cessary, as he had
now an opportunity to deliver his charge into the hands of friends. The
British horsemen, accordingly, took their leave; and, in the next
moment, Horse Shoe surrendered to a patrole, who announced themselves to
be a part of the command of Colonel Davie, of the North Carolina
militia--a gallant partisan, then well known to fame, and whose after
exploits fill up no inconsiderable page of American history.

It does not enter into the purpose of my story to detain my reader with
a minute account of Mildred's homeward journey; but having now
transferred her to the protection of a friendly banner, it will suffice
to say that she arrived the same evening at Charlotte, where she spent
the night in the midst of the active, warlike preparations which were in
progress to receive Cornwallis.

It was towards sunset on the following day, when, wearied with the toil
of a long and rapid journey, our travellers arrived in front of a
retired farm-house, on the road leading through the upper districts of
North Carolina. The cultivation around this dwelling showed both good
husbandry and a good soil, and there was an appearance of comfort and
repose which was an unusual sight in a country so much alarmed and
ravaged by war, as that over which the wayfarers had lately journeyed.
The house stood some short distance apart from the road, and in the
porch was seated an elderly man of a respectable appearance, to whom a
young girl was, at this moment, administering a draught of water from a
small, hooped, wooden vessel which she held in her hand.

"I am parched with thirst," said Mildred, "pray get me some of that
water."

"The place looks so well, ma'am," replied the sergeant, "that I think we
could not do better than make a stop here for the night. Good day,
neighbor! What is the name of the river I see across yon field, and
where mought we be, just at this time?"

"It is the Yadkin," answered the man, "and this county, I believe, is
Iredell--though I speak only by guess, for I am but a stranger in these
parts."

"The lady would be obligated," said Horse Shoe, "for a drop of that
water; and, if it was agreeable, she mought likewise be pleased to put
up here for the night."

"The people of the house are kind and worthy," replied the old man, "and
not likely to refuse a favor. Mary, take a cup to the lady."

The girl obeyed; and, coming up to the party with the vessel in her
hand, she suddenly started as her eye fell