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A NEW REVOLUTIONARY STORY. ONE-EYED SAUL; Or, The Tory League of Seven. A TALE OF SOUI H CAROLINA BY DR• J, I. RODINFON. Author of "Nick Whiffles," "Buck Bison," "Half-Witted Nat," "Marion's Brigade," "The Pioneers of Kentucky," etc. CHAPTER I. TOE LEICUE Or TIDE SEVEN Seven men, coming from different points, urging their way with great difficulty through almost impervious of walls interlaced and op posing shrubbery, met at midnight beneath the spreading branches of a cypress tree, at a place called Laurel Swamp, in South Car olina, in the year 177—. They gathered sticks and leaves and made a fire. The Sautes, springing up from the dry heap, threw a red glare upon their faces, which were seamed and disfigured by the play of bad passions. They were young men—the oldest not being more than thirty-five years of age. As they stood in a circle around the fire, they resembled a group of vagabond English gipsies, fresh from the stocks or the whipping-post. They were armed with Sa bres, knives, pistols and muskets. Their faces were smutched with powder, their beards and hair long and neglected, their garments torn by conflict and the sharp teeth of the cypress hedges. The names of these men were respectively as follows: Martin Vantassle, Nathaniel Herrick, Philip Langford, Simon A.rrowsmith, John Nicol son, Jumes Pollard, and Timothy Becker. Vantassle, a tall, athletic, ill-visaged fel low, was the leader of these fierce and in tractable spirits. Unsheathing his heavy sabre, and planting its point in the ground between his feet, he addressed his compan i.ms. "Men," he said, in a hard, harsh vt.ice, that harmonized well with his general pres tige, "we've met here to-night to bind our selves together in perpetual fellowship by solemn oath and mutual agreement. Every man's hand is agin us—leastwise, in these parts—and ours, in turn, is agin every man. We've sworn allegiance to his gracious Ma jesty, the King of Great Britain and the rightful ruler of these colonies, have touched Lis money, and will do his work." "It isn't the king I care so much about," muttered Nat Herrick, '•but the utter de struction and extermination of the Whigs. South Car'liny is already more'n half con quered. The rebel cause is rapidly growill' weaker, and we'll soon sweep 'em away like chaff. It'll be strange if Nat Herrick don't have his share of the plunder." There 'MIA an applauding murmur around the grim circle. "I was comin' to that subject," added Vantassle, impatiently. "I reckon I know the merits of the case, and understand the natur' Of your feelins, my lads. We never seed the King of England, any of us; and if we should, it's agin reason to s'poso that he'd speak to us; and to tell the truth. we care little about him. I love Martin Van tussle better nor I du any king in the world. I fight the Whigs because their side is the weakest, and I bate 'ern; and there's a pros pect of makin'sotnothite by it. When we've driven 'em out, which will be soon, 'cordin' to present appearances, we'll be masters of the country ourselves. We'll have houses and lauds, and niggers to wait on us." "That's the kind te talk I like to hear," said Jim Pollard. "It's a kind of talk, too, that'll prove prophetic," rejoined Vantassle. "It would, if we could keep Marion and Sumpter still," interposed Langford. "The Swamp Fox will soon be still enough, I'll warrant yel Colonel Tarleton is on his track, and he'll trap him afore he's a week older. llowe%er, that's neithor hero nor there; let them fight for glory who will—our motto is 'Booty and Beauty.'" "We know who your beauty is," said Si mon Arrowsmith, with a leer; "it is Jrs.i e Burnside." "And he shall hare her, too:" said Her rick, with an oath. "Thank'e, Nat Herrick.; and if you don't succeed with Ruth llavilund, it'll be no fault of mine." "And will nobody speak a word fur me?" asked Langford. "A hundred, if you like," cried Pollard, "though to me it appears like the greatest ,rionsellse to be runnin' carter women when ther'its 'mthph real Eghtin' to be done. My mistress is a bloody one, and I find her wherever there is a Whig to bang, a till to rifle, or a house to burn. IroWsoindever. if -ou like Judith Burnside, it's none o' my Business, and I reckon none on us 'll stand i n your way. She's very handsome, and proud as she is handsome ; and if you win her at all, it'll be by foul and not by fair moans. I don't want to be hard on ye, Phil Langford, but I'm sure you can't do much In the way of what folk, call honest court ship. But don't be down-hearted, lad, for we're bound to each other under all carcutn stances, and in all cases." Martin Vantassle drew his sabre from the earth and thrusting it forward, held it over the blaring fare; the blade was dieted and serrated with service, and there were red stains upon it. The other six unsheathed theirs and crossed them upon his, when be dictated a terrible and impious compact which they severally repeated It was too profane and shocking to be put verbatim up on paper. They pledged themselves to mu tual brotherhood and crime; to exterminate the struggling and hunted Whigs; to give no quarter to the captured foe; to Psnrcle it ' ll ' flying fugitive with remorseless fury; to commit every enormity upon the defenceless patriots; to rob, to burn, to outrage helpless innocence. When this fearful and unnatural compact had been made, Vantassle turned to Herrick and a.ked: "What names have you brought?" Herrick drew °soiled paper from his waist coat pocket, and bending toward the fire, read the following names: "Paul Hazelhurst, Frank Haviland, Tom Butter, Pudijah Makepeace, Gideon Grant, Blinko, a nigger, and One-eyed Saul of Lau rel Swamp." "idea,' vaid Vantassle, "these are for the award! We are to hunt them down and kill hem. By virtue of my authority, and by the oath which you have sworn, I command you to pursue the persons whose names you have heard, night and day, till you have swept them out of existence!" "There are seven of them and seven of us—a man fur each," said Herrick. "Let us determine our respective men by lot," suggested Langford. "The idea is good, and by lot the matter shall be decided," added Vantassle. This suggestion was eagerly received; its novelty mate it welcome. The names of the parties doomed to destrtietion were written upon seven slips of paper, and drawn from Vantassle's cap by his associates. Herrick drew are first ballot. "Frank Haviland!" he exclaimed. 9150 ESA "The brother of Ruth!" said Pollard, with a. shrug, and looking inquiringly at his com mis. "Tom Nutter," said Langford, drawing, and reading his "And I, Blink°, the black," said Nichol- SOIL "And I, One-eyed &lull" cried Pollard, in dismay. "You've got something to do," laughed Vantassle. "If you outwit Saul of Laurel Swainp, you'll be the greatest man among US." "Podijah Makepeace, an infernal 'Yankee' declared Tim Becker, looking at hia ballot. Simon Arrowemith was the last to draw. Ile slreve Gideon Grant, leaving Paul Hazel burst for Vantaesle. "It is just us I wish it," observed the let ter, while a scowl of hatred gave additional malignance to his expression: "Ile has visited the Burnsides at Laurel wood," remarked Langford. "Is it Judith or Jessie?" asked Pollard, with a sneer. "It shall be neither!" thundered Yentas ale, casting fierce glances around him. "Let us join hands," he added; "and swear that we will respectively abide by the ballot." This was instantly 'done; with clasped hands and unsheathed sabres they renewed their terrible compact, invoking direful pen alties if they proved recreant to their oath. The League of the Seven was complete. They separated, and 'went their several ways. A moment later. itnd nothing but The smouldering embers of their fire remain ed to mark the spot where they had met. CHAPTER II I.A.VRELWOOD. Twilight stole silently upon Laurelwood; it curled in upon the mansion and surround ing trees like a pale, soft mist. It was a very quiet hour, but to Jessie Burnside there was something inexpressibly oppressive in the air. lier fair companions, Ruth Ilavi land and Judith Burnside, her sister, sym pathized with these feelings of uneasiness. With the exception of Blinko, a black ser vant, and Jupe, a mulatto girl, these ladies were, at this time, the sole occupants of the house, Mrs. Burnside being absent in atten dance upon a sick relative, while Mr. Burn side was serving in Marion's brigade. It was at that period when the struggle fur lib erty seemed dark and hopeless. South Car olina was overrun with pitiless enemies, and devastated with fire and sword. Toryism was rife, and stalked abroad like a destroy ing angel, smiting old and young. No man trusted his neighbor until he stood shoulder to shoulder with him in battle. No one knew where to find faith and good fellowship till danger and death had mime to apply the test to friend and brother. Burnside's mansion—which had received the name of Laurelwood on account of its proximity to Laurel Swamp--was so far dis tant from towns and cities that he flattered himself its quietude would not be intruded upon by marching armies or wandering bands of loyalists. It is true that he left his beloved ones with reluctance, and was often harrassed with fears for their safety; but duty—yea, necessity—called him to the field, and he went, hoping that Providence would protect those he left at home. So far, Laurelwood had not been molested. The terrible titles of the atrocities committed in neighboring towns and hamlets were daily reaching him. The young ladies had re cently, too, had their fears excited by the persecutions of certain persons, WiIUS, char acters and principles were alike obnoxious. With these parties we shall soon become better acquainted. Wishing to conceal her dejection of mind, and see if the open air were not more exhil am.t.ng, Jessie Burnside opened the door. and stepped out, as she believed, unobserved by Ruth and Judith. There was a small summer house overgrown with vines, a few yards distant; she entered it, and sat down. She had scarcely done so, when she heard a voice pronounce her name. She sprang up with a cry of terror. A large tough hand was laid rudely over her mouth; it was the band of Martin Vantassle. "Come, Miss, don't be frightened, for I am neither a wolf nor a panther, but plain Martin Vantagele—as good a man as you can find atween here and the mouth of the San tee. What's better. I'm a king's man, and the king's man have it alt their own way, now." "You are rode and unmannerly, sir!" cried Jessie, pushing him from her indig• nantly. "If you have business with me, speak it and begnnel" l‘listress, Y have a matter of busi ness with ye, I reckon. which shall last for life, if you like it. I ain't a person that can talk much, and haven't a great deal of time to spend in that soft palaver they call love-making; but I want a wife right hard, and you're the gal . I've a kinder axed my mind on." ••Oh, this is your - wooingl". said Jessie, contemptuously. "Lot rus tell you, Martin Vantassle, that your wooing is odious. You are a bear!" '•That's right, Miss; call me pet names. Ynu can make me the best natured bear in the world, if you will." Vante.sele attempted to tap her playfully under the chin with his clumsy hand. "Don't touch me: there is contamination in the touch of one who turns traitor, and betray. his own countrymen to foreign in "NO ENTERTAINMENT IS SO CHEAP AS READING,;NOR ANY PLEASURE SO LASTING." COLUMBIA, PENNSILVANIA, SATURDAY MORNING, APRIL 23, 1859. ceders. I have no patience with you, nor those of your character or habits of think ing, who are associated with you in your crime and spoliation. The word Tory makes ins shudder; your presence disgusts me, while your deeds fill me with horror!" She tried to escape from the summer house. Yentas&le caught her by the wrist. "Not so fast, my scornful! Now is the reign of might over right. Law and order are fled the land. Fear of magistrates is not now before our eyes. We don't ask, 'Shall we do this or that?' but NV' do as we list. I want you, and am come fur you." "This is frightful!" gasped Jessie. "I shall die With terror! I3linko! Blinks! Help —help!" At that moment she heard the report of a rifle not far off. "Did you hear that?" asked the Tory with a triumph. "It was for Blinko, I'll be .worn! I left a man on his track that can knock over a dollar at a hundred yards." "Spare me! Have we not been neighbors? Were we not friendly before this terrible war? Remember, I entreat of you, that I am a poor; trembling gal, with no protec tor." "I shall have no trouble in remembering the last, I'll warrant! I shouldn't trusted myself here if you'd been surrounded by the cursed rebels. Come, gal, our home is in Laurel Swamp." With a quick, unexpected movement, Yam tassle drew her to bhn, lifted her in his a rms, and moved toward the dark nod tangled mass of wood lying in the rear of the man sion at the distance of a hundred rods, and covering an area of ton miles in circumfer ence. By this time Ruth and Judith had missed her, and came running to the spot as lie ' was bearing her away. They cried loudly for assistance, while terror nearly deprived them of sense and volition. At the moment when the catastrophe seemed complete, a tall man, with a large, black patch over his left eye, and a long rifle in his hand, sprang from a clump of shubbery, seized Vantagele by the throat, wrested Jessie from his grasp, and choking him till he was black in the I face, hurled him to the ground. While Vatt tasele lay stunned upon the earth, his van quisher took his musket from his unnerved hand, discharged it into the air, and broke the stock against the trunk of a tree. lie then drew the pistols from the Tory's belt and thrust them into his own, from which already protruded the butts of four. The blade of Yantaseers knife he snapped by thrusting into the cleft of a rock, but the heavy subre•he buckled to his side, leaving the ruffian entirely unarmed. -"In, gals, ink" cried the rescuer. "Bar your doors, and say your prayers, for the Tory hounds have scented blood, and will not rest till they have gorged themselves." The tall, wild looking man glanced at Jes sie, and observing that she was faint, caught her up-as if she were en infant, and carried her to the door. Placing her carefully with in the threshold, be repeated his startling warning, and vanished in the deepening shadows of night. Ile was gone before the young ladies had recovered sufficiently from their dismay to thank him. While they gazed at each other in a stu por of wonder, a man leaped a high fence at the right, and crossing the intervening ground, stood before them, panting and cov ered with prespiration. It was Tom Hotter, the partisan and scout, who was known to 1 the neighboring loyalists as a staunch and unswerving patriot and a brace man, shrink- ing from no danger, and shunning none of the responsibilities of the part be had chosen. "Tom Butter!" exclaimed Judith and Ruth, sinaultaneoehly, "what has happened? You are excited with effort; you can scarce ly stand." "I have been pars' ed." said nutter. "I bare had a race for dear life. In, and bar ricade the doors! A party of the miserable renegades will be here in a minute! inere's Illinko?" "I don't know," said Judith. out a few minutes ago." "Which way?" asked If utter. Judith indicated the direction with her finger. flutter started off like a racehorse. Ile saw a dark object suspended front the branch of a tree. It was Blip ko, who was sway ing to an fro, and quivering in the agonies of strangulation. flutter cut him down in an instant, and tearing the rope from his neck, staggered toward the house beneath the weight of his groat body. A half dozen musket shots were poured after him from the nearest copse. The balls perforated his clothes and grazed his skin in several places, but he reached the house in safety with the half dead black. Leaving him to the care of Jupe, the mulatto girl, he barred the doors and fastened the windows. Jessie; who had partially recovered her self-possession, looked out and saw forms moving to and fru among the shrubbery.— fler heart misgave her. How could they re sist so many enemies? She thought of the strange man who had so opportunely ap peared to save her from Vocalisele. She wondered why he' had left them at such a juncture! Ills deep, resonant voice still rang in her ears. "Stand back from the vrindowl" said Tom Hotter. The warning was timely; a charge of buck shot crashed through the panes as she step ped aside, some of which perforated her dress, while one of the hurtling mestengers drew blood from her white neck. • "These 11119creants make war upon wo men!" exclaimed Ruth llaviland. "Make war upon women, Miss Ifaviland? They are more savage nor the wolves and catamounts that prowl through Laurel Swamp. Neither beauty not tears can move 'em. They aro ten times worse nor the Brit letters themselves! Tbey've marked their way through Car'liny with fire and blood, outrage and robbery." Tom nutter suddenly thrust his rifle through the shattered pane and fired. A cry came back through the smoke "There was mischief in that," he said, quietly, relo .ding his ,piece. "Resistance," cried Jessie, "Is hopeless. What can yeu expect fit= them if you are taken, TOW Hotter?" "A rope from the branch of the nearest tree." answered the Partisan, coolly. "Then ft—escape from the back door when you.mayi They certatnly will not be so brutal as to harm us young girls," said Judith, entreatingly. "My poor gals, you don't know 'em PO well as I. I've followed their terrible trail; and looked upon their infernal work. I know what happens to skit as you, and should be tempted to kill you with my own hand, rather than leave you to their ruffian violence. If my time's come, and rni. to go the way of all the airth, I'll die here in defense of beauty and innocerice." "Noble Tum!" cried Ruth, "If you've any firearms and'aminunition, hurry to bring em'atsd lay 'eta down beside me, and be keerful to keep out of the range of the winders." By this time Blinko had revived, and hear ing this order, said: "I'll tend to dat, Idars'r Tom. Only let the young misses keep out de,way, and I'll stand by ye lung's there am a breff o' life in Inc.' Blinko disappeared, but soon returned with a blunderbuss, two muskets, a brace of dueling pistols, a bag of buckshot, and a born of powder. flutter took the blunder buss, and charged it heavily. There was no light in the house save a single candle, which was placed behind a door in a corner to pre vent serving as a guide to the Tory marks rues. Hotter cast himself upon the floor and watched the movements of the assailants over the window-sill, His person was some what exposed to the shuts of the enemy, but his coolness did nut for a moment desert him. "The cowards are about to charge upon the door in a body," ho said, -presently.— "Blinko, give me the blunderbuss." The black handed the heavy and destruc tive weapon to the scout, whose muscles were firm and obedient. The young ladies observed his movements with indescribable interest. Their fate seemed to rest upon his single arm. A chilling sensetion of horror crept over theta when they reflected upon the consequences of defeat and capture. The Tories rushed toward tne door with a shout. nutter quickly aimed his weapon and poured two handfuls of buckshot into the midst of them. They recoiled and re treated to the covert of the shrubbery. A knocking was heard at the rear door. "Who's there?" demanded-Ilutter. "Well, I rather guess one-on 'em's me!" said a genuine Yankee voiee. "Podijah Makepeace is pooty ginerly, abeout when there's any skiritunagin' guilt' on." Blinko immediately unfastened the door and admitted two persons. Podijah Make peace had a figure of imposing height, but which lacked that fullness of developineut which gives symmetry and comeliness to the human organization. His hair was flaxen and lung, his mouth largoand good-humored, his nose somewhat sharp, middle his eyes, which were small and hazel, sparkled with drollery. He was manifestly a man who meant to be pleased with fife as he found it, and to make himself as comfortable as pos sible under all circumstances:, His companion was more youthful, and presented a different type of humanity. lie impressed the beholder at once with the idea of manly beauty, courage and integrity. "Paul Hazelhurst!" cried Jessie, joyfully. The young man sprang forward and grasp ed the hands that were eagerly extended to greet him. "We've come jest • abedut in the nick o' time, I should say, by gum! The blasted critters are a pc_r,gin' into ye, ain't they?— , Well, we'll show 'em a trick worth two of I that. Wax my flax, if we don't!" It may be well to remark here that Podi jah was by trade a shocmaker, - and that his language was generally highly Seasoned with the technicalities of the cordwi.iner's art.— As Podijah finished this eloquent peroration, he brought the breach of his rifle upon the floor with a great crash, and squinted out of the window with his twinkling eyes. The movement was pearly fatal to Podijah, for a bullet, aimed at random from outside, sev- ' ered one of his flaxen locks from his cheek. "Cramp my uppers! Now that's what I call rooty close work. A fellers jest as like ly to be shot right square through the head as any way; close up my seams if he isn't!" For a few minutes the shouting and firing ceased. The terrified girls flattered them selves that the Tories were retiring; but were presently undeeeived, for they had si lently surrounded the house, and now com menced the assault from different quarters with great resolution and fury. Each felt that the crisis was rapidly approaching,— Tom Hatter and Blinko, reinforced by Ha zelhurst and the Yankee, stood by their weapons, resolved to make a desperate re sistance. "He Went CtrAPTER, 111. FIFER. AND SWORD The four defenders of Laurelivood ran from point to point to meet and repel the invaders, who endeavored to force an en trance through the windows and doors simultaneously. The voice of Tom flutter swelled loudly übove the din of conflict. The struggle was kept up with determined spirit by the beeeiged. While each was en gaged with an enemy, Jessie Burnside cried out that a party of them had beaten down one of the doors and were pressing into the hall. Pudijah and Ilaxelhurst sprang to meet them. Fur a Unto the result was doubtful. but victory finally turned in favor of the defenders, whose powerful blows and hearty courage they could not withstand. Those who were not repulsed were left upon the floor with broken beads. The door was re placed and everything movable piled against it. The Tories ignominiously withdrew to the shelter of the surrounding trees and shrubbery, and nutter hoped that the at tack would not again be renewed. The girls, during the scene, behaved nobly. Overcoming the natural timidty of their sex, they made themselves useful to their brave friends in various ways. Paul liazlellurst fought like a lion. If he enter tained fears. they were not for himself, but for Jessie ',Burnside and her companions. When he paused from the conflict, panting and thirsty, she brought hint water; her little hand presented that cooling draught to his lips. Ile would gladly have imprison ed that ministering member in hie own and pressed grateful kisses upon it, bad pro priety sanctioned the act. "Are you wounded?" she asked, hur riedly. "I do not know," he replied. "I have not thought of myself; I have thought only of you and your friends, I never have tune to think of myself when you aro near; I should despise myself if I did." "You are too brave, too generous!" an swered Jessie, with emotion. You expose yourself needlessly; you have too much con tempt for danger." "There is no such word as danger, when I do battle Tor the safety and honor of Jessie Burnside." "Too chivalrous! toachivalrousl" exclaim ed Jessie. "I can't quite understand this silence," said flutter. approaching. Itazelhurst. "Wax my flax. if I don't believe the critters has got enough on'tl" said P.kdijah. •'You see they can't stan' near so much hatunierin' r.s folks cam as are fightin' for I liberty. A. few right smart knocks takes the starch right out of 'ein." •They're cowards if they don't try again," returned flutter. "There's a dozen of 'em, at least, and they ought to be a match, in I the course of natur' for four; but we've got !something within us that they haven't— love of friends, home, country and justice. See what work they've made of your house, Miss Jessie: the winders are riddled, the doors broke, the furnitary ruined, and everything at sixes and sevens." "We love Laurelwood," replied Jessie, "but we love the cause of freedom better. The destruction of property will grieve us but little, if valuable lives are spared and the tory miscreants punished." "Punished?—be assured that they will!" exclaimed Paul Ilazelhurst. "Heaven is just! Some of them are even now reaping the reward of their villainy. Look at those expiring wretches who fell near the door. Listen to their moans of anguish! What thought have they to comfort them and soften -their pains of dissolution? They die—a horror to themselves and every justice-loving mind. What a remembrance the Tories of South Carolina will leave to posterity!" "The word Tory will be the 52.-nonyti of infamy," said Judith. The night had set in quite dark, and ob jects could been seen at a short distance only. The trees looked dim and misty is the nocturnal gloom. Tom Hotter and his comrades strained their eyes in every di• rection in search of their foes, but without discovering them. The surrounding scenery was as quiet as if it had never been distur bed by the sound of human conflict; noth ing broke the quietude save the groans of the wounded in the house, and, at long intervals, the cry of a wolf in the tangled hedges of Laurel Swamp. The fears of the young ladies began to subside; an assurance—faint and trembling, at first—that those lawless men had retired and would not return to renew the conflict, took possession of their minds. A glow of hope returned to their pale cheeks. As their own danger grew less imminent, in their estimotiou, feelings of compassion for the wounded Tories visited their hearts. They would have produced lights to ex amine their condition, and make remedial applications, had they not been cautioned by their more experienced defen , lers. Half au hour elapsed. The eilenz'e con tinued unbroken. Tom Hatter wee not at ease, but walked about nervously, casting prying glances from one window, then from another. lie was suspicious and unsatisfied. tie knew that they had suffered loss, but I not enough to prevent brave men, or per sons of even ordinary hardihood, from making further attempts. Paul Hazelhurst at first shared Hatter's inquietude, but finally joined the ladies, confident that there was no immediate dan ger to apprehend. "I can't compreht nd it!" muttered Hut tee, in a perplexed manner. "There's nllers mischief goin' on when folks aro still." "That's abeout my own way of thinkin'," remarked MUM' who heard Tom's re marks. "The most mischief is done with' the least noise, 'cordin' to my experieuce fust and last, here and there, by nod large, as the world goes. Did you ever gu n courtin', Mister?" "I never did," said Tom. "Well, that's abeout the stillest work you can find, I reckon, though sometimes there's a hemp o' business done." "Hark!" Fait! Tom. 'I don't hear nuthin' but Paul and the gals. Paul's ruttier sweet on ono of 'em, I should say, though 'twould be hard to choose atween 'em. Wax ray flax, if it wouldn't!" "It strikes me," said Tom, "that the air is getting hot and oppressive. Listen! be quiet there, Paul and the gals." Each of the parties became attentive. A hissing, roaring sound was heard over head. "The house is on firel" cried Hatter. Some of the blood-thirsty villians have el fected an entrance through the roof." The scout rushed up stairs and three• open a door. A dense volume of smoke, mingled with flame, met him and drove him back. Beds, garments, everything com bustible had been piled in a heap and fired. The straw, the feathers, the linen, were like tinder; it needed but a spark to kindle the mad blaze, and that had been applied some minutes before by a cunning and malicious hand Scorched by the furious element, and half suffocated, nutter mounted the stairs again, in hopes to combat the destructive power by scattering the material which fed it, but it was too late. Vedijah Itlakepcace ran after him and dragged him beck, half choked by the penetrating, hot anti smotce•loaded Paul llazelhurst, in defiance of the black, asphyxiating vapors, rushed to the chamber to close the door that had been left open. but sank blinded and overpowered upon the threshold. It was with difficulty that he could retrace his steps. Ile was grasping for breath like a drowning man when he rejoined the group below. "The door must be shut," said Polijah, "or we will be smoked to death, like rats in a hole! shet it, or suffocate tryin'. Wax my flax, if I don't!" The tali form of Podijah disappeared in the mass of smoke that rolled from above like thunderclouds. There was a moment of intense anxiety, then the door was heard to close. Almost simultaneously Poclijab tumbled down the stairs, covered with cinders, his face and hands blistered, and some of his white locks withered to ashes. "Bravely done!" cried Jessie. "If you have not saved us, you have at least given us a reprieve." "Don't praise me." returned Podijah. "The praises of a gal intoxicates me like ardent eperet—the pootier the _gal, the drunker it makes me. I never shall flit away from this place alive if there's any thinefiesperate I can do." "Desperate! all is desperate!" said flut ter. "We might cut our way through and save oureslves, perhaps, if there was nothin' of a feminine natur' to look after; but these gals can't stand musket balls, nor they can't sten' fire." "Beaver's!" exclaimed Paul. "What shall we dot—nut fur ourselves, but for these poor girls." "Escape as you can through the dark ness; and as fur-ms girls, we will trust to the mercy the enemy, and yield ourselves prisoners," " answered Jes3e, eagerly. "Yes, we will trust ourselves to the ho. inanity of the Tories," said Judith and Ruth, hurriedly. "You will find it a poor trust," returned flutter, looking compassionately at the $1,50 PER YEAR IN ADVANCE; 82,00 LE NOT IN ALVANCE. three girls. "It'll be miserable mercy voice. "You love bleed and slaughter end you'll git from them. No! no! we can't carnage; you shall have itl" think of that." I An athletic wan, with a black patch trate "God bless you, Tom Mitten no! We his eye, a rifle slung at his back, a pistol iii can't indeed think of that. We will die, if 'Bich hand, and a large sabre swinging at it be Heaven's will, for these dear and help- . his side armoured in the midst of the Tories less ones; but forsake them, never!" , as if be had suddenly fallen from the clouds. A loud shout rose without. The Tories :He fired his pistel nod unsheathed his sabre. were exulting in their success. j "Tremble, miscreants, fur One-eyed Saul "What must be done," asked Paul, in an is among you!" agony of anxiety. i The sabre flashed like lightning around "We can do two things," replied nutter. I the stranger's head. The amen of his voles, "Remain hero and be burnt, or rush out and , the fierceness of his countenance, and the be shot." i fatality of his arm. struck terror and COW. "We'll neither be burnt nor shot!" re- i sternatien to the hearts of the Tory reno torted Podijah stoutly. "I'm bound to , gades. The surviturs turued and fled for live as long as uppers and tinders 'll hold' life. together. I ain't goin' to knock under in "Cowards! wretches! come back, and I 1 the mornin' o' my days, by gum! I know will meet you single-handed(" ' that all flesh is grass, but I don't want my One-eyed Saul looked wifely arnivai and grass cut while it's so green. Pll hold on laughed mockingly, then turning to gutter to existence to the last gasp, I swowl Tom and his panting and bleeding companions. flutter, Fin goin' to cut jest about my big- and pointing iu the du nealun toe eeia. end ness and the bigness of one o' these gas, fled, exclaimed: through the 'tareal Tories, a leetle quick- "Why do you stand here? After them—. er'n you can load a load o' hay when there's after them, for they need your help. There a thunder shower coroin ' up like a race- , are shrieks, yonder; away—awity! It is horse!" 1 Saul, of Laurel Semen, that commands Laurelwood House shook with the vice I you. I have work to do, work to do. I must go this way and that way, and 1 / 1 0111 lenee of the flame, which had eaten through the roof and now enveloped tile and rafter, is no rest fur the night." 1 While the group looked up in alarm, a red :With these words. rapidly and vehemently 1 sword of fire was thrust down through the I lettered, Otte-eyed Saul struderawey, and is ceiling an instant wits lost to view. "It is the flaming sword! it waves us from Cll APTER TV. our Paradise!" cried Jessie. ISt TEE BWAXP. "Nay," said Paul, impressively, "some Casting anxious (joke behind them, the lof us may be going to an eternal Paradise." fair fugitives saw the flames of their but re The the above growled angrily in answer, ing home, and groups of men struggling and the black smoke purled into the room in the light of the red glare. It was a like the rank and destructive breath of a mournful, thrilling spectacle, and they bur demon. tied on to escape it. J ape, who had proved "Let each man see that his weapon is courageous and active encouraged them by loaded. Take care, gals! Stand back as precept and example. Ruth Haviland, be. lar as you can from the flame and smoke. ing a little behind her companions, beard There's a burnin' cinder on your dress, Miss the footsteps of pursuers and admonished Ruth—it blazes!" her friends of the fact, who needed no new ' "It's out," said Podijah, composedly, stimulus to excite them to the greatest effort smothering the incipient glow with his of which they were capable. They reached great hand. the Swamp and took shelter in it like fright "We must rush oat two abreast," said ened birds. The laurel was well nigh icupen nutter. "Podijah and I will go first. etrable; innumeral vegetable arms were liazelherst, you and Blink° keep near the stretched 'tut to oppose them, a net-work of ladies. Blink; be 'brave, and use those vines and branches disputed their passage. large arms of yours to some purpose. Give Their hands were lacerated by contact with 'eta the contents of the blunderbus in the continually prujectiug points, and shreds of face and eyes, then cub it and break their their garments were left upon brake and heads." briar. 'Urging, their way along in the "Yes, mars'r Tom. This chile know darkness arid terrible intricacy, they sunk what he 'bout. Habbent fu'got dat hangine and unwilliegly becnme separated, while Iyin. Thought I ' s done fur dat time. Oh, their attempts to field each other involve golly, didn't it hurt when dey ram me up them in new labyrinths. Torn, bleeding, Ito de lienbl 'Peared to stop my heeff like. fainting with fear and exhaust,kon, JAPISiII You stood by me, mare'r Tom, aced I'll Burnside sank upon the earth. For a time her physical awl merAT, ha. stand by you. Ler', won't I make dis ole ulties were in such a whirl, of a breepetak blunderbus spoke to 'em, de minute I hob that the consciousness of everytlai , ags maimed a chance to obsquaatify 'cross de sights?' ' „her seemed slipping away front Isere Thaw The parties were nose driven to the re motest corner of the room : 4 .1 , their new and remained with her only a heavy reitlitation of r oltlethillg feertul and. shacking. At.irresistible enemy, wbich e-eg gathering strength and fierceness with frightful length the chillinees of tire - grnuati and 'the rapidity. Hotter unfastened the du cry and night air cooled her fetered system and ree the fresh access of the air gave addiaioi al s • tared lie,' collet eney uf thought. She fervor to the conflagration. He stood . " r.`is"'l i n .,,,..‘r and , t.ipp ,, ried leer head tyran t moment alone in the outpouring smoke, but ' her hand. He; disheveled tresses, her dila not a shot was fired from the concealed aid I oadered gereana'n "I'd her hum nted per. watching foe." son reminded ace - of the aroma through "There is no help for it," added. "We w:Sieli 1:". " 1 Pts,e'l• There wins a lattice must try it now or never, Pudijah?" worst o f v , aes amnia and elms e Ler. She "At your side!" responded the Yankee, thought of I .`'c sudden ciiatige of her cit , who exposed himself to danger as if he had cumstances. %::nen the elm wont down been accustomed to it from childhood. last, site hne i a o emifertehle and beloved The wall shook with the vehemence of home; now clue lied ne 'ie. , bllt was a hunted the fire, and there was a warning creak and , persecuted fugitive, 0"wel "lig in a deakemens groan among the crumbling joists and I swamp, the resort ef yr,.. 1 .d teeasts and law trembling rafters. 1 less men. Sbe could not Leese eellish as "The roof will fall in a moment!" cried I not to think of her companieus. :Where Ilazelburst. "We are ready. Quick, Hut- were they? She shuddered at the PortsNle ter, quick!" ity of what might have befallen them.* A The heart of Torn nutter swelled with painful recollectem in regard to her brave courage and resolution; his form dilated; defenders added uttspeekably to the dis his muscles quivered for the contest. traction of her mind. Far if in the depths -"let the right, friends—to the right! Keep of the swamp she heard the shriek of the under the smoke as much as you can, and panther, the hue lof the well, and the dis stoop as you go."i coal mime of the owl. Frightful contrast They glided unmolested to the end of the 1 to the peace and security of L.ereivrood: dwelling. I Looking upwe / a through the tenfteitate "Now fur the shrubbery in the direction folline"e into the den sky, she beheld a of Laurel Swamp!" whispered Hatter, I blank cloud of smokr—all that remained "A crisis approaches. Hear young ladies, lof her father's mansion, hove! few charred be brave!" admonished Paul, whose steady 1 and smouldering branda dint still sent up a hearing and flashing eyes told that he was; mounded invease from the family benrth !eady to do battle fur the fair beings under I stone. She wept, sorrowed, pray ed—for it his protection. 1 is upon God, at last, that the tossed strick- "Now fora dash—fast, faster—stoop—give as small a mark to the enemy as possible!" When two or three rods from the burning building, the flames shot up with increased brilliancy, throwing a strong glare' upon the fugitives. A dozen men sprang from the grass and foliage to dispute their progress. "Stop!" shouted a voice that was start Tingly familiar to Jessie Burnside. "Down!" thundered flutter, springing to ward him with a fierce bound, and aiming a blow at his head with his rifle. Vantassle staggered and fell upon one knee. The tall i nee pressed to the side of Hatter, and the Tory fell crushed at his feet. "Have nt you. you 'tumid critters! Podi jolt Makepeace didn't come out here for neap.. in'. Come on—a dozen or ye at oncel— There's a score of airthquakes shut up in my bones!" "Shoat down the rebels—shoot 'em down!" cried Vantassle, over whose prostrate form four stout fellows were contending. Blinko discharged his blunderbuss, and the scattering storm of buckshot wounded several. "Seize the gals! seize the gals!" shouted Langford. "I'm with you!" exclaimed Nat Herrick, and both approached the terror-stricken girls. "Oh, Paul. save us from those wretches!" shrieked Judith. "Here's fur you, Mister!" said Herrick, leveling a pistol at Paul. A bullet whistled close to the young man's face, who, putting himself between the young ladies and the villains, held them at hay. His person was the target for a dozen furious blows. which with surprising adroitness, he turned aside and battled. The four men were now engaged in an un equal conflict. "Fly to the swamp, girls, while we keep the miscreants in check!" admonished zelhorst. The maidens ran like frightened deer, hut their defenders had the mortification to see two Tories in pursuit of them without be- I ing able to go to their assistance. Overpow ered by numbers, they gave ground, but inch by inch. They were bruised and bleeding: they began to despair. '.Take 'em alive, boys; take 'em alive, that we may have di. pleasure of hangio' 'eml" shouted Vantassle. A single rifle shot rang sharp and deadly through the air. A Tory, who wee pressing hard upon Hotter, threw up his arms and fell dead at the feet of his comrades. "Hounds of hell I" cried a, thunderous [WHOLE NMI BER 1,497. en, and disappoitited mind turns. The in stincts and expel ienee of the whola human race prove heyond the shadow of question, that lle alone con confer blessing end cote solution upon the bereaved, afflicted and world-crushed son]. Prayer to Hint made her calmer. A strange, balmy influence, unexpected end sweet, stole into her being. She would not, she did nut quite despair. There was a sound in the laurel hedges. She listened with every sense awake. Per sons were working theh way through the tangled masses in the direction of her cov ert. Their progress was glow and difficult She heard muttered curses and imprecations. Her fears were immeasurably increased, for the voice of Martin Vantasslo was so odious, and made so ninny disagreeable im pressions upon her memory, that she could not but recognize its slightest tunes. She shrank nud crouched to mother earth for protection, as the startled partridge hides itself beneath a bough or in the friendly brake, to escape the hurtling shut of the hunter. Discovery appeared inevitable, for the crackling of the limbs and the struggling and the low-breathed curses came neater and nearer. "Perdition seize these brambleel" ex claimed Vantnele. "One can neither stand up nor lay down, go forward nor go backl" Jessie beard the speaker cast himself recklessly upon the ground a few yards front her. The laurel bent and complained beneath his weight. communicating a wave of motion to the vines around her. A. vol ley of oath• followed the remark. ."You're in had temper, Cap'n." said another, who proved to be Simon Arrow . - smith. "Who would'nt be in bed temper to he baffled in this way?" growled Vantassle.—• "Twice that gal seemed to be in my power to-night; and twice have I been defeated by that unknown devil, One-eyed Saul of the Swamp." ''lt's the gal—there's were the shoe pinches. The loss of the silver plate is whet troubles me. 'Twos a fool's trick to set the house afire and burn it up, nrtor all. There was enough on u 4 to tnke inure!wood by storm, and we ought to done it. I'd been content with the booty, and them that pre ferred it might had the beauty, and weir come. Women are well enough to do the .cookire and housework, but as to }Write Chi an 'ern egin her will, I can't Pee Ito *lmes In it, though them may bare different view* [srx boot u svainlbl
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