabic Ph girl thinks she is in love,” continued the wealthy loyalist in a sneering tone. “ Stop, captain, Lwant to tell you something.” . The next moment the twain haltedin the avenue Gtrec tly in front of the young ae Bove inctly, every wi e foregoi " They wom y 8 eax, Mas he could have ‘touched bars) with his rg our youngest AY or the halt. com after **So she s,”’ Was the reply. “Listen, Captain Clayton. 6 year ago, come the twenty-sixth da of this mo’ he mn was crossing the Ashley, whic been swollen y recent rains. She was in the old ford which was swifter and deeper than usual, and her horse, a colt which I had forbidden her to mount, became frightened by a musket shot on the northern bank. He forward with a lunge that unseat sword. : r inlJove?” said Latimer’s t-
Page 3
Nick o’ the Night. 3 ed the girl, and she found herself in the water. I ‘suppose she would have been drowned, but for the timely, but accursed aid that was at hand.” “The accursed aid you say, Latimer?” “Yes!” hissed the loyalist; ‘‘ a certain person who ‘saw her danger dashed from the copse, plunged into the river and drew her out.” rhe: was a good act, at any rate!’ said Latimer’s end. * You will not praise the actor when I shall have told you his name,” said the Tory, with a light but bitter laugh. “Then out withit. If you curse him, I will curse 0. “They call him Nick o’ the Night!” A singular silence followed. It made the boy smile, and he fancied that he saw ‘a look of consternation on the captain's face. “Yes, I will curse the pest of this State!’’ said Lat- imer’s companion, at last. “*‘He must be hunted oan sae here is one who would give his right hand for a blow at the misereant’s head with his British sword. Your daughter loves him, then?” _ “Yes. She is a rebel at heart, and an active one, ‘too. I am ashamed to say, captain, that there is ‘treason in my household. Helen keeps up a cor- respondence with that dare-devil boy, and more than ~once I have seen a light in her ow at twelve o’clock at night—a signal of some kind to him. More than this,” continued the Tory, “‘I have discovered their ffice!”’ “Ah! then you will doubtless intercept some ten- “der missive.” “* Believe me that I will,’’ answered Latimer. “ Give me your hand, ——- and turn your horse's head to the left—toward the dark trees beside us.” Nick o’ the Night saw, but indistinctly, the twain ‘turn toward him. The next moment Hugh Latimer was moving his ee over the tree, insearch of the novel “ post- office.” “Tve found it, but it is letter cried. “Lift your hand, captain. ‘There! your fingers are on the edge of their letter- box. Isn’t this a pretty go?” “Truly,” answered the captain. “ I never would have thought of looking there for a letter.” “Nor I, but one of my slaves found the spot. More than once I have suspected that Helen sent and received letters from some secret place, but never dreamed that it was so near my house. But ‘we'll catch the young scoundrel now. Some night when he comes hither for a letter, he'll run into a trap from which he cannot escape. Now let us ride on, and see if we can’t find cheer at Azalea.” Nick o’ the Night saw the figures recede from be- fore him, and heard them, still, resume:their ride toward the house. “This is a night of fortune for me,” he said, in a voice of satisfaction. “The trap which you will set for Nick o’ the Night never , my goon Hugh Latimer. you curse the hand that Ww Helen from the waters? You must cut your cards very straight if the same hand does not smite you. peas ed loyal gentlemen, and Helen Latimer a [e) ” 7 e did not deposit his message in the tree, but rode down the avenue, and out once more beneath the starlit skies. Then Santee pesoves away, and soon the first streaks of dawn, like long arrows, fell over the trio. The horse did not check his speed until he entered the suburbs of a canebrake, where, over the narrow path and rough; he cautiousiy picked his way. Nick o’ the Night seemed to dismiss all fears with jhis arrival in the brake, for he began to imitate a Lad irs plumaged bird that was welcoming the cloud- moon. ” he suddenly will guide it. On, on he rode, until the canes grew sparser, and at length his nickname fell from a score of lips. He was among Marion’s men. ** Just in time for breakfast,” said a ry little aman, coming forward and tapping Nick o’ the Night on the thigh, good-naturedly. “I've got my last po- tato in the fire, but you shall taste it, if Congo does- n't burn it up.” The speaker smiled at his own words, and the young partisan dismounted. He then stood side by side with the little Hugue- not, whose deeds have made him immortal Francis Marion, the meteor of the. Revolution! Nick o’ the Night’s shoulders were broader than Marion’s, and though but he was two inches ‘taller than the Swamp Fox. “Here are some dispatches that belong to Kings- ston at Dorchester,” the boy said, as, with a meanin, ae he handed the pardioan chief the capeared ackage. 5 Marion.took it with a smile. “ Any news?’’ “Yes; Colonel Holly with twenty-five or thirty men will beat Azalea to-night,” ** Colonel ser of ‘the British xrmy?” se Yes, gene ie Sees mer Pm oy a there too!”’ oe reply of the chie: e turned with eagerness e zer of the dispatches. CHAPTER II. MARION AND HIS MEN—‘‘STAND!”’ At the historical period ef which I write certain ‘districts of the Palmetto State were the scenes of fierce, cesultory warfare. J Cornwallis, having left a strong garrison in Charles- Wilmington on his way to the ton, had marched Virginias. Lord Rawdon had taken n of Camden, where with argus eyes he watched the movements of the blacksmith, General Greene, and there were ax like the cautious soldier that he was. British garrisons at Dorchester, Orangeburg, and other important posts in the imperiled territory. The cause of bn, Soy was brightening. Greene had lately been severely re at Guil- ford Court-house, and a number of the inhabitants had thrown themselves on the mercy of the royal cause, In the district contiguous to Charleston the parti- san warfare kept intensely bitter. This scope of country was watered by several love- | ly rivers; it contained dense forests, dark morasses, and almost impentrable brakes. It embraced Eutaw | Springs, and the settlements of Dorchester and onks’ Corners. Here Marion and the British and Tories chased each other, now back, now forth, now pursuing, pow pursued, like so many specters of Tam O’Shan- r. The little Huguenot proved himself a thorn in the side of the king’s cause in the South, and with Sum- ter, Huger and Horry did many gallant deeds, Here Nicholas Brandon gained his sobriquet of Nick o’ the Night. Nick o' the Night everybody, save Isaac Hayne, called him. To the South Carolina patriot he always was Nich- olas. - This boy was with his father when he fell at the sanguinary battle of Waxhaw Creek, where Tarleton showed his metal and linked his name to infamy. Then, young as he was, he had proved a thorn in the British side; but before that bloody day he had made his name a terror to the enemy. Robbing couriers of important dispatches, rg] out the plans of Tory leaders, leading Marion an Sumter to nocturnal victories, he had become an ob- ay of British hatred, and one that, for the good of he royal cause, must be removed. But the well-laid plans of Tories had failed to en- trap him, and the British continued to be harassed by this will-o’-the-wisp. Hugh Latimer, the Tory, had a plan for rising the Swamp Fox, as Marion was ed by the British. Many such plans had come to naught, but the par- tisan was that his could not fail of success. To earry out his plans, he had invited Colonel Hol- ly and twenty-five men from the Dorchester garrison, and at the appointed hour the detachment made its appearance at Azalea. twas the night after the one witnessed in the events of our precedin ag chapters. Hugh Latimer was delighted. He watched his household during the day just and was confident that no members had left he premises. Helen and her sister had remained in doors all day entertaining Captain Clayton, who had accompanied their father from the fort. “Our movements have not been watched,” the Tory said to Holly, upon the arrival of the detach- ment at Azalea. “For once we have outwitted Nick o’ the Night, and to-morrow night we will swoop down upon the Swamp Fox’s den, and bag the richest game in the Carolinas,” The colonel was pleased; but threw out several he horses of the dragoons were ered in the dense grove behind the house, while the spacious bedrooms were placed at the service of the troops. At Holly’s command the ms retired early, but the officers remained in the parlor with Hugh Latimer and ‘xis children. See Paamonee: Seale Poe tage had — a acy en, despi er patriotic sympathies, and by his acumen had drawn from her a virtual confession of love for Nick o° the Night. ‘* Why, captain, did he not draw me from the Ash- ley when none else could save?” she ask with sparkling eyes. ‘Therefore, be he rebel, robber or SPY, do I not owe him much?”’ Yes; but—but—”’ KS tions do not advance conclusive argu- “That is his look-out, 7 was the reply. ‘‘ Why, of fright. Your officers dare not advance for fear of him. I will wager my piano that Colonel Holly half-believes that he has borne news of his arrival at Azalea to the Swamp Fox.” Helen Latimer spoke with a triumph which she did not sone > to conceal, and her glance was at her father and his guest, who were carrying on a conversation in low tones. Lia Clayton could not but admire her fresh Southern bref meerenat by the light that danced in the de of her lustrous eyes. “*Miss Helen, I deplore this war—” “Then sheathe your sword, return to England, and leave the colonies with one enemy less.” “IT cannot, being a soldier of the king. The re- bellion will be subdued.” “Never! captain.” “Permit me to take issue with you on that score, Miss Helen,” he said, with the grace of a cavalier. “Tn the first place—”’ Captain Clayton never finished the sentence. It was broken by a shrill bugle-blast that brought the oceupants of the parlor to their feet, and each looked consternation into the other's eyes. Coy ag Holly drew his sword and darted a look at e Tory. “The accursed Marion!” he said, “That is his bugle-blast,” was the reply that fell from Latimer’s blanched lips. “Tl rouse the men!” cried Captain Clayton, springing from Helen’s side, and the next moment | he had bounded from the room. Hugh Latimer bit his lips with mingled rage anid ogre while the British colonel looked accusingly at the younger daughter. A second _aey caused him to spring toward ne toe ae he flung madly open, and looked out e night. “Does it take two bugle-calls to rouse a British colonel?” said a voice from the starlight t. “Marion will awake at the crawl of the serpent. “‘ Curse Marion, if you are he!” said Holly, angrily. “What do you want?” “The immediate surrender of nel Holly and his twenty-five men,” was the reply, stern and direct. . “My name is Francis Marion, and I would inform ‘ = that the mansion is surrounded, and that your © orses in the grove are already in my hands.” the door. e started from ‘“‘ Surrounded and captured!” he gasped. ‘Hugh Latimer, we have Secmeatennd be The Tory could not reply; his face was white as ashes, and he stamped the floor in his speechless f Betrayed! Colonel Holly?” cried Bertha Latimer. “Who could have betrayed you?” “You young thing!” was the reply, and the colo- nel’s finger was directed quiveringly at Helen. “She is the traitress! I tell you there’s no Latimer blood in her veins. Oh! I could tear her to pieces. I could run her through with the sword has been dis- to night!” cae Saat on “9 start- e was almost bli With the last word on his li ed toward the young girl. by rage, and might have done her violence, had the inner door not been flung wide, and Captain Clayton leaped into the room. ‘Would you strike a woman?” cried the es. throwing himself before his superior officer, his own sword half unsheathed. “ Prove her a traitress before on punish, The men will not resist. The name of the man who has demanded the surrender — them. We must surrender.” 4 ca moment a figure appeared on the thres- old. It was the figure of a little man whose dark eyes sparkled like coals of fire. “Do you surrender, colonel?” he asked, quietly, singling Holly from the group in the parlor. : cowardly men force me into such disgrace,”” was the reply, and the maddened colonel flung his: sword at ion’s feet. An oath fell from Holly’s lips and The Swamp Fox only smiled. ° . ‘Order your men out,” he said. “We must be With the rest grace imaginable, the ca colonel mustered his dragoons before the mansion, + where they were disarmed and mounted on their own horses. i Then it was discovered that twenty-five men had surrendered to twelve! i “We touch nothing that is oe Hugh Latimer,” Marion said to the Tory, who, with daughters and numerous frighten servants, stood on the poreh, ‘ We hate to deprive you of the society of: our guests; but they are wanted in another loeal- The Swamp Fox stood near Helen as he spoke, and’ no one saw him slip a bit of a ag into her fond The girl’s blush did not betray her. Ha 7, Pag darted Marion a look of anger; andi merely said: “Your day is coming, sir. Hugh Latimer will yet See you swing on the gallows.” Marion's reply was a derisive laugh, which did not cease until he had tipped his hat to the sisters, and turned. away. The parting between Colonel Holly and the Tory was marked with ne es feeling. It was evident that the officer believed that a member of Latimer’s household had betrayed him, and for such an able officer as he to be surprised and captured by Francis Marion was a severe wound to his lish pride. Gayly Captain Clayton rode away with the victors; but not before he had wished the sister dreams, and shaken hands with the crushed = The surprise was not quite complete, for several peanote remained uncaptured; but what were three ragoons to Marion when he secured a full-fledged “Tbe sideband a, meaneely : so augmen soon disappeared, and Helen Latimer, pleseen wath Mari- on’s success, hastened to her room, where, with eyes, she read the m which the partisan had slipped into her hand: “DeaR HELEN: Blame me with the’surprise. Idid not want Hugh Latimer to see me with the Swamp: Fox. If you can, meet me at Latty’s M olla. at eleven to-night. I will be there. Ick.” ‘“* And so will I!’ said the girl, as she finished the last sentence, and hid the message where no hands iar 4 fight * before the of the: e star’ was palin; ore rising moon, when Helen Latimer Pt 9 —— lor, where she learned that her father, to. nerves, had sought h& taken an opiate and couch. Thus the outburst of passion which she expected had been postponed, Her sister Bertha gave her a look tinctured with accusation, but did not her with complicity with Marion in the conversation that ensued be- tween them. B db above th Fe ge y the’ moon sepeated # —- d the sisters separated, Berth doir, and Helen remaining in the parlor on pretense of “reading herself to sleep.” , She was alone, and did not see in her fertile imag- pation the dark horse that galloped toward Aza- ea.
Page 4
) i 4 Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. Down a road not far from the one traveled by | Marion and his men to the plantation, dashed a hu- | man figure through the moonlight. A large do; jowed at the horse’s heels, and the pose of the figure in the saddle, the palmetto hat, and the long hair, proclaimed him Nick o’ the Night, The road inspots was fringed with trees which ‘threw dark shades over it, and made the youth doubly vigilant while in the patches of gloom. The horse was bearing him bravely along, when a harsh command to ‘‘stand”’ shot from one of the clumps of living fringe, and the night-rider sudden] drew rein and stop din the middle of the road, and at the e of the longest shadow! a caught you already!’ followed the com- “man These words were couched in tones of fiendish tri- “ay. “T told Pine we would meet again, Mr. Nick o’ the Night, and when I tell you that you robbed me of my dispatches last night, you know who I am! 1 is leveled at your head, and now is the otime for Jotham Nettleton of the King’s Horse to “take revenge. Iam going to scatter your rebel brains over moonshine and shadow!” CHAPTER IV. DRAGOON NETTLETON IS NETTLED. ArrTrr a moment's silence, Jotham Nettleton re- i Mick o' the Night, I'm going to scatter your brains 0’ the *m to scatter your over the moonshine and hadew " 4 The young partisan did not reply to this. Pa ens) gene a statue inthe saddle. His eyes were on the outlines of his enemy’s figure, which he could make out among the trees that cast their dense shadows across the narrow road. It was a moment of peril—a moment freighted with ! “ Aren’t you going to get ready for death?” asked the i, Sar Oo etunbed = the boy’s silence. m ly for what?” returned the captive, in a voice of well- “5 ae surprise. ng Is it possible that you have been asleep all this time? I will not believe it! You want to gain A strange smile passed over the young night-rider’s face, and without moving his head, he spoke his dog’s mame in a low tone. was crouched at the edge of the shadow that kissed Santee’s foremost hoofs. At the sound of his master’s voice he crawled into with Colonel Holly, who will entrap the accursed Swamp Fox before he returns, Twenty-five — dragoons are at the mansion now. I ama picket.” “Ah!” said Nick o’ the Night, as if he knew naught pring sae ne) visit to Azalea. ‘* You think you will capture arion?’ We will! I am not afraid to tell you this be- wh Pho hed hardly left the trooper’s li = a short, angry growl was heard in the » Ra An animal, huge and strong, had darted, panther- lik ~ ies earth, and seized the dragoon in his saddle Twas Whig! Acry of cerror pealed from Jotham Nettleton’s 4 and with the hand from which the unex. Soon onslaught had dashed the pistol, ne boldl seized the wolfish brute, and tried to shake him o But in vain! The dog held onto the arm which he thad seized with his teeth, and the soldier fancied that dj a5 : , Jotham Nettleton!”’ said the eae oor darting a look =~ triumph into the ? doo ° ‘08. s 5 nes issatisfaction, while his seized the scarlet “T ought to scatter your brains over moonshine and shadow,” he said, in a stern tone, that thor- ——, frightened Jotham Nettleton, who saw the m of a pistol not far from his ashy face. _ o’ the Night! Would you kill a pris- The youth laughed. The king’s trooper has turned supplicant, eh?” he tet haces ‘** Buta moment since he was going to acaptive. The tables have been turned, the captive is the master. I can slay or spare. On one ss ——- ag ay I do the latter.” 7 of hope lit up the dragoon’s eyes, Mame it!” : “You must swear to fight no longer against the A moment's silence followed. “TI am a British soldier; you fellows are rebels; George is m I have sworn to fight under ius ‘banner You woeld put r. You wo “T would.” ; “I cannot accept it,” the soldier said, with deter- me on a parole for & 3 a fol- | and mination. ‘I am not a prisoner of war. We do not recognize you as a belligerent; you are a brig- “Then I must kill you!” “Do it, and tell Balfour that Jotham Nettleton would not desert the royal cause.”’ Balfour was the commandant at Charleston. ae ea can’t kill such a devoted man,” said Nick o’ the Night. ‘I respect bravery, be it in my on enemy. Were you at Waxhaw Ureek “ es.”” ‘Under Tarleton?” ** Yeu." ‘“My father was killed there. I was at his side when he fell.” “Ah! that was a bloody battle.” “T have said that I would ae none of my = tives who fought there. But I cannot kill you, Jo- tham Nettleton. You will not accept m proffered parole. Under the same circumstances I would not accept one from you.” “I believe that, Nick o’ the Night.” The next instant the young partisan sat upright in his saddle again. “Dragoon Nettleton, you are free!” he said. “ Let me tell you something. Colonel Holly and his men are prisoners of war. While you have been picket here, Marion and his men have surrounded ea and captured the party.” “ The Old Harry!’ exclaimed the trooper. “No, the Swamp Fox,” said Nick o’ the Night, with a smile, and a merry twinkle of the eye. ef Every one captured?” “ Yes.’ “Holly should be cashiered and shot.” “No—promoted for preventing the effusion of blood by a gentlem surrender. Look at the moon, trooper; it is creepiftg zenithward. We must part. Do not attempt to follow me.” . ‘**T will not."’ The young stretched forth a hand, which the dragoon took with some show of reluctance. “* Are we enemies?” asked the boy. Yes,’ said the trooper. ‘I cannot forget that you robbed me of my dispatches, and me at head-quarters. I am a corporal, and the loss of my dispatches will cost me my stripes. Yes, we are enemies!” “Then enemies let us be,’’ was the reply. ‘‘Cor- poral Nettleton, good-night.” **Good-night, Nick o’ the Night; if somebody shoots your dog some night, know that I did it, for he has ruined my sleeve, and the imprint of his teeth is in my arm.” : The youth, who had started forward, suddenly turned and looked at the dragoon, “* Jotham Nettleton, if you. touch my dog I will not hesitate to shoot you down wherever I find you!”’ The trooper glanced at his torn sleeve, and then shot at the dog a look of er. BS be it,’ he said. “I am going to kill that og !”’ moment later Nick o’ the Night was ri away and one of the strangest rencontres of the Revolu- tion was at an end. The British corporal sat on his horse in the road | for many moments like a man in a dream. The startling events of the last few moments did not seem The sound of Santee’s hoofs, still distinct, assured him that the dreadest of the Carolinas, so lately in his power, was ne away the victor, and hisarm, through which ex- cruciating pains, told him that he had not dreamed. “His mercy makes me mad,” said the dragoon, “Twice I have been in his power, and as red me. Last night, when he rob- bed me of my dispatches, he let me go free; but the looks he eared and coment, whi gens he first spoke he started, an , While he my throat, he twisted his head forty a ile he stared into my face. Curse him! yes, blame the boy who must throw dogs 2% his enemies. I’ve not done with him yet!” The trooper paused abruptly and turned his atten- tion to his wounded arm. Seemingly not afraid of more enemies, he took off his cav jacket and bound up his bleeding mem- ber as he could with one hand. “If Holly has been captured, I must ride back to Dorchester alone. We ted to ride back with Marion and his men,’’ and the corporal could not repress a laugh. Then, having recovered his pistol from the ground, he rode away. Meanwhile Nick o’ the Night was riding toward Azalea, the scene of the capture of Colonel Holly and his men. He did not gloat over his triumph. On the con , his head rested on his breast and he seemed to be busy with perplexing thoughts. EE ose too Re Reon he said at “T[’m going to as length, scarcely Sone a whisper. ‘So like, yet so tte? I can’t get him out of my mind.” Then the lips remained closed, and_ the ride was continued in silence. By and by he left the road and galloped toward the river, which flowed very near to the mansion of Azalea, and 2 breeze that suddenly struck the bag | partisan’s face, was laden with the perfume o azaleas and magnolia blossoms. The horse gave alow \ pore delight when he saw the moonlit waters of the ley, and very soon he was bearing his young master down the pictur- esque bank. “Here we are!” said Nick o’ the Night, suddenly drawing rein beneath the blossomy limbs of a giant At his “feet flowed the river whose ——_ water Whig was lapping with delight, and Santee, impa- | | tient for his rider to dismount, coveted the dog’s freedom with wistful eyes. Nicholas Brandon sprung to the ground a moment after the halt. re a 1’ he called, in a low,.cautious tone. “ ic’ i ed There was a step deeper in the shadows, and the next moment the partisan stood face to face with Helen Latimer. He took with eagerness the white hand that was put forth in greeting, and looked into the sparkling eyes of the beautiful girl. “Marion did it gallantly!” she said. ‘“ Not one of Holly’s men escaped.” “Marion does all his deeds gallantly,” the yotith answered, with a “But I am dying to ask you a question. Helen, did you ever have a lee a irl started, and her dark bl e young girl s and her ue eyes, filled with wonderment.” ” “T never had a brother,’’ she said. CHAPTER Y.. A FRACAS IN KING GEORGE'S FAMILY. Leavine Nick o’ the Night and Helen Latimer at the giant tree, called Latty’s Magnolia, let us seek other scenes, that we may introduce to the reader’s notice a new character, who is destined to add excit- ope to our rae! & was near midnight on the self-same night of Holly’s capture that two horsemen crossed the Ash-; ley about miles below Dorchester. ey seemed in haste, for they did not give their’ horses time to quench their thirst in the shimmering water; but were pricking them continually with the , spur and urging them on. i Once across the river they —— toward the old | fort, the challenge of whose wakeful sentries was; soon heard. To the cry of “who comes there?” one of the horsemen replied: a on and son. We want to see the commandant immediately.” The sentry told the night-riders that the gates { | the son, bitterly. should be opened at once, and with scarce a minute's delay the twain disappeared beyond the portals of the nearest sally. “Now tell the commandant that we are here on im t business.”’ r’s tone was imperative. Colonel King was roused from his dreamful slum- bers, and presently received his late visitors-in the little audience room of his quarters. “You come late, but are not unwelcome,” he said, with a courteous smile, as he gras the hands of his callers. “ Am I to understand that important. business brings you here?” “You are,” answered the. elder of the twain, a tall, muscular man of fifty and five.. “Holly is ec p- tured {” Colonel King’s face suddenly deadly pale; he for breath as he sta from the speaker, an e a man suddenly attacked, laid his hand on the hilt of his sword. “Tmpossible!”’ he cried. : “What is impossible with Francis Marion?’ said “Colonel King, it is the same old story. Buta few hours since the Swamp Fox rode . our plantation, and Colonel Holly was at his e “You may have guessed wrongly. Marion may The elder Wingdon laughed. os since, then, you would have stood face to eatd, ‘addressing Coltmer king... “Holly has “heen on b() EO! n es - Vat Azalea cet in d stam one groun rage, and s' ed the floor madly with his slippered feet, ‘‘ Can nothing be done?” he cried. “Must we see our de- tachments cut to pieces and destroyed by such rascals as Marion and Sumter? Our secret e i- tions are known to them almost hefore they have been decided on in counci!. We must put a stop to their inhuman rav: m this hour, gentlemen, I devote my energies—every one—to: the annihila- tion of these pests. The capture of General Holly,- my old com on in arms, rouses the lion in my bosom. I give no rest to a) none to my mind, until the district wherein I have the honor to serve our king has been cleansed of Marion and The colonel spoke with soldierly emphasis, and. with the utterance of the last word his sword fell heavily across the council table. “That is right! Weare with you!’ said the elder Wingdon. “But if we could e the actual cause. of our late discomfitures.”’ King gave the speaker an inquiring look. “To whom do you refer?” he ask “To that accursed boy—that spy whom they call Nick o’ the Night.’ ; The colonel’s bro 7 darkened. icht eh oe ae almost seen ee, n e plundered a messenger from urge, and sent him di hless on his journey. Three nights since he led a party of rebels upon Waverly’s omen on the Santee, and decimated its Ss. ou see, I remain in ignorance con: the orders from O eburg, for that young villain has my pa- pers. Gentlemen, I want to t boy! dead?’ asked Wi “Yes; but I wo I “Whether you hang him or not, his day of vandal-' ism.is drawing toa ’ replied the youth, a apace 3 and not unhandsome Jad of seventeen. ‘ This night. | TI have taken an oath that Nick o’ the Night shall not. enjoy his triumph long.”
Page 5
we —— —_ —vooe Nick o’ the Night. 5 grasping the member which young Wingdon thrust orward with rict of his pres- ence, and I will give you a captain’s commission in the king’s army. Colonel King is a soldier of honor.” “I know that! I hate that young rebel because he has interfered in my affairs.’ ““What! has he stolen your best horse?” King ayes with a smile, and a cunning look at the father. “ oO bb ‘*Meddled with your love affairs, then?’ Essex Wingdon smiled and nodded. “Yes,”’ answered the youth, a blush his ““T need not keep such things from you, Col- face. onel King. More than one year ago I met and loved Helen Latimer, the daughter of the stanch loyalist who owns Azalea. For a while I fancied that my love was returned, when an accident occurred that dissipated my fancies. Nicholas Brandon, the young brigand, saved her life and she has cl to him. More than that: I believe that she has furnished him valuable information concerning the movements of joyal detachments, which information he has, of course, communicated to the rebel leaders.” **A rebel in Latimer'’s household? that is bad,” said the commandant. e last speaker was the elder Wingdon. “That is true,’ said King; “these rebel women are shrewd ones. So ona 0 she remains at Azalea she will communicate with this rascally boy.” The youth looked frog Sis oom: it to his pa- rent. longer play the s dhe intoomad hor ler of Colonel Holly’s arrival at the plantation.” ““Would you remove her without Hugh Latimer’s consent?” asked the son. “Of course he will consent,’’ was the reply. ‘He anything hates treason, and will do he can to assist rushing this rebellion.”’ “T like the plan,” said . “The be well cared for here, and you,” to the youth, “can make love to her under the protection o ritish caster Wingdon smiled and blushed. ** So it is setth The is to be removed to Dor- chester as soon as possible.” * And Nick o’ the Night run to earth!” said the Tory youth, emphasis. “By whom?” “ By me—Lan Wingdon!" ** And Jotham Nettleton!” The last sentence startled the trio. With one accord they and stared at the man who had flung wide the door, and was i hreshold. It was dragoon Nettleton. His appearance was enough to startle the trio to whom he had unexpectedly manif His f. A and gownet wen nary ee ression. arm hung like a culprit rae, and the torn sleeve told of the work of teeth or briers. There were dark stains on the scarlet that resembled blood, Colonel King was the first of the conclave who fognd his Cage. *“*Where did you come from?” he asked of Nettle- ‘ton. “From the immediate vicinity of Azalea.” “Ts Holly taken?” “ Yes!”"’ * Tell us all about it corporal."’ sees on she peal Wika eho tba cket on w. 0 wam ox Hid not take. I heard nothing of it, so did he do his work.” “ But your sleeve!” “T’'m coming to that. Give a fellow time to breathe between sentences. I wenn Hee, Isaid. I stopped Nick o’ the Night. I cov: him with the best pis- oe Carolina, but his dog saved him.” d “His dog! The brute leaped upon me, and his +e Didu’s yous + ae - *t you see the if = Unfortuna I had no eye where my left ear \ Nettleton with sarcasm, “I want “The boy, you mean.” deal But of course I will hunt the boy, “Give me your hand, Corporal Nettleton,” ex- Ja lancamee Wingdon. mR We'll hunt him to- er.” But the dragoon shrunk from the extended hand, while he gave its owner a look of disdain. “T don't want to bad 1 ee he said, incumbe a boy!” perhe last sentence was rounded off with a cutting Lawceater Wing.lon’s face instantly flushed with a boy?” he retorted. “I'm your equal, Corporal Oy equal?’ nd the trooper hed. “We : * a — re you -y in the presence of the commandant I'd give you a troun Tei The eyes of the Tory boy flashed fire at this, and the next moment he fuming with passion be- fore the dragoon. “I'm your equal in everything save years!” he cried. “You are a coward! J never permitted a boy of sixteen to rob me of tches. You should be flogged before the garrison or cowardly acts, un- | becoming a soldier of the king. I'll warrant that the story you have told is a trumped-up one—that you basely deserted Colonel Holly to-night—that you—” The sentence was broken by dragoon Nettleton’s | clenched hand. | ing itself with emphasis between the | eyes, sent him reeling like a | It shot out suddenly from his shoulder, and, Sawai young Tory’s across the room|! “I’m not a coward!” cried the trooper, seeing Es- sex Wingdon draw his sword, and dart him a malig- nant look. ‘* Nobody shall me such in vain. That boy is no match for Nick 0’ the Night, who is one of the shrewdest foxes in the State. Give me a chance and I will outwit him. I have that chance now. I wap him, for I have met him.” “ jar !’ , The speaker was Lancaster Wingdon, who had risen and was coming forward. Jotham Nettleton not struck hard. He could have knocked the young partisan senseless with the yy of no great power, For the commandant’s sake, he had given his visitor a comparatively light blow; therefore the quick recovery was not a sur- Z “T say you lie!” ted the youth, roun the table before Colonel King and father could inter- ahand. “I'll have your blood for this, cow- Nettleton stepped forward. rd !” shot from between his clench- ed teeth, and with a blow that was truly a blow he sent the young Tory like a thunderbolt against the With an oath the father darted forward; but Col- onel King sprung between the combatants, and waved his hand toward the door. “Not here, gentlemen,”’ he said; “‘ not here/” The next minute Jotham Nettleton was gone. CHAPTER VI. A COWARDLY SHOT. WE now return to the youthful twain whom we left, at the close of a ing chapter, beneath the f limbs of Latty’s olia. Helen Lai r’s eg full of wonder- ment when she asked the boy a question. % pb Be you ask whether I had a brother, Nick? I tho Bertha ; pe orn ee ve ter!’ said Nick o’ the Night. “They are hawks whose wi should be clipped. For a shilling Td ride after them and take both down to Marion.’ He made a move as if to carry out his words, when Helen touched his arm. “Stay!” she said. ‘Let the Tory father and his young hotspur of a son go home unmolested. I do not get to see you often, Nick; so let us have our talk out.” He watched the riders until they were hid from view afar in the moonlight, and then turned to the girl again. It was mo! by the measurement of though myriads of stars still shone in the sky, when Helen Latimer with, perhaps, a kiss on her radiant forehead, stole from the river bank, and re-entered the old mansion of Azalea under cover of the oak | trees’ shad | | mation, the boy dread | hated b ’ : t you knew that and I are father’s | sole c nr The young partisan hesitated, and his face colored beneath her look, “‘T have been dreaming,” he answered at length. ‘* When a person same dream three times he is apt to think of it.”’ e not tell the fair girl of the suspicions he H had lately formed. “So you have dreamed three times that I had a brother?” she said, with a smile. ‘ What if your dreams be true?” He laughed and told her that he had never believed | in dreams, and for the time the subject was dis- Helen then narrated the story of Colonel Holly's at Azalea. “Oh! it was rious to see that haughty man fling his sword at Marion's feet,”’ she cried, with en- thusiasm. “You know Holly is so tall, and prone 4 Fox looked like a boy in stood in the door and demanded surrender.” ‘But, Helen, do you think that the colonel would have struck you if Captain Clayton had not sprung before him?’ “T cannot say, but Holly was very mad. I feel that I am indebted to the gallant aeune ey “He is not my enemy,” said Nick o’ Night, with pride. “He is Bertha's lover.” wives in America?” bt Sige, but will find graves.” “Yes. This fair State is dotted with the graves of friend and foe to- and the lovers of the “Never!” exclaimed the youth. “Never! while W: m leads the armies of freedom. Helen, America has forever broken the shackles of British slavery, and ere oy, Boe stand before the world free and clothed in the uty of the new life. By and by we will sheathe our swords, and with one accord salute the flag that we follow day and night.” She cast ay am | patriot a look of admiration and her eyes hed as the glowing sentences fell ri from his lips. elen Latimer was proud of the boy who pro- fessed to love her. After awhile he told her that Hugh Latimer had discovered the post-office in the tree, and they were de a course of communication for the future, when a low growl from the dog made them start. Whig was standing on all fours, and, with bristles — looking toward the ford that lay a short ce down the stream. There were two objects in the center of the Ashley, and they were advancing slowly toward the on which the youthful lovers stood. “I know them,” Helen suddenly whispered. “‘ Es- sex Wingdon and his son.” “Which one?” ** Lancaster.” ht—the soldiers of freedom are sp Soepnt “ Ah! those gallant Tories have been to Dorches- Susser’ ~ Father says we will be | e, She had left the boy outlawed by British procla- ed by even Lord Rawdon, and every British soldier in South Carolina. She did not dream that she would soon be an i- | mate of a British fort—a prisoner in sight, almost, of her own home! Nick o’ the Night mounted Santee pf after Helen Latimer’s departure, and took the lately "Wingdos Hall, thelr ect not far distant, on , their estate, was ar and the youth rode toward it at a brisk op. reverted to As he hurried over the road his the renconter with Corporal Nettleton. He could not forget the ney whose face had been photographed on the tablets of his m 4 It was per that he bore a striking resemblance Helen timer; his eyes were soft and deep like hers; he had her mouth, and his voice a ae Me e I could not proven, | the boy said at last, while his horse bore ™m tow W on “ He looks so much like Helen. I wonder if Hugh Latimer noted semblance, while the trooper tarried at Azalea as a member of Colonel Holly’s detachment? He may call Helen his child; he may swear that Latimer blood courses through her delicate v but he lies. The Latimer blood is thick with love, blind devotion to the English king; Helen's blood is warmed by the love of and her heart beats fast when she th a man- “T was Mi looking beautiful in the fast was on 00 ut fading moonlight, and beneath the golden stars. It was the home of the Wingdons, who rejoiced | when Tarleton won the infamous victory at Waxhaw mw and at whose Lords Cornwallis and Rawdon had drank to the health of King George the Third. The first Wingdon who came to America cavalier, by’s field, where the banners of the unfortunate Charles I. fled before the ensigns erished long loyalty to the royal cai and ly raceat tegen bioaptins eee ee land in the new world, he found his heart's oe the banks of the , where he erected man- sion. A devotee of monarchy, in whose cradle he the had been rocked, is it a wonder that he adhered to the royal cause during the Revolution, and that two of his sons actually drew their swords by the side of Cornwallis, and swore to assist in the suppression of American rebellion? Lancaster, his y son, with a heart full of loyalty, wanted to follow his brothers’ exam but to remain at home much his was ed desires and resolves. He wasa youth whose parti- sanship was very bitter, and the ec al who has wit- neneed an exhibition of his passion, has no doubt dubbed him a true descendant of young Hotspur. “Yonder’s a nest of Tories,” Nick. o’ the Night finds himself risoner, hot-headed son of his, ha like to They say he is so strong!” _The horse ha reached a road that led to the right, turned in direction, and the youth smiled approval BB ay Bd mn d = ane: affeation- as m r,” and as n- a4 porn had. t ow ice from his e D moment a loud voice over shoulder cried “ Halt!” _ Whoo the Night Wie oe antic I = ° t, if you do no "ll firet” “Fire and be hanged! Freedom forever!" The boy shouted these words when turned half noes - the saddle, with his spurs increasing San- ‘s A moment of silence followed the sound of the es th ep hip-like report of a rifle, mn came the , Ww e rt a — _ ——— suddenly over the young parti- Surely be had been struck, for he reeled like a wounded man in the saddle, and fell forward on the horse’s neck! “Faster! faster! Santee!” he cried to his steed, whose b poms ears caught the words couched in ae- camp. Oh! Lancaster Wingdon, if f live teil one : ve you Por this cowardly shot!” Sti
Page 6
| : 1 } ' ' | » 6 spurs were red with blood. It was Lancaster Wingdon, the young Tory, and | is ball had | he was pursuing the boy whom he knew wounded. But Santee was a horse of tried mettle, and the Tory youth soon found that he pursued in vain, and gave up the chase. He saw the dark horse disappear before he turned toward the old loyalist, who awaited his return with much nelotspg, “Tve settled accounts with Nick o’ the mY ye at last,” he said with triumph. ‘‘ Not only have I done the royal cause great service, but I have removed a dangerous rival. Now, no person stands between me and Helen Latimer!’ As he rode back he moved his hand over his face, which appeared much swollen, and then felt the back of his head. “T can’t decide,” he said, with a smile, ‘ which hurt the worse—Nettleton’s fist or the wall. It ap- pears to me that Colonel King’s walls are uncom- monly hard.” The laugh he gave had a melancholy sound, and a moment later he hissed these words: “* Jotham Nettleton, if you were Lord Cornwallis Td pay you for your dastardly blow. When you ‘ struck me you trampled on a scorpion that will . butt ” after a brief pause. i ‘ 4 ! j sting ou to death! You may live to kill the dog, but ve killed the master!’ Rejoicing over the result of his shot, Lancaster on assured his father that Nick o’ the Night would neyer annoy the royal cause again, CHAPTER, VII. A CHANGE OF RESIDENCE. Ir was mo: when Hugh Latimer recovered from the effects of the opiate, and left his couch. His sleep had been isturbed by weird dreams, and his face looked pale and haggard. The events of the vient just P eospirame avd capture of Colonel Hol- ly, and the branding of Helen as a traitress—did not recur to him when he opened his eyes and began to collect his thoughts. His first act was the summoning of a colored ser- vant to his room. ** Has the colonel risen yet?’’ The eyes of the black suddenly distended, and filled with a ludicrous look of incredulity. “De cunnel, massa? Why, hab you forgotten dat de Swamp Fox done took ’im away last ty”’ The next moment Hugh Latimer’s mind was itself again, and with an exclamation of chagrin he waved the slave aside and was alone once more. “Yes, yes!” he hissed, clenching his hands till the nails bi the whitened Beret “That accursed Marion did ride down here night, and rob me of my guests. He alwnyscomes like a thief in the night, for he never fights like a Christian and a gentleman. To-night we were to have fallen onhim in his lair; Fe game is ey now. What will they say of this disaster at Dorchester?” the To ed himself, “F romised ‘King that Colonel Holly should deliver the Swamp Fox into his hands. They =, think that I am a rebel, sailing under false colors. I must go in personto the fort, and clear m skirts of suspicion. To some the case may look dar against me, but I swear that King George can boast of no adherent more loyal to his crown than Hugh Latimer!” He uttered a truth that none who knew him dare question. After a while he left his chamber and hastened to the eastern of the mansion where his knuckes repose lightly, but with a sign of impatience, on a oor. was answered by the opening of the door, and he stood face to face with Helen, whose fair cheeks were paler than usual. She retreated involuntarily from the look he cast upon her, as he stepped across the threshold, and _shut the door with an an sweep of the hand. “*T want to talk with you!’’ he said, and as the last word dro) from his lips he seized her arm and drew her ‘ard him. ‘Helen Latimer, you have disgraced the man who has provided _a shelter for our head since the days of your babyhood. You have'played the role of a Py beneath the roof of Azalea; you have furnished the rebel brigands with valuable’ information, and last night your double dealing culminated in a new disgrace to the royal eause. I ought to turn you over to the tender mer- cies of Colonel Balfour, or, Brutus-hke, make my slaves punish you as you deserve in my Fade I curse the day that brought you into the world, spy, traitress, despoiler of the name of Latimer!” Pils eyes flashed like the orbs of the maddened tiger, and while the hot epithets of his last sen- tence fell from his lips, he shook the yo girl till her teeth chattered, like those of an ague-stricken person, “Last night!’ Helen Latimer cried, when she found that she could use her tongue. “What did I do to b about the surprise of Colonel Holly?” i t did you not do, you Spying girl?” cried the Tary. ‘‘ You communicated with that young ED of Satan, Nick o’ the Night; you told him that Holly and men were here!” “I dare you to the proof!” Helen answered, with an air of triumph. ‘I did not communicate with him onthe subject. He discovered the game by the as- sistance e Tory girl’s arm. one Hugh Latimer.” and his gripe tightened on the Beadle’s Half-Dime But his rider sat bolt upright in the saddle, and his | “No, lies, girl!’”’ he cried, threateningly. “You shall have none,’’ was the firm reply. ‘Night before last you rode from Dorchester with Sere Clayton. ile in the avenue of oaks, you talked about Colonel Holly’s expedition, You were overheard.” ‘By whom?” he asked, with a sneer. ‘By Nick o’ the Night!” The next instant Helen’s arm was released. ‘Was that spying boy so near?” “He might have touched you with his sword.” ** How did you learn this?” She hesitated, and her eyes, beneath his accusing | loo _ to the Ftc ON Rees Pag “Tell me!’’ he c , Springing forward, ‘“‘ who told you all this?” A She looked up, with a proud light in her eyes that made him angrier than ever. ‘The boy himself.” “Nick o’ the Night?” o Yes.”’ e ‘ ‘Sir, Iam not obliged to answer inquiries I deem gx ot nent,”’ she reed ir, to me?” hissed the Tory, maddened beyond | control. c ‘Sir, to your father, whose English heart is wrung by your Sagtarsly betrayal of the cause of his king! Helen Latimer, I could fling you against yon wall and crush out your rebellious life. will put an end to the rebellious plans that have been matured beneath my roof, The day of your treason has drawn to a close. I have put up with it until driven to the verge of the precipice of ruin; I must turn and strike it down to save the honored name of Latimer. I command you not to stir from this house to-day. My men will watch you—my men whom your uty and your gold cannot bribe. He- len Latimer, I ou slept with your mother, whose grave is unmarked because it is unkown!” The last words fell from his white lips with the sound of water dropping on red-hot steel, and his countenance was the tion of hate and mad- ness. Still it did not prevent the fair young object of his dislike from springing toward him as he turned on his heel, before the echoes of his final word had died in the room, ; ““My mother!” she cried; ‘‘ tell me about my mo- ther! Hugh Latimer, until this day I have never heard you speak of her. I have dreamed of her, and while 1 dreamed I felt penile fingers in my hair, and kisses on my forehead. I have longed to know of her. Tell me how old I was when Heaven robbed me of her loye?”’ “Her love!” hissed Hugh Latimer, ti sud- denly upon the girl, who confronted him with out- stretched arms. “Your mother never loved you, Helen Latimer; to the day of her death she hated you.” j The youn: 1 groaned. «Twill ne Sie ou!’ she cried. ‘‘ You are torturing my heart with falsehood. But enough. If you will not tell me about her who gave me birth, you will not refuse to tell meif lever had a brother?’ The Tory started like a man sudd accused of a crime which had in secret been co tted. “Who told you to ask these questions?” he cried. “Tf you had a brother, what is it to you?” “The satisfaction of knowing it. I now know. that [hada brother.” _ ‘“You had!” exclaimed the Tory; ‘but he is as dead as Chelsea!’’ and with the last word he turned for the second time and shut the door in her face. ‘*Nick’s dream is more than a dream,’’ Helen said before Hugh Latimer’s feet had ceased to sound in the corridor. ‘I had ay ther once; but he says tliat he is dead. Shall I believe him? He hated my ee why, then, would*he not lie about my rother?”’ She walked to the couch from which she had late- ly risen, and threw herself upon it to brood in silence and with hidden face over the events of the last few moments, As for the Tory, he went below, swallowed a hasty breakfast, and rode from Azalea unattended. About noon he returned, and ordered the ebon hostler to saddle two horses, “Put Helen’s saddle on Chestnut,’’ he said, then resigned his own steed into the servant's charge and entered the mansion. Despite the Tory’s efforts to remain composed, his nervousness betrayed him. He directed his steps to Helen’s boudoir, the door of which he geened pee peretachy. and found 1é young embroidering at the ow. se: Holes faueerr She started at the sound of his voice, and the needlework almost dropped from her hand. “You are going to take a ride with me,” he con- tinued. ‘Ask no questions now, for I will not an- swer you; but put on your riding-habit and be at “he aT eating the pl inset of en he pear eav e a state o bewilderment, in which she confusedly tried to guess the destination of her coming journey, With her mind full of conjectures, she donned a neat and somewhat costly riding-habit, and met Hugh Latimer at the mounting block at the edge of the porch below. He greeted her with a smile that praised her dis- patch, and without a word assi her into the silken saddle on the back of Chestnut, her favorite orse, “Where is your mistress, Bertha?” she asked a servant, who was looking on with wondering eyes. © ‘““We cannot wait,’ the Tory said, tartly. ‘‘ You will come back by and by, and then you will see Bertha, often,” Library. A moment later Hugh Latimer spoke to his horse,, and rode from the mansion with Helen by his side. | _ He was morose and thoughtful, and the girl, fear- ful of causing an outburst of passion, did not speak, She felt that the present strange ae , had result- ed from the Tory’s morning ride, when they crossed a certain murmuring tributary of the Ash- ley, she began to believe that Fort Dorchester was her destination, At last, as if to confirm her belief, the British greeted her vision, and half an hour later she enter at the sally-port, and found herself observed and ad- mired by the soldiers that lag se the garrison. During the ride from Azalea she had not exchanged. a single word with her conductor. But when they drew near to Colonel King’s quarters she unséaled her lips. ou not afraid to bring me here? I might “ Are tell a on the strength and situation of the garri- son!” She spoke in a sarcastic tone, and there was a mis- chievous twinkle in her dark eyes. “Afraid? No!” said the Tory, with a triumph that, like a prisoner, suddenly burst its bonds. “Helen Latimer, until I see fit take you back to | Azalea, Fort Dorchester is to be your home. You are a prisoner under the eye of Colonel King!” The terrible truth flashed upon Helen’s mind be- | fore he had finished, or She was a prisoner in a British fort! ut I | A moment’s silence followed the Tory’s last tri- umphant sentence, and Helen was about to reply,. when Colonel King was seen advancing toward them.. The commandant was clad in full unif®rm, and bowed with the e of a cavalier to the girl, who | could not but admire his faultless form and features. ‘Here is the rebel I spoke of this morning,” said the Tory, smiling. ‘‘ Miss Helen Latimer!” OLD ENEMIES WILL MEET. Hewen LATImMER’s imprisonment was followed by a number of days devoid of exciting interest. It-is true that the red-coats chased partisans and vice versa; but nothing worthy of notice in the lives of several of our characters occ 3 Helen could not complain of ill-treatment at the hands of Colonel King. He was a polite officer who had a family in England, and who showed his cap- tive many little favors because she reminded him of his own youngest daughter. Still he was quite strict, but — watched: by one so kind, with argus eye,. Helen did not murmur, A rumor of Nick o° the Night’s death reached Dor- chester several days after the girl’s delivery over to- the garrison. ‘ Colonel King at first 7 corgi no credence in the re- port, and Jotham Nettleton, the dragoon, laughed when he heard it. But, by and by circumstances | ene coloring to the story, which at length reached. elen Latimer’s ears. Couriers traversed the country between Oran burg and Dorchester without molestation, and = es from Rawdon, who was concentrating his orces near Camden in the north, came through with © safety. As if to confirm the reports, Colonel Holl and his men, paroled by Marion, returned to the old’ town. They declared that the boy had not been seen for five days, and the colonel that a hostile bullet had terminated his adventurous career, : “Tf he is dead, why don’t his slayer come forward’ and his deed?” m Ne ettleton woul exclaim. “TI tell you boys, at I don’t believe a word of it; and to prove that he is living I will agree to hunt him up and enlighten you with the truth.” At last there remained in Dorchester but two sons who refused to believe the well-substantia: ports of the young ——e *s death, They were Helen Latimer and the dragoon. Lancaster Wingdon, who, as the reader will recol- lect, fired the shot that stretched Nick o’ the Night on his horse’s neck, visited the fort on the day that followed Helen’s incarceration. ; He was rised to learn that Hugh Latimer had anticipated own plan of ng the young girl to the fort, for the purpose of enting her from get valuable information to eo ots, and he- wasp d to know that the Tory ' ter into his own hands. ct credence to the rumors of his rival’s death, but not father the fatal moonlight shot. As he came to Dorchester as Helen’s lover, he did’ not wish her to know that he was responsible for the ainful reports. By and by he could come out open- ly and receive praise for his deadly aim. He felt ry Te- certain that his ball had wrought speedy death, and ° it was with difficulty that he could keep his triumph from Colonel King. But he was afraid to make that officer his confidant, and so he came often to the town and fort, telling no one his secret. ee these visits he did not encounter Corporal ettleton. There existed a hatred between these two persons: — that increased as the days waned, and Colonel Kin, looked at the yo Tory’s visits with much uneasi- ness. He feared that the two enemies would meet again, and that deadly blows would be the rerult.. » erefore, he took care to keep Lancaster Wingdon at his head-quarters during his brief sojourn at the. - fort, in order that he might not encounter the man Nowy he hated with all the bitterness of the human eart. The corporal despised the Tory house. The epithets which he had bestowed burned in his heart, and he was but biding his time. “ He called me coward, and for that word I'll wring: . his neck!’ the dra, He did not open m said, time after time. e flood-gates of his wrath to the that Marion feared ° t taken the mat- ‘ outhful scion of the
Page 7
Nick o’ the Night. 7 7 commandant, but there were a few members of the garrison who knew how he longed to punish the young Tory. These were men who did not like Lan- easter Wi on, who, they were wont to say, was too cowardly to take up arms for the king. Thus the reader has seen that the youth possessed enemies who fought for King George—men who hated him for his name and social station. , . Dragoon Nettleton was a braye man. He threw off his scarlet uniform, put aside his British sword ' and scoured the country in citizen’s dress for Nick o’ the Night. He rode alone down roads frequent- ed by Sumter’s troopers and followed _Marion’s dar- ing raiders across fields and over hills. Now and then he would ride into Dorchester, where, after a day’s rest he would spring into the saddle, and ride forth intent upon solving the uncertainty that hung over Nicholas Brandon’s fate. The Set ine of Lancaster Wingdon’s visit to Dor- chester did not escape the corporal’s penetration. He saw that he came in the capacity of a lover, and that Helen did not return the adoration that he of- fered on the altar of her beauty. “The girl don’t like Tories, my young fellow,” the trooper would often say. ‘In the private opinion of Corporal Nettleton of the Royal Horse, she thinks much of that wild boy who they say is dead. I am of a mind to constitute myself her guardian, just for the pu e of kicking that young king’s man for persecuting her with nce.’ One starlit night saw Jotham Nettleton’s horse drinking in the middle of a ford. The man that filled the saddle did not resemble the dragoon. He was clad in a countryman’s shabby dress, and an uncouth sand-colored beard hid much of his face. He wore a sword whose blade had been fashioned from a saw by the strong a of some patriot smith, — a rough-looking pistol stuck in a heavy leathern t He looked like a san—a Tory—but despite his looks he was Jct Nettleton, the good-looking oo of the royal army. y this startling metamorphosis? Why was he alone in the middle of the ey, e the bullet of some ally of the very cause he served? acta solution of the mystery will soon be known to the er. The hour was late, and the disguised trooper was about to advance when he heard a voice on the bank which he had lately left. Then there was a step in the water, and Jotham Nettleton glanced over his shoulder, He saw a horseman in the ford, and the plashing of weer aeeg ed ae m a renconter could not be avo “Tf he be a rebel I'll hob-nob with him,” he mur- mured. “If he be a Tory I'll frighten him out of his wits.”’ Unconscious, as it seemed, of the dragoon’s prox- imity, the new-comer advanced across the stream, and all at once stopped to allow his. horse to quench is , Jotham Nettleton could have touched him with his sword. He was 2 hy as that the night-rider had not no- ticed him. as he asleep in the saddle? Below the twain flowed the lucent waters of South Carolina's historic river, and the ctars over their heads were ected in the bosom of the stream. e ‘s horse saw the steed that drank near by, but did not manifest his presence with the usual salutation—a whinny. e seemed to know that his master desired silence, and his look at the other horse and his rider was big with equine curiosity. Souhee, Nettleton never took his eyes from the person who sat so near him in the starlight, and when he saw him gather up the reins which had he on the neck of his steed, he raised his right The next moment the two men we re together, and the trooper had jerked the other from his saddle. “T've made ood catch!” he cried, in triumph. “Tt isn’t ev t that a patriot can secure such game. I don't want your horse,” and he struck his captive’s steed with his spur, and saw him gallop through the water and down the dim bank. “You're one of the meanest Tories in these parts,” the oon continued, holding his prisoner with a gripe of iron. “ Your father serves the king like a man, but you go about the country insul the very men who crossed the ocean to stand between four dirty neck and rebel ropes. Lancaster Ngo don, I've a mind to fling you into the water and ride sa ha th Tory, who did not * Mere e ; reco; 4 eRe aed ace the features of his old otham Nettleton. “I am rad prisoner. treated as a the dragoon ed p touch of the epare, d a minute later they were on 3 as Do you see yon light?” asked the trooper, point- ing toward a li bt that looked like a star. ‘®]T do. It is the lamp in my father’s library.” ahem pat is right,” _ Nettlerrn with a smile. “ Did that er ever Ww ou?” Lancaster Wingdon ave his captor a look of in- on, ‘My back has never felt the rod,” he answered, with a certain glow of pride. “Then it shall feel it!” said the dragoon. ‘“ Here isatree. I have the cords.” The young Tory’s face flushed at the threatened castigation, and he ground his teeth with - able rage when the trooper dismounting set him on the ground. “ Are you really going to whip me?” “Tam. Take off your coat!’ Lancaster Wingdon hesitated, but the hand of his enemy was on his shoulder, and he sullenly obeyed the command. Then the dragoon produced some strong cords from an inner pocket, and bound his indignant vic- tinfi to the eee tree that grew on the bank. During the process of binding, not a word passed between the twain, and the brief silence that fol- lowed the task was painful in the extreme. It was broken by Jotham Nettleton, who held seve- ral stout withes in his right hand, “Are you ready?’ he asked his captive. Lancaster Wingdon did not reply. A moment later the air was cut by the descending withes, which fell heavily on the young Tory’s back. Again and again they struck the dragoon’s victim. with a force that made the tender flesh quiver, and redden the skin with blood. Lancaster Wingdon did not groan. He held his on deny cheek the tree, and gritted his teeth till they threatened to burst. “There!” exclaimed the dragoon, throwing the broken withes at his feet. ‘“‘I have given youa first- class sen pony 2 You may go home and tell old Es- sex Wingdon how I p ed you for your impu- dence. Don’t cross my path again. It may not bea trouncing next time.” It was with difficulty that the young man could stand when his persecutor released him from the tree, and the n. janahed to see his exhaustion. “ Good-night, ir. Wingdon!” he said, with mock civility. “ eB hide is soon tanned. I will see Nick o’ the Nigh ere long, and I'll tell him how I trounced you. Lancaster Wingdon gave the disguised dragoon a look of inveterate hatred and revenge, and saw him In.after days Jotham Nettleton the fruits of the seed which he sowed that night on the banks of the starlit Ashley. When the morning dawned he came insight of a dense wood which he boldly penetrated. He did not es far before he was halted by a horseman, who- inquired concerning destination. “T want to fight with Francis Marion for liberty,” he replied to the queries. “ Freedom swords now, and I come to offer my humble but trusty weapon to the Swamp Fox.” ‘The picket, after giving Jotham Nettleton a look of scrutiny put out his han “T welcome you, fellow,” he said. “We needa few more good swords, an A bog arm looks strong.”* “Tt can drive my sword to a red-coat’s shoul- ders!’ said the trooper. ‘‘ Marion has but to try me to find me true metal.” *“ We'll see the general,” A few moments later Jotham Nettleton of the Royal Horse fo himself in one of Francis Ma- rion’s beg od e patriots he acted well the role he was ying, th, c and by he stood face to face with Marion, whose eagle Ss seemed to read the very secrets of his reast. amount his horse and ride away. en CHAPTER IX. A SCENE IN MARION'S CAMP, Niaeur in the partisan conp. It was Marion’s camp in the center of the dense pag where we left Jotham Nettleton, who, as illiam Laurens, had enrolled himself in the patriot ranks. The men were scattered throughout the little en- fag Pisthle ant thatoctine ophide: eitia ich Hie ng p an swo while o cussed the p of and wondered when their leader wo call them to the saddle for an- other nocturnal in £ Marion himself sat near.a ‘smoldering fire, interes- ted, as it seemed, in the roasting of some tempting ang: ry which Congo’s swarthy hands had nto the admixture of ashes and coals. Near him sat one of his t sub-lieutenants, who watched his leader's face, which in the light of the fire was a study. Careworn and h , it was: but now and then the dark eyes would with the light of bat- tle. With his eyes wide open, Marion was thinking of go mp ee , he was dreaming of the cap- ture and the gallant chase. : Over this scene a sky dark bu’ dotted with stars. The ae ten was one of the fortresses of Ameri- cane Y, and its inmates were the heroes who “; band is few, but true and tried, Our er and bold; The Britis soldier trembles ood greenwood, Our tent the forest tree; We know the forest round us As seamen know the sea; asa its DB iccie of thorny vines, glades grass, Its safe eo silent ds Within the dark morass.” Little did those gallant patriots dream that their deeds were to own to the “latest of time,” en- circled by a halo of glory such as only ty “Their good.swords rust, steeds are dust; But el? scutes with the saints, we trust.” we Immortal, gallant Marion’s men! P A few were sleeping, but the great majority of the denizens of the camp were wide awake and engaged in the various occupations I have mentioned. Marion did not remove his gaze from the aeap of coals until drew the roasted potatoes forth, and, with a e, assured his master that they were done to a nicety. Then the partisan looked at the subaltern who moved forward. **T am afraid he will not come!” the general said, with anxiety manifest on his troubled countenance. “He may not come to-night,” was the reply, ‘“ but the messenger said that he would surely here, and you know, general, that he has never failed to keep his word.’ “Never!” said Marion. ‘Iam anxious to see the boy. To tell the truth, Wolcott, he is a power of strength to the cause of liberty in the South, and I am not surprised to learn that Lord Rawdon has sent a proclamation from Canada outlawing him.” The leader was still talking, when several of the soldiers started to their feet, and exclama- tions of surprise and pag from a score of lips. ‘*Look, general!” d Wolcott, clutching - on’sarm. ‘The ew 43 Marion turned and beheld two persons approach- ing his camp-fire. They were well moun’ a huge dog walked before one of the steeds. r e was W his tail and showing other — ow sy to his f t, and caring not e Swamp Fox sprung to eet, an: not: a the sword that fell from his me forward, an er. “Out again, boy!’ he cried. ‘We heard all about it yesterday. A bullet under the shoulder and through the lungs.” , The chief’s fervent or ae was returned, and though the face that looked down upon him was haggard so ane it was, nevertheless, the face of Niek 0’ the Night! “T’'ve had a siege of it!” replies the boy, ina’ voice not as strong as the old healthy one, “but I worried it through. Once moré Tam in the saddle and in I can for freedom the sword almost and forever by a bullet in the back.” He was a and the crowd « that bad surrounded hi tered at a glance from ion. ‘Who did it, Nicholas?”’ the Hi asked, with Eras. engeenens, “I told Wolcott yesterday that 1. to ask you this Se ; yo his teeth. “Tt'sa that you don’t know,” resumed Mari- on, misin' Nick's silence. “Who says I don’t know?” cried the boy, with es. “‘I know who shot me in the baek. flashing ey I never shoot aman there! Never!" ots exchanged cant ' suddenly upon the y Mr. Laurens,” he contin’ seeing that the er ames, ng speak save the fellow w. Sy ripen in the = yaa 's m n swords we have amps woods of the Santee!” v4 yn a The new recruit’s fell abashed before the eyes of the giant, and he felt that he had spoken too “True!” he said. ‘‘ We'll try to teach King George » a lesson.”’ > Then his gaze returned to Nick o' the Night, to rare whose late be bad boty entered the jaw’ of “Look at that !” suddenly cried a partisan. - ‘He's counting ths tend 40 tee’ if anybody's miss- is remarks, which called forth a laugh, caused a - number of soldiers to watch the movements of Whig, who seemed to be counting the patriot ranks. ~ He would hasten from one soldier to the other. pasting 6 aoka to the fa6e of each, and supplement ° : t m by a Jotham ‘Nettleton, or } ‘Laurens, as h called in the camp, tried to avoid the sagacious 7 canine. He did.net push forward for im P on; = @ nov Fharcoptrany, he drew back as if to avoi r. it the animal did not intend that he should es- 1c ; ape SO veg a He snuffed the h the ranks of men that hid him from view, and ean effort to get to general through,” cried one of _ x H wants to Count Laurens, our ; parted, and the next moment the canine, { new The with bristles up and fiery eyes, confro e dra+ : nted who, in. self-defense, had turned at the grow: “Don’t run, Laurens!” shouted half.adozen voices whose owners saw the trooper’s face suddenly. }. 6, UB po the dogs @ wants to become ac- ae You'll thick as two Tories after a ; But the man thus suddenly b ‘ht to did not °, h such a process of introduction. He looked at the d whose snows were short and savage, and then glanced -imploringly at the amused specta~ Ors, 7 t Broken orn a : wees i mapas was suddenly , unlooked for. : ugbes suddenly like the North American Peitiee an several partisans divining
Page 8
8 —_————— tno Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. = intentions, sprung forward to seize him, but too te! He sprung up and forward with a short, sharp growl of rage, and alighted on the dragoon’s breast. Man and beast went to the ground together, the dog uppermost. 4 A ery of horror rose from the throats of the startled spectators, a number of whom leaped forward to wrench the maddened animal from his victim. It was the work of a moment for several pairs of hands to tear the dog from the prostrate yet strug- | | deserved death. Colonel King had lately executed a fF dragoon, and when Whig was hurled back and eld. by strong men, there was a great patch of sandy hair in his mouth. The new recruit was helped to his feet, and there was acry of astonishment in the camp. The a was gone, and Jotham Nettleton ee rev in his decidedly English cast of coun- nance. ‘“A spy! a spy!’’ was the cry that swelled in Mari- on’s camp. “Whig has revealed one of King George’s men Jotham Nettleton could not fly. The stern patriots hemmed him in on every side, and fuliy twenty pis- tols and sabers flashed in his face. ** Where’s the spy?’’ cried the voice of a little man partisans lik r bb bounded among the clamorous ea rocket. It was Marion, and the ranks parted to admit him to the presence of the unmasked n. on t —— chiet -— — _ N ty the ight was by his side,and when eyes upon the new recruit he éxclaimed: ** Jotham Nettleton of the Royal Horse!" ‘* Who?’ asked Marion, refusing to credit the evi- dence of his ears. ‘‘ An lish trooper in our camp roe mg ? mT gcestin of liberty! he shall not escape to tell the tale.” The little Huguenot’s sword was drawn, and, with elamors for the spy’s death floating starward, he sprung at him with an ag —— “Stop! said Nick o’ the Night, enly seizing the general’s shoulder. ‘Let me say one word!” x. A BULLET > os A —— Ae THE yo — not forgotten the }man w rong ad cuocuniered on sev occasions prior to his visit in disguise to Marion's secluded eamp. Canine sagacity had unmasked the British among the men me did not know how to spare euch a character, ’ Jotham Nettleton’s doom was sealed when Marion learned that he was an English n, and when the youth grasped his shoulder, the chief The reader will recollect the words that fell from the boy’s lips when he arrested the general’s haste: ** Hold, general! let me say a word!” “A word for whom?” cried Marion. “‘ For the soldier who has fallen into our hands.” ent. ht to { i | gave him a look which said: “tI command here!” The partisans exchanged looks of astonishm The Pirad never dreamed that Nick o’ the N wold intersede in behalf of a British spy, them his action was unaccountal “He is a brave man,” said the boy. “I have seen his bravery put to the test, and he 1s fighting for the king because he loves the royal cause. Those who oan such a brave man on rous mission—" ** Hold!” said the dragoon, stepping forward sud- denly, and waving his hand as a for silence on the youth’s **My superiors not send me on this mission. I came of my own accord. I de- sired to solve the mystery that has been hanging over the fate of that boy. I would have left your camp,” he continued, looking at Marion, “ before santiee if the dog had not unmasked me. The boy is alive, and my on would have been ended. I did not pe os <4 the east ie ga pend. : m. me Colon mit n ve learned a thing about you. Jotham ettleton, of the Royal Horse, is in your power. -g shall not beg for mercy—a Nettleton never begs!” The last words, spoken with rising pride, were fol- fowed by a ful silence. The fate of the spy rested with Marion, on whom all eyes were fixed, and on whose wan and stern face the firelight lay. A minute elapsed before the silence in the camp jwas broken. Then the Swamp Fox opened his mouth: “J see that you are a brave man,” he said to the prisoner; ‘but there are rules of war to which we must adhere in order to protect ves. We are the weaker party—we are men whose swords have been drawn for freedom, and we more than others, who may be battling in other quarters of the globe, must punish the . Jotham Nettleton, console ourself with the ought that other Englishmen ve died like men.” “Like men! like Englishmen!’’ said the spy. “Pen greg ‘You m ung!’’ The last word made the soldier blush with indigna- } te when?” he —_— “To-night—now!”’ i aga’ ready. I had always wished to die at ht.”’ nick o’ the Night looked at the man through his dark lashes that shaded his eyes. There was no tremor on the well-molded lips, and | the cheeks were not pale with the fear of the ap- pegacing ordeal, He would have spoken for the dragoon; but he feared that his Seed einoen wousd be repulsed, and, therefore, he held his peace. e preliminaries of the execution were performed p-fires. Having given the in the light of the cam - said, recurring at once to the man being led to the hea into the charge of a lieutenant, Marion re- urned to his potatoes, which lay at the edge of the fire, and was breaking them for his repast. He heard the lieutenant’s “ forwa: , march,” and | turned his head to see a body of men departing from the camp. Jotham Nettleton was being led to execution! Though such scenes were rare in Marion’s camp, the partisan leader did not take much notice of it. He felt that the trooper was a spy, and that he, ac- cording to the law of war, and the circumstances, partisan, ea after nightfall near Dorchester, and contrary to the letter received from Marion—a letter which was an eloquent appeal for mercy, because’of the captive’s wife and little ones—hung him within sight of his home. e inhumanity had aroused the lion of the Hu- | enot’s nature, and when Pee sentence on on ae n, he thought of Colonel King’s reply to is note: “Colonel King will hang Francis Marion when he | catches him.” The Swamp Fox ate his potatoes alone for several minutes. At the end of that time he was joined by Nick o’ the Night, whom he greeted with great cordiality. Trooper Nettleton is a gallant fellow,” Marion allows-tree on the bank of a small but deep tribu- of the Ashley. ‘But we cannot spare spies for that. Boy, I appreciated your love of bravery; but Icould not save. That dog of yours is worth his he in gold. He has done the cause a valuable ce. , se } Nick o’ the Night glanced at Whig, who was look- ing up info Marion’s face as if he understood the compliment. ‘He has sayed my life upon several occasions,” he said. ‘Once when I was at the mercy of trooper Nettleton’s pistol. The chief gave the young partisan a look of. amazement. “And yet you plead for him?” tn oe gene Will you listen to a strange There was a something in the speaker’s tone that riveted Marion’s e to his face, and the partisan leader was instantly all attention. “T am to listen to ae e said. “Talk f for I am always eager to get to the end of a narrative.” Nick o' the Night did talk fast. He talked as if he were going to save a life at that moment in jeopardy, and it was curious to see how the general dwelt on the words that fell in quick succession from his —. For the time in his young life, the youthful partisan unburdened his heart to man. With a flushed face he told Marion of his love for Helen Latimer, the stanch loyalist’s daughter— told it with a little stammering, which amused the general, but told it well. He recited his suspicions concerning Helen's true perestagys and did not hesi- tate to declare that Hugh Latimer was not her fa- ther. He told of the remarkable resemblance be- tween Helen and Jotham Nettleton, and then paused to note the effect. which his somewhat lengthy nar- rative had produced. Marion was silent, but not a little excited. “They are brother and sister!” cried the boy. ‘I know it! The seeret of Helen's ntage is buried in his breast, and he can expose the crimes of Hugh Latimer, He has been to Azalea; but I donot think that he dreams of the true state of affairs. He may have been young when Helen was ted from him. I feel, away down in my heart, that I have not — wrongly. General Marion you are h e brother of Helen Latimer, whose heart is ever — for the cause of ae ts rds fell, e ’s eyes were flashing while the wo e full of A on Stabe hi os The last sentence brought the general to his feet. “Do you really believe it?’’ he cried, grasping the boy's arm, “I do—I do! He is her brother.” Marion started forward. “Then he shall not die!’ he cried. ‘But they are cts S on the Wishaw, and an hour has passed since e thal i Nick o’ the Night felt a pallor sweep across his ace. “Tf we are quick we may not be too late. They went on foot.” ‘ The Swamp Fox was excited. He thought of noth- ing save the rescue of Jotham Nettleton, the British spy. x minute later two horses were pushing through the greenwood, and the saddles were filled by t twain so eager to save. Not a word was spoken till the couple emerged suddenly into the starlight, when the report of a gun reached their ears. Marion gave his companion a quick glance. “That was down at the creek!” he said, and the ig Ape the boy gave was lost to the General’s ears. for steed, struck fiercely by the spurs, had darted forward like a projectile from a oe No other shot greeted the ears of the twain, who cut the air in their Hy ‘nag gallop toward the creek. Where was the little tributary? Miles and miles away it seemed to the boy, who kept at Marion’s side. Would ret never reach the place of execu- tion? What did that startling shot mean? At length the voices of men were heard, and the two riders found a group of excited partisans on the — <r creek, not quite a mile from the edge of © wood. ** Where's the ?” demanded Marion, drawing rein in the sani ~ very heart of the group, and on the edge | saved him; | young partisan be; of the bank fifty feet below which flowed the dark waters toward the Ashley. The men started from the countenance of their chief, and their tongues seemed incapable of speech. “Where's the spy?” thundered the Huguenot. “I want somebody to answer me!”’ Nick o’ the ight held his breath when he heard a word fall from the lieutenant’s lips. ““We brought him to this spot,” the officer said, coming toward Marion. *“No minute report, Wolcott,” interrupted the iss Fox. “Did you hang him?” “ vo ” The eagle eye of the general swept through the up. ore ere is he?”’ ““He broke from us when we were binding his hands and leaped to the creek, but before he could yo bas the bank, at this very spot, he was shot e A groan escaped the yours partisan’s lips, and Marion's countenance fe “He was a young Samson,” Lieutenant Wolcott resumed, ‘‘ He struck Gentian and knocked him six- teen feet by actual measurement. I would have ut Rhodes shot too quick.” * Are you certain that he was killed?’ asked Mar- ion. “Yes; he said nothing, but reeled and fell over the bank just like a dead man would fall.”’ No other a fell from the general's lips; the lieutenant’s last words seemed to satisfy him, for he commanded a return to the camp. “T would have saved him,” he said to Nick o’ the Night, thus noting from the lieutenant; ‘but Rhodes’s ball has ed his doom. Good-by, trooper Nettleton.” CHAPTER XI. BEARDING LIONS IN THEIR DEN, Wuen the partisans reached the greenwood camp the day was not far distant; but many fell asleep about the ont a fires, and silence once more reigned in the retreat. ight was the time when Marion rode to surprise and victory. Like the lion, he remained in his lair during the day, and his troops rested and fered for the nocturnal forays that have made them fa- mous, Nick 0’ the Night did not sleep. The thought of Jotham Nettleton’s fate so fresh th his mind, hee the somnolent god aloof, and he paced up and down be- fore sleeping Marion like a faithful sentinel. To the chief he had related the incidents which had followed Lancaster Wingdon’s moonlit shot. His trusty horse horne him unexpectedly into one of Sumter’s bivouacs, where the partisan chief lifted him breathless and faint from the blood-stained sad- dle. The wound was pronounced fatal at the first examination, but the gallant boy showed such vigor that the patriot surgeon did not despair. The re- covery, at first slow, was none the less certain, Strong men and kind-hearted watched the wounded oo and Sumter soon had the pleasure of seeing im on his feet. There was rejoicing in the “rebel” camp when the to walk without assistance, and when he rode forth to rejoin Marion in the wood, many a “God speed you” followed him. Lancaster W: on had fired too high. The ball jt cg inches lower would have stilled his ri- val’s hea At the time of Nick o’ the Night’s return to Marion's camp, Helen Latimer was, as the reader knows, an inmate of Fort Dorchester. The youth was not aware of this, for her incarceration was effected while he was convalescing in the midst of Sumter’s He mg and Corporal Nettleton did not choose to m,. But he was soon to learn that she was not at Aza- lea, and in a manner that resulted in a perilous ad- venture characteristic of the fiery spirit which he possessed. ; Marion’s command had for some time been idle. The British, not thoroughly recovered from the cap- ture of Colonel Holly, refused to venture far from cover, and the patriots were talking of marc Sec to join Greene, who was about to give Rawdon e. isan’s soul thirsted for excitement, recovered from his wound, and he naturally turned his attention to Lancaster wee de young Tory, whose shot had almost term is existence. The old house looked dark and gloomy in the weird ae of the stars, and the youth found the post- office in the oak devoid of a single scrap of paper. Over the scene rested the stillness of the grave; there was no light in the window, where often Helen had p a al that communicated important intel- bare and Hugh Latimer’s library looked dark and This unnatural t es the young free phe er; but after a while he found himself rapping atthe low door of a small cabin, which was the last of a line of such structures to the left of the house, The megto quarters! Presen y the voice of a negro from within reached the Mong S ears, and the door opened cautiously and snail-like, “Golly! who ’sturbin’ a darkey dis time o’ night?” was the inquiry that ted the boy. “Me, Nero. I want to ask you about your little A cry of recognition, fortunately not loud, followed
Page 9
> Nick o’ the Night. the partisan’s speech, and the door opened far enough to admit of the egress of a sable giant. “Golly mighty! dat you, Massa Nick? Why dey E say dat you war dead—dat you neber come k to hunt Missus Helen, who am de best angel in Souf Carolina.” ; “Hunt up Miss Helen, Nero?” cried Nick o’ the Right. ‘““What do you mean? Where is your mis- ess?’ ‘*Dat am de question what troubles dis chile. You see, Massa Nick, dat she am gone—been done gone dese three weeks. Ride off one day with Massa Hugh, and nobody know whar she am—bress her sweet eyes! I tell you, massa,” and the slave came nearer and put his hand on the boy's hip with an air of confidence, ‘I’s one ob dem niggers what hab an opinion. That high-flung hare. fellah, Massa Wing- don, been comin’ to de plantation, an’ him an’ Mas- sa Hugh been talkin’ late o’ nights in de library. He knows whar Missus Helen is, an’ he am de operatist in de case. Dat am de’pinion ob dis culled chile, an’ peed be oder niggers on de plantation what coin- cides.” Nick 0’ the Night heard the slave through without an interruption. At the mention of his rival’s name “To’ds de fort—Fort Do'chestah.”’ A flush of indignation swept over the young horse- man’s face. here?” “When was the young To: talkin de library last nicht. Dey didn't soparate til e night. se de ni rs rend & de cabin, but dis chile watched em ride away.” an o’ the Night straightened himself in the sad- e. “Don’t say that I was here, Nero,”’ he said to the darkey. “Keep your eyes open, and send word to the camps when you have anything important to communicate.”’ “De Lord willin’, dis chile will stand by de cause,” onif Nero. ‘Is you gwine to Do’chestah?” a.” The head of Santee was turned toward the south. “ Gwine to Massa Wingdon’s house?” inquired the inquisitive black. “Yes. Good-by, Nero; watch! let eternal vigi- lance be the price of liberty.” The next moment the ho oped off, and the negro was looking after him with eyes full of amaze- ment. “Golly! dat boy gwine to W: whar Massa Hugh am at dis blessed minnit? "ll be de debbil to pay if he meet de Tories on dere own grounds. Isn't dis chile glad dat he isn’t de boy what ebery redcoat and Tory jacket in Souf Carolina is huntin?"’ With this reflection Nero, the patriot darkey, re- treated into the cabin and shut the door. Nicholas Brandon told the truth when he assured the n Tory home was his destination. When he left Marion’s camp Azalea was the objec- tive point; but balked in the outset of his expedition —having failed to meet Helen Latimer—it was with flashing eyes and quivering lips that he guided his horse toward the well-known home of the Wing- ions. Lancaster, the son, was there, and from him he would wring the whereabouts of the patriot girl. — he would take vengeance for the moonlight ot. The two plantations were not far apart, and the night-rider soon drew rein in the grove that graced the front of the Wingdon home. thp tebe puceaiied the balling, is an opyee e e a e , in an upper aa 2 e ° ©) e young Tory’s nest,”’ said the ina whisper, and a moment later he found himself in the spacious and darkened hall. e Not unknown to the yo intruder was the in- terior of the Tory mansion. wie lifted his sword as he climbed the stairs without noise, and pushed down a long corridor toward a light that seemed to shine Sven a keyhole. At length he stood before the door in a listening attitude. A sound like the voice of a person reading in the room beyond the closed portal fell upon his ears, and he touched the bronzed a with a motion of eager- Ress. The next instant he had opened the door, and was “ene face with three persons! Hugh er, Essex Wingdon and his Hotspurian- son! Each, upon the to. his test and was stating at tho uncapocted in ruder, The terrible silence that reigned—for silence at such gees is terrible—was broken by the ring of swords. ‘““ We have you now!” cried the younger Wingdon. coming forward as the yo ’s saber flashed from its scabbard. “ oaiioctan ot to run into such a nest of loyalists. I heard y that my bullet failed to do its work; but the swords of the king will moe — their ae ae back! I am a match for the young re’ P who has ht to ae in this nd of ae es a © young Hotspur’s words were addressed to his father ‘aad ugh Latimer, who were crow forward with naked weapons, and looks of hate n unmingled with triumph. “Oneata time—or three if you like!” cried the pa- triot youth. “Iam here to fight!” There was the meeting of sword and saber, and the impetuosity that burned in Lancaster W: on’s breast forced the calmer boy from the room and into the hall. He proved himself an expert with the cavalry- man’s favorite weapon, while the young Tory, who was a good fencer, displayed much skill with the sword that rung like a genuine Damascus blade. Thrust and — arry, thrust and blow. Essex Wingdon held the lamp above his head, and thus lit up the hall that resounded with the noise of the well-contested field. But at last a blow from the partisan’s saber sent his enemy’s weapon from. his grasp. and the next moment the young Tory’s left arm fell limp at his a through—through sinews, arte: and ne A cry of pain followed the sudden blow; the wounded youth sunk to the floor, and the victor, with no time for self-congratulations, found himse retreating before the swords of the remaining Tories. The blows came thick and fast—mad, impetuous blows. They showed that Tory blood was hot as boiling water. Down the stair, with his face to the foe, the young partisan retreated— ielding ground inch by inch. Escape was now his object. He could not reach the bodies of his an mists, but he could their impetuous onslaughts, and he heard their pan ings and fierce oaths. —_ down the stairs he went, nearer safety, and All at once he heard a wild cry that was an oath. = Up, almost directly overhead, he descried nm r Lancaster Wingdon himself looked like a maniac. The spectacle had es of the two Tories from their antagonist, his from them. The horrible tableau was abruptly broken before it had lasted half a minute. Nick o’ the — saw the uplifted hand descend, and the young Tory’s ig arm came down upon him like a thunderbolt. He tried to dodge th ble missile, but in vain. It struck him full in the face, and dashed him to the bottom of the stairs! a stunned, and fortunately but little bruised, Nick o’ the a bom, bey his feet and hed aside the door. As he did so he heard a cry from above. Lancaster Wingdon had fainted from sheer pain! The victor 1 no time. He leaped from the house and gained his horse. Springing into the sad- dle, he struck Santee with the spurs and rode away as if a squadron of demons was at his heels. There was blood on his face, but not his own. It was the warm blood of Lancaster Wingdon, the young Tory. e terri- CHAPTER XIl. A STARTLING ABDUCTION. Tin tn yew Ste Fats OEE foe u m \- Essex Wingdon, mounted on the fleetest horse in sta- ard Dorcheste #: possessed some knowledge of surgery, stanched the flow of blood from the ve & ‘ory’s severed member—his good left arm; ut t! pprenmpee of a@ surgeon was needed at Wing- The father, fearful that his impetuous son ht die, did not his horse, which, reek- ing * with foam and sweat, bore him into the British ) Colonel King was roused from a sound sleep by the Tory’s pasty raps, and in turn roused the post surgeon. Ina few words, Essex Wingdon narrated the story of the bloody battle in his own house. “‘ Are you certain it was that devilish boy?’’ asked King. . “Lam. He is the enly boy in America who would beard the Wingdon lion in his den!’’ was the re- ply. % Then he is not dead?” ‘Dead? I should say that he is animated by the most daring spirit I have ever heard of.” The Tory could not withhold praise from his most inveterate enemy. “We must catch him!” said the surgeon, with de- termination. “Or kill him. A determined fellow is now on his track—a trooper, animated by ee revenge. Jo- tham Nettleton will not spare him.” Essex Wingdon swore at the mention of the troop- er’s name. “ And I will kill trooper Nettleton if he ever crosses my path!” he said. ‘The other night, as a pariisan, tying toa he caught my son, an tree, whi him unme . A man of such miserable revenges is not fit to live—much less to be a British soldier.” “Are you certain it was Nettleton?” “Certain? Did not my boy find at the foot of the pee c bearing his name?—his card, beyond all oubt. King was silent for a moment. “Tl have him martialed when he returns to he said. “And after the trial I will kill him. A on ipped with birches like a at the whipping-post? The thought thick- ens my blood of fifty years. I will wipe out the in- Pied with sy life of the red coward who t jury ” The Tory was burning with passion. Proud of his name, he felt deeply insulted, and it was a relief to a es SS Se the commandant when the surgeon admonished him that his son required immediate surgical aid. Bidding King a hasty good-night, the Tory rode from Dorchester, and guided the army Esculapius to the bedside of his son. “A terrible cut,” said the surgeon, looking up from his diagnosis. “‘A strong constitution may bring the young man through.” Though the Mie was delivered in a whisper, it had not escaped the keen ears of the patient. “Tt will bring me through!” he said, determinedly. “*T will not die! My right arm shall prove a thunder- bolt of vengeance to two persons!” Exha' by the few words that overstrained his nervous system, the young Tory fell back in asyn- cope, and the surgeon smiled at the two men who stood by the couch. “He has backbone!” he said. “I’ve known a de- sire for vengeance to perform miracles in surgery.” The loss of blcod was against the youth’s recovery, and to add to his misfortune, the arm was reamputa- ted by the surgeon at a place nearer the shoulder. After that he fell into a sound sleep. The day that followed the battle at Wingdon Hall was the Sabbath. It was <= of Se hogy Aan have wedded man e to the e' te—calm, warm, and bens The magnolias and oaks were alive with birds, as it were, and the streams glittered like rivers of gold in the dazzling raysof the sun. All nature seemed to know that it was the Lord’s Day— a day of worship and ep ee Ha One would not have es that war cursed the sunny ge and uplands of the Ashley—that, some- where in the State, chased British and vice versa. The war which had languished for awhile was eer life—the forces of Det d and freedom were about to fight the battle of Hob- kirk’s Hill, and Marion and ter, emboldened by recent successes, were daily becoming more trouble- some to the foe. The afternoon of this lovely Sabbath had reached its meridian, when several persons, mounted on Dorchester and betook themselves li consisted of Helen Latimer, a British officer, whose insignia of rank laimed him a captain, and a young negro boy, the girl's servant. For a goodly number of days Helen Latimer had been an_ involuni r in the old fort. Through her father she had received messages from Bertha, at Azalea, and to her she had sent a number of ain hatin very man who rode at her side— nD. Captain i The reader has already met this soldier of the royalarmy. He will recollect that it was he who stepped between Colonel Holly and our heroine in the parlors at Azalea, on the night of that officer’s rise by Marion, “The captain was on a parole of honor—ha agreed not to fight against any person who bore arms for the patriot cause, until ex- changed. He was a cultivated soldier, who at heart Fareed tye the a Biome raged a re and I think I may truth, secret sympa- thes ete with ihe patriots. and handsome officer, a jovial compan- rtha Latimer’s lover. Such a man was Ca Graycliffe Me boy Helen Latimer was in a merry mood when she left ester, and she did not seem a person who was the flag which had waved over ica so long. The destination of the was soon made mani- fest by the a Says an old church which stood in the midst of a grove about three miles from the A ion, pe fort. “T trust we shall not be late, captain,” Helen said. “Not too late to miss the good ben n,”’ was the smiling reply. ‘ Your father will not attend to- He is no doubt at Wingdon Hall, watching over young Mr, Wingdon with his father. i shudder when “think of terrible blow. Who ever dreamed that a youth, with but a single arm, should make love to me?” There was a twinkle in Helen Latimer’s blue eyes, and the captain permitted a light laugh to ripple over his li “Not 1, Miss Helen,” he = “But you have not fort, there. would be a battle of words between the , and I might soon find myself in the custody of lonel Balfour at Charleston. Colonel King is very x. soldier whose discipline will not stand A pair ore Pn said eqn tain, ina roguish tone. y, Miss wi you mar the confidence that the colonel places in ou Al : risoner-of-war who would not es- heart is with the cause for which Mark and Greene fight like Switzers. Stand still, captain, and ae tenes WHEE ole get Geaait tex ou e Swam ‘ox’s den. not p or this liberty! you pot Reh ed if I would listen toa To Were need watch- the grove about them rung with a thousand echoes, “T think you need no watching,” Captain Clayton re A * Rest assured that I would not chase into Marion's retreat at any rate. The Swamp fox is a brave fellow, but Ido not wish to cultivate his acquaintance.” Pe te i? Ee Fa ———s ea oe ee eet te cas ena oe ee ets
Page 10
10 “You have met him, I-believe,’’ said Helen, sar- castically referring to the nocturnal surprise at Azal ea. The eaptain’s cheeks flushed, and _ he bit his lips at a loss for a reply to the cutting taunt, smilingly de- | livered, A few moments later the trio dismounted near the door of the church. : ' It was an antique structure, built with brick brought from England by wealthy emigrants. It was not lofty, but commodious, with great doors, and old-fashioned windows. There was undue space | before the pulpit, on either side of which was a tab- let containing pointed scriptural truths. Now a few stones mark the site of this olden place of worship, and the stirring events of the Revolution that trans- pired around it have passed from the memory of man, It was into this sanctuary that Captain Clayton conducted Helen Latimer. The entree created a furore among the members of the co ation, and the minister bowed to the pair and pointed to a seat directly before the altar. It was not Helen’s first visit tothe church, Before the war she had attended services there with her fa- ther: but when the pastor drew sword for freedom the Tory’s attendance and was not resume until another minister, a man who, protected by the adherents of the royal cause, p’ ed confusion to Hing Georae'’ enemies. ‘ sermon interrupted by our heroine’s arrival was soon resumed, The entire attention, when she was not glancing at her escort to see how he was enjoying it. The n grew warm as he proceeded; but in the midst of an outburst of ministerial eloquence, he stopped, grew pale and started back with eyes at the door. sy throughout the Instantly a strange c church, ane all eyes Were fixed on the entrance where the object of the parson’s sudden fright had = horse and his rider had entered the house of Worship, and in the latter’s hand was a pistol! Silence!’ cried the person in the saddle. ‘I will slay the first person who offers to touch a weapon.” The next moment the horse moved forward, and wheeled ag age, Ae ai the altar. g a look of recognition. yton’s side, and the rider leaning forward, floor! All this was the work of a moment, and the speo- tators, too amazed to stir, looked on like people in od Freedom claims its own!” cried the intruder, in triw as his eye swept the groups of pallid faces. “T am Nick 0’ the Night, and my mission hither is aecompli I have robbed aTory nest of a stolen rn hh " The last words still quivered the speaker's lips, when his horse started toward the entrance. Bu he did not leave the altar’s court before saluting the astonished Clayton, and glancing at the minister, who was peeping over the pulpit, behind which he hed slunk for protection! e bent his body as. Santee pret from. the church, and a moment later was in the grove, with the prize of his sudden dash! “Phe altar of Jehovah has been profaned!”’ shout- ed the Tory r, leaping from his place of con- cealment as tee’s black tail disa: through the door. ‘Rouse! you men, andfollow the villain! He is the scourge of this ct, The Lord will as- usin the c . He will stre en the. limbs of our animals, ptain Clayton, of the royal army, lead these gallant men after the robber.”’ But the captain shook his head as he rose to his feet am ona parole of honor!” he said. “Were I free. to pursue, I would not; prick a rowel. That young imp deserves success for the boldness of his deed.” The minister gave the captain a look of mingled contempt a a then o eye swept over the n, in mute appeal for sympathy. He found but little, for pe aa his flock recovered their equilibrium, they rushed from the church, ex- that.a partisan band had taken their horses. ut the steeds were safe, Helen’s alone being yn ——e CHAPTER XII. IN WHICH MARION’S MEN SAY “‘NO!” Tum successful abduction of the patriot girl from the midst of the Tory congregation, created much excitement throughout the nelgnbornend of its com- mission. It was one of the boldest acts of the day, and occurring as it did on the heels of the battle in the corridors of Wingdon Hall, it threw,much. addi- tional notoriety and hatred upon the head of the oung partisan. 3 Captain Clayton reported the abduction to Colonel King before that eventful Sabbath had drawn to a close, and the frown that came to the commandant’s | face lingered there despite the Beeasd cap- | tain’s laugh over his own discom “Tt io to joke with me/”’ cried the irate colonel, his cheeks flushed with rage. ‘‘The girl was under my charge—placed there as the king’s enemy—a , you may say—by her father, the stanch- est loyaliat in these parts. My honor was securit for her safe-kee —it was the honor of a Briti soldier who never broke his word. Lord Rawdon knew that the girl was in my power, and his last dis- pancher commanded me to kinenr her, Caj a SAT ntiension to Colonel pan he joke te) while was in enaneES more expressive n elegant. te strongly loyal, amused the girl, and she gave it her | bly di : Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. “‘ And I might retaliate by referring your leniency to his lordsh =. The colonel looked at his subordinate, in whose paver he found himself, and forced a smile upon his ps. “The girl must be retaken,’ he said. ‘Captain, we will not quarrel about each other’s faults, loyal friend must be officially informed of his daugh- | ter’s abduction. Will you not volunteer to be the bearer of my dispatches?”’ ‘With pleasure,’ answered Clayton, with a promptness that surprised his Gommandant. “I wish to see the fair Bertha, and will break the start- ling tidings to her father,” So it was arranged that the jovial captain should inform Hugh Latimer of Helen’s escape from cap- tivity, and quite early on the following day he left | Dorchester for the plantation. He reached Azalea without accident, and was re- ceived with much condescension by its inmates. To the Tory’s inquiries about Helen, the captain replied by delivering Colonel King’s message; over be ~ the face of the recipient grew red and white y turns, His rage was almost ungovernable, and the mes- senger at one time involuntarily shrunk from hin, and his hand moved toward the hilt of his sword. But when the captain explained the abduction, when he said that no soldier should violate his pa- role in the slightest particular, the Tory turned Tis 2, whom he berated py he abuse the commandant at Dorchester, that Bertha, who was present at the interview, turn- ed her back upon him, and covered her ears with her delicate hands in order to keep out the Niagara of invectives. There was a smile on Clayton’s face during the Tory’s abuse of his colonel, and he almost wished that King could have ente: the parlor in the midst of it. ere would have been bloodshed, for the col- onel was no less impetuous than the Tory. All at once Hugh Latimer ceased his ravings and changed his tone. ‘Do you know where Marion is?’’ he asked the captain. No, but I could find him,”’ “To-da y* « Orion i! bring writing-desk to me im - our me im- mediately. I willsee if this Swamp Fox will sanc- tion such acts as that performed yesterday.” The girl left the room and soon returned a tiny secretaive which she placed on the table. “ + letter from loyalist to rebel on dillet-dour r,” said the Tory, as, with a smile at the cap- n, he seated himself at the table. ‘‘ Strange paper for correspondence in war times; but Marion is tost gallant eno to srpes such a letter.’ Then the Tory fell biting while his glided rapidly over the sheet, and the cay carried on a low conversation at a window on the further side of the room. In a short time Hugh Latimer’s voice interrupted the tete-a-tete, and the turned to him. “There! 1 have written to that troublesome will: > eee Captain, do me a favor by reading my letter. The British officer approached the table and bg bose pn epistle which the Tory put into “ AzALEA, Apr. —, 1781. “To GENERAL FRANCIS Marion: “My Dear Srr:—It is with regret that I have to ly outrage com- e tted by a person belonging to Fe veg esterday afternoon my oe ; en, was forcibly taken from a church where she was wo ‘| a who has won ee able bravery, the et of Nick o’ the ‘ight. He is well known to you, and it is to your camp that he has forcibly borne my child. Therefore, general, I trust you will repudiate such brigandish warfare by delivering my daughter to my bosom. The bearer of this communication will reconduct Helen home. I sincerely -hope that. you will not sanction the ab- wes Sit me a = — — of Jehoctait 6 which I, tho your foe, en for yous léads me to hope tha = child will be re- stored without bloodshed. Should you refuse to entertain my I shall at once inaugurate certain actions which might result disastrously to your and accomplish my desires concern- ing my child. With respect I have the honor to be, general, Your obedient servant, “Huan Latimer.” When Captain Clayton finished reading the com- munication, he Aone at its author, who watch- ed him ages ** Well?”’ said Latimer. “TI think Marion will pay no attention to this!” answered the officer. “But the threat—the broad hint of vengeance at the foot of the letter,’’ cried Hugh Latimer, flushing visibly and mad in an instant. a t does Francis Marion care forthreats? Not that!’ and the er snapped his rs in the Tory’s face. “I fancy that your letter would be greeted with a loud w in the rebel camp. I am speaking in earnest, my dear Latimer.” And 1 am in earnest when I swear that Francis Maren shall read this letter if J have to thrust it into his face.”” “No! no! papa!” cried Bertha, whose dread of the Swamp Fox approached the superstitious. “You shall not deliver the letter. y, Marion would string you up for your impudence. I will seek the many sud my hands will give him the communica- on. Our | Captain Clayton glanced at the girl and saw that she was speaking in earnest. The next moment, with the gallantry that had characterized his soldier life, from its inception, hé offered himself as the messenger, and was immedi- ately accepted by the Tory. Bertha demurred at this, but when the captain assured her that his parole would protect him, she acquiesced in the arrangement, and saw him hide the epistle in an in- ner pocket. It was in the afternoon when Graycliffe Clayton left Azalea with the letter‘committed to his care by Hugh Latimer—the letter which the Tory con- fidently thought that Francis Marion would respect. The present whereabouts of the dashing partisan officer were not known, and the captain hoped to en- counter some members of his band at the api roach of night. Such an encounter was his only hope of success, and when the sun went down he found him- self near several large brakes, not far from the banks of the seen All at once while the messenger was thinkin about the probable failure of his mission, he hea the tramp of a squadron of horse, and presently saw a troop advancing toward him over the road which he was traversing. His resolve to halt the body was formed in the twinkling of an eye, and a minute later he made six and thirty men Ww rein by uttering the word “‘halt!’’ He saw swords flash from their scabbards, and a score of carbines were leveled at his breast. “T seek Francis Marion, for whom I have a mes- sage,” the captain said, and while the last word stiil quivered his lips a little man rode from the troop and touched his chapeau politely. = Marion at your service,” he said. ‘The mes- e ] ptain Clayton produced the Tory’s letter, and a ene later a sergeant’s tinder-box improvised a A murmur of rise ran through the troop when the light revealed the messenger’s uniform, and al) eyes were fixed on Marion, who was perusing the epistle. : = once the little Huguenot looked up at the ca In, Was this epistle written in faith?” he asked, with a doubtful smile on his dark face. “Tt was. I saw it written,” the captain replied. “My men shall answer it.” The Swamp Fox, turning in his saddle, said in a loud voice: “ Patriots, H Latimer, the Tory, demands the restoration of Helen to Azalea. S messenger is here, and he shall bear your decision to the planta- ae Sage do you say? Shall I command the girl’s return ?”’ A second’s silence did not follow the last sentence. A loud and determined ‘‘ No’ was the reply. Thirty-five troopers had spoken as one man, and five-an oe swords were ready to fight for Helen Latimer ‘*Marion’s men sometimes for Marion,” the Swamp Fox said to the British captain. ‘I do not. make war on women. Helen Latimer, as she is call- ed, is one of us, and the deed performed in the church was but the rescue of a prisoner from the enemy. I like the old Tory’s threats; they eo to give me something to do. Deliver him the mes- sage my men have spoken, and tell him that two score of swords glitter between him and the fair creature whom he calls child.” Captain Clayton was a man of few words when on up He drew his steed from the center of the road and saluted the partisan. Marion returned the salu e, the light was extin- ses ee guished, and six-and-thirty ho) away. * Just as I ex !” said the mes , with @ decided tinge of humor in his tone. ‘‘Those fellows will ha to the death for that girl. By my troth! I ng % — ae I was leader of that heroic band. © ’ mer, you misjudged your man. There'll be a thunder-storm at Azalea heb: I re- With a laugh the captain rode away. CHAPTER XTV. HUGH LATIMER’S LAST VISITOR, A TERRIBLE outburst of passion followed Graycliffe Clayton’s return to Azalea. The Tory shook with rage upon the receipt of Marion’s reply to his letter, and he vowed that the partisan chief would live to regpet his action. e (the tory rode with the captain to Dorchester, where he an interview with the commandant. At this interview Hugh Latimer’s wrath did not get the better of him, for he kept it under control, and was careful not to accuse the lofty officer of a breach of trust. He wanted Colonel King to spare no pains to effect Helen’s return, and the soldier promised to do all in his power to bring about the mutually de- sired ends. Satisfied that he had a firm ally in the command- ant at Dorchester, Hugh Latimer returned to Azalea somewhat buoyant in spirits, but still passionate. Servants kept aloof, and Bertha, at the sound of his oaths in the house, fled to her chamber. He was a terrible man in his m and the trembling girl feared that anger would dethrone his reason. But the days passed with occasional outbursts of madness. No tidings came from Helen, who all be- lieved was secure one of Marion’s retreats, and Hugh Latimer began to curse anew the tardiness of Colonel King. The battle of Hobkirk’s Hill had been fought, and the Tory’s heart beat high with exultation. Greene had been defeated, and was retreating before a su- perior force of the enemy. The patriot cause in the
Page 11
— ’ himself from the -like . di ' Jooking since m Carolinas was again under a cloud, and Balfour was sparing several strong detachments from Charleston for the purpose of crushing Marion and Sumter, the latter who had won the sobriquel of the ‘‘Game Cock of South Carolina.” The yo reader may suppose that the partisan chieftains held many secret consultations. They met at dead of night in the center of rivers, on the edge of thickets and brakes, and in the midst of the dark forest the sleeping birds were roused by the strong and earnest voice of Thomas Sumter. The darkest days for the Palmetto State were trying the souls of her sons, and the cause of the king was brightening beneath her mellow skies. ugh Latimer was the sole occupant of his library one night; the old clock—a ponderous “ wall sweep- er ’—was ticking away behind him while he sat at a - table littered with manuscripts and long, official- looking documents. The Tory’s face wore a painful expression, as he unfolded various parchments, over which he glanced serutinizingly before he laid them aside, The heap at his left a, in bulk, and there were but few doc- uments at his right hand, At last he left the table, and kindled a fire in the antique grate, Then he took the little heap of pa- pers which he had placed at his right hand, and bent over the blaze, momentarily growing bigger. There was a smile of triumph on his face, and it was evi- dent that the destruction of the papers would prove a victory for him. He was about to consign them to the flames, when ne eeere ae name wpnered ina tone that caused him start @& man st an er, Clutching t papers in his nervous hands, the Tory Ae he to his feet, and, whirling suddenly, con- fronted the speaker, This e was an object of pity—a being from the realms of starvation gon rags, a man who looked like a maniac He was enough to frighten Hugh Latimer out of his ae and the ‘tf exhibited signs of pallor as he gazed eace on the strange man. “* Good-night, Hugh Latimer!” the man said. “TI upon the privacy of oe sanctum ; am an intruder but I could not keep away. I want those papers in your hand,” With the last words the speaker stepped toward the Tory, who with a cry of amazemen' in- voluntarily toward the hi “Your mission is one of robbery, then,” said Hugh Latimer. ‘‘ These Paes in my hand are not valuable to you; they are private property, deeds to an old estate in the mother country. You can’t ve them!": “Can't? Do know whoI am?” “No! I care léss.”” The Tory was get bold. “T’ve been here ore,” the visitor said. “Do ou not recollect the young corporal who rode with Uolonel Holly to this place—the young corporal whom you admitted bore a striking resemblance to cat daughter Helen? Ah! I see that you have not orgotten, Iam that man! I am Jo Nettle our uniform ?”” clothes illy become a man with Tarleton into the enemy’s ranks, I do not look like the handsomest dragoon in the 4ist Royal Horse. I have been through the shadows of death. Lrode into Marion’s camp. He discovered me, and a squad of his marauders led me to the gallows-tree. But there I showed a little Net- tleton muscle. I escaped, but a ball struck me and I fell over a precipice into the most accursed river in uth Caro nk God! I didnotdie. Wound- and almost dead I crawled beneath the bank and swore to live. How I burrowed there, fearing to ven- turee out lest Marion’s men should recapture me, I need not tell you. I did not come hither to shock our ears with the narrative of a soldier's suffering. But I want to tell you gry d last night I slept in a thicket, tas in a tree, at that.” a a tree Lal “*Beneath me were Marion's men, who took session of the thicket after I had entered. daughter was there.” Hugh Latimer mapeee forward excitedly, ‘* Helen?” he “Yes, Helen. I need not tell you about the con- versation that I heard. Hugh Latimer, there is a tattoo on that girl's shoulder—it is a singular device —a AT nig by an arrow! On my shoulder is the same . Lam Helen's brother!” ton “You? Where's “At the fort. who has our was livid. “She is my sister are you are not her father Se w pale, and he tried to wrench gripe of the dragoon. or whom I have been ng on these shores,’’ the trooper continu “Your name is H Latimer here. Was 3% that in) Eaienel Pa he people call you Hugh Latimer, when the geod p Pict left on? I remember the treachery iota ey on board—the storm, =n bored - pred a bot- tom the awful scene 0 au - Twas : distor Helen a babe in her “You are the man f death. rs they take from you that which you have usurped, Nick o’ the Night. LL Hugh Latimer, Mortimer Holland, murderer! usurp- er! liar! give me the papers!”’ A Bengal tiger seemed to have hold of the Tory. He was shaken by his visitor till his teeth ehattered, till his joints seemed rent apart. . “T have found you! When I knew that the crown and the arrow were on Helen’s arm, then I knew that you were the man for whom I have been look- ing. It was toseek you that I enlisted for the Amer- ican war. My heart is not in the strife. I love free- dom; but I want you—you/”’ The Tory’s face was the picture of ghastliness and a picture that Jotham Nettleton seemed to enjoy. *The papers! quick! There are noises below.” The gripe grew tighter on the Tory’s body, and he relinquished the documents which he had almost cast upon the fire. cone said the trooper. ‘“‘Now for my re- venge!” “What! are you going to stain your hands with rhe er x crime?” Hugh timer. “*I did not harm your mot er. Martha Nettleton died in a storm, an ; “God sent the storm; but your men sunk the Pict!’’ cried the trooper. He fairly hissed the last sentence when with super- human st he lifted the Tory from the floor and dashed him against the wall at the foot of which he sunk with a groan. “There! I hope I’ve killed you!” grated the . os “T have a mind to destroy your accursed we : The next moment he picked up the lamp and was about to apply fie blaze to the papers on the table when he he: “This roof has sheltered Helen, “Nol” he said. and to-night beneath it sleeps one whom she calls ; it. I will not deprive her = a shelter, Perhaps,’ victim, have 'y made her fatherless,’ The lamp was restored lowing minute the lib: was tenanted tionless form of.the loyalist. Jotham Nettleton went down the stairs, and sought the stables. he saddled and led forth the Tory’s favorite horse, which he mounted and rode away. ‘After he had departed, silence fell on the old house of Azalea, It was not broken for a long time. At the end of an hour Hugh Latimer, as we will still call the Tory, moved and sat up. After awhile he dto reach the table where with trembling hand he traced some words on a bit of yellow paper. His eyes looked wild and his temple was covered with dark blood. All at once the quill dropped from his hand, he gave a groan, and a moment later lay across his chair motionless. e One life was finished. The proudest Tory in South Carolina was dead! by the mo- CHAPTER XV. CAUGHT AT LAST. Wirn the reader's permission we will carry him back to the house of Colonel Isaac Barns where, in the second chapter of our story, we encoun- tered this devoted patriot. Colonel Hayne yearned for active life. He was un- der a parole of honor—a le forced from him by the British commander at Charleston by the employ- ment of arguments that no man could resist. yne became the enemy’s prisoner, while his wife and children lay 4. with the pore and eager R be at their side, he took the oath o: egiance to He was biding his time. He believed that an expulsion of the royal armies from the district would absolve him, and during the fortnight that fol- lowed the battle of Hobkirk’s Hill, events had taken a favorable turn for the patriots. But the’ eyes of the British were on the high- minded partisan, and they ted for a pretext un- der which they could take his noble life. Isaac Hayne knew this, but he resolved to follow the dictates of his conscience. The partisan occupied one of the ous parlors of his residence one night in the early part of May; but not alone. A youth, burly and strong and with clear eyes and handsome face, stood beside him at the table, on which lay a rough but accurate map of Dorchester and its surroun The hour was quite late, and the heavy shutters, tightly closed, prevented the light in the room from Oe seen by persons without the house, “T will lay yourp before Marion,” the patriot's young com on said, folding the map. “More; I will urge their adoption. umter meets him at cae in Camp Secret, and to be present I must needs 6 away.” , “But the girl? Will you take her with you?” “No. Her presence here is not suspected, and here she is safest, A camp is not a suitable place for a female of her tender years, and I am content to leave her in the care of such a patriot as ne.”’ e partisan’s eyes partook of the pride that glow- ed on the youth’s face; and with heart too for utterance, he put forth his hand. ‘Hark! a voice!” The next instant the hands parted, and the occu- ts of the room turned involuntarily toward the oor, A loud knocking quickly followed, “Your picket!” said the Epo ma looking up into Hayne’s f: which had suddenly grown pale. “He would not knock for he has a signal that he well knows!” was the hasty reply; and’ the speaker : . fe - started toward the corridor that led to the front por- tals of his home. The youth—Nick o’ the Night—stepped across the parlor, at whose door he paused and listened. Hayne’s face had grown deadly = by the time that his hand touched the silver knob. He seem- ed to have a premonition of what was about to come; but he opened the portal like a man brave enough to die. On the great stone step stood.the burly figure of a British dragoon! ; ; ** Colonel Havne?” said the man, executing a fault- less mili salute. Good-night, soldier,” was the partisan’s reply. | ‘“To whom am I indebted for this visit?” “To a strong detachment of royal cavalry, com- manded by Captain McClintock.” * Are you he?” *““N—no,”’ said the soldier. **Then, sir, I will address your commander,” was the haughty reply, that e the trooper bite his lip and turn from the house. “Captain, he will talk to you, sir,’’ he said, ina strong voice, and the rattling of a sword was fol- lowed by the peace of a young officer, evidently not long out of teens. “T am Captain McClintock,” he said to oe “Pardon me for permi a private to an American worthy to his door; but the fact ——- Hayne, I have heard such terrible stories about the fellow now in your I co to be cautious.” Hayne could not but start at the last sentence. “To whom do you refer, captain?” he asked. “To Nick o’ the Night!’’ was the answer, the tone of which proved that the cautious dragoon was get- ting bolder. ‘Do not prevaricate, colonel, We want him, not you; altho by harbo him you have trampled on your parole of honor. I have honor toinform you — your — ee by my command, that your picke e e negro, was and that the surrender of e your est prevent bloodshed and conflagration. He here! A denial will only subject you and your house to in ge The silence that followed was painful in the ex- treme. Nick o’ the Night, standing against the lintels of the parlor Soon baked eve word of the conver- sation just recorded, and though he could not see Colonel Hayne’s face, he felt how pale and ghastly it was. of a taper into the hall The flashing startled him, — ae stepping from the door he looked beyond the patriot. He saw Captain McClintock wai his. demand, and a number of Bri faced the house. , All at once he turned and glided down the corridor that ran through the building, thus dividing th er wings. He reached the rear door, which he opened by means of the key in the lock, and looked out into the night; at first nothing rewarded his ac- for a reply to tion, but dark forms soon became visible between — him and the stars, and he heard the low voices of — men, McClintock ken the truth! The mansi n was surrounded by British soldiers: The boy’s pre nag § was followed by the closing of the door, and as he turned toward the group at the front entrance, he heard the captain’s voice. “Answer me, nspaced Hayne! Shall we oe a peaceable surrender, an our beautiful hom or must we take your oat by e, and ean vou for your stubbornness? I repeat that the boy is here, and we will not de: without him!” tain spoke with much spirit, and before the The cap patriot could reply, a sprung past him, and ag prem the stone, cried: “T am here!” It was Nick o’ the Night, and the British officer. with an ejaculation of surprise, started back, and stoop. outed the d , wh nein summoned Hayne to the door, n protecting distance of his tor “ He's the grandest rebel in these and I owe hima blow for the scar on my sh er. , Nick 0’ the Night saw the dragoon, whose sword flashed from its scabbard, as he stepped forward, and apieel leaped from beneath his jacket, : “TI kill you if you lift your saber!” he said, eying the maddened trooper. “PYes, Se hen pened dered, Colby,’’ th offi. - +e surrendered, ” the young offi- cer said, motioning the saber selde SMy youn “JT surrender to camew, Tm With a glance at Hayne, on whose face was a — e on, Nick o’ the Night, who had at ast fallen into the hands of his hunters, stepped from the stone. “Colonel Hayne, we will not molest you,” said the officer: “but your conduct must be ny Ned -to my superior, I am aware that the most impor- tant rebel in these has fallen into my hands and I assure you that I shall Wyk he to the last letter, the order lately received in thi district from the hands of his lordship.” : Hayne gave the ca a look of inquiry, which we Brine Eber licks aoe nanded the young My t light r,” commanded the yo officer, and the trooper who held the torch rode toward the group, W the speaker unfolded a document. which he had drawn from his bosom. Nick o° the pa oy a4 South Perens wate ed the yo cap with painful attention, while he read the following order’in the glare of the torch; dragoons who , forward under the corporal’s - ‘
Page 12
12 Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. “ HEADQUARTERS Roya Army oF THE Sours, } “Campen, Apr. 20th, ’81. “To CoLONEL Kina AND SUBORDINATES: “The troublesome youth termed Nick o’ the Night must be shot within fifteen minutes after his cap- ture, By order of Rawpon.” It was an order characteristic of its author. A grave-like silence followed the reading. The troopers looked at their young prisoner, eager to note the effect it had produced, and Colonel ' —— gasped like a man suffocating in a volume of smoke, “That is a cruel order!’’ the patriot cried, with indignation in his eye. “Lord Rawdon is se his nobility for the reputation of a murderer. shee against the carrying out of his infamous de- cree!” “No! no!” suddenly cried the boy. “ Better pie than me have died for liberty before British guns. I ret that I have but one life to give to my country. lonel en ew see these men obey the hated Rawdon, and tell Marion how I died!” . The yo offiger was abashed at such bravery, and bit his lips. “He is brave,” he said, in an undertone, to Hayne; **but I must obey his lordship.” The next moment he turned to his command: ** Execution — by the right oblique, march!”’ The first twelve troopers that headed the squad- Tron oo the command, and halted before the fearless boy! Hayne shut his eyes and groaned from the depth of the most patriotic bosom in the Palmetto State. The to held aloft behind the executioners, threw a vivid light on Nick o’ the Night's face, which —— no signs of fear. A moment intervened between the halt and the unslinging of the deadly carbines, The young officer looked at his watch. He wasa soldier who admired his captive’s bravery; but = would not let it step between him and tary uty. at once he gave the command that caused twelve carbines to touch as many shoulders. But the next moment a darted from the house, = the weapons covered the form of a beau- rl, It a Helen Latimer—Helen Nettleton, by a dra- goon’s declaration! What followed her action? The troopers—mere mili machines—without lifting their heads, waited for the command to fire. CHAPTER XVI. A CHALLENGE TO FIGHT. Carrars McCurrocxk was in a quandary. He looked from the Torn mekien who had thrown her- self between the carbines and the patriot boy to Isaac Hayne. The South Carolinian stood in his door, and met the officer's gaze. Then the captain's Fence returned to the troo’ Ww) carbines were leveled at the girl. Those stern soldiers of England’s army were slaves to obedience; they did not question the commands of superior officers, and the youthful captain held Hel- en's life on his li He could have spoken the word * fire,” and twelve carbines would have sent their death missiles into her bosom, But he withheld the terrible command, because he never made war on women, and it is probable that the girl’s beauty and heroism helped keep back the order for which the soldiers waited. The silence that followed Helen’s action was of our target,’’ she cried, looking at the young, cap “Tamarebel. I have bury dose the spy. I havesent this young patriot on missions that our troopers, ears, secret w m enabled to on the enemy at night, and Sumter has vaulted into the saddle at a word from me. I hate Great Britain as a snake hates the foot that turns from the path to tread upon it. My days and nights have been devoted to the cause re) Bhorte, ame die for her would be a pleasure.” The so heard her words and loo at their leader. “We want the boy—the rebel imp!” cried a burly sergeant to McClintock. ‘Captain, the 1 must not die, It is the boy that we want. e him sn es wea Nigh eal ‘ am re , , 5 ing Helen aside, and stepping foto the glare of the torch. “No! Nick!” The next moment she had leaped before him, and her eyes flashed upon the troopers — The young partisan in pushed her aside. Ad dier” he cried. “ Helen Latimer, live to avenge my death—live to stir Marion’s blood till he swee this fair district like a besom of destruction—till the last British horsetail crosses the borders of Carolina. . Yes, live, and when freedom has ed plant a flower on the grave of him who sacrificed life on her altar. I will die here—bravely—like a man!” He turned from her with an effort, and, with a —a cry of despair that reached ears for which t was not intended—the young girl sprung toward Isaac Hayne, with arms stre' out appealingly. But she did not reach the door. Near the stone her strength deserted her, and she sunk to the und. BET Now do your duty!” cried Nick ©’ the be eo from the swooning maiden to his appoin executioners. The captain bit his lips and looked at the twelve. ia hd The troopers did not movea muscle—they had long n . bee “ Aim!’ Twelve eyes swept along the shining barrels into which the doomed boy looked undaunted. The next moment was one of suspense; it seemed | an eternity of time, but the death-word came at | : | ing the paper he returne st: “* Fire!” A loud volicy cleft the balmy air of that May night. Ten saddles suddenly became tenantless, and Cap- tain McClintock, the young leader, fell forward on his horse’s neck. The command which had proved so deadly had not fallen from his lips. It had come from a point behind tae squadron, and the lips from which it had fallen were cis Marion's. “Nick o’ the Night stood unharmed on the spot where he had expected to perish by English balls. “Surrender! every mother’s son of you!” shouted the voice that had spoken the word “‘fire,’’ and be- fore a single trooper could unsling a carbine and turn to meet the foe, the speaker and his men were on the lawn, “Captain McClintock, do you surrender?” cried Marion, grasping the young officer’s arm. ‘‘I told the = to _ you, but a stray bullet, perhaps—”’ cClintock did not respond to the partisan chief, and, when the victor raised his head, he saw that the commander of the squadron would never draw a sword again! The British, taken by eornine, surrendered. They could do naught else, and on had won a Yiteny of which he might be proud. He had saved the life of the youngest as well as the bravest in the South—a life which liberty could illy spare. a followed bina,” Manion said to the young partiaas, we follow Mu on e young “You will not have to meet Sumter and me at day- break, for I will take the map here and consult wi the colonel before we ride away.” Thus briefly did Marion relate the story of the op- rtune rescue, and Helen, having recovered from Sew rae, Sook his hands, and thanked him for the ga dq ‘I have something to tell you, girl,"’ said the little Huguenot. “Do you know Captain Clayton?” “The jovial officer whom I deserted in the church?” cried the girl with eyes. “Ah! gen I could not forget that chivalrous trooper. Bu weate will nen fight for the king again! ‘He never ‘or “ “ What! is he dead?” “No! His heart was never in the war. He rode into our camp last night and declared that he had poses his sword, and sworn allegiance to American Helen's eyes flashed with mingled pride and de- ‘He is Bertha’s lover, and Bertha's heart is with the royal cause,” she said. “ But the’captain will win her for all that,” said Marion. “ Your sister Bertha loves him, and I assure ou ber she will honor his candor and turn rebel erself.”’ “Never!” cried Helen. ‘General, I fear you do not know my sister.” x Marion laughed, and was about to turn away to converse with Colonel Hayne, who was waiting for him, when Helen’s hand fell upon his arm. pede eitietn he Eat tenes MOF de nae te wu 8 old house for a fo: t, an have heard but little about the war.” “Weare SD nee everywhere !”’ said Marion, ow oO umph on_his sallow cheeks. recovering, Cornwallis is marching to his doom in the North, and God is sehing o the colo- nies. Dorchester will soon be ours, e crippled bird has left Wingdon Hall—” ma ! is Lancaster m out?’’ cried Helen. “Yes. me hunting for two men!” oe men Al “That boy and a renegade trooper, named Nettle- n. ” Helen started at mention of the last name. “Where is the trooper?” she asked. “I do not know. He slew your father—I mean Latimer,” replied on. “Nicholas has Hugh doubtlons told you about the writing—the last he ever executed—that was found on his table.” “We are hunting for the one-armed Tory boy. I believe t he carri rs that concern you, H If he meets Lancas- Wingdon one or both will die. If Nicholas and the young Tory have a renconter blood flow.” on turned almost abruptly from the young girl and stepped to Hayne’s ‘ Helen was then joined by Nick o’ the Night, and the twain were engaged in an earnest conversation when a y' n wormed his way t h the partisan , and handed him a note which was sealed with the waxen crest of Wingdon Hall. The boy started when the sign met his eye, and Helen watched him with intense curiosity as he “oo toward a torch and broke the seal. e hy that met his gaze was el t and f in shading, and in the glow of the torch the young partisan read: “NicHoLas Branpon—Bandit/ Are we never to meet that we may settle forever the accounts that we owe one another? Like a coward, you fly from before me now that I am mes ain. My n will give you ee know by eliverance that every night at twelve I wait for you at the double oaks near Wingdon Hall. I dare you to meet me there alone, and in this challenge, I brand you cow- ard! bandit! and murderer! lina is too small for you and r as well as that CASTER WINGDON, “ Of Wingdon Hall.” The reader gritted his teeth when he read the trio of epithets that the challenge contained; but when | | the last sentence was mastered, a smile overspread eee i his face. “That is true, Lancaster Wingdon, that is true!” were the words that rippled over his lips, and fold- to Helen. “I am going away,” he said in a tone which did not rouse her suspicions. ‘‘The negro’s message is important.” e took her hands, and, unseen by the men about them, snatched a hurried kiss from her lips. “Come!” he said to the sable messenger. “Is he there?” “He am, massa!’’ was the reply. A few moments later the young, partisan, mounted on his horse and followed by ig, the peed dog called Marion. from his council with yne and several trusted lieutenants. es pee sg | penrmy 3 said the boy, putting out a hand whic arion took with great surprise. “IfI am not in your camp at daybreak you will find me beneath the double oaks near Wingdon Hall. Sen no one after me, as you value the tried friendship of Nick o’ the Night.” Marion wrung the boy’s hand, and rr him a look that seemed to fathom the secret of his sudden de- parture. The next moment the twain had separated, and oe young partisan and the Wingdon slave were rid- away. CHAPTER XVIL THE FIGHT AT THE DOUBLE OAKS. Axsout the hour of Nick o’ the Night’s departure from Marion and his band in company with the negro who had delivered the challenge, a solitary mn rode from Wingdon Hall. The night was and the mellow rays of a lofty moon fell alike on horse and rider. The latter sat proudly in the rich saddle and the dark eyes above the d cheeks were full of fire. An empty sleeve hung mournfully at his left side, and the bridle-rein lay lightly in his only hand. He wore a handsome cav saber, there was a pistol in his belt. After debouching upon the well-defined road that ran by the great gate, at the foot of the Wingdon estate, the lone horseman guided his toward | me nae 1 Name pererne Be & Vek, He not seem a hurry, for even relinquish- ed the rein and gave himself up to meditation. © Atl the ride terminaved, and the night-ridex sat in two giant oaks that grew like twins beside the road. “Tam here! Now let him meet me!” he said in a voice tinged with bravado. “If Nero finds him he will come, for I know his mettle. By George, the a > I have tested it.” o, Speaker was Lanctser Winton, sid Ne waited with im ence for the hour of tw We left him on a bed of in the d old lately ridden. The mansion from which he reader will recall the battle in Wingdon Hall —the fierce conflict that cost the young Tory one of his trusty arms. pag bey burdened with fol- lowed the events of t night, and long nights of restlessness tortured eure loyalist’s mind. He had sworn that he would live—live for vengeance, ation to conquer death in his restoration. He watched his strengt impatience which he could not disguise, and when he could wield a saber again he shouted for joy. He convalescance, his father, a good swo n, becom- ing his antagonist in ic strife. after da, the ring of steel resounded | out Wingdon and the servants wondered why the crippled practiced sword: so in tly. When Lancaster W: on could mount his ho when, with the reins over the pommel, he could ride ae aa Wingdon park and strike off limbs with the saber—when he could shoot accurately at full gallop, he penned his Sec aerooe, jy and sent his favorite servant upon his Ey oe signs r night he ridden to the oak, where until midnight he had waited for the coming of the foe. He was inclined to doubt Nero’s faithfulness at last; but the colored man was true; he was hunt- for the formidable will-o’-the-wisp of the South, t us return to the young Tory and the night that witnessed the rescue of our youthful hero from the guns of the English ns, He sat beneath the boughs of the double oaks counting the minutes, and listening intently. The least sound caught his ge eae a smile soon to be mang are by a profound would wreathe his lips in sat on, At last there came a sound that could not be mis- interpreted. It was the noise of horses’ feet, and the young — soon descried two res advancing from the west. He hastened into the road, as if to bar their progress, for a voice which had fallen upon his ears ld him that one of the riders was the slave Nero. The horsemen continued to approach until, at sight of the immovable figure in the road, they drew “Massa Lancaster!’’ exclaimed the n fright- ened at the youth whom he had re De Lord bress us, dar’ll be a battle here, suah!”’ The _— of a moment followed the darkey’s ex- on, “T am here, Lancaster Wingdon!” said the white rider beside the slave. “he chalk found in the midst of victo: “The challenge found me in the m 0 : Marion has overtalben Captain McClintock’s coe © ment, and, with the exception of a few who are peg ety members are prisoners of-war. Yon want tofight me. Iamready; but let me tell you that the odde are in my favor. You have but one arm!”
Page 13
i3 Nick o’ the Night. _ — “Which is equal to both of yours!” the young | any | Rad f replied, grating his teeth. “I fight wit kind of weapon, and you will discover that Iam no mean gy a Of course ye ro hither to agit me, and it is not necessary to brand you coward, bandit and murderer!” Nick o’ the Night’s eyes flashed. “Nof I came hither to resent the insult which none but a Tory can give!” he cried. ‘“ Being the challenged ty, I select. The weapons shall be the saber; we shall retire eighty rods and charge each ether at the same moment. How do you like the plan of battle?” “Ttsuits me; but it gives you a chance to fly.” The yesng artisan bit his lip and grew pale be- neath the cutiing taunt of cowardice, “When I leave this field it shall be as victor or in death,” he said. “‘ Lancaster Wingdon, dismiss your black, and let us seek our charging stations. I want “ed — to this, our last battle, save the Great Je- ovah!’ A momentlater Nero was dismissed, and when he had retired from view the two duelists traversed the road in opposite directions. At forty rods westward from the tree Nick 0’ the Night halted and wheeled about, and saw his foe do the same in the distance. There was a moment's silence when, as it had been agreed, Lancaster Wingdon’s voice came down the road: “Are — —. “ y ” was e response “Then charge!” Two black horses struck at the same moment by sharp spurs darted forward like t cannon-balls, and the thunder of hoofs floated heavenward to die among the stars. Closer and closer came, their young riders awaiting lision with flashing eyes and eager sabers. Lancas- ter Wingdon had dro the reins which at the start he griped with his teeth, and his whole soul was in the fire of the moment. His antagonist sat in the saddle with body slightly bent forward, anda sewrgpe 3 saber ly as it seemed, at his right side. But his eye was on the foe, and his long hair streaming in the midnight breeze caused Ls rs look like a cavalier of the days of England's arlie, Eighty rods are soon traversed by charging horses; the thunder of hoofs was of brief duration, for in less time than I have described the positions and looks of the duelists, they met. Met in the moonlight just beyond the branches of the double oaks, A second before the collision Nick o’ the Night sent his body backward like the rebound of a ru ball, and when his saber, aimed at the young Tory’s head, descended with terrible force, it met another blade sweeping like a battle-ax toward his own c m. The shock was gigantic—like. the meeting of two hts in olden tourney. The black horses recoiled on their haunches, and the riders were almost lifted from the saddles by the colliding sabers. They recovered almost simultaneously. “Go back to your charging station!’’ cried Nick o’ the Night to his antagonist. ‘‘ We must fight in this manner until yon southern moon shines upon a vic- to gre The look he Do gin was full of hate and courage. “T will fight till your sword cleaves my, skull or mine yours!” was the reply, and again the young duelists retreated for the po bag The sole witness of the duel was the partisan’s dog, who stood in the shadow with his eyes on his yo master. % k!” cried Nick o’ the Night to himse if, when for the second time he had taken position. ‘Some rson is coming from the south. must not inter- ere in this affair of mine. By my life! it may be Marion!” Then, almost before the name of his chief had ceased to quiver on his lips, he gave the command for the moms charge. it int ad Agair the horses sprung forw: and approac! each other like arrows. The blood of each seemcd tingling in their veins, and their eyes flashed like the eyes of their riders. Nick o’ the Night heard the noise of hoofs in the south. He feared that the unseen n would burst suddenly upon the dueling ground, and directly be- een him and his f oe. The road that led to the south joined the main one atthe double oaks, and the young partisan hoped to | meet the rose f beyond that point. To do this he drove the spurs into Santee’s bowels, and leaned forward in his rness. Would he pass the mouth of the southern road before the new- comer could dart from it and himself between the two horses? He bent his energies to the accom- plishment of his desires, but in vain! All at once a dark object bounded into the dueling It seemed to come from the lowest boughs of the oaks, and in the center of the road it paused and re- mained there like a mass of iron. The young patriot uttered a cry of horror. He threw his body erect, spoke to his horse, and Lage co back upon his haunches by a powerful jerk the rein. Lancaster Wingdon was not so fortunate. > Singular to relate, he had not heard the tread of hoofs in the south; the wind had been against him, and he was not prepared for the sudden appearance of the apparition. Therefore, he bounded against it with the force of the thunderbolt; he rooted it from its seemingly im- movable tion, and with it went to the ground with a shriek of terror and despair! together they momentarily. the terrible ef | It was a terrible collision, and Nick o’ the Night’s had saved him; but he wished that he had passed the road in time and engaged his enemy. He be- ter Wingdon was Marion himself, who had arrived on the spot for the purpose of putting an end to the was enough to cause him to leap from the saddle and hasten to the dark, struggling mass in the road. ward, and with a sharp cry of anger lea: over the prostrate horses and seized, by the shoulder, 2 man Se 4 ! let ty your hold!” cried the pa- triot, seizing the beast’s shaggy coat, and tearing him rudely from his victim. Touch no one here Abashed and sullen the dog slunk away, and from near the horses looked on the scene. ate mass in the moonlit road, and the patriot recog- nized the interloper with as e “Yes !’’ was the response, which was followed by “Isn't it strange that we three enemies my leg which is crushed. How is the Tory?’ ick o’ the Night looked from the trooper to his alf-hidden by the body of his horse, writhing pain occasioned by b: “TI believe he is dead,” he said, and withthe last word on his lips he ee the youth. : not move, and the patriot’s eyes returned to the tie “He is dead!”’ outlawed dragoon smiled. “ But = out of this, Nick o’ the Night. I do not ‘see we should be ‘“We are not enemies. Have you got the papers?” “What papers?” Latimer!” : “Yes,” he said, aftera pause. ‘They are in my Colonel King’s men have hunted me, so have Mari- on’s. But I'll soon be free. Nick, l want to see my The bo t difficulty assisted him to a place on Santee's and when Nero, trembling with fear, crept from ment, he found the dew falling on his young mas- The rival Brandon and the young Tory was ended. The cause CHAPTER XVIIL WITH WHICH OUR STORY ENDS. m that he said they would reach Azalea before dawn?” “Quite certain, dearest Bertha. I left Marion's start. The twain, Bertha Latimer and Captain Clayton, faces turned toward the road that ran by it—the road over which Tarleton had often chased Mario: was still arrayed in mourning garments, and her companion wore th plainest undress uniform al- at him while he spoke, and then said in a low tone: “So you have really left the service, Graycliffe?” freedom; their wrongs and their gallantry have won my heart. I have been to their camp. They fight _. Such men make the best patriots beneath esun. I can not fight against them. ay resigna- e king’s face was deathly white as he witnessed it. His ears lieved that the man borne to the Fhe wy by Lancas- duel; and the thought that his chief might be slain The dog seeing his master’s movement darted for- who was trying to rise. without my command!”’ Two riders and their steeds formed a conglomer- cry. “What! you here, Jotham Nettleton?” a " should meet here? My horse is dead; he is lying on ro ey who lay still in the moonlight, his roken limbs. At touch of his hand Lancaster Wingdon did “Then we have settled our accounts,” and the enemies now.” “Those which you took when you killed Hugh bosom, Since that night I have been an outlaw. sister. extricated Jotham Nettleton, and with ack. Then he left the tragic place of conceal- ter’s forehead. that had existed between Nicholas of the king had lost another sword. “TuEy may not come to-night. Are you certain camp two hours since, and Helen was impatient to stood on the porch of the old mansion with anxious n. and vice verta. They were alone. The yo irl lowed in the British army. She looked strangely “Yes, Bertha; these Americans are fighting for not for money; their food is coarse, the earth their tion is written; it will be accepted. Let t men call me poltroon, traitor, if they like! but so long as [ live P will never .edraw may trod agcinst liberty in any land.” Despite her monarchical proclivities, bertha sLati- mer’s face glowed with enthusiasm, while he uttered his declaration, and when the last had fallen from his lips she gently touched his arm. ‘I shall be the last to speak against your rormy of heart,” she said. ‘‘ Graycliffe, though I love the *s cause, I do not love you the less for des it. If the Americans succeed in this st: le, we shall not suffer. God will bless us under Washing- 4d A pape as he has under the flag of Saint Captain Clayton was about to reply when the — = ie Pa mesg fell “on his ears. ; “Har come!” he exclaimed, looking at Bertha. e 28 hea = at ai) dest P moment later the clinking of sabers was plainl heard, and a troop of cavalry drew rein before the mansion, Bertha Latimer darted from the captain's side, and embraced a young girl whom the leader of the troop assisted from the saddle. It wes Helen, Once more the old mansion stood before her; but he whom she had long called father was not present to greet her return. Perhaps it was well that he had bean ca.led to his account, for the papers that Helen carried in her bosom—the papers taken by Jotham Nettleton from Azalea on the night of the master’s murder—told her that he was acriminal. The great crime of Hugh Latimer’s life was committed in the mother country. He wanted property, and after many base intrigues, sent a young widow and two children to sea. He sent villains off in the same vessel. They did their work. In the midst of a storm they scuttled the ves- sel—the Pict. The mother perished; but the children lived. The girl fell into Hugh Latimer’s hands; so did many thousands of pounds. The child was Helen —not Helen Latimer, but Helen Nettleton! He fled with his ill-gotten wealth to Carolina, where he lived in ease, raising Helem beside his own daughter, Ber- tha, as her sister. The widow’s son also escaped the storm and the sailors’ villainy. He grew to man- hood, with a crown and an arrow, the crest of his house, in tattoo on his shoulder. He came to Amer- ica in the king's service, and the reader has followed him through the thrilling scenes. of our romance. The papers taken from Azalea told the story of Helen’s birth, and condemned Hugh Latimer, Jotham Nettleton did not ride to the old mansion with his long-lost sister. As the reader has seen, he was bonis by Nick 0’ the Night from the du - ground. He reached Marion's camp, where, in the arms of the beautiful girl, so long separated from him, he breathed his warlike life away. Marion’s men made his grave, and a devout hw —for in those days men prayed as well as ought— prayed for the eternal re of the oon’s soul. elen’s welcome to ea was cordial. The slaves were delighted to see the “young missus again, and Marion and his men did not ride away until they had feasted at the tables where Cornwallis and Raw- don had drank to the successof King George’s cause. When they did gallop off, it was with cheers for liberty, and Nick 0° the Night, who had yielded to the arpements of sweet smiles to tarry at oe sage half-wished himself among the gallan ers. Our romance approaches its end. Helen was creed to find herself once more in the old house, and the—sisters I was going to say, n looked love and delight into each other's eyes. ery soon Dorchester was wrested from the onenys and ‘the British found themselves confined Charleston and the neighboring islands. But one event threw a gloom over the country. The brave Colonel Hayne—one of the characters of our story— was captured by the enemy, taken to Charlesto and basely executed. He was one of the noble: triots of the South, and died like a hero—a martyr the cause of can freedom, By and by the last cloud of darkness ae from liberty’s sky. A cry of rejoicing sounded throughout the land, for Cornwallis was taken, and the freedom of America secured. Then Nick o’ the Night sheathed his sword, and put the spurs aside; then Santee rested in the stables at Azalea, and Whig, his canine friend, slept in the shadow of the ettoes. Then there was a double wedding at the old mansion, Marion giving one bride away, and Sumter the other. Essex Wingdon returned to England with Lord Rawdon before the conclusion of the war, and no one retted his departure. ay tain Clayton purchased the Wingdon estate, man of diminutive stature and a bronzed face often flitted between Azalea and the Hall. It was Francis Marion, who dismissed his band ~~ + ed no longer needed the service of their sWwo! and long after the war a solita The Fireside Library. 1 Was See His Wire? Mrs, R. Crowell... 10¢, 2 Fieeinc From Love. By H tIrving .... 10e, 3 Dip He Love Her? Bartley T. Campbell ... 10c, 4 A Srrance Woman. By Rett Winwood .... 10e, 5 Nap, THE Russian Spy., F. Whittaker.... .. 10c, 6 Two Grris’ Lives. By Mrs. Mary R. Crowell. 10¢, Lyd AvupLeEy’s SecRET. By Miss M. E. Brad- a OE BMS 75 24, O45 BT A RS 9 Tae War or Hearts. Corinne Cushman ... 10c, 10 LetecHTon Grance. Miss M. E. Braddon ..... 10c, 1* Tar Fatse Winow. Mrs. J. D. Burton ...... 10e, 12-12 Lost yor Love, Hiss M. EB. Bradcon... .. s'e, i4-i5 ToreRrs of THE SEa. by Victor Hugo..... Kve, 16 THe Ocroroon. By Miss M. E. Braddon .. . 10c. 17-18 Unciz Sinas. By J. S. Le Fanu _....... 20c. 19-20 Deap-Sgea Frurr. Miss M. E. Braddon..... 20c. 23 SowING THE WIND. Mrs. M R. Crowell.... 10c. 24-25 Brrps or Prey. Miss M. E. Braddon ..... 20e, 26 Twat Boy or Norcorr’s. Charles Lever . . 10c. 27-28 CHARLOTTE’s INHERITANCE. By Miss M. E. pe en eer) eee eee 20c. 29 A Greu’s Heart. Rett Winwood ........ 10c, 30-31 Rep as A Rose is SHE. By Rhoda Brough- abe: pI re ee ee Ce a 32 Tae Lity or St. Erne. By Mrs. Crow ...... 10e. 33 STRANGELY WeD. By Mrs. J. D. Burron..... 10e, 34 Tue Gresy BRIDE. 10c. - hag E. O. Malen ... 85 AnntE TEMPLE. B Sd. Se 36 Wrrnovt Mercy. Bartley T. Campbell... 1@c. 37 Buack Eyes anp Biv, By Corinne Cush- ee ee ee ee 40 Ovmpa’s Love. By Henrietta E. DeConde . . 10c, 41 Tue Hunrep Bripe.- By Corinne Cushman... 10c. 42 WINNING Ways. By t Blount....... 10ce. 43 A Woman's Heart. By . M. V. Victor... 10c, A new issue every week. For sale by all newsdealers, or sent, postage paid, on receipt of twelve cents for single num double numbers twenty-four cents. BEADLE & ADAMS, Publisha 98 Williana street, nN. a ; q q a ) ti }
Page 14
“A Model Family Paper, and Most Charming of the Weeklies.” e UNRIVALLED AMONG POPULAR PAPERS In the good repute of its large corps of Contributors ; In the variety, scope and interest of its contents ; In the beauty of illustration, typography and order of its “make up.” FIRST CLASS POPULAR WEEKLY, aiming at what is Best, FresHest anD Most Artrractive in Fiction, Romance and Novel—in Sketch, Story and Narrative—in Adventure on Sea and Land—in City Life Revelations—in History, Biography and Events—in Wit and Humor—in Poetry and Essay—in the Useful and Practical—in Answers to Correspondents, Topics of the Times, Editorials, etc., etc., etc. ENTERTAINING, INSTRUCTIVE and AMUSING, It meets the tastes, wants and demands of old and young alike, and is the Congenial Companion, the Welcome Guest, at Firesides, in Houses, Shops and Offices IN ALL PARTS OF THE UNION! No paper now published in this country having a wider circulation, and none being received with so much favor by that class of people who are solicitous that what they read shall be both pure and good. The corps of regular contributors embraces the following Most Popular Living American Writers: | | ALBERT W. AIKEN, MARY GRACE HALPINE, HAP HAZARD, MRS. MARY REED CROWELL, EBEN E. REXFORD, EDWARD L. WHEELER, OLL COOMES, ' MATTIE DYER BRITTS, DR. WM. MASON TURNER, CORINNE CUSHMAN, Cc. D. CLARK, GARRY GAINES, JOSEPH E. BADGER, Jr., COL. DELLE SARA, CAPT. CHARLES HOWARD, MRS. JENNIE DAVIS BURTON, COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, A. W. BELLAW, CAPT. FRED. WHITTAKER, HENRI MONTCALM, MARO O. ROLFE, LUCILLE HOLLIS, T. C. HARBAUGH, MRS. ADDIE D. ROLLSTOR, CHARLES MORRIS, RETT WINWOOD, ROGER STARBUCK, Ete., as well as the celebrated Wits and Humorists WASHINGTON WHITEHORN, JOE JOT, dr., and BEAT TIME, and the sparkling essayists and pen-preachers THE PARSON’S DAUGHTER and EVE LAWLESS, all of whom cater exclusively for the SatTuRDAY JoURNAL, while in its department of ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS those who are conversant with such literature pronounce it the best and most interesting column of the day. Taken all in all the Satur- DAY JOURNAL is the Journal Par Excellence for the Lovers of a Wholesome Popular Literature, and those seeking for what is best and most enjoyable in that line should become its readers. The Saturday Journal is Published Weekly at the Following Rates: Wag Dae TRO ocak came eays ad v0 ches cc ioe seess $1.00 Two Copies for One Year........... ee editins $5.00 For One Year. «. . 0.00: vvesvcccses 0 vette aut vse 3.00 Single Copies...... C pees eve vavdccecucareneents 6 cents Supplied by all Newsdealers, BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORE. Tg ee - - — ewes ———
Page 15
— ea THE POPULAR ee a School, Exhibition us ae WEBSTER, —FOR— STANDARD BOOKS < Home Entertainment. PARTON, PHILLIPS, «iE DIMy |SP EAKERS # DIALOGUES. THE MOST 4 ppp, criv! SERIES, REV, JOS. COOK, 1) CUYLER, DURYEA, WAYLAND, .) MAX ADELER, |) MARK TWAIN, OOFTY GOOFT, DOESTICKS, CARLYLE, MACAULAY, WILBERFORCE, PITT, SHAKSPEARE, MILTON, BYRON, BURNS, B. E. REXFORD, B. F. TAYLOR, STODDARD, ALDRICH, WILL CARLETON, JOE JOT, Jr., yost AVAILABLE, ADg PIrYp A TAKING COLLECT. —Or— Declamations, Recitations, Speeches, Orations, Notable Passages, Extempore Efforts, Addresses, Dialogues, Colloquies, Burlesques, IN ALL THE FIELDS OF Wit, Humor, Burlesque, Satire, Eloquence and Argument, Schools, Exhibitions ? Amateur Theatricals. THE DIME SPEAKERS. 1—Dme AMERICAN SPEAKER. 2—DimEe NATIONAL SPEAKER. 8—Drme PATRIOTIC SPEAKER, 4—Drve Comic SPEAKER, 5—Dimez ELOCcUTIONIST. 6—Dimz Humorous SPEAKER. 7—Dime STANDARD SPEAKER. 8—Dime Stump SPEAKER. 11—DiwE DEBATER AND CHAIRMAN’S GUIDE. 12—Dime EXHIBITION SPEAKER. 13—Dime SCHOOL SPEAKER. 14—Dime Lupicrous SPEAKER. 15—CARL PRETZEL’s KoMIKAL SPEAKER. 16—Dime Youts’s SPEAKER. 17—Dime ELOQUENT SPEAKER. 18—Dime Har, CoLumsBia SPEAKER, 9—DIME JUVENILE SPEAKER. 19—DimeE SERIO-Comic SPEAKER. 10—Droe SpREAD-EAGLE SPEAKER. 20—DimE SELECT SPEAKER. Each Speaker, 100 pages 12mo., containing from 50 to 75 pieces. THE DIME DIALOGUES Are filled with original and specially prepared contributions from favorite and popular caterers for the Amateur and School Stage—giving more taking and effective dialogues, burlesques, social comedies, domestic farces, exquisite dress and exhibition dramas than WHITEHORN, any collection ever offered at any price, Dime DIALoGuES NuMBER ONE. Dime DrALocurs NuMBER Two. Dime DIALOGUES NUMBER THREE. Dime DIALOGUES NuMBER Four. DimE DIALOGUES NUMBER FIvE. Dimg DIALoGurs NuMBER Srx. Dime DriaLocurs NuMBER SEVEN Dime DiaLoGures NuMBER EIGHT. Dme Dianocurs Numner Nine. Dime DIALoGuES NuMBER TEN. Duwe DIALOGuES NumBer ELEVEN. Each volume, 100 pages 12mo., Dre DraLocurs NuMBER TWELVE. Dire DriALoGuErs NuMBER THIRTEEN. Dime DIALOGUES NUMBER FOURTEEN, Dime DIALOGvES NUMBER FIFTEEN. Drrz DraLocuEs NuMBER SIXTEEN. Dime DraLocuEs NuMBER SEVENTEEN, Little Folks. Dre D1ALocuES NuMBER EIGHTEEN, Due DraLocurs NUMBER NINETEEN. Dove DiaLocurs NUMBER TWENTY. Dime DIALOGUES NUMBER TWENTY-ONE. containing from 15 to 25 pieces. BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William St, N. Y. DR. CROSBY, FAT CONTRIBUTOR, MAGOON, DANBURY NEWS, REV. DR. HALL, DETROIT FREE PRESS, SCUDDER, HAWKEYE, DOANE, BEN ZEEN, C—O OLN NNN LN Ee BELLOWS, SPRAGUE, DUGANNE, LOWELL, BAYARD TAYLOR, POE, E. E. HALE, Ore PIERPONT, PERCIVAL, DANA, OSGOOD, JOHN NEAL, SAXE, MEAGHER, ORPHEUS 0. KERR, MILES O'REILLY, GEO. F. TRAIN, _ CROCKETT, DICKENS, SIDNEY SMITH, TOM HOOD, JERROLD, SUMNER, HOLT, WILSON, JOHNSON, SIMPSON, PARKER, COLLYER, WILLETT, ANNA DICKINSON, MRS. VICTOR, THE CARYS, FANNY FERN, GREELEY, . | BISHOP WHIPPLE, REV. DR. WOOD, DR. NADIR, HAWKES, MILBURN, SPURGEON, KOSSUTH, BENTON, CALHOUN, STEPHENS, HENRY CLAY, as MARSHALL, HENRY, GOUGH. |
Page 16
DEADWOOD DICK, Deadwood Dick, THz Prince or THE Roap; or, Tae Buiack Riper oF THE BLAcK Hitts. By Edward L. Wheeler, author of “The Double Daggers,”’ ‘“‘ Cloven Hoof,”’ ‘“‘ Buffalo Ben.” Yellowstone Jack; or, Taz TRAPPER OF THE ENCHANTED Grounp. By Jos, E. Badger, Jr., author of “ Pacific Pete,” ete. Kansas King; or, Toe Rep RIGHT Hanp, By Buffalo Bill (Hon. Wm. F. Cody), author of ‘ Deadly Eye,”’ ‘‘ The Phantom Spy,” ete. The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Reid and Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 5 Vagabond Joe; THE Youna WANDER- ing Jew. By Oll Coomes, author of ‘The Dumb Spy,” ete., etc. Double Number, 10 cents. Bill Biddon, Trapper; or, Lire mv THE Nortuwest. By Edward §. Ellis, author of ‘‘ Seth Jones,” ‘‘ Nat Todd,” etc., ete. 7 The Flying Yankee; or, Tur OcrAn Ovurcast. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, author etc., etc, of ‘ Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccaneer,’ RALPH ROY.—No, 17. eadle & Adams’ Half-Dime Publications. Every one of them “ Live’ Storics by *‘ Live®? Authors, a Complete Novel, at the extraordinary price of a HALF-DIME, he} Seth Jones; or, THE CAPTIVES OF THE FRONTIER, g The Adventures of Baron Mun- chausen, Sroux Captive. A Sequel to “ Bill Biddon, Trapper.” By Edward 8. Ellis, author of ‘‘Seth Jones,” ‘‘ Frontier Angel,” etc., etc, 1 The Two Detectives; or, FortTUNES OF A Bowrery Giri. By Albert W. Aiken, author of ‘‘ The Spotter Detective,” etc. 12 Gulliver's Travels. THE A Voyage to | By Dean Swift. The Dumb Spy. By Oll Coome 1 3 author of “ Vaghbond Jon,” ete. ? THE WONDERFUL 14 Apaain 1 5 The Sea-Cat; or, THz Wircu or Darien. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker | author of ‘‘ The Red Rajah,” “ The Rock Rider,” ete’ 16 or, Robinson Crusoe. His Life and Surprising Adventures, (27 illustrations.) > ROBINSON Crusor.—No. 16 Ralph Roy, The Boy Bucca- neer; or, THE FUuGITIVE YACHT. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, author of “The Flying ankee,” ‘The Boy Pilot,’ etc., éte, | 1 Sa, Sindbad the Sailor. His seven voy- : ages. Trem tho Arabian. Nagin. 1 The Phantom Spy; or, THE Por OF THE Prairie. By Buffalo Bill, author of “ Kansas King,” ‘Deadly Kye,’ etc., ete. 20 The Double Daggers; or, Qrap- woop Dick’s Dertance. By Edward L. Wheeler, author of ‘Deadwood Dick,” “ Cloyen Hoof,” “ Buffalo Ben,” etc., etc. 21 Frontier Angel. A Romance of Kentucky Rangers’ Life. a Edward 8. Ellis, author of “Seth Jones,” “ Bill Biddon, Trap- | per,” “Nat Todd,” ete.. etc. 22 The Sea Serpent; or, Tue Boy 1 Rosrnson Crusor. By Col. Juan Lewis, | 24 Diamond Dirk: or, Tae Mystery OF THE YELLOWSTONE. . By Col. Prentiss | Ingraham, author of ‘‘ The Flying Yankee,” “‘ Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccaneer,” etc., ete. 2 Daveuter. By Roger Starbuck. 10 Nat Todd; or, THe Fate or THE Lilliput, and a Voyage to Brobdingnag. The Boy Captain: or, THE PIRATE’s Each number | 26 Cloven Hoof, the Demon. By Edward L, Wheeler, author of “Dead. wood Dick,”’ “The Double Daggers,” ete., ete. Q7 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide, By Oll Coomes, author of “Vagabond Joe,” “ The Dumb Spy,” etc., ete. tg Qe Buffalo Ben, the Prince of the Pistol: or, DeEapwoop Dick 1N Disevurse. By Edward L. Wheeler, author of “‘ Dead- wood Dick,’’ “The Double Daggers,” etc., etc. 29 The Dumb Page; or, THE Docr's DavcuTrer. By Capt. Frederick Whit- taker, author of *‘ The Wild-Horse Hunters,” “The Sea Ca ,” ete., et. Ready 30 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, Tur RecKLESS RANGER. By Harry St. George, author of ‘‘ Hunter Hercules,” ete, Ready Feb, 19th. 3 1 Keen-Knife, THe PRINCE oF THE Pratries. By Oll Coomes, author of “ Vag- abond Joe.” “The Dumb Spy,” “‘ Antelope Abe,” ete. THE DOUBLE DAGGERs.—No, 20, , Ready ,, | | 32 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian: | or, THe Grrt Drap-Sxor. By Edward L. | Wheeler, author of “ Deadwood Dick,”’ “The Double: Daggers,” ‘‘ Cloven-Hoof,” “‘ Buffalo Ben,” ete., ete, | Ready March 5th. A new issue every week. The above publications are for sale by all News- | dealers, five cents per copy or sent by mail on re~ ceipt of six cents each. CADLE & ADAMS, Pub- | lishers, 98 William Street, New York, }