Claudius Smith, the Robin Hood of the Highlands and the
terror of the pastoral low country, had formerly been their
leader; and the sympathy shown by Mr. Reynolds with all the
efforts to bring him to justice which finally resulted in his
capture and execution, and awakened among his former associates an
intense desire for revenge. This fact, well known to the farmer,
kept him constantly on his guard, and filled his wife and daughter
Phebe with deep apprehension.
At the time of our story, Phebe was only twelve years of age, but
was mature beyond her years. There were several younger children,
and she had become almost womanly in aiding her mother in their
care. Her stout, plump little body had been developed rather than
enfeebled by early toil, and a pair of resolute and often mirthful
blue eyes bespoke a spirit not easily daunted. She was a native
growth of the period, vitalized by pure air and out-of-door
pursuits, and she abounded in the shrewd intelligence and demure
refinement of her sect to a degree that led some of their
neighbors to speak of her as "a little old woman.
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