eplied the sentinel, as
Tarleton at this moment returned to the door.

The lady of the house, thus taken by surprise, firmly stood her ground,
and awaited in silence the accost of the officer. Tarleton was somewhat
disconcerted by this unexpected encounter. He had entered with a hurried
step, but the moment he was aware of the presence of the dame, he halted
and removed his cap from his head, as he made a low obeisance.

"I am too happy, madam," he said, "in the persuasion that you have
overcome your unnecessary alarm at this visit; and feel pleased to be
afforded an opportunity of making my respects in person."

"I can conceive no sufficient reason, Colonel Tarleton, why a
defenceless house like mine should provoke the visit of such a host of
armed men."

"Your house, madam, has some fame upon this border for good
entertainment. It fell in my way, and you will excuse me for the freedom
of saying, that I boast myself too much of a cavalier to pass it by
unmarked by some token of my regard. Besides, I may add without meaning
to be rude, our necessities in the article of forage, madam, are quite
as great as General Marion's, who, I understand, does not scruple
sometimes to take his contribution from you."

"I should more readily excuse your visit," replied the lady, "if you
would time it when General Marion was levying his contribution. You
might then adjust your right to the share you claim. This house is
yours, sir; and it is not fit that I should remain to debate with you
your claim to dispose of whatever you may find in it."

"Why, what a musty and wrinkled piece of insolence is here!" muttered
the angry soldier, clenching his teeth under this rebuke as the matron
withdrew. "Well, let the crones rail and the maidens weep their fill!
the border is mine, and merrily will I hold it, and blithely will I
light up the river, too, before I leave it! Curse on these free-spoken
women! Who says they are defenceless with that supple weapon that God
has given them? What ho, you bag of chaff--booby--Foster--I say! Look
you; have you all the provisions in the house set out upon the
tables--and don't spare your peach brandy, which we have already
tasted--you have more of it. So let us have the best; I shall feast with
a good will to-day, and I will do it plentifully, or your ears shall be
cropped."

"Everything in the kitchen, sir, is going on at a gallop," said Horse
Shoe; "and as for the drinkables, your honor shall comman