The swordmaster of the Santee, or, Hirl, the hunchback
page: (Cover) [View Page (Cover) ]1*i l -'1 REPRODUCED FROM THE COPY IN THEm HENRY E. HUNTINGTON LIBRARY FOR REFERENCE ONLY. NOT FOR REPRODUCTION le "I r' r ; i IFTWA T l " o " %}Syi . =.-t- r_'_ -' 'L ', x ._i riey r yy i , x'";i s xZF i ,.^,v:L 7- .U'.ar_;" 'v . n..+na-r' t: ,'T " "+ " ,n , . "--. r,.,,t± "~:_ ::.' - "vr . r A li y4 l ' A page: Advertisement (TitlePage) [View Page Advertisement (TitlePage) ] i . , a 1w -- , i SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE: OR, !id; the unhbik. D R,J. H. R o3TN-I S 0 N. NEW YORK: FREDERIC A. BRADY, Publisher, No. 24 Ann Street, THE f At 1 1 S i I , r S . sy# , 1+1 1 1 l f' 1 { 1 p J 1 , 1 :__ :I f i I r j, / * i'1 V page: 0[View Page 0] ) ;' .1; coz Alw C$w*runiiikof.flu the~te;. f iA 1 i1 r$1 t i~~i I HIRL, THE HUNCHBACK. I CHAPTER.I. THE FUGITIVE.- - The clattering of horses' feet, the ringing notes of a trumpet, and the shouts of dra- goons, suddenly disturbed the solitudes of tie, Santee. A man with bare head and stream- ing hair was seen to leap a wall and run rapidly across a glade. Toiling up a rugged ascent, he paused on the summit and looked back upon his pursuers ; for the horsemen were evidently such. A glance sufficed, to show that they were rapidly gaining ground. A feeling of utter hopelessness for a moment chained him to the spot. Large drops of perspiration rained from his forehead; the blood whirled wildly in his veins ; his chest rose and fell violently ; and he panted like a dog overheated in the chase. The thunder of the dragoons rolled nearer and nearer ; the sound struck ominously upon his ears. "Colonel Somerton and his dragoons !" he muttered, drawing the palm of his hand across his hot brow. "Brave as a lion and impetu- ous as a whirlwind ! he, mu-t be fest of foot who baffles him. I have dared his vigilance once too often. How madly he rides-leap- ing walls, fences, ditches, rocks, and fallen trees! He is down-no, he is up ! It was but a depression of the ground that hid him from view. They see me ! I mu-t on !" He ceased, pressed his hand to his beating heart, and added, bitterly : "I must on; but where? The hounded fox may find a cover, and the hunted stag may turn upon the pack ; but I can do neither." The fugitive darted down the hill, an4pres- ently reached the bank of the Santee, the waters of which at that spot were deep and rapid. He hesitated ; it required a strong and bold swimmer to dare such a 'current. The voice of Colonel Somerton came echoing down the hill : "Forward, men ! forwardI The villain is ours!" That shout quickened him to another effort. lHe bounded froi, the bank, was submerged an instant; but. rising, struck outfor the opposite shore. The stream bore him downward with irresistible force. le battled with the waters, parting them with his strong, nervous arms. Somerton'spurred his horse, and attempted to follow ; but the animal soon lost his footing, and was swept from his eourse. His dragoons, less heated by the chase, or more prudent, re- mained on the bank, watching anxiously the progress of their leader, and the manly exer- tions of the swimmer, who, notwithstanding the difficulties with which he was obliged to contend, finally effected a landing, far below the point from which he bad started. For a short space he lay exhausted upon the earth ; then, staggering to his feet, shook the water from his saturated garments. By this time, Somerton was in the middle of the stream; there was no time to be lost. He ran up the bapk. Before him was an open field, with a wood beyond. Hope animated his breast, im- parting strength to his over-tasked limbs. If he could cross the field and enter the wood, he could defy pursuit. Stimulated by this thought, he leaped a high fence. and was mak- ing good progress, when, to his dismay, he again henrd Somerton thundering after him. .The wood was too distant to be attained. At the right of the field there was a tract of broken, ledgy ground, which be believed would embarrass the movements of his pursuers, and toward which he now turned, like the wounded stag, which at every step loses a portion of its strength with its flowing blood. By efforts that seemed superhuman, he reach- o0, "' r A =1 4- I 4 A' t+ '1 I', .. r -4 11 - ww wo- 11-. t i w I / t page: 4-5[View Page 4-5] '7 _ ' "'V a OR, HIRL THE HUNCHBACK. THE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE; ed the more rugged country, and perceived, In contemplating his face and carriage, the with satisfaction, that his maneu Ar' was at- observer lost sight of his apparel, which was tended with success ; for Somert n followed of grayhome-manufacture. His i-ound-skirted, with more difficulty and less spedd. The in- Quakerish coat, and long waistcoat, were un- stinct of self-preservation that had glde'd the buttoned and thrown open, exposing his fugitive on, grew stronger ; his eyes gleamed throat and breast-the latter beirg still agit at-- with new hope. Mounting a.] dge,. he turned ed by his extraordinary efforts to escape his to observe the more cautious iding of Somer- pursuers. "r ton. " It is to be regretted," said Colonel Somer- The clatter of sabres in another direct n, ton, with a sigh, "that one born on American caused him to start with surprise. Looking soil, ahd gifted with such a goodly frame of to-the left, he saw a party of horsemen emerge manhood, should-" from the forest, and galloping across the open " Should what ?" interrupted Deering, his space, effectually cut off his flight. , cheeks aglow with strong emotion. "'What is Fortune," he exclaimed, "deserts me in my crime ?" my need !" ,' "Let posterity give it a name !" retorted ."Yield, or I fire !" cried Somerton, draw- Somerton, turning away with evident aver- ug a pistol, and spurring up the ascent. sion. "Spare your powder," answer d the man, " Jim Giles,"said Captain R'ainford, address- calmly, seating himself upon a rock. " I am ing a short, stout dragoon, mounted upon 'a unarmed, and shall nio longer struggle to de- white horse, " take this fellow up behind you." prive you of the glory of capturing a man " With all respect for your '"hority as a whose only crime is a desire to restore law 'sperior, I can't do it," replied Giks, touching and order to this distracted country." his cap. "Of that we will hold discourse in good "And why not ?"; asked Rainford, sternly. time; but at present you are a prisoner,I' re- " I've followed you often in the thickest of plied Somerton, reining up his pasting steed. the fight," returned Giles, deprbcatingly, " and "Unable to resist, I can only submit to your never showed my back to the inemy, nor stop- authority," returned thd man, in a. sgblued pod to question wh- ther a thing was right or and quiet voice. not, when I had your order for't ; but i'll be "You are called Deering ?" said the colo- hanged if I'll ride on he same animal with nel. / an out-an'-out traitor'and villain, who valley "Men style me thus ; but it matters not," freedom no more nor he does a cast-away quid replied the man, moodily. / -, o' terbaecer ! Try me for mutiny, put me un- "Were you born across the watyr, or were der arrest, or t'otherwise treat me, and I'll sub-' your trade less despicable, I might sympathize mit to your honor's judgment." with your misfortunes," answered Somerton. While the honest dragoon was thug express- , Then,.to one of the horsemen--who had by ing his sentiments, Deering's face underwent this time reached the spot-" Captain Rain- several changes, being by turns pale and red. ford, mount this person/ behind one of your " See," muttered Somerton, "in what de- men, and conduct him to'campl By no means testation you are held !" allow him to escape. I shall hold you answer- " Heavens !" exclaimed Deering. " Must able for his safe keeping." / / this be endured ?"' "Perhaps," rejoined Deering, with a slight By this time Jim Giles had dismounted. curl of the lip, "you had better secure me " Cap'n," he added, taking off his cap and with fetters ! There are so few of you, and flourishing it by way of emphasis, " I'll give you atach po much importance. to my per- up my critter with right good-will, and will son.". lead him or walk along ahind ; but as I said He glanced at the grim circle of dragoons. afore, bagon t me if I'll ride in partnerships Captain Rainford bit his lips, while Colonel with him! HRavin' fired my gun, I fall back Somerton regarded his prisoner with more to' load." attention. 'he latter slowly' arose to his feet, Sergeant Giles 'was soniewhat addicted to displayingdproportions'that Somerton could proverbs and the epigrammatic style. His' not but admire. In height, he must have speech was usually interlarded with axiomatic been above six feet, with a muscular devel- sayings, which made him to a certain degree' opment which could not be faulted. His figure I oracular and dogmatic. It was seldom that was straight and martial, with a notable breadth he uttered three consecutive 'sentences with- of shoulders, a prominent chest, and arms like out exhibiting this particular trait of cl~ac- a gladiator's. is features were regular and ,ter. Although Sergeant Giles was quaint and pleasing, but marked with care, and softly eccentric, his genial humor and approved in- tinged with melancholy. Ilis head was bare- tegrity -rendered him a general favorite in' his dark brown hairohanging in wet masses Captain Rainford's company. "HonestGiles,". over his neck and brow. ' as he was often called, had been in the front t a j i i I of many a battle, wis cool under fire, and had him, dead or alive ? Have we not hunted him more than once been intrusted with secret across the country like a game beast, and has service, attended'-with much personal danger. he not as often eluded us ? I venture to say Being such a man, it will easily be understood that there is not a more subtle and dangerous that he escaped the censure of his superior on fellow in the South than this same Deering, or this occasion-his refusal to obey being justly wh'ttever he may choose to call himself. Gen- attributed to that zeal which made him so good eral Green, you remember, mentioned b m in a soldier. his last dispatches to Washington, and has Captain Rniford -looked at Deering, and given particular instructions to all the prti- pointed to the empty saddle. san officers in this part of the country to nake "I understand," he said, and mounted. short work with' him, if taken. You are not "To camp 1" cried Somerton, in the brief, wont to be tender-hearted, Somerton." sharp tones of habitual command. "The man- shall die. I can do no more I" Deering grasped the reins mechanically, and answered the colonel, dryly. with depressed head moved onward with the " Feeling is good in its place ; but pity for dragoons. such a villain is as much out of place as Sa- Somerton and Rainford rode side by side, tan u ould be in the pulpit." conversing as they went, while Giles, taken "It may be so, Rainford, but he's a fine- up by a comrade, said many wise things con- looking fellow, nevertheless ; and, though I cerning the enormity of receiving British gold execrate his, charact er, he shall have fair play, and espousing British sentiments to the detri- even to the foot of the gallows." -ment of one's native country. " Which qI hope he may soon reach-which It was a dark period in Revolutionary his- I trust is no offence to your honor," inter- tory. Gates had been defeated at Camden, posed Jim Giks. the Carolinas were overrun with hireling sol- "Silence !" cried Somerton, in a tone that diers and those native enemies called tories, hushed every voice, and the party pursued whose tender mercies were cruel,, and whose the way to camp without farther conversa- inroads w4re a thousand times more terrible tion. than thos9 of the foreign invader. The South- ern campaigns had been unfortunate for the CHAPTER II. patriots. Their half-starved-poorly.armed J U D I T H R E D M O N D. troops found it hard to withstand the tide of Deering was thrust into a log-cabin, around reverscsthat was setting aga-nst them. The which a strong guard was posted by Sergeant demon of Destruction stalked abroad. Harm-, Qilcs, who took not a little pride in showing less citizens were hanged at their own doors himself, by his watchfulness, worthy the trust by fiends in human form. The land was trav- reposed in him by Captain Rainford. The ersed by British spies, who betrayed the move- structure in which the prisoner found himself ments of the American forces, frequently mar- was one of a kind quite common at the time ring their most promising combinations, and in the colonies, built of large timbers hewn snatching victory from them when it seemed on two sides, interlocked at the ends in aman- in their grasp. ner to give much firmness to the fabric. It " While I deprecate his crime, I pity his had evidently been used for the purpose of a fate," said Somerton, making a movement of prison before, for the long, narrow windows his hand toward Deering. were barred with heavy stanchions of oak. "I have no sympathies to waste on him," The rays of the descending sun crept du- answered Rainford, shaking his head. "Such biously in through the apertures, falling like miscreants richly deserve the halter." bale and staiitled shadows upon the rough "True, true!" returned the colonel, pen- floor. ' Some straw was heaped in a corner. -sivel'. "There is no help for it-he must A deal table stood near the centre, upon which die!" lay various irons for the limbs of those who de.uld to God that the same halter that were thought to deserve them, either by their deprive him of his miserable life, could en- crimes' or delinquencies. circle every tory neck in the Carolinas at the Deering contemplated them with an inter- same instant!" exclaimed Rainford. est rendered peculiar by his situation. His "In pur ze'al,we must not forgetto be just," cheerless meditations were interrupted by resumed Somerton. "The unfortunate man Giles. must have some form of trial. I would not " Colonel Somerton wants to know, he ha'g a dog"Without evidence." said, bluntly, " if he can do anything to make "To the devil with your scruples, colonel !" your short stay among us sort o' comfortable, cried Rainford, impatiently. " Is not the as 'twere ?" ensure of testimony already filled to over- "'A kindness I scarcely expected, answer flowing? Have I not passed more than one -;d the prisoner, quickly. " Yes, there is-" night in the saddle in vain attempts to take Deering stopped. 4 " j+ " ym 1 1 ' 4 --5-_ ; 'i ;+ , ti "i' II - - , -, - AgQ- i '. 1 i f L page: 6-7[View Page 6-7] 6 THE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE; "Is what?" queried' the sergeant. curbed the strong impulse that wasupon him, "bNothing, my good fellow-nothing. 'Twas and did not, reply to one who disdained to hold but an earthly, selfish thought," returned converse with him in his low estate. Deeifnouhveart. Colonel Somerton entered the cabin. "''Ifyou have airthly thoughts, you'd bet- "Deering," he said, without harshness, "I ter put the rein, on 'em at once, and not let have r cived within the hourinstructions from em. go gallopin' to etarnity with ye like d~ General Greene to use every reasonable en- detachment of our horse," responded the ser- deavor to capture the spy whosername las been geant, who took no pains to conceal his dis- so often heard in these parts ; and, if successful,, like for the person whose safe keeping he con- to execute him with no more delay than de- "ideyed himselfresponsible. cency requires. But nothwithstanding these "Honest Giles, do not trouble yourself orders, l,"shall myself examine you, and if you about matters that concern myself and God, can answer satisfactorily the questions I shall only," responded Deering, with a slight tone propose, will send you to General Greene, to- of rebuke. gether with a true statement of the same." "Perhaps," continued the sergeant, "you'd "Proof!" muttered Rainford, contemptu- like something' in the satin' an' drinking' way, ously. "Are not the proofs abundant-over- as you've had a long chase and a- long whelming ?" fist." Rainford threw a stern glance at the prison- "I thank you, soldier, but I need nothing. er,Rand contracted his brows' tSoierton. I believe," he said, smiling bitterly," it makes retired from the cabin without replying to his little difference whether a man dies on a full doughty captain. He had gone but a short or an empty stomach." distance when Giles overtook him, saying: "I reckon you'll know as soon asilost of " Here's a lady that wishe's to see your ns I" said Giles ; "though you shall have a 'honor." longer breathing' spell than poornHale had. " Conduct her to my quarters," said the Spies are a kind o' cattle that don't- flourish colonel, absently. amongg the Continentalers. dHaste makea "If your honor will take the trouble to turn- waste,' it is said, but ' delays are dangerous;' your head a little, you'll see her without that and when you've flred, go to the rear to load" delay," add d Giles. The sergeant drew himself up, and made In obedience to this suggestion, Somnert on his sabre rattle ominously, looked to his left,.and beheld a female, timid-ly "A s ! a sr !" repeated Deering, with awaiting his notice. Her appearance arrested emotion. him at once, and engaged his entire attention. g fWhen caught is banged; when hanged is During changeful and active life in fiend and good for nothing," said Giles. camp, he had met many women worth of Sergeant " said a voice at the door. admiration ; but the lady who now stood be- "At your honor's sarvice' quoth Giles, fore him, in the matter of personal prestige, with a military salute. was superior, to them all. Hecr figure was "Do not forget my instructions,"said Rain- graceful beyond description, and her air such ford, "but attend to their with the utmost, as to' command immediate respect. She was fidelity. Admit no one without my orders." closely veiled, but the silken tissue did not "Or the colonel's, your honor ?" conceal the lovely outlines of her face. Her' "tOr the colonel's," added Rainford. "Does complexion was wonderfully clear, her eyes the prisoner wish for anything ?" brilliant, her mouth of exquisite delicacy, her "He says not ; but you can question him neck slender, and her bust shapely to perfec- yourself." tion. "No, Giles, I hold no discourse' with trait- Someron observed, with the quick and or. Were he a born Briton, I would lay up critical eye of an artist, that her hands end no unkindness against him; but, having been feet were small, and her arms-such portions nurtured beneath the kindly suns of the South, of them as'were not concealed by her dress- I cannot find t in my heart to excuse the un- white and rounded. A pleasing appreciation naturalness of his conduct. Inform him that of the charm of beauty insensibly stole upon to-morrow he will share the fate of Hale and the doughty warrior, unconsciously keeping other victims of British cruelty. The evi- him mute and motionless. The voice of the dence against him is overwhelming. The very lady aroused him from his waking trance. shadow of doubt flies before the accumulated "Do I address Colonel Somerton ?". she mass of testimony. Hope there is none, save asked, her voice flowing like silver ripples in such spiritual consolationaa - naq pabl of eceiing. 11If you seek the person you have done me The spy stood motionless near the window ; the honor to mention, you need, look no far-- and though he started and changed color more thor," answered Somerton, with a bow. 11 ow than once while the captain wais speaking, h. can I serve you ?" 7, OR, flIRL THE HUNCHBACK. I-I have a request," she said, stammer- "He was on the right side," answered the ing, I,which-"r officer, with dignity. "Hale died for his "'Walk to my quarters, lady, where you country, but Deering will die for the love of may be free from inquisitive eyes, and I will British gold." hear you with pleasure. We are not," he " Do not-do not believe, it !" cried Mies added, with a smile, as he enteredan unpre- Redmond, wildly. "God knows his purity of tending, and weather-worn tent, " soroyally purpose."m soul, Miss Redmond, I regret lodged as some of his majesty's officers ; but I "tUpon y suMs emnIrge trut that the Continenta older knows as the circumstance tha acd him i my power well what is due to your sex as the most loyal since it wounds you so deeply. But duty subject in the land." duty is exora land dis- " I doubt it not," answered the lady, with e sepped hastily to heorand i- dingy an'as, and accepted the proffered but id not dare trust himself to speak fur- camp-stool. 1 I iltherCondththis ley,"isitor.he i "Now, lady," said Somerton, gently, I will "to the sioner." listen to your petition -which is already sergeantlappearve them. together?"inquired granted, if it be not inconsistent with my g ' nGiles. duty as a colonial officer." ism tdy' sh said, th effort. man now in " How long " continued the practical ser- " sDeering ?" interrogated Somerton, in a geant. tone of astonishment. Somerton looked inquiringly at the lady "It is to that unfortunate person that I "A few miserable, miserablcmoments refer," responded the lady, in a voice nearly she murmured. inadbeGis would have continued his %aterroga- "Ldy, I have seen you but a moment, but tories, had not an imperious gesture from the the thought that you have aught in common colonelwsilenceddhim. Hedtheewa y h with him gives me real pain," said theccolonel cuabn, honored th such com angs "I know that the mark of Cain is on his He's in there, miss," he said, throwing forehead ; that he' suffers.-most injustly suf- open the door. 'soo1 esuimat dark, g but your fers I" she cried, with touching energy. bg'ght eysalson ndkye int misshm enuh.r Go "It is indeed the mark of Cain; for whoso- strainer g dand'atn, which opens with a ever findeth him may kill him ; for which act aninrdom'tw ihopensfwithera ther dethe free Wn arra of the Commander- latch. Ton non usaif it al 1the in-chief of the Continental Army. I pity his Be as expeditious the feller needs, a parson more misfortunes, detest his trade, and can do same to ye felle ny. a wonder," nothing for him.". nor he does female company. I wonder," Somerton arose and paced his little tent, in added aendthoseduhn the lady,shown g evident perturbation. opened a" aen arsmdteld, oak w ~nd louponmthesad"hwong b for him life and liberty, tough I believe him be? Tom, mind your busnea d scipne deserving of both. I would see him." esdr on . There ustraishplant "Might I without indelicacy ask"-Som- on toes outwardly, and wh up straight n erton began, but checked himself for fear of yur y toes, oubtrlndxtwhien ouvdn wounding the fair creature before him. oueerin he r axght fo tf ; looked up A burning blush mantled &ir cheeks.Dernharalitfofa;loedu "My name, Colonel Somerton, eis Judith quickly; then sprang forward and seized th Redmond. Deering is a friend-a true friend, extended ded f tueam cr.dak I believe-but nothing-nothing more." he eea ne a n prk- "Pardon me, Miss Redmond. It was no ened path a" he exclaimed, kneeling and press- vulgar curiosity that prompted me to question ing the passive hand again and again to his you. You shall see the spy," answered the lips. o gar hurriedly. "eArise, M y friend- arise! Not to me, but colonel,hurel.,.tHevnnel"hesiwtdepeoo. " Even a spy may be a man of honor," said to Heaven kneel,"shesaid, with en I knee emto thee, I the lady, in a faint voice. " Remember young knDearest,ovele" wene to tpy, a Hale" se aded.kneel to Heaven I" answered the. spy, in a "Lady, the allusion is unfortun-te," ron- n that thrilled to her soul. " aSomerton a cloud appearing upo o L your n re di r dn brow. a oemnly from earthly considerations. Let "He was brave and generous, and died like not myo coming diet your thoughts from a hero, !" she exclaimed, their proplcanl" Ii - Y y i F t _Sp3aS } " two ' J aGi s 3 } i a t rf 'ice . ' i i1 (1 3 '' SP , ' J \} r ; + I: h j v. il 2 - f Z -' . 1 _ _ ) - -_ - ..,r:r- ,.rs ., - -Fn .T ""w ,+ 5 .'axrK a+c w+ia+s;w+ara+R,"pc . _.r"-..r m, , -- .- -.,. . .. ,._._.r.,.,_ __ _. 1J ,,, "' '-i !r":....i.-, ;"E' i'sc....+ ee^. h, tsr ,.(_ , t^4.+''" 3#rr--..., ' .1i..u 's ~l t page: 8-9 (Illustration) [View Page 8-9 (Illustration) ] ."I N ' V -5 -Ix 9 ' . t '. , I'j 'X'HE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE ; "What less earthly than thou can I think of?" *aid the spy, with enthusidsm. "Angelic goodness prompted this visit. Who but thee would have sought a wretch destined to die on the morrow? Thou hast sweetened my cup o bitterness, till the direful potion of death has lost half its horror." "How.dreadful is your position!" replied Miss Redmond, with mournful vehemence. Alas, Guy, for your memory when all is o- er ! Had you forfeited life in the cause of freedom, this parting would have been less painful ; but .to ge out of the world covered. with the ignominy of a British spy, gives me'inexpres- sible pain. 0 Guy, is there no escape? Have you not some powerful friend in the Continental Army-or is there not some means by which you can scale these wooden walls- elude the sentinels-and leave the gallows be- hind? If I were a man,-I would find some way-hit upon some happy invention-or, de- -vise some subtle plan of cheating even Fate .itself; if it led to such disgrace. I would "move heaven and earth with my endeavors !" She paused, and pressed her burning fore- -head with her hand. " Judith, beloved Judith, you torture me ,And yet," he added, " it is something to know 'that I have the sympathy of the best being on earth I I thank thee a thousand times for -thy. tender pity." " Strange, incomprehensibly strange, that a 'soul like thine should spurn the claims of country 'and-patriotism !" said Judith, looking earnestly at the sorrowful face of her lover. . "Mercy, Judith, mercy! Thy words cut .like the sabres of Marion's men-ay, deeper ; .for they reach to thesoul itself." . " A British spy1" gasped Judith. "Guy -Deering, can this be you?" There' was a world of agony in these utter- ances. Neither for a time could speak. " Can I ,endure this ?" muttered the spy, presently. ' Shall. I .go hence and make no -sign ? Imust-I must !" "Guy Deering,- you are struggling with some great. secret. Speak it, in Heaven's .name ! if 'it will relieve the darkness of your fate and name.". o you She took his ha.nd,'And turned her beautiful face upon him in ineffable entreaty. "'Tis past, 'tis past I" he murmured, huski- ly, and with a faint and fading smile. "I am -I am strong again.' Now, dearest,' talk not .of me,-but of -thy darling sblf. If I shake oft this outward form of humanity, I will like again in thee. My immortal nature shall find a habitation in the fair temple of thy own spirit, and mysteriously incorporate with thee -become a conscious part of thyself. This is Love-the first, the last, the ethereal, the -eternal. Thinkest thou, my own, that death can tear us asunder?" ' Deering' drew Judith to his breast, and the rays of the setting sun fell upon both. Hie .pale features -were lighted with enthusiasm, while hers pictured wonder, fear, and trust. f -" - 'CHAPTER III. HIRL, THE HUNoClnAot. The soft and mellow haze of twilight was descending upon the:camp, when the clear challenge of an American sentinel rang out upon 'the air: - ".Who goes there ?" " A friend." "Stop, friend, and give the counersign." The person thus challenged was seated in a cart, which was drawn by a sorry-looking horse -the thinness of which seemed to attest to a long penance of fasting. The driver of this animal was far-from prepossessing in appears ance. He was of large, frame, but his figure was rendered disagreeable by a painful stoop and a monstrous protuberance between hit shoulders. We cannot describe him better than by simply affirming that he was a hunch- back. His face, which otherwise would not have been ugly, was made repulsive by a wound upon the right cheek, imperfectly con- cealed by a patch. He had apparently pass- ed the prime of. life, for long gray hairs flu- tered over his forehead. He wore a sut os homespun, brown, better adapted 'for hard service than show. His patriarchal head was protected by a round cloth cap, which bore unmistakable impress of long use. A large powder-horn and ball-pouch hung under his left arm; while 'beside him in the cart, braced against the rude seat, was one of those redoubtable weapons denominated the king's-arm.' Instead of stopping his horse when chal- lenged, he jogged on, jerking the reins, and muttering " Go 'long, Crazy ! go 'long! A'n't afeard o' nothin' you see hereabouts, be ye ?" "Halt I". shouted the sentinel, raising his musket. " Git out the w y,' you ragged critter. Don't you know b tter than to be standin' right :in the way of a hoss and cart ?" cried the hunchback, petulantly. " Stop, or I fire !" said the sentinel, warn- ingly. '" Whoa, Crazy, whoa!" said the old man, stopping his bony beast with much tugging and sawing upon the bit. " Don't pint that -gun. at me, you reckless divil! Why in the name o' conscience don't you fight the inemy instead o' your friends? Nobody'll coma anighst ye bimeby, if you go on in this ry. dicerlous way. What in time you want ?" "' The'countersign, you old' fool-the coun. tersign !" roared the sentinel. " Hey? What? Speak louder, if you (/J -M nj O 11 If / . 8 i r I i k I \ i l \\\ ' F ^'_ y" l,,ai _ ..v-..rr ......- -.. . Y L-Y^ .nWhp' , h+ Y-neW V. A-.~.I-hKU+db'W Asif tY fl a page: 10-11[View Page 10-11] i 'N lV OR, HIRL THE HUNCHBACK. c A rT 1: 4 4t c :v --- - 11 want anything. Been deef these twenty years or up'ards." The hunchback cocked his head upon one side with that earnest vacuity of expression indicative of the unhappy infirmity which he had avowed. " You heerd well enough jest now !" snarl- ed the soldier. - " What perduced it, did ye say ? God, I s'pose, or it might been natural, leastwise. The old woman says 'twas done by one the Smith gals a singin' treble in my ears when I led the singin' ; but that don't look reasona- ble to me. Washington in the camp ?" Tie hunchback looked at the sentinel with an air of such perfect simpli ity, that he could not refrain from laughing. I reckon you know a precious sight about military affairs, oil mn. Do you s'pose the great Washington goes canterin' about the country like an itinerantparson or a common whipster." They say he's a mighty good fighter, and makes- the redcoats run like a flock o' sheep." ,Enough of this, old gentleman ! Give me the countersign, or move off." " My name's IIirl-old Hirl, ill-mannered folks call me." "Confound him!" muttered the soldier. "What do I do ? Used to be a blacksmith ; am a swordmnaker, now. Made quite a lot o' weapons for Marion's men. Cut up old mill- saws and si :h. Let me in, will ye? Can't stan' here fooling' much longer." "I've a mind to fire on the old chatter- box !" said the sentinel, beginning to be an- gry again. "'Yes, I'm right handy with tools ; can put - an edge on your sabres that'll cut a hair. Sog3r-feller, that bagonet o' your'n is blunt as your thumb. How can you stick sich a thing as that into a Britisher? Might as well carry a b 'an-pole." Losing all patience, the sentinel strode up to the hunchback, anI1 seizing him by the col- lar, howled in his ear : "The password! the password !" " Why the divil didn't you say so in the fast place ?" screamed the old man, fretfully. "Come down to bring a few sabres to Wash- ington to, hash up the redcoats with. Guest he'd swear some, if he knowed how you'd kept me outside with your imperdence." " I asked you for the countersign ten min- utes ago.'" "I hain't got it ;" and if I had, I wouldn't deliver it to nobody but the gineral. I ain't a man as seeks arter signs of no kind." ' At that juncture, Captain Rainford, who had heard a part of this dialogue, stepped for- ward and demanded of the proprietor of the horse and cart what he wanted. " I want to see the officer in command," an- swered the hunchback, peevishly. " Been bothered here nigh on to half an hour, and I'm sorry to say, mister, that the regerlations here is a disgrace to the Continent il Congress Havin' heerd that there was a great scarcity o' weepous among yeri1 jest whipped Crazy into the cart, and hurried right down with a few o' my best razors, that'll shave a Britisher 'thout lather or hot water. Come and look at 'em, sir. Or, perhaps," added the hunchback, reflectively, "you'd better take me right to the gineral." Then to the sentinel: " Watch that cart, there, for you don't seem to have nothin' else to do ; though if I's boss here, I'd keep ye a shoulderin', and orderin', and presenting' till you could scurcely st-m' on your legs. I shall speak to Washington about the gineral looseness hereabouts, in p'int o' disciplyne." " You've brought us some blades of home manufacture, have you, my good man ?" said Rainford, smiling. "He's brought the High Hills of the Santee on his back, I should think !" muttered the sentinel. "Yes, major, I'ye brought ye some good 'uns that I'll warrant to do the business, if properly used." Then to the soldier: " You feller with the musket, you can have the pass- 'word now, if you want it; though little good it'll do ye, for I's bound to see your com mander, anyhow. Marion ! there, you hay it ! I hope this'll teach ye to mind your own consarns, and treat the friends o' Cgngress with respect. Come 'up, Crazy, come up ! Guess, on the whole, we'll take the cart right along, for somebody might steal' the razors, you know; and I should be pesky loth to have 'em swingin' on the wrong side, hashin' up our folks 'stead o' the Britishers." " You are very welcome, my man. Bring your horse and cart inside the lines. Whiat's. your name ?" said the captain, eyeing his strange visitor with considerable curiosity. " My name is Hirl; though ill-mannered people call me Old Hirl, Crazy Hirl, Deef Hirl, and so on. You can take your choice, major. ' In times of peace I was a smith ; but now I'm a swordmaker, and can sharpen up your tools to a turn, if you like. Any news .stirrin' ?" " Nothing of importance, excepting the cap- ture of a tory spy," replied Rainford, care- lessly. " Come'long, Crazy ! The old gal's gittin' tired. A spy, eh ? Well that's good news ! You'll string him up right up, I s'pose ?" said the hunchback, with a business air. ''He will be executed to-morrow morning." "This is a nice creetur o' mine, major. You wouldn't think she's 'leven year old next Fourth o' July ?" 4' I T 4/; to ... .. r p, O R ( , _ E 'r~ page: 12-13[View Page 12-13] 4, 12 THE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE; The kunchback looked complacently at his friend, your offering is very acceptable ; for meagre mare. some of our poor fellows are but indifferently " You rc mistaken, my friend ; I should armed. You could not have.brouglht a more think her twenty instead of eleven," replied welcome gift. Sergeant Giles," he added, rais- the capta ii, shortly. ing his voice, " carry these weapons to the " You're no judge o' horse-flesh, young colonel's quarters. Here is Somerton himself. man. What did you say this seller's namo is, Colonel, this worthy countryman has brought that's goin' to give a tight-rope performance a timely supply of trustworthy blades. Our in the mornil' ?" dragoons will make terrible work witl them, The man, with the hunch on his shoulders if you will give us a chance at the enemy." gave Crazy a lap across the nose, and watched Somerton took one of the sabres from the its effect, while 'waiting for an answer. cart, and, approaching a camp-fire, examined "Deering!" replied Rainford. its workmanship, and balanced it in hsliand. " Deering !" exclaimed Hirl,, exhibiting He then turned to the sword-maker, looking much surprise. -" Then you have trapped him him ever with a searching eye. The some- at last. Poor lad! podr-lad ! I used to know what pale and disfigured countenance, and his father right well; and this boy, too, who the sto ped figure, passed a critical ordeal be- was ever a generous and hearty youth. Pity fore the colonel withdrew his regards. he took to sich courses; but it runs in the " So you forged these weapons, old man ?" blood, I s'pose." he said, at length. Do you live in his father's neighborhood ?" "My name is Hirl," said the hunchback, in Rainfr inquired. a shrieking voice. "It is Hirley, rightfully ; "Our houses are in sight of each other. but ill-mannered people have shortened it, - 'Twill be a heavy blow to the old gentleman, callin' me Hirl-Old Hirl, Deaf Hirl, and last- who hasn't a grain o' sympathy for the British- ly, Crazy Hirl." ers. He'll have a heap o' questiois to ask about "Speak loud, Somerton ; the old fellow is this poor, misdirected creetur. 'Twouldn'tbe rather deaf," suggested Rainford. no more nor a Christian act, I reckon, jest to " Speak in my left ear if you want me to take a look at him to see how he bears it, and hear ; for that's the most-active of the two. ask if he has any message to send to the old The doctors say the drum of the right ear homestead." is mightily out o' repair. Been dreadfully The old man looked pensively at the ground. flirtedd, off an' on. It's bad enough to be "lHe has a father and mother ?" ' . 'hard o' hearin'; but I've (had the rheumatics "Sartin, sartin-most folks has, I believe, in my j'ints, the neuraligy in my face, and the Haven't the matter ofa peck of oats, have ye, brownereeturs in my threat pooty much the' that I could give Crazy? The old jade has most o' the time since the breakin' out o' the trundled over.a good many miles, to-day. By war." the way, speakin' of this unfortunit youngster, " You seem to have an ugly wound on your I really think it's my duty to see him,.tthough right cheek," observed Somerton, mindful of it '11 harry up my feeling's woundedly." the man's infirmity. Hirl spoke in a tone that carried conviction "Yes; got that in a bit of a scrimmage to the mind of Rainford. with a gang o' tories up to our place t'other "If such are your'feelings," he said, "I day. My wife Eaid if the creetur 'd struck will mention the subject to Col. Somerton, who hard enough, 'twould been nighabout the in- will readily give you access to the prisoner." stigation of my life.. They tell me, colonel, "'Thankee ; though the job isn't to be cov- that you've ketched Deerin'-4t last. His folk eted. These sabres that I brought down you live clost to my house, and I jist telled the shall be welcome to, jest for the sake o' liber- major here-" ty ; and they may be the'means of makin' a "I'm a captain of dragoons," said Rainford, market for more. If your bagonets or swords dry . want sharpening , John Hirl is the man to do it, " That I's afeard I should have to go and although he's ruther skeery 'bout takin' Conti- s e him. ' His father is a staunch Continental nental money as times are ; for Congress is congress man." - poor as Job, and there's no hard money in e "His father a patriot ! Can it be possible ?" country." - exclaimed Somerton. " There will be grief While the hunchback was talking, Rain ord for him to-morrow night. Unhappy father ! was examining the weapons which he ad -unhappy son !"' brought m h'is cart. They were not elegant Somerton spoke with an earnestness that in form,.nor cunningly polished ; biut they testified to his kindly sympathies. seemed rightly attempered, and were ground Then in a lower voice, to Rainford : to a keen edge. " Captain, it is a painful duty that devolves "In a strong hand," said the captain, on us; but we will execute it fiAithfully, no- "these blades will do fegful execution. My cording to the usages of war." - I i _A' .:. OR, HIRL THE HUNCHBACK. 13 "Our country demands it of us. It will be anything in the woman line; hut such a no more than an act of common humanity to nightmare as this will afflict the prisoner afore allow this worthy, thpngh simple-minded man his time." to see him," returned Rainford. "The duty of a oldie and offer is to obey " We sometimes have the most to appre- orders," quoth Giles, with not a ltle dignity. hend from simple-minded men ; although, in "Tom Thornton, face to this mountain of a this case, I confess I can see nothing but ap- man ; Old Harry, face to Tom Thornton. parent honesty and singleness of purpose," Now, Tom, it's expected that the samee el,1 answered Somerton, again scrutinizing the come out as goes in. Observe the critter well, hunchback, who now stood warming his hands so there tl be no mistake. If the spy should over the fire, after the manner of old persons give us the slip, we should be disgraced forcv- whose blood begins to flow tardily through th ' er and a day." shrunen vins."I've got eyes as well as another; and he vIt's a stout arm," mused the colonel, "for is blind indeed who don't know a sh' ep from. an old man; "but I suppose those swelling a swine. a Phen, to Hurl : "Friend, you carry muscles come of his trade. What a mountain a heavy pack. Pass in, in God's name; for he carries on his back ! Where's Sergeant it's my opinioncthat the sight of ye will do Giles " c~.more to reconcile the spy to death than any- Giles ?" ..mr "Here, your* honor !" answe d that indi- thing escon lifted the latch, pushed open the vidual.' Prompt as a cannon-ball," laughed Som- door with his foot, and the hunchback went in. I erton. The former heard two voices a long time as "rAm callers on hand,ikeshop-worn goods," he moved slowly to and fro in the little entry, Ssaid Giles. both being different in volume and character, You see this old gentleman " and easily distinguishable. SWith a bomb-shell atween his shoulders ?" When the old man at length appeared, his I couldn't see him, I shouldn't be able to air was absent, and he kept shaking his head see the Hills of Santee in shiny day ! With like one in doubt. The spy himself attended your honor's permission, he don't know much him to the door, and said : " Good-night." of the art of war, avin' throwed up his forti- Thornton looked at the hunchback a mo- fications ahind instead of afore." ment, made an affirmative motion of the head, Honest Giles touhed his cap, and stood and let him out. straiet Gile htcoryhedpig. cpn"You've had a long chat, Old Harry," said strais name is Hirley; and he has permis- Sergeant Giles, who was wasting him outside. sion to s me theispy .Y ou have charge of the "My name is Hirl, or more properly Hir- prisoner to-night. Be careful that the same heyv; though ill-mannered people call-" man comes out of the cabin that goes in. I "Never mind "the ill-mannered people " have not the faintest suspicion of the honesty interrupted Giles, impatiently. "Tell me of this garrulous old man ; but it is a good how you found the prisoner ?" plan, Sergeant Giles, to deal with an honest "Ruther malantholy, and down at the heel. man s yo wold wth roge."I don't think lie wants to be hung at all, not "The man that thinks to deceive Jim Giles; a bit on't. He don't look as I expected in your honor, brings his sack to the wrong mill. the least. It don't seem possible that lie's I. haveo b saddle to fit evenyghorse and hea a old Mark Deerin's son, and I'd oughter know known' east that gives me a fall. Come, him as well as anybody. But then boys grow Hari' or Old Harry, to te right face -- out of one's mem'ry very quick. No possi- march oOlHar, blity o' mistake-is there, corporil?" "Follow the sergeant," said Rainford. "He The hunchback applied the digits of his . will provide you with food and quarters till right hand to his head in a perplexed and re- to-morrow, if you are disposed to pass the flective manner. night in camp." " Mistake ? The matter's as plain as the "'Bleeged to ye, capn! Will talk with ye pack on your back !" more 'bout the woepons, presently." w "I don' know-I don' know ; but I s'poso With this reply, the hunchback went shuf- you do. He wasn't so glad to see me as I fling after the martial steps of the sergeant. thought he'd be ; and, to tell the truth, n wasn't They sawa female gliding from the cabin as inclined to acknowledge the 'quainlance at The sa a emae gidig fom e c, masfust. I've got to think about this -a spell, they approached it. She moved away swiftly, fore I got to hink ot t." and her graceful form was soon lost in the afore has makenougheatodecei adozenlike obscurity." w now, sergeant ?" said Tom' Thornton, you," affirmed Giles. "He that trav ls far as Giles appeared in the narrow entry of the knows much." cabin. " You've brought a different grist to "Stay in camp ? 'Bleeged to ye ; but arter our hopper this time. We don't object to , seen' this boy, I ha'n't got much appetite J t - 't ,. f __ _ .,, 1 +. ..a+wM/}'Raw .- . i p.. -v. .9YY _ _ _.+MVnY iM++ .^ .Rt aa aYNH TN Yfw4 .. s _ iT ...-.. .... . .. . " If/ t i r 1" 1r ', , .-... ....-. -_._.-.:.=s.:%...a "". .. .v+.=_...r+:T .-yMYw +. 1rn '"...rlliw 40'. __ { f page: 14-15[View Page 14-15] 4 14 THE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE ; 16 vi If : 15 OR, HIRL THE HUNCHBACH. for't. I'll take Crazy, and jog to the nearest CHAPTER IV. farm-house, and call round ag'in some other IN WHICH THE SPY DENIES His IDENTITY. time to sharpen up your tools. The kurnil's "Come with me, Captain Rainford," said welcome to the sabres.. If 'twasn't for the Somerton, a few minutes aftertedpaur rheumatics, I'd stay and help ruse 'em; but of the sabre-maker. r the departure I'm a gittin' too oil for a soger., You see, a, r " If you propose visiting the spy," replied man o' my age hasn't much to fight for-for Rainford, with hesitation, "I hope you won't I can't, san it a great many years, in the insist on my company." course o' natur'. Whoa, Crazy! The old "It is my wish!" returned Somerton, briefly. gal had the scratches lest fall, but she's got When! the two Continental officers entered nighabout shut of 'em now. Jes' slip the bri- theeabi ,they found the prisoner sitting ab- d1e into her mouth, corporil. Apt to cesther stractedly near the barred window, at the ex- bridle when I leave her by herself, Crazy is." tree end of the little compartment. A single The hunchback clambered into his crt, candle burned dimly on the deal-table, cast- and was tugging at the reins, in an endeavor ing a faint and flickering light upon the per- to turn, when Captain Rainford passed, in the son of the spy, who received his visitors with performance of some official duty about camp. a faint smile, saying: e made a momentary halt, and said : "Ex "Sgo you leave to-mghlt ?9"E-xense my rising, gentlemen ; ceremony "s o ev onght? is unnecessary here." " Yes ; I'm deef as a haddock in the right, "Our visit," answered Somerton, "is one but I can hear pooty well with the left," of humanity. We have our orders from th screamed Hrl, whose unfortunate ear' con- chief in command ; but we desire to be just tinually involved him irmisapprehensions. as well as prompt." "Did you see the girl?" asked Somerton, .11 Be seated, gentlemen, if you can find the in a voice loud enough to be heard on parade. conveniences, for so doin g.My accommoda "Yes, Hirl; though ill-mannered people-" tions are not of the best," said the prisoner, "Confound the fellow !" muttered Somer- with slight bitterness of manner. ton; while flainford interrupted the hunch- "Our errand is not to remove any feeling bask with: of doubt in our minds in regard to your iden- "Pshaw, old gentleman! You have a mar- tity, or our guilt," resumed Somerton, in a velous faculty of perverting everything. The calm and serious voice, drawing pencil and pa- colonel wishes to know if you saw the young per from his pocket, and approaching the table. "Ah ! This is a kind of informal examina- "Yes, I saw him obut don't ask me no tion," said the spy, arising and composedly qucsti~ns-for the poor~lad, has kind o' be- snuffing the candle.. "I would offer you ad- wildered me, as 'twere. I don't know what to ditional light, but none know better than say, I'm sure. One thing's sartin, he's give ourselves that I am but a passive agent moer a powrfu Imatoolnde ea'te to rr a here." Sasoger; for I'm too; tender-hearted to string "You do not deny, sir, that your name is up a feller ereetu. as if he was a dog, and Deering ?" continued the coloiiel, preparing nothin' better. Good night, kurnil ; good to write. night, corporil." ' " I beg leave to corieet you. My name is fa"Is the prisoner calm? Does he bear his not Deering," answered the prisoner, quietly fate like a man ?" 'inquired Somerton, with "I advise you, young man, not to trife "mHe'ale no . with one whose only regret is, that you are not "Heelmer nor he'd oughter be, I should innocent," returned Somerton, reprovingly. say; a pesky sight quieter nor many that ha 1 " The person who informed you that my less on their minds," replied Hrl. me is the one you have mentioned, was mis- "Does he exhibit no remorse-no despair ?" ta en," answered;the spy, firmly. "Yes, she's a good mare, 'leven year next "It was yourself that told me you were spring. Can trot her three mile an hour called Deering," added the colonel, with a 'thout ,wettin' a hair.' Go 'long, Crazy! I frown of displeasure. Stan' a smart chance o' gettin' the rheumatics fr Never " exclaimed the accused. being out so late. Get up, old gal !" "I assure you, unfortunate man, that you The hunchbacksee-sawed the bits across will gain nothing by subterfuge so shallow !" the lank jaws of his mare, the wheels began retorted, Somerton, with earnestness, but with- to turn, and he lumbered away-musket, out anger. powder-horn, deafness, pack.' and all No man that knows me, can truly say that I ever resorted to dishonorable subterfuge." The spy was standing within a yard of Somerton, perfectly calm and collected, with- out bravado, or an apparent purpose of con'- tradiction. 1" Do you deliberately deny that you ac- ed Somerton, who could not conceal his con- khowledged your name to be Deering ?" de- temponitend to put me to death" minded Somerton, in a voice that was every The spy looked steadily at the officer, who "I do!1" was the unhesitating reply. answered : "You see,' interposed Rainford, querulous- "You will be executed to-morrow morning ly, " that your sympathies for this person at nine o'clock." are wasted. ie disputes a most obvious "In your report of this transaction, whose fact. He will next deny that he was chased name will appear as having suffered the ex- by out- dragoons, swam a river, and was treme query military and with b- caught by "Tequryosptgrvlun'it e "If Captain Rainford puts his statement in coming impressiveness. ea tby .Rinfrd utshisa tme ineoThe nameof GuyDeering, the British the form of assertion, I do emphatically deny "Tenm ofGyDrngthBiis it," answered the spy, with an unpretentious spy!" replied the colonel, again passing the positiveness quite surprising and baffling to candle before the face of the prisoner. positiamnes.ut uprsga " I trust, before the hour you have men- "It is folly to -pursue this investigation tioned, that it will be proved I am not Guy further," muttered Rainford. Deering." furThese are audacious and unwise denials," "Banish the thought! It is impossible. said Somerton, with a sharper tone of rebuke. As a Christian and a man, I would press upon "What is the name of the lady who visited you the necessity of preparation for a journey you about an hour since ?" so long." "No lady has honored me with her pres- "Colonel Somerton," replied the prisoner, ene to-night," was the prompt response. "I cordially thank you for your kindness. "Too cool ! too cool I" cried Rainford, If you could think better of me-if it were lau"ohing. c possible for you to look with less aversion aomerton was annoyed, vexed, disappoint- upon one who has never injured you-" ed. Repressing the hasty words that were injured every hes t he oone youo- ready to-fly to his lips, he went on. . hnie ined evry hoeston i hae o no Pr:sonrwaisyunae"nis Oemoeqsto Hvyunt "ax Henderson,"what answered name ?spy. frequently, persistently, carried intelligence Colonel Somerton took the candle from the from the American lines to the enemy.?" table, and held it near the prisoner's face, The man who called himself Max Hender- which he examined with the closest attention. soi grewver palpablyoadlchesto setmikeo Thisescrutinyhe extended to his person gel- a sea. He turned from Somerton, and took There can be no mistake, Rainford," he several hasty trs across the room. said. " This is the same man we captured asked, husily, ordin not my answer be the His garments are still wet." sy "There is not a reasonable doubt of it," re- same.n plied Rainford. True!T true P' responded Somerton, struck "If you are not the person that we take by the candor of the reply. you to be, how came you to be an occupant " Come life or death, ignominy or escape, of this cabin?" interrogated Somerton. you can know no more of me than now. " I will not answer that question," was the There is a seal on my lips that only One can unsatisfactory reply. remove; 'it will remain, whatever may hap- "The voice, the height, the features, are the pen. In this world, Max Henderson expects same," muttered the colonel. " This seems no justice. But go, gentlemen-go! If I one of those cases where, deception is out of bring no proot of my identity, my blood will the question." rest upon you. Let God judge between in. "And yet," said the spy, "you are not sat- the day when he shall make up His eternal isfied. You detect, you sense, you feel some- awards." thing ; it is not a certainty, it does not each to "God and the Continental Congress !" said the height of suspicion - but .yoi are un- Rainford, by way of amendment. e " "Your language, sir, is strange and contra- "asyMisguided man ! Falsehood will not avail dictory," added Somerton. "I honor honest youn; on the contrary, it destroys that sym- boldness, even in an enemy ; but abhor false- pathy which otherwise your fate might have hood as much is I love truth." drawn forth. Despicable as I know your em- The grating of a saw and the strokes of a . ployment to be, I confess that I am unpleas- hammer crept with a muffled sound through antly disappointed in your character. Your the walls of the cabin. The spy fixed his assertions are puerile, absurd ; and when your dark, searching eyes on Somerton. position is considered, almost shocking," add- o " The preliminaries of death," he said, / / r 1 , *1 I t t C. Fs 1 T ~s t r t, #'. " tM t . n R : s' ' ,, t Y' page: 16-17 (Illustration) [View Page 16-17 (Illustration) ] THE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE; t ,fr f1 f4' "follow fast on the heels of your examina- tion." A bitter smile swept over the prisoner's pale lips. The colonel colored, and exhibited confu- sion.-o " Your generosity," resumed the spy, "might have permitted me a few hours for repose, uninterrupted by those dire notes of 'preparation, without stain upon your patriot- ism." "Repose, indeed ! Innocence itself could not sleep in a situation so awful !" Somerton spoke with the solemnity he really felt ; while the prisoner's handsome face lighted with some inexplicable emotion. The wonder and bewilderment of the colonel increased, communicating corresponding feel- ings to the practical Rainford. " We gain nothing," said the latter ; " and the interview is becoming uncomfortable." "Good night, gentlemen! We shall meet again in the morning," said the prisoner, with his peculiar look and smile. " Whoever 'you are, I am sorry for you," answered Somerton, slowly following Rain- ford from the cabin. Sergeant Giles was standing near the door. "Sergeant," the colonel began, " you saw the hunchback-" He suddenly checked himself, adding, in a lower voice : " Pshaw ! what nonsense ! There can be no mistake. 'Tis the last trick of a gamester who plays for life. Drowning nen catch at straws." As the officer walked away, he was followed by the dissonance of the saw, and the 'dull sound of the -hammer. He turned and be- held, with an involuntary shiver, men raising two posts with a transverse beam. He hur- ried to his quarters ; but could stillsee, in imagination, the skeleton frame looming grim in the moonlight. - ' " He that takes the devil into his boat muts ferry him across," quoth Sergeant' Giles. CHAPTER V. THE EX ECU T,1 ON. Day dawned, and the Continental camp shook off its slumbers. There was a stir among officers and- men. Somert6n looked wearily from his tent. ' He had passed a troubled night. When, after tossing a long time, he finally fell'asleep, his repose-was dis- turbed by the same train of thought that had kept him wakeful. He dreained of -is pris- oner, the young wornan who had visted' him, and Old Hirl, the hunchback. The colonel arose, :depressed by' a heavy consciousness of the disagreeable' duty which the day would bring. Leaving his quarters, -,e took a solitary walk around the outposts of the little camp, still pursued by thoughts, of Guy Deering, and the contradictory char- acter of his last interiew with that misguided person. As he slowly returned, he was mt by Rainford. I" I wait your orders, colonel,"lie said brief- ly. "There is no need of haste. Let him have as much time as possible," Somerton replied. " That was not thought of by our enemies when Hale as minded the cart," returned Rainford. " To their shame be it spoken !" exclaimed omerton. Then, after a pause : "Have you s en him this morning?" " I just looked in to see if he was there,' "How did he appear? Wa3 he less coi tradictpry than ]ist night ?" " The same! 'the same! There was no change in his deportment." "1 I regret'it ! I hoped that solitude and reflection would bring him-to reason." "On the contrary, he was firmer-in his in credible assertions than before. I really be- lieve he thinks to escape, even at this late hour. Truly, his composure is incompre- hensible." " Possibly," said Somerton, " it may arise from a mistaken notion of duty." " That is quite probable ; for the greatest criminals have sometimes been the wildest fanatics, dying-as they imagine-martyrs to right." --Go and ask him," enntinued the colonel, thoughtfully, "if he wishes thio consolations of religion." "'The very question I proposed. He laid his hand upon his breast, and replied that he already experienced such consolation with- in him." "It is passing strange! Send Sergeant Giles to inform him thdt he 'has but dn hour to live." The sergeant being near, was immediately dispatched on this errand, which he fulfilled with all that military alacrity on which he 'prided himself. "Well?"'said Somerton, interrogatively, glancing at his messenger. " He said," replied Giles, "that it was more time than he expected ; and he hoped it would be more than sufficient to prove his inno- cence." Captain Rainford, never celebrated for his gentleness, on hearing this, made use of sun- dry expletives bordering on profanity. Even the-patient Somnerton seemed annoyed by this reply. " Did-he express any desire to see a clergy- man ?" that officer demanded. " When I ventured to hint, your honor, that he ought to have a parson to tinker up his conscience, he shook his head with a sol- p1 / )I ,6 C) ,0 z 0 A N) ( /- ~ ~' r I . . j3igcr - 16 { f r i J 11 l r I t ao . , _..o.e ,. ash ... oar = :a: ti 6 rsu.~ . ...w " woer" .1"..r^ ' « y . page: 18-19[View Page 18-19] y x 4 'S 1' G. (. 1;L OR, HIRL THE HUNCHBACK. emn sort o' smile, and said : ' If I've neglect- ed my soul till now, it's sartinly ,too late to save it ; but if I've attended to it, it will not be desarted at the hour o' death.' Them was his words, and every one of 'em seemed to weigh the matter of a pound." 'I have done my duty !" exclaimed Somer- ton. " Captain Rainford, muster the dra- goons. An hour is the utmost grace that can be given. If Tarleton should get wind of what is going on, it wouldn't be strange if he should attempt to rescue. He and Cornwal- lis have been closeted more than, once with Guy Deering, no doubt." Soon the blast of a bugle was heard,, follow- ed by the clanking of sabres, the rattling of spurs, the neighing of horses, and the heavy tramp of dragoons. A part of the brigade was drawn up in the form of a hollow square around the gallows that had been erected the previous night. Inside this phalanx, A cor- re ponding number of more lightly aimed troopers were paraded on foot. All being ready for the terrible drama, a deep and ex- pectant silence ensued. Presently, Sergeant Giles entered the cabin with a file of men, and brought 'out the pris- oner, upon whom every eye was instantly turned. His face was somewhat flushed when he first appeared, but it soon became pale and calm. He advanced firmly and stood in the fatal square, when he paused, and looked slowly around. His glance rested upon Som- erton. " Tell Colonel Somerton," he said, " that I would speak with him a moment." His desire was at once made known to the commanding officer, who reluctantly ap- proached. " Mr. Deering," he said, °".I have been in- formed that you have something to say to me." " Much! much!" answered the prisoner, with emphasis. " Say on, then, for the time is brief," said the officer. "'Brief, indeed!" said the spy, quickly. "It would seem that there is but a short quarter of an hour before me. Although yonder orb" (he pointed to the sun) " will rise and set millions of times, I shall not see it set or rise again. How should you feel, colonel, in my situation ?" "If," returned Somerton, earnestly, " I were dying in my country's cause, with no stain o' my name, I should feel that the smile of God was on me." - "I comprehend," said the prisoner, color- ing. "Mr. Deering-" the colonel began. " I have told you that my name is Hender- son," interrupted the spy, in a decisive voice. " Henderson or Deering-for it makes little 19 difference what I call you-if you have aught to communicate, come to the point and be brief. I am disposed to be humane ; but with me duty is imperative." Before answering, the prisoner partially turned, and looked anxiously toward the San- tee, the murmur of whose waters could be heard. Somerton noticed the action, and said, warningly : " Young man, I solemnly believe that you are beyond human aid. If Tarleton and his legion were to appear this moment, you could not be rescued alive. A volley from my men would end all before the foremost of our ene- mies could come to the charge." "I do not expect Tarleton," responded the prisoner, with a smile that seemed a niockery of death. "Do I understand that you have spoken what you wish to say ?" demanded the Conti- nental officer, authoritatively. " No, no !" exclaimed the spy, with a vehe- mence that w'as in striking contrast to his for- mer quietness. "' In Heaven's name speak, then, for the time draws n ar!" " God forbid ! Never, never !" he cried, with more feeling than he had yet exhibited. " Your terrible situation has disordered your mind," replied Somerton, in a troubled voice. "It may *o appear to you ; but possibly the time may come-" He stopped, and looked, once more to the south. - " Some false and deceptive hope still sup- ports you. Reject it- abandon it-fling it from you as the enemy of your future peace. Employ the few remaining moments in prayer. Yonder is the chaplain of the brig- ade ; he looks anxiously this way. Permit me to summon him. He waits but for a sig- nal, and I will give it." The colonel waved his hand, and the indi- vidual referred to quickly approached. In person and outward appearance, he bore small resemblance to one's idea of a man of God. He was a large, wiry-looking personage, with brawny hands, thick neck, and swarthy fea- tures, which, instead of that softness and meek- ness generally supposed to characterize his profession, were hard and severe in their ex- pression. Instead of prayer-book or missal, he carried a ponderous sword, and wore be- neath a leather belt a brace of pistols. The risoner regarded him with a faint smile an was about to refuse his services, when so e new thought changed hi, purpose. " Hum brey," said Somerton, " but a few moments a e left to this wretched man. Do for him w at man may do for his fellow-man in a stra' like this." "I an do nothing of myself," answered the S t - 4 /r 1, 't I s ., d .+. _ !. s ' Y J i 1 .i 7 _. ... _ ~ ( ?-rr. _ afro-L. 1Ir ..a - 4F wn's1" rMy y, ,,,.-",,.rr'n / 1^ ' ' M 149f ''sku+M; - - - I I -- - - page: 20-21[View Page 20-21] jt -- - i ,- , 1 1,4r I 20 THE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE ; chaplain; "but if the Lord blesses and directs to the uncomfortable feelings that oppressed my efforts, his mind may yet be fixed on that him. which concerns, him most." Then to the pris- "My doctrines are those -of the patriarchss oner: " The crime for which you are to suffer and the apostles, of the saints, and of the fa- is truly heinous, but the mercy of God can thers, and the holy martyrs, and the Conti- reach the vilest creatures." nental Congress, and George Washington, and "This is comfort, indeed !" retorted the spy, all good patriots, and the tairtecn colonies, and bitterly, every other Protestant country." "iYou are justly doomed to -death," con- " George Washington !" muttered the spy. tinted Parson Humphrey, sternly ; "yet late " A good man-a good man !" repentance is better than none." . " Ay, and the leader of the armies of the L eave me, worthy man ; this matter is to Continental Israel. As Paul said-" be settled between Heaven and myself. No " The Captain of our salvation did not wear doubt thou art honest, but thou canst do me the sword," said the prisoner, abruptly. no good." "Had it been the will of God and Congress, "But I can direct thee to One who can, he would have carried both sword and spear, I even He whoa-fashioneth. one vessel to honor doubt not." and another to dishoner. Improve these pre- "Alas !" cried Deering, "neither Congress cious moments in prayer and supplication ; for nor Washington will save me." perchance the divine ear may not yet be closed " Nor would I, had I the powers of both !" against thee, having had me rey on the peni- retorted Humphrey, harshly. " Give good tent thief in the very moment of his mortal heed to what 1 say. Thou observest me not, - amIy thif!ct" si h rsoerde-but continually turnest thine eyes to yor,0hkjr csaid the prisoner, redden- clearing, as if hoping for aid from- that-quar- ' .ter." "As Paul said, I judge no man-" "Time is up !" said Captain Rainford. "Was it Paul ?" muttered the prisoner, with " Sergeant Giles, attend to your duty." a perceptible show of impatience. A sickly pallor overspread Deering's fea- Somerton bit his lips, and backed his horse tures. a little from the parties. " If thou wouldst indeed serve me," he said, "Nay, if thou art captious, I can do noth- in a low voice to Humphrey, -"delay the cxc- ing for thee ; for a perverse spirit ill becomes cution as long as possible." thy condition, seeing that the word of life "My authority," answered Humphrey, with would but go in at one ear and out at the unchanging severity, "is not temporal, but other-being as water spilled on the ground or spiritual. And if it were, why should I delay pearls east before dumb swine. Thou hast the footsteps of justice ?" much to do, and but short apace in which to "I ask," returned the spy, " but ten paltry do it; therefore, fall upon thy knees, and, minutes!" though I detest thy calling, and British gold " Those minutes are God's, and He can give bath a stinking savor in my nostrils, I will or withold them." put up such petition as an ignorant and sin- " To me," added the prisoner, earnestly, ful man may for a lost and dying brother." " ten minutes are worth ten worlds! Nay, I "I thank you, worthy sir," returned the will abate the time one-half-grant me five I" prisoner, casting another of those anxious " Were it for the good of thy soul, they re- glances toward the strip of open country that quest might perhaps avail ; but thou givest bordered the Santee. "If thou wilt speak to no evidence of repentance, and thy urgency me of thy doctrines,I will patiently hear what ariseth from a natural shrinking from death." thou hast to offer, though thy appearance is "Thou doest me injustice ; I swear to thee more like- that of a temporal soldier than a thou dost ! I can die as well as thou. There champion of the Cross." , has been a fatal error, which ashort delay may The spy spoke with calmness ; but there was correct." evident uneasiness In his nianner, and the per- " Wretched man, I fear thy whole life has spiration was exuding in a fine moisture from been a fatal error; but as mercy is the duty of his face. - a Christian, I will speak to Colonel Somerton, The-Continental colonel, despite his disin- in thy behalf," said the chaplain. clination to do so, could not but observe him " Leave me !" he exclaimed. " Thy heart with painful attention, secretly wishing that has never been touched by human sympa- he was . far away in the discharge of more thy." grateful. duties. To him, time never passed A soldier advanced and tied the prisoner's more quickly. He beheld the sands running hands behind him. apiy, an the fatal moment approaching. "Colonel Somerton," said Humphrey, "al- e ster, upitying countenance of Parson low the prisoner a few moments for prayer." Humphrey did not please him-adding much The officer made an affirmative motion of OR, HIRL THE HUNCHBACK. 21L the head. The chaplain drew close to Deering, " Not long-not long !" muttered Giles, saying: , "for one's memory is dull after being hanged. "Fall back, men-fall back a little. This There is neither device nor wisdom in the unhappy man would perform his last act of grave." devotion undisturbed." Deering leaned upon the chaplain, and Sergeant Giles and his menh respectfully re- walked slowly to the gallows ; but his eyes tired a few steps. wandered with, inexpressible earnestness to- "rKnel - kneel!" whispered the chaplain, ward the Santee. Bending to the ear of his and Deering knelt with his strange spiritual ghostly adviser, he whispered : adviser. The latter raised his hands in the "I heard the tramp of a horse's feet." attitude of prayer, and began his pious pe- " Nay, it was an illusion of the evil one to tition. His low-breathed and earnest suppli- divert thy mind from that which concerns thy cations were continued some time, and when he everlasting salvation. Fight against it, un- seemed drawing to a close, ring whis- happy man," replied Humphrey, in those pered cold, severe tones that characterized his mi- "Pray on, pray on ! Thou mayest, per- istry. chance, bring me salvation in more ways rth-' istry hear it again. It is thou who art de- one." ceived " on The chaplain prolonged his invocation. The spy now stood at the foot of the gal- '"The parson is long at his prayers," iiut- lows ; the fatal rope oscillated in the air over ~ ,ered'ltinford " He makes this scene un- his head. A dragoon seized it to adjust it cessarily t dious." about the prisoner's neck, but he recoiled - --"-It is little that we give him," answered from the contact with infinite disgust. ~-"derto, lokin at h rsnr but it ~- " it is not for me !' he cried, with a glance is m ' at we take. If Humphrey's harsh like lightning at the offender. "I was not surgery c a help him any, I do not mind born to such infamy. waiting; a little." There was a stir and murmur among the "By Heavens ! the par'son has ceased, and dragoons. tie spy has ken up the strain !" exclaimed ,A horseman I a horseman !-a messen- the captain ger ! a messenger !" ran from mouth to mouth. This was t ue, for the instant Humphrey Every eye was turned expectantly to the San- pronounced toe closing word Amen, Deering tee, and fixed upon a horse and rider. The bowed his hed reverently, and said person of the latter was thrown forward in the "Good sir, thou art more kind than I saddle, as if impatient of his progress, while thought thee Now I will ask percy for my his steed wasi covered with sweat, and east the self; and, wh'e I supplicate the divine fa- foam in white flakes from his mouth. The vor, do thou ast thine eyes occasionally to- generous beast shot forward like an arrow, ward the Santee, and listen with all the inten- and. thundering up to the dragoons, stagger- sityof thy seoses." ed and fell. The tableadias now deeply impressive. ' Hold there: hold, in God's name !" shout- The men on horseback and on foot; the-gal. ed the messenger, disengaging himself from lows in the centre ; Somerton and Rainford the stirrups, and waving a letter over his sitting like st tues upon their horses Deer. head. ing on his k ees, with hands secured behind -'Here is the officer in command," said him, and the stony figure of Humphrey be- Rainford- " What has happened? Make side him, with the sun streaming radiantly known your business." over all " There has been a mistake. This letter J " " He is longwinded " said the impatient will explain all. It is for Colonel Somerton, Rainford,at length. "It is but a pretext to answered the messenger, panting like a dog gain time He has not the courage to walk wearied in the chase. up avd die like a man" e gSomerton took the letter from the unsteady The words of the captain, though spoken in hand that proffered it, and broke the seal. It a low tone reached the ears of Deering, who read : spra gS quickly to his feet. He turned with " MY DEAa CoLONEL . Sta the execution f the per flasingeyesto ive ha~ght rely; utson now-in your custody. on labor under a singu' flashing eyes to give a haughty reply ; but la misapprehension in rep: rd to hie dentity. Guy changed his purpose with manifest effort. He Deering, the British spy, was seen this morning by me breathed hard, and his chest heaved. and several of my officers, at i y present headquarters "bPrisoner." said' Colonel Somerton, 1 we at Black Swamp. There was no mistake respecting hlp personality-having, ha~d. full view of him for have granted you every grace that Christian- some minutes. I ordered six oi my most experienced men can give." Then to Sergeant Giles scouts to pursue and take him. - He'permitted them to "Let the execution proceed." approachalmost wthin pistoi-sh dt, when.esting was I will emember it, col nel," a swered hand derisively, al otb ihin ge n h oet n a -' I will remember it, colonel,''answered soon lost sight of. On the spot whe. e he had stood., sp- Deering, impressively. per was found, on which was writtt 1n in pencil ** / 2? A --1 / '~4--Lt : I, f ri I l. ,.' .. $ . P page: 22-23[View Page 22-23] " r 1' - -! THE S WORDMAK niel Tarleton is coming to take the Swamp Fox.' This T; f announcemen" struck mec as being very bingular;bu it was doubtless a piece of bravado on partfo i - e;,,you know that those who have not the power of injur- -ing us frequently resort to threats for indemnity The person of Deering is well knowpi to at least twenty amen in my brigade; and very nearly that numberare ready to swear to his identity-as I am myself. Sc -. you perceive, my dear colonel, that it would not be ju't to execute your prisoner without further investi- gation. Keep him, therefore, in custody until his 4 r guilt or innocence shall be more fully established. "You had better break up your camp and move far- il'' Sther up the Santee, where roving bands of tories are committing every species of outrage upon the defence- ..sless inhabitants. FRANcXs MARIONr. "P. S.-An eccentric old hunchback has recently { supplied me with some excellent swords, of which I Stood greatly in need. I can commend his workmn.. Ship. F. M." "Stop the execution! Remand the prison- er, and'place a guard over him !" cried Som- erton, after reading this pissive It was observed by Sergeant Giles that this order was given with much promptness and " ; heartiness, as if that officer was performing a pleasing duty The man whose identity was involved in _ such doubt glanced at Captain Rainford with t ia quiet smile of triumph, and marched silent- ly back to the cabin, in charge 'of the ser- geant. The dragoons looked at each other in mute bewilderment--none knowing definitely what had happened to change the course of events, and produce this unexpected reprieve. So-m erton and Raimford retired slowly from the , tx _ groundn, In a state of doubt and uncertainty quite as perplexing' as that which prevailed d among the privates. CHAPTER VI, 9 GOODY GRINDLE. "Go 'long, Crazy! go 'long 1" "Here comes the Bwordmak .r of the San- y _ ~ tee," said Sergeant Giles, looking up. "A o' .; K strange old body is he. He carries hit forge on his back." "Perhaps it's a powder magazine; it's large ..=enough at any rate," responded Tomn Thorn-"GtuIsy htyucepn ln - ton. ®~~ Gi, 'p I say ! What you ere pi' alon that way for? Come, creetur, come - f rThe swordmaker tugged at the reins, and n see-sawed the bits; and having already pa the guards "trundled t'o the spot where the ho Sergeant and Tom T rnton were standing e The former, being mis hevio sly inclined and r something of a wag, s id to the latter r "See how Ill quiz this honest old feller," M Then to the huncbar k, who was dismounting sh from his cart, slowly and clumsily " Heerd Hi ness. Make 'em fc r Craz but cous - W t for the whole bri- ade, 'tisn't likely," answer- fig e ri, in a scree ching voice. / TI~ " 7 ER OF TIE SANTEE ; r i .say,.have you heerd the news ?" shouted . "Don't hear much of anything: D ' - speak in a whisper when you t ilk with e. YThe left ear's well enough , far as I know; t the right one is all toregto bits, as 'twre,by troubles, and t ials, and exposure to heat, and cold, and hardwork, and a scoldin' wife, and one thing and another. What's happened, "General Washington's surrendered ; and the Britishers are going to put him into an iron cage, and carry him to England. Goin' to be terrible times here, I reckon. The country'll be swept by sword and bagonet i" "A little louder, mister- What's the good o' muttering' down in your throat arter that fashion? Can't you remember my infarmity from one minute to another ?" said Hirl, peevishly, beginning to detatch Crazy from the cart. "Don't want me to yell myself to death, dp ye? I say Washington's been taken, and liberty's gone to the dogs, and the Continental/ Congress has been surprised andb at We shall all be cut up finer'n smogligtobac- cer. You'll probably be hashed ith one o' your own swords. The best thiiig you can do, is to hitch up your old hoss, and drive as far as ever you can, without-stogpin' !" "id eerd about that airly this mornin', didn't surprise me an artom. 'I've' got late' news than that. The general 'escaped, and a new Congress is in session. comeadown to- day to sharpen ye up a trifl Got all my tools in my cart--anvil, belvs, charcoal, hammers, tongs, and sich. J4t send round and tell the men to bring in tjieir battered weapons, and I'll put 'em in sudh trim as they never was afore. Stepup,Crazy, step up! You move as if you's fifteen yea'r old, 'stead The old man pulled his mnare from the hafts, and relieved it of the patched pnd worn harness. "Nice animal to ride on parade !" said Tiles. "No, I ha'n't got one made," replied Hirl, the most innocent and unconscious man- er. "I remarked that it was a fine dragoon rse Them cre bones would do tremenjus xeeution among the inemy, if you should ush the critter right into, the ranks." "Jos' so, I don't like mischevious pranks. y real name is Hirley-cut down to Hirl for ort'-but ill-mannered people call me Old [ir, Deef firl, Crazy Hirl, and sich. How- mnever, that don't disturb me. I go in for 'ashington and the Continental Congress, ke 'swords, sharpen the weapons ofrthe ghtin' fellers, and- mind my own business. I hadn't the neuralagy, the rheumatics, and oer pdemies I'd go right into the ranks you, sergeant, to lift your hand against a weak myself, d cut my bigness through, if it cost old man 1 ' me a fi o' sickness. 'I would, by Satan ! "Weak! hand !" stammered Giles. "Not me fac sf" a'dickes the ouldma, florihin a hand-no, not so much as a finger have I The fact s,'' added the old man, urishead laid on his scarecrow body; but discipline or thesea rotten Britishers are . gittin' too no discip1yne, your honor I'll thrash the old -rampagi us and opstripulols to live with in iron-pounder within an inch of his life, if he any kin o' decrcyp; and the bloody tories plays any more of his games on me. - What's t ar ten es worse nor they be. If I's on'y sarse for the goose is sarse for the gander. A a young an, or if the onnateral eperdemies short horse is soon curried, and a little man . would 1 up a little, I'd carve my name on is soon licked." the eag o' liberty, or worry myself into a " Howd' do, kurnil ?" cried the sword- ateverg iberattempt.maker. "Been having a little sport 'ong S Havi ended this determined speech, the ourselves here, all in good-natur', you know. worim er drew a halter from among the Showed the corporil how I used to thrash the varietieof his cart, and fastened his horse to big boys when I went to school. Wild feller, a cornieof the cabin in whichdf the spy was I was, then, and-though I say it myself-a aconrn of monstrous favorite 'mong the gals, too. But .T 's a brave speech," quoth Sergeant that's neither here nor there, and business is T 'es; a bt-lre added pointing to the old business, all the world over. I've brought , ak-" yu carry too much weight for my tools,and I'm goin'right to work. I can't a 0 die r aho dislikes to go into battle with fight for liberty; but I can hammer fort. So - o e than a delay's rations." bring out your damaged weapons soon's ye. Mke not light of my infarmities!" retort- like. Corporil, jest seize hold o' that anvil, "ed MeunQhback, with a quick and-Thornton and set it down here." tho ht-unOacikg look at Giles. "The old "I'm a sergeant in the Continental army !" and cbhave enough to bear, without the said Giles, with dignity, standing very erect, an beof he young and ibl-mannered. But and placing his hand upon his sword. geies oe, isunateadt ilo-unner .ook at " Surgeon, are ye ? Well, don't know as I this arm, sill ye ?" want anything in your line. The neuralagy Ths rdm akr held up a brawny arm. and rheumatics can't be cut out, can they? "Thisrmker," e went on, "is fastened In course not. If you won't work" yourself, o a er,"nk that's been afflicted with call some o' your understrappers to help me S neural an rheumatics; but there's a pow- put up-that little tent that you see loaded on erful sig ant o' trengthiin it yet."h the cart. Shall keep the anvil ringin' all It woid sem that Giles was of the same n1'ight to-night, 'f there's anything to do-and op'inin wol pruentha lae d aso pae 'lwrat there is. Tinkered up Marion's: betwe n l ims f and the swordmaker. Brigade in good shape. They'll whittle the "I remenier once, when a lad," resumed tory fellers monstrous when they meet 'em Hir, "in the playfulness of my strength, I ag'n." Then to Colonel Somerton, to whom seized a lubbaly feller, ahead taller than my. his garrulity gave no oppo tunity of speaking: self, in this asy-the swordmaker grasped "Hung the spy high ~a Haman, I s'pose,. the'sergeant 'y the arm with an earnestness hadn't ye ?" r that was far om pleasant, judging by the ex- "He has not yet received his deserts," re- pression of iles-" and," eQtinued the nar- plied Somerton, without elevating his voice to rator, "shoo him in this manner ; and not the proper pitch. I be- ~ content with his, in mere bravado, gave him "Yes, it hurts. Uangin' alers hurts, - several lusty hwacks with a stick ; the same lieve," said gir, with philosophical confi- as if I shout lay on to ye with my cart'whip dece, dragging thee tet frotab arter this fas ion." " s been a pracing The eccen ric old man suited the action to mistake," shouted the colonel, approaching the descript n, and the sergeant, soldier as the hunchback, with an economical design re- he was, ca ered about with pain; while specting his lungs. t Thornton, d several others, laughed im- "Eh? Neck didhi't break?1' I' t give moderately, him fall enough. Died hard, I'll warrant. "mo mor , old man, no more, or I shall do What a pity 'tis we have to kill off young you a mish of!" roarno the sergeant, red with men with so much life in 'em, when sich is so anger and fortification." ra much wanted, 'stead o' worthless old hulks Colonel omrton, who had been an un- like me b" noticed observer of this scene, now emerged ahe that talks to a post mlus furnish from behind the cabin, and demanded, with ees said Giles, oraularly # asperity : . Jes' so !" responded Hirl who had a won- "What means this disorder ? Shame upon "4 -4 ,,i ,.- -~ -~ 1~~~ }t 1 1' ; {' ,'a - .-.. . ..s.r . 23 OR, FURL TUE EUNCHBACK. page: 24-25 (Illustration) [View Page 24-25 (Illustration) ] 1 s + THE SWORDMAJKER OF THE SANTEE; " _' 1 .4," - "I' 24 -I, drous faculty of hearing the, last word, or something approaching it in sound.. "As I teld ye, my right one -is tore to bits, and that's why ill-mannered people-" "iHullo i" interrupted:Giles. "What in the/ world is comin'now ? Here comes the-tnothert of the witches ad the; devil's oWn, camp-: follower. Wishes are horses when. beggars ride."'- These remarks were called forth by the ap- pearance of two females on horsebAck.: The foremost was a woman past the,blooia of life ; while the.other, who. rode -a little in the rear, was a mulatto-girl of some, eighteen or twen- ty years. -oth'were mounted upon stout and 4steady-paced animals. evidently used to the drudgery' of the plantation.' Mistress- and, maid:immediately' drew: the attention of all the idlers. About, camp, one of whom volun-, teered to conduct-her to the person she was in search;of-the 'commanding officer-in whose presenceshe-soon'found -herself. If the-colo- mel had" formed the .opinion that the sword-' raker, of :theSantee"was the most singilar individual he had met with inSouth Carolina, lhe was" ndt inclined to'divide the honor with the woman before him.: .er dres nd de portment,' and- even =her "entire' peronality, seemed to belong. :to the-.past century. Her garnments gavelproof of.bothage aid service. Each particular ariold of. herdtoilet- it would be'tedioue to describe ;_=but'a11 united to give "her-the 'prestige of an -antiquated spinster. Her face-which had, bysom'e ineAns, reced into the depths-of -a'bonnet of -itumenses e -prese,ted no:-very' dieagiAble Pointe fir ecriticisin'to~pobnmee nibn ;t but, Aotwithatand:-' Wing; waihvdted wlth-a spedies of' ouriess that dould be felt, 'andnoticed -without the possibility of description. :;Her' complxion 'waawhite to thedMerge of ghastlines -while -oyer her corrugated forehead fluttered coarse, gray hair, which had crept from 'beneath a' very im-ecp With an -ample border bf lace,; ;that, byits simple 'sverity,repelledfafhiliai-- ity. Her heavy eyebrows were' gray, but the woider- of "her::visage dWits the eyes,' wiich sh'onealike :'ho dark gems; iipsrthig n weird light'tolhen entira-face. :Het- black gown was' short'ana scant,:displaying sinall ankles and thicksoled -hi hah eled 'shbet. Her' hangs were'coveredth leather.gaugtletd,'and she: held therein like one accustomed to- equestrian " exeircide.'"~ ~ ' : : -- :Her rattendant:wai iaswehave'statdaiw mulatto-girl-altiough# erdid-ndtte'rark'that she *as ;ieomely,which Wealthe ease: 'her' features were:quitena'renla:qtlioserof'ther white lords of the soil, but- fainted "over 'byi Nature'Mwithai pile,'soft tyelldwr*hici "is preferablee 'to a- lingy 'ihite. ' e£' curling locks were partly, cbndealed, by'a 'turban 'set jauntilyupos 'her' bead. Her g'wi of blue- and-white cotton appeared to satis her am- bition as fully as if it had come fro the silk- Iooms of liqia. Behind her was package nearly aslarg as herself, ingenious fastened to the saddle , - ' ojund ,considered these: parties more -at- tetitively than the swordmaker, w paused in the 'raidst of hisf labors to star at them. The -.elderly fetanale fixed' her kee: eyes on $omerton,'wlmhbnwed, and said : '' I waityour eoinands, madam The ,woman: dropped the reins, engaged her foot from the stirrup, and a to -the ground, disdaining the proffered ha of' the colonel. tbhe" lr py ' Can't stop to be helped-allers lp my- self; No time to spend chilly-shallyi about useless ceremonies. M name is Bets Grins' die. Live a few miles down the rive Half. sister to-.,Squire Redmond. Tr qu g om socksfor the sogers. -Saddled'theEo trotted up with gyyeller gal Meg. In a '- in' hurry! Meg !"-turning abruptly to beo girl-j-" hop -'down spry- and takp off bundle."° Betsey Gripdl1 'moye4 impatirnily toward her inaid; exhibiting to the loo4er ,n a post extraordinary hi chin her-gait, - , "itches allers~go with a hitch," uttered Giles. " It hasn' been long siee s e rode a broomstick, I'll bj bou ndl". - The moyountpof -Meg bei ra e -dila- tory,DneeGrindl quickened hem bjsniart cut of a long rid g.switehhih eh arried in hei hand. '\ .- _ " Lws;t missus ! what a stalin' u'sn Alius -i a hurry,, you ani. 'need' I can't' mov'gno quicke , e'issus'!"'exptueated Meg. ' "Really, this is v ry considered,' rs. Grin- dle," the colonel be an, - "I'm not, a yni8, sib" repl d the lady, cprtly. "-I'm plain -lctey.Gri le,.and mis- tress 'of my, brpthe '4 hpusebi . I didn't jolt all' thoeway-up era on a ha -goinr' horse . and "a. richetty sad, 1 jst- to ara ye say Thautke,.mum;1' .i yvr}t .ye t :divide.these things, among ypuraen rufs jh.l 11,.go, tell- in'eme tleJ're fromv Be,t cy Gri die, and no coy~ds amush pta' in tom. -M , you lazy, sdie, good-for-nothin' Baggage !,-hat areyou steppintaind't rinutthe espger-fellers for? Haven't:I tol;you.thousand;t,ipes overthat time is mn pe4 nrnosMinute nmist, ru to :waste? :A'nt t he eIes, o' tine a rollin' and rollin' as fast as they can ?" a' g gkloin' atlhebhandsomnenunicorns, Miss ]essy !''";said pMg,'iogctical y, winking roguishly at G3s.e '. , - -.': -- - w!H~t41e'lar yoiJokat,tlie4uniormrs I i'll teach. youp ru wheia the wheel a' tigne are ro l pawayrntBeh a monstrous rate. There's for you, you jade'l -. Betsey Grindle gave her-dependent'another" ''4,' } r, p E= 4, ' a 3i U f i r C t~ '' w 'z C) 3 ' )i , i, r / Vi i 1 i ' - f i e 2 }(£1 j f page: 26-27[View Page 26-27] - _ : ..L t'. iI .} A 4'! ', ... r r v~ y.T~i .s b.i -... -l / OR, HIRL~ THE HUNCHBACH. stroke across the shoulders ; and then' pro- duced a large snuff-box, took a pinch herself, and then significantly held the box toward the offending Meg, who made a wry face, shrugged her shoulders, and reluctantly took a few grains of the obnoxious powder betweenn her thumb and finger. "Nose!I" said Miss Betsey, imperiously. Meg's hand made a slow journey toward the orgai so laconically mentioned by her mistress.' "She hates it," said the latter, explanator- ily, to the colonel. "It's a way that I have of correctin' her faults, which .are legion ; and the most abominable of which is her entire ignorance of the motions of the wheels o' time." - "Karshew I" sneezed Meg, which action was followed by a grin irresistibly ludicrous. Somerton smiled-the, dragoons laughed. "Time," observed the colonel,, gravely, perceiving the hobby of Dame Grindle, "is truly not a thing to' be trifled with ; for, be it ever so ill-spent, we cannot recall it to live it over.", ' The swordmaker, meantime, had drawn' near Betsey Grindle ; and was continuing, from a closer point of observation, the scru- tiny which he had begun at a distance. "Squire Redmond's sister a'n't ye, mum ?" he said, carelessly "Have seen ye at' the plantation, though my face mayn't'be familiar to ye." Dame Grindle turned suddenly upon the interrogator, whose simple words had evi- dently excited so interest in her mind. "Don't rememb seem' ye durin' the whole course e' my life. Have so much to do that I get precious -little opportunity to notice folks that come to our place." "Folks well? How's the young .women? Used' to know Judith. Nice gal! nice gal! ! Knew whQ used to hitch his horse to her father's door, but I won't call no names. He's took to evil courses, they say, since. British gold oughter be like p'ison to an hon- est man." Dame Grindle's ghastly face became, for a moment, red, and her large eyes seemed to emit sparks of fire. "You're not his judge, old man; and, let me tell you, you're speakin' lightly of one-" Betsey Grindle'stopped, " Y,es, you say truly' he was an undutiful son, although I can say, without p'evarication, that he loved the gal. 'Twasn't common love, neither ; but that-kind that' never goes out, either by fasting or prayer, but lasts o the eend. The poor soul used to exclaim: 'If she on'y knowed me as I.,am! If she eod on'y read my motives ! But she can't-she won't !' Ah, Goody Grindle, you'4 ough er heerd him!" - e '1 27 By this time the spinster was pale again. A mist and dimness floated before her eyes. She gazed at the swordmaker with wonder- ful earnestness. "I forbid you to speak his name !" she said, with emotion. "My name is Hirl, though ill-mannered people call me Old Hirl, Deef Hirl, Crazy Hirl, and sich," piped the hunchback." "Colonel Somerton," said Dame Grindle, turning sharply upon that officer, "take these things away, if you want 'em, and make judicious distribution of 'em among your dra- goons. Meg ! stop grinnin', and think of the wheels o' time that are every minute rollin' ye to your grave." " Karshew !" responded Meg. "In behalf ofmy dragoons, I thank you, Miss Grindle. God knows the poor fellows need help !" said Somerton, with warmth. "Oh, sir, that's all understood! Don't waste the minutes, for they're 'muazin' short, and go quicker this year nor they did last. There ! my business with you is done. Good day, colonel ! Don't say anything more to me, 'cause words don't cost nothin', and stockin's do. Next time you meet the Britishers, give 'em an extra cut or two for me. That's all I ask." The spinster at that moment appeared to become conscious that many eyes were fas- tened upon her. - "Go off, you rude clowns ! Didn't you never see a woman afore? Ruther run the g'antlet than be stared -at this way.. Pack off, the whole of ye, or not another sock will ye git o' me, if I live to be as old as Methu- salum. Oughter be fightin', too, when time is so precious. There's tories and Britishers enough to keep ye busy'every blessed min- ute." Somerton made a gesture to such of the 'dragoons as the scene had drawn together; and they retired, jnuch amused. - He then ordered Corporal Thornton to carry the pack- age to his quarters. "If you wish refreshments, or if I can do you any courtesy," the colonel begat "Don't talk to. me of 'refreshment and courtesy,' when there's sch doin's through- out the length and breadth of the land ! Do you s'pose I can stop to eat and drink, and hear fine speeches, when there's so much knittin' to do, and your men eenamost out to the weather for coats and breeches, and the Lord on'y-knows who's, going' to make 'em, or where there -to come from? Mornin', sir, mornin' !", "Goodomorning," responded the colonel, and walked away.. No, one remaind ear'Mss Grindlo but the swordmaker, who, for the last few minutes, had been remarkably busy in adjusting his / 1 / 4 I""'""I . u o 1' - - r ', page: 28-29[View Page 28-29] " h-.sue . ,_...w -4 _, rY3+"a ' w .. ..v I THE SWORDMAKER OF 'HE SANTEE. OR, HIRL THE HUNC IBA CK. tent. She advanceddirectI upon him with 'cantlojeTwo armed men were pacin to and that extraordinary hitch. - ' fro be ore it.', er g t n "'What do you do ?" she demanded,-shortly. " T , .r's a prisoner there," said Hi, " Pooty well, I thank ye. The neuralagy vaguelre., sometimes brings me upwith a round tu n, " It i Guy Deering!" exclaimed Miss Grin- but I'm quite toler'ble now," squeaked Hir-. die. y' D "Meg, you limb, stop lauig.in'." d "He is there and. he. is not," replied the "'Tan't my fault, 'deed, 'missus. Couldn't swordmaker, with a glance at his interrogator. help it 'f -I's cl'ar white, I's so tickled," pro- "He is there, and heis not I" repeated the tested the girl, rubbing 'the back of one hand spinster. "'I don't comprehend. Ishe much and then the other against her gown, and known to you ? " wrigglin~g like a fish out of its element. "" Well, well ; yet in one sense he is a stran- -" How vexatious !" murmured Dame Grin- ger--He went almost distrusted for the love die-then elevating her voice till it vied in of JuditiRedmsond." shrillness to the whistlig of the wind 'Who ,Thekvoice of the swordmaker was less are you, and what are you about ,here ?" ' squeaking and his language better. "m called the Swordmaker of the-Santee.- "What! Did he make abconfidant of you My proper name is Hi'ey.; but illanafnreredi Did he talk d~ hs mae a colfdan in youis people call me Hurl, Old Hirl Deaf h rl, Cra- dotage? 'Tis false ! 'tis falsed!"m' zy Hirl, and 'ich. 'I've brought my anvil "Say what you like, BetseyGXrindle-say and forge to sharpen up the weep'nsof the what -you like 1" retorted Hiretulntly--and brigade. I'm a liberty man, 'mostly, and can falling into his old manner again..t"I n hammer away from mornin' till night, pbaid ed the youth, and I loved, him 'afor e kn o 'm r ul ' yt i k n h t ai o efl B iihg l . he took ao'mmertrouble by th nk'what a powerfu Brits gyould."anrhgan sight o' mischief my .work'11 do to the' me- How penetratingly the old' an lookedather miles o' 'Congress. You've changed a good ".Thou art a slanderous villain o" muttered eal since I see' e, Goody indle-growed the spinster, in an undertone. All terld old monstrous ast ''There wa'n't half 'so say-it of him, but I wiin notbei"eAthe many crows' feet on your fa e a year agq; Then in a louder, voice h t. but your eyes hold their own anazin':! :Lor! h He is in this cabin! ! Will you-canyon, what work they used to'make with the sp ks help me save him ?" when you's a gal!" mo .hm i t aeGrindle was agitated---her color fre- 'rn HBrl rubed the' palms of his hands to- quently changing.s get her and laughed good-natredly, sodding "lie was saved this mornin' from execu- and shaking his head Meg cackled in'con- tion, perhaps he will be saved ag'in. What c E drt "said would'rinleop e'engive to 'see him at liberty 1" ce t - ' -- 'w ud y u i et s e m t" n " sai ' B ts~ev Grindle ;~ presenting ' T he ' eyes of Hurl grew m ore earching and the dreaded snuff-boat_o her'-too-susceptible. bright.gdmeac g attendant, who immnediately suppressed' her '"All "the world-life itself!" cried Miss mirth ' ~ cried rundle, with'singular emphasis. 'You have spoken of Guy Deering," cried "Blest your good heart, ame Grindle !" the spitster, directing h'erconveisstioam to'tlie said the old man,. fervently. e'I think better hun chback. ' of ye for't ; and if I'should ever' meet Guy' " ot b name leastwise. 'Tist a name' Deering' 'll hi ho airne Gu tt'p'op'ar he~re" '' Judithk wits about~his safety.; It'll lease the The swinordmaker looked' searchingly at unfortinitsa-ad'ewho-n th Dame .Grindle;"' ae-has good " r 't 0 ' hacter. fuhe Ishe' alive'?- Ishe a prisoner.?"" ._""thinks 'he's right in ntsay' hractr I The swordmakerglanced dautioulyaround. doh't know as he'll havea'ny deeper place in ""Both; both! h'"e answered, in voice that perdition than sdepeothers made theoman start: - r "isome"others-who think contra- Gni$=herudiefor 'm ,-'" ywise.'. ', _ thnkC"nra T1 there hope for him?,; Will he eseape'P" "Merciful Heaven'! Must I hear this 'Ther'e is hope foialfGoody Grindle ; on- claimed the woman "' Mut Ihe powe o sequentlv there's hopea'fortl~ iDeeribgl" re- contradi"tin it ' owithotthe- power of 'plied H1'rle pressingn i t aHoteIsomtip itn his foot egi the gronud how I'sometime'sfear '.a hethmes hope-- -it I~utfbut-=="ar ; oThe;hunehback- zdat herwtousek mfrut but 'are "ou friend'his ing. His wrinkle ace beruned with various friend.?" queried the spinster, with ncreas- emotions.' bemedharo.us- igearnestn ..s .'Fx' ' = '," You: are~ tag en, de is "Yor friend Iam, and lam both his friend' Grindle;' as n bei g," addei Miss aani iy enemy.i an, .es ently. gI -must auadacill trut - h 's enem y ryou. 'You have raised yon tt o near ~Whuelfe ishe?" ''$etsey"Gir~uidyeou advoice cabinawhere nd to uchit,, tremjbled;'She pointed to the cabin s' ,.. rth your hand and tha' cnrah r _touh it" 0 "Whatever you say to me, Guy Deering 'shalleear,"-answered the hunchback, with pe- culiar emphasis. ' Old man, look at me!. Keep faith with me as you hope to have it kept with you in the most serious things that concern your life and happiness. Take this 'saw and this 'purse: pass the first through a creyice to Deering: put the last in your pocket for the benefit of your wife and children. You have said that you shall work late to-night; udo so in Heav- en's name ! The noise of your hammer will drown the noise of the saw. It is but a small favor for you to grant, but -mueh and momen- totus iii its consequences to him." While the womanwas thus eloquently speak- ing in behalf of the spy, she drew a small saw and a purse from beneath her gown, and prof- fered them to the hunchback. He received the saw, but not the purse. Tears stood in his eyes.s " Woman ! woman! take away your gold I can sarve a feller-creetur without bein' brib- ed to do it. I can~ and I will." "And you will give him the saw ?" "Be as sure that it shall reach the hands of Guy Deering as that you see it in mine." "Good, kind, generous soul! God forever bless you Ah! how can we be conquered when even poor men like you spurn gold.?" "Spurn gold !" repeated the old man, with a s irdonie laugh. "Some say"-he turned from her to hide his emotion.i "Should I see the hunted youth," he added, anon, in a shak- ing voice, "might I ta~ke the liberty to tell him that your niece thinks a deal of im, and don't believe more'n half that is said consarn- in' himV Might I tell him? It would so cheer him-solighten, as 'twere, his'breakin' heart." The swordmaker had by this time turned quite around again, and stood face to face with her, with clasped hands.s. "You ~ ay 1' you may! .ssiire him that Judith I dmond-that is, to 1 hint that my thoughtless niece loves him, iuj spite of-of-' "Hush! 'Sergeanut Giles a mcs the way !" int posed Hirl, in a wiispe . "'Twas very ki o' mistress,"he wen on, in his usua piping tones, "tobring 'em o camp, for hal o' th brave lads haven't a stoakiai' to thei feet. They leave, bloody tr eks sometimes mum, when they're pursued y the inemy an when they're pursue' 'em, oo; all for th want of somethin' to wear. I hope you'lll come often on arrants of ma cy likethis, an the blessin's of the sager lad will fuller ye t the last day of your life." "A rare couple! " utteied Giles, as h drew near. "One with a contain on hi back,+ the other with a hi oh in 'her gai' Pity'they hadn't come toga her hen rthey' younger 1" "Good-bye to ye, Mr. Swordmnaker. Your sands seem to be e'enamost run out, but you can do a good 'eal yet, if you' improve the time. I'm in a terrible hurry, for there's a power o' work to do when I git home. "Birds of a feather flock together," quoth Giles. "They appear to be very well mean- in' people, but they'd worry me into a con-' sumption if I saw 'em often.' "Meg, horses ! Horses, Meg !" said Dame Grindle. "Nice 'mulatto gal ! Eyes like glass beads, and teeth like pearls. What an old witch for a mistress !" added Giles. "Meg; hand !" Meg held her hand for her mistress to mount from, and received a suggestive stroke from her switch as reward. She then Ieaped nimbly to her own horse ; and after casting a coquettish glance at the sergeant, ambled away after Dame Grindle. CHAPTER VII. THE SWOnDMAKER AT HIS TASK. The hammer of the swordmaker was heard till the small hours of the night. Various kinds of weapons passed 'through his indus- trious fingers. Battered swords, blunted and bent bayonets, ,and even damaged pistol and gun-locks, were sent to his tentfor repairs. ISeveral good-natured fellows offered to assist him in his-labors, which proffers were prompt- ly rejected. l "Every one to his trade," said the old man. 1 I might as well mount one of your heavy dragoon horses and go sogerin', as for people that never struck hot iron in their lives to 'think o' bein' any sarvice to me. If temper- in' a sword, or restorin' a good edge to a blunt- ed weapon is so mighty easy, there wouldn't be.no need o' y trampin" from one part the country to another. ' Jest keep out o' my way ; t that's all I'll ask. Out o' my tent, every one yon ye!" So the hunchback thumped, and blowed, " nd filed, and polished all alone. The 'senti- y nels that guarded the prisoner looked in 'oc-, i casionally, and when the swordmaker got tired, f took a friendly drink 'with, him from a large rt flask, which, whatever fluid It'contained,was , clearly much to their liking'; for their calls d became more frequent as the night progressed. e 'Old Hirl grew elated with his potations; Ang .l snatches of songs as he 'bent ov 'the tonvil, d and even ran from beneath hisaijir gto joke o with the guards, rio10- .longed' "bo'served straight lines' in walking, hut performed their a evolutions about the cabin in a zigzag and us staggering mailer. -' - t. " Ah !" said Hirl, smacking 'his lips, 's' _" there's nothing' like a little spe'rit to cheer' the 'heart and brace up the naryves ! . ; _ ' w .. , , , - - , :, _ . ' T+ Lf-_ .. - 3 y i Jr - y 1 11 Y.) t , S r 1 .J ';x T - V ' 'y _ _ - _ ;gy -iL }i_ _ -1 _ 't ";.- .., _ ~ . ::.er i _' ,r _ _ __ !4 _ ' h _ F }j t s. - _ '_ _ i - a Y ' _ ' i " ~ Ia yh "J. Ft 4'a _, _ 3" _- __ . , ai _ f _ . ! r 1 ' -.ter. __ . SyF ' t Y c i r _; - 28 29 op I aI '. :'' +' N : t ! , ' ,_ . ,; . I, .: 4Y. . J.... , .. , ...... .,_ .. _ , page: 30-31[View Page 30-31] - I t X t, t L - j I = "What ye'bout, Old Hirl? Don't e know no better'nor to be gittin' in thisway? What would';the kurnil say if he 'should see ye Come! iknock'faway at'the weepons. Fix up the ohoppin' knives for thel&ds." Th ise ofthe old"man's forge became louderthan "ever"' He seemed to' befio t w o rk oftw o m en . T h e elatte rin g a n d '"l n r d g ou . T e s n i e s i o n e r p F: 1dm nun-,for either by 'design or accident, ibadieft theflaska intthei" possession. Een henrext looked out, one was leanig against a o9t in'a sound 'sleep; 'whilethe other was trying to brace himai'pwthisrnskt kingsome mistake in h caut fell to, the ground, from which i e did notat- temptto arise. "Sleeppoor lads, eleep 'mtered the swordmaer. "It'slittle harmyour slumber Ill 'do your=country." CRATER vI' - A NIGHT ATTACK--TBE CYPRESS SWAMP A BetseyeGrindle, the spy, ndthe sw'oi-d- maker, were strangely mt194n-thie mind of Somerton that night; 'they walked :into the chambers of his rest, performing all, sorts of antics there, and -troubling him -not a little. All these characters were In'some manner con- nected with. Cornwallis; and Tarlet n, and tory partisans.. From 'a dreani 'moire distressing - than its predecessors, the Continental officer awoke, and sprang to his feet. For a moment he was conscious of nothing save the darkness and ,dmness of his tent:. His perceptions be- coming, clearer, he looked out and beheld the dying, camp-fires, and the' dull glimmer of arms stacked near them. The slow tread of" sentinels reached his ears. He was returning to his couch to court 'more refreshing sleep, when it struck him' that the air was unusually ~ 't OR, HIRL THE HUJNCHBACIC. 81 3est give, them dragoon creeturs enough on't, The old 'man' spoke calmly and seriously, and 'they'll, make Cornwallis startout o' Car-' without-any-gsf *n-br and olindi like a thief from an orchard." Witout an sgn inebriationn. - ohnalikea tief rom.an rchad.""To-morrow night," he, added,, turning to Hi-l's back was braed against the cabin his work, "ye mag rest on a different bed for when he made'tthis'r'ivark. if I, mistake not, thre'll soon be fighting; and "What you.liiperiri'about ?" asked one Sometonaisnt the man to rui." of the, sentinels, in a thick and almost unin- There was a striking change in the sword- telligible voice; but' straigey enough the 'makers voice and rma nger. His drunkenness deaf' man heard him,aid retorted : was gone.'m His countenance had an expression "'Sentinel, you're di-unk'l 'Keep movin', or of deep thought. He stood a few moments over you'll be down."mh o, an- ' his anvil, apparently forgetful of everything _I' ,aiold rnaa ! You can't git one o' around him. Presently he sighed, and took up Somerton's 'dragoons drunk., The liberty his hammer ed principle overcomes'tho drunk'principle." "Thus it must be !" be murmured. "The Some" principle"was visibly overcoming imputation must remains; the infamy cannot the physical y stern of -the, sentinel, for his be lifted. Well on~e serves his country in legs were rapidly growing unworthy of eonfi one 'way, another in,another.He'is ther best dense. The swordmaker shook his flask and friend to liberty who suffers most for it." held it up between his eyes and the moon, in The swordmaker began to hammer and sing an absurdiendeavor' to see how its contents again : had stood their united assaults."Tehuisertemosinsca, "Aother drop,'old genssalts ' oioqz- 'The hourIs here th moon shines clear, - "noter rop od gntlm~a," olloquiz- The sentinels are sleeping; ed irl, "another drop ,and then to 'your Be of good' cheer, and do not fear-- work, 'Don't make a beast o' yourself, old God hath' us in his keeping !"- Hirl, :but'tend to your hammerin', and blowin', The hunchback suspended the strokes of Sacd let them make fools ofthemselves as will. his hammer, and sang these lines in a clear, The hunchback"shook the vessel; the sen- distinct voice, with his face turned to the cab- tiel heard :the musical sound, and stretched m. '-' foi i hand. ' - There was a muffled rap on the wall. -'rmean; art'e° me" is '," "Then work away while work you may,' - , ?t e smariners,thhaneroig said :flirt; playing' with the ,dragoon'simpa- You must not see t ilheatl beakog d it~le oing mouthe fiask an annoyingly long Old irl, keep atyour blowing." on're heroes; everyone of ye !" he ram- oThere was another knock on the inner wall bled on, suffering the sentinel to take the flask. -- The, 'no r s u t Somiertoin'd ° hero, and; the-eap'n's a hero, ud.e noise of the forge, was .resumed with no re a ahero a f e' eso, undiminished vigor, and continued without in- and you're a hero: H oora' ,for 'the heroes ! termission' for an hour. The old anrpeat-. You'l vear' gold shoulder-kn ts one of these d1sifoanhr.Teod man repea-. no d al tha gol ir onill e ot: the last verse of his song, and listened ; ays, and althe young women 'will cry out : there was no sound on the cabin wall. 'He Wht a dashiih' soger-boy he is !' non nte ai al e Whatiodansoer was i s!r'pe b east, from 'him the hammer and the weapon" gh ngrdaker was inhste, aitg to he was mending, exclaiming : "Thank God I pougbing, and reeled into his tent, talking om as sdn. Euselif , kig o yasi dne" ij 7 G' E l t , " r 'i; '? THE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE; I . -f k ? E r '1 V '4 80 loaded with smoke. The circumstance star-. tied him at first; b1* quickly recollecting that several fires were still burning, he believed, that was a sufficient explanation of the fact. He did not, howeverie dwagain; but, seat-' ing himself upon a camp-stool, began to re- voie new 'plans of operation'agairist the ene- my. He was soon profoundly absorbed in these calculations, which possibly might have' em poed his brain until sunrise, had not wind' hurled a puff of smoke into his 'ce' He instantly arose,_ and hearing -a dull and ominous roa', snatched hid sword and cap, and ran from the tent. Glancing toward the cabin where the sup- positions Deering had been placed for'safe keeping hesaw lohg tongues of flame darting from the roof. He bounded toward the struc- ture, filled with resentment and surprise. He stupibled over a figure ; it was one of the men who had charge of the prisoner, and who roused himself, muttering a drunken objurh action on whoever had disturbed his repose. Somerton hastened. to the other side of the cabin, and found the other sentinel seated up on the ground, supported by a friendly post, with a' strong odor of rum about his person. The tent of the sword'maker remained where he had reared it, but the sound of his 'ham- mer had ceased. _Impelled by strong curios- ity, the colonel dashed in beneath the awning The swordmaker was lying' upon the earth He was, to all eaparancein a deepran "uiet slumber. While the officer was looking a hima.passing blast turned thefiames toward the tet, and it caught fire. Beside the old man lay a pile of weaponsrbearing marks . his handiwork ; attesting in the most indubi table manner to his industry. S"Strange old man " muttered Somerton Then the thought of the prisoner's danger'o "Up old man !" he added, seizing Hir roughly by the shoulder. "Up I the tent i Burning over your head." 'The s eordmak yawned, opened hiss eyes and closed them agiii "No quarters-no quarters! Charge 'o 'em !" he murmured.' Someirton caught him by the-collar, 'au raised him to his feet, which awakened hi He started at the col:onel in perplexity. "The cabin and the tent are on fire, o man I' If you are sober enough, andba collected yoursolf, help- me to save Deerin'i T e been tampered with-or thee has been gross neglect of 'duty." Somerton' ran to the cabin door, and 'bur it open with a blow of his foot. A secor door still opposed him, and he threw himse desperately against it ; it fell in with a cras A current of suffocating smoke met the colon 1- : 3 Si 5 , I in the face, and drove him back. He paused till the first gush' had passed, and the pent gases had found 'momentary vent, and was rushing in again, when the swordmaker-who had followed him-caught him by the arm. "Are you mad, colonel ?" he cried. "No human creetur can live in there a minute." "Let me go, old man ! The prisoner must be saved at any risk, however great. It must never be said that the Americans burn their prisoners." Somerton shook'off the grasp of the sword- maker, and plunged into the whirling vortex of smoke. "Deering ! Deering 1" he called, and groped from corner to corner. He received no answer, and felt vainly for the form of the spy. The carbonic vapors went to his brain and lungs, and struck him down in a moment.' A horrible gasping, chok- ing, dying sensation overpowered him. He seemed to be whirled to and fro like a feather on the ocean. He felt himself death-doomed . ands lost. ,There' was a footstep beside him ; a strong hand lifted hini from the floor. It was Hirl, who had plunged after him into the Tartarean bath of smoke and fire. 'omerton was conscious of, being dragged a few paces ; that his deiverei appeared to strike a passage through the wall with his foot; that fresh' air rushed in ; that he was , drawn through a narrow aperture, and placed on the ground outside the blazing cabin. All t this happened in less time than we have been 't relating 'it; and the colonel, after breathing " the pure air a few seconds, was fully aware of d the peril he had escaped, and to whom he if owed his preservation. But Deering was still - uppermost in his mind. " Must he perish? ,Is there no way of reach- . ing him?"' he cried, as soon as he was able to a-speak. The swordmaker was about to reply, when r1 there was a deafening blare of trumpets, and is the ground shook beneath the tread of horses. "A charge'of Cavalry 1-a charge of eaval* s, ry ! The enemy !-the enemy!" shouted Hirl, in a stentorian voice. n "To horse.!-to horse !" thundered Somer- ton, recovering his energies and self-posses- d sion His 'voice was heard above the din of a. trumpets and 'the tramp of steeds. Almost simultaneously was heard the firing of the ld outposts, In a moment, the camp was astir. ye There was a hurried seizing of arms, and a g. headlong rushing'for horses. ~Somerton was. re ,so'oii in the saddle; but notuntil the enemy was 'upon the ialf-formed ranks. Some~of the 'st dragoons were overthrown while mounting ; ad while others fought resolutely on foot, watch- elf ing an opportunity to vault into the 'saddle. h. The' convictt' raged furiously. Somerton iel seemed in every part of the field at the same f - . . .". . -. . f .,. 4. L a; ;f Y f , :_ 'r ; - page: 32-33 (Illustration) [View Page 32-33 (Illustration) ] y ~4- [a? r *1 Hz L ' t'4 7.4 - -- " S ' - 32 THE SWQR1?MAKER O0 THE SAITTEE ; I 11 \J' 1 s i '- , °'"_ , _ -ti ; ,s _ , Cg_ s ._;i:; ; " - t , .,; ,: f l i i ,i.. ' T. t :..n - ___ , kr ' [. ..L., page: 34-35[View Page 34-35] .:4 - _ ^ 1 t ;. : ;_, I ' , ,^ .'Y', i "- ;, r _'-_ fns . . -. .. ... r__. icy ' 1' } t -- yyjr _ {! i, Zj _p ' F C [ !T Ij 4 S .Y r( S "^ k3 \ f . i } { - t ,1 :. _,_ , -, a s t "" r r # , } . v" _ _ ) t Z 11 f" ' l s5 '? '= C +,+ J' ' f k J66 " t ,; ._r, ° ' i1 -'j _ t r jjt - y. { ( 7 , j' f i .y. i t - - c ' '7'- - . ., 3 - ' - F . = 1 ',Nc . t, - ' .E.^ . ; 4 t i--' F . t sis T 5 _ a '. i li u . a. , ;.i '-. 4 , t . ' / i _. -, $ - ' {Y # i p } " it " r """^'--,.J fit" ". w. * ^_ , j '°e J' -_I' . '- KY ..r .. I', l R. THE r i I HUNCHBACK. 35 ail ORli, IRG+;. 1N of pain, and thought of his dragoons with in- expressible longing. "Go, 'long ! go 'long, Crazy !" said a voice, that was familiar to the Continental officer, who heard, also, the rumbling of a cart. " Dontt 'magine you're goin' to a funeral, do ye? Trhe rheumatics and neuralagy don't trouble ye, do they,'old galf? Hirrup, I say! birrup .' " Tl swordmaker !" murmured Somerton. " What does he here? He is a false knave, I'll swear!" Meantime, Old Hirl trundled along to the spot where the colonel was lying, and seeing him, stopped his horse. Somerton lay quite Motionless. "One of the rebel creeturs," said Hirl. "Cap'n Hadley's boys have made an eend of him, I reckon. Well, all the rebels must come to it,, sooner or later. The king's lads are cuttin' 'em 'up like Satan ! Git up, Crazy'!" The swordmaker jerked at the reins, and the cart rattled on again. "Old Hirl! Deef Hirl !" cried several voices ; and these exclamations, and others of like character, passed from mouth to mouth. "What you brought us now, old man" demanded Captain Hadley, turning his sinis- ter eyes upon the swordmaker. "Bought a cow? No; there's none to sell, as 1 knows on ! 'Tain't in my line," le answered, with a slightly-injured expression. Some of the tories laughed. "Makin' fun of me, be ye? A good 'eal o' work 'shall I do for ye, if ye go on this way Not a. puff will I blow for ye, nor a blow will I strike !" added Hirl, petulantly. "They don't mean any hurt," said Hadley, soothingly. "What's the nEws from the rebel camp ?" Somerton heard this interrogatory, and lis- tened with deep interest for the swordmaker's reply "'es, he was a great scamp," re lied the hunchback, pointing to Somerton ; ut he 'pears pooty well out the reach o' misc f, now." "The old villain !" thought Somerton. "I asked about the dragoons up t river !" shouted Hadlev. "Oh!I They're mightily cut up," replied the old man,:rubbing his hands with satisfac- tion. "There's scarcely one on 'em but got an ugly cut from your fire-eaters, last night. You made monstrous havoc among 'em, I tell ye. There isn't twenty of 'em that can mount a hoe., to-day, 'thout groanin' You oughter make another dash at 'em while they're stiff from their wounds." "I trusted that man !" murmured Somer- ton. "In these troublous times on whom can we rely ?" to _ ; ,:'.l ,' ; ;' '1 _ . 'I !._ t+R ! %t k y-11 r1 _ s s'W c x $ ,1 + f'i.' _ w= %:, til'c}.,4'jr"h ''*~w ,'" d t' r .'s' ' c t._r , ls/ I, "How do they bear the loss of their lead- er ?" screamed Hadley. "It works 'em .up 'mazin'! Cap'n Rain- ford chafes to and fro like awild beast, swear- in' that he'll have him, -dead or alive."a "If he gets him, it will be as yosee him, yonder," returned the tory with a shrug. " Noticed him as I driv along. The breath has gone clean out of him, and he lays there stiff and ghastly. 'Tisn't a pleasant sight about camp ; and it don't bring good luck to have dead men so near, starin' at ye with their glassy eyes." ° The tory leader glanced toward Somerton, and then turned his face in another direction. "I hate to have a body lookin' at me, as 'twere, when I work at nights in my little tent," added the old man, with many dubious shakes of the head. Then, with his eyes fix- ed on the prostrate form of Somerton, he went on: "How have the mighty fallen, and the weepons o' war perished ! Yesterday mornin', this rebel was in full strength, and a terror to the royal troops; now he is cut down as grass, and the cunnin' has departed from his arm. I knowd his mother afore the lad was born. For her sake, I'll jest give him a decent burial; that is, dig a hole at the roots of a tree, and kiver him with mo- ther airth." "Are you sure he's dead ?" asked Hadley. "If you's dead as he is, cap'n, you'd thank sombody to bury ye !" replied the sword- maker impressively. ," If he's alive, I should be the last one to get within reach of his arm ; for he'd strangle me if he was ,,at his last gasp! Seein' me here wouldn't make him over friendly. I'll fling him into my cart, and take him out o' the way ; for the very sight of his body makes me shiver. They say he was proper handy with the tools --his aim was sure, and his blade sharp." "Well, off with him, and make his bed somewhere where it won't be seen too much," replied Hadley, carelessly, glad to be rid of a dead enemy so easily. Imagine the emotions of Somerton upon hearing this conversation! Horror and in- dignation struggled in his breast. The hunchback turned his cart, muttering s he did so : "If there's a few sparks o' life in him, the clods '11 put 'em out. Yes, the clods '11 put 'em out ; they'll put us all out one o' these days." Hirl turned his cart and approached the colonel, mumbling to himself with the imbe- cility of age. "Rebels don't live long. It's a wicked thing to turn against one's nat'ral king." The wheels of the swordmaker's cart brush- ed Somerton's garments, who had resolved to feign death and trust his chance for escape from the talons of this impromptu grave-C - A t i 1 r _ v Y s , t a 1 fy 1f ! ! ., . _ . t _ -", tom, [.. +. p. ... t, - ......_a .. _ tx _ {i r. :.. -, ...a.k- . 7 '_ ' ?=rs F" " yt .w'a\ I .1 T' Ji ' I. , '' 1 4 . , ., ' , A /r, , - 1 T . l'* ; 'el_ .. - e __ y -Si " - j 7, F 5 ;s .t ; v r r s 5 - _ 'a _ ! " li7 n ?G , _ -!! i . ".,ter : .. +. r ..., . _., page: 36-37[View Page 36-37] -~ ,""~'. ~ THE SWORDMAKER OF JTHE SANTEE ; i _ i s !-,F }. S F " t S '( f } 4 C !" t { l +4 t /I 1{ : ] 31 S 3{ 7 ' f - r i .l r. } I c ' t. " t 3 } f _ i { x! i ' 1 _ a F a 5 ger. The latter descended from his perch, ly. "He never had a guinea in his life ; or dragging his old musket after. if ho chanced to git hold -of one, it went for "There's nothin'," he squeaked, ":ke bein' rum and tobakky as -soon's ho could make prepared for an emergency. I'll jest prick the swap. Hirrup, Crazy ! Gee ! whoa !" im a little with the bagonet, and if there's Crazy slowly put herself in motion, and zany vitality !in him, it'll make him cringe the cart went squeaking and rattling into the ag'in; 'for living' flesh don't bear bagonet- swamp. thrnsts very well."- "There goes as brave a lad as ever drew Then in a whisper, which sounded like a sword, if he'd on'y been on tho right side," note of salvation to Somerton - said the swordmaker ; and, with his musket "If there'd any life in you, colonel, for on his shoulder, trudged on after his cart. God's sake don't show it ! Trust in me." Then aloud, pressing the bagonet against him CHAPTER IX. in several places, and dexterously thrusting I N T I E $ B AM . it through his clothes into the ground: "No A ride of several miles, through a danger- harm in him now, not a bit on't. These here ous part of the country, 'was' before Dame arms won't never guide hess no more, nor Grindle when she left Somerton's camp. This draw unlawful sword ag'in the king. Hullo, distancewas to be traversed by a mere bridle- there, a couple of ye ! Come and tumble this path stretching across clcarings, through pine lump of mortality into my cart." forests, and along the borders of swamps. A shiver crept over Somerton. Could he ,The, sun was journeying rapidly adown the keep up the deception? Would not the mis- west, and it was not without- apprehension creants discover life in his body? It was a that she pursued leer solitary way. While terrible moment for his nerves. making the visit to camp, a strong and ab- "Are we crows, that we should hover round sorbing object had occupied her mind, and -ieh carrion ?" retorted a fellow not far from kept it from dwelling oq the perils of the Hirl, who was cleaning his gun. undertaking;' but that mission having been "Tumble it in yourself!" said another, accomplished, as far 'as practicable, her "We ain't sextons, old boy ; we only make thoughts naturally took a diflbrent turn. work for 'em. You craved the job, and .you Like a bow that has shot the arrow, the ten- may do it, for all my help." sion that gave her force was gone, and she "Well, I can do it myself, and no thanks to was free to notice everything around her, and yer. Mayhap you'll want a weepon sharpened, to call into suppositions being innumerable or a lock mended, and my memory.'ll be bet- unpleasant contingencies. In the -learings, ter nor my hearin'.'" , she expected to be seen from' a distiance, and The swordmaker leaned his musket against pursued by some lynx-eyed loyalist; and, in a wheel, and, .taking the colonel by the feet, threading the forest, her fears were continu- dragged him to the rear of his cart. The to- ally hiding a tory marauder behind every rice laughed to see how .unceremonioudy he tree. Sometimes she struck several diverg- handled him.' ,, ing paths, which caused some doubt in regard "Laugh as you will !" piped Hirl; "but to the right one ; but she generally decided when a person's dead, that's'an eend to pain, the matter by taking that nearest th,c river. use him as roughly as you may." . The ride home was singulrly long. Dame Then, whispering again to Somerton : Grindle could account for it in io other way "Finely done ! You look dead, for all the but by the -supposition that her fears had world. Don't wince !" magnified the actual' lapse of time. The sun "What an old wolf!" said another, with a went down too quickly ; and twilight, it ap- show of disgust. peared to the spinster, stayed but a moment; A guinea to a shillin'," cried a dirty cor- while darkness hurried after it with unwanted poral, "that Deef Hurl can't put him in !" haste. "Done !" said Captain Ha ley. "At him', "Missus." said Meg, "I' do b'lieve we're - old gentleman !" cl'ar gone lost!" "I take the wager!" screamed the sword- Miss Betsey tried to remove th's impres- ' maker. "A guinea ag'in a shillin'. Remem- sion from the girl's mind ; but, 'unfortunately,- ber that !" - her manner served to deepen it. - "The devil! - The old chap hears when "'Deed; mum, we nebber come die way in yoti speak o' money !" muttered the corporal. de Lor's world ! Jea' stop an' look down yer ! The hunchback bent over Somerton, put Don't s'pect we come frew no sich place as his arms under him, raised him from the dat ar-does ye, Miss Bessy ?" ground, and tossed him into the cart. - Meg stoppc'd her horse, and pointed down "The corporal has lost ! Give him the the narrow vista before them. Her mistress guinea !" cried several voices in concert. . also paused, chilled at the dismal prospect. "Guinea!" exclaimed Ilirl, contemptuous- To go on, was like penetrating a labyrinth of 4 ii darkness and uncertainty. Her terrors, which had be steadily increasing, could no longer be concealed from Meg, upoa whom they acted like a battery, each shock of which thrilled her utterly. "Oh, missus, I knowed somethin' drefful would happen when we started on this yer wil' go su chase. We sha'n't nebber see de plantati -n no moral ! 'Deed, missus, we're as good as botched and murdered by do Pine Robb r! If them yn erdoneegone, no 'count wheels o' time rolls us into that black hole, it'll jes' put do finishia' touch to us, and dat's the Lores truth!" Meg'a state of mind was too evi lent to need an interpreter. Instead of inspiring confidence by her presence, her company -was likely to prove anything but -rc-assuring.' "If you don't choose to follow me, you can remain behind," replied Miss Grindle, in as firm a voice as shecould command. She touhe a her horse and moved on, but with a dread and misgiving that fell little short of Meg's. The forest was at that point more dense, and thc.soltude more palpable to the feelings. The path, too, was less defined, and her horse stepped with his nose near the ground. That she had mistaken her way, was a conviction that grew stronger at every step. That she had ridden far enough to reach the planta- tion, she could scarcely doubt ; but persons who begin to feel themselves lost are apt to persevere in the wrong while there is a single shadow of hope. She could see no land- marks to guide her ; she was conscious only of a black wilderness of trees, which swal- lowed up her and her maid like atoms of sand, or two waifs of thistledown. "aMissus," said the mulatto, with chatter- ing teeth, "the path am 'tirely gone, an' we's ridin' 'mong the trees !" This announcement did not surprise the worthy spinster, for she was already con- scious of the fact. "For once in your life, Meg, you're right. We've either reached the ead of the path or lost it. Now don't sit there shakin' like a jelly, but try and be brave. If you don't, I'll cut ye up well when we get home," an- swered Dame Grindle, attempting to spew in her usual manner. "Deed, Miss Bessy, if you'll take one straight hom1e to de plantation, ye may cut me up and welcome ;dfor, ye see, I can stan dat, but I can't stan' dis yer." "Turn your horse, and we'll try and find the way back to the path," said'her mistress "Turn de hoss! Lor' lub ye, Miss Bessy I's turned round ten times in de las' ten miw utes. It don't make no odds which way we goes. Dere's trees die way, an' trees dat way an' trees cberywhere! What's the use tryin' An't no use. Might as well swound right away whar we is as any whar." - "Swoon, Meg, if you think you'll get out of the woods by it ; but I sha'n't give'up without another trial." Goody Grindle made repeated and con- tinued attempts to recover the lost path,; but every effort involved her in more inextricable labyrinths, until the points of compass were hopelessly'lost. It was at this juncture that Miss Betsey proved herself a woman of nerve and resolution. Doubt in regard to their situation having yielded to certainty, she struggled heroically with her terrors, and tried onet rationally. Perceiving that she was quite as likely t go deeper into the forest as to extricate her- self from it, she proposed to give the rein to her horse, and trust implicitly to his in- stincts. This experiment she at once put in practice ; and the animal, abandoned to his own guidance, snuffed the air, and smelled along the ground, starting off at a moderate pace. Miss Grindle had not proceeded fir in this manner, when a shriek from Meg ex- cited new alarm. " Hush !" said hers mistress, imperatively. "Your noise will bring upon us the very danger that you fear." "Couldn't help it, missus, 'fI's to die! 'a heard somgbod walkin' for two, free min- utes, an' I couldn't squiet myse'f no longer It am right down drefful, missus ! Dar I don't ye hear it ?" "For Heaven's sake, be silent! Your folly makes me angry! It was but a squirrel run- ning over thec leaves." Dame Grindleae'sped the colored girl by the arm, and held it tightly. i "There! don't speak above a whisper!" she added. "Dear me ! how you does take hold. Dar! dar 'tis again! S'pect it am de Pine Rob- bere_" bBetsey Grindle certainly heard a noise that sounded like footsteps not far off.. She set her fingers more rigidly upon the arm of Meg; but physical pain could not neutralize or di- vert her mental disorder; a tell-tale moan -hastened the dreaded catastrophe. The foot- steps which had leen uncertain and cautious, immediately became decided. A figure sud- denly separated itself from the darkness, and t stood beside them. We said that it separated ' itself from the darkness ; but this is not strictly true, for the form itself was dark : it 3 was a tall, broad-shouldered negro. He seized . both horses by their bridles, and his large, white eyes glared up at mistress and maid ,- through the obscurity. Dame Grindle' exp- e r en t'd but one emotion-overpowering ter- , ror. The black made a noise like the chatter- ? ing of an ape-it did not sound like human ,w ,. i ,s . a ' ud '_+ " "1 , ' .Y - - ' eF .:.. _.... ............ ..sMMlt +rw ...w----..n::wf#al w c^r.+ - - .. -W , ' 56 37 I' 'I OR, HIRL THE HUNCHBACK. :, , i #f .f ,,i . - _ '4u ,i~ iii , ', J& 'r '.." ..: ri= "f -iR ' x '1i V, } ',r rt , ' page: 38-39[View Page 38-39] - '-.--~.'--~, ---.-- _______ 88 -THE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE; i-i -I 89 OR, HIRL THE HUINCHBACK. A; speech. Miss Grindle would rather have heard fasten the stirrup-leather, with which he tied the growl of a panther. After standing a mo- her hands. ment, rolling his eyes from one to the other, Miss Grindle beheld this operation with fear- he drew a large knife from among the rags that ful misgivings. She would have turned her covered part of his person, and holding it up horse and fled froni the black phantom as from menacingly, mumbled a horrible threat ; then the arch-fiend ; but the bridle was over his throwing. both bridles over his arma, led--or muscular arm, and onie of his rolling ey s was rather dragged-the animals after him. Both constantly upon her. Her fortitude was ter- submitted to this .without the power of renmon- ribly shaken. For a short time she was trance. Meg sat in the saddle, nearly as white scarcely conscious of what was taking place;. as her mistress, the fact of the man's color not but presently, a painful pressure upon her in te least conducing to allay her fears. The wrists, made her aware that she, too, was be-- silence of the forest; the distance from human ing bound. She grew calmer. She saw the habitations ; the improbability of assistance, negro take the saddles and bridges from the al concurred to heighten the hopelessness of horses and turn them loose ; and it was then teir situation, that she fully rcilized the extent of her mis- Miss Grindle, though naturally brave, was fortune. Her unequivocal terror clearly gave too much shocked by the appearance of the the black a savage delight. half-savage creature into whose clutches they ." Set down dar, cn de groun' !'' he growled;, had fallen to soon recover her mental equili- and this order, like the others, they obeyed.' brium. " Dunno dis yer nigger, does ye, missus ?" The negro pulled the horses'on, and finally he added, in the same dissonant vote'. " You entered a cypress brake, infinitely more dismal forgit ; 'dis chile never do. You had me cut than the pine forest. The horses sank to the up monstrous bad -- run away--live in de fetlocks in the black mud, and the trailing swamp--steal, kill--do eberyt'ing bad. Hate mposs on the trees swept the faces of the cap- white folks--hate niggers-hate you-hate all tives as they were guided through the gloomy do world P"' intricacies. "It's Black Jaffer I" cried Meg, creeping Presently they reached a thicket too dense closer to her -mistress. to be penetrated, and .this seemed to be the The ne'gro laughed malignantly. end of teir journey. A hut of trees and bark Betsey Grindle felt faint and sick-for she was visble. The negro, still holding the bridles, remembered the slave and his punishment. set fire to a heap of dry brush, and signed for Jaffer was a Vicious and unmanageable negro,. his captives to dismount, which they were loth who ran away- from the plantation some to do. They could now see but too distinctly months before ; since which time tales of his thefelow' fce and form. As he stood in the crimes had often reached her, inspiring her strong light of the fire, he looked to JBetsey with terror, even when safe at home. The Grmndle like Satan himself. In frartne he was name of Black Jaffer had become a watch.. large andl powerful. His naked arms were word of fear to quell disobedient children and lkbundles of muscles, and hbis bare chest unruly youth. His deeds had been truly hor:. gave indications of vast strength. His features rible-providing half the stories respecting were the most repulsive of his race, approach- him were true, which there was no reason to mng very closely to those of the ape or mon- doubt. He had joined the most desperate of key. But it was by no means a tame, expres- the tories i and having correct knowledge of sionless visage, being alive iyith lirce and un- that part of the country, was a useful ally as governable impulses. a spy and leader of pillaging parties. His Aste spinster gazed at that sooty counte- iron energy and brute courage made him es.- nance, she had a vague remembrance that she pecially dreaded. had seen it ? Before dismounting, she resolved To find themselves in the power of this ruf-. to make an effort to tempt his cupidity. fin, was suffiient to conquer every vestige "Man or devil," she said, assuming a bold- of courage that remained in the hearts of the ness which she assuredly did not feel, " con- unfortunate women. - duct us to Mr. Redmond's plant ation, and "0O Meg ! Meg ! what shall we do ?" gasped you shall receive ten pounds for your trou- Betsey Grindle. b.e." De Lor' knows, missus! We' in a dref- An exulting grin distorted the face of the ful state, wid no way to help ourselves the - negro. leoked at Meg, and said, in a voice leastest mite. I s'pect ye'd better tell do truff , thtmight have come from the throat of a Miss Betsey," answered Meg, looking piteous.'. "Gitdow, ylle ga! i don qick~,, ly at Miss Grindle. Gitdow, allr gl itdow qick!" " The truth !-God in His mercy forbid I" The ogre cauhher by the foot and drag- "eep silent, I charge you ! gla"neg. god her from her seat. le then made her un- "0O Jaffer!i good ~affer 1 honest Jaffer !' if uroaed Mg; takemisss a'back to do Meg's eyes were now flashing ; and she was planed eg;ti tkomiu an' Ia' emn wil giea epteful in her anger as she had been abject mortationy ainnMas'rha yoedon wil' coive in pher cowardice. She was like a wild-cat, oyr shinygeasee thn wi. Den ie 'out redy to fly at the first aggressor, and worry ouye Jfiners. a'Dda' he fall. DY lie bb thim with tooth and nail. stea, youfebkl, anrt'so faek. Yode ishief The beautiful creature who had risen, chan- teyalks bout."be kilo doaldems meleon-like, from the gray hair and antiquity he the girluwas main thi appal of Bcetsey Grindle, recalled and soothed by Bla Jaerl s chukliging thi manne x the voice of her maid, came back to conscious- psBl y afe statn tock D m aanere ness with a long-drawn sigh. As she sat in "Nameibyorln o price, JaGrndl.d gude the strong reflection of the fire, supported by us toate plantaton shie, Jafe, wihan earn Meg her pale and delicate beauty surpassed es tos thpataion," he moved, wit naur essn the common-plnce realities of life. Her first hardned tand bul. havenoventynaturty egsance of returning sense rested on the black, poudnd-watnd willutall e ywenuy rewar g whoewas devouring her loveliness with his pod-t f yatousill shayllbed Jyour, ringr gredy passion-fired eyes. Such was the of- "u tothi feet a'and lourisled hiser logprms. feeo ,his steady stare, that she sprang from ig towid fetandfiourishnt money Hen ants the ground with a shriek. reveng onl in fokstwnoe. He kepyont eBlack Jaffer. darted forward, caught Meg by swamp-tnite olkcHeee you in wit the am, lifted her, and, swinging her light fig- you!mBlaik you-euato wiv-hei wite, ure toward the hut, cast her from him. By this todder Balrk Jaffe hayou ies--one ywh t" time Judith had worked her wrists free ; and These yalords Hwih thlie harshY, meacn .whe the black made an eager snatch at her manerse wrds, thy were hrhoneng m armshe eluded him by a sudaln change cl pmann ercmwhichttey rirndue, o- sarmostion. Meg fell ; but, thoroughly excited, sanli back upon the ground, insensible. Her boundbakSh uapn Jaseer like a inia-reus, dress- hiad become disordered by the rough ber bl. Segrsehiknslkeatgss usage of the night ; and this movement dis- crying:.Ms uit u! closed a neck and bosom whiti,~round, and "Runords Juth! maialyuontenil beautiful. -The wtoreso acdmprenicyuon atgiwre. Jaffer glared a-t her with stupid wonder ; Thougt, reason Sprhe nd. Hertfon, wre then, springing to her side,.tore off her bon- instaintl reesdarke. ofShe fle Her fomenas net and cap, and held triumphantly up a wig losaffter drkesof teak with a mryomae, of gray-hair. A striking change came over Jdfe broe hero Mehg, winothcyo rwage, the negro's face. Revenge and hatred gave anth purud he ased ito hethe sm place to emotions far more dangerous to the wiher boumnds haud thearin fotetrpa b eing stretched motionless at his. fet. Ahe ig of hergaret hind t flyin tsilepso looked down at the pale and lovely counte- tawervadeguie hikm;-bte ilence ohr nance thus nexpectedly revealed,, his sooty dato pervding this bareath forestening bosom swelled with the wildest joy. dMeg he tooigd hinsis reaght and iteningch arose, the picture of consternation; and, re- wit rgd iesity, egites caugh upthcretcawa ally aroused to something like action by the eroanohe disieon. es miestrole anfrpt away peril of her mistress, wrenched her small in another dierdtheonegr Asging stol frth hands from the leather ligature, and casting spot sths harad tht nrorgitg and pJudith. herself upon her, broke out in the most pas- ig, ti a n ht npruto uih sionate strain of condolence-lavishifg upon CATRX the inanimate form numberless endearing INWI CHHSoDAKTER BEOEX SIO. names. IN WCl 1H Soron'Es EOsiEio in ShEXOd- Black Jaffer rubbed his leaden palms' to- Coonel Soto' positions inomfsorle- gether, emitting cries of surprise and exulta- makers aart cas by unoeremnosl pootbe tiongthat scarcely i-esembled human vocahiza- having bee casets uncereonoly uon' the. tion. The mulatto girl raised her mistress various idmpiementsi otact with mamtae.s, -tenderly ; and the glare of the fire fell upon He found himself t coat et halmers 'a sweet young face. pincers, bits of ironandlttiud copee all sl "0O Miss Judith ! them yer locks has been imbs ree i ada pnatilloed oe a smaol the ruination of ye ! 'Deed they has. What ani yhil he headl wfa pairfbllowedona ci is liberty good for, 'f ye lose yourse'f,1lose me, ofwire, andinthi nouded ar of Thellows lose eberyt'ing ? Open your eyes, missy;, pressedagainsteer woudved rfere a mler. open- your shiny black eyes, that -Meg may tienae offcer wod aveuc ps refered ;- milder look into 'cm once more. I's been a coward; convyancind ah cocvesruggedt whatan but I's mad now, and I'll fight for ye as de bearing in mid mute provere," ht submitted t o gt hre ake care, yoauna.nggr rIl rite patiently to his tortures, supported by the deten commandments on your no-'count face." hope of escape. page: 40-41[View Page 40-41] -- .i, ..I' :r - : .:. -se -" _-. . :.,- ., i , THE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE ; OR, HIRL THE HUNCHBACK. i t 1 J 1 x t *C~P i _ --- -~ Old in shuffled along behind him, with as I:t"hI see 'em! They are two carrion crowsr muhnn apparent indifference asif-i her going that-are allers found stripping' the dead arter a hind after a successful-.circuit' in' the way of battle or, a skrimmage. I've seen 'em at it aosines. often, and I've got' a long-stannin' grudge " Whoa, Crazy ! Lok -out, for the' trees, ag'in 'em. Assassination and plunder is their old gal. "Mind your steppin'. Don't slop out trade A m Keep quiet, and trust all to me. the body by your loose: trivelin'. Look dut "Hillo, old mant" cried one of the fellows for that log, dld' creetur ' Gee. I say-ge !" suddenly showin'- himself. dnWhat you mut- The hunchback cracked his cart-whip, and terin' about?" raid no more' attention to Somerton -than if - The swordmaker made no answer; but, h bad been that disagreeable thing which he' cracking his whip, the cart rolled on faster - feigned to be. than before., The tory camp was'still' in sight,-and sev- "I say, mister, what kind o' freight do y eral idle fellows were looking after him. The carry ?" d te an ind infret maye swdrdmaker was an odd figurewihh his old ner. musket on-his shoulder,.thlehump on his back, "'Sto I" shouted his companion, "orI'll his'stooping person, and his particularly limp- sand a bullet through ye, you old scarecrow! ing and shuifing git. A hoarse chorus of Ain't going' to bury that chap in his rigient laughter followed Eim fito-the' forest. The ale, be ye t" trees soon'-hid him from view. "My name is Hirley; for short, I'm calle " Be patient, kurnil-be patient !" he said, Hirl, though ill-mannered people calIme Old it -length. "The pryin' rascals' are sharp- Hirl, Deef Hirl, Crazy Hir , and ich," re- -.eyod, and we must be wise as sarpinte. 'Tisn't plied the hunchback, in those querulous and -a- .ather-bed you're- on, by A long shot ; but piping tones that characterized him when lo it!, better nor hangin', or dyin' by inches in -raisedlhis voice above- a certain key. the- clutehes of Chribtian Hadley, the rene- a "You forgit, Bill, that the old fool is deaf gadeland:rufflan." ,a a post " said h who had first spoken. "Better, far better !" murmured Somerton. "P'int yourgun at him, Steve: that'nstop 'But relieve me as soon as possible, for, I am him!" replied Bill. painfully cramped and shaken." Both then ran and overtook Hrl, who kept "Keep still," said Hirl; "there's no know- on as before in' -what 'll happen. Prudence .is a vartue "I say; old boy," cried Steve, plucking the heerd'on by many, but possessed by few." hunchback by the sleeve, ca dead man don't The old man -carelessly lashed the bushes need his coat, breeches, boots, and spurs, does with his whip, and the cart creaked slowly on. he? Can't a rebel go to bed naked, seeing' it's " One' wheel finally struck against a fallen tree, the last time 1"' and Crazy stopped. " ,Steve's gittin' to be a wag " laughed his "I'd better get out," said Somerton. comrade. "Not for the world !" answered the sword- "Don't be in a hurry, friend," replied Hir. maker, quickly. "I can lift it over; and it "There 'll be time enough for that matter would be like them crafty-devils to come arter arter we t the eoug r mat us, to-put a trick on me, even if they don't near the camp; and Cap'n Hadley don't like mistrust-"nothin'." any plundenih' done 'cept what he has a hand Hirl put' his shoulder to the wheel,'saying: in " i Come up, Crazy ! What ye 'bout ?Y Go "Can't wait! said Bill sullenly. "You 'long !' can do the, diggin' arterwards !"- Somerton,iuneasy in both body and mind -"Not a bit on't ! Not a shovel-full.of airth while Hirl 'withus: engaged, raised- his- head do I throw out, if you're to have th .igi- a- trifle; and looked'-over the'side of 'the cart. metitals. Jes'ydig th hole when we git fur He' sawtwo -ien among the' trees, whbse enough ,-and you may have ll the du iant stealthy-uov'ements dssuredhim that they had welcome, and ymuch good may they do ye. a sniisterpr se in view.-. This;discovery My name is Hitl-now mind that !" gave him a'di ageeable shock. Howr should "The headstrong old devil " muttered-the he-warn the swordniakerof- the danger.? -His man called Bill. unfortuiate, deafness would certainly prevent- "A bayonet-thrust wouldn't do him no him'from verbally inforniinghin of: what he hartn !" said the' other, in tn undertone. had eii.' 'The colonel'krhead-fell back-with 'a The sworditakerturnedn'hs head, and looked moa.i ofa -for, jst-therin'thewheijolted- at the ruffians -in a peculiar manner. There Nr a fIb sfnds' tie .oneus.ion acted' was a magnetism in his es that,.to certain e -V'wi W iflowed" extent, quelled and awed them.:- They'per- s e i ab i We adfolluwed he: fitted him.to 'drive oi, umbin at the id4 ii g eeidd-btiie i e i- length'of the why. He finally reached a spot. iG ' up -gee u.:' 'ireirated HirI,'add-which, h averred, would answer the purposes ing in a lower voice..Takinga piek-and shovel from the cart, whieit - I V .t - - (0 .rI 41 he had provided, he threw them at the feet of a violent assault upon the astonished objects the two tories. , of his resentment. His blows fell on their "Noiv, my hearties," lie said, "make a hole shoulders-and faces with a rapidity and vehem- at the foot of that cypress, and you shall have enee that made them bellow with pain, and the coat and boots.' ' _left bloody tracks on their cheeks, and wher- The men demurred ; for, since the breaking ever the avenging lash touched the skin. out of the partisan war, work of all kinds had They ingloriously fled, leaving the field and become exceedingly distasteful. It was a the plunder to the victor. critical moment fur Somert- n, who was in fe- " Them are ereeturs," said Hirl, "that verish expectation' of a discovery. What would rob a friend as soon, as on inemy, e&uld the old man do against these wretches ? though they hang like grim death to the skirts In all probability, they1.would oyerpower him of Christian Hadley's land-pirates; but jest with the greatest case. As for himself, he had turn the scales, and let the Continentalers no weapois-nor strength to use them if he come up and the kings men go down, and ha . He doubted if he was even strong they'll whlifle over like weathercocks. Skin- enough to stand upon his feet. The time thus ners is the name they'd oughter go by." - far consumed in this singular attempt to es- " There are others," replied Somerton, cape was to him terribly long, and, in lis "who seem to serve God and 1\lammon, and wounded and helpless state, rendered pecul are equally welcome in both camps." arly dreadful by the conflict of hope and fear. " Sartin! sartin !" answered Hirl, innocent- The two outlayvs glineed inquiringly at each ly, "They a'n't the only two crows that fly other, and then at the hunchback, who, setting in the air, guided by the scent of carrion." hisamusket against the cart, was t 'gging at one " or God's sake don't keep me longer than of Somerton's boots. One of the plunderers ran isnecessary in this horrid le dilemma !" groan- and seized the other; but HirI pushed him ed the Continental officer, seeking vainly for away with a violence that made him spin an easy position among the implements of the round like a top, and threw after him the boot swordmaker's art. which he had succeeded in-drawing off. The latter took up the pick and began to "I kpew tlie-lad's imotlier," he cried, while use it with all his might. his pale face fished, "and' I won't 'have his '-"We must mind 'pearances, he said, bend- lifeless remains abused. The things I named ing his humped back to the work with a will. -on: shall have ; but if ye git more, you'll "The ground must be broke, and a mound Have- to fight Old Hirl, the Swordmaker of the raised, and somethin' dragged along, the Santee !" ground." - There was a wonderful energy in his voice, Somerton watched the operations of the considering his age, and an ugly glare in his swordmaker, with an intensity of impatience eyes. In' his'-excetement, he mounted the cart that can be known only to one in his situation nimbly, and, while the tories were muttering -fearing every moment that Flanders and and whispering, stripped off the luckless colo- Martin would return with. birds of similar new's coat ; which was not an easy task-for feather. Hirl toiled like a hero. The wound- Sumerto was heavy, and hung With a dead edman marveled at thehvigor of his arm, weight on- his hands. Having accomplished which exhibited none of the tremulous weak- this, he rolled up the garment, and tossed it ness of age. He scooped a shallow hole, in- toward the fellows, with a strong expression to which he thre~w limbs of trees and rotten of contempt. They growled and complained, wood, upon which he shoveled back the earth and approached the cart with dogged deter- in the shape of a grave. This done, he made niinatioct. a trail in the leaves with his feet, as if a heavy The old man sprang down, caught his long body had been drawn over them. musket by the muzzle, and, with a single He glanced at his work with an air of satis- sweep, prostrated both the thieving rascals faction, placed Somertons coat and boots in He stood over them with glowing eyes and the cart, scrambled to his seat, seized the heaving chest. -' reins, and choosing the most open way, drove " God only knows what keeps me from mak- off.' ' in' an end of ye 1" he exclaimed. "Both "Crazy, Crazy ! what ye 'bout ?' he said, rebel and royalist would approve the deed. in a quick, sharp voice. Don' think Christian Hadley would inquire The sorry-looking mare pricked up her who give ye your desarts; for he wouldn't. ears, and started off rapidly. The change in I've. seen ye at your work-you, Bill Flanders, her gait was as extraordinary as anything that and you, Steve Martin-and long to try one o' had happened during the morning. Somer- my sabres on your vile bodies I" ton, at the imminent risk of having his brains Thd'swordmaker's anger grew stronger as dashed out, raised his head from a coil of he went on. No longer able to control him- wire to assure himself that the high-boned self, he seized his heavy cart-whip and made Crazy was really capable of such speed. But k, 4 [V' z '- I .-. \L, ,. v + ta..;,'yv=Yry }, . r' - ih;T.c a' ..;. Y"ti=t . .., i 1 f A page: 42-43[View Page 42-43] THE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE; the marvel had only begun ; the odd creatu bits of iron, in company with hammer, tong and anvil, had a merry dance, to the supreme worriment of the person who ought to hav been a corpse, but wasn't. "Good heavens, old-man ! You might a well put me in a mortar and pound me, as t jolt me over the ground in this way ! Th devil's in that mare !" cried the colonel, pit eously. "Yes, she is possessed at times. Used t call her Mary Magdalen on that account. G *'long ! Hi !hi !" The eccentric creature seemed to be trying to run out of her harness. The trees dashe( by the cart, apparently like race-horses. A steeple-chase was nothing to it. 3omerton was obliged to grasp the sides of a vehicle with both hands. "On'y 'leven year old !" shrieked the old man above the din and clatter. " On'y 'leven year d " The wounded officer looked up appealingly, and saw.Hirt sitting unconcernedly on his perch, with a rein in each hand, his musket between his knees, and his great cart-whip at his feet. The morning sun shone on his hump, mak- ing it look like a hot shot, or a bomb-shell at a white-heat. " People that don't know nothin' 'bout houses, think she's fifteen ; but I know her age to a day. I can trace her generology in a direct line. Her mother was a long, slab: sided, weasly-lookin' animil, and her sire was the most vicious 'creetur that ever broke halt- er or slipped-bridle. Crazy's low in flesh this summer, but jest turn her'out a few days, and give her a pile of oats, and she'll show ye" a trick or two when your business is pressing ' and there's danger afore, an' ahind, an' all round.", . Hirl stopped so suddenly, that every article in the cart, the colonel not excepted, plunged forward against the head-board. -Shriek after shriek came from the forest ;'it was a woman's voice. T'he hunchback sprang;fr'om hips heat like a rocket, and the colonel saw him running swiftly to the left, with his musket. His curiosity rose above -his pains. He saw fig- ures half hidden by the trees, and the flutter of female garments. The forms came nearer ; they were women flying from pursuers, and the cries he had heard were uttered by them. The swordmaker flew wildly to meet the fugitives, who were no other than Dame Grindle and her maid Meg. The cause of theirterror was immediately manifest; the two marauders, Martin and Flander&, were hotly pursuing them. " Go on, gals! Go on !" said Hirl, passing them, and stopping 'behind a tree. "Go on, re and I'll have a settlement with these skin- us ners." 's, "'Tis the swordmaker ! 'tis the sword- ec maker " exclaimed the suppositious Dame re Grindle ho had resumed her gray hair and cap, an etreated again into the almost myth- as ical dep hs of her bonnet. o "It am de debble,- more like, missus, id .e all dat yer on his back !" asserted Meg, on t- whose mind the startling incidents of the night and morning had made deep impres- o sion. o Both paused, partly from exhaustion, partly from bewilderment. Possibly they feared that g the old man could not contend with the two. d While they stood panting and gazing at the hunchback with swimming, dizzy incredulity, he aimed his musket and fired. When the e smoke cleared away, neither of the villains were to be seen, but footsteps' were heard 3 growing every moment less distinct. Judith thought she heard groans, also, but was too much disturbed to dwell long upon the subject. The color receded from her face, andthe swordmaker hastened to place his arm about her waist to support her ; for Meg, in a military point of view, was quite demoralized. "Strange, strange, that I should encounter you here !" murmured Judith, sighing and trembling on the verge of unconsciousness. " Nothin' extr'ordiner, Goody Grindle. My trade carries me everywhere e'enamost," an- swered the swordmaker, drawing Judith closer to him. "True! true !"~returned Judith, recovering, and reinenbering the character in which she was figuring. " There ! that 'll do, my good man," she added, returning to the Betsey Grindle voice and manner. "Don't waste precious time in holdin' up a woman when there's no danger of her fallin'." " In the name of God-" began the sword- maker, with remarkable earnestness. Judith looked at him wonderingly. " I mean - why is this, Goody Grindle ? What in the name o' reason are you wanderin' here for? Why ain't ye at home, at the spire's ?" j " We's jes' been el'ar done lost," interposed Meg. " De Lor' only knows what missus has underwent, and what I's underwent. We's seen de debble hisself; and we's been chas I Golly gracious, how we has been chased !" The swordmaker trembled like a leaf. I is face was pale as snow. " What's the matter ?" cried Judith, wh se sympathy for others was always active. 11 He's goin' to swound, I s'pect," sugg ted Meg. "In the forest-all night-alone!" e stopped ; then resumed, in his accustomed manner. "'Twas right lucky, my stumblin' upon ye, gal. Somethin' mighty unfortunit 48 might happened. Don't never expose your- whistle resounding through to wodsaud self so ag'in, Dame Grindle." him to stop,gieternsoJuthadrn Judith glanced timidly at the swordmaker ; abruptly into the forests we so ccentri, she wished to say something, and she said it. This maneswasmnt wre so tic, "Did you give him the saw ?" that the colonel was not surprised at thiscon- Her voice was low and tremulous, and it duct; but the young woman sent a wishful was marvelous that the old man heard it. and perplexed glance after him. " The Lord be marciful to mne, yes!t 'Twas " Has he deserted us ?" she said. treason, as 'twer cf but for your sake I did it," "He is an erratic being," replied Somer- said il, musingly, and shaking his head. ton ; "but I trust he will return." "Ily sake !" repeated Dame Grindle. The officer, by the aid of Meg, raised him- "Sartink! I never could refuse a woman self to a sitting posture. The rough ride anything . When I went a courtin' my wife, had shaken him severely, and caused some Sary Ann, she'd on'y to roll her little black bleeding of his arm, but in reality had done eyes at me, and smile kinder soft, to make him no injury; starting his stagnant circu- me run my legs off for her." lation, it ad tended to revive him. His ob- [ The parties had by this time reached the ject wa to watch the swordmaker, whose un- cart. comely figure he could see moving among "Don't be talk' 'bout sweethearts and the trees. He saw a man emerge from a hazel sich vanities, when the wheels o' time are thicket, and hasten to meet and shake hands rollin' at sich an awful rate o' speed," ad- with Hirl. The manner of both was cordial monished Dame Grindle, with reproving se- and hearty. verity. "'Tis hei I could swear it h" mattered " Yes ; the wheels have been goin' pootty Somerton, shading his eyes with his hand. fast," said Hirl, pointing at the cart and the "The same straight, athletic frame ; the muddy spokes. " They couldn't roll much same-" faster, I reckon. Got a wounded officer here, "Did you speak to me, sir ?" asked Judith. if there's anythin' left of him; he's nighabout The colonel neither heard nor heeded her. shook to bits, I'ii afeard. It's the kurnil. His mind was occupied with she man with the You know the kurnil, don't ye? Seed him swordmaker. The interview was short, and at the camp when ye carried the socks. By Hi'l came back at a quicker pace than he left the way, them socks oughter be mentioned them. . in the dispatches. Shall speak to Washin'ton "Cap'n Hadley," he said, in answer to the 'bout 'em, if I happen to run athwart him. inquiring looks of Judith, "is out for forage Kurnil, you must take in another passenger. with a dozen of his trustiest marauders. They Meg, scramble into the cart, and hold the are well mounted and comim' this way, prob- kurnil's head in your lap ; the poor feller. is ably on a visit to Squire Redmond'S planta- terribly hurt, I s'pect. We must' take him tion." down to Squire Redmond's to be nussed." Dame Grindle-it is convenient to call her Somertoni remembered MissRedmond's thus-wits much affected by this information. visit, and his hAggard face flushed. - Her agitation was at once apparent to Ilir. " Goody Grindle, you'll set on the seat with ,"Don't tremble, Dame! 'Tisn't women me," added Hirl. Climb up the best way you he's arter, but cattle and provender. I'm can. Give me one o' them little hands. sorry for the squire, for they'll make a rean There! that's it. Now, we'll drive to your sweep of everything' to eat, drink, or wear. brother's plantation." - But, my word for it, neither you nor the gals The swordmaker cried " Go 'long !" to shall be armed. I know tht Judith is tm- Crazy, and the mare started off like a race- orsome, and Miriam ready to lfaintasthe horse contending for the highest honors of sight of a story or a red uniform alwayss, the turf. H-ir prudently put hisarm around that was the case when I used to know 'em at Dame Grindle to prevent her from falling, the breakin', out o' the difikilties), but I reck- It.was very kind of him, indeed. The wheels on that Cap'n Rlneord '11 send down a few turned and turned ; the axles creaked and of his drago'ns to spile the sport of Christian creaked ; and trees and bushes went flying Hadley and his cut-throats.llurnil, we must past. There was a great deal of sunlight on hide you in the bushes till' carter the party the old man's back, and some on the spinster's passes; ffor dyou se'wud' epoe o face dkt him to nd a rebel that's jest been buried fae ridin' in my cart." CHAPTER XI. "Can't you drive fast enough to reach the IN WHICH THE SPY APPEARS. house first?" Sormerton asked. 1ir -reachcd a narrow wAon-road where "Yes, we might do that, but 'tis easier to the traveling was less precarious. Instead of hide you here nor there ; for, if the creeturs increasing his speedlie went slower. A shrill have their way, they'll s'arch the house from -1 i r.- j 1, - 42 i p 1I I I; '__" - .m-'^"---..,. - ...r_.eo-ar~r ..m~~e i.ss-. .,c..w. ;,n,~ ..aa~~a +.a~s.:, _ ._hr _... . __ 'sw_ _ ' vra..« . + ... ,. ^ ..... ^='='"""rc- .. i ' ' +ap-.X siFa"'wc eev.^va . .., s. . .. ,. ,. ... OR, HIRL THE HUNCHBACK. _, ,s '-, " ; , - i , __ _ 1 f _ s. Ili. / ',, . _ - ;. - . page: 44-45[View Page 44-45] t? k A -I t .4. 1 -a1 ~J }{(~- 44 top to bottom for plunder. Now, 'twouldn't "Then you are his friend-rel - his friend?" be 'grecable for you to be there at sich a she said, with not a particle of Dame Griendle's time." shrillness. Whether lie heard by instinct, or "Your face isn't one that Hadley, or his whether she spoke in his left ear, or whether men, will soon forget," observed Dame Grin- a woman'shvoice is more readily heard than a dle. man's, we are not able to state ; but Hurl "Do as you like ; I trust entirely to your clearly understood her. judgment,' replied the colonel. "Assist me iI bel 1v-I think I am. I was, Ieastways, fr. i the cart d I'll show you that I'm afore he touched British gold." worth two ad hepn yet." "Do not say so-do not, I beg !" she an- The swordlmakcr put his right arm around swered, letting his hand fall. g an aSomerton, and helped him to the ground; he "You have a leetle-jest a lectIe faith in was able to walk quite well, and, steadied by him-in him, the hated and the hunted :r" the old man, made his way to a thick cluster "I have, or if I have not, God knows that of young pines. Judith Redmond has; and what she believes, "Lay down and keep still, and nobody ' I believed; and what se thinks, I think." find ye," said Hiri; and with these brief in- She bruh d tears from her eyes, then structions returned to his cart, where Dame added: Grindle and Meg awaited him with feverish "He escaped! how much I thank you! impatiene-. Did he give you no message for me or my " Now, Crazy," he added, with remarkable niece g" c -eerfulness,hvonrideringdthe circumstances, " Dear dame," answered the swordmaker, "we'll see 'hat pou can do." in tones that were s ft and moving, though Theluncbacr sprang to his sat with won- not quite steady, "Guy-Deerin' whispered to derful alacrity. me before he went, and said : ' Tell her that "ild on to the sides o' the cart, yeller my soul is continually kneelin' at her feet, girl; cing to my -arm, dame. Ho, Crazy! and pourin' out words of eternal gratitude Git awiy, creetu' anditaway !" And the rick- and ove. Tell her that her faithin my mo- ety vehicle creaked and clattered along the ti-ves, though it be-nd larger than a grain o' road With surprising rapidity. Had Judith mustard, is sufient to thrill me with inx- Redmand not been warned that Christian pressibie emotion.t' Hadley was behind, she would have been ter- While he was speaking, Judith gave him rifled by the fui'ious driving of irln; but, her hand again. for reasons well-known to herself, there was " Oh ! ofh! Did he say that? Iow well no person living that she feared more than you repeat it! I could sgnd and hear you then ory leader, say it for an hour-for the sake of my niece." An a short time they came to a clearing. "And I, for the sake of the pootty dear, The swaordmaker drew up his mare. could keep talkin' it over a whole day. But " I can go no farther," he said. "1Cross time must be improved for other purposes. this clearing in a direct line to yonder tree, Warn the squire; tell him to arm all tiesig- and Squire. Redmond's plantation will be in gers and make his house his castle. There! sight. Malte haste ; but don't run too fast, or go, dame, go !" you'llbsit tiredaout afore ye git there. Gals, " Right, old man, right !" replied Judith, I've observed, a'n't over an' above long-wind- with a sudden revulsion to the Grindle style. ed at a race. And dame, good dame," he "I declare if 'tisn't near noon ! Lord, how added, in a gentler voice, "be very keerful of the wheels o' time are rollin' us away ! We yourself, and don't be ketched out ag'in o' shall soon be clods o' the valley." -nights for time best spy that ever trod the 11Not so fae' as dem yer-wagin-wheels," sug- airth. Guy Decrin' wouldn't slept a wink if tested Meg. "Lens' what a hosesdat,"nane he'd had never so good a chance, pervided is !" he'd knowed that you-that Judith's a'nt was Old Hirl jumped into his cant, turnd.it, wandcn' about in the woods, exposed to all and with another admonition to the females, kinds o' danger. I say it for your Food, and trundled away in atwinkling. I'm sure Guy Deerin' would say it yu him- Meantime, Colonel SomertonJay in the pine self, if he was here. I copse in no cheerful mind, suffering from ox- Dame Grindle's face was crimson; there hiaustion, hunger, thirst, and pain. Ile was appeared no suficient reason for the same, too much of a soldier to despair, so made the buth fact was evident. She took the old best of it; and after listening awhile for the man'hand by a sudden impulse. The con- coming of Hadhy, was on the point of falling trast between these two hands was notable- asleep, when a cautious tread aroused him. one was so large, the other so small, and the He beheld with alarm a man in a slouched hat small hand trembled less than the large one, standing within a few yards of him. The hat which was strange. was drawn over his brow in a manner to part- {{i ti i f .f 1 4 a E t i i i i i 1 k FF4 f k i; .a i a ly conelis face, and a large, coarse camp- " I would capture you, if possible ; but if cloak covend most of his person.aThis fig- I could not take you alive, I should-" r ostod quite motionless, looking at the "Take m e dead !" added the spy, suddenly. wounded officer. m s gI will not coin a falsehood to s.lve my life," Well, s r ?" said the colonel, not knowing said the officer, sternly r whait e~sc to say. itwhat's your business ?" The spy did not instantly rcplb, but threw Forat reply, the intruder raised his hat and the pistol upon the groundwithin reach of the Threw open his clok. colonel, who looked at him in amazenient. tGuy Deering !" exclaimed Somerton, with "Your life," said the spy, "would avail a feelingr of tin, ask less, for he saw a brace of mc nothing. Should the real C(hiy Deering cay dry pis ols protruding from the man's ever fill ito your hands, pass th mercy to, poe'.ets. hscei. "By that name you have called me, and by " Unaccountable man ! vou still dny your that name you would have hanged inc!" an- name !" exclaimed the Continental officer, still swered the spy. more perplexed. " Who are you ?" Andjustly, Ibelieve !" retorted the offic r. " A riddle that you cannot cmprehend. I "If I a b the man you take et be," said am and I am not; I am guilty, and I am in- the spy, tming hold of one of his pistols, nocent. Believe, me, you will never, never "you are certainly placed in an embarrassing know me! Our ways lie different. Ilat-ed situation. Aclrdingto your viewsI should and infamy, cursing and iitternecss are be- be your iot dead y enemy . Look! I cock teen us. At the bar of God, olyshall we this pistol, thus, and I have only to aim it at see each other as we are. u you, thus, ani ]tr~~es this little !i'-e of iron, He stopped, and looked upward With~ an ex- to put you forever beyond the possibility of prssion half stern, half melancholy. hanging Guy Deering." dh p "Your cause," he added, presently, "is TheninGcocked the p tol, but instead of failing. Royalty will soon trium.l'1. Tarle- turning its muzzle on So ,erton's person ton is on his way hither with his terrible le- pointed it at a tree. The colonel watched the gion; he will surprise the Swamp Fox and movement with suspicion. .you. Theris mischief and danger on every mYou can murder mc, no doubt, for I am hand. Thee will be sorrow on the Santeo; unarme and wounded," he said. houses will burn and blood will flow. The "But wre ayounell, mounted on your swift scouts of Christian Hlad'ey will not sleep and horse, an.l armed from head to foot, and I a a dog cannot bark in your camp without being wretched fugitive flying for life, you would heard by an enemy." not hesitate to spur after me at tic hazard of "And you can, speak of this," interposed your neck !" interposed the spy, quickly, and Somerton, indignantly, "with calmness " with bitterness.k "Hark ! Hadley comes down thle wagon- "Nothing could be truer!" answered the road. Lie still, and farewell !" undaunted Somerton. "Such would be y The spy slouched his hat o er his eyes, and d unted turning, disappeared with a qumk and mcas- h spy regarded him with singular earnest- ured step. A few minutes aft ward, a party ness re~ a s coked; e eased the of mounted men passed is ace of conceal- mmer carefully down, and returned the meant at a gallop. weapon to his- pocket.,CHAPTER XH. "You are in my power, Colonel Somerton." PTE D ETN "Iti; too true!" AN UNEXPECTED MEETING. The spy again drew the istol from his pock- Judith and her mid crossed the learning, et, slowly, and reached the tree designated by Hirl. " Honestly, colonel," he added, with a sar- They could see the plntaton as hriad told c"tIe sil, colonel, use dded, ti 1ashall them, but there w'as a long stretch 'of ottom- mastie smile, pwhet use do yotinleand to traverse before they could reach the "I think you will shoot me with one of house. Through this bottom-land meandered these pitols !" replied so:nertmn, calmly. a small brook, upon the banks of which grew "Such is your firm conviction ?" y various kinds of bushes, some to considerable "Before God, it is " said Somerton, so- altitude. Judith was hurrying on, when Meg " . B G i !suddenly stopped her. When the young lady Let us m angy.the .ase, colonel. Let us sharIy demanded the reason of this, Meg " Lt u etngethecas, clonl. et scould nly stammer: imagine that you have found me in the woods;' "o o Miss Judith ! Miss Judith ! you, on your war-horse, wh sword andpid Luckilyshe pointed toward the brook, and tond " g w oJudith, following the direction of the finger on foot " - with her eycs, saw Black Jaffer -peering from The man's breast worked with emotion ; his the bushes, and eagerly watching the road voice was clear and deep. w .. - -.-----_.., .---,.o..sa++,eua .o~t~x s....e ~ u~a.s+ir.. -.-., ,--_ - ,- _ THE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE ; 45 OR, lIRL TIE IIUNCHBACK. t 1~ I I t i t \ r 1f4 { Df1X1 Y , i page: 46-47[View Page 46-47] e. I-. f it, 46 THE SWORDMAKER OFTHE SANTEE P leading to the, house. This was a discovery, indeed It was well for them it was not made ;' too late. Judith sensibly beat a retreat with- out so much as a shriek or a fainting-fit, and Meg had just enough discretion to keep close (~ ~4~.to her mistress. The runaway black was cvi. gently there for no good purpose. He was either waiting their return, or making a sur- vey of the premises with a view to plunder and pillage ; very likely he had both these objects in contemplation. It was necessary, to avoid Jaffer, to make a long detour to the Santee, and this they undertook to do, which could have been accomplished with time and patience, had not a new difficulty prevented, t which took the shape of Christian Hadley and p a dozen of his lawless followers, who-having t arrived as near the plantation as' was thought s safe,*'halted in a growth of express to makea ii reconnoisance on foot. On account of this t - circumstance, mistress and maid found them- t selves between two perils, neither of which e were anticipated. They could not traverse w the open space between- the sses and 'a plantation without bemg seen, and they could s not very well make a circuit around the party L by reason of a cane-brake in the rear; so be- in tweenJaffer and Christian Hadley (who was p not a bit of a Christian),, they were placed in p a ver embarrassing dilemma. It may be th thou by some that pretty young ladies who h " ,1.R " 1 fascinate folks in novels, cani do without food ut and drink without a-great deal of inconven- ly enee, and sojourn in a wilderness or exist in to t a dungeon almost any length of time without to change of garments, and look interesting all h be applied to oo com n oinioe anb th mg in their case untrue ; for they were really the worse -for fasting and running like dis- I tracted. creatures -through the tangled thick- ets of the forest. Judith was not so ethereal gu as to rise albve the wants of nature, and long ne Abstinence was telling upon her strength. ; i $' {Our heroine would have eaten heartily, if all " ' . f'she had had a chance ; and it would have been, rep considering the exertion yet required of her, - ,;l - a very sensible thing. But little of the prim- wvit] ness and precision of her assumed character A remained, so far as apparel had to do with it. Gu Her gown was rent in many places ; her high- Da r heeled shoes and yesterday immaculate hose, ' " ~were soiled with the black mud of the swamp, of T"' and her not ample skirts, short as they were, ly were wretchedly painted with the same un- at z 4 ° lovely pigment. Neither mistress nor maid mig would have ben thought angels in a drawing- But room at that time. But fear is a marvelous que blunter of appetite and fastidiousness. Both .A might possibly have forgotten the pressing She demands of appetite, had not weakness ad- " monished them of the fact. Hiding like par- sore bridges in the bushes, they heard nothing for com nd time but the thumping of their own hearts. By-and-by, Judith's natural courage revived, and she began to debate the best method of reaching home. It was precarious moving in any direction ; but Judith felt the imperative necessity of warning her father and his house- hold of the calamity that impended. Fears for her personal safety were in a measure coun- terbalanced by an unselfish solicitude for her friends.nShe remembered that she had been out all night, too, and that the greatest anxi- ety must ie felt for her safety, which her press enee would at once relieve. She watched the cypress-trees and the bot- tom-land a long time; but Jaffer kept at his post, and she could see the horses of the ories grazing near thecanebrake, and a man standing guard over their movements. Jud- th commenced a cautious retrograde toward he wagon-road, where she had parted with he sword-maker. Meg, though quitedejecth. d, was guided by her superior judgment ithout question.. They climbed a hedge, nd stood in the road. They had gained . omething,- being farther from both enemies. looking up the wagon-road, Judith saw a man n a slouched hat and blue camp-cloak, ap- roaching with hurried strides. Her firstim- ulse was, to fly ; but something familiar in he gait and person of the new-comer cared er to remain-irresolute. The mflnmsaw her, vtered an exclamation of surprise, and eager- * advanced. Various emotions chained her the spot. She would have been troubled designate the predominant feeling of her .art. She felt pleasure, surprise, and fear. Guy Deering sprang to her side, and took he unresisting hand in his. " Judith," he said, "this is a pleasure that did not expect."s u "You know me, then, through my die- ise ?" she said, with a faint glow of happi- ss. " Love-cannot be deceived; it looks through disguise as though it were transparent," plied Deering. 'Andy' t I have passed for Dame Grindle th those hose eyes are not of the dullest. quaint d hunchback, who knows you, y, believes me, for all the world, to be me Grindle." " One does not always know the thouih.s others," said the young man, gazing ft d- at the sweet face that was already blushing his earnestness. "The a y1 swordmaker ght have been wiser than you thought him. t tell-me, Judith, why you are thus ms- rading?' , u s A glow on the maiden's cheeks deepened. reflected before answering. It seems to me," she said, "that you know thing of this without my telling. It ne to ine-no one has told me-that there 47 ., -.TTT mri' iTTTThT'tflA C Tt 'OR, HIRLTHE x is a mysterious connection between you and the old man Hirl. He gave you the saw, he refused gold, and a strange emotion shook him as I appealed to his sympathy for the spy., "It was not an ingenuous question," an- swered Deering, in a deep and kindly voice, "to ask concerning this disguise. Yes, Judith, I know what you have done. The old man whispered it to me through the cabin wall, and my admiration and gratitude were such that I wished to lie down at your feet and die for you. Did the old churl tell you ?" "Churl! For shame, Guy! Call him not such a- name," exclaimed Judith. "He is a noble old man, and a deep. - He saved you, he saved Somerton, and he has saved me ." "1Sich a hoss as dat ycr mare is, nebber was seen! She goes an' she goes as though the debble hisse'f was in dem legs o' hern !" in- terposed Meg, who was disposed to be elo- quent respQecting Hirl's mare. "He's jest the queerest old grandaddy! Sometimes le squeaks like a fife ; den agi'n, his v'ic rus el'ar down into his stomich like a bassoon. Sometimes he can't hear t'under den, bime- by, he'll hear de soft little vice o' Miss Ju- dith. 'Deed he will !" Guy Deering smiled. " Those bright eyes were not given the wench for nothing," he said; then turning seriously to Judith, added : " Why are you here ? Were you not instructed to cross th clearing, and reach home without delay? What has happened? You could not haye been intercepted by the stories, for they wen not that way. They should be concealed i that wood." " We encountered a horrible danger. Tha black demon, Jaffer, of whose enormities yo have heard, and from whose hands we escape last night, was lying in wait down in te tom-lad beside th e brook. Weh atemt cog rudb h iebtwr n epted by the outlaw Hadley. This is why am here. Now it is my turn to question Why do you tarry in the midst of danger There is a price on your head! You a like Cain ; he that finds you may slay yo 0 Guy Deering! was it for this that I lovi you, with your noble powers, your genero impulses ? Hpow could you, aopt aies famous? If you must indeed be an eney freedom, why not enter the ranks and fig like a man for your cause ? One may respe an open enemy." Deering's head sank lower and lower,11 his chin rested upon his chest. He sigh and looked at Judith as one asking pity a mercy. "6 Spies," he muttered, " are the indispe able attendants of ar hey arehemin camp of Washington, and in the campon Cornwallis. If we do according to our con- sciences, what matters our employment ?" " Leave me, Guy Deering! leave me for- ever !" cried Judith, with sudden vehemence-. "Never come into my presence again. You are infamous ! you are infamous!" Judith shrank from Deering, shuddering and angry. Deenn s face grew pallid. All the life seemed to have gone out of his athletic body. There was nofnoisture in his eyes ; they were eald and glassy, and fixed vacantly on Judith. His hinds hung at his side dspairingl -,He heard the words "Infamous ! infamous !"ring- ing in his cars. He knew what voice uttered them/; that was what struck him to the heart. While he felt the steel, he would have kissed the hand that struck. Judith grew handsomer, taller, stro _, prouder, braver, and more adorable. Pres- ently, Deering raised his hands with the . palms turned entreatingly to Judith. The 3 motion was teribly eloquent.* She inter- preted the meaning. "Spare you? No! Have you spared me? Have you not turned my love into a curse? Have I not borne contumely and reproach for you ? 0 Guy Deering ! if you had died in the battles of liberty, I should have been, g spared this agony-this blushing, burning, blighting shame !" u The spy raised his hands higher, till they ? appealednot to the human but to the super- le human"-God. t Judith stood panting and flashing at him an like lightning. - n I have done with weakness," she went on. at " This confession from you and its lame justi- u fication has opened my eyes. I will pray for d you-I will try to forgive you; but with my t- consent we shall never meet again. Go, Guy d Deering, to those miscreants in whose unholy ,r- service you are, and forget Judith Redmond." I The measured gallop of horses was heard. u: Deering did not heed it. He felt that no r? greater calamity could happen. ;re Tramp ! tramp ! Clatter ! clatter ! The u. sounds rew nearer. ed " Go !" said Judith. "It may be those us whom you would not care to see." La- Deering did not stir. Judith looked up the of wagon-road, and saw two horsemen ; they ;ht were Sergeant Giles and the chaplain. et "Go! go !" cried Judith. "They are ene- mies indeed, for they are from Somerton's till camp. To me, they bring safety, to you, ed, death!" ad " Death!" repeated Deering, in a hollow voice. "Yes, it is death ; I have received ns- the sentence from your lips. Let them come ; ted I care not for life." ti~ "What!I will you not obey one request of _.c. .... + - e. _ . _.. -.a... -c - arrf,.-- '. '-nt +.~vc . ' - wu~ .- .. a-"'--"' ___- - 'I 'I ii i, 'r S ' k F dy ti Y t S ", xs i - 's J .a: c, t ' , ; , r is . page: 48-49[View Page 48-49] -"S. - '~lof- - ' - --- -'---- 48 -ii 43 4 t 4 J / r ii s t s ti G io . th g R to idl au to ha ul ru THE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE ; mine? Is this your love, that'you stay when in' !-the lad whose palms have sicl\ an itch- I bid you go? Would you revenge "ourself in' for British gold i" rapid Giles, with a on me by .lying at my feet?' ~ great flourish of virtuous indgnation., "Revenge? No, no " I would not give "Is this so ?" demanded IIumplrcyl stern- you such pain," answered the spy, his gener- ly' turning his hard, impassive face upon Ju- ous impulses recalled by her words. lie dith. glanced along the narrow vi.ta of the road, ."It's little satisfaction that you'll git' of a and saw Giles and the chaplain. Judith woman,. parson. A, wild goose nevcr laid a pointed imploringly to the forest. lHe gave tame egg," said the sergeant, banging his her an earnest, mournful look, andggatheing sword against the pomirc of his saddle. his cloak about him, and drawing his hat over "Be not over-hasty, sergeant, for the wo- his brow, walked swiftly away.. man hath not yet spoken yea or nay; and there may be some error in thy judgment. Let us act in to fear of God, and Gcor-e CHAPTER XIII. Washington, and the Continental 'Conarcss. THE SERGEANT AND THE CHAPLAIN Hold thy peace, while I question her in a "Who's that runnin' away ?" demanded the proper and becoming fashion." - sergeant, with more than usual bluster, as he Then addressing Judith: " Be not stricken euphii horse, by a powerful pull at the with fear, worthy spinster; for the solders of Wle, close to Judi1. liberty scorn to take advantage of woman's "Dear me ! how reckless you sojer-lads do weakness. Tell n:. truly - and thy candor ride ! But, arter all, it's a good thing to be shall not go for nothing, should the colonel in a hurry, for the wheels o' time are rollin' think it his duty to inquire'into this matter- at sich a rapid rate. We shall soon be clods was it indeed that man of Belial, Guy beer' o' the valley, sergeant," said Judihli, in a ing, that but now fled from hence? A lie, cracked voice, and with a highly instructive though it promise good, will do thee harm; manner- . and truth will do thee good at the last." " Confound the wheels o' time and the clods "Goodness gracious, Parson IIumphrey ! D' the valley ." quoth Jim Giles, in military what a sarmont you're 1 r achin' ! As for the 'age. "I see a man dash into thetroods as matter of being' skeered, you might saved we were coming' this way, and I want to know yourself the trouble of talkin' about it. The f you're holdin' correspondence with the in- Lord love ye ! do ye s'pose Betsey Grindle is my-." afear~l of a blust~ rin' little sergeant and a "'Twas a friend ob .de family, I 'spect," slow-goin' parson ?"g aid Meg, wriggling and grinning. Sergeant Giles scowled terrificall -but " It's a swift pair of heels thisit can't be over- Humphrey's countenance did not change in aken !" said Giles, stoutly, and, striking his the slightest particular. purs into his horse, dashed off in the direc- "I could told ye at fust, if you'd only ask. on that Deering had disappeared, with more ed'me, that 'twas as honest a lad as ever walk- peed than caution,.and to the no small haz- ed that left me as you come thunderin' up. ,'d of running against a tree, orbtransfixing Whfy, that was young Deerin' that used to .msclf upon a limb. IIe was absent but a come sparikin' my Niece afore tk..:ngs come to ew moments, and came back in a great men- sich a dreadful pass as they are now. Ali, al heat. Planning himself directly before me ! how the world changes! The wheels o' oody Grindle, he frowned in a sinister fash- time are rollin' us away, and we shall soon be in, shaking his finger at her mysteriously clods o' the valley" fI set ye down for a mischief-makin' witch " Woman, you either know a great deal, or e fast time I put eyes on ye, and now I've you don't know much !" cried Humphrey ot proof on't. I'll report ye, mpm, to Cap'n " A wise man knows the fool, but the fool ainford and the colonel, provi4in' he ever don't know the wise man," said Gilcs, unbend- irns up ag'in, he was good' enough to say, ing his brows a trifle. the most rebuking manner he could as- "Goodness, parson ! you look as though ae, . you could- put a whole rigiment to flight," death'serercant! you'1 scar' Miss Bessy added Judith-vho, to do her justice, took the death" " cried Meg. character of her -maiden-aunt with remarka- "Of what grave crime do you aetuse the ble truthfulness to life. "Proper glad you od woman ?" inquired the chaplain, who and the sergeant have come, for;I've got a ad ridden to the spot more deliberately, and nice little job foi you to do-a couple on 'em, pd till this moment sat gravely and silently for that matter. The fust is, to go down "Of trsepwhere you see them tall cypresses, and cut Sthi reason, Parson Humphrey Who do up about a dozen tories that are led by that au thnk, my gentleman, was' that was run wicked oreetur, Christian I'adley." in' away?'Twas the spy, sir !-'twas Deer. The sergeant began to cool, and the chap. - ~ i . OR, HIRL THE HUNCHBACK. d9 lain looked searhingly toward the cypress youi -spurs into them great hulks o' losses, growth.and fly right straight at the inemy, to cut "You're so bold, and speak up so sharp an' to slash, totbagonet an' to stick, to shoot and courageous to two lone women-one of an' to smash, to lance an' to gash, till the 'em nothin' but a yaller gal-that you're ca- 'Merican eagle flops its wings. and crows itself pab'e of anytliiu', and won't mind that hand- into fits ? Ali, if I was on'y young an' aetvve !" ful o' men more'n you would a handful o' " Brag is a good dog, but Holdfast is bet- hazel-nuts. Thea, there's Colonel Somerton ter," sneered Giles. bleelin' his life away for nothin', when he Hiri took up his musket, examined the oughter be at the squire's in bed, with a room lock, and then limped round a little, appar- full of army-sargeons round him." ently self-absorbed, or lost in some erratic fulloo wmaen, younods 11stonish me !" fancy that wouldn't let him rest. By-and-by, ." Good woman, your wore came out, or rather leaped suddenly from "Don't 'good woman' me; for the Bible this abstraction, and, turning abruptly upon says, ' there's none good-no, not one.' The Humphrey and Gis, shrieked colonel was saved, and no thanks- to you nor "Why do ye stay when oery minute is pre- the fiery sergeant, but to the Swordmaker, of cious? Back to Rainford, and tell him Som- the Santee, who brought him away from Chris- erton ist alive, and that he (Rainford) is ex- tian Hadley's camp in his cart, as fit for noth- peetedto do duty for both! Back, nd tell in' but to bury. 'Pearances are deceptive, himwto charge upon the camp of the stories in and so was the colonel." the-swamp while adley is away! Tell him " Sergeant Giles, we're stupid fellows," suid to give no quarter, but to swing the sabre Humphrey, thoughtfully. " We've been tak- without mercy; for they are robbers, mur- ing this loquacious housewife to task, and it derei's, all !" turns out that ,she has more useful informa- Th16 swordmaker paused-exhnausted ap- tion than the whole brigade. Worthy dame, parently, by his extraordinary vehemence. can you inform us where to find Colonel Som- Eaeh of the parties looked at him with sur- erton ?" p esise. The chaplain glanced uneasily toward the "Tell him, also," resumed JRd, "to send cover of the tories. By rising in his stirrups, a dozen troopers down to Squire Redmond's; he could catch a glimpse of their horses on for his house is beset, and he and his are in the margin of the canebrake. danger !" "He's about a mile from here, by the side "Are these your orders or the colonel's ?" of this wagon-road, on the right; but you demanded the sergeant, coolly. needn't trouble yourselves-Old Hir'11 look "The colonel's, answered iIirl, quickly. arter him. IIe's one o' the wonderfulest old " And if I've repeated 'em once to myself, men you ever see. He isn't handsome ; and I've repeated 'em forty times, so I could de- there's a bunch on his back most as large as liver 'em word for word; and I b'lieve I've the sergeant. What he undertakes he goes done it. I was going' to find Cap'n Rainford through with. But the wheels o' time are myself, but there won't be no need ou't now, rollin' him away, and he'll soon be a clod of if you 'tend to the business as you ought to. the valley." Don't fear 'bout Somerton, for I'll te' him to "Ile bath need of a long spoon that sups the squire's in my cart, s , is there's a chance with the devil !" quoth Giles, mysteriously. to do it. So, scamper ; ' stscamper " A shuffling step was heard, and the hunch- The chaplain rode closehioeJudith,o th back was discovered turning down the road. bending from the saddle, whispered into the He evinced no surprise at seeing the parties. great bonnet that disguised the pretty face. "1Hurry up, old man," said Giles; hurry " Can this man be trusted? Ought we to up, and open your budget !" deliver this message, think you, good woman?' But Hirl was not in a mood to hear readi- "Ie is an oracle! Follow his directions to ly, and advanced, muttering : the letter-for I know enough of him to have "Allers in trouble-al'ers! Fust it's one the strongest confidence in what he says." thing, then another. If 'tisi't neuralagy, it's "Truly, his mind seemeth greatly shattered rheumatics ; if 'tisn't rheumatics, it's agur, or and befogged; but the Lord sometimes uses some other eperdemic." - feeble instrumentalities to accomplish mighty He stopped near the sergeant, and leaned works; so I will even do the old man's bidding on his long musket. J in muchdaaste." o"Fine times these, when the sojers o' lib- While this whispered conversation was go- erty has nothing' to do but ride about. Now, -ug on, the swordmaker limped round again 'f I's one o' Somerton's dragons, I wouldn't in . circle, dragging his musket after him. be loiterin' about when there's sich an al- "My name is Hirley - Hirl for short- mighty host ,of mean creeturs to be carved. though ill-mannered people call me Old ar, Why in the name o' Washin'ton don't ye drive Deef Hiri, Crazy Hirl, and sicll. No matter,. '4 I t S's 1 E ' 7 f ;' i i' 41] f 1 i ; s71 '. 77 # 7 1 77 [ V ' i if ' { tt 1 , i 1 i F e e S* (1 { 1 'M ' ti Y ' ' y . f i s = . ' 2 t , ,' ,, 1, I' i ; ; / s 7 :7 ' . YF k a _ ,t r , tT; r '-i . "r -. I page: 50-51[View Page 50-51] 60 TI 'HE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE ; Jik1 14 f ty ,,I r ti x -4' no matter hau live jest as long for't. are not exaggerated, but when his nose is of 'Tisn't every one can put sich a temper into the flattest, his forehead of the lowest, and steel as I can, or sich an edge to a sword, or his lips of the thickest, with a savage nature sich a pint to a bagonet." to match, and a long knife in his girdle, he is "And 'tisn't every one that has sich a hump positively repulsive. The colonel was of this on his back!" said Giles, turning his horse opinion, and grew stronger in it as Jaffer drew and following the chaplain, who was already nearer, dilating his nostrils, and smelling like in motion. a hound. Somerton thought of the pistol "Ride fast, boys, ride fast, and deliver the that Henderson had dropped beside-him, and colonel's message jest as I told it to you," ad- stretching out his hand, grasped it with a feel- monished Hirl. ing of relief. It was primed. Cautiously Humphrey checked his horse, and asked cocking it, he concealed it beneath the skirt of Judith, over his shoulder, if she was safe in his coat. that exposed situation, alone ? Jaffer scented game. Lifting his black and She pcinted to the swordmaker, and said, half nude body, he peered into the pines. His with a smile: white eyes rolled Gvith sudden eagerness, for "I have a-protector." they rested upon the gold epaulettee and bright "To the death! to the death !" muttered buttons of the officer. Cunning and cupidity Hirl; and the chaplain and the sergeant gal- were instantly at work. That the officer was loped away. , wounded, he assured himself by a closer ap- proach, and so far as he could determine, un- CHAPTER XIV. armed. There was a period of doubt with nLACK JAFFER FINDS SOMERTON. the negro ; the doubt did not arise from any Somerton reflected a ,long time about his want of purpose, but related wholly to the chance interview with the man who persisted colonel's ability or inability to defend himself. in calling himself Max Henderson. He could A glance at the latter's bandaged arm, satu- not divest himself of the idea that the char- rated hair, and begrimed and haggard face, aster in which that person had been taken, settled everything in the mind of the black, was the true one ; in short, that he was a spy who now assumed a most sinister attitude. whatever) name he might choose to assume. Ie hid thrust forward a large, bare foot, laid The colonel's heart, despite his high notions his right hand on the handle of his knife, and of duty, warmed a little toward him, and thrown forward his muscular body A white tried to find reasons for his conduct. His row of shovel-teeth gleamed tlirorlgh 'two first impressions were the clearest and the inches of red lip. This animal looked apish best-for the more he speculated, the more he and horrible. There was no need of speech ; became confused. his purpose was patent all over him. Hearing some one coming, he sat up and Somerton watched him with a steady gaze, looked from his covert, thinking it might be He "saw the muscles of his arms begin to the swordmaker. But it was not ; it was Jaffer swell and quiver, and knew that lie was about who, tired of watching, was on his way back to fly at him. His pistol came from its to his lair, having reached the road by a hiding-place, and to a line with the great secret path,.trodden only by himself and a few bundle of animal in a second, and the report other runaways. Jaffer was not in good followed as quickly. There was first a roar, humor, having been twice disappointed-once then a howl, then much crashing and flound- the' previous night, once thit day. He was ering in the bushes. Somerton thought he returning, growling like a mastiff robbed of was done for, but after rolling about, and his bone. ' somersaulting a little while, Jaffer got up and At the spot where the swordmaker had went moaning away, the courage entirely stopped his cart and helped the colonel out, taken out of him. there was a little trail of blood, that had Somerton sank upon the ground entirely trickled from the latter's arm. The negro's exhausted. For a time he lost consciousness. eyes rested upon this trail, and stooping till He neither heard Giles nor Humphrey come o he resembled a great black dog, he followed go, though they passed close to his conceal- it. This was unpleasant. However brave a ment. The voice of the swordmaker was the man may he constitutionally, there are situa- first thing he sensed. The empty pistol in tions in which he may feel nervous. and un- his hand, the trampled and stained grass, and comfortable without reproach to his manhood. the bushes beaten down, assured the old man Loss of blood and weakness robs a man of a that something had happened. Re-took the portion of his firmness. Somerton ebuld not weapon and examined it, muttering- remember that he ever experienced such a "He's been here ! he's been here ! It was singular feeling of awe and repugnance. A well for' the colonel. Come, sir," he added, full-blooded black is seldom a very agreeable in a louder voice, "rouse yourself-rouse .object to contemplate, even when his features yourself! I've come arter ye,'and brought ye '' d i, i, i 't i . "( I , i s t ,! t ,s 9 03 r; i i b T OR, RIRL TIlE HUNCHBACK. 51 somethin' to put life into ye. 'Tis brandy, " Orders ?" he repeated, inquiringly. "I kurnil , take a good swig on't." have given no orders; nor have I been in a The officer eagerly drank from the flask condition to for the last twelve hours." whichIlirl hell to .his.lips. It was like drink- "Jes' so! But I remembered that you teld ing in new life. He felt a warm glow in his me to keep sayin' 'em over so I did," said stomach and blood, and presently an en- lirl, wit h a chuckle of satisfaction. "I fell couraging exhilaration of spirts. in," he went on, " with the serg, ant feller and "It's a good medicine," said the sword- the parson, and sent the whole budget by them. maker, "if it isn't used too common ; but Sez I. 'Tiw kurnil wants ye to charge right like fire, it becomes a hard master when it into the thickest of them tories, an' cut an' one gets the upper hand. Now your eyes slash, an' smite an' smash, an' lance an' gash, begin n o flash, and your heart begins to glow, till they take to their heels like a streak o' as natur' intended it. What's been goin' on ? daylight arter sundown. And tell 'em,' sez I, It looks round here as if a bear had been 'that the kurnil says, that the miscreant' (that turnin' summnersets, and bitch-poin' about was the tarm that I b'lieve you made use on) giner'ly." -' that the miscreant, Hadley, with a small Somerton sat up and endeavored to explain force, is lurkin' about Squire Redmond's what had occurred. 1 plantation, with a view to run off his cattle, "It was black Jaffer !" said Hirl, shutting and losses, and p'i'aps steal the gals, too ; an' his teeth hard together. " I hope you split you'd better send down a handful o' men to his rascally heart, for a wickeder creetur never disparse 'em.' I told 'em to tell the cap'n not run away from a plantation or hid in a swamp. to be consarned about ye ; for you'd be taken But where'd you git this leetle weepon ?" care on at the squire's soon as you could be The swordmakr twirled the pistol in his got there." - had. "I think," answered Somerton,.with a smile, That's the strangest part of it. Though "that you remember my o -ders much better you were a Yankee, you couldn't guess. It than I do myself! However, I don't really was the spy who escaped in some unac- think I could have given better ; so I'm obliged countable way from the cabin last night. to ye, Mr. Swordmaker, and hope they 'll be Yes, the very man that swain the river and obeyed." led me such a chase. Yes, the man that I "Yes ; I used to have a, famous mem'ry hunted down like a stag, and would have when I went to school. There wasn't a boy hanged like a dog, found -me here and did not could remember how many floggin's they got kill me, though he stood over me armed, and well as I could. You see, I carried 'em all in I utterly at his mercy. Nay, more, lie left my head(same as I would a sum in edition. me a weap on which saved me from the clutch- For instance: so many knocks 'cross the es of that execrable black. Now, sir, what knuckles, so many twacks over the head, so do you make of all this ?" many cuts 'cross the back, so many tweaks o' "I make neither head nor tail on't. P'r'aps the ears an' nose, and so many reg'lar dressin'- he wasn't Guy Deerin' at all, and you ketched downs. Take another leetle gulp, kurnil. the wrong dog by the ear when you caged It's jest the revivin'est thing in case o' sick- him up; though his conduct was mighty ness by sword-jabs or bagonet-sticks that was queer. If he'd been an honest lad, he wouldn't ever interduced .to the public. 'Tis, by Sa- run a step at sight of you and your drago'ns." tan !" " I'ii not sure on that point, old man. Sus- Hirl lifted the officer from the ground, talk- picion is sometimes-as bad in its consequences ing the while in his quaint way as actual guilt. The cry of 'mad dog' was "Now if you feel weak, as 'twere, 'n the fatal to poor Tray. Set you out in the j'ints o' your limbs, I'll whip ye right square field, with forty rods the start, and let my on to my bac, and take ye away, as Sampson fellows dash after you, shouting ' A spy! a trotted off the gates of the Philistines. You spy!' and you'd be likely to take to the bush, can set on my hump, if you want to, for it's guilty or innocent. I mean t. say, that the firmer nor the Bank o' England, and has al- fact of your running wouldn't be sufficient lers stuck to me, thus fur, like a brother. It's evidence to hang you." a parmanent institution, and there's no danger " Right, sir right !" said Hir, with nota- of it's slippin' down or turnin', like a saddle. ble earnestness, his mind wandering, appa- Natur' buckled it on tormented tight, I tell rently, to some other time and place. ye." "I've sent your orders; kurnil, word for Somerton laughed, and felt better for the word, as well as I could remember 'em; and brandy and the talk. my mem'ry, considerin' my age, is oncom- "'Twas a wonderful !liction at fust, 'spe- mon," he added, while Somerton was yet won- mcially when I see it growin' bigger an' bigger during at the impressiveness of his last re- every day Sometimes, I didn't know whether mark. I b'longed to it, or it belonged to me; but i,;t I'. A' ' p +'. *1 . -i 'I . , U'i I" -y.. 1 - , :mss r.....' -_.-.: ± er sa.ie .. ._ w._.. _ i r - - .. s . n : .rv. y+ ' t' _ y. .x .n ,as-.aw.: ..x.t.ewr 2 +vc+c.+xa.yy:..+w_ ba.rw ; "' '9Mwhyxi.-%dwtcWiMW.c: +y[a i+l RN iS Q! ).7+i AA uZM1t wuNxfri'Wr iu )q._ 1 YTl- r page: 52-53[View Page 52-53] TIHE SWORDMAKES OF THE SANTEE; -C. j ~F, N .fi x F 4 ~ N' OR, HIRL TIIE HUNCHBACK. 53 finally I sorter settled down under, like an ant "Stop one moment, friend Giles. The rider carrying' an egg, and Idon't know howI should should t go faster than his horse," said the git along 'thiout it now. I've had doctors an' chaplain. " Old man," lie added to the doctors; but 'twa'n't no manner o' use. Some swordmaker, "what is the name of this wound- of 'em snickered and said they didn't know ed person for whom you wantan escort? Our whether 'twas best to cut me off of it or not; force, you perceive, is small. we can ill spare and they seureely knew which part to save, if a single dragoon." they tahkld me,." 1"It's nobody but the kurnil !" cried Hirl. By this time the swordmaker had got the " Coloniel Somerton! Why the devil didn't officer to the cart, and into it. They rolled you say so ?" roared the sergeant. toward the plantation; but turned iito a by- "Nay! thou shouldst not take the name of road, just before they came within sight of it. the Lord thy God in vain!I" remonstrated "We shall have a good chance from here," Humphrey. said iirl, ' to see your drago'ns show their "Jes' so !" said Ilirl, shouldering his mus- grit and their military p'intss;and we sha'n't ket. " I know d you'd think it worth while have to wait long, neither, 'less I've miscal'- to pay a little at! ention to the kurnil, w+ho's lasted the distance. If there's anything that I out yonder in the cart, as mild as a lcmb, as like to see, it's a charge of calvary" patient as a suckin' dove, and nighabout as Somerton smiled, and regai'deI the uncon- weak. This way, you fiery dragons , Don't 'scions face of the swordmaker with interest. tread onto me with your rampaganous eree- At the expiration of half-an-hour, the clat- turs ! You se I can't gb so fast as I used to ter of hoofs announced the approach of the could when my legs was strangers to the expected party. Leaving the colonel,Hirl rheumatics. Lord love ye, sergeant, if I was ran to the middle of the road, and hailed the as I was twenty years ago and up'ard-and it dragoons as they came up 'They were led by may be nigher thirty, now I come to think Giles-the chaplain attending, as a volunteer. on't--'d buy jest the smartest erectur in the Theredwere thirteen of them, the latter in- way of four-footed hoss, that could be found eluded. in the whole length and breadth of the lanm "Hold up, so lad I cried the swordmaker, and I'd saddle him, and I'd bridle him, and addressing Giles. I'd git me a sword, and a pistil, and a gun and The king's busimas requires haste, and a bagonet, and a hoss-trumpet, and I'd run you'll lease get outh' the road, my fine old sich a rig, and blow sich blasts up an' down gentleman," replied the sergci~nt. the Santee, that the goddess o' liberty would "I like not to hearyou speak of the king's jest throw down her cap, and tread don't. I business," said the chaplain, gravely, "for would, by Satan !'' we are in the service of God, and the Conti. In making this stirring speech, the sword- nental Congress, and George Washington." maker stopped short in thepath, and got so 'Gosings, leadthe geese to water," re- excited, that he came ncar stabbing the ser- torted Giles, with great ,wisdom; "but par- geant's horse with his I ayonet. For apno- sons don't lead the dragons to a charge, nor ment, he appeared transformed into a declama- dietate to old campaigners.. Old hunchback, tory old dragon. stand from under I" "Go 'long, you old crazy-head ! You'll do The last period, of course, was directed at some mischief yct uith that toad-sticker. I've Hirl, who, planted firmly in the road, with his beerd ye talk afcre, but I never see ye do old musket, with its long, ugly bayonet, nothin'. 'Tisn't talkin', my old man-moun- seemed to dispute farther progress. tam, that gives us the victory; but the rcal "The greater haste, the less speed, if prov- give-an'-take, rough-an'-tunble fightn' that erba ye must'have !" retorted Hirl, cormpos- does the work. Toddle on, mister ; toddle on." edly. "If you'd on'y be patient, and hear The old man limped forward with such zeal, what a body has to say, afore castin' your that the parties were soon beside the cart. wise saying's into his teeth, you'd save both " How are you, brave lads ?" said the colonel. time and breath-maybe, a blunder or two. " Upon my word, I'm glad to see you ! I've I want an escort for a wounded man, as fur as had a hard time einee I was captured by Had- Squire Redmond's." ley; but, thanks to ths good' man, Im in a "Out o' the way, swordmaker! 'We can't fair way to lead you to victory again i a fcw stop for wounded men'; for our business is to days. My wounds, I toyst, arc not very se- make more o' that sort. Captain Rainford is rious." by this time ridin' full tilt through the tory "'We'd given ye up for lost at the camp," camp, and there's great doing's in the cypress- replied Giles. "Rainford felt mighty lad; brake I'm aching' to lay hands on Christian and so we all did, for that matter. The cap'n Hadley; so give us a clear course, that we said he'd s'arch high and low but he'd find ye, may sooner be at the work of crackin' skulls,' deal or alive. He was ready to huk me-"hen which is a good business when well follered." told him that we'd fell in with the hiuie!. 62 I"' back, and you's alive. . The orders you sent spirit was aroused. Ie felt mechanically for arc be i' obeyed. Before this time, Rainford hI *sword, but a twinge of' p an in the arm is hacin' away at the tore. that was wont to wield it, reminded him of "I thank you all for your solicitude on my the humiliating fact that he was wounded and account. Now, sergeant, ride down yonder; helpless. and feel of those felows in the eyDresses. fT de royvrists yielded ground, and were When you have put themf to flight, conic to fi 2~ dripven from the cypresses into the me for further orders. A,, here is Clain opcai space between them and the cane-brake, Humphrey! Humphrey, ow do yors.d-:" where they made a brief stand. Being hotly As well as the Lord wills," siid the p- ressed, and some of their number slain, they lain, grimly. "I'm a rough soldier of the ut spurs tohtheir horses, and sought safety cross and of Washington, and ought not to in flight. The grim figure of the chaplain comlain of troublesand trials that endure was observed by Somerton to be the first and but for a day ; and which will, in the end, most headlong in pursuit. bring joy and gladness. Colonel, with your "He wields the sword full better than he permission, I will charge wth the sergeant; preaches the word," said the colonel, with a for, it is my belief, that steel may be used in sniile. a good cause, and, when wielded stoutly and The old man stood grasping his musket prayerfully, put the men of Belial in salu- with both hands, his face turned with intense tary fear, causing them to look more heed- eagerness toward the scene of the affray. fully to their ways, and to keep in view the The remark of the officer aroused him. latter cd of the wicked." " Yes ; he fights the battles of the Lord in- Tte sergeant ma e movement to go. r.ight-down nirnest. See ! he is close at the "Don't be in a hurry, soger-ereeturs ! heels of Hadlay. I shouldn't wonder if he Guess I'd better make a little bit of a speech 'took the creetir' Observe that weapon o' afore ye smash into 'em." his glitter in the sv'.n ! l1\ is as powerful as Hirt mounted his cart; and holding his old the sword of the spir;' f'" the cleavin' asunder Hirne his a ahis nmusket in thie of j'ints and ma1rr, r ti.ssh and sinews. The other, sids tories have reachli the road, as many of 'em otiery drago'ns, your inemies is yonder. as are left. And now, kurnil, we'll be mov- They are wrong, and you are right. They in'. Can you set on a hoss ?" Thyt for plunder-you for liberty! There's "What hore ?" asked Somerton, dubiously. abgreat difference in your principles in the "Crazy, of e urse ! A mare's a hoss, I sight o' God, and that's everything in a fight. s'pose," replied Ilirl 'beginning to detach Remember all you've ever' herd about the Crazy from 'the cart,f while the colonel con- goddess o' liberty and the eagle a' freedom." sidered the animal with not a little distrust "The hunchback his turned parson !" mut- and uneasiness ; for, the creature's bones' tered Giles. looked uncomfortablyf'near the surface. "He might have said something not as "Good heavens!'? exclaimed the officer ; much to the point," sai. Humphrey. " the beast can't sustain my weight." "Come on, boys a" cried the sergeant, and "If ou break her down, you'll be obleeged of went the dragoons. to pay damages, that's all. She's too vally- able a creetur to be throwed away, as 'twere. But you'll find her backbone pootty toler'ble strong, I reckon. I 11 lead her up aside the CHAPTER XV. cart, and you can tumble on from the wheel. A T T E PLANTATION .If you can stick on, you'll do well enough. Somerton and the swordmaker watched the If I had a saddle, I'd offer it to ye with pleas- progress of Giles with interest. At first, he ure ; but she isn't as sharp as a knife, kurnil, was hide by trees; but presently breaking and you may find a harder seat afore ye die." cover, hie was in sight f 1bth them and the With a wry face, the colonel mounted Crazy enemy, and pressed forward at a gallop. The from the cart ; and the valorous knight of dragoons were met at the margin of the cy- La Mancha never cut a more sorrowful figure press growth by a volley of pistols and mus- on the famed steed Rosinante. kets, but dashed in upon the stories in g llant "Y our sweetheart oughter see ye," said style. The latter had had sufficient warning Hirl, with a quiet chuckle. "Hark lie add- of the sergeant's approach to mount and pre- ed, quickly; "they're at it again ; there's i pare for resistance. As the dragoons en'ere I fightin' in the road. Come on ! I'll throw the wood, Hadley cheered his men, and a down -the fences, and we'll go across the sharp conflict followed. Somerton heard with fields " impatience the shouts of tie combatants, the Somerton submitted to this arrangement, ringing o' tshres,hand o "e' oially the rever- and followed the old man with as much phil- berating sound of inus.ietry. his martial osophy as he could call to his aid. With iJ~i - kI Iz ' ! $ _VIP 1 page: 54-55[View Page 54-55] A 4 -ow.. s '. - " . . .t,'r ~~:, 'h. . .. TIE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE ; OR, HIRL THE HUNCHBACK. X r Sf '1 Hirl limping along .efore him, he crossed a as if an enemy had met him at a charge field, and found himself presently in the road bayonet. leading to Redmond's residence. " Colonel Somerton is welcome," she said, The din and confusion in the forest had with a friendly smile, anal a graceful courtesy greatly increased. to that officer. Then, in a hurried, half-whis- "Something new has happened," said Som- pered voice to Iirl "It seems that my wor- erton. " All that noise is not produced by thy aunt has been masquerading. If you Giles and his twelve men." value her friendship, or my good-will, do not, " You are right, kurnil; others have joined in any manner, refer to any knowledge you the battle Look ! the fiery drago'ns are re- may have of her conduct since yesterday." treatin' from the woods. They come this " Be at your ease," answered the sword- way! The tories are gittin' the best on't, maker, in the same tone. "I comprehend- What does it mean, I wonder?" I'll obey youi. wishes." Then, raising his " That Hadley has received reinforcements voice . "My name is Ilirley ; Hirl, for short, from his camp. Perhaps the whole nest of though ill-mannered people call me Old Hirl. them are retreating before Rainford." Deef Flirl, Crazy Hirl, and sich." "Right, kurnil! I can hear the muskets "Mt Aunt Grindle," resumed Judith, "is of your brave lads," answered the sword- eccentric in her notions, and peculiar in her. maker. .- disposition. Remember not to allude to her "But what is that ?" exclaimed Somerton, visit to Somerton's camp, nor its charitable casting his eyes in the opposite direction. object, nor her subsequent meeting with you.", " It is the advance guard of Tarleton's " Don't be afeard ; I can take a hint about legion, by heavens!" cried the hunchback, as quick as any individooal in these parts. with startling energy. You's proper skeerd about the old lady, I "Old man, you have a singular faculty of s'pose? Well, no wonder. When I found knowing the movements of the enemy," re- her, she's in as sorry a plight as any livin' she plied the colonel, suspiciously. I ever fell in with. She was scootin' about in " Hurry, kurnil, hurry, for there's no time the woods like a wild creetur, with scurcely a to lose! Them fellers restin' on the skirt o' rag o' clothes on her. Bless your soul, Miss the wood yender b'long to Tarleton, and Judith, she was nighabout tore to bits !" there'll be hot work. No tellin' who'll occu- " I was not aware," answered Judith, blush- py Redmond's house by sunset." ing, "that she was reduced to such an extrem- "We need Marion!-we need Marion!" ity." exclaimed Somerton. " Goodness gracious ! you hain't no idee "You shall have him! The sergeant and on't. Why, the tories got hold of her, and I the chaplain, with as many of the dozen as guess atween you and I, they made sad work survive, come clatterin' arter us. Well, you'll with her." need 'em as a body-guard. The best thing The swordmaker cast a sidelong glance at' you can do is to post 'em round the house to Miss Redmond, whose vexation was apparent. keep it from ben' plundered, till the day is " She's a mighty queer old body," contin- decided." u-ned Hirl. "She talked 'bout the wheels o' "You take it for granted that there will be time and the clods o' the valley, cut up the a battle." yaller gal with her switch, and made her take "I do," replied Hirl. " I know there'll be snuff for lookin' at the sogers." a battle. Already Tarleton exults in the Judith smiled. The swordmaker went on in thought of victory ; but Marion, sir-Marion a more confidential tone. and his men will rob the dog of his bone, and "You can keep a secret, I s'pose, miss ? he'll go away growlin'" Sartin; I thought you could. Well, I don't " I hope your words are pr6phetic; but if mind tellin' ye that Goody Grindle took a great Tarleton comes to the scratch, I a sure you, shine to me. Expected every minute she d old man, I'll have a hand in it. 'Though I pop the question, not knowin' that I-ain't in had twenty wounds, I would not lie in bed, the market, nor haven't been for the last thir- and hear the conflict, without guiding and ty year. You'd oughter seen her a settin' on aiding it by my presence and authority " - the cart aside me Lord ! she snuggled up to Giles and the chaplain rode up, panting, me like a kitten to a warm chimney !" with numerous marks of the skirmish on their Hirl looked archly at Judith. persons. Somerton ordered Giles to collect "'Tis false, oll man !' she retorted, in a 11s many of his comrades as he could find, suppressed and hurried tone. "Do not de- and await his further commands at Redmond's, stroy the merit of .a good action by mean and whose house they were now near. As the petty slander. I thought you were better, swordmaker was climbing the eminence on sir!" which it stood, Judith suddenly appeared be- " Yes, I am some better ; but not so better as fore him. The old man stopped as quickly I was The rheumatics and the doxology wor- ct-1%y tQ, 54 55 'ry me woundedly; but I git along very well, Judith relinquished herbplace to the chap- for the most part, with the help o' Crazy." lain, after whispering "Be cautious, sir, I fI say you slander my aunt foully !" ex- beg of you; which admonition evidently re- claimed Judith, scarcely knowing whether to erred to something previously communicated. weep with vexatio, or laugh) at the old man's "Meg! Meg! you trollop! is everything ridiculous story. She glaned at the hump ready ? Lawful sakes! He hasn't got an a- on his back, his gray hairs, and bent figure, tom o' blood in his veins, not an artom ! I do, and wondered at his sglfcomplacency. believe the wheels o' time will roll him into " She's a sharp one, is Goody Grindle ! But the valley afore we can git the lint scraped. Lord love you, what a breath !" The wounded officer stopped short on the The blood rushed tmultuously to Miss threshold, and looked fixedly at Dame Grin- Redmond's cheeks. She darted a keen, angry dle. The mystery and bewilderment that had look at the old traducer. crept into his brain, were manifestly in no "oThere's something' extr'ordiner about it, manner lessened. He glanced at Judith, then but I've alters noticed that an old maid's at Meg, then at the swordmaker, then suffered breath isn't by no means up to the markinthe himself to be conducted in by the chaplain wayo' sweetness," and Giles. --oirl squinted mischievously at his fair corn- This way, my bold Continentalers," added panion. Goody Grindle, who was clearly one of those "Now yours, Miss Judith, is like the scent persons intended on all occasions to do all tho of new-mowed hay, and flutters from your talking and bustling about, and be perpetually pootty mouth like the softest south wind." busy. "I've got the nicest bed made for him ! Judith laughed. I hope, colonel, that your gun-shot and bago- "You can both slander and flatter, old net wounds ain't mortal. But life is but a man !" she cried, flitting lightly away to meet span.'We shan't none on us be here long. her father, who was approaching to welcome The wheels o' time are rollin' us to the clods the colonel. e' the valley. We shall soon all be clods; "Colonel Somerton," he said, taking that you'll be a clod, and Ill be a clod, and both officer's hand, "everything that I have is at Britisher and Continentaler will be alike at your service ; but God only knows how long last. Dear me! lay him down on the bed and I shall have shelter or substance to offer to take off his boots. A tnh bdon'tlo ant boots my friends." and spurs on, when all the blood in h rs system ' The times are indeed troublous," answer- has been drained out of him by the rotten ed Somerton, ad, might prevails over right. tories. I hate 'em as I do saks!"m' But I trust that ,the colonists do not fight Goody Grindle made a dive at Somerton's their battles alone, and that there is One coat-sleeve, and ripped it open with a large greater than man to sustain and grant them pair of sjiears from the shoulder to the wrist, the victory." before e had time to decide whether le was "Such is my belief," replied Redmond. the subject of a hostile or friendly assault. "Here comes my aunt," said Judith, look- "Ileaven be good to us!" Whe rattled on, ing significantly at Iirl ; then, as if suddenly rolling up his shirt-sleeve. "What a ut recollecting herself, ad led.. they've made in his-white arm e " How stupid! Your silly conversation, "My good woman," said the chaplain, old man, had nearly made me forget to warn gravely, "I have some small skill in surgery, Colonel Somerton." which-" "Speak to him as I, help him from the "Well, I should think it might be very mire," replied Hirl. small, indeed !" interrupted the impetuous Judith availed herself of this hint, and whis- spinser. "You have that look. Meg! lint !" pered to Somerton, while pretending to give "I was going to say," added Humphrey , him the support of her arm. What she said with a frown, " that I had some little skill in appeared to perplex him, and he stared at her surgery, which, by the blessing of God, has in a very singular manner for a gentleman of been of great service to the poor fellows 0f his approved gallantry. Something mysteri- our brigade. If it be the pleasure of our ous had got into his mind, that he could not commander, I will even try my hand upon conveniently rid himself of. him." " Do, brother, for pity sake, make haste !" "Meg! salve !" cried Goody Grindle, with cried a sharp, imperative voice-the real a decisiveness that admitted of no compro- voice of the real Betsey Grindle. "The poor misc. In short, she dressed the arm herself, man will bleed to death afore you git him into bandaging it neatly and well; for the spinster the house. Bless us, how pale he is ! Judith, knew what she could do and what she could child, you're doin' more hurt than good. How not. The contusion upon his head was treat- do you a'pose your foolish little arm can sup- ed with equal adroitness and skill, and Som- port sich a great giant of a ontinental soger ?" erton was greatly relieved by her ministra- t- ly a: l .}7 2 1 1 h t Y " 7 Yr 2 S) i 1 1" It " } EEy I! 4 1 1 I .n ,f t 'ji i+a. aa'i... .''yes%-w.da.4c. v6..". .:.c: a: sA.at7...4=x +ai..sw+:m... ,+% caed ..w.i+.a ..i..niu" s+ss'.aa. aa ....... . - 'S 1 I i A ;t r t i ! 't , , G . P4' I i - page: 56-57 (Illustration) [View Page 56-57 (Illustration) ] r ' , 56 ti( sh in M of an th fo off las t pit ; r! his an pa ex at! rof as an dli er, of an ly pr th dri oft ${ ret Th dia nes ma Th Foi qu his Th -Col bet - wo ton S 3 l* T _ THE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE ; ons. To Humphrey, who looked grimly on, he suggested that he'd "better go and make ounds on the p'ison Britishers, and leave the omen to take care of such cases as the colo- el's." He retorted that his trade was not war, but t se name of God and Congress he oee ision- 'y struck a blow for freedom. To which iss Grindle made answer that she approved his conduct, and hoped that he would pray ad fight, and fight and pray ; for a cause at was worth praying for was worth fighting r-which sentiments tended to assuage the fended chaplain. CHAPTER XVI. IN WhiCa SOMERTON IS MYSTIFIED. Somerton was glad to be left alone. The st twenty-four hours had been with him a riod of peculiar trial and danger. He had en wounded, and in the hands of an un- tying enemy, deprived of those cares which s situation required, without medical aid, d stretched upon the cold earth in an ap- rently lying state. After a perilous and citing escape, occupying several hours, he length found himself beneath a friendly of, upon a soft, inviting couch, with kind, tentive faces looking in upon him. The vomluilitJ of the, to him, inexplicable a - crindle,*had interested at first, as well perpiexed him; but, presently, weakness d sleep overpowered him. Dame Grin- e's voice seemed to grow lower and low- and recede in the distance; the hump the swordmaker looked like a mountain in mist, so far off that its summit could scarce- be discerned ; the sergeant vanished with a overb ; the chaplain went down through e floor, or up through the roof, like a grim agon, he could not tell which ; but the form Judith Redmond now came, now went, now urned and floated around him fantastically. he soldier slumbered. The old-fashioned l marked three hours of time. The dark- ss of night had set in., A crash of musketry ade Somerton start suddenly from his sleep. .e sound called him to duty and to danger. r a moment, he believed himself at his arters, in camp, beset by the enemy. ' Mount, boys! mount, and at them !" he uttered . A soft hand was laid upon his brow, and head pressed gently back to the pillow. .e clouds of sleep were dispelled, and the ntinental officer beheld a fair creature endingg over him. " Is it you? Is it you ?" he murmured. " Yes, it is I," said a soothing voice. "Alas! fair girl, you will make more unds than you will heal!1" sighed. Somer- n. " You are pleased to be as gallant in lady's bower as in the field," answered his charming nurse. " I am a soldier, and have not learned the follies and flatteries of the courtier. My life is an earnest and precarious one, which the vicissitudes of my calling may at any time shorten. I have neither leisure nor disposi- tion for vain compliments. I trust I shall be pardoned when I say, that our first meeting made an impression upon me that I cannot forget." The young lady retreated a step, and look- ed at the colonel, inquiringly. " What did you observe, sir?" she asked. "That our short and singular interview produced feelings, that to me are new and strange." " Interv -A do not comprehend." His lovely nurse contemplated him as if she feared he were losing his senses. "Do not distrust my prudence, Mss Red- mond. I will keep faithfully your secret; but it pains me to the heart that your visit had not a worthier object. I hope it was pity alone for a human being in distress, that con- ducted you to one condemned to death, and branded with deserved infany." Somerton's voice was low and earnest ; lie watched Miss Redmond s couintSnace with feverish anxiety. "Be quiet, sir; your mind is distempered. Believe me, all that you are saying is but a dream. - This. to my knowledge, is the first time you ever beheld me." Miss Redmond had the manner of perfect truth. Somerton's countenance changed. " I am sorry," he said, with a disappointed air, " that Miss Redmond should fear to trust me, and resorts to prevarication with one whose honor should not be doubled by her." "I assure you, sir, that there is some mis- take," she said. ' Mistake ? Impossible ! If I dreamed all this, I am dreaming still. The dream must have commenced at my quarters, at the mo- ment when you came to request permission to see the spy, Decring. The illusion went on when Deering denied that he was Deering. The burning cabin, the surprise, the man riding at my side, my capture, my wounds, my sufferings, my escape, were all of a piece, and arrant deceptions each ! Pray, Miss Red- mond, may I not be permitted to believe that you are real, and that this scene belongs to the waking part of my existence ?" The colonel raised himself on his elbow, and fixed his eyes piercingly upon the chang- ing countenance of Miss Redmond. "You-you confuse me beyond measure. I know not what to say ; but rest assured," she added, with some hauteur, "that I never ;=. 0 zj T 5 1 s l 1 f I i ki + t t f t 1 G i k 1 1 1 8 f j f i F 4 F E . e i '' t t 5 . 1 4 q _S 1 3 '" .' t ._... ,,t + ' } , i _ 5 i .- t 7 1 X -r .... __:=w! .s APF!o"3. ; 4R }1 tlY na .°."_w '". %s.. ar xLY3C::,FM .. v i _ y ~ .v . ,, . , ry 1 - - --- - - jz.x Au II i ,I (I f I /L -' - , 2 : page: 58-59[View Page 58-59] OR, HIRL THE HUNCHBACK. aI I II visited Colonel Somerton's quarters for any purpose whatever, or at any time in my life. This conceit comes of fever and pain." "I am mad, perhaps i" answered Somerton, with an ironical smile. "It is not singular that your mind should wander somewhat after the scenes throutch which you have recently passed," observed Miss Redmond, quietly. "I am mocked.!" " Who mocks you ?" "Deering, the swordmaker, Dame Grindle, and you ! Yes, you, you mock me !" exclaim- ed the colonel, impatiently. " Nay, nay, good sir ! Be patient, and all shall be as you say. If it be your pleasure, I will assent that I have been anywhere you wish. Be good, and take some of this liquid which my aunt has prepared for you; it will benefit you, I am sure." " I am neither delirious nor wandering," replied Somerton, with empressement, " and I will spare you the trouble, my dear young lady, of treating me as if I were such. Par- don me, let me understand you. You were not at my quarters?" "Consequently, e was no interview be- tween us?" There was not." "You deny the whole transaction?" ,"I deny what you affirm." "Then, by Heaven, I am mad !" cried the officer, with vehemence. There was another crash of musketry near- er than before. The house shook-the panes of glass rattling in the sashes. The well known dissonance aroused the colonel's mar- tial ardor. "That volley was fired by my dragoons!" be said. "There is a fierce engagement not far from here. I must fly to my brave fel- lows. Lend me your arm. Give me my coat and sword !" "My dear sir, you are wounded; you can- not mount horse or wield weapon," remon- strated the young woman. I can do both! This couch is a bed of thorns while I can hear my dragoons at work, and not be with them." Thc officer sat upon the bed, his feet rest- ing upon the floor. le stood up and found himself weaker than he had expected. "I will compromise with you," said Miss Redmond. " Here is my father's dressing- gown y put it on, and I will assist you to a window, where you may see as much of the conflict as the darkness will permit."' "I believe I am in your power, Miss Red-. mond, and I surrendered at discretion ; only substitute my coat for the gown-for I hate *dressing-gowns. The sleeve is cut open, but you can pin it. You comply. Thank you, miss ! How deftly you women handle us awkward fellows." " You love your buttons, colonel, as well as a young girl her mirror. You are sure you are quite rational? You won't harm me?" Miss Redmond, with some lesitation, as- sisted him to a window that looked toward the Santee. "IIHarm her !" muttered the officer, as he walked by her side. "Fear not," he said, raising his voice. "I am rational, and truthful, also," he added, in an aside tone. The young woman heard him, and seemed to feel the implication deeply. From the window, Somerton beheld an ex- citing spectacle. Some barns and several negro huts had been fired, and the flames lighted up with vividness the space between Redmond's residence and the river, which was now the scene of a fierce nocturnal conflict. Parties of horsemen were seen charging this way and that, sometimes in the full glare of the flaming buildings, at others in the faint and more distant gleam of the fiery illumina- tion. There was a dropping fire of muskets and pistols, while sabres clash d, and the re- sounding notes of bugles rolled across the field. The combatants swayed and wavered to and fro. Now the tide of battle flowed his way, then ebbed back with a sudden im- pulse. Half-naked negroes were seen run- ning to and fro in the foreground of the fight, and riderless horses dashed frantically from the melee. Sergeant Giles, the chaplain, and a few armed blacks, with a half-dozen dragoons, constituted the sole guard and protection of Redmond and his household. Dame Grindle's voice was heard admonishing the slaves to stand'their ground, and do their duty, on pain of after penalties. Colonel Somerton looked out upon the. chaos of battle a few moments in silence. "What do you make of it ?" asked Miss Redmond, timidly. "Rainford is engaged with the headlong Tarleton. Those, are his fellows in the bright coats. They are better fed and clothed than our lads, but not so hearty. I hate scarlet coats! There is a sort of vanity in them that suits John Bull, but which I can never for- give." "The dragoons are giving ground ; they are being overpowered by numbers," said Miss Redmond. " Yes, they are yielding ; but they dispute every inch as they go. There! ~that was Rainford's shout ; he hurls his dragoons once more against the heavy ranks of the enemy. Now, there is hot work ! They slowly re- treat, pressed backward, by the solid masses of Tarleton's legion. How vexatious to be ~ 4( ~ .~j k.. , ' A l n M".'"'^'"- * e .,It . l TK 59 I, I' 'O t~ i } t q ,. a page: 60-61[View Page 60-61] 1. THE SWORtDMAKER OF THE SANTEE ; OR, HIRL THE HUNCHBACK. 'I.i "It It n x1 C .a here, when I should lead yonder! See ! the " How fiercely the battle rages !" cried the tide of battle flows toward the wood. They young girl. " The redcoats have not even have fired more huts. Who said Marion found time to plunder the premises." would come to our aid? Some one said so. "Hark!" said Somerton. "I hear the ', I remember! 'twas the swdrdmaker. The crackling of flames !" old man knew not what 'he was saying. If "It comes from the burning stables," she ' N help arrive not soon, all is lost ! Some of the replied. royal troops come this way. There go their "It is the house !-it is the house !" ex- pistols at the sergeant and his handful of men. claimed Somerton. Those negroes begin to fly at the first shot., At that moment, a musket-ball -shattered a Slaves are poor fighters. The sergenrit and pane of glass, and passed-through a scarf that his men draw their heavy sabres. Note the the young woman had thrown over her shoul- chaplain! He chafes like a war-horse under ders. Despite his wounds, Somerton sprang. the curb bit. Giles is as good at the sword- up and drew her from the window. exercise as at proverbs. He rises in his stir- " It were sad," he said, "if blood like thine rups and dashes at the red-coated rascals be shed in this .conflict. Come ! let us go. with a cheer. Gallantly done, sergeant, gal- How silent the house is, save that ominous lantly done ! My sword, Miss Redmond-my roar. I have not heard a footstep within sword !" since we entered this apartment." "'The stables are on fire !-the stables are "It is a dreadful night! , Yes, we will go. on fire !" exclaimed Miss Redmond. How close the air is!" The smoke of battle and of the burning She opened a door, and they passed into a buildings hung like a black canopy over the hall; it was full of smoke; they were forced plantation, as if to shut the terrible scene back into the room they had left. from the eye of Heaven. The glare and con- "The window !-the window! Let us es- fusion and clangor, the tramping of horses, cape by the window !" said Somerton, to the shouts, groans,'and imprecations of men, whom excitement had given momentary all conspired to render the spectacle fearful. strength. Miss Redmond approached it and ] Somer'ton was much excited ; he beat upoi drew back with a shriek. Black Jaffer stood his breast, crying: .-upon the outside, with a long knife in his "'Oh, for one hour of Marion ! The thun- hand, and a frightful grin upon his apish der of his brigade would be musie! - This face. An apparition more grim and threat- sight makes me dizzy. Where are you, Miss ening cannot be imagined. Even Somerton Redmond? Give me your hand. The lights recoiled. His breast was swatlred with a are gone out." coarse strip of cloth, which was stained with The colonel put his hands to his head, and purple spots. Somerton remembered, with a his fair companion, seeing his condition, has- shiver, his adventures with the brutal crea- tened to place a chair for him, into which he ture the -'previous morning. He weaved his A sank, quite senseless, weapon, crying: "Burn! burn! burn!" A strong light from the blazing stables -- bathed the face and form of the black giant, rendering him the most fearful spectacle of CHAPTER XVII. the night-revealing, as it did, in his heaving L O VE AND F IFRE. chest and working features, the demonic The colonel revived presently, and asked passions that possessed him.. h hs trembling companion: ," Jaffer ! Jaffer! let us pass !'"'implored the f "What do theynow ?"' girl, holding up' herhands to the black. The sergeant is driven away, and- our "Burn! burn! fire in dis corner--fire in friends are cut off from the house. A guard dat ; fire 'bove-fire b'low ; fire on roof-fire 1 placed over Aunt Grindle and my sister, in de cellar ! Burn ! burn!" and my father is fighting side' by side with le laughed like a devil. Giles. But they cannot break through the "Doors fast-rooms full o' smoke-choke, thronging ranks of our enemies. Oh, sir! smother, die! Jaffer will have revenge !" wawilbecome of us ?"1 "Miscreant!" cried Somerton. "Begone, Miss- Redmond wrung her hands with an- or I'll throttle ypu !" guish, and turned anxiously to Somerton. Jaffer chuckled, and waved his weapon Her dark hair hung disheveled around her triumphantly in the red glare. Thre was no pale face;she was the picture of beautiful answer to such pantomime ; it was dire and e sness. final. The wounded officer tried to rally his "My God !" groaned Somerton, "I never strength to save her nd himself, knew what helplsness was beore. Miss "Can we not fly? Can we not escape from. Redmond, I would die for von : but, alas! I the rear of the house ?" he asked, quickly. cannot save you. Iad it 'not been for me, " I "M._ i,, . A-!s r'" i1ta- - L ns . a A ... A. 0 -~1 61 you might have escaped. Lovely girl, I have blazing roof teblindting flame c t involved you in my own fate." bmakei rog the falseood. "Let us not yet despair ; there may bWhim shore this fai temple be sullied other ways of escape. If you are strong -th lel9 hiwords that involuntarily cs- enough, follow me," she answered, with heroic ewith i alie "weodta ol arysps.. courage.caehilps "Strong !" repeated the colonel. "I have " I am true ! I am true !" she said, in a the trength of a madman; cnedbut for this faint and scarcely articulate voice. tltedgh arm woudand onde black " Name it not in this fearful hour. 'We are Satiae lim I~ would red1one doomed ! It is written that we shall die to- Togtler they sprang from theroom. The gether ; the solemn ccretal is laid an«ay with las Tobete they spa, aso the eft itas the the records in the archives of fate. It dors last object they saw, as they e The words not thrill me with anguish and dfsy 'ai, for I " Burn! burn !" followed them like the hiss- shall go hence with an angel, whlo will lead wings of a serpent. They fought their way me to the door of Paradise." through ofh skent. hey fhal;tere w "Forbear ! foibear !" in plorcd il o young egress-the doors were locked, l te no irl in a pitvioving voce- "31re is a had said. -there was a flight of steps lea ing mistake-a fatal, fatal'mistake ! I ani i et-I to the upper part of the house. am not-" "Let us up!" said the colonel. "Surely The roof creaked and trarbled ; the wind, " Le hsup " sid te clonl. re y 1 * thru hthe iderens te fire had there must, be'a window above from which we rushing through the wide rentst fr had may east ourselves. Any death is better than aad, drove shatftsiOlf.imeagdhwith 3en this.",nh il lesri~ erwt ~spr thi-s. edmoxd was nearly overcome by the son, and his ga'mmnts withered in the intense sn.f ed.ting fumes that every instant rushed 'heat. le scarcely felt Iain ; the irs1'irrtion sot and choking intoheer lungs. Somerton of love raised him atoee suffcrirg. threw his left arm around her, and assisted " My life," lie aeid, " is nct in myself; it is her to ascend the stairs. Both were obliged inot thee l only the Sec re so m to pause a the top. nt;Ife nyte.~rbs uha "'Which way ?-which way " asked Mss thy smallest finger,ir.d m'N fksh sh all suffer.' "edmond fanty. ?a " We are dying!" she mmn mid.- "You "Any way with thee, Judith !-any way must not die in an rcrror. I1 n I with thee " " Error ?" intcrruptcd Smertcn. "Ilove "Judith?" she repeat; "Judith ? Ah! thee! How can there be en crier? It is a he-he--" sudden passion, 1but dep, dqecp, and; change- Whtevr she itedlad raesd as no weigh S1he attempted to raisE erTelf to ,Teply, Whtvrsewudhv adwsntu-ls "I-fterd ; she fainted, anct rested a d hIer to- t he he t and smoke eenlqucr dtbe) 3 i11 on the arm- of Soinerton- lie carried hrt-btteha n mk ogec c~il ward a window, but the eat cracked the and put out the sweet candle of hr ecrselous- glass, and the flames darted' through it be- ness. Whatever the thought that agitated forces, adched it.ame drtreatd rouhe roof her, it wi's likely to perish ora icsscd- blaed an tremled .er histread looking somerton was n~dcwzd with a str'onge te- ehblazed and trembled over his hea.r and the nacity of life. his wounds no lorgr troubled up, he could see th burning like tinder. Thestairs were him. 'The soul within was str;'nger bm lfcsh by this time on fire. Jaffer had done his and fire. -le breathed in the emoke uhcre wor thortioufre. Jafer feard to de- another would have dicd or sunk irsensible, work thoroughly. Somerton fearedf'oMiss to beecaught up by the ip rms ni r dcoured. scend them lest the light drapery ofb Mis toe caughi coath fid wrapped itvothe Redmond should be seized upon by the pctorer off his i coat and wraped etabout the flames, and the catastrophe hastened. ti person of is eand. e i-at the drew his helpless burden to a window at the dragon with ahis hands forle foug t thefmomint end of a corridor. To his consternation, it dragon ae, t nh fo ter ' n Eerrg rof. was latticed -with stout oaken bars; it tdilie 11pced hise ao h to the ati ceid hotof been thus secured to repel enemies\ Ile tried lepae1 i ot o h sto idsot to force off one of the bars, but it obstinately erith d strugg dand r 1h theis throat;ihe defied his strength. He plunged his' hand wrtectoru and wle dthrIw himself through the lattice and broke a pane of glass. of proectionor his o elnfovted thren asealof Fresh air rushed in and revived the young ire, and was tossed to and fro on the hot bil- woman. ",We shall not part company," murmured lowus.th fom f Somerton. " I shall perish with the woman I Tiere were huried stps;1 te inot e love." Deiitesy emdt lneit h The recollection of her denial of a palpa- fiery element and bear him away. YEs, i ble fact, flashed like lightning through his was Deering! That thought was ,strongly ry .+' 'r i' { ,. , 2 . f tt I - j ! tt (; 1 , ,a ii M, ; '-_ . t ;, 2Ij Y 7 l ( I l t 1 . y( I c " t' f f .f 1 i. 1' f I e h' t ' !j , i Sr , f tt 4 i t , , t c. ,t, r I ' } . T ,{ f 1 r, r ; r" " 1 a ,_ _ 7 ,., _. ._... _ ........ _....._.._.,. low" aY .i ,',...bFYI.- ' weiuej .m.rs Warr:=,C-".iJ an.b. .o..y..aii+. 4i ! +a.atr L.sw.,..xiw; y.- - ' i page: 62-63[View Page 62-63] 62 THE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE ; r f f r t i t A r a - t defined. The man'was invulnerable ; he part- "No, no! I loved her at our first t- ed the blazing sea with his arms as he had ing." oameet- parted the waters of the Santee. He tried to "At your first meeting I" muttered the articulate the name of his companion, and to swordmaker. break from his arms. Then eame'darkness- "When she came to gain admission to the then black phatasies-then rest--then a gasp- spy..", ing, fluttering, fluctuating sense of existence. "Did you tell your love ?" The first object he saw was the swordmaker. The old man did ndt speak as usual. His "Where is she ?" he cried.' voice was less shrill, less in control. 'Who ?" demanded the swordmaker, hoarse- "it concerns you not, good man. I have .\. uttered many wild things, since the sun went "Miss Redmond! Judith -- Judith 1" an- down. I scarcely know what I have said." swered Somerton, hurriedly. f 11"And she ?" Was she i the build ?" asked Hirl, in "She ? She is a saint !" agasisgdoardc yes.iTrue, true ! But one saved, and that not Ye, ot fd-yes. This is dreadful !" Judith. But stay!1 stay?! there may behp The colonel arose to his feet. yet.ehope "tWhere are you going ?" asked Hirl, de- With these words the swordmaker darted taming him by the arm, away toward that part of the field where the "tTo perish with her I" he replied, with de- conflict could still be hoard, though gradually termination, receding, leaving Somerton alone. "Have I lived and hoped for this ?" ex- claimed the swordmaker. " The roof has fall- en. Too late-too late to save her !" CHAPTER, XVIII. " Then I will cast myself into the burning WHICH SOLVES A CERiTAIN MYSTERY. pile. I swear to you that I will not survive Somerton was till in an exposed position. her"O mOccasionally a horseman crossed the space "0 misery ! 0 torture " muttered the old between him and the burning mansion, whose man, bending lower and lower beneath the red coat sufficiently indicated to which party weight on his back and the heaviness of his he belonged. However deep the colonel's sor-, soul. Perhaps," he stammered, "you-you row, it did not overcome his instinctive dread loved her ?" of captivity, or extinguish his inherent love of "I did, old man! Where is he who saved liberty. He moved into the bushestbehind mec? Bring the villain hither. The wretch ! him, as much to avoid the sight of tbe tot- to take me and leave her !" tering walls of Rcdmond's house, as the too "Were you together ?" asked Hirl. near approach of an enemy. le saw, a few "Together, old man I What power on earth yards distat; a negro hut, which, sheltered could part me from her in such a moment? by trees, had escaped the general destruction. I shielded her from thd flames ; I covered her- He hastened toward it, for he longed to be with niy garments and my person; I battled alone, where he could abandon himself for a the fire with my~ naked hands. Speak, dotard, time to those emotions that asked indulgence. speak! Who saved me ? I will kill him for The door vas openhewena nugeheed his kndnes !"a spectacle that more than surprised him- The swordmaker staggered to a tree, and that for a moment caught away his breath supporting himself by the trunk, seemed to and volition. The fair girl who had shared weep. He raised his head presently, and an- his danger-the terrible peril of that night-. swered : was reclining upon a rude scat, supported by " A strange man dashed through the smoke Goody Grindle. and flame, and saved your life at the risk of Somerton clung, gasping, to the log-wall, his own. le came forth scathed and blistered by no means certain that te was not the sub- by the fire !" .yn en eti hth a o h u- "His name-his name ject of a tantalizing dream. "His nam -hi na e?"["0 M iss Redm ond !" bhe exclaimecd, when "I noticed not his face," said Hirl. he could master his voice. "Is this indeed "A singular conceit crossed my brain ; I real ? It is too, too much jo Is" thought it was Deering, the spy." He staggered forward and took her hand. Why should 'he wish to save an enemy?" Yes, it is I I am saved! But you-I queried the hunchback. have suffered for you, thinking you lost. My "That is what perplexes me. Alas, fair friend, through what a scene we have pasd !" Judith ! Old man, you know not how this she answered, in tones so hurried and tremu- mournful calamity affects me." ous as to be scarcely intel igible. "Peace !" cried Hirl. "Think yours will "I had sworn not to outlive you ; I came be the onlyheart wrung by this grief? There here to weep for you, and to die! But God may be others who love her better." gives me the cup of joy, and His hand draws I °r r ,_ _ '- ' .1 Y OR, HIRL THE HUNCHBACK. me back from the gulf of Despair. 0 Ju- she was woundedly put to it for something to diThat name again " murmured Miss Red- m Id 'st let Somerton's dragoons back at od. T n! awhile with their sabres. But we a'n't all nPardon, pardon the familiarity I My alike. Some has the gift o beauty, and some gladness is such that I cannot restrain myself are flung together most any way, as if only to the unmeaning conventionalities of life," for temporary use. Dear me ! I can hear the replied Somerton, sinking at her feet through fat's going' t become youfeel ow,chidonly weakness anid emotion. Wa' on't eoeof us,te od ol w e faints -miowfearfully e is burned! knows! hEvery 1ng fallsdon me, and alleys And for mne-for me, whom he mistakes-for did.Thr'nodytdoorsynti' for me, who am unworthy." but m blessed self'. 'Weub, colon 1, you arc e msordaku sod atthe door, but Som-, urned, I do declare. uthy, for oodOus erton did not see him. dd' o ootwe o on h os "iloity toity !-stuff and nonsense! There's as afire? Jaffer there'? A runaway ! He other things to be thought of. The British- hasn't forgt at cuttin e at '1b er8 are up and doin', and bagonets and butch- a ong whi doe he dow so he on cry pervails through the land. Barns are wrath ;' and I don't care how soon he finds afire, housen are burnin', women and cliii- himself among the clods. I vow I don't know dren are fbu in' and cryin', the Continentalis what I shall do for 'intment ! Not a salve are in full run, and Liberty trembles in the nor a doctor-stuff of any kind can I lay hands balance! There's good lads and true dying on.' Miss Grindle," on the field, with neither mother, wife, nor Trouble not yourself, good s re, sweetheart to close their eyes. Lord ! Lord ! said Somerton. d I sh t oe oarse what a world it is ! The wheels o' time are garett u n n sald eleog. rollin' and' rllin' us, and we shall soon bea to1Dame G dlel in a trice, and thout any clods o' the valley." afcaino ~iny lpe f lne cYour garments are charred, your hands petticoat; and, before the colonel had divined blistered, your arms blackened and wounded her purpose, it was thrown over is head, and ia your unequal conflict with the fire !" cried she was tying the stout'trings close up under the young woman. " 0 good aunt," she his arms. The effect of this novel costume added, "here is work for you. Hasten to as- was irresistibly ludicrous.1MissaRedmond aist him." and the swordmaker began to aug1; an "Dear groodness ! how hard you look at Somerton, after surveying himself with a each other ! I do believe there's been shilly- doubtful expression, was forced to join in their shallyiu' and love-makin' atween you two- merriment. even when the wheels o'time were revol you "Really, Miss Grindle," said that offer, away, as it were, by fire. What puts sich no- deprecatingly, "I much doubt whether this tions into young folks' heads, and makes 'em becomes me." cares co forgit that they're born to die,, that life's oil-u"LodItmwh aest, tcoo n? iece, stand sartin and death sartin, and that the subluna up and let m have that coat under y It's rys anid temporal are transitory and f hdin', his, aand I'll die if 'tisn t! lie was fool' and don't last long, spin 'm out as you will eugh to pull it off and put i oy Lawful goodness! what a snarl we're in! wasn't h a ths ow le and wood Here we be mixed tip with guns, pistils, burn? Well, that's jest like a man! I won- swords, and bagonets, losses and riders der the wheels o' time don't roll 'em all away, margin', and fighting , and cutting , and worry- they've got so little judgment. What a rag it in, carnage and bloodshed, burnin' huts, is! This 'counts, child, for your coma' out houenandbars, estucton ' popetywith a whole skin. It saved that doll-face and house, and barns, destruction property, neck, and them, baby white hands. But I'll love, and liberty.". nca 'ht'rtetiot:t'lsw F" Jes so, Goody Grindle-jes so," said the pin it on right over the petticoath:it'- show swordmaker, from whose features all traces of what his rank is-which is sometin'-if he emotion had vanished. "1As I've-said afore, should be taken prisoner.said Hirl, "1it's'ma- if I's on'y younger, and had less responsibil- ' ' iGoy aide, it' 'a- ity iy ry shuldes "zin' eur'ous, Goody Grindle, that' a handy Call things by their right names, Mr. body like you never got married. Seems to What's-your-name ; for there a'n't an artom me you could fell afoul of somebody that would o' sense in calling a hump a responsibility," had ye." interrupted Goody Grindle, sharply. Marry come up! that I could ; and they "Donit make sport of my infarmity," piped hadn't Christmas pudding's on their backs, nel- Hiirl. "Natur' put it there, and I've got to there poor man can't help it, aunt," sug- bear it." t ge poor mnd. "If Natur' put it there, I must say, that gested Miss Redmond. Y f t 4 , . + rI d 1 t r {- t" SsSS ;) ! IAWs Sp ' { ~3 t ,rv . " A , 1 _N . ,}n.aaw ... w. .w++ atM .'% 'WRt1:.r(.,VTLM1MRwC M f^M.JlDT9V4h'R'Y.tT W1sM. .n'+.1 .%. ..Y, .+ ."N " n4 ..v . " ""_ .v , ". 1 T-T: page: 64-65 (Illustration) [View Page 64-65 (Illustration) ] THE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE, 0 " I didn't say be could, chit! But he could have it amputated. I'd have my revenge on't, I'll warrant, if I had it. I'd set the sar- geons at it, slap dab." ' "It involves the spinal column, aunt," said Miss Redmond. "1Who keers for the spiral column ! I don't. It's Tarleton's columns that I'm afeerd of. Poor Judith! I'm worried e'enamost to death about her." "Judith ?" repeated Somerton, inappre- hensively. " Goodness, Miriam! here's more'n forty holes in the back of your gown. Stand up, and let me pull it into shape. Odds my life ! how cur'ous! Here's a 1,ttle strip round the waist as fresh as when it dome out the draw- er !" Miss Redmond blushed ; Somerton's arm had puduced that phenomenon. "Miriam !" echoed the colonel ; "Miriam !" "What ails the mau that he keeps repeatin' things like a Igrrot? Lord, niece! why do you tremble so ?" "I tried to tell you," stammered Miss Red- mond, greatly agitated-" I attempted to in- fori you that I was not Judith, but Miriam." "NotJudith, but Miriam!" echoed' Somer- ton, dubiously. Then a joyful light broke .over his countenance. "-Forgive me! oh, forgive me ! Before Heaven, I meant not to deceive !" protested Miriam, hiding her face. " The deception," ans-vered Somerton, " was my own. Forgive you? Angels do not sin." " There isn't an angel in the thirteen colo- nies !" affirmed Goody Grindle. " I must differ with you, madam," replied Somerton. "How ludickerous to stan' talkin of angels in a woman's flannel petticoat ! Neither of my nieces are angels, and they won't be, in a hurry-though I've seen worse-lookin' gals. She'd got her wings scorched to-iight if she had been, Miriam would. They do look mon- strously 'like ; and if I's a man, I'd lief make love to one of 'em as 'tother. Much as I can do to tell 'em apart. It's the fortinest thing in the world that this one squints a little. I should be bothered to death to 'stinguish 'em if she didn't." .h " Squint, aunt!'* Miriam looked at Goody Grindle with some- thing like consternation. "I haven't observed anything of the kind," remarked Somerton. "Noticed it the fust time I seen her. The gal's eyes are a good 'eal,out o' plumb-some- times," corroborated Hirl. "-Go 'long, you old camef" retorted Dame Grindl'e. "Child ! child ! vhat makes you tremble? What is the matter? Colonel Somerton, what have you done to my niece?" " I have done what mortal man may be pardoned for doing," he answered, with a warmth and earnestness that appeared quite uncalled for to the practical aunt. " I fear," said Miriam, " that I have forfeit- ed your esteem." She looked timidly into his face. " Pardon me, dame," replied Somerton ; and, stooping, whispered in Miss Redmond's ear : " I swear to you it is the happiest mistake of my life ! Be assured-be calm. Judith is, perhaps, beyond my reach; but you, you I- may hope for. God has not left me to de- spair. "There !" said Betsey Grindle, dryly, "I can understand the phenomeny of the gown not bein' burnt around the waist !" CHAPTER XIX. DEB HADLEY'S CABIN. We return to Judith, whose sudden and continued absence had created the greatest alarm and anxiety among her friends, who hailed her return with joy- after she had been escorted by the swordmakcr within a' short distance of the house. In answer to the hurried questioning of her father and aunt, she said that she had been to 'Somerton's camp; to carry a few ar- ticles of clothing which Miss Grindle had pre- pared for the use of the soldiers ; and her ab- sence would scarce have been remarked had she not unfortunately become lost in the Pine Forest, where she passed a night of perplexi- ty and terror, from which she had, been re- lieved by the friendly interposition of Hirl, the Hunchback. She did not of course refer to Deering ; and therefore, the real design of her visit remained a secret, as well as the dis- guise she had assumed. The times were so fraught with adventure, so crowded with stir- ring events, that the members of her house- hold found little time to rebuke her rashness, or talk of the risk she had incurred. In those days, stagnation was unknown, and incident followed incident in rapid succession; and while Judith was yet engaged in relating such portions of her mishap as she thought pru- dent, it was announced by the frightened slaves that there was trouble in the cypresses. This, startling as it was, proved a present re- lief to Judith ; for each hurried, as 'by one impulse,-to'-positions from which they could best observe the conflict. Then came Somer- ton to make a new diversion, and put the phi- lanthropic fingers of Aunt Grindle to active service. That officer, having sank into a slumber, as duly mentioned in the order in which these events occurred, Judith availed herself of the temporary lull of indoor ex- citement, to seek that rest which her weary and worn condition rendered imperative, while t~i 0I 0 to 64 i, t t 5 3 j i Iz I i 7 'i 1l S {} . 3 "niy's K,.j.h t ". - _ r r! S r ri S - :1 I ..- I - - _ 9 page: 66-67[View Page 66-67] I . -v Y rr I 1 +Ts x r her sister, Miriam, was left to watch at the bedside of Somerton. The din of battle aroused Judith, banished the idea of further repose, and caused her to hurry with the other members of the family to learn the reason of this new and more thrill- ing interruption. Soon the huts and barns began to burn ; and she beheld the same startling spectacle of warring horsemen and flashing steel that Somerton and his fair guardian witnessed from the window. Judith and Goody Grindle were standing upon the lawn at the left wing of the mansion, when the attack was made upon Giles and his hand- ful of dragoons. She was clinging to that decisive lady, watching with filial interest the emotions of her father, who, mounted upon a fine horse, had joined the sergeant, with such of his slaves as he believed would be of use, when she was unexpectedly seized by rough hands, and with Dame Grindle and Meg, hur- ried to a distance from the house. When the dragoons began to fall back upon the wood, -and the scale of battle seemed no longer doubt- ful, Dame Grindle was released, with many jests and much merriment at her expense ; for she had acquired such a habit of talking, that nothing under heaven but a complete ex- tinction of her being could stop her, when fully launched upon the sounding sea of lo- quacity. Judith and Meg remained with their captors ; and presently the former saw, with inexpressible sorrow, the flames curling from the roof of the paternal ngansion. She thought of her sister and Somerton, and begged the ruffians around her to go to their rescue, who heard her appeals with the utmost insensibil- ity. While she was making these useless en- treaties, a man in the uniform of a British of- fieer approached. It was Christian Hadley, that to'y-leader, whose name was at that time held i} universal dread and execration by the friends of freedom. Judith knew him.; they had met before, and parted with anger on his side, disgust and ab- horrence on hers. He had paid suit to her in his rough fashion, before he had become so stained with crime and blackened with vil- lainy. More than once in the past had he placed himself in her path, and added terror to repugnance. Of late, they had not met, for he had been busy in making himself infa- mous to all posterity ; while she had seldom ventured from the paternal roof. As the war rolled nearer, and finally encircled them, her fears of Christian Hadley had grown stronger, and secretly she had long expected a visit from him at the head of his marauders. The moment of vengeance and triumph had ar- rived. The grim partisan stood before her, not to sue but to command. Judith saw exultation in his eyes, and knew too much of his character to attempt to move ,. Y4, OR, HIRL THE HUNCHBACK. f 67 him. She fixed her regards upon the burn- ing house, and affected not to notice him, al- though she was trembling at his presence. " Well, Miss Juditi, what do you think of this?" he asked, with a sneer. She gave him a haughty, indignant glance--a mute answer that annoyed him more than words. " You see the fate of rebellion and rebels," he added. "I told you long ago that it would come to- this, but you spurned the prophecy. If you'd ,taken my advice, you wouldn't be- hold to-siight your home in flames, and your household-scattered." "Infamous !" murmured Judith. - "Infamous ! 'tis mighty well, Miss Red- mond ! Your pride and scorn become you ; but both will be humbled.P " Whatever rigor or cruelty you may offer, I beg of you not to speak, but to spare me the sound of a voice that is hateful to me. To see you and to- hear you, are two misfor- tunes from which I pray Heaven to deliver me." " I am a British officer, Judith Redmond, and have the king's commission in my pock- et," returned Hadley, pompously. "Say, rather, that you are a traitor, a rene- gade, a marauder, a swamp-robber-anything but a true and honest man!" cried Judith, with a warmth of indignation that proved how deeply she felt the truthfulness of what she uttered. " Traitor, renegade, marauder, robber !" repeated Hadley, with a frowning brow. "The terms are too mild ; they fall in- finitely below my meaning," added Judith. " If I am such-a monster, you have reason to expect but little mercy from me," said Hadley, with a menacing look. " I anticipate from you all that is unmanly, dishonorable, and evil, if God does not deliver me from your hands." " You shall not be disappointed in your anticipations. I swear it!" replied the cap- tain, his face reddening with anger. " I have not tried to excite your compas- sion, for I know how vain and hopeless would beo the attempt. I put my trust in One strong- er than thou. To Him will I make my prayer and not to thee," answered Judith, impressive- ly. " I will not keep you long in suspense. Men, put her upon a horse. Two of you mount and attend me." Miss Redmond, seeing the futility of resist- ance, allowed herself to be placed passively upon horseback. She was then escorted from the scene of the late events by the captain and two of his fellows-a proceeding much against her wishes. Meg was taken up behind one of the men. - Fear had thus far kept her silent ; but now, finding her tongue, she began to bewail her fate bitterly. I 4 7 ii, r., s __ . w.. ..i+f+ +sr rim-- - - ' wa._ - ..m ,. . , . page: 68-69[View Page 68-69] OR, HIRL THE HUNCHBACK. 68 THE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE ; '1 1 't Y . 1ri f ' f 45 fJ " We's jes' the same as dead, missus ; el'ar done killed and murdered by dese yer n 'count tories !" she- said, turning a piteous face upon her mistress, who made a feeble at tempt to console her. " No use to talk dat ar' way, Miss Judith for dar ain't no sense in it. Dem yer wheels o' time dat Miss Bessy talk 'bout so much, is jes' turning' round mighty fast. It wouldn't s'prise inc an artom, if we's clods of de valle3 afore de risin' of de blessed sun. Jest t'in o' dat ! An' we's so young, too, and might live so many years, if they'd on'y let us be!' The tory behind whom she was seated, per- ceiving her state of mind, took pleasure in increasing her terrors during the remainder of the nocturnal ride, by various appalling threats and ingenious artifices. This journey lasted about an hour, and wound eccentrically through the Pine Woods by a narrow path, at the expiration of which time they arrived at a log-cabin, through the crerices of- which the glimmer of a fire could be seen. Hadley threw himself from his horse, and knocked loudly with the hilt of his sword ; which sum- mons wasinstantly answered by IL woman's voice within. "Who are ye, and what do ye want ? This is a fine hour to come disturbin' a lone wo- man, who is neutral to both parties and hasn't nobody to protect her, them as should be her defenders bein' out o' the country, and gone the Lord only knows where, for I don't, though it's caused me oceans o' trouble and worri- ment." How much longer the woman would have gone on, is pr blematical; for both lungs and tongue seemed'in excellent order for running a long time. Hadley interrupted her with : " Come, come, old lady ! Hold up and be- lay ; you're wasting a good deal o' breath, for it is I that knock." "Is it my son Christian ?" she demanded ; and instantly there followed a rattling of bolts and bars, and the door was opened. Judith had felt somewhat encouraged when she heard a female voice ; but when its pos- sessor stood before her, her hope in one, of her own sex receivegl a shock. Mrs. Hadley was not a model of feminine beauty, -being of a large and masculine frame, with an abundance of bone and muscle,- prominent cheeks, a large nose, gray eyes, eyebrows, and hair, and a mouth of unusual calibre, rendered less at- tractive by the lobs of most of her teeth. The united expression of the various features of her face was coarse, -shrewish, and deter- mined. - Her garment eique and striking in their comb action. Ove a red-flannel' petti- coat andt e remnant of awaist,nhe wore a nwin's coat uttoned close to the throat, which gave her a decidedly stiff and military air, .&:-- raf , T '' ".i - . ",4 .. -^ iej. iz° "w'V"ti 69 *1 r This incongruous article of dress was black, o contrasting pretty strongly with the red pet- s ticoat below, and the gray, stumpy hair above. - She held in her right hand a stout oaken stick, for defence or aggression. , " Well, -son Christian, what do you want, a and what do you bring with Tou'?" she asked. s " What have I brought, mother Hadley? t My sweetheart, old woman !" said the captain, with filial familiarity. ' "Which one is it ?" quoth Mrs. Hadley, t elevating her eyebrows, and squinting first at Judith than at Meg. " Is it the yaller or the white ?" " This hop-o'-my-thumb little woman is the f one,; but I warn you that you won't find her the most 'tractable body in the world. She's handsome and proud, and hates me, I flatter myself, as cordially as a young lady ever hat- ed her future husband," replied the captain, I making a bearish attempt at playfuhiess. " Hoity-toity !" exclaimed Mother Hadley, placing her aims akimbo, and looking sharply I at her prospective daughter-in-law. " Hate my son Christian? How dare a gal hate my son Christian ? How smart he looks in his new regimentals ! A reg'lar officer, too, in the British Armv., - Tote her in !" Judith, who had'dismounted, was now cob- ducted into the cabin, tremblin 'with fear. "You are a woman," she E id. addressing Mrs. Hadley, " and I throw myself upon your protection. Shield me from hese wretches, and heaven will' reward you for your kind- ness." " Wretches? That's what I call a sharp beginning, I vow ! Wretches, indeed! Debo- rah Hadley don't have no wretches about her primises. Lord, Chris ! what did you bring sich a baggage as this here for? I'll die if 'tisn't one o' Squire Redmond's darters ; and the' Redmonds are the rankest rebels in the country. Now, no son o' mine shall marry a rebel !" "It's no use talkin', mother ; I took a shine1 to lher long ago, and my mind hasn't been set-' tIed and happy since. I know that she scorns me, but I can't help it ; the more she disdains me, the more I'm fascinated. If I ha e her when mn, temper is up, I love her again when g own," answered Iaaley, moodily. " What a simpleton'!" muttered Mother, Deb. "And he stands six feet two inches in his rigi- mentals; and a prope' lad to look at-with' his red coat, and sword, and gold shoulder- knots! What gal, that isn't a r bel, could say No' to my son, Christian, with his sword, and red coat, and gold .shoulderiknots, and his commission in his pocket?" Whilemaking these remarks, Mother Deb was 'surveying Judith in a very critical and determined rhanner, and with a face sharper in its expression than the captain's sword. "I beg of you to teach your son-if your I ful. That his fechgs were interested in Ju- son he really be-that maidens do not marry dith, was obvious. That he loved her truly. on compulsion, and cannot be forced to ac- was another thing that by no means followed, cept husbands obnoxious in every respect- He had, to use his own phraseology, "set his much less one whose hands are stained with mind on her," and desired her more than any blood, who wars upon the country that gave other object. Resistance and disdain had in- him birth, and whose crimes are odious to creased his passion, adding to it an angry and mankind." resentful vehemence strangely and paradoxi- Mother Deb was extremely shocked and ex- ally spiced with a wish to humble and con- ' asperated at this rebellious 'disposition, and it quer her. If we can imagine a man both lov- was some moments before she could give ut- ing and hating, at the same time, the tory par- terance to her feelings. tisan would approach nearest to that character. "This before my face !" ,she screamed. His maeuhine mother watched him with " This to my son Christian, with his red coat the eagerness of a tiger anxious for the safety and his long sword, his gold shoulder-knots of her whelp. She was watching the symp- and brave cap ! Well, it does seem as if them toms of his disease, in order to find the best that turn their back agin the king was give method of cure. over 'to all manner o' wickedn'ess. Trust her "I knew her when she was a little girl," to me. I'll take the starch out of her." said Christian, in the tone of one commencing In the abundance of her wrath, Mrs. ILd- a touching Jeremiad. She was the best- ley caught Judith by the arm and shook her. lookin' in the whole country, and her manners This indignity had the effect to arouse Meg were different from others of her age. I fixed from her imbecile stupor of fear. my mind on her then, and it hasn't changed "Come! none o' dat yer !" she cried, brist- since." ling up to the virago. " Don't spect to make He paused before Judith, with an expres- her lub dat no 'count cretur in dat way, does sion dark and sinister. He frowned on her, ye? Better mind what ye 'bout ; for Mas'r as one might frown oh an enemy. Rednon'-'ll hear o' your doin's, and cut ye up "I remember, girl," he said, "your scorn right smart." of me." Mrs. Hadley made a pass at Meg with her " My son Christian," interposed Mrs. Had- stick, which she fortunately dodged ; we' say ley, "in his royal red, and his commission in fortunately, because; had it taken effect, it his pocket, should bear no gal's scorn." would have produced, no doubt, a serious " Mother," answered Christian, sternly, fracture of the skull. "you don't know what it is to be bewitched Judith, never having found herself in a like by a woman-to hate and to love her at the situation, was at a loss what to say or do. same time." The events of the last twenty-four hours had "Fudge and fnstian!" retorted the practi- followed each other so rapidly, that she was cal Mrs. Hadley. " You're gal-struck, that's quite bewildered and pushed from her mental sartin. When love goes into a lad's head, equilibrium. She was the subject of much sense goes out. How different I'd act if I's a dread and terror, but coutl not clearly realize man ! If a young woman didn't take a no- the new cordon of circumstances that hid sud- tion to me, I'd jest hold up my head-and say denly closed around her. She was aware that I wasn't in irnest, and hope she wouldn't be she was in the power of a villain, whose de- sich a fool as to think I was. That's the way sires were too well seconded by a masculine to sarvo 'em! But here you are, whini' like and unscrupulous woman. A part of the a dog with his ears fresh cropped, and all for time her mind was in such a state of chaos, the love of Squire Redm and's darter." that she could scarcely decide whether she " I thank you! Speak for me-speak for were sleeping or waking-'twas all so strange, me, good woman," said Judith. so sudden, so fraught with dreadful conse- "I am not the good woman! The good quences. Two things she desired most sin- woman lives opposite!" retorted Mother Deb, cerely : to be relieved of the presence of Had- bridling. "Look at me, you proud minx ." ley, and to rest, to, give her mind time to re- Judith mechanically obeyed, while the vira- gain its tone. go drew herself up with the dignity of a mii- tary hero. CHAPTNR XX. " A'n't I a proper-made woman, with a DAME HADLEY AND BLACK JAFFER. proper face and a proper form, and commen- Captain Christian Hadley, of the Royal sense lto match? What do you want of a America.s (for by this high-sounding title he better mother-in-law than I am ? Yotn might affected to call his band o'f marauders), 'paced s'arch the whole thirteen Colonies, and not up ands down the cabin some moments, with find another sich." steps too unsteady td be strictly military, " De good Lor' knows it !" n uttere l Meg, pondering the subject of his misplaced love, keeping her eyes watchfully on the stlck. and study ng new tactics to make it success- " These walls are mine, and this ruff over -in " A - ien'.wr+w;wawrsa sae. iu+nrr ax.++.d'i..i.Glnnno..ews, +w . ,. ". ,._ l : 1 r 1i I 1 } !1 t f I 1 t i - 1 LU' ty ,E r3 , V1 I f 1 tw } 1 I } } y f . l s t H i a E F __ - r.er' Stet . x r1 L . tit," 1 _7x J.- 1, ,, . - --A.- --- - ---' - , - . J'r - - . _- - i I s _ ^ page: 70-71[View Page 70-71] THE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE ; OR, HIRL THE HUNCHBACK. your head, and the little clearin' outside, and I " There ! that puts life into me. There's all that pertains to the primises ; and here nothing like liquor to give a man pluck when you shall stay as long as my son Christian there's mischief to be done. I always drink wants ye to stay, and is so miserable about ye. when I go to fight the rebels, or to rob their A soger and a great man is Christian ; and he stables, burn their houses, or to use rope and wears the royal red, and he fights the battles steel. I hate the Redmonds, father and aunt, of the king with the Royal Americans. Think kith and kin, all but Judith ; and sometimes of the honor, gal! Think what it is to be the I hate her. The e have been high t mss to- wife of an officer, with knots on his shoulders night, mother. Tarleton has cut up -'mcr- and a long sword by his side, with a troop of ton's dragoons ; Rednond's plantation is in jolly boys to march arter him, to tramp hither a blaze ; Somerton isdd, and Rainford has and thither, to ride to and fro, and do his retreated to the Pine Woods ; to-morrow he biddin', though the wind blow high, though will be-hunted down. Then comes klarion's the wind blow low." turn, and the Carolinas will be swept lcar of Judith could not refrain from gazing at this rebellion. You may hang the ro) al banner singular woman, with newly-awakened curiosi- on your cabin, and no hand will dare rt move ty, her incongruous garb, her air, her atti- it. All things shall h'e our own way. We, tude, and her original manner of speaking, all who are branded murderers and renegades, struck her as being unique and wonderful. will become the first in the land. We' shall She began to study how she should manage be no longer infamous, but be exalted to the such a creature in a way to subserve her own places of rulers, magistrates, and military safety, but with very unsatisfactory results. heroes." The woman was an anomaly. She was famous Hadley now walked rapidly, much excited among the tories of that section, to whom her by the picture he had drawn. cabin was at all times open for shelter, and "My son Christian," murmured Mrs. Had- who had dubbed her " Captain Deb." ley, "with his rol al red, his long su ord, his " Hoorah for Cap'n Deb !" cried one of the gold shoulder-knots, and his commission in horsemen, who had escorted Judith. his pocket! Lord ! what a proper lad." "Them is sentiments !" affirmed his com- " Keep her, mother, till I come back. If rade, with strong' admiration. you let her go, you'll never see me again, with Judith resolved to be artful. my' sword, and coat, and shoulder-knots. . "We must become acquainted," she an- Bring her round, if you can." - swered, with more amenity. " What you say "I'll bring her round whether she will or ought to be reflected upon. You are a woman no, for the sake of my son, Christian !" pro- of too much sense to wish me to do anything tested Mother Dcb. "It's my opinion that if in a hurry. This is a subject to be considered she's bewitched ye, and you can't get over it, between us, alone. I should not be worthy that you'd better bring a parson and have the to fill the place you propose, if I acted with knot tied, will she, nill she. The country and undue haste. I am fatigued, dispirited, and all it holds is ois. The rebils is flyin', and suffering from the effects of excitement. Let the royal standards push on and on, and who me retire, and seek that repose which my is king but Get rgie ? Time will reconcile condition so much requires." . her. I know uhat gals is; was a gal myself "Squire Redmond's darter, you're a hypo- once ; but that was afore I married your f th. rite ! I can see hypocrisy inyour eyes. You er. They take on at fust at a disapp'intmcnt, may deceive common people ; but you can't like, a child that's lost a sugar-plum; but 'possum Cap'n Deb, with her black-frock .but- presently they come out bright as a hum- toned up afore, and the red-petticoat hangin' min'-bird. You want her; and what my son down aneath. I've got one thing, mistress, Christian wantslie must have." and you'll find it out ; and that's 'cuteness." "I thank you! I thank you !" Now I know Mrs. Hadley snapped her thumb and finger, that you love'me !" cried Christian, eagerly. and looked at Judith as playfully as a cat at a " You have anticipated my purpose: it is for mouse. a pratin' parson that I am goin'. I despise "Mother," said Christian, morosely, " I've the whole brotherhood ; but I'll have one be- made up my mind what to do ; both love and cause it's the custom. But what odds-what revenge urge me to it. I'd do different if I odds ? Have I not slain men in battle, and in' could, but can't. A cursed spell is on me-a midnight forays? Taking a wife by force is power I cannot break urges me onward. I not murder. You want these lads, mother ?" know not whether 'tis passion, or pride, or the He pointed to his companions. devil ; and, perhaps, it don't matter." " Want 'em ? Cap'n Deb want two sogers The captain stopped abruptly, and demand- to help her keep a slip of a gal that don't ed a glass of rum and water, which Mother weigh over a hundred pcund, nor stan' over Hadley hastened to give him. He drank a five feet and an inch in her high-heeled shoes ! frightful quantity, casting the vessel upon the Away, lad, away, and let your two boys toddle floor when he had drained it. arter ye." . {' 3 1 "Yes, mother," said the partisan, and looked wishfully at Judith, who was bearing this scene with what philosophy she could. Possibly he felt a faint hope that she would say something encouraging. If he did, he was disappointed ; for she remained silent and unobservant of him. His face was first mournful, then angry ; he stalked from the house with an oath, followed by his two at- tendants. Judith heard them mount their horses and gallop away. She was glad ; the sound of their departing steps gave her inex- pressible relief. She was left with one of her own sex, and to her ingenuous and hopeful disposition, it seemed impossible that she could not melt Mother Hadley's harshness. Time was worth too much to waste, and she assailed the woman's better nature at once with every moving argument that she could think of; but she was made of sterner'stuff than she had imagined, and her eloquent ap- peals fell fruitless on the flinty substance of her heart. She grew irate, at length, and showing her a couch, peremptorily ordered her to bed and to sleep. - The log cabin was a common affair in those days, and made a very comfortable home for the early settlers. Mother Hadley's was di- vided into two compartments ; one for sleep, the other for all the ordinary purposes of life. " Go in, gal-go in I" said Captain Deb, de- cisively, pointing to the door of the first-men- tioned room. " Go in, and #ream of bein' a lady and the wife of my son, Christian, with his royal red, and his long sword, with plan- tations and slaves, and the confidence of the king." There was no help for Judith. The wo- man's strength and determination overcame her weakness and weariness. She and Meg were pushed into the narrow room. It had not even a window to admit the light of the sun, or of the moon and stars. Tle slender tallow candle which Mrs. Hadley left them burned dimly, making dark and fluctuating shadows on the walls. Meg and Judith seated themselves upon the bed, and looked at each other inquiringly "We's done gone lost," said the former en couragingly. "The Continental boys is whip- ped,\the red-coats hab got de whole world, de plantation is burned up, Mas'r Redmon' i gone de Lor' on'y knows where, Missy Mirian and de colonel am cl'av perished, and de Lib erty am jes' nowhere 1" Judith did not answer the lanentations o Meg, 'simply because she knew not what t say. She allowed her to go ofl, and gathe all their griefs into one mournful heap. " Whar's de use talkin' 'bout freedom We's got too much of it, I s'pect ; got d freedom to wander all over de world 'thou house an' home, or plantation, or niggers freedom to hide in de'woods, and to skulk 'bout like no 'count runaways. Don't want nebber to hear no more 'bout the sentimental congress, Mas'r Washin'ton, and de spread eagle. Lor! Miss Jjidith, jes' give me a good house to live in, an' plenty to eat and drink, an' a squantity o' good clothes to wear, and I doesn't keer for all de liberty ye could crowd into Carliny." Meg rocked herself to and fro on the bed, and grieved over the fallen fortunes of the Redmonds. " Where's de hominy and de cornnkea? where's de bacon and de egg? where's dd singin' and de fiddlin' at night on de old plantation? Who'll take keer o' de corn, do cotton, de sugar-cane, and grow de indigo? Dear ! dear ! de world's jes' come to an end, an' we's poor critters, de best on us. Dey say King George heself is comit' 'cross de water to settle in de Carliny State. Golly, missus ! Won't he cut up de libertymen ! He rides in his carriage an' four, the king does, with a crown o' gold on his head, and a power o' money. Better gib up, missus, an turn tory wid de rest of 'em. I'm done gone an' made up my mind to be a Britisher." The door was heard to open in the other part of the cabin. " Be quiet,"said Judith. Both put their eyes to a crevice to see who came, and both were shocked at the sight of Jaffer, the run- away, on the threshold. Captain Deb con- fronted him with her oaken staff, erect and stern. Clearly, his looks did not please her. He was laboring under strong excitement, un- armed, apparently, but sufficiently terrible in his half-nakedness. The two looked at each other a moment in silence, as if each were trying to. discover the 1 vulnerable points of the other. " What sent ye'?" demanded Captain' Deb. " And why do ye open doors and come in 'thout knockin', like a prowling' thief of the night?" Jaffer cast a sullen, half-menacing glance at Mother Hadley, shut the door, and slipped the large wooden bolt into its place. His person was now fully revealed, and formed as - unpleasant a picture as the, eye could well e rest upon. There were wounds and scratches s on his hands, arnms, and face, which added n much to the grimness of his aspect. Mrs. - Hadley maintained her ground, but held her staff more firmly. f " Are you a dumb devil.?" she added, sharp- o ly. " Has your thick tongue forgotten hu-- r man speech ?" "She's here ; Cap'n Chris brought her." ? He looked eagerly aboutthe room. e "Who's here, thick-head !" asked the wo- it man, fearlessly. ; "The gal - Mas'r Redmon's gal-Judy! t __.- 70 ,;: ;A 71 L1 (i I)jl V , I - J4 F' Yrz - 77 71 willi6w, J , i page: 72-73[View Page 72-73] -ir THE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE: OR, HIRL THE HUNCHBACK. 'Tother one's burnt up," replied*the negro, in a muttering, jerking voice. " There's no' Judy' here ; not for you, least- wise. So if that's the arrand you come on, you can turn and go back, and say Deb Had- ley sent ye." " Seed the cap'n take her from de planta- tion. -Black Jaffer follered-tracked him like a dog--run like a wolf with his nose to de groun'. Cap'n stop here--leave Judy-go way." Jaffer glowered ferociously at Mrs. Hadley. " What have you to do with my son Chris- tian, with his sword, and his shoulder-knots, .and his royal red? What have you to do -with white natur, any way, white female natur in partie'lar ? Out o' my cabin ! out into the night, which is your own brother, and'into the .swamp, which is your habitation.'' "Th er ! in yer !" growled Jaffer, pointing to the door, the other side of which stood Ju- dith and Meg, trembling with apprehension. Mrs. Hadley promptly placed herself be- tween the black and the point indicated by his sooty finger. " She's fbr my son Christian, and you'll pass over my body to git her. I know your malice, that you hate the Redmonds, and have .sworn vengeance on the whole family; but you'll do no murderin' and devil's-work here. I'm Deb Hadley, and if you harm me, my son Christian will hang ye higher than the seven stars." Imagine the sensations of Judith and Meg ! This danger crowned all the terrors of the, night. They trusted in the prowess of the brave woman, who was manifestly disposed to resist the ruffian to the last. The black stared at his antagonist a full minute without moving a muscle of his great body ; then chuckled, and looked inquisitively around the room, as if in search of something. His eyes stopped on a stout piece of rope trailing from a peg near the door. Nearly .over his head where he was standing, was a strong iron hook, with a leg of venison sus- pended' upon it, which he detached and flung upon the floor. Seizing the rope, he made one end fast to the hook, and formed a run- ning noose of the other., His expression dur-; ing this time was indescribably sinister, and his sidelong glances at the woman were full of evil. "What now, Satan ?" "He, heI ho, ho ! hangin' is the thing.I Glad ye mentioned dis ver !" "You're drunk, beast:!" retorted Mrs. Had-I -ley, who felt uneasy, but was careful not toi exhibit signs of shrinking.E -" You's seen rebels hung, ole woman; good for dem-good for you, too. He, he ! Jafferi 'hang Cap'n Deb, an' live here hisself !" His nostrils dilated, and his eyes rolled in his head with frightful glee. "You're a fool !" said Mrs. Hadley. "You can't hang a person there; the rope is too long. Put a woman of my size in that noose, and her feet would touch the floor." " Come along," growled Jaffer, ." or I'll throw ye on the fire and burn ye ! tie easy this yer way ; hard t'other." This, to him, novel way of hanging Mother Hadley having once entered 'his head, grew every moment stronger. No power could have persuaded him to abandon his purpose. He felt a phrenzied delight in the perspective struggles of the woman who presumed to op- pose his despotic will. That he could carry out his diabolical design without a sharp con- test, did not appear possible ; but that was an item that the black had evidently felt no anxi- ty about. He trusted to his great physical strength, and the terror he could inspire by menaces. Daipe Hadley had been quietly studying the human animal, and laying plans in agree- ment with her conclusions. She saw his mus- cles quivering with strength and impatience, and knew that the crisis could not be long de- layed. She thought of her son, Christian, and listened anxiously to hear the- tramp of his horse. To attempt to reason with the being before her, she knew u as out of the question. " You may strangle me, Jaffer; yet, I won't give up the gal that my son, Christian, told mc to keep. But I never was hanged in my life, and I don't know how to be no more 'n a child. I've give you shelter many a time, and food to eat when you's well-nigh famished ;' and I hope you won't be cruel, with an old body that never harmed ye. There's a drop o' good liquor in that keg there ; take a sip on't, and maybe it'll warm and soften your heart." Jaffer caught the vessel, drained "it, and hurled it through .the only window the cabin possessed. "Now for it, ole woman !" he shouted, put- ting on all the ferocity of his repulsive fea- tures. "Not a bit on't, till you shorten the rope, and tell me how it's done. If I've got to go, I don't want to make a botch on't." Jaffer wound a portion of the rope around the hook, and pushed a chair under it. " This way, you witch ! this way ! He, he ! ho, ho !" He stepped into the chair, thrust his curly head through the noose, and glared with fiend- ish exultation at Mother Hadley. The chair sank from under him; there was a creak and a crash, and Jaffer hung suspended by the neck. Mrs. Hadley had touched a secret spring, and a trap-door had fallen downward into a cellar beneath the cabin. le was heavy, and a sudden descent of three feet gave him a ter- rific shock, confused his faculties, and drew the cord chokingly tight. He quivered an in- stant, clutched at the rope, and tried to gather his limbs up to obtain a. footing upon the floor; but, as often as he touched it, Captain Deb pushed him back with her staff. He lifted his body with his hands, and begged piteously for relief. "0 Lord, misses! 0 Lord! I's only fun- nin'! Le' mai down-le' me down, an' I'll go right away, an' neber, neber come back! ) good Cap'n Deb ! 0 good Cap'n Deb!" In -answer to this appeal, Mrs. Hadley be- stowed such hearty thwacks upon his fingers that they relaxed their hold, and his arms fell convulsed at his side. "'Funnin', was ye ? you black Satan! Well, I'm .funnin' now. How do ye like it, ch ? Hanging' is fine sport, isn't it?" Jatfer roared, begged, and struggled. His gigantic frame writhed and quivered 'fright- fully. J adth and Meg beheld the shocking spec- tacle with awe and astonish ent. When, in the agony of suffocation, h made attempts to grasp the rope, the remorseless staff of Deb Hadley beat down his arms. Judith could scarcely command her emo- tions, and turned from the sight dizzy and faint. The gasping respiration of the black finally ceased ; his breast' no longer heaved ; his limbs subsided into quietness, and he hung, without motion, a dark and revolting object. CHAPTER XXI. IN WmICII A MARRIAGE CEREMONY IS PERFoRMED. " The race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong," moraligd Deborah Hadley, as she surveyed the gigantic form of Jaffer. " The brute had strength, but not the cunnin' to match a woman. He was an idle, vicious. prowlin' cur, as likely to shed royal as rebel blood. Well, I've saved the hangman trouble and done the country a sarvice. Heart alive ! how I tremble ! I haven't been so nigh my cend in a long time. But I didn't give her up ; no, I kept her for my son Christian. 'Twas white natur ag'in black natur, and the white has carried the day. Well," she con- tinued, looking at the remains of Jaffer, " the creetur 'pears to be quite done for. The fool ! to try his wit ag'in Deb Hadley." The clatter of iron-shod feet was heard. " It's my son Christian !" said the old wo- man. "If he has ridden far, he has ridden fast. This won't be a pooty sight for him on his weddin'-night, so I'll put it out o' the way." She cut the rope with a knife, and the body of Jaffn r fell heavily into the cellar.- She drew up the door and fastened it. Why the trapI was constructed in that peculiar manner, with a stout hook over it, can only be guessed at. If some of the dark - secrets of that period could be told, conjecture would doubtless yield to certainty, and the uses of that contrivance would cease to be a mystery. By the time Mrs. l1adley had concealed all evidence of her work, her son entered the cabin, followed by a man dressed in a suit of shabby black, which appeared much too small to fit his person, wluch was, rather tall and athletic. His hat was in keeping with the rest of his externals, showing 'signs of recent brushing and smoothing. The frayed edges of the brim seemed to have been polished with blacking, to keep up its sombre respect- ability. His neck-cloth was of white cotton, and of remarkable width. His hair was long, straight, nearly of flax color, and soberly put away behind his ears. His whiskers, which were rather sparse, were of the same hue, and were noticeable because not generally worn by clergymen at that time. His face was pale and lugubriously solemn. Clearly, the man thought the universal world was going to wreck and ruin as fast as was conveniently possible. He carried a prayer-book in his hand, and appeared ready for any emergency in the legitimate way (f his profession. His gaze wandered somewhat hurriedly around the room, as soon as he found himself within it, finally resting, with mild dignity, on Deborah Hadley. " Well, mother ?" said Christian. " All safe an' snug, my soger-boy." "Nothing has happened '" queried the cap- tain, with hesitation. " Much has happened, but the gal is thdre. I'm sorry you haven't set your mind on a willin' bride ; but what is, must needs be, and what has happened, we must abide by," quoth Mrs. Hadley. " Verily, I am glad, sistEr Iladley, that thy mind is so seasoned with grace," said the par- son, "for resignation is one of the principal virtues of a Christian. Sure-ly it is refresh- ing to meet with one, in these degenerate times, in whom the word is not the savior of death into death, but of life unto life. I trust, Mrs. Hadley-" ",My name is Deb Hadley, often an' 'toth- erwise called Cap'n Deb ; and wry faces, and highfalutin isn't the kind o' comfort that I need." . "Still, madam, I may entertain a hope that the seed, in your case, has fallen on good soil. and brought forth the peaceable fruits of righteousness," lie continued, in an edifying tone. "As for fruit," said Debqrah Hadley, " there's but little on't that's worth eatin' in I the country. I did'raise a few crab-apples " r. ,y . r.. r ' l e , , $' T ,.. ' :.: 4 ti-"sN;R,.F' --h ,""r~~, . T" \4K ." .' ' '5 ! 'KA1 a i a ~ ~ - . . a , . . . . , . ~ ~ ~ v n ~ , , y i 6 r . w . r . p w n - f: + ~ i g ~ e w V , . ti I I r R r s '} ii 72 73 44{ I 442 x J~ A' . , F C J1 . 1. t. 13 -,r r i kl r. r ti3 _ tt jS 1 1 rt *, ! iAo-- r ' ti= JIM, 1 y. i f x. r X I y _ -L b i page: 74-75[View Page 74-75] THE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE ; *c ~ i tIi . ift _ 9 t i , 13. 1 1 ( I _ I PT- Y y e )'rc 74 one year, but they wasn't of no 'count. I'm abyss, and saw the body of Jaffer lying in a a plain, matter-of-fact body, and flambergast- heap, as it had fallen. Both shivered. ed speeches don't greatly affect me. What's " Mother I you are a iness !" said Christi- your name, you solemn creetur ?" an, in a subdued voice. "There's but little in a name, as the poet "For my son Christian, yes. You told me says ; and ' a rose by any other name would to keep her, and I kepther. The brute thought smell as sweet'; but if 'twill be for your spirit- to hang me; but I put my wit again his ual delectation, I will inform you that my strength, and," she added, significantly point- earthly and temporal appellation is Elijah ing downward with the long forefinger of her Timothy Holdfast, by the grace of God and right hand, "there he is !" my terrestrial primogenitors." "A mere savage," said Christian, "though " I can't speak none o'the Ingin languages, sometimes useful. I'm glad the scoundrel but I pooty giner'ly know, what I want, and has got his deserts. It was an oversight not what my son Christian wants ; which, at pres- leaving' a guard." ent, is no more nor less nor a harmless chit of "The wretch " muttered Holdfast, with an a gal to be his wife, to cook his victuals, and expression of disgust. look arter his rigimentals. Dear goodness! "rWhat ar those steps outside ?" inquired how your eyes wander about. You ha'n't got Deb. no buddily ailments, have ye ?" "Some of my dragoons that I ord-red to "Woman," answered Elijah T. Holdfast, follow and keep watch at the door. I don't "I am as one called at the eleventh hour to care to be surprised by prowoin' parties of labor in the vineyard, and if I get my penny whigs. Come! let's hurry up what's to be I shall be content." done." " Hdrd money is dyin' scurce in the colonies "Now has the trying moment arrived !" jist now, and if you git paid off in it, you'll sighed Judith, who had been a trembling au- do better nor the Continentalers, a pesky editor to this conversation. sight ; although a penny for more nor half a "oCome out," said Mother Hadley, opening day's work is, to my mind, ruther slim wages. the door, "and don't be an obstinate little Howsomever, your trad'e don't make no great fool. Here's my son Christian, with his com- wear an' tear on coats and breeches ; yet I've mission in his pocket, and his sword and a noticed more nor once that preachin' an' iray- parson by his side, ready to make you his in' gives an excellent appetite."' wife-an honor that many a gal would jump "I'm aware," replied Elijah, "that there at this night." are those in orders among us who love the "Spare me-spare m to-night! I have flesh-pots of Egypt, and think more of crea- seen So much that is dreadful that I am well tu"e comforts than of the building up of ngh mad! Go, fearful woman, andI go you, ZioP."g p ng ma.Goferuwoaadgyu, Away" w yChristian Hadley I" cried poor Judith, great- Away with your flummery ! I'll hear no ly excited. more on't I" cried Christian. Then to the "Perverse- pervert e as ever !" said the woman : "How is it, mother? Have you captain, impatiently. brought her round any ? Is she more reon- c"Poor der !" said Meg, supporting and cd"e embracing her mistress. " If they don't let "I've held no discourse with her since you her alone, she's done killed. I never seed sich went away, son Christian, havin' had other works as dis yer. 'Why, she's twitchin' all matter to take up my time. That runaway over. Spasms, this is-cl'ar spasms " beast, Jaffer has been here, full of revenge 1"Truly, the maiden is sorely distressed," and mischief, wanting' the gal." observed the Rev. Mr. Holdfast, advancing to "Did you t her go ?" demanded Christian, Judith with some show of sympathy. "She "rcy cmupneeds a few words of comfort and counsel, "Marry come up!scr Do u think I'm a which it is my duty to give." child, to be scared by thickips and a flat "Leave me !-leave me !" said Judith, faint- nose? No, no! I'd give the child to a wolf ly.' sooner, or a black bear. I withstood him "Young woman," replied the parson, grave- face to face, and he threatened me with death. ly, I came not for thy bodily or spiritual We had a terrible time, he and I."- harm, but to unite thee to one who will soon "Where is he? I see no blood-no sign be great in the land, as lie is already mighty of a struggle," answered Christian. - war." The woman took the candle from a table, Judith sobbed hysterically, and clung to sprang the trap-door, and getting upon her Meg. knees, held the light so its rays streamed i-, "Don't let them hurt me, Meg! Keep them to the cellar. hacka!-ket them back I" " Look!" said Deb Hadley, grimly. "Meep tan' bk yl Christian and the parson gazed into the dim can't git her 'way from ye, 'less they cut off r*-' I 6 OR, HIRL THE HUNCHBACK. her arms. She'll hol' ye tight, and she 'll "'Twas something to bring her round, I die wAh ye, bress de Lor'! Go 'long, you dare say," answered Christian. miser'ble creturs ! Don't ye see dis yer 'll " She's fainted, I do believe," added his mo- kill her ?" cried the mulatto girl, who was ther. " There 1 he's muttering' somethin' to disposed to adhere faithfully to her mistress. the yeller gal. Come, parson ; a'n't you " Retire a little, good friends, while I soothe ready ?" , and prepare her mind for what is to follow. "She has swooned ; she cannot hear me, Obviously, she is blinded by Satan so that he said, in a low voice. she cannot clearly discern the signs of tle " Perform the ceremony ! perform the cer- times, nor appreciate the honor of this alli- emony 1" ordered the captain, peremptorily. ance. We r, ad in Scripture of seven devils " It matters not whether she is sensible or in- that possessed one woman ; let us hope th it sensible ; it's all the same to me. Mumble in this case the number is less by at least a over the words,,man ! We can tell her what's half." happened, afterwards." "'That will be three and a half-*vhich, in "It's a sin and a shame !" protested Meg. my 'pinion, is enough," observed Mother Had- The parson, as he bent over Judith in an ap- ley, dryly. parent attempt to resuscitate her, sad to Meg: "That inimber I can exorcise and speedily "Slip forward your arm under hers, and do put down, according to the grace that is with- as I tell you." Then turning to Hadley, he in me." added: 1 .se any exorcism you like, so it be short," "Approach and join hands." replied Christian, falling back. " I must re- Christian advanced ; a passive, unresisting turn to my command in an hour ; and there, hand was laid in his, and a marriage ritual of is, at least, a good thirty-minutes' gallop be- some kind was hurriedly pronounced. tween me and the bivouac. Fall back, mo- "You've got the maid's hand, and not the ther, fall back, and let the solemn owl patter mistre-s !" said Dame Hadley, when the cere- his nonsens , in her ears." mony was completed. 'I have little love for his cloth," quoth "I have, by -! But what's the odds, as Mrs. Hadley, "and care not to trust much to long as it is the mistress I'm to have," an- them who prate so loudly of their own piety. swered the captain, with a coarse laugh. Where did you pick up this black-coated Deborah Hadley looked at Holdfast sus- parrot ?" piciously. " i ush ! not so loud," cautioned Christian. " We are husband and wife, are we, my old "We need him, and therefore must- not give cock ?" queried Christian, with manifest inter- him ill words-leastwise till the work is done." est in the question. " You have sharp eyes," resumed the wo- "I have so pronounced you." man, dropping her voice, " and a quick wit ; " And she is legally mine ?" ,but I still say, that I like not the man. There's "I see no way of separating those who have a heap of hypocrisy in him." been united by one duly and truly qualified for "hypo -risy is the universal coverin' of hu- the work. The young woman is as much your man naturep- responded the captain. wife as she ever can be." Meanwhile the parson had taken Judith's "Then I am content! I thank ye, parson, hand ; and, subduing his voice to a more me- for your services, and here are some golden lodious key, said: guineas for you. Now I must away, for the Young woman, it grieves me to see thee Royal Americans by this time expect their o pose thy will to the manifest designs of leader. Faith! 'tis a brave night's work. I'll Providence." post a guard round the cabin to protect my " Ther, mother ! did you hear that? It bride. Take good care of her, mother. was good. You have to talk to women-folks There'll be a scene when she comes to herself about Providence to keep 'em within bounds," and knows wit's happened ; but we've got said Christian. aside. the law on ou side, haven't we, Holdfast?" " Stuff!" said Mrs. Hadley. "To think ich a drefful thing should hap- " The young officer," resumed the parson, pen as dis yer 1" mumbled Meg. " who proposes the honor of an alliance, is re-1 " Hear the fool take on ! One would think put Ad to be a deserving, rising young man, and that her mistress was of better blood than my a staunch friend of the king." son Christian, in his royal red, with his ing- " Go ! go !" gasped Judith, making a feeble lin' spurs, his long sword, his gold shoulder- attempt to extricate her hand. knots, and his commission in his pocket !" "1Go! don't ye here missus tell ye to go ? The captain cast a look half triumphant, Wish to de Lor' Somerton's dragoons was half affectionate at the insensible form of Ju- here," cried Meg, stoutly. dith, then stalking from the cabin, gave some " Look !" said Mrs. Hadley. " He stoops- orders to the men outside, mounted his horse, he whispers I" and rode away with the Rev. Mr. Holdfast. d y rs :.- ..,.... is ll _.6 sc Yl Ya...lt dlr . _ - . )i t i ' r r 0. 1 ti i j : 'y 1 "\' t i s i -1 {L { C 1 }' ; 7+, r '. 4 t 't t l ,! Sr} 'Y i li f i t 1 +, I,, Y ( } {{I I ' 1 f . '= ' ., + ,.r. t , d / ! ; ., . J-l r rr a aZkAC{ r +^-, Nil i. -.rk-wa "e CiF.n.l-iWYFah-.aewr page: 76-77[View Page 76-77] THE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE ; 4111flfI 41 OR, HIRL TIlE IIUNCIIBACI. eCHAPTER XXII. Judith's face was the picture of indescrib- ALL FOR LOVE. able dismay. In coming back to this hard, conscious world "I s'pect they's done you a drefful wrong !" of facts and realities, Judith Redmond expect- replied Meg, crying piteously for the sorrows ed to see the solemn face of the parson and of her young mistress. "The man with de the moody brow of Christian Hadley ; but, white table-cloth round his neck, mumbled instead, saw only the masculine form of Mother over a heap o' stuff while you's lain' dead- Deb, and felt the clisping arms of Meg. She like in my arms, which seemed to pleae de had an unpleasant impression that something cap'n mighty well. 'Twas an out-an'-ot fatal to her own happiness had happened, but shame, missus." coukd not immediately determine its nature. "Infamous ! infamous!" articulated Judith, The old woman was chafing her hands, and faintly. making various friendly attempts to restore " I tole 'em so !-I tole 'em so! But they her languid circulation and revive her be- didn't mind a straw 'bout it. I jest held ye numbed faculties. tight, and tole the cap'n he couldn't have ye, ."She's a pooty and delicate dove," she noways. I's stuck to ye,' Miss Judy, and said, struck with the peculiar whiteness of her 'pears like they'd had to cut these yr arms skin, the smallness and perfection of her o' mine off to gct you 'way." limbs, and the beauty of her features. " She'll " Stop talkin', gal !" said Deborah, impe- fetch round presently. Gals allers .do fetch riousl . ,E-oaip- round arter they've swounded away. A'n't " The Lor' has give me a tongue to use, what they used to be, gals isn't. They could and it'll be a dry time when I don't use it. stan' up like grenadiers when I's of her age ; My mad is up, and I don't keer. Don't go but now you can push the soft, dainty cree- for to look spiteful at me; for .'s a good 'cal turs over with a straw." 'cited, and a'n't 'countable for my conduc- "(O' Miss Judith! Miss Judith !" moaned tions. You a'n't more'n half woman, noways. Meg. Whoever seed a critter rigged as you be? "Don't call my darter-in-law, "Miss Ju- Go 'long, with yer man's black coat and yer dith,' you yeller image !" said Mother Deb, red-flannel skirf! You's no better nor col- promptly. ored folks, nohow; and seems to mr like, " What de Lor' heaven's sake will I call that the days1 '1 be forty-eight hours long her?" demanded Meg, with a visible show of when Miss Judy calls ye mother-'n-law" temper. " Darter-in-law," said Mrs. Hadley, quietly, " Mrs. Cap'n Hadley, the legal wife of my " don't let your w, al irs. y, u- son Christian," answered Deb, with a look band's mother el gal insult yourblus~ aonds gesture that awed the th trubl and gesture that awed the simple-minded o' dropin' her into the cellar with Black mulatto. Jaffer. Ppi m ecla ihBak Judith gently pushed away the woman ; This threat had a restraining influence upon and, by the aid of Meg, sat up and looked Meg, who could imagine nothing more tern- slowly and vaguely about her. Mrs. Hadley ble than the incarceration referred to. suddenly sprang at her, kissed her forehead, "Wan," sarcerath, r r ko a "d said : .-oe"eWoman,"' said Judith, "I know nothing " Joy to ye, darter-in-law!" of what you are saying. The ceremony of "Joy toayegarter- a" Ji which you speak is but a mockery, and with- Daughter-in-law " repeated Judith, like out binding force and validity. No responses "The lawfully wedded wife my fine son havingbbeen given, and the. profane mum- " Th lafuly wdde wiflf y fne oninery being . eai'ried on while I was uncon- Cap'n Christian Hadley, of the Royal Amer- scious, the transaction possessed no legal cans !" added Deb, with pride and dignity. power." "What does it mean, Meg ?" asked Judith. "Peace, darter-in-law! What is done is "You's done gone married, missus!" an- done, and a thousand parsons can't undo it." swered Meg, coming at once to the point. Judith clasped her hands in despair. "Mrs. Hadley," quoth Deb, with extraor- "Hist!" said Mother Deb, holding up an dinary politeness, "what'll you choose to admonishing hand. "Some one comes this have cooked for your breakfast ? This is way, and at a right smart gait, too." your house and your castle, darter-in-law; The two sentinels at the door were at that and you can reign here like George's self, moment heard to challenge some one, ad the. and your husband, the cap'n, will bring next intantthe door wa pushed open, and trophies from the war to lay at your feet. Guy Deering rushed in, panting with exercise. The rebels is whipped, and the liberty they "Hide me, good woman, hide m !" lie ecx- talked about is gone to the dogs. Cheer up, claimed, hurriedly. "I am pursued by the de"ry, cheer up !" rebel dragoons. My strength is spent, and "0 Meg! can what this woman tells me be there is no escape unless you secrete me and true Y" j deceive them." 77 Nerved with sudden strength, Judith arose, and made a step toward the fugitive. "I hear the tramp of horses. Fly, wretched man, fly !" she cried. "Fly !" he repeated, turning to her with a bitter smile. " As well might an eagle skim the air with a broken wing ! I am'hunted down, have reached this cox cr, and can go no farther." Deering rested against the wall for support. " They come ! they come !" said Judith and, springing to the door, pushed the stout bolt to its place. " Well done, darter-in-law! 'tis a brave be- ginnin' !" said Mrs. Hadley, approvingly. Judith glanced at Deering, to see if his count nance changed ; but lie did not appear to heed the woman's remark. "Will you hide me !" cried Deering ; " or will you see me murdered ?" e1Ye-, yes ! we will hide you," replied Ju- dith. " Good woman," she added, " for Heav- en's sake, conceal him !" "If you mean it, gal, it can be done ; but - it will depend on you, and I a'n't sartin that I can trust ye. Them that are coming' are your friends, and how do I know but you'll .tell ,I for the sake o' your own liberty, and 'ctraY this poor Id to death." Judith was in a painful dilemma, but quick- ly decided, between herself and her lover, whose earnest eyes were upon her. "If it rests with me, I swear to you that I will save him !" she solemnly answered. "Will you'trust her, lad ?" demanded Deb. "With my life-with my salvation !" he exclaimed. The spurs of the dragoons were heard rat- tling upon the ground as they dismonted, mingled with the clanking of their heavy sabres.' "rFollow!" said Mrs. Hadley, seizing the' candle, and striding into the sleeping-room. Approaching the bed, she stripped it in an instant to its straw-mattress. "Jump into the middle, lad, and lay down as close as if you's ready for the undertaker." "I obey !" said Deering, stretching himself upon the'mattress. I "Play dead well, or dead you'll be," said the woman, tossing the feather-bed upon hin as if it were light as air. Smoothing it down, she laid the pillows and spread the coverings t deftly. The last hurried touch given,- she threw back the sheets, and snatching a white cap from a nail, thrust it toward Judith, as if her arm was a spear to transfix her. The girl's face grew deadly pale. "Put it on !" hissed Deb, with terrible energy. While Judith stood hesitating and mute, there was a thunderous knocking at the door. " It's life and death," muttered Deb ; and,I -' !-', --~,- 76 t- P seizing the cap from Judith's paralyzed hand, drew it over her dark curls, knotted it under her chin,*then lifting her in her determined and masculine arms, placed her upon the bed, and drew the coverings over her. She next caught Meg with no dainty grasp, and seated her on the bed beside her mistress. " Open ! open !" shouted the voice of Ser- geant Giles. " Open, old hag, or I'll beat your nest down about your ears. " Gal," said Mrs. Hadley,-sternly, looking at Judith, " if you've got narves, show 'em. If you play the fool and the coward, he is lost. Meg! sit still, and do as your mistress tells ye. If questioned, let her answer ; and what she says, say you." " Down with the door-down with it ! roared Giles, whose stock of patience was now entirely exhausted. "Comin'! coming! " cried Deb, at the top of her voice. "Comin'! coming! " mimicked Giles. "Hur- ry up, then, old magpie !" Mrs. Hadley de- liberately opened the door, and, standing di- rectly in it, demanded the, cause of the dis- turbance. " Stand aside, and you shall know our er- rand soon enough," answered Giles. The latter and Humphrey immediately drew their swords, and pushed into the cabin. . "Keep a good watch outside there, Tom Thornton," said the sergeant. " If he tries to escape through the window, cut him down with your sabre ; if from the roof, shoot him with your musket." "Stop, my rough soger-lad, and tell me why you rush, into a lone woman's cabin in this blusterin' fashion?" said Captain Deb, nothing daunted. " A white glove," quoth the sergeant, " often conceals a dirty hand, and a danure face sometimes conceals a deal of wickedness. Our time is short, and we can't waste it in idle tulk with a witch-wife like you. We have reason to think that you have given shelter and concealment to one of the most danger- ous men on the Santee." Giles looked at Mother, Hadley, as if his eyes were corkscrews to draw out secrets with. She met his gaze with the utmost steadiness. " Who might he be?' she inquired. "The person we seek," said the chaplain, " is probably no stranirer to you. Do not keep us, waiting, but deliver him up at once, that he may suffer even the -fate of Haman." ".Of whom do ye speak ?" demanded Deb. "Woman of Belial, do not practice vain and unavailing evasions ; for I do assure you that we shall search every part of your dwell- ing so thoroughly that not so much as a mouse , in the wall shall escape our eyes," returned Humphrey. " I f yospeak of my son Christian, he is +" 1, 47 y :1 4' ,r a 3' _ k F ! .f. . I h 1 1 F qwr4 : ;Q£ { t f.Yf'- z . ' ,i -z p , p page: 78-79[View Page 78-79] 79 THE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE ; many miles from here ere this ; and if he was " Sword and Bible, go flown, and a heap o' not, but hidden under this roof, do you think good may it do ye," she added, in a voice of I'd lead ye to his secret lurkin'-place ? If ye sovereign contempt. " entertain sich a thought, ye know naught of " Sword and Bible," that is, the sergeant Deb Hadley. Ah ye rebels, I'd be tore in and chaplain, lowered themselves into the pieces for my son Christian! Lord, Lord! vault, the first taking the initiative. There he's finer nor ye all in his royal red, with his was an interval of silence. The rays of the commission in his pocket, his spurs inglin' candle drove back a portion of the Egyptian on his heels, his sword clankin' by his side, darkness of the cellar. A solemn voice roll- and hiss gold shoulder-knots shining' in the ed up through the trap: moon or shimmerin' in the sun !" " In the name of God, avaunt ! Down, "A toothless hound seldom takes the wrong devil,'down ! Come not before the time. I scent," replied Giles, " but you're at fault this am a Christian minister, and have power over time, Deb Hadley, either through misappre- the spirits of darkness." hension or design. We want Guy Deerin', Mother Deb lifted up both her hands and and not Christian Hadley ; though the good laughed silently, but none the less heartily. Lord knows that your son needs hanging , " To the devil with thy exorcisms, parson! and '11 sooner or later come to it. We started Evidently this is, as the doctor would say, the the spy some ten minutes ago, and a hot chase post-mortem remains of a defunct nigger ; he's had. We've earthed him, at last, I do and a very ugly nigger at that. Ah, chap- believe." . lain, a peck of common sense is worth a bush- "Marry, come up ! If that's your business, el o' superstition," returned the sergeant, who look an' you will, and begone as soon as you had but little reverence for traditions or men, may ; for I like not your company. Here's a living or dead. candle, and a good time may you have on't." " Friend Giles, with all thy proverbs, thou "A little pot is soon hot, and a small cabin hast a moiety of wisdom. Reason is some- is soon searched," said the man of proverbs. times the gift of the children of this world, Keep your post at the door, Tom Thornton. who are often-wiser in their generation than Now, fumphrey, let's see what we can see."' the children of Jight ; an anomaly which the Giles took the candle from the apparently unspiritual-minded cannot understand. This willing hand of Mrs. Hadley. is, indeed, the mortal composition of a negro, "Look sharp, sergeant, or you may have who manifestly died a painful and violent your labor for your pains. Where'll you be- death." gin, rebel, to s'arch the primises of an honest "'Tis Satan asleep !" cried Deborah Had- woman." -ley. "Tarry long, and he'll wake up and "A thread too fine span will easily break, carryye, to his vaults below, with a great Dame Hadley," responded Giles, "therefore groaning' and creakin' of infernal machinery." overact not your part, for this is a serious "Methinks," quoth the parson, "that the' matter, and we shall take you at your word. candle burns blue. Let us get out of this He slipped the halter once, but this time we horrible pit !" hope better things.eCome on, parson."w "Nottill I've seen every corner on't," said ",Of a truth, friend Giles, I am always the practical Giles. "Never saw I a devil ready ; and though I use these-carnal weapons, worse nor myself. It's liberty that I fight for, I wield th m in a righteous cause, which re- and little care I for the malice of Satan or the moves fr im my soul the sin of blood-guilti- power he can muster into the field in the ness. Lead on, sergeant ; my sword and my shape of tory or Britisher, bond or free, black strength are at thy service." or white, dead or alive ! In for a little in for The sergeant held the candle over his head, much. If you've fired your broadside, par- and beheld, through a scant flooring of poles, son, fall back ; but I shall make a thorough the roof of the cabin. thing on't, and report Dccordin' to the colonel "He might as well hide ina lighted lantern or Cap'n Rainford." as there," he said, then shouted, in a stento- "In this case, sergeant, thy cold and dog- rian voice : ged intellect hath the best of it ; thou art " Keep your eyes open, you TomThornton ! right. A man who believes in God, in Con- There should be a cellar beneath," he went gress, and Washington, should fear nothing. on, in a more moderate tone, "and another But truly, this dark phantom is horrible ! room in that direction. What a good thing With the powers of darkness I struggle not is philosophy ; if we stand over a cellar, there with the sword, but with prayer and humili- should be a way to get to it. 'Open sesame, ation of the flesh." old woman !" Notwithstanding this protestation and ad- " Anything to obleege ye, my scurvy little mission, Humphrey was the first to come up ; sergeant," said Mrs. De , with remarkable and he cast behind him glances of awe and sang froid, at the same time springing the trap, perplexity. Nor was the doughty Giles much less affected by the grizzly spectacle ; he was visibly glad to see the trap closed.' " It would appear," said the chaplain, " ifi human eyes are to be trusted, that a fellow- creature has here met his death." "Fellow-creature !" repeated Giles, with at strong expression of contempt. " You don'tI call that black ape a fellow-creature, do ye ?i He forms, as 'twere, but the connecting link -atween monkeys and men. There's been no great mischief done, for the feller's desarved hangin' a dozen times. If I'mistake not, it's the body of a desperate runaway from Red-1 mond's plantation, and a great villain he's been. Vow, parson, we'll search my lady's bower." "You'll find as good a lady there as any in the land !" retorted Mrs. Hadley. " And she'd been in her innocent dreams afore this, if you hadn't disturbed her by your thumpin', and clatterin', and ill-manners giner'ly." " Chaplain, look well to yourself when a woman blusters. Open the door, Mistress Deb ; I must c'en peep into this sanctuary of beauty." "a Spare your jokes, sergeant, for you'll need allyour small shot when the Royal Amer- icans start ye from your cover. The time was when Deb Iladiley was as comely a gal as you'll find in a whole colony of sieh. Beauty is but skin deep, but wit reaches to the brain. 'Tisn't for sick as you, sergeant, to be runnin' your nose into the sleepin' rooms of young women daintily brouht up."' " Fling down the nests, and the rooks will 'be gone; so stan' aside, mistress, or oblige us by givin' that door a fling, that we may have a stare at that same innocence you have spo- enf" "1If ye must be rude, open the door your- self; but I warn ye, if you insult the young woman, you'll have to account for it to more nor one." The sergeant, having no great confidence in Deb's veracity, and little reverence for beauty, did not pause to pull the latch-string, but burst open the door with a stroke of his foot. His first emotions on entering must have been pretty-lecided, for he stopped short and stood as motionless as one of the old-fashioned bed- posts, and quite as stiff. The chaplain, press- ing hard upon him, looked over his shoulder, while Deb brought up the rear like a veteran grenadier.I Judith raised herself a little in the attitude of alarm ras the sergeant came in ; and it was at her that that continental hero was gazing. "How, - in the namedofvHeaven " lie ex- claimed, " came this dove in this hawk's nest ?" " Comparisons," quoth Mother Hadley, " are ojus. She's here under my ruff, and I'm her lawful protector." i" The countenance," said Humphrey, "is fair and not altogether unfamiliar to my eyes ; it should be, methinks, one of the daughters of Squire Redmond." "Both should band is ; and this is Meg, the yeller gal that came to the camp with Miss Grindle. Why one or the other is here, is more'n I can tell," answered Giles, in some perplexity. pr Good friends," said Judith, " what means this intrusion ? Is it any service to the coun- try that my privacy should be intruded upon ?" "The sin of ignorance is winked at ; and we dreamed not that a darter of Squire Red- mond's would be found in this den of toryism -this resort of Christian Hadley's maraud- ers," replied the sergeant. " Since you know that I am here, there can be no further excuse for remaining. ;The events of this night have already greatly dis- turbed me, and truly I need repose. Should you meet my father, tell him that I am safe." " If God wills, I shall soon see him ; for he is with Rainford, in a thousand troubles about his darters. Tell me, Miss Judith, what be- came of Somerton ? Was he consumed in the house, or taken by the enemy ?" "Much I fear that the unfortunate colonel, together with my sister, Miriam, perished in the flames. Judge, then, sergeant, of the state of my mind, and leave me." " Pardon me, young lady," said Humphrey, " and allow me to ask you if you are here of your own will ?" The eyes of Judith and Deborah Hadley met. The girl was painfully troubled. "Seeing how comfortably I am provided for, I think you might solve that question yourself," she said, evasively. "She come here like a bird with broken wings, and it would been a harder heart nor mine to refuse her shelter. I took her in and laid her in my own bed, and tried to comfort the poor thing,; for much she stood'in need on't," asserted Deb. " Woman," said Giles, " if you've done this, you've changed your nature ; and it'11 turn out, in my opinion, that there's some diviltry afoot that honest folks don't understan'." Judith stole a grateful look at the sturdy Giles ; she heard the stifled respiration of Deering, andhsilently prayed that the scene might be shortened. She felt a choking sen- sation in her throat, and feared she should faint, unable to sustain such a trying part. She waved her hand for her two unwelcome visitors to depart. "A thousand pardons, Miss Redmond, but we mustn't forget duty even for beauty. We believe that Guy Deerin' is somewhere in this cabin ; hence the cause of our intrusion. We are makin' thorough search. Chaplain, look ,? " '.a1-- '4 Vt i II fI r (I a , . ' OR, HIRL THE HUNCHBACK. 78 } i :, " !S 1 r _y ., t _, t page: 80-81 (Illustration) [View Page 80-81 (Illustration) ] THE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE; in that box and behind them clothes. I'll peep under the bed and feel about'with my sabre a little, jest.for form's sake ; for Cap'n. Rainford'11 question us up close, havin' 'made up his mind to give the spy a good hangin', sooner or later." "Don't come no nigher Miss Judy !" said Meg, menacingly. - " I'll -write the, ten com-, mandments on yer face, if ye do !" "My yeller charmer, your mistress is as, safe as if she's in heaven," answered the ser- geant, gallantly, stabbing thewall under the, bed with his'sword. ", Odds my life ! what a brave rebel 'tis ! He's hackin' to chips the royal logs of the cabin. A rigiment of sich would carry' the house by storm !" sneered Mrs. Hadley, lift-, ing her gray eyebrows and putting her arms akimbo. . Judith was nearly ~dying with suspense. Love, fear, and timidity struggled. within her. "Rail op,'woman," answered Giles, quietly,. transfixing a petticoat with his sabre. "Your, tongue is the worst part of ye, and'll never be still till your feet p'int up'ard." "It's the heart, man-it's the heart that's desperately -wicked," corrected the chaplain., "As Paul says-" 11No matter what Paul says ; it's wlhat Rain- ford says that I care about !" retorted Giles, who now stood in the door, applying persua-. sive friction to his head. " Cruel, cruel soger-boy ! What a, wicked wound- you've give my bettermost petitidiot," mocked Mrs. Deb, with a laugh that was; pe- culiar both for its silence and significance.. The sergeant hung his head and walked. thoughtfully from the little compartment, the chaplain preceding him. "Keep rubbin' your head, sergeant dear, and you'll make it allstraight anon. There's no harm in pokia' about the beds of timor- somIe gals, and there's glory in stablin'.inno- cent gowns and petticoats with your sabre !" " Humphrey," said Giles, abstractedly; '" I, a'n't satisfied.' That Guy.Dcein' come in, I feel sart'in ; but that he's gone out, I'n "not so sure. Come into'the open air, Humphrey, and we'll- hold a council o' war.' Alb right there, Tom Thornton ?" '- " All right !" responded con., '' ' " The butcher looked for his knife when he had it in his moufb," moralizedthb'dsergeant, and with Humphrey left the'e4bin ' The two were heard conferring earnestly togetherr out- side, while those within awaited 'the' result, with all-those varied emotions which their re-. spective positions rendered natural. CHAPTER XXIII.:' . IN THE CELLAR. Judith sprang from the bed the moment the door closed upon Giles and Humphrey. '" You have acted well'!' said Deborah Had- ley. "Be quiet a few minutt s longer. There's a wind-mill in the sergeant's head thnt' may turn him round one revolution too many. I've got ears as well as another, and must try to, catch a word'of that buzzing' ; for a word to the wise is sufficient." The woman went softly to that side of the cabin where the voices could be heard most distinctly. Crouching upon the floor, she put her ear to the wall. The sergeant and his -companion were but a few feet distant. The latter was satisfied with the search ; not so with -the former ; a mischievous spite was whiispcring suspicion. " It stands to reason," he said, If that a man, be he British or' American, royalist or rebel, cannot sink into the earth or fly into the air. Parson,';I've a feelin' that we've been in some way carcumvented.' "You were always a fellow of dull and heavy comprehension, and like a vicious horse, -ever ready to take the bit in your teeth and go your, own way ; had it been otherwise, you would long ago have been a subject of grace," Humphrey answered. "11'm nobody's' subject !" retorted Giles. " I cast off my allegiance when I took up arms 'for Congress." "'Twould be well for you to remember, sergeant, that we're far from our broken and battered brigade, and'our' return likely to be cut off at any moment by straggling parties of _tories, or the impetuous fire-eaters of Tarleton. We've done all that, any one could reasonably expect. As Paul says-" - " As I've told you, parson, it is what Rain- ford says' that I care for, and I would thank 'you to mention no other commander in my hearin' ; although the officer that you speak of may be very'good in his way. There's a little insect in my ear that worries me. I can't go away content till I've taken another look. , I was a little too tender of the feelin's of Miss Redmond ; and, by-the-way, Humph- rey, I've heerd that there's somethin' atween her and this same Guy Deerin'; though I hope to the Lord it isn't true. As a thorough soger, I should have passed my sabre Aown through that bed a few times, with all delica- cy and deference to the fair gal restin' like a snow-flake on one side on't." ". Truly, thou art wanting in respect to the sex. It-would frighten the poor child within an inch of her life to see you thrusting and lunging at harmless beds and bolsters. Veri- ly, the 'profession of arms has hardened thy heart." - The chaplain clanked his sabre, and, beside the sergeant, was as Goliah to David. " Let not your tongue cut your throat ; for you know there isn't a redder sabre in the sheath than yours. In battle, you are Satan, - ' -t' -I- I1 ; ' ": 1 , z ;, ,._,_ i. . ,. _, , y 4 ,, c 'r . e s C x , 1" . ITJ 0) 0I 1-4 dz (f' 9 .e t A.: ' A Y 1 'r f 1 y ! ' J I, ii 't Y' . ,. ,, ; i _ ,t} }i c r ,. J , u Z .5} S 1 - ' e { , ,T p Y : t 5 -1 s r .AL r G 0 , z page: 82-83[View Page 82-83] 7R4 ' _ e° " . ""- .-''° - -.-" "F it^ " ' ...1'& .,p --7 - I OR, HIRL THE IIUNCHBACK. "lf 88 "'N 4 - t' ,,.' and all the rest of the time a saint. Saddle the right horse, my man ! As for respect, to the gal, I'll show her as much as if the's my own sweetheart. She loves Congress and Washin'- ton; and if I say 'In the name of CongrEss, or in the name of Washin'ton,' it will be both law and gospel. Did you notice, Humphrey, that the gal had a wide-awake look, and was sometimes white and sometimes red in the face? Is it common, too, for young women to go to bed with their day-clothes on ? And mark you, sir ! I saw a little slipper peepin' from beneath the bed-coverings, which strikes me i out o' the common order, and ag'in na- tur'." Humphrey mused, throwing his weight upon one limb, and then upon the other. " In the excitement, confusion, and terror of these times, the common usages of life are often violated ; however, if you think it best, 'we'll return and go over our work again." " A thing that is worth doing, is worth doing well. Let us move off a few steps, and then come back of a sudden ; if there is any- thing in the wind, we may find them off their guard." The two men walked out of ear-range, but Deborah Hadley had heard sufficient.- Judith had observed her attentively, and now gath- ered from her expression that there was new danger. "Come out, lad, come out !" she cried. "They're coming' back!" Deering sprang from his hiding-place, where he had been half smothered. Drops of moisture were onhis brow. He gave Judith a look of unspeakable gratitude. " Sweet girl, I owe you life !" he murmur- ed, as he passed her in obedience to a signal from Deb, who 'opened the trap-door. " Why is this ?" asked Judith. "Was he not safer where he was ? If so, to save human life-" " No, no! The s ispicions of the sergeant are, already directed to the bed ; he'll probe every inch on't with his long sabre." "'Anal if he goes into the cellar, discovery will be equally certain,"- said Judith, in much alarm. " Distress not yourself, dear young lady, for one who lives in' daily expectation of a violent death ; one who has counted the cost, and will not shrink from the payment when the bill of mortality becomes due. It is plea- sant 1o know that I have your sympathy, and that withstanding I am infamous in Miss Redn l's eyes---" " C e, for Heaven's sake ! your enemies are at'the door. Down! down! and God in his mercy save you." "The door is fastened," said Mother Had- ley. " I can delay them a minute." She thrust the fitful candle through the opening 6 f: i .! ,f in the floor. " Look !" she continued, coldly and firmly. " Behold that carcass ; a devil once lived in it, but has gone out, not by fasting nor prayer, but by the rope. Jump down, and hide under that black lump of mortality. Pull his great body and limbs over you. Do not fear him; he is more harmless now than for any time these twenty years. Shrink not-all are of a color in the dark." The spy threw a look of ineffable meaning at Judith, and sprang into the vault. " It never shall be said," muttered the wo- man, " that Deb Hadley hasn't done what she might for a friend in trouble." - Then to Miss Redmond : "Back to bed, gal, back to - bed lDon't fear their swords, for your person's, as safe with em, for that matter. as 'twould be at your own h'arth-st one. Behave as well as you did afore, and we'll outwit 'em, yet. Meg, you im- age ! in with your mistress, and see that your tongue keeps its place." She closed the trap. The sergeant was by this time kicking at the door. " Who's come now ?" demanded Mrs. Had- ley, ill-humoredly. " Them that hasn't seen fit to go; so slip the bolt, Cap'n Deb, and don't keep two hon- est men on the wrong side of the door." Deb bustled to the door with an affectation of promptness, and pulled some seconds at the bolt. " Be patient, my dears ; it'll start presently. There-here it comes !" " She is too affectionate ; the wolf has crawl- ed into the lamb's skin !" grumbled Giles. " Don't mind disturbin' a lone woman, or frightenin' to death poor Miss Redmond. Don't be partic'lar, sergeant, because in war-time murder, an' robbery, an' fright go for nothin'. Spin this thing out as long as you can, for presently my son 9hristian'll be here, with his Royal Americans, and his long sword by his side." "The quicker he comes, the better!" re- torted the chaplain, grasping, suddenly, the hilt of his sabre. "Pestilent hypocrite ! you're throwed off your guard now an' then !" exclaimed Deb, with an abrupt return of her fierceness. " I know what ye come for, ye rebel hounds ! The gal's in there ; go and murder her, if ye like ; but remember that her father's a rebel and she's of your own way o' thinkin'." " Nobody talks o' murder, old woman ! 'Tisn't the Continental boys that make war on women and abuse .helpless gals. Away, you sparrow-hawk !" answered Giles, gruffly. He then raised his voice, and added: "'Tis I, Sergeant Giles, Miss. Redmond. Don't be afeard. The liberty boys know their friends as well as they do their enemies. God knows we wont disturb ye more'n we can help, but " 1 t"'3 a LOi k, , } f ii , ,1 '! r J re 3 -- Y ,,. i',- 4l., 1 d . 3 a } [ i Yf JJJ 5 y . ? s y- 4 .t l ,{ s , . i ,t, ar ' ° 7 1 t I cj _i ( I .p '-0 +.. +aL 1. . yoew 'k.- a wwMA'ul"..'44 ...++NW'9 ".YYY}+frihae* .xfaMKMt w F asp'dic :.Tc ,+r a w= . - ... _.cl _. .-. r..-. x_ . t 49. "Y r / page: 84-85[View Page 84-85] 84 THE SWORDMAEER OF THE SANTEE ; I '.1 r' 1.,,' OR, HIRL THE HUNCHBACK.. the fact is, we a'n't yet satisfied. Rainford is a devil pf a feller when his blood's up, and you wouldn't want me faulted, I'm sure, jes' for neglectin' to murder the bed with my sabre." Giles gently opened the door leading to the suspected quarter. " I had hoped," said Judith, complainingly, "that after the terrible excitements of this eventful night, I should be permitted a few moments of undistrbed repose." The pale face of Judith, the mournful se- verity of her words, taken in conjunction with her surroundings, brought Giles to a full-stop. " Poor, dear lamb ! She can't stan' dis yer muc'h longer !" whined Meg, dolorously. " De life's jest about gone out her precious body. I wish to de Lor' dar wa'n't no Congress an' no liberty !" "I beg prdon,miss-I really don't mean- that is, I didn'tcome-" the sergeant began, but the word stuck in his throat. "I had' flattered myself," resumed Judith, id the same deprecating tone, " that the daughter of your friend, Sergeant Giles, would find a place in every patriotic heart." "By Heavens, Miss Judith, you have two places in mine !" cried Giles. "If you wanted it fo'r a pin-cushion, I don't know but I should take it out and give it to fou. But I've got a stern mistress, whose name is Duty, young lady ; and, as a soger-lad, I must stick to her through thick and thin. Duty, miss, says I must search that bed you're layin' on ; and on my knees, as 'twere, I beg of you to rise." " He's going' to steal the dientical bed she's layin' on, and lie's going' to drife her up at the p'int of his sword in her night-gown !" said Meg, rocking her body to and fro, in much apparent distress. "I should suppose that my friendless situ. ation," resumed Judith, determined to make as much delay as possible, " would soften the heart of Cornwallis himself, were he present, to 1 witness my distress." Giles turned to the chaplipin for assistance, for Tarleton's dragoons would not have been so formidable as Judith's eyes. " The duty is not a pleasant one," said Humphrey, coming in a prompt and resolute manner to the rescue, "but we know what is expected Qf us. Miss Redmond is quitephwar that we would shed our blood in her defence; and her plausible words seem to me but an idle pretext to gain time, for some object best known to herself.".- "Whatever may be your virtues, reverend sir, charity does not appear to be one of them ] am in your power, and you can enforce youi commands. I really feel- too weak to arise ' r me your hand, Meg ; these gentlemen . be obeyed. There must needs bet 85 British spy concealed in the bolster or in the straw-mattress." " Beauty is duty, Miss Judith," said Giles, and the moment Miss Redmond's feet touched the floor, stalked sturdily to the bed, and com- menced a slashing assault upon it with his sword. " What bravery ! what courage!" laughed Mrs. Hadley.- . The sergeant having probed the bed to his satisfaction, turned from it with obvious dis- appointment. " I thought it meant something," he mut- tered. " Her manner justified suspicion." " I hope you are satisfied ?" otLserved Ju- dith. " We are convinced that the man we seek is not here. I trust you will bear witness, Miss Redmond, that we have discharged our duty," said the chaplain, bowing, and retiring into the next room. " One more look into the cellar," added Giles, " and I shall be satisfied." " What !" screamed Mrs. Hadley. "Must there be more botheration ? Iavmn' give ye leave to s'arch my house like an honest wo- man, can't, you go away decently, or must ye hang round till morning , keeping' them awake as sorely needs sleep, and burnin' out my candles as if a lone widder hadn't nothin' else to do but make 'em." Humphrey, having the unpleasant recollee- tion of Jaffer in his mind, added his voice to the woman's, in an attempt to dissuade Giles from his purpose. But he was a man not to be turned aside when once resolved.' Deb, af- ter some argumentation, reluctantly sprang the trap. "Down," said she, "if down you must; but my word for't, it'll bring ye to grief." " Give me the candle, hag ! Come on, par- son." " Nay," replied Humphrey, " I enre not for a second look ; and you're such a brave lad you'll do well enough without me." ," It'll be a fine story to carry back to our dragoons that an able-bodied parson is afeard of a dead darkey ! What's a man good for that's scared' at the sight of a corpse ." " Say no more, scoffer, for I am with you. It's little that I care for men, living or dead, armed as I am with the sword of the flesh and the sword of the spirit " The parson swung .is muscular body into the cellar, and groped about after Giles, who t poked in every corner with his sword, and overturned everything that could by any pos- I sible chance conceal a human figure. "How is it ?" queried Humphrey, sarcasti- r call. " Is that little insect still in your ear ?" The sergeant looked over his shoulder to n give Humphrey a sharp reply, and, coming a unwittingly upon the body of Jaffer, tumbled / over it. The light was extinguished by his fall, and he found himself upon the could lump of mortality, in the midst of a darkness that was most intense. " By Heavens! he breathes - his heart beat s -he is warm!" cried Giles. There was a slence of a moment, in which the sergeant's hands and senses. were busy ; then there was a sudden outcry. "Here he is! here he is! help, help !" Immediately there followed a struggle, and the trap-door was instantly closed. The chap- lain stcood paralyzed with superstitious awe. It appeared to him tlhat that .black horror, Jaffcr, had revived and grappled with his friend. "Verily, we are best by the powers of darkness !' he exclaimed. "Bring a - light, woman, bring a light !" Humphrey might as well have been in the centre of the earth for all the eff et his words produced. He heard the crack and strain of . in.b opposed to limb and muscle to muscle, as Giles and his unseen adversary roll d upon the ground and tugged at each other in vari- ous positions. " Contendest thou with man or devil ?" de- manded the chaplain, in an excit ed voice. Before he received a reply, the invisible com- batants had struggled to their feet and fallen again heavily. " For God's sake, Humphrey, help me !" answered Giks, speaking with extreme diffi- culty. " A candle, woman, a candle !" roared the chaplain. "1Short'll be the bit o' candle that ye'11 git from me, and long'll be the time ye'll wait for it!" screamed Deb from above. " Accursed witch of Endor !" exclaimed Humphrey. "As I live she has fastened the door upon us!" " Ay, that I have ! and it won't open ag'in till ye-re fine enough for the wind to blow ye away." "What means the sorceress ?" said the be- wildered chaplain, feeling about in the inky blackness. Giles and his antagonist rolled to his feet. " Avaunt ! man or dcvil, now I have thee !" and casting himself desperately upon the twain, seized one by the throat. " Help ! help !" gasped Giles in a choking voice. "Be of good cheer, sergeant, for I am help- ing thee mightily. I have Apollyon by the throat, and if he have not an extraordinary tenacity of life, I will soon finish him." While the parson was speaking, he who was uppermost disengaged himself and slip- ped away, while the throttled man writhed and twisted beneath the iron fingers that clutched him. "Fool!" said a voice from out the dark- ness. " Wouldst thou strangle thy friend ?" "Good God!" cried Humphrey. " What am I doing ?" He rehnquished his hold " By the Lord !" muttered Giles, the breath rattling in his throat. "I'll have you hanged in sight of the whole regiment! A moment longer and my business would have been done. What in the devil's name possesses ye ?" " Friend Giles, it was a device of Satan, by which I was to be made guilty of thy death." " Device of Satan or not, if I could see, I would plant as good a blow between thy two eyes as ever felled an ox !" answered the mndig- nant Giles. "It was but a mistake. The best of us do not always hit the nail on the head, nor is our zeal at all times according to knowledge," replied Humphrey, apologetically. "Parson, unwittingly youhive done me an ill turn, which at present I can't forgive ;.but what voice was it that relaxed your grasp at my throat ?" " I know not, if it were not thy late adver- sary, which seemeth to me unreasonable." " My late adversary," answered Giles, "was no doubt him of whom we are in search, and for the good turn he has done me he shall hang the easier. I will cover the rope with silk that it shall not chafe his neck." "For which he will thank thee, no doubt," responded Humphrey, drvly. "Well, we have him ; the next thing is to get out with him." "Hillo, old woman ! let up-let up !" shout- ed the sergeant. " Do ye surrender yourselves prisoners of war ?" queried Captain Deb, in a shrill voice. " Devil a bit on't! so open, quick, or I'll raise the very old Nick with your shanty. You've tricked me once, but you can't do it twice. I've got your tory spy fast and tight, and advise ye, as a reasonable critter, to open that trap to let us go out with our prisoner. In case of your refusal, I'll cut the spy into inch pieces, as true as I'm a sergeant in the Conti- nental Army." " As for the Tad, Guy Deerin, he can take keer of himself in a place so black that jou can't see a hand afore ye. The lad wasn't made for liangin', and hung he eha'n't be. He shall burn first ! Ay ! I'11 burn ye all in a heap, if ye don't stan' back and 'low him free and unobstructed passage from the cellar. and ten minutes slart after he leaves the cabin. What say ye to that, ye hounds o' the Conti- nental Congress ?" retorted Deb. " You crow loud for an old hen," returned Giles, " but it will go bard with us if we a'n't up there of our own exertions in less tham a minute." " Try it, my dears, try it !" answered the determined Hadley. 't "f c "1 y i xl t .-rye 1 s ' S . t4. ; r t A { t ' .s y t. " fi3. F 'tS: ,S jr. .5 1 ' 1; I. ,1 l . 1 S f yF SJ 3 { o i N4 (I SR {y !{ F .j 1t t { t; t 1 ,a t i { .f 4 ,.-_Y - -Kaw _ tux. 1, page: 86-87[View Page 86-87] .1 -r if 86 THE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE ; "wChaplain, brace your hands on your knees he again shielded himself with the body of while I mount your back and push open the Jaffer. With his head close to the ground, trap." he could hear'very distinctly the stealing foot- "It opens downward," said'iumphrey. steps of his executioners moving this way and "dItimatters not; it -shall open in whatever that. The ominous silence was broken pres- direction put my strength to it." ently by an exultant shout from Giles. The chaplain placed himself as he was in- "Die, villain! I have ye .at last. Take structed, the sergeant mounted his batck, plac- that !" ed his shoulders to the trap, and was lifting , There was a fierce lunge, suddenly. followed with might and main, when the parson sprang by a piercing shriek from Humphrey. from beneath him with a roar that would have "God of hosts I" he cried. "You have done honor to a full-chested bullock, giving smitten me even as Joab smote Abner with him a breath-starting fall upon his face. This the hinder end of the spear." disaster may be attributed entirely to Captain ." I knew, not," answered the sergeant, draw-. Deb, who had incontinently taken a kettle of ing forth his bloody weapon, "that the rascal boiling water from the fire, and turned a part had arms." of its contents upon the trap, a portion of " Saviour of winners ! thou thyself art the which uncomfortable fluid finding its way rascal ! Thy sword has passed ecan through freely through the crevices,,fell in a scalding my body. Verily, I am spitted like a fowl little rivulet on the chaplain's extended neck, for roasting. This murder will sit heavily on "Take that, ye rebels, as an airnest of the thy soul to-night, Jim Giles, The Lord re- love I bear ye." buke thee, Satan !" The sergeant, so suddenly deprived of his Humphrey's voice was as solemn as if it foundation, plumped directly under the trick- came from the tomb of ten thousand martyrs. tig stream, and received a warmer tribute of "I have stabbed you, I do believe, and the lev- the old woman's affection than the parson ; for il is in the luck ! If you have any last words to striking him upon the shoulders, it saturated say, out with 'em before your strength is gone, his garments, and made him dance around the arter which I'll finish the killin' o' that invis- cellar'for a minute or two like an automaton ible fiend, who is indirectly the cause of this harlequin. Giles being a soldier, used lan- damnable disaster," answered Giles, consider- guage on this occasion that all exemplary per- ably disturbed by what he had done. sons would feel it their duty to condemn. " Of a truth, I believe it's my left arm, and Even the chaplain was shocked, and stopped not my body that you have thrust through. rubbing his neck to reprimand the infuriated The blood is escaping terribly fast." officer. "If it be but your arm," said Giles, with "Such oaths," he asserted, with gravity, returning composure, "you have used pro- "will sink the whole continental army. If fanities too high up in that same graduated swear you must, methinks you would find suf- scale which you talked of not long ago. For fieient relief by swearing by Congress or a- simple stab through the arm, ' By Gates!' Washington, and in milder cases by Green or or 'By Green !' should have answered all; the Gates, Somerton, or even Rainford, according purposes of pain or anger ; while Washin'ton to a regularly graduated descending Sale." and Congress should have been reserved for a "Have a pint' of bua' water poured on thrust in the lungs or stomach." your back, and try it ; if your scale don't run " Were I wounded in battle, maladroit up higher'n than a kite"can fly, I'll eat my Giles, I could bear the infliction with some de- sword, scabbardand all." gree of composure ; but to be hacked to "Do you surrender?" shrieked Mrs. Hadley. pieces through sheer awkwardness when there "We'll answer that by-and-by, old woman, is no need of it, puts me in a passion. Truly, when we've bundled ye on a horse, and got ye here is a great waste- of patriotic blood. I fairly under way to camp," replied Giles, in a shall probably lay my bones in tis unlucky towering passion. Then, to Hlumphrey : vault." "Draw your sabra, parson, and let us make " Die here ?" answered the sergeant, some- an end o' Guy Deerin'. Poke about in every what alarmed. "'Tis a thing I object to. corner, and if you start him, cut him down as You have no right to die anywhere without you would a mullen-stock. You go that way, orders. I'll. call to the old jade and try to and I'll go this. He'll dodge round ' right get out o' this darkness.' Hillo, Deb ! let us smart, but we can't help closin' on him arter out o' this rat-trap. The parson's badly hurt, a time. I's in hopes to carried him in triumph and '11 bleed to death in a few minutes if some-' to camp ; but the hag's h6t water has short- thing isn't done for him." ened his life at least twenty-four hours." "Let him bleed! I wish every rebel in the During this colloquy, the subject of the ser- country was bleedin'thrice as fast. If Wash- geant's vengeance made his way slowly and in'ton hissenf had his jugulers cut, it would. noiselessly to the middle of the cellar, .wher be God's mercy on a .distracted country." OR, HIRL THE HUNCHBACK. OfWoman,"' argued Giles, who saw the ne- cessity of rendering her pliable, " you're a reg'lar trump ; and I never thought the worse of ye for havin' pluck. To be sure, I've ban- died words with ye and had my jest ; but that's human natur', and I'm sure, at heart, I never meant ye any evil." The sergeant's voice was quite penitent and subdued. " The devil was sick; the devil-a monk wouldbe ; The devil was well, the devil a monk was he !" replied Mrs. Deb Hadley, totally unmovedby Giles' rhetoric. " You are too hard on a body," rejoined the sergeant, with affected humility. " You are too sensible a woman to take'the rough waysof a soldier in earnest. Come, now ; let's up, that's a good old soul! Miss Redmond wants to sleep, and we're content to go away with our prisoner, besides givin' you a guinea for your trouble." "IA cunnin' knave has a cunnin' trick," quoth Mrs. Hadley.' " You'like proverbs, and it were a burnin' shame if you didn't have enough of 'em when you're stannin' as 'twere, on the edge of etarnity. You've got a parson with ye, niy dear, and you won't go out the world 'thout the benefit o' clergy. So clap down and at your prayers, for I'm gettin' the kindlin's ready: and the whole consarn'11 soon be in a light blaze." ' A notable tumult immediately followed above ; everything seemed relapsing into chaos. The chaplain was holding hia wound- ed arm and moaning with pain ; the blackness of darkness was around them. Fear began to creep into the stout heart of the sergeant. " In the name of God !" he shouted, " what are you doin' ?" "rPiin' the table, and chairs, and benches, and feather-bed, and straw-bed in a heap over the trap, so's to make a jolly fire when it starts," was the cool rejoinder. ",Heaven and earth !" groaned Humphrey. "I believe the hag means it. We shall be smothered here like rabbits in a hole. Truly, burning is a death crucifying to the flesh. We had better come to terms at once." "GTom Thorntonf! Tom ThorntonI" shouted Giles, at the top of his voice.- " Little good will it do ye to call Tom Thornton ; he's been snorin' for the last ten minutes, and the door is bolted ag'in him, be sides. - Make up your minds quick, for I'm jest goin' to clap a coal into the straw-bed!1" retorted Deb, rattling the fire-shovel and pok- ing at the fire with the tongs. " If we allow the spy to pass out unmolest- ed, what assurance have we that you'll keep faith with us ? Two to one, you'll shut the door in our faces and keep us here till your son comes, with his knaves at his back," in- 87 terrogated Giles, perceiving that the advan- tage was wholly with the woman. ",Do as you like and nothin' on compuj'on. Trust me, or fare worse. My son Ch ian will soon be here, and a fine bonfire he'll see if he comes not with haste." "Hark'ee, Mother Deb! Let Miss Judith vouch for your good faith, and the rogue shall go in peace ; but for God's sake don't keep us here till the poor chaplain bleeds to death." "I will-I do vouch for her 1" answered Judith, earnestly. "I feel assured that what- ever treaty you make with Mrs. Hadley, will be strictly carried out ; I pledge my word that it shall be." " That's the voice that I like to hear ! The matter's settled. Cap'n Deb, I surender ! Guy Deerin', you sly, invisible fiend, luck has stood your friend once more. You've heerd what's been said, and how we're car- cumvented. Mother Deb hovers ye as if you's one of her own chickens. I'm sorry, mister, you've got into such a brood, and if you ain't hanged for't, it'll be no fault of mine." Deering had arisen, and was standing near the trap. "There are few things that we see with the same eyes," he answered, in a suppressed voice. "You and I, Sergeant Giles, do not, and may never understand each other.' " I don't know as I greatly care to have a better understanding. One thing, however, I should like to know, and that is, why you didn't let this blunderin' parson strangle me ?" said the sergeant. " My motives I have little time and less in- clination to explain. When we meet again-" " May it be at the foot qf the gallows 1" in- terrupted Giles. " You are, indeed, an unforgiving enemy," added Deering, sadly. " Love of country is in my blood," quoth Giles. " I hate everything that is treacher- ous and underhanded, as 'twere. I've done my best to take ye, and I think you won't ob- ject as a triflin' favor to say as much, should you chance to fall in with Rainford, which is very probable." vI can testify," responded the spy, "that y e'have hunted me like hounds. Ay ! it ha%- been the same thing over and over for months *-flight and pursuit, pursuit and flight. I *shall die one day, I doubt not, ignominiously ; scoffed at by neighbors and kinsmen, despised by those whose principles I respect." - " Then I eihort thee to turn 'away from fol- - lowing after strange gods," said Humphrey, with emphasis." As Paul says-" " tAs I've often told ye, parson, it's what Rainford says that does the business," retort- - ed Giles, abruptly. p or ' V axe .. y; c11 'f 1? U'' 't~ - -{ S i y k i-W i ?= 1 777777 page: 88-89[View Page 88-89] " A r:: *41'. t . 88 THE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTE The trap-door sprang open with a creaking, dissonant sound. "Farewell," said Deering. " Iforgive you as much as man may for the strait to which I have this night been reduced. To the an- gel who saved me from your misguided wrath," he added, as he sprang from the vault and stood beside Judith, "I shall ever, 'ever be ,grateful." " Speak not of it, but fly. I have listened to the pleadings of mercy, for the pains and penalties of thy trade shock me, and may not be lightly borne by weak human nature. De- part, Guy Deering, if the way be clear, and let us mutually -pray that we may meet no .more in this mutable world." The accents of Judith were low and touch- .ing. The spy stood before her with an expression 'of indescribable melancholy. "Such a prayer, beautiful Judith, I cannot 'offer. Thou hast been the one solitary ray of happiness that has shone, through the dark -cloud of my life." , "Marry, come up!" exclaimed Deb. "You're makin' love to my son Christian's wife! But that's not the game for you, lad. Come! it's time you was movin'. I'll open the door soft, so's not to disturb Thornton, and then, my fine royal British boy, ti'ust to your legs." " The wife of Christian Hadley !" murmured Deering,.with less surprise than Judith ex- pected to see him exhibit. "What mockery is this ?". " Stay not, I entreat!" cried Judith. "You have heard the truth, terrible as 'it is. The -door is open. Hush! sp itk not1" "Come, my gallant boy!" whispered Deb. " There's nothin' 'to 'f h'r. This half-clad, half-starved beggar of a rebel'is sleepin' like a swine.. Step over 'him, And good lick.to Deeri g looked tenderly at Judith, mutter- ed " God"bless you !" and. the next.moment 'his steps we heard in the forest., Five nin-_ utes-lster; Gil-es;the chaplain, and the drowsy Thq pton, 'mounted their horses and scamper- ed a*ay. The latter loitered, and in a spirit of mi ief discharged a pistol into the thatch- e'd rot'of the cabin before he followed his companions. !,LJ OR HIC .111THE' "At nothin', child ! it was mere bravado ; and to tell uswhat he would do if he had a chance. But the day of sich unnat'rals is short, whiph is some comfort. Darter-in-law, you're a brave girl; and it's a thousand pities that you don't love my son Christian, with his right royal red, and his commission in his pocket." , " Speak not of him-. Have I not enough to think of-the destruction of my home, the dispersion of my friends, and the doubt that involves the fate of Miriam? Woman, the north and the south are not farther distant than your son and myself." "I know that we aren't all made up alike, darter ; and what's wholesome for one is rank p'ison for another. But it's a matter o' time, gal; all a matter o' time ! A great doctor is Time ; he brings round his patients arter awhile, curin''em with doses of days, months, and years. I've seen them as wanted to die, reconciled to their fate, and made to rejoice in it." "I hear somethin'," said Meg. " There's allers noises hereabouts. The dead and splintered branches creak on the trees ; the leaves go scurrin' afore the wind, and rabbits and squirrels scamper across the woodland paths," answered Deb. "It's none o' them yer, but the rumblin' of a wagon," replied Meg. "Meg is right, I think," said Judith. "I certainly hear the rattle of whee!s." " I hear it; your young ears are sharper'n mine. It seems as if we should have no rest this blessed night ; fast as one goes, another comes. Listen a minute !" All were silent. "Whoa, Crazy ! A'n't agoin' to r-un your head ag'in a cabin door, be ye ? Hold up, ne'tur !" "It's the Swordmaker of the Santee !" said Deb, joyfully. '- He's a simple-minded, harm- 'less old boy, and '11 do nobody any mischief. He has often passed here with his horse and -cart. He's pooty old, and has a monstrous -hump on his back ; but is no fool for all that. We've had many a good talk together about the times, the king, the war, and the liberty." Judith's heart beat fast with expectation. She felt a secret assurance of assistance. "Who's without?" demanded Deborah, I harshly. " Yes, I've been out," answered the piping CHAPTER XXIV. voice of Hirl, the hunchback. -9 I'm here THE SECRET OF GUY DEERING. with Crazy and the cart. Been down 'mong "There goes, the- last of 'em!" said Mrs. the Royaf 'Mericans, sharpenin' up the tools Hadley. "I hope to goodness they'll fall in of the lads. Open the door, Goody, and let ,with the Royal Americans. Short work in the old man., would my son Christian make with sich fire- The bolt flew back with uncommon sheer- brands." , fulness, and the bent figure of Hirl crossed, "What did he fire at?" asked Judith, still the threshold. -anxious for Deering. "You'll never find the door o' Deb Hadley / si s qi ''f't closed ag'in ye. What news, old man?. How goes the battle? Are they fighting' still? Ha e they annihilated Somerton's brigade?" " Yes, I've come to your aid. I seed your son Chrstian in the thickest o' the skrim- mage ; and proud he looked in his royal red, with histlong swo d, his gold shoulder-knots, and his commission in his pocket ! Lord ! Loid! what a extr'ordiner boy ! Ah, if I'd had sich a offspring! But it wasn't to be; no, it can't to be." " Dear, dear ! what a pleasant way you have with ye ! So you seed -my son Christian a facing' his foes, and a cuttin' 'em down like thistle-leads. I wish his old mother could been there ! The liberty's dead, don't ye think 'tis ? and the royalty's all alive." "My name is Ilirley ; Hirl, for short, though ill-mannered people,-" " Confound the ill-.mannered people that speak ill of one that speaks well of my son Christian'! Odds my life ! seems as if I could smell fire." " Fire ! I's smelt dat yer dis seven or eight, ten minutes," cried Meg. " You can't put it out !" screamed Hirl. "The thatch is a 1 a blaze. I seed it come- ways off. My stars ! if'this pootty young woman isn't Miss Redmond. How on airth did she git here? Well, it makes no odds ; you can ail tumble into my cart, and if there's an' animal that can take ye over the ground, it's Crazy. She's 'leven year old, but she be a smart one, I vow !" "A curse on that sleepy dog ! he didn't fire his pi-tol for nothin . The roofs in a blaze! When the sun rises, Deb Hadley won't have a place to lay her head." The woman looked defiantly up at the roof, down which puffs of smoke now began to drive. "Let it burn, Goody Hadley. There's timber in the forest to make another, and willin' hands among the Royal 'Mericans to build if. Cheer up, old mother ! don't never complain till you have the neuralagy and the rheumaticss, and are as hard o' he.arin' as a whale at the bottom o' the ocean," answered Hirl, rubbing his hands, encouragingly, and obviously mustering a great deal of philoso- phy for the benefit of Captain Deb. "It's easy enough to make comfort for 'others, old man, when you're goin' on smooth yourself! But I'll have it out of 'em for this. My son Christian shall cut 'em up, and hang 'em up, too. What a world 'tis, when men forgit their 'leigance to the king, and go run- nin' arter liberty and Mr. Washin'ton, Con- gress, and others !" The injured woman seemed on the point of appealing to Heaven for help -against rebels and 'wrongs. " The cart's ready ; you women folks can jj r , -7 CY,, .,. a. .anq+w~ .r..i. x _.r+..iyrl~r.&^cau .r'tcbPP::1k t ' - i -: '6 t' HUNCHBACK. 89 jump right in, and away we'll trundle. Crazy's a great creetur to go ! I'll take ye to a place where a dog won't dare to move his tongue," replied the swordmaker, gently leading Ju- dith from the cabin. " That's right, grandaddy ! Be keerful o' my son Christian's wife," said Mrs. Hadley, approvingly. " No, I can't hear no fife. Can't hear a bugle 'less -it's pootty near. One o' my ears, you see, is tore all to bits. IHeerd the groans o' the wounded, though, when Tarleton tackled Somerton's drag'ons. Bless me! how the reb- els fit ! That devil,-Rainford, made a great swarth right through the kurnil's calvary. There was two royalists to one rebel ; but I'll die if I didn't think, one spell, that the rebels would git the best on't." " No more o' that, if you want me to ride in your cartI" cried Mother Hadley.' "Woe is meI what a sad sight to see it burn. What'll Christian do for the housekeepin' and the wife? D'ye think I can leave it, man, without grief ? And where will ye go ? What spot of airth is there where D b Hacley can find another home ready at, hand ?" " Trust your brave son for that, and hop into the cart. Miss Judith can set on the seat with the old man, and you and the caller creetur can stow yourselves 'mong the lug- gage ; there's plenty o' room-plenty on t. Come,:Goody, bear a hand! Don't be nus- sin' your troubles; they'll grow fast .enongh without care." Deborah Hadley, with much complaining and muttering, finally mounted the cart, and rode away with her face 'turned sorrowfuly to her burning cabin. " You'll know how good it is, now, to be burned out," said Hirl. " Many, beside your- self, have been' made houselcss this night. Squire Redmond's house, and stables, and negro huts have turned to ashes since sun- set." "Tell me, good swordmaker," said Judith, with trembling eagerness, "if you were near during that terrible scene ; and can you give me any information respecting my sister Mir- iam ?" "Thank God, I can !" answered the sword- maker, with 'a fervor that made Deborah Hadley start. "She was rescued from the flames ; she is safe." " Heaven bless you, old man, for this as- surance I You relieve me of an op presive and terrible anxiety. And Colonel Someton ?" " He was saved, too. How young gals take to handsome uniforms! Now, if it had been an old man like me, no one would took the trouble to ask about me. But that's natur', I s'pose." " Judge not so uncharitable, worthy sword- maker," replied Judith. "Kindness is seldom. 't t ', IA 6'' 1 :9 - 3 twr ~+.. .x*Aiit i.aw irr _.! '+P'sl4sdig n .+ aa egt..rs- ,c.- n.. r,- .... .ter . - page: 90-91[View Page 90-91] THE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE;'OR, HIRL THE HUNCHBACK. forgotten, and I trust my memory is good. But where are you driving us ?" To a place where you'll be safe enough, I'll warrant." The swordmaker touched his mare with his whip, and she started- at a pace which soon took them to the end of their journey, which was an unfihfished and deserted house on the marin of the forest. It was built by a rebel," said Hirl, "who left it half done to go a sogerin', and it's ten to one if he ever comes back." The first beams of morning were glittering in the east, when Judith followed the sword- maker into the dwelling. The first object that met her view was Miriam. Goody Grindle, who as usual was performing the office of nurse, had fallen asleep upon' her post ; she was brought reluctantly from her dreams by the hurried footsteps of Judith, as she sprang tot embrace her sister. Glancing about the room, Judith saw Somerton approaching from an obscure corner. There was a flush upon his face, and unusual vivacity iin his expression. The young lady extended her hand, saying : "Surely, colonel, you have been the subject of magical arts, else I should, see you en a couch of pain." -r " I think I may affirm ,safely that I have been under the influence of necromancy since I rode in the swordmaker's cart to the present moment." He looked at Miriam expressively, who averted her eyes.. "Not to your'harm, Ihope," replied Judith, smilingly. "To my everlasting good, I firmly be- lieve !" he answered,,with a fervor that was quite enigmatical to Judith. "Don't look so puzzled-like, child 1" cried Goody Grindle, who -was by this time wide awake. " There's been queer doin's this night. Bless us, Miriam! you needn't wink and blink at me to keep me from talkin', for it's my nature to be continually runnin' on. The truth is, Judy-and the truth must come out when I have anything to do with it-the colonel's been and made love to Miriam, thinkin' it was you;. and I'll perish if I don't think she's ac- cepted him, burns, petticoat, and all, jest as he stands." At this juncture, Deborah Hadley, who had stood in the back-ground, advanced,-and con- fronted Somerton. "Dear goodness ! here's a pair on us, I should say. War sort of mixes up things don't it ?" she said, with a.comical leer thai was quite irresistible. Somerton glanced at his novel toilet, for he still wore the petticoat that Betsey Grindle, in her superabundant kindness, had invested him with, and joined heartily in the laugh that wa raised at his expense. " You're an odd figger to make love," added Deborah ; " and it's the luckiest thing in the world that' yqu, didn't set your heart on my son Christian's wife." "Wife ?" repeated Somerton, vaguely. "Nothin' less nor more," answered Deb, stiffly, then turning to Judith, added: "Ihave pleasure in introducin' to you and everybody, my darter-in-law, Mrs.'Judith, Hadley, wife of Christian Hadley, captain of the Royal Amer- icans, with his commission in his pocket, signed by the 'king himself." " What's the lunatic talkin' about ?" queried Betsey Grindle, her pride beginning to mount to her face. " This is my niece, and the wife of nobody, much less of that infamous tory, Christian Hadley, the mention of whose name makes her pale as a lily." " Ask the gal!" retorted Deborah, defiantly. " She won't deny that she was brought to my house, that a parson was sent for and came, and the ceremony was performed." "What means this, Judith ?" cried Miriam. "Speak, Meg !" " They've jes' done gone married her, whe- ther she would or no. I heerd the whole cere- mony ; but goodness, Miss Merry ! she was in a dead faint, an4 I-don't believe sensed a dozen words of it. I sot there a holdin' on to her, and I prayed ; and I prayed ; and I prayed that dem, yer wheels-o' time would roll 'em all into eternity together." "Know you anything of this ?" asked Som- erton, looking at the swordmaker. "I know what- they say, kurnil, and if the marriage is binded, DebHadley has got a nice darter-in-law." Judith was by this time nearly insensible, and Miriam and her aunt were hanging over her in great alarm and bewilderment. "These wrongs must cease," said Somerton, with energy. " And they will !" muttered the sword- maker, " Long live the king !" exclaimed Deborah Hadley. " Who'll take that masculine woman by the shoulders' and put her out doors ?" demanded Betsey Grindle, appealing to no one in par- ticular. " Yes, who'll do it ?" repeated Captain Deb. " What'sthat ?" cried Meg, suddenly. - There was a pause. The distal t blast of a bugle was heard ; the mellow notes drifted into the open doors and windows like soft bil- , lows of harmony. t "I should know those sounds," said Som- erton. e "'Tis the blare of a trumpet ! said Mrs. Had- n ley, quickly. "A guinea to a shillin' that the i royal Americans are coming , with my son s Christian at their head. What think ye, old Hirl?" " I can't hear much, but jedgin' by wha little I can hear, I should say a company o hoss was coming' this way at a clean gallop, answered the hunchback, qietly. - "Be they friend or foe ?" interrogated Deb "I should think they might be one o tetherr !" screamed the swordmaker. "In the course o' natur' they must be for or ag'inst.' ".Any fool knows that !" replied Mrs. Had- - Icy, complimentarily. The bugle-notes grew louder and louder, and the heavy tramp of horsemen drew nearer Manifestly every person in the dwelling await ed the results with anxiety. The matter was . soon settled ; Rainford dashed up to the door at the head of his dragoons. Seeing Somer- ton at the window, he threw himself from the saddle, and hurried to greet him. " My dear colonel," he said, "I scarcely ex- pected this pleasure, although I have been in- formed of your escape from Hadley, and his ruffians, and of your being conveyed to Red- mond's plantation. I knew the house was burned, and feared the worst." " Providence has kept me alive, gallant Rainford, and I hope to ride again to battle by your side. How is it? Are our poor fel- lows cut to pieces? Have the dragoons lost heart and courage ?" "They have been roughly used, and are terribly harried with fighting overpowering numbers. But -the stout lads are good for another day. A few hours' rest and a hearty meal, will put most of them right ; but' some of them are done with eating. Well, that's a soldier's fate, Somerton. Whom hve you here? Ahi! I see bright eyes, and others that are not so bright. What is that masculine creature in the black coat and red petticoat? She looks like the devil's dam." "And such she is ; she is the mother of Christian Hadley," replied the colonel. " Infamy enough for one woman. I see a face that I know-that sharp'female, Betsey Grindle. But who are those pretty creatures who look as much alike as two peas in the same pod ?" ' " The Redmond sisters," answered Somer- ton, glancing at the twain with evident pride. " The Redmond sisters," repeated Rainford, - , musingly. " My gallant colonel, I shall watch you ! With such fair nurses, I fear your' wounds will not heal by the first intention, as surgeons say. Well, Love and Glory are yoke- fellows." "'A rough soldier has little time for senti- ment at such a crisis as this," replied Somer- ton, coloring. " Time ? you've taken it by the forelock, ere this ; if you haven't, you've neglected your . opportunity ; that's all I can say. Here's the' swordmaker, too. A queer old body is the swordmaker I By-the-way, I have rare news Dj t for you: Marion's brigade is thundering up f from the swamps of the Santee. We'll drive Tarleton into the river, and send him back with banners trailed in the dust. This is not all ; as I came up I saw a man running across a r field. I put spurs to my horse, leaped fences, e ditches, and gates, ana finally'captured him. " Whom do you think it was? It was our old - friend, the spy." ",The'spy !" said the colonel, with a start. " The spy !" repeated Hirl, in a voice more indicative of consternation than surprise. "The spy.!" gasped Judith. s " The same," replied Rainford. " And you r may rest assured," he added; significantly, "that he'll never be caught again." " Have you murdered him ?" asked the swordmaker, huskily. - " A continental soldier, old man, never com- mits murder," retorted Rainford, haughtily. " Tell me, oh tell me, sir-have you-have you-" began Judith, with strange vehe- mence. " Lady," answered Rainford, "be lives. Giles-sergeant Giles, bring forward the pris- oner." The word was passed along ; and after some commotion among the dragoons, Giles and Thornton appeared, leading the unfortunate Deering, whose arms were pinioned tightly. His face was calm, pale, and melancholy. He did not notice Judith, but a shudder passed over his person when he saw the swordmaker. For an instant he was affected, but presently confronted Raiaford and Somerton with self- possession. " Rash, misguided man !" exclaimed Somer- ton, sorrowfully. "I had hoped that we should never meet again, and that the past had taught you wisdom. You have tempted Prov- idence one- time too many ; nothing can save you." " Of what am I accused?" demanded the man, with an unflinching eye. Judith looked anxiously from one to the other of the two men. "Every child on the Santee could tell you your crime. The name of Guy Deering is too well known," returned the colonel. " My name is Henderson-Max Henderson." " The same subterfuge and falsehood!" cried Rainford, contemptuously. " It is my duty to assure you that this will not avail you," added Somerton, with firmness. "I have not the slightest hope that it will," re lied the spy. The swordmaker stood watching the latter, and Judith ; his countenance. expressive of the deepest interests " Ah my boy, my poor boy, why didn't you keep out o' their elutches arter you left the. cabin ?" exclaimed Deborah Hadley, with evi- dent sorrow. . F ~ 1''tY -- 0 ';- I '1 - - s /5 s' II j a F. L ._ , p"' 4 { ' 't ti- L : ,t :' ' . ; ; r;,, s , s 1 {t a page: 92-93[View Page 92-93] F - THIE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE; "Do you hear that, your honor? She ac- knowledges that he was at her cabin, to which I can swear ; for I saw him there, and should have taken him, if the chaplain and I hadn't been carcumvented by that she tory. I can testify, too, that she called him Guy Deerin' more nor once. Lord, Colonel! we can swear his life away in no time," interposed Giles, with much zeal. " Woni-in," said the spy, looking steadily at mother Hadley ; " I have entered no cabin of yours in the lat twelve hours. I have been too busy to avail myself of the shelter of a roof." "Cool enough ! cool enough!!" said the ser- geant, with an incredulous shrug. "Don't know nothin' 'bout bemn' hid in the cellar, I s'poise, nor what happened there, norhow you got away at last ?" "I protest, gentlemen, that I am utterly ignorant Qf all this," answered the accused, impressively. " He knows no more about it than a child unborn ! As for being' at my cabin, that was mor n a week ago," asserted Deb, promptly. "This lad isn't no more like Guy Deerin' than a cheese is like the moon. His name is Hen- derson, and nothin' else. Dear me ! I know d the Ilendersons years ago, man and boy, wo- man and child." 1Good mother," said the spy, calmly, "let us have nothing but the truth, for I am placed where the truth will serve me, as well as false- hood; and neither can avail me aught." -And it's the truth I've been tellin', which I'mallers ready to tell for friend or foe. Who can have the heart to bring sich a fine-lookin' man to the halter? But men become despe- rately wicked when they forgit the king and run art'-r liberty, Mr. Washin'ton, Congress, and others." - Deborah shook her head regretfully, and. sighed. The swordmaker advanced a step toward the accused, who said, quickly, in a deprecating voice: "Nay, old m'an, I conjure you not to speak ! The few feeble words that you could say in my favor will not affect the fate that is reserved for me, in the smallest degree. Your testi- monymightinvolve another. For God's sake, be quiet!" Rainford and Somerton exchanged a few words in low tones. The former then gave an order in the same voice to an officer near him. Judith cast herself at the swordmaker's feet, and seizing his hand, cried : "Oh, sir, ifyou can say any thing in favor of this wretched man, I entreat you, by all that you love, to say it!" "What can I do, child ; what can I do ? I am neither Somerton, nor Rainford, nor Wash- ington," answered Hirl, mournfully. " Do you know this lady, sir ?" asked Som- erton, pointing to Judith, and fixing his re- gards steadily upon tlie spy. " I have reason to believe her to be Judith Redmond ; but never had the pleasure and honor of her acquaintance," he replied. Judith arose, and gave him a reproachful, sorrowful glance. " It is Judith," said the swordmaker, in a voice so changed that every one involuntarily looked at him. "I have heard much of her goodness. May God bless her!" Judith was bewildered. What did this mean? Was it a generous concealment to save her name and fame ; or was it a justifiable subterfuge, resorted to to weigh in his favor by embarrassing the question of his identity." An officer approached Rainford and said, " We are ready, sir." " Ladies," said Somerton, "you had better retire into the house, and lose the doors. The further examination of the prisoner will be conducted more privately." " Such is not your purpose," said Judith, with empressement. "You have something terrible in view." " Mister," said the swordmaker, addressing the spy, " what might be the matter with your hands and arms? It 'pears like as though you'd passed through a furnace." Somerton heard the words,. and glanced at what he had not before observed-the hands and arms of the prisoner. His manner changed in a moment ; he sprang toward Deering, saying : '," I conjure you to tell me how you received those injuries ?" The man's hands were blistered and char- red, and his coat and linen hung in scorched' threads from his arms. "Question me-not," replied Deering. "I insist !" continued Somerton, emphati- cally. "In rescuing two human beings from a burning building, I received these wounds from the angry flames," answered the spy, un- assumingly. "I knew it! I knew it!" exclaimed Somer- ton. "It was you who bore me from Red- mond's house-it was you who saved Miriam. I had an unaccountable apprehension of it at the time, although my bodily faculties were paralyzed by suffocating gases." " Captain Rainford, I am ready ! I thank you that this time it is not hanging," said the prisoner, with a faint smile. Sergeant Giles took him by the arm to lead him away. Some ten rods distant, a dozen dragoons could be seen in line, under arms. While Somerton stood deeply affected by this development, General Marion and two of his aides arrived at the scene. His coming was OR, HIRL THE HUNCHBACK. hailed with universal cheering by the sol- Every face was turned with supreme naton- diers. ishment to the swordinaker. Rainford then proceeded to relate the cir- " Consider-reflect! What will you-~what custances of Deering's capture, and the un- can you do ?" remonstrated the spy, with satisfactory results of his examination, both thrilling earnestness. on that and a previous occasion, with the ex- "I will bring here the man who has borne tenuating fact of the rescue of Somerton and the name of Guy Deering. I will place before .Miriam. these gentlemen the real Guy Deering." General Marion examined the prisoner at- Judith began to tremble : somcth:nigin the tentively, and appeared impressed by his voice of Hirl was turning her sudden joy in- brave bearing, to terror. "About his identity, there can be no mis- The old man stood up erect; he cast his take," he said. This is the same man that I slouched hat upon the ground ; he tore off a saw on the morning that I wrote that letter wig and false beard ; his gray coat andl hump that prevented the execution of an innocent dropped from his shoulders,.and Ilirl, the person." hunchback, was transformed into the exact "pThat cannot be possible," replied Rain- counterpart of the prisomr. ford ; "for th's is the identical individual that There was a simultaneous outburst of as- we had in custody, and who mysteriously es- tonishnient. For a short space, io one spoke. taped on the following night." Judith glanced anxiously from the sword- " You must I e deceived by a resemblance." maker to the prisoner ; doult and perplexity The general fixed his keen eyes on Ju- lingered but a moment on her face. dith, whose distress he had noticed. " Twin brothers !" exclaimed Somerton, lost "'Yount woman," he said, suddenly, " do in admiration and wonder. you knowv this man ?" - "Fatal, fatal magnaimil y !" murmured the There was a dead silence. spy. "I should have drained this cup alone." " I am answered," said Marion. The swordmaker stretched out his hands to- Judith was terribly pale. ward his brother, exclaiming : "If there is a "Is he or is he not called Guy Deering ?" Guy Deering in the n orld, I am he ! If there resumed Maricwith a directness and energy y has been a spy between the British and Ameri- that it was impossible to evade. can lines, I am that spy !" Judith attempted to speak; but her voice The prisoner rushed into the open arms ; dried in her throat. he could not immediately command his voice. " There is no such evidence in the world as He raised his head presently, and, d sengag- that !" said Marion, in a suppressed voice. ing himself, said : " Gentlemen," said the prisoner, solemnly, ' " Why should ye, o are our judges, dis- " I acknowledge that I am Guy Deering !" tinguish between us, to throw the greater 4 That settles'it," observed Marion. "Had guilt on this man?' If lie be guilty, I am he saved a score of men from a building to equally so." which his own perfidy applied the burning Rainford coughed; Somerton turned away ,brand, there could be but one fate awarded his head, and there was a perceptible unsteadi- him. It is the will of Washington." ness in Marion's voice, when he said to Judith: "You confess ?" queried Somerton, ner- "Miss Redmond, which of these two is your vously. lover ?" "I confess to the name-not to the deeds." She pointed mutely at tfe swordmaker. " Let us not protract this scene," observed "This, then, is Guy Deering; or, at least, Marion. the person who has been thus called,"' added "Say once more," continued Somerton the general, "But as both have acted in gloomily, "that you are Guy Deering." concert, there can be no difference in the guilt "Say it not-say it not !" cried the sword- of the parties. It is extraordinary! 'lhese maker ; "for it is a foul, yet generous lie. men have not the faces of knaves." Your name is Henderson; and the universal " A thousand, thousand thanks, brave gen- world cannot change it, if it spoke in one con- eral !" cried the spy, fervently. centrated voice, and called you Deering. You " This requires looking into, Colonel Som- shall not-shall not die !" erton. There is, questionless, a mystery here " In t he name of Heaven, be silent !" en- which we do not rightly apprehend," contin- treaedathe prisoner. ned Marion, his keen eyes glittering upon the Judith's eves wandered wonderingly to Hirl,' brothers, as if to pierce the se.eret of their the hunchback. lives. " Silent ! the angels forbid ! It is time to " General," said Somerton, pointing to the speak. I will not permit the sacrifice. Your man with the blistered hands, " I owe him a noble soul shall not go -out of the world in the life ; ay, not one, but two. Do not put it be- blackness of infamy." yond my power to show my gratitude." I' L' V . ~1 E I .a ,. -° +s7:... - ..r..:+.: .6i...i.+5: .w+..a"-.kmss.ww.:ce +w+wo,+iw Grr a.s: rA.i.:t. ,.a. o ---- "; ~ ._ . I i I I I " S i . i ' = . 4 A t - .' f t:,2r IF page: 94-95[View Page 94-95] _ __ .__-_____- . 94 - 4z- 1 Marion shook his head gravely ; but made wife has your son Christian wedded ! Repent, no answer. woman-repent, afore the wheels o' time roll "Ye whom Nature has formed with such ye to the clods o' the valley !" wonidrous similitude, answer me this ques- " The light is breaking upon us, I think," tion : which of you was captured by me, after remarked Marion, cheerfully. "Look yonder, swimming the river in a desperate race for Deborah Hadley, and tell me what you see ?" life ?" demanded Somerton, his curiosity deep- The woman shaded her gray brows with her ly excited. hand, and gazed down the plantation ; she saw I rwas that unfortunate," said the sword- a charge of cavalry, and redcoats and royal maker. Americans flig i dire confusion.. "And I," added the 'other, "was the old "Marion's brigade !" muttered Deb. "May hunchback who rode into camp soon after, never one of 'em die in bed ! May they starve with Crazy and the cart. I gained admission miserably in the swamps, or die festerin' in to the prisoner ; but, despite your precautions, their wounds, without mother, wife, or cor- the same man did not come out that went in." trade to soothe their Partin' moments !" "I comprehend," said Somerton. "Curse not " said the chaplain, who had "After leaving the camp," said the sword- thus far been a silent but interested listener. maker, "I drove rapidly to i.Jack Swamp, "Here come some of my men bringing a where I showed myself without the disguise of prisoner," said Marion. Hirl, the hunchback. The sight of me pro- "Tis my eon Christian !" shrieked Mrs. duced that letter, and prevented the execu- Hadley, "and his royal red is redder with tion of my brother." blood. Ye barbarians ! to kill one of the "Hold I" interposed Somerton, thought- king's annointed, with histcommission in his fully, addressing the last speaker. "It was pocket !" you 'who took me from the tory camp in your The -woman sprang forward and threw her- cart ?" self upon her son, who was- brought in upon- "It was ; and it was my brother Max who a litter by four men, who set it down near the afterward found you 'n the thicket, and gave general. One of them touched his hat, and youthe pistol with which you wounded Black said : Jaffer." " We bring you the notorious Christign '- It was you, Guy, who drove the cart ?" Hadley, whom justice has at length over- said Judith, with a flushed face. taken." "It was I, incomparable Hirl! .Did you Hadley's eyes rested on the brothers Hen- think the,'simple trickery of disguise would derson, and rising upon his elbow, he shook conceal your identity from me ? It was to his fist at them with inexpressible rage and methat you gave the saw, and that beautiful hatred. message ; it was I who left you on the margin "'Twas ye who betrayed me !" he cried, of your father's plantation, as Old Hirl, to re- with startling vehemence. Then to his moth- turn, presently, as the spy. You forgot your -or: " Woman, woman, behold the traitors! assumed character, and you branded me as they are rebels, rebels ! They have made us 'Infamous.' It was I, 'Guy Deering Hender- their playthings and theirtools. But for them, son, that you saved this night at the cabin, Marion and his men would be restin' quietly with the self-devotion that ought to elevate to-day in the swamps of the Santee." you among the saints. It was I, too, who Just then Somerton observed something roll took the character and name of the Rev. Eli- from the pocket of the swordmaker, and pick- jah Holdfast; and, -whatever be my fate, ed it up. It was a bullet that was hollow, know that the marriage was a mere mummery, fastened in the centre by a hinge and spring without the least legal force. It was thus, 0 nicely adjusted. He opened it quietly; it Judith ! that I watched over and befriended conta led a slip of paper, which lie readand you." passed to General Marion with a smile of in- "And so, sir, you deceived my son Chris- telligence. tian, and played him false when you ought to The swordmaker saw the movement and stood hig friend ! I believe, at heart, that ye sprang to intercept it, but it was too late. are rebels both, and have been puttin' your " I meant," he exclaimed, with earnestness, pranks on us all the while, and bringing the "that the secret should perish with me. I call inemy to pick off the royal Americans. 0 ve you both to witness-you, General'Marion, double-faced boys ! little did I think,.when I's you, Colonel Somerton, that I have done my tellin' ye the news from time to time, that duty; that I have not betrayed my trust ; that you's runnin arter liberty, and Mr. Washin'- I have not yielded to a cowardly love of life, ton, Congress, and others !" cried Deborah that I am not infamous !" Eadley, in a towering passion. The swordmaker turned with heaving chest "This is your darter-in-law with a ven- to Judith, who held out her hands, and said; geance !" screamed Goody Grindle. "A nice "Forgive, forgive !" THE SWORDMAKER OF THE SANTEE ; 4 1 l OR, HIRL THE HUNCHBACK. 95 " We will one and all bear, witness, that the pocket. My boy Christian ! my boy Chris- Swordmaker of the Santee has nobly discharg- tian !" ed the trust reposed in him by one whose "She has a motherIs heart,' affirmed "BT name I will not here mention," answered Gen- sey Grindle, with a touch of feeling. "Te eral Marion, with a fervor that testified to his poor creetur is bound up in the inian, I dare sincerity. " He who adheres to duty under say, bad as he is. Here comes your father, the blighting imputation of dishonor, is indeed nieces, and ue shall have a good deal to tell a true hero ; and you, Miss Judith Redmond, him. But will take it at our leisure, gals ; and if I have interpreted your feelings aright, my word for it, he won't say' nay' to the olo- cannot place your trust in one more worthy, nel, or Guy Decring, or Henderson." than he who has passed to and fro among us Miriam blushed, and Judiths face glowed as Hirl, the hunchback." not a little. "Marry, come up ! I believe the gal's gone " Men," said Marron to those who had gath- cd fell in love 'thout lettin' her aunt know it. ered about them, " say nothing, conjecture Well, we must be happy while we may, for the nothing, concerning thcse men. Let what wheels o' time '11 soon roll us away," said Bet- you know, and what you do not know, remain sey Grndle.alike untalked of." seGrndle.t me take away my dyin' son, and that's The dragoons cheered heartily, and with- all the favor I'll ask!" cried Deborah Hadley, drew to their several posts. That day Tarle- glancing fiercely around upon the officers and ton and his troops fled for life, and Liberty men.v- made a great stride ia South Carolina. The "mMen," said Somerton, " convey the wound- brothers Henderson did not then and there ed man wherever the woman shall direct." cease to be useful, but performed good service " Into the house with him ! i'ito the house for the patriot cause till peace once more vis- with him, ye murderers-!" said Deb. "Sad ited the land. However great theobligations is the day when my son Christian is brought under which he put his beloved country, the to me with so little life in his bod y. I believe Swordrnaker of the Santee felt them more than they'll have it all their own way-them that repaid by the hand of Judith Redmond, who run arter liberty, Mr. Washin'ton, Congress, no' er more called him" Infamous ;" and Cole- and others. But he shall be buried in his nel Somerton and Miriam often afusd their royal red, with his long sword by his side, his friends in after years by tales of Hir, the gold shoulder-knots, and his commission in his Hunchback. A 3, V_ ) --Z , 1 { "' r ' ." i r 1 ., e 1 t ' Yd , ,s ', . d !C*_,,,° .:-: . . ..;ice'. ..we ,-- .;n: .r ' Vim.;; w..w W t.+ ..';c[.o-o.k'w=a . _a: +s,.,:ia.r§ 'a.S.A . .: : v:e,.:a...er .o::., ... =-,r ._.Q .. .,.T.,.-..-tea, ...++. ..-., .,.. ,_ .-., _.. . _, -- ' . Li page: 96-97 (Advertisement) [View Page 96-97 (Advertisement) ] - - ::bn L ' -4. ; c_.. . a +.y - 4 - - I' MORGAN; on, THE KNIGHT OF THE BLACA FLAG. CHAPTER I. "He was the mildest mannered man That ever scuttled ship or cut a throat ; With suchtrue breeding of a gentleman, You never could divine his ieal thought." -BmroN. " Yes, noble lady, I am dreaming-dream- ing of the day when I shall wear the spurs of knighthood, be kind to my inferiors, courteous to my equals, and acknowledge no superior of my own sex but my God and the king !" The spot where these words were spoken was in a wildly beautiful valley in Wales, a rocky, wooded dell, which lay beneath the walls of an ancient castle, wh'se lofty grey towers and rough battlements gave token of its power, well garrisoned,-to 'withstand the siege of an army. And it had withstood more than one siege ; for its lordly gwnor, the Earl of Caermarthen, had been true to Charles the Martyr, scorning Cromwell and his bloody protectorate, and now gloried in the favor of the reigning monarch, Charles the Second. The castle stood high among the craggy cliffs which border the western coast of Wales ; so near the sea that the roar of the . ocean surges could be heard in its halls, when- ever the spirit of the storm awoke them from their slumbers. And down from amid those crags, crossing the winding pathway to the castle, where a rude bridge spanned it, rushed the main fountain of the Towy river on its foamy way to Cardigan Bay. The speaker was a young -man, not far past his twentieth year, in the flower of strength and manly beauty. His fine form was plainly but neatly clad in a fashion which indicated his vocation to be a military one. A sword rested in its scabbard on his thigh, and a dag- ger was in his belt. A peaked hat with a broad brim shaded his white forehead, over which drooped a single ostrich ferither, as black as night. ,From beneath this hat, his hair de- scended-in glossy brown curls down upon 'his shoulders, in true '.'cavalier" style, and the lower pa of his"finely-featured blonde face was co ered with a . soft. and curling - beard, which had neyer known the desecrating touch of the razor or scissors; the one a most barber-ous, aiid'the other, a most .treacherous and Delilah-ian weapon. That the young man wore arms, in that time, was sufficient toprove that he either was of gentle blood, or else in the service of one of the nobility. His manner to the lady, whose questioning had elicited the words which oc- cur at the opening of this story, was humble and deeply respectful ; but yet he permitted his blue eyes unabashed to gaze upon her truly glorious beauty ; and though the color came and went upon his face like the blushes of a bashful maiden, there was no tremor in his voice when he replied to her. She had ridden up to .iim, followed by two attendants of her own sex, while he stood leaning against an oak by the side of the rushing stream, in so deep a reverie that he had not heard her approach. I said she was very beautiful. Nor did I err. Her noble bust was well displayed, as she sat upon an Arabian courser of snowy white ; and though a look of cold and haughty pride somewhat marbleized her perfect features, an illuminating smile so softened them, when she spoke to the young man, that to him she look- ed like an angel. " Thy aspirations are lofty, Master Henry," said she, with a smile at his words. " Very, lady ! so lofty that few ears will hear me utter them. Excuse my folly in speaking of them." "Nay, I did not say it was folly, Master Henry," said the lady, quickly, for he seemed 1" ' Q ' r - I--; -r, Mi ztFr 'r ' E E _ s ' I F' : t ' 7 i a 4 T , ;: {4 4 1 t tr as u page: 98 (Advertisement) -99[View Page 98 (Advertisement) -99] REPRODUCED FROM THE COPY IN THE HENRY E. HUNTINGTON LIBRARY FOR REFERENCE ONLY. NOT FOR REPRODUCTION 717
