Tom Anderson, Dare-Devil: A Young Virginian in the Revolution — page 383: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Wuo was Ir? 363 Murmured words of admiration stole through the dusk, — there were red shadows in the doors opening off the hail, — and glances of admiration followed her, but no- body dared speak to this young beauty to whom Tarleton showed deference. The voices of the soldiery out of doors had drowned the crash of hoofs along the approach to the house. Suddenly Dare saw a panting horse standing at the foot of the steps. A man had flung himself from the saddle, answered the sentinel’s challenge, and bounded up the steps. A shudder of premonition went through the girl. “Who is it?” she asked herself. Slowly she ad- vanced to the door; he stood waiting; he bared his pow- dered head. Slowly she came; with unsteady steps. In restrained, intense tones he called to her. “Arthur Leslie!’? — she drew back. “How dare you come here: False friend — and open enemy!”’ “Dare! Come back!’ She was gone. Her slim, black-gowned figure was lost in the gloom of the staircase. She ran until she reached Mrs. Anderson’s door. In a tumult of emotion she held her breath to listen. A quick, bold step rang along the hall. He had entered! In defiance of her scorn! “‘Tarleton will do the honors of Oxheart House!’ — shaking with rage and mortification. A shot burst from the hall. There was a fall that shook the house. And Dare went flying down the stairs, screaming wildly: “Arthur! Arthur! — Where are you?”’ Others were before her. Half a dozen men in red were bending over a motionless figure, half visible in the eve- ning light about the door. He lay close to the door. “Hold that candle here!”’ “Ts he dead?” “Who shot —” “Look — Look! —” “Good God! Is it Leslie?” A girl’s scream filled the somber void. “Tt is! — General Leslie!” CORNICLMOO® cS (CO) mn