THE SPY
A TALE OF
THE NEUTRAL GROUND.
** Breathes there a man with soal so dead,
Who never to himself bath said,
This is my own, my native land..!
BY
THE AUTHOR OF
PRECAUTION."
IN TWO VOLUMES.
VOL. I.
SECOND EDITION.
NEW-YORK:
WILEY AND HALSTED, 3, WALL-STREET,
Wro. Gracian. Printers
1822.


Southern District of New-York, ss.
BE IT REMEMBERED, 'That on the seventh day of September, in the
forty-sixth year of the Independence of the United States of America. WILEY
& HALSTĚD, of the said District, bave deposited in this Office, the title of
a Book, the right whereof they claim as proprietors in the words following,
to wit:
The Spy, a Tale of the Neutral Ground.
Breathes there a man with soul so dead,
Who never to himself bath said.
This is my own, my native land."
by the author of Précaution.”' In two volumes.
In conformity to the Act of Congress of the United States, entitled, “ An Act
* for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts,
* and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times
therein mentioned ;” And also, to an Act, entitled, “ An Act, supplementary
to an Act, entitled, an Act “ for the encouragement of learning, by securing
the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of
"such cupies, during the times therein mentioned, and extending the benefits
thereof to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching, historical and
34 other prints."
JAMES DILL,
Clerk of the Southern District of New-York.


JAMES AITCHISON.
ALTHOUGH we are not natives of the same
country, I feel that I can safely offer to your
notice a work, which has been chiefly writ-
ten with a view to induce love to my own.
Attachment to the land of our nativity, is a
sentiment so intimately blended with our best
feelings, that should I have discovered any
weakness in the exhibition of this national
partiality, I feel confident, that you, at least,
will not judge me harshly; for your liberality
to this country is untainted with any irreve-
rence for the institutions of the land of our
common ancestors. If I find reasons, in your
candor, to believe you will do justice to my
merited eulogiums, I can equally hope for
your lenity, where habit has blinded me to
defects.
We have spent many pleasant hours toge-
ther, and I hope, while perusing these pages,


VI
you may experience some portion of that sa-
tisfaction, which has, I trust, hitherto attend-
ed our association. With the best wishes for
your welfare,
I remain,
Dear Sir,
Your assured friend,


PREFACE.
There are several reasons why an American,
who writes a novel, should choose his own coun-
try for the scene of his story--and there are more
against it. To begin with the--pros--the ground
is untrodden, and will have all the charms of no-
velty : as yet but one pen of celebrity has been
employed among us in this kind of writing; and as
the author is dead, and beyond the hopes and fears
of literary rewards and punishments, his country-
men are beginning to discover his merit-b: t we
forget, the latter part of the sentence should have
been among the contras. The very singularity
of the circumstance, gives the book some small
chance of being noticed abroad, and our literature
is much like our wine-vastly improved by travel-
ling. Then, the patriotic ardor of the country,
will insure a sale to the most humble attempts to
give notoriety to any thing national, as we have
the strongest assurances our publishers' account of
profit and loss will speedily show. Heaven for-
bid, that this don't prove to be like the book it-


self-a fiction. And, lastly, an Author may be fair-
ly supposed to be better able to delineate charac-
ter, and to describe scenes, where he is familiar
with both, than in countries where he has been
nothing more than a traveller. Now for the con-
tras—we will begin by removing all the reasons in
favor of the step. As there has been but one
writer of this description hitherto, a new candidate
for literary honours of this kind, would be com-
pared with that one, and unfortunately he is not
the rival that every man would select. Then, al-
though the English critics not only desire, but in-
vite works that will give an account of American
manners, we are sadly afraid they mean nothing
but Indian manners; we are apprehensive that the
same palate which can relish the cave scene in
Edgar Huntly, because it contains an American,
a savage, a wild cat, and a tomahawk, in a con-
junction that never did, nor ever will occur—will
revolt at descriptions in this country, that pour-
tray love as any thing but a brutal passion-pa-
triotism as more than money-making—or men and
women without wool. We write this with all due
deference to our much esteemed acquaintance
Mr. Cæsar Thompson, a character we presume to
be well known to the few who read this introduc-
tion; for nobody looks at a preface until he is at a
loss to diseover from the book itself what it is the
author means. Then touching the reason, which
is built on the hope of support from patriotic pride,
we are almost ashamed to say, that the foreign opi.
mion of our love of country, is nearer the truth than


vii
we affected to believe in the foregoing sentence:
As for the last reason in favour of an American
seene, we are fearful that others are as familiar
with their homes as we are ourselves, and that
consequently the very familiarity will breed con-
tempt; besides, if we make any mistakes every
body will know it. Now we conceive the moon
to be the most eligible spot in which to lay the
scene of a fashionable modern novel, for then there
would be but very few who could dispute the ac-
curacy of the delineations; and could we but have
obtained the names of some conspicuous places in
that planet, we think we should have ventured on
the experiment. It is true, that when we suggest-
ed the thing to the original of our friend Cæsar,
he obstinately refused to sit any longer if bis pic-
ture was to be transported to any such beathenish
place. We combatted the opinions of the black
with a good deal of pertinacity, until we discover-
ed the old fellow suspected the moon to be some-
where near Guinea, and that his opinion of the
luminary was something like European notions of
our States that it was not a fit residence for a
gentleman. But there is still another class of
critics, whose smiles we most covet, but whose
frowns we most expect to encounter-we mean
our own fair. There are those who are hardy
enough to say that women love novelty; and a
proper respect to our own reputation for discern-
ment, compels us to abstain from controverting
this opinion. The truth is, that a woman is a
bundle of sensibilities, and these are qualities


VIII
which exist chiefly in the fancy. Certain moated
castles, draw-bridges, and a kind of classic nature,
are much required by these imaginative beings.
The artificial distinctions of life also have their
peculiar charms with the softer sex, and there are
many of them who think the greatest recommen-
dation a man can have to their notice, is the abi-
lity to raise themselves in the scale of genteel pre-
ferment. Very many are the French valets,
Dutch barbers, and English tailors, who have re-
ceived their patents of nobility from the credulity
of the American fair; and occasionally we see a
few of them, whirling in the vortex left by the
transit of one of these aristocratical meteors,
across the plane of our confederation. In honest
truth, we believe, that one novel with a lord in it,
is worth two without a lord, even for the nobler
sex--meaning us men. Charity forbids our in-
sinuating that any of our patriots respond to the
longings of the other sex, with an equal desire to
bask in the sunshine of royal favor; and least of
all, may we venture to insinuate, that the longing
generally exists in a ratio exactly proportioned to
the violence with which they lavish their abuse on
the institutions of their forefathers. There is ever
a reaction in human feelings, and it was only when
he found them unattainable--that Æsop makes
the fox call the grapés sour!
We would not be understood as throwing the
gauntlet to our fair countrywomen, by whose opi-
nions it is that we expect to stand or fall; we
only mean to say, that if we have got no lords nor


ix
castles in the book, it is because there are none
in the country. We heard there was a noble
within fifty miles of us, and went that distance to
see him, intending to make our hero look as much
like him as possible; when we brought home his
description, the little gipsey, who sat for Fanny,
declared she would'nt have him if he were a king.
Then we travelled a hundred miles to see a re-
nowned castle to the east, but, to our surprise,
found it had so many broken windows, was such
an out-door kind of a place, that we should be
wanting in Christian bowels to place any family
in it during the cold months : in short, we were
compelled to let the yellow haired girl choose her
own suitor, and to lodge the Whartons in a com-
fortable, substantial, and unpretending cottage.
We repeat we mean nothing disrespectful to the
fair--we love them next to ourselves our book-
our money--and a few other articles. We know
them to be good-natured, good-hearted—ay, and
good-looking hussies enough : and heartily wish,
for the sake of one of them, we were a lord, and
had a castle in the bargain,
We do not absolutely aver, that the whole of
our tale is true; but we honestly believe that a
good portion of it is; and we are very certain,
that every passion recorded in the volumes be-
fore the reader has and does exist; and let us tell
them that is more than they can find in every
book
they read. We will go farther, and say that they


X
hàve esisted within the county of West-Chester,
in the State of New York, and United States of
America, from which fair portion of the globe we
send our compliments to all who read our pages--
and love to those who buy them.


PREFACE
TO THE
SECOND EDITION.
The Author of this work will not attempt to
describe the satisfaction with which he listened to
his publishers, when they informed him, that his
interests required a second edition of the tale.
He cheerfully commenced the task of correcting
the errors, that from carelessness, in both himself
and his printers, were admitted into the former
edition ;--he thinks this has been done.
The Author is grateful that he is not without a
number of friends--at least if all who give him
good advice are entitled to that appellation. He
has been favored with numberless valuable bints,
by the aid of which, the book might be made ex.
cellent. Some thought the preface ought to be
omitted, and others have declared, the last chap-
ter to be intolerable ; several have hinted, that
Sarah must certainly be married, and have given
him the choice between Dr. Sitgreaves and Tom
Mason. One very judicious friend took the au-
thor aside, and, in direct terms, and with an inte-
rest in the subject that was highly gratifying, said,


xii
that Betty must be killed and the lamentation
come from the trooper. Not a few have pointed
out a snug place where a chapter could be intro-
duced, that might contain an account of the honey-
moon of Frances, together with some little inte-
resting particulars of her nursery. Numbers com-
plain of Carper as an impious attempt to describe
a character that would battle the powers of Shak-
speare, and add that the illustrims individual
whom he is intended to represent, was never
known to eat, drink, or sleep, during the whole
war.
The Author has treasured all these valuable
hints, and intends giving them to the world at a
future day as an original work.
In the mean time, for the want of a better, he
must offer the old subject to the public, written
in his own manner, and without the aid of printer's
journeymen, who had much too large a hand in
the first edition.
The Author believes that most of the good will,
with which “ The Spy” has been received is
owing to “ love of country.” If he has in any
degree contributed to this feeling, his principal
object is attained.


THE SPY.
A TALE OF
THE NEUTRAL GROUND.
CHAPTER I.
and though amidst the calm of thought entire,
Some high and haughty features might betray
A soul impetuous once 'twas earthly fire
That fled 'composure's intellectual ray,
As Etna's fires grow dim before the rising day.
Gertrude of Wyoming
it was near the close of the year 1780, that a so:
Titary traveller was seen pursuing his way through
one of the numerous little valleys of West-Chester.
The easterly wind, with its chilling dampness, and
increasing violence, gave unerring notice of the
approach of a storm, which, as usual, might be ex-
pected to continue for several days: and the ex-
perienced eye of the traveller was turned, in vain,
through the darkness of the evening, in quest of
some convenient shelter, in which, for the term of
his confinement by the rain, that already began to
mix with the atmosphere in a thick mist, he might
obtain such accommodations as his age and
pur-
poses required. Nothing, however, offered, but
the small and inconvenient tenements of the lower
order of inhabitants, with whom, in that immedi-
ate neighbourhood, he did not think it either safe
or politic to trust himself.
1
VOL. 1.


2
THE SPY.
The county of West-Chester, after the British
had obtained possession of the island of New-
York, became common ground, in which both par-
ties continued to act for the remainder of the war
of the revolution. A large proportion of its inha-
bitants, either restrained by their attachments, or
influenced by their fears, affected a neutrality they
did not always feel. The lower towns were, of
course, more particularly under the dominion of
the crown, while the upper, finding a security from
the vicinity of the continental troops, were bold in
asserting their revolutionary opinions, and their
right to govern themselves. Great numbers, how-
ever, wore masks, which even to this day have not
been thrown aside; and many an individual has
gone down to the tomb, stigmatised as a foe to the
rights of his countrymen, while, in secret, he has
been the useful agent of the leaders of the revolu-
tion; and, on the other hand, could the hidden
repositories of divers flaming patriots have been
opened to the light of day, royal protections would
have been discovered, concealed under piles of
British gold.
At the sound of the tread of the noble horse
ridden by the traveller, the mistress of the farm-
house he was passing at the time, might be seen
cautiously opening the door of the building to ex-
amine the stranger; and, perhaps, with an averted
face, communicating the result of her observations
to her husband, who, in the rear of the building,
was prepared to seek, if necessary, his ordinary
place of concealment in the adjacent woods. The
valley was situated about mid-way in the length of
the country, and was sufficiently near to either ar-
my to make the restitution of stolen goods no un-
common occurrence in that vicinity. It is true,
the same articles were not always regained, but a
summary substitute was generally resorted to in the


THE SPY.
3
absence of legal justice, which restored to the
loser the amount of his loss, with no inconsidera-
ble addition for the temporary use of his property.
The passage of a stranger, with an appearance
of somewhat doubtful character, and mounted on
an animal, which, although unfurnished with any
of the ordinary trappings of war, partook largely
of the bold and upright carriage that distinguished
his rider, gave rise to many surmises among the
gazing inmates of the different habitations; and, in
some instances, where conscience was more than
ordinarily awake, to no little alarm.
Tired with the exercise of a day of unusual fa-
tigue, and anxious to obtain a speedy shelter from
the increasing violence of the storm, that now be-
gan to change its character to large drops of driving
rain, the traveller determined, as a matter of ne-
cessity, to make an application for admission to
the next dwelling that offered. An opportunity
was not long wanting; and, riding through a pair of
neglected bars, he knocked loudly at the outer door
of a building, of a very humble exterior, without
quitting his saddle. A female of middle age, with
an outward bearing but little more prepossessing
than her dwelling, appeared to answer to his sum-
The startled woman half closed her door
again, in affright, as she saw, by the glare of a
large wood fire, a mounted man so unexpectedly
near its threshold ; and an expression of terror,
mingled with her natural curiosity, as she required
his pleasure.
Although the door was too nearly closed to ad-
mit of a minute scrutiny of the accommodations
within enough had been seen to cause the horse-
man to endeavour, ce more, to penetrate the
gloom, with longing eyes, in search of a more pro-
mising roof, before, with an ill-concealed reluc-
tance, he stated his necessities and wishes. His
mons.


4
THE SPY.
request was listened to with evident unwillingness,
and while yet unfinished, was interrupted, in a
tone of reviving contidence, and an air of pert vo-
lubility, as she replied, in sharp key-
“I can't say I like to give longings to a stranger
in these ticklish times ; I'm nothing but a forlorn
lone body; or, what's the same thing, there's no-
body but the old gentleman at home; but a balf
mile further up the road, is a house, where you
can get entertainment, and that all for nothing
I am sure 'twill be much convenienter to them,
and more agreeabler to me; because, as I said be-
fore, Harvey is away, I wish he'd take advice, and
leave off wandering; he's well to do in the world by
this time, and he ought to leave off his unsteady
courses, and settle in life.
-But Harvey Birch will
have his own way, and die a vagabond after all."
The horseman did not wait to hear more than
the advice to pursue his course up the road ; but
had slowly turned his horse towards the bars, and
was gathering the folds of an ample cloak around
him, preparatory to again facing the storm, when
something in the speech of the female suddenly
arrested the movement.
“ Is this, then, the dwelling of Harvey Birch?” he
inquired, in an apparently involuntary manner--
checking himself, as he was about to utter more.
“Why, one can hardly say it is his dwelling,"
replied the other, drawing a breath somewhat be-
tween a sigh and a groan; "he is never in it, or
so seldom, that I hardly remember his face, when
he does think it worth his while to show it to his
poor old father and
But it matters little
to me, I'm sure, if he ever comes back again, or
not-turn in the first gate on your left ;-no, I care
but little, for my part, whether Harvey ever shows
his face again or not--no, not 1;"--and she closed
the door abruptly on the horseman, who gladly
-me.


THE SPY.
5
extended his ride a half mile further, to obtain
lodgings, which promised both more comfort and
greater security
Sufficient light yet remained to enable the tra-
veller to distinguish the improvements which had.
been made in the cultivation, and general appear-
ance of the grounds around the building to which
he was now approaching. The house was of stone,
long, low, and with a small wing at either extremity.
A piazza, extending along the front, with neatly
turned pillars, together with the good order and
preservation of its fences and out buildings, gave
itan air altogether superior to the common farm
houses of the country. After jeading his horse be-
hind an angle of the wall, where he was in some
degree protected from the wind and rain, the tra-
veller threw his valisse over his arm, and knocked
loudly at the entrance of the building for admis-
sion. An aged black soon appeared; and, without
seeming to think it necessary, under the circum-
stances, to consult his superiors-first taking one
prying look at the applicant, by the light of the
candle in his hand-he acceded to the request for
accommodations. The traveller was shown into
an extremely neat parlour, where a fire had been
lighted, to cheer the dulness of an easterly storm,
and an October evening. After giving the valisse
into the keeping of his civil attendant, and politely
repeating his request to the old gentleman who
rose to receive him, and paying his compliments to
the three ladies who were seated at their needles,
the stranger commenced laying aside some of the
outer garments which he had worn in his ride.
On taking an extra handkerchief from his neck,
and removing a cloak of blue cloth, with a surtout
of the same material, he exhibited, to the scrutiny
of the party within, a tall and extremely graceful
person, of apparently fifty years of age ; his coun-
1*


6
THE SPI
tenance evinced a settled composure and dignity;
his nose was straight, and approaching to Grecian;
his eye of a gray colour, was quiet, thoughtful, and
rather melancholy; the mouth and lower part of
his face expressive of decision and much character.
His dress, being suited to the road, was simple and
plain, but such as was worn by the higher class of
his countrymen; he wore his own hair, dres-
sed in a manner that gave,a military air to his ap-
pearance, and which was rather heightened by his
erect and conspicuously graceful carriage. His
whole appearance was so impressive and decidedly
that of a gentleman, that as he finished laying aside
the garments, the ladies rose from their seats, and,
together with the master of the house, received
anew, and returned, the complimentary greetings
which were again offered.
The host was by several years the senior of the
traveller, and by his manner, dress, and every thing
around him, showed he had seen much of life and
the best society. The ladies were--a maiden of
forty, and two younger ones, who did not seem to
have reached half those years. The bloom of the
elder of these ladies bad vanished, but her eyes,
and fine hair, gave an extremely agreeable expres-
sion to her countenance; and there was a softness
and affability in her deportment, that added a
charm many more juvenile faces do not possess.
The sisters for such the resemblance between the
younger maidens denoted them to be--were in all
the pride of youth ; and the roses, so eminently the
property of the West-Chester fair, glowed with
their richest colours on their cheeks, and lighted
their deep blue eyes with that lustre which gives
so much pleasure to the beholder, and indicates
so much innocence and happiness in themselves.
There was much of that feminine delicacy in the
appearance of the three, which, in a great degree,


THE SPY.
7
distinguishes the sex in this country; and, like the
gentleman, their demeanor proved them to be wo-
men of the higher order of life.
After handing a glass of excellent Madeira to his
guest, Mr. Wharton resumed his seat by the fire,
with another in his own hand. For a moment he
paused, as if debating with his politeness, but, at
length, threw an inquiring glance on the stranger,
as he inquired, with a formal bow-
66 To whose health am I to have the honour of
drinking ?"
The traveller had also seated himself, and sat,
unconsciously gazing on the fire, when Mr. Whar-
ton spoke ; turning his eyes slowly on his host, with
a look of close observation, he replied, bowing in
his turn, while a faint tinge gathered on his pale
features
" Mr. Harper."
“Mr. Harper,” resumed the other, with the for.
mal precision of the day, “ I have the honour to
drink your health, and hope you will sustain no inju-
ry from the rain to which you have been exposed.”
Mr. Harper bowed in silence to the compliment,
and soon resumed the meditations from which he
appeared to have been interrupted.
The young ladies had again taken their seats be-
side the work-stand, while their aunt, Miss Jean-
ette Peyton, had withdrawn, to superintend the
preparations necessary to appease the hunger of
their unexpected visitor. A short silence prevail.
ed, during which Mr. Harper was apparently en-
joying the change in his situation, when Mr. Whar-
ton again broke it, by inquiring, in the same polite,
but formal manner, whether smoke was disagree-
able to his companion; to which he received as po-
lite a negative, and immediately resumed the pipe
he had laid aside at the entrance of the traveller.
There was an evident desire on the part of the


8
THE SPY.
host to enter into conversation, but either from an
apprehension of treading on dangerous ground, or
an unwillingness to intrude upon the rather studied
taciturnity of his guest, he several times besitated
before he could venture to make any further re-
mark. At length, a movement from Mr. Harper,
as he raised his eyes to the party in the room, en-
couraged him to proceed.
61 tind it very difficult,” said Mr. Wharton,
cautiously avoiding, at first, such subjects as he
wished to introduce, “ to procure that quality of
tobacco for my evenings' amusement, to which I
have been accustomed."
“ I should think the shops in New-York might
furnish the best in the country," rejoined the other,
with his usual gravity.
“Why-yes," returned the host, in rather a
hesitating manner, lifting his eyes to the face of
Harper, and lowering them quickly, under his
steady look, “ there must be plenty in town, but
the war has made any communications with the
city, however innocent in themselves, too dan-
gerous to be risked for so trifling an article as to-
bacco."
The box from which Mr. Wharton had just taken
a supply for his pipe, was lying open, within a few
inches of the elbow of Harper, who took a small
quantity of the article, and applied it to his tongue,
in a manner perfectly natural, but one that filled
his companion with instant alarm. Without, how-
ever, observing that the quality was of the most
approved kind, the traveller relieved his host by
relapsing again into his meditations. Mr. Whar-
ton now felt unwilling to lose the advantage he had
gained, and, making an effort of more than usual
vigour, he continued
“I wish, from the bottom of my heart, this un-
natural struggle was over, that we might again


THE SPY.
9
meet our friends and relatives in peace and
love."
"It is much to be desired," said Harper, em-
phatically, again raising his eyes to the counte-
nance of his host.
" I hear of no movements of consequence since
the arrival of our new allies," said Mr. Wharton,
shaking the ashes from his pipe, and turning his
back to the other, under the pretence of receiving
a coal from his youngest daughter.
“None have reached the public yet, I believe,"
replied the traveller, crossing his leg with steady
composure.
“ Is it thought any important steps are about to
be taken ?”' continued Mr. Wharton, still occupi.
ed with his daughter, yet unconsciously suspend-
ing his employment, in expectation of a reply.
* Is it intimated any are in agitation ?" inquir-
ed the other, in a slight degree, adopting the af-
fected indifference of Mr. Wharton's manner.
“Oh! nothing in particular," said the host,
hastily—“but it is natural to expect something,
you know, sir, from so powerful a force as the one
under Rochambeau.”
Harper made an assenting inclination with his
head, but no other reply to this remark; while
Mr. Wharton resumed the subject, by saying--
“They appear more active in the South--Gates
and Cornwallis seem willing to bring the war to
an issue there."
The brow of Harper contracted; and a deep.
er shade of melancholy crossed his features-his
eye kindled with a transient beam of fire, that
spoke a latent source of deep feeling. The ad-
miring gaze of the younger of the sisters had bare-
ly time to read its expression, before it passed
away, leaving in its room the acquired composure
which marked the countenance of the stranger,


10
THE SPY.
and that impressive dignity which so conspicuous.
ly denotes the empire of reason.
The elder sister made one or two movements
in her chair, before she ventured to say, in a tone,
which partook in no small measure, of triumph
“General Gates has been less fortunate with
the Earl, than with General Burgoyne.”
“But General Gates is an Englishman, Sarah,”
cried the younger lady, with quickness; and then
coloring to the eyes at her own boldness, she em-
ployed herself in tumbling over the contents of her
work-basket, silently hoping her remark would be
unnoticed.
The traveller had turned his face from one sister
to the other, as they had spoken in succession,
and an almost imperceptible movement of the
muscles of his mouth betrayed a new emotion, as
he inquired of the younger, with much courtesy
of manner-
“May I venture to ask, what inference you
draw from that fact ?”
Frances blushed yet deeper at this direct appeal
to her opinions, upon a subject on which she had
incautiously spoken in the presence of a stranger;
but, finding an answer necessary, after some little
hesitation, and with a good deal of stammering in
her manner, she replied-
Only-only-sir-my sister and myself some-
times differ in our opinions of the prowess of the
British.” A smile of much meaning played on a
face of infantile innocence of expression, as she
concluded, in a voice, that shared in the covert
humour of the speaker.
"On what particular points of prowess do you
differ?" continued Harper, meeting her look of
animation with an open smile of almost paternal
softness.
Why, Sarah thinks the British are never beat-


THE SPY.
11
.
en; but I do not put so much faith in their invin-
cibility
The traveller listened to her with that pleased
indulgence, with which virtuous age loves to con-
template the ardour of youthful innocence; but
making no reply, he turned to the fire, and con-
tinued for some time gazing on its embers in si-
lence.
Mr. Wharton had in vain endeavoured to pierce
the disguise of bis guest's political feelings; but,
while there was nothing forbidding in his counte-
nance, there was nothing communicative-it was
strikingly reserved; and the master of the house
rose, in profound ignorance of what, in those days,
was the most material point in the character of
his guest-to lead the way into another room to the
supper table.
Mr. Harper offered his hand to
Sarah Wharton, and they entered the room toge-
ther; while Frances followed, greatly at a loss to
know whether she had not wounded the feelings of
her father's inmate.
The storm began to rage with great violence
without; and the dashing rain on the sides of the
building, awakened that silent sense of enjoyment,
which is excited by such sounds in a room of quiet
comfort and warmth, when a loud summons at
the outer door again called the faithful black to
the portal. In a minute the servant returned, and
informed his master that another traveller, over-
taken by the storm, desired to be admitted to the
house, for a shelter through the night.
At the first sounds of the impatient summons of
this new applicant, Mr. Wharton bad risen from
his seat in evident uneasiness, and with eyes glan-
cing, with alternate quickness, from his guest to
the door of the room, seemed to be expecting
something to proceed from this second interrup-
tion, which was connected with the stranger who


THE SPY.
had occasioned the first. He scarcely had timo
to bid the black, with a faint voice, to show this
second comer in, before the door was thrown has-
tily open, and the intruder himself entered the
apartment. He paused a moment, as the person
of Harper met his view, and then, in a more for-
mal manner, repeated the request he had before
made through the servant. Mr. Wharton and his
family disliked the appearance of this new visitor
cxcessively; but the inclemency of the weather,
and the uncertainty of the consequences if he were
refused the desired lodgings, compelled the old
gentleman to give a reluctant acquiescence.
Some of the removed dishes were replaced by
the orders of Miss Peyton, and the weather-beaten
intruder invited to partake of the remains of the
repast from which the party had just risen. '1 hrow-
ing aside a rough great coat, he very composedly
took the offered chair, and gravely proceeded to
allay the cravings of an appetite, which appeared
by no means delicate. But at every mouthful he
would turn an unquiet eye on Harper, who studied
his appearance with a closeness of investigation,
that was very embarrassing to its subject. At
length, pouring out a glass of wine, the new comer
nodded significantly to his examiner, previously to
swallowing the liquor, and said, with something of
bitterness in his manner-
“I drink to our better acquaintance, sir,--I be-
lieve this is the first time we have met.
quality of the wine seemed greatly to his fancy,
for, on replacing the glass upon the table, he gave
his lips a smack, that resounded through the room ;
and, taking up the bottle, held it between himself
and the light for a mc. sent, in silent contempla-
tion of its clear and brilliant colour.
“ I think, we have never met before, sir," re-
plied Harper, with a slight smile on his features,
»--The


THE SPY.
13
as he observed the movements of the other; but
appearing satisfied with his scrutiny, he turned to
Sarah Wharton, who sat next him, and remarked,
with much suavity-
“ You doubtless find your present abode solita-
ry, after being accustomed to the gaieties of the
city."
6 Oh! excessively so," said Sarah hastily, “I
do wish with my father, that this cruel war was at
an end, that we might return to our friends once
more.'
“ And you, Miss Frances, do you long as ardent-
ly for peace as your sister?
“On many accounts, I certainly do,” returned
the maid, venturing to steal a timid glance at her
interrogator; and, meeting the same benevolent
expression of feeling as before, she continued, as
her own face lighted into one of its animated and
lovely smiles of intelligence, “but, not at the ex-
pence of the rights of my countrymen.”
" Rights," repeated her sister, impatiently;
" whose rights can be stronger than those of a
sovereign; and what duty is clearer, than to obey,
those who have a natural right to command ???
“ None, certainly,” said Frances, laughing with
great pleasantry; and taking the hand of her sister
affectionately within both of her own, she added,
with a smile directed towards Harper--
“I gave you to understand, that my sister and
myself differed in our political opinions—but we
have an impartial umpire in my father, who loves
his own countrymen, and loves the British, so sides
with neither."
» Yes," said Mr. Wharton, in a little alarm,
eyeing, first one guest, and then the other; “I
have near friends in both armies; and I dread a
victory by either, as a source of misfortune to my-
self.".
VOL 1.


THE SPY.
“I take it, you have little reason to apprehend
much from the Yankees in that way,” cried the
guest at the table, abruptly, as he coolly helped
himself to another glass, from the bottle he had
admired.
“His majesty may have more experienced troops
than the continentals," answered the host, fearful-
ly, “but the Americans have met with distinguish-
ed success."
Harper disregarded the observations of both ;
and, rising, desired to be shown to his place of
rest. A small buy was directed to guide him to his
room ; and, wishing a courteous good-night to the
whole party, the traveller withdrew. The knife
and fork fell from the hands of the unwelcome in-
truder, as the door closed on the retiring figure of
Harper;-he rose slowly from his seat;- listening
aitentively, he approached the door of the room
opened it--seemed to attend to the retreating foot-
steps of the other—and, amidst the panic and as-
tonishment of his companions, closed it again. In
an instant, the red wig, which concealed his black
locks—the large patch, which hid half his face
from observation the stoop, that had made him
appear fifty years of age, disappeared.
My father!--my dear father!”—cried the now
handsome young man; "and you, my dearest sis-
ters and aunt-have I at last met you again ?"
“ Heaven bless you--my Henry—my son,” ex-
claimed the astonished, but delighted, parent ;
while both his sisters sunk on his shoulders, dis-
solved in tears.
The faithful old black, who had been reared
from infancy in the house of his present master,
and who, as if in mockery of his degraded state,
had been complimented with the name of Cæsar,
was the only other witness of this unexpected dis-
covery of the son of Mr. Wharton. After receiv.


THE SPI.
15
ing the extended hand of his young master, and
imprinting on it a kiss, and leaving on it a tear,
Cæsar withdrew. The boy did not re-enter the
room; and the black himself, after some time, re-
turned, as the young British captain exclaimed-
“But who is this Mr. Harper?-is he likely to
betray me ?"
“No-no-no--Massa Harry,” cried the Afri-
can, shaking his head confidently;" I been to see--
Massa Harper on he knees-pray to God-no gem-
man who pray to God, tell of good son, come to
see old father-Skinner do that no christian."
This poor opinion of the Skinners was not con-
fined to Mr.Cæsar Thompson, as he called him-
self--but Cæsar Wharton, as he was styled, by the
little world to which he was known. The conve-
nience, and perhaps the necessities, of the leaders
of the American arms, in the neighbourhood of
New-York, had induced them to employ certain
subordinate agents, of extremely irregular habits,
in executing their lesser plans of annoying the ene-
my. It was not a moment for fastidious inquiries
into abuses of any description; and oppression
and injustice were the natural consequences of the
possession of power which was uncurbed by the
restraints of civil authority. In time, a distinct
order of the community was formed, whose sole
occupation appears to have been relieving their
fellow citizers from any little excess of temporal
prosperity, they might be thought to enjoy, under
the pretence of patriotism, and the love of liberty.
Occasionally, the aid of military authority was
not wanting, in enforcing these arbitrary distribu-
tions of worldly goods, and a petty holder of a
commission in the state militia, was to be seen
giving the sanction, of something like legality, to
acts of the most unlicensed robbery-and, not un-
frequently, of bloodshed.


16
THE SPY.
2
On the part of the British, the stimulus of loy-
alty was by no means suffered to sleep, where so
fruitful a field offered, on which it might be ex-
pended. But their freebooters were enrolled, and
their efforts more systematized. Long experience
had taught their leaders the eflicacy of concentra-
ted force; and, unless tradition does great injustice
to their exploits, the result did no little credit to
their foresight. The corps-we presume, from
their known affection to that useful animal-had
received the significant appellation of “ Cow-
Boys."
Cæsar was, however, far too loyal to associate
men who held the commission of George Ill., with
the irregular warriors, whose excesses he had so
often witnessed, and from whose rapacity, neither
his poverty, nor his bondage, had suffered even
him to escape uninjured. The Cow-Boys, there-
fore, did not receive their proper portion of the
severity of the black's remark, when he said, no
Christian--nothing but a “Skinner," could betray
a pious child, while honoring his father with a
visit, full of peril, and the danger of captivity.


THE SPY,
17
CHAPTER II.
The rose of England bloomed on Gertrude's cheek--
What though these shades had seen her birth, her sire
A Briton's independence taught to seek
Far Western worlds; and there his household fire
The light of social love did long inspire,
And many a halcyon day he liv'd to see
Unbroken, but by one misfortune dire,
When fate had reft his mutual heart--but she
Was gone--and Gertrude climb'd a widow'd father's knee.
Gertrude of Wyoming
The father of Mr. Wharton was a native of
England; and of a family, whose parliamentary in-
terest, had enabled them to provide for a younger
son, in the colony of New York. The young man,
like hundreds of others in his situation, had settled
permanently in the country. He married, and the
sole issue of his connexion had been sent, early in
life, to receive the benefits of the English schools.
After taking his degrees at one of the universities
of the mother country, the youth had been suffer-
ed to acquire a knowledge of life, with the advan-
tages of European society. But the death of his
fat ier recalled him, after passing two years in this
manner, to the possession of an honorable name,
and very ample estate.
It was much the fashion of that day, to place the
youth, of certain families, in the army or navy of
England, as the regula: stepping-stones to prefer-
ment. Most of the higher offices in the colonies,
were filled by men who had made arms their pro-
fession; and it was no uncommon sight to see a
veteran warrior laying aside the sword, to assume
2*


18
THE SPY.
the ermine on the benches of the highest judicial
authority.
In conformity with this system, the senior Mr.
Wharton had intended his son for a soldier, but a
natural imbecility of character in his child, had in-
terfered with his wishes.
A twelvemonth had been spent by the young
man, in weighing the advantages of the dillerent
description of troops, among which he was to serve,
when the death of his father occurred. The ease
of his situation, and the attentions lavished upon a
youth, in the actual enjoyment of one of the largest
estates in the colonies, interfered greatly with bis
ambitious projects. Love decided the matter-and
Mr. Wharton, in becoming a husband, ceased to
think of becoming a soldier. For many years he
continued happy in his family, and respected by
his countrymen, as a man of integrity and conse-
quence, when all his enjoyments vanished, as it
were, at a blow. His only son, the youth intro-
duced in the preceding chapter, had entered the
army, and had arrived in his native country but
a short time before the commencement of hostili.
ties, with the re-inforcements the ministry had
thought it prudent to throw into the disaffected
parts of North America. His daughters were just
growing into life, and their education required all
the advantages the city could afford. His wife had
been, for some years, in declining health, and had
barely time to fold her son to her bosom, and re-
joice in the reunion of her family, before the re-
volution burst forth, in a continued blaze, from
Georgia-to Maine. The shock was too much for
the feeble condition of the mother, who saw her
child called to the field, to combat against the
members of her own family in the South; and she
sunk under the blow.
There was no part of the continent where the


THE SPY.
19
manners of England, and its aristocratic notions of
blood and alliances, prevailed with more force,
than in a certain circle immediately around the
metropolis of New York. The customs of the
early Dutch inhabitants had, indeed, blended, in
some measure, with the English manners; but still
the latter prevailed. This attachment to Great
Britain was increased by the frequent inter-mar-
riages of the officers of the mother country, with
the weulthier and more powerful families of ihe
vicinity, until, at the commencement of hostilities,
their united influence had very nearly thrown the
colony into the scales, on the side of the crown.
A few, however, of the leading families espoused
the cause of the people, and a sutlicient stand was
made against the efforts of the ministerial party,
to organize, and, aided by the army of the confe.
deration, to maintain an independent and republi-
can form of government.
The city of New York, and the adjacent terri.
tory, were alone exempted from the rule of the
new commonwealth ; and the royal authority ex-
tended no further than its dignity could be sup-
ported by the presence of an army.
In this con-
dition of things, the loyalists, of consequence,
adopted such measures, as best accorded with their
different characters and situations. Many bore
arms in support of the ancient laws; and, by their
bravery and exertions, endeavoured to secure what
they deemed the rights of their prince, and their
own estates from confiscation. Others left the
country; seeking, in that place they emphatically
called home, an asylum, as they fondly hoped, for
a season only, against the confusion and dangers of
A third, and more wary portion, remained
in the place of their nativity, with a prudent re-
gard to their ample possessions, and, perhaps, in-
fluenced by their attachments to the scenes of their
youth. Mr. Wharton was of this description. Af-
war.


20
THE SPY.
ter making a provision against future contingencies,
by secretly transmitting the whole of his money
to the British funds, this gentleman determined to
continue in the theatre of strife, and to maintain
so strict a neutrality, as to ensure the safety of his
large estate, whichever party succeeded. He was
apparently engrossed in the education of his daugh-
ters, when a relation high in obice in the new
state, intimated, that a residence in what was now
a British camp, ditfered but little, in the eyes of
his countrymen, frem a residence in the British
capital. Mr. Wharton soon saw. this was an un-
pardonable oflence in the existing state of things,
and instantly determined to remove the dificulty
by retiring to the country. He possessed a con-
venient residence in the county of West-Chester,
and having been for many years in the habit of
withdrawing thither, during the heats of the sum-
mer months, it was kept furnished, and ready for
his accommodation. His eldest daughter was al-
ready admitted into the society of women; but
Frances, the younger, required a year or two more
of the usual cultivation, to appear with proper
eclat--at least so thought Miss Jeanette Peyton;
and as this lady, a younger sister of their deceased
mother had left her paternal home, in the colony
of Virginia, with the devotedness and affection pe-
culiar to her sex, to superintend the welfare of her
orphan nieces. Mr. Wharton felt her opinions were
entitled to profound respect. in conformity to her
advice, therefore, the feelings of the parent were
made to yield to the welfare of his children.
Mr. Wharton withdrew to the Locusts," with
a heart rent with the pain of separatirg from all
that was left to him of a wife he had adored, but
in obedience to a constitutional prudence that
pleaded loudly in behalf of his wordly goods. His
handsome town residence was inhabited, in the


THE SPY.
21
meanwhile, by his daughters and their aunt. The
regiment to which Captain Wharton belonged,
formed part of the permanent garrison of the city,
and the knowledge of the presence of his son was
no littte relief to the father, in his unceasing me-
ditations on his absent daughters. But Captain
Wharton was a young man, and a soldier; his es-
timate of character was not always the wisest, and
his propensities led him to imagine, that a red coat
never concealed a dishonourable heart.
The house of Mr. Wharton became a fashionable
lounge to the officers of the royal army, in com-
mon with those of every other family, thought
worthy of their notice. The consequences of this
association were, to some, few of the visited, for-
tunate—to more, injurious, by exciting expecta-
tions which were never to be realized, and, un-
happily, to no small number ruinous. The known
wealth of the father, and, possibly, the presence of
a high-spirited brother, forbad any apprehension
of the latter danger to the young ladies; but it
was impossible for all the admiration, bestowed
on the fine figure and lovely face of Sarah Whar-
ton, to be thrown away.
Her person was formed
with the early maturity of the climate, and a strict
cultivation of the graces had made her, decidedly,
the belle of the city. No one promised to dispute
with her this female sovereignty, unless it might
be her younger sister. Frances, however, wanted
some months to the charmed age of sixteen; and
the idea of competition was far from the minds of
either of the affectionate girls. Indeed, next to
the conversation of Colonel Wellmere, the great-
est pleasure of Sarah was in contemplating the
budding beauties of the little Hebe, who played
around her with all the innocency of youth, with
all the enthusiasm of her ardent temper, and with
no little of the archness of her native humour,


22
THE SPY.
Whether it was, that Frances received none of the
compliments which fell to the lot of her elder sis-
ter, in the often repeated discussions on the merits
of the war, between the military beaux who fre-
quented the house; it is certain their effects on
the sisters were exactly opposite. It was much
the fashion, then, for the British officers to speak
slightingly of their enemies; and Sarah took all
the idle vapourings of her danglers to be truths.
The first political opinions which reached the ears
of Frances, were coupled with sneers on the con-
duct of her countrymen. At first she believed
them; but there was occasionally a general, who
was obliged to do justice to his enemy, in order to
obtain justice for himself, and Frances became
somewhat sceptical on the subject of her country-
men's inefficiency. Colonel Wellmere was among
those who delighted most in expending his wit on
the unfortunate Americans, and, in time, Frances
began to listen to his eloquence with great suspi.
cion, and some little resentment.
It was on a hot sultry day, the three were sitting
in the parlour of Mr. Wharton's house, the Colonel
and Sarah, seated on a sofa, engaged in one of
their combats of the eyes, aided by no little flow
of small talk, and Frances, occupied at her tam-
bouring frame, in an opposite corner of the room,
when the gentleman suddenly exclaimed-
gay
the arrival of the army under Ge-
neral Burgoyne will make the city, Miss Whar-
ton.'
“Oh! how pleasant it must be,” said the thought-
less Sarah, in reply; “I am told there are many
charming women with that army; 'as you say, it
will make us all life and gaiety.”
Frances shook back the abundance of her gol-
den hair, and raised from the work her eyes,
dancing with the ardor of her national feeling, and
66 How


THE SPY.
23
laughing, with a kind of concealed humour, she
asked-
“ Is it then so certain, that General Burgoyne
will be permitted to reach the city ?"
“ Permitted !" echoed the Colonel, in affected
surprise ; " who is there to prevent it, if he wishes
it himself, my pretty Miss Fanny ?"
Frances was at precisely that age, when young
people are most jealous of their station in society;
neither quite a woman, nor yet a child.
The
"pretty Miss Fanny” was rather too familiar to be
relished ; and she dropped her eyes on her work
again, with cheeks that glowed with crimson, as
she continued very gravely--
“General Stark took the Germans into custody
--may not General Gates think the British too
dangerous to go at large ?"
“Oh! they were Germans, as you say," cried
the Colonel, excessively vexed at the necessity of
explaining at all, “mere mercenary troops ; but
when the really British regiments come in ques-
tion, you will see a very different result.”
“Of that there is no doubt," cried Sarah, with-
out in the least partaking of the resentment of
the Colonel to her sister, but hailing already in
her heart the triumph of the British.
“Pray, Colonel Wellmere," said Frances, re-
covering her good humour, and raising her joyous
eyes once more to the face of the gentleman,
" was the Lord Percy of Lexington, a kinsman of
him who fought at Chevy Chase ?”
Why, Miss Fanny, you are becoming a rebel,"
said the Colonel, endeavouring to laligh away the
anger he felt; "what you are pleased to insinuate
as a chase at Lexington, was nothing more than a
judicious retreat-a-kiad of-."
Running--fight," interrupted the good-hu-
WELL sum itt
466


29.
THE SPY.
moured girl, laying great emphasis on the first
word.
- Positively, young lady--" Colonel Wellmere
was interrupted by a laugh from a person who had
hitherto been unnoticed.
There was a small family apartment adjoining
the room occupied by the trio, and the air had
blown open the door communicating between the
two. A fine young man was now seen sitting near
the entrance, who, by his smiling countenance, was
evidently a pleased listener to the foregoing con-
versation. He rose instantly, and coming through
the door, with his hat in his hand, appeared a tall
graceful youth, of dark complexion, and sparkling
eyes of black, from which the mirth had not yet
entirely vanished, as he made his bow to the ladies.
6 Mr. Dunwoodie!" cried Sarah, in surprise, “I
was ignorant of your being in the house, you will
find a cooler seat in this room."
“ I thank you," replied the young man, "but I
must
go and seek your brother, who placed me
there in ambuscade, as he called it, with a promise
of returning an hour ago.” Without making any
further explanation, he bowed politely to the young
women-distantly, and with hauteur, to the gen-
tleman, and withdrew. Frances followed him
into the hall, and blushing richly, inquired, in a
hurried voice
“ But why-why do you leave us, Mr. Dun-
woodie ?---Henry must soon return."
The gentleman caught one of her hands in his
own, and the stern expression of his countenance,
gave place to a look of admiration, as he replied--
“You managed him famously, my, dear little
kinswoman--never--no never, forget the land of
your birth--remember, Miss Wharton, if you are
the grand-daughter of an Englishman, you are,
also, the grand-daughter of a Peyton.


THE SPY.
>
can."
« Oh!" returned the laughing girl," it would be
difficult to forget that, with the constant lectures
on genealogy before me, with which aunt Jean-
ette favours me--but why do you go ?”
“I am on the wing for Virginia, and have much
to do”-he pressed her hand as he spoke, and
looking back, while in the act of closing the door,
exclaimed, “be true to your country--be Ameri-
The ardent girl kissed her hand to him,
as he retired, and then instantly applying it with
its beautiful fellow to her burning cheeks, ran into
her own apartment to hide her confusion.
Between the open sarcasm of Frances, and the
ill-concealed disdain of the young man, Colonel
Wellmere had felt himself placed in an awkward.
predicament; but ashamed to resent such trifles, in
the presence
of his mistress--he satisfied himself
with observing superciliously, as Dunwoodie left
the room--
“Quite a liberty for a youth in his situation-a
shop-boy with a bundle, I fancy.”
The idea of picturing the elegant and graceful
Peyton Dunwoodie as a shop-boy, could never en-
ter the mind of Sarah, and she looked around her
in surprise, when the Colonel continued
* This Mr. Dun Dun-
66 Dunwoodie! Oh no -he is a relation of
my
aunt's,” cried the young lady, “and an intimate
friend of my brother; they were at school toge-
ther, and only separated in England, when one went
into the army, and the other to a French military
academy."
“His money appears to have been thrown
away,” observed the Colonel, showing the spleen
he was unsuccessfully striving to conceal.
“We ought to hope so," added Sarah, with a
smile; "for it is said he intends joining the rebel
army-he was brought in here in a French ship,
3
Vol. 1.


26
THE SPI.
1
and has just been exchanged--you may soon meet
him in arms."
" Well let him--I wish Washington plenty
of such beroes"--and he turned to a more plea-
sant subject, by changing the discourse to them-
selves. A few weeks had elapsed after this scene
occurred, and the army of Burgoyne laid down
their arms.
Mr. Wharton, beginning to think the
result of the contest to be doubtful, resolved to
conciliate his countrymen, and gratify himself, by
taking his daughters into his own abode. Miss
Peyton consented to be their companion ; and from
that time, until the period at which we com-
menced our narrative, they had formed one
family.
Whenever the main army made any movements,
Captain Wharton had, of course, accompanied
it; and once or twice, under the protection of
strong parties, acting in the neighbourhood of
the Locusts, he had enjoyed rapid and stolen
interviews with his friends. A twelvemonth had
however passed without his seeing them; and the
impatient Henry had adopted the disguise we
have mentioned, and unfortunately arrived on the
very evening an unknown and rather suspicious
guest was the inmate of a house, that seldom
contained any others than its regular inhabi-
tants,
“ But, do you think he suspects me?" asked
the captain, with anxiety, after pausing to listen
to Cæsar's opinion of the Skinners.
" How should he ??? cried Sarah, “ when your
sisters and father could not penetrate your dis-
guise."
" There is something mysterious in his manner ;
his looks are too prying for an indifferent observ-
er," continued young Wharton thoughtfully, “ and
his face seems familiar to me--the recent fate of
>>


THE SPY.
27
André has created much irritation on both sides.
Sir Henry threatens retaliation for his death; and
Washington is as firm as if half the world were at
his command. The rebels would think me a tit
subject for their plans just now, should I be so un-
lucky as to fall into their hands."
But, my son,” cried his father, in great alarm,
you are not a spy-you are not within the re-
bel-that is, the American lines ;-there is nothing
here to spy.”
66 That might be disputed,” rejoined the young
man, musing; 5 their picquets were out at the
White Plains when I passed through in disguise.
It is true, my purposes are innocent; but how is
it to appear. My visit to you would seem a cloak
to other designs. Remember, sir, the treatment
received by yourself, not a year ago, for sending
me a supply of fruit for the winter."
“ That proceeded from the misrepresentations of
my kind neighbours,” said Mr. Wharton, “who
hoped, by getting my estate confiscated, to pur-
chase good farms, at low prices. Peyton Dun-
woodie, however, soon obtained our discharge-
we were detained but a month."
“We!” repeated the son, in amazement; "did
they take my sisters also ?-Fanny, you wrote me
nothing of this.”
“I believe," said Frances, coloring highly, “I
mentioned the kind treatment received from your
old friend, Major Dunwoodie; and that he pro-
cured
my
father's release."
“ True ;—but were you with him in the rebel
camp
?"
," said the father, kindly ; “Fanny would
not suffer me to go
alone. Jeanette and Sarah
took charge of the Locusts, and this little girl was
my companion in captivity.”
** And Fanny returned from such a scene a
problemet hendes med andre med ghata tu anda kertas en
Yes,


28
THE SPI
greater rebel than ever," cried Sarah indignantiy ;
one would think the hardships her father suffer-
ed would have cured her of such whims."
“What say you to the charge, my bonny sister?"
cried the Captain, gaily ;-"Did Peyton strive to
make you hate your king, more than he does him-
self?
“Peyton Dunwoodie hates no one," said Fran-
€es, quickly; and blushing at her own ardor, she
added immediately, “he loves you Henry, I know,
for he has told me so again and again."
Young Wharton tapped his sister on the cheek,
with a shrewd smile, as he asked her, in an affect-
ed whisper-“Did he tell you also that he loved
my
little sister Fanny ?"
“Nonsense,” said Frances; and the remnants
of the supper table soon disappeared under her
superintendance


THE SPY.
29
CHAPTER III.
'Twas when the fields were swept of autumn's store,
And growling winds the fading foliage tore,
Behind the Lowmon hill, the short-liv'd light,
Descending slowly, usherd in the night;
When from the noisy town, with mournful look,
His lonely way a meagre pedlar took.
Wilson
Klubo de dinero parte
A STORM below the highlands of the Hudson, if
it be introduced with an easterly wind, seldom
lasts less than two days. Accordingly, as the in-
mates of the Locusts assembled, on the following
morning, around their early breakfast, the drive
ing rain was seen to strike, in nearly horizontal
lines, against the windows of the building, and
forbad the idea of exposing either man or beast
to the tempest. Harper was the last to appear:
after taking a view of the state of the weather,
he apologized to Mr. Wharton for the neces-
sity that existed, for his trespassing upon his good-
ness for a longer time. To appearances, the
reply was as courteous as the excuse ;
per wore a resignation in his deportment that
was widely different from the uneasy manner of
the father. Henry Wharton had resumed his dis-
guise with a reluctance amounting to disgust, but
in obedience to the commands of his parent.
No communications passed between him and
the stranger, after the first salutations of the
morning had been paid to him by Harper, in
common with the rest of the family. Frances
had, indeed, thought there was something like a
smile passing over the features of the traveller,
yet Har-
3*



36
THE SPY
The eyes
when, on entering the room, he first confronted
her brother; but it was confined to the eyes,
seeming to want power to affect the muscles of the
face, and was soon lost in the settled and benevo-
lent expression which reigned in his countenance,
with a sway but seldom interrupted.
of the affectionate sister were turned, in anxiety,
for a moment, on her brother, and, glancing again
on their unknown guest, met his look as he offered
her, with peculiar grace, one of the little civili-
ties of the table ; and the heart of the maiden,
which had begun to throb with violence, regained
a pulsation as tempered as youth, health, and
buoyant spirits could allow. While yet seated at
the table, Cæsar entered, and, laying a small par-
cel in silence by the side of his master, modestly
retired behind his chair, where, placing one hand
on its back, he continued in an attitude half fami-
liar, but profoundly respectful.
6 What is this, Cæsar?” inquired Mr. Wharton,
turning the bundle over in examination of its en-
velop, and eyeing it rather suspiciously.
“ The 'baccy, sir; Harvey Birch, he got home,
and bring you a little good 'baccy from York.”
“ Harvey Birch," rejoined the master, with
great deliberation, stealing a look at his guest.
"I do not remember desiring him to purchase
any tobacco for me, but as he has bought it, he
must be paid for his trouble."
For an instant only, as the negro spoke, did
Harper suspend his silent meal--his eye moved
slowly from the servant ta the master, and again
all remained in its impenetrable reserve.
To Sarah Wharton, this intelligence gave unex-
pected pleasure; rising from her seat, with im-
patience, she bad the black shew Birch into the
apartment; when, suddenly recollecting herself,
she turned to the traveller with an apologizing


THE SPY.
31
Jook, and added, “ if Mr. Harper will excuse the
presence of a pedlar."
The indulgent benevolence expressed in the
countenance of the stranger, as he bowed in silent
acquiescence, spoke more eloquently than the
nicest framed period, and the young lady repeat-
ed her order with a confidence in its truth, that re-
moved all embarrassment.
In the deep recesses of the windows of the cot-
tage, were seats of pannelled work; and the rich
damask curtains, that had ornamented the parlour
in Queen-street, had been transferred to the Lo-
custs, and gave to the room that indescribable air
of comfort, which so gratefully announces the ap-
proach of a domestic winter. Into one of these re-
cesses Captain Wharton now threw himself, draw-
ing the curtain before him in such a manner as to
conceal most of his person from observation; wbile
his younger sister, losing her natural frankness of
manner, in an air of artificial constraint, silently
took possession of the other.
Harvey Birch had been a pedlar from his youth;
at least, so he frequently asserted, and his skill in
the occupation went far to prove the truth of the
declaration. He was supposed to be a native of
one of the Eastern Colonies; and, from something
of superior intelligence which belonged to his fa-
ther, it was thought they had known better for-
tunes in the land of their nativity. Harvey pos-
sessed, however, the common manners of the
country, and was in no way distinguished from
men of his class but by his acuteness—and the
mystery which enveloped his movements. Ten
years before they had arrived together in the vale,
and, purchasing the humble dwelling at wbich Har-
per had made his unsuccessful application, con-
tinued peaceful inhabitants, but little noticed and
but little known. Until age and infirmities had
a lot ...
ਕਦੇ ਨਾ ਕਦੇ ਕਦੇ ਤਾਂ ਕਰ ਚ



32
THE SPY.
prevented, the father devoted himself to the culti.
vation of the small spot of ground belonging to his
purchase, while the son pursued with avidity his
humble barter. Their orderly quietude had soon
given them so much consideration in the neigh-
bourhood, as to induce a maiden of five and thir-
ty to forget the punctilio of her sex, and to accept
the office of presiding over their domestic com-
forts. The roses had long before vanished from
the cheeks of Katy Haynes, and she had seen in
succession, both her male and female acquaint-
ances forming the union so desirable to her sex,
with but little or no hope left for herself, when,
with views of her own, she entered the family of
the Birch's. Necessity is a hard master, and for
the want of a better companion, the father and son
were induced to accept her services—but still Katy
was not wanting in some qualities, which made her
a very tolerable housekeeper. On the one hand,
she was neat, industrious, honest, and a good ma-
nager. On the other, she was talkative, selfish,
superstitious, and inquisitive. By dint of using
the latter quality with consummate skill, she had
not lived in the family but five years when she tri-
umphantly declared, that she had heard, or rather
overheard, sufficient to say what had been the
former fate of her associates. Could Katy have
possessed enough of divination to pronounce upon
their future lot, her task would have seemed com-
paratively easy. From the private conversations
of the parent and child, she learnt that a fire had
reduced them from competence to poverty, and at
the same time diminished the number of their fa-
mily to two. There was a tremulousness in the
voice of the father, as he touched lightly on the
event, which affected even the heart of Katy ; but
no barrier is sufficient to repel vulgar curiosity.
She persevered, until a very direct intimation from


THE SPY.
33
Harvey, by threatening to supply her place with a
female a few years younger than herself, gave her
awful warning, that there were bounds beyond
which she was not to pass. From that period, the
curiosity of the housekeeper had been held in such
restraint, that, although no opportunity of listen-
ing was ever neglected, she had been able to add
but little to her stock of knowledge. There was,
however, one piece of intelligence, and that of no
little interest to herself, which she had succeeded
in obtaining; and, from the moment of its acqui-
sition, she had directed her energies to the accom-
plishment of one object aided by the double sti-
mulus of love and avarice.
Harvey was in the frequent habit of paying mys-
terious visits, in the deph of the night, to the fire-
place of the apartment, that served
for both kitch-
en and parlor. Here he was observed by Katy;
and, availing herself of his absence and the occu-
pations of the father, by removing one of the
hearth-stones, she discovered an iron pot, glitter-
ing with a metal that seldom fails to soften the
hardest heart. Katy succeeded in replacing the
stone without discovery, and never dared to trust
herself with another visit. From that moment,
however, the heart of the virgin lost its obduracy;
and nothing interposed between Harvey and his
happiness, but his own want of observation.
The war did not interfere with the traffic of the
pedlar, who seized on the golden opportunity
which the interruption to the regular trade afforded,
and appeared absorbed in the one grand object of
amassing money. For a year or two his employ-
ment was uninterrupted, and his success propor.
tionate ; but, at length, dark and threatening hints
began to throw suspicion around his movements,
and the civil authority thought it incumbent on
them to examine narrowly into his mode of life.
We stambenim ishorala Blu Adidas superste bilderness
fants de spop the piny


THE SPY.
.
*
His imprisonments were not long, though frequent;
and bis escapes from the guardians of the law
comparatively easy, to what he endured from the
persecution of the military. Still Birch survived,
and still he continued his trade, though compelled
to be very guarded in his movements, especially
whenever he approached the northern boundaries
of the county ; or, in other words, the neighbour-
hood of the American lines. His visits to the Lo-
custs had become less frequent, and his appearance
at his own abode so seldom, as to draw forth from
the disappointed Katy, in the fullness of her heart,
the complaint we have related, in her reply to Har-
per. Nothing, however, seemed to interfere with
the pursuits of this indefatigable trader; and, with
a view to dispose of certain articles which could
only find purchasers in the very wealthiest families
of the county, he had now braved the fury of the
tempest, for the half mile between his own resi-
dence and the house of Mr. Wharton.
In a few minutes after receiving the commands
of his young mistress, Cæsar re-appeared, ushering
into the apartment the subject of the foregoing
digression. In person, the pedlar was a man above
the middle height, spare, but full of bone and mus-
cle : at first sight, his strength seemed unequal to
manage the unwieldy burden of his pack; yet he
threw it on and off with great dexterity, and with
as much apparent ease as if it had been feathers.
His eyes were gray-sunken, restless, and, for the
flitting moments that they dwelt on the counte-
nances of those with whom he conversed, seemed
to read the very soul. They possessed, however,
two distinct expressions, which, in a great mea-
sure, characterized the whole man.
When en-
gaged in traffic, the intelligence of his face ap-
peared lively, active, and flexible, though uncom.
monly acute; if the conversation turned on the


THE SPY.
35
ordinary transactions of life, his air became ab-
stracted and restless; but if, by chance, the revo-
lution, and the country were the topic, his whole
system seemed altered--all his faculties were
concentrated--he would listen for a great length
of time, without speaking, and then would break
silence by some light and jocular remarks, that
were too much at variance with his former man-
ner, not to be affectation. But of the war, and of
his father, he seldom spoke, and always from some
apparent necessity.
To a superficial observer, avarice would seem
his ruling passion--and, all things considered, he
was as unfit a subject for the plans of Katy Haynes
as can be readily imagined, On entering the
room the pedlar relieved himself from his burden,
which, as it stood on the floor, reached nearly to
his shoulders, and saluted the family with modest
civility. To Harper he made a silent bow, with-
out lifting his eyes from the carpet; but the cur-
tain prevented any notice of the presence of Cap-
tain Wharton. Sarah gave
but little time for the
usual salutations before she commenced her sur-
vey of the contents of the pack; and, for several
minutes the two were engaged in bringing to light
the various articles it contained.
The tables,
chairs, and floor, were soon covered with silks,
crapes, gloves, muslins, and all the stock of an
itinerant trader. Cæsar was employed to hold
open the mouth of the pack, as its hordes were
discharged, and occasionally aided his young lady,
by directing her admiration to some articles of
finery, which, from their decper contrast in co-
lours, he thought more worthy of her notice. At
length, Sarah having selected several articles, and
satisfactorily arranged the prices, observed in a
cheerful voice--
" But, Harvey, you have told us no news.- Has
Lord Cornwallis beaten the rebels again?"


36
THE SPY.
The question could not have been heard; for
the pedlar, burying his body in the pack, brought
forth a quantity of lace of exquisite fineness, and,
holding it up to view, required the admiration of
the young lady. Miss Pejton dropped the cup she
was engaged in washing, from her hand; and
Frances exhibited the whole of that lovely face,
which had hitherto only suffered one of its joy-
ous eyes to be seen, beaming with a colour that
shamed the damask, which enviously concealed
her figure.
The aunt quitted her employment; and Birch
soon disposed of a large portion of this valuable
article. The praises of the ladies had drawn the
whole person of the younger sister into view; and
Frances was slowly rising from the window, as
Sarah repeated her question, with an exultation in
her voice, that proceeded more from pleasure in
her purchase, than her political feelings. The
younger sister resumed her seat, apparently ex-
amining into the state of the clouds, while the
pedlar, finding a reply was expected, answered
slowly-
6. There is some talk below about Tarleton
having defeated General Sumpter, on the Tyger
river.
Captain Wharton now involuntarily thrust his
head between the opening of the curtains into the
room ; and Frances, in turning her ear, in breath-
less silence, noticed the quiet eyes of Harper
looking at the pedlar, over the book he was affect-
ing to read, with an expression that denoted him
a listener of no ordinary interest.
" Indeed!” cried the exulting Sarah; “Sump-
ter-Sumpter--who is he? I'll not buy even a pin,
until you tell me all the news,” she continued,
laughing, and throwing down a muslin she had
been examining.


THE SPY
37
For a moment the pedlar hesitated; his eye
glanced towards Harper, who was yet gazing on
him in settled meaning, and the whole manner of
Birch was altered. Approaching the fire, he took
froin his mouth a large allowance of the Virginian
weed, and depositing it, with the superabundance
of its juices, without mercy to Miss Peyton's shin-
ing andirons, returned to his goods, and replied in
a more lively tone-
* He lives somewhere among the niggars to the
south.'
“No more niggar than be yourself, Mister
Birch,” interrupted Cæsar tartly, and dropping
the covering of the goods in high displeasure.
“ Hush, Cæsar--hush--never mind it now,"
said Sarah Wharton soothingly, waiting with im-
patience to hear further.
"A black man as good as white, Miss Sally,"
continued the offended African, “so long he be-
have himself.”
“And frequently much better," rejoined his
mistress; “ but, Harvey, who is this Mr. Sumpter ???
A slight indication of humour shewed itself on
the face of the pedlar, as he continued As I
was saying, he lives among the coloured people in
the south, Cæsar resumed his occupation -- and
has lately had a skrimmage with this Colonel
Tarleton”-
" Who defeated him of course," cried Sarah,
with confidence.
“So say the troops at Morrisania," returned the
other laconically.
“ But what do you say?” Mr. Wharton ven.
tured to inquire, yet speaking involuntarily in a
low tone.
" I repeat but what I hear,” said Birch, offer,
ing a piece of cloth to the inspection of Sarah,
who rejected it in silence, evidently determined.
VOL. 1.
4


38
THE SPY
86
to hear more before she made any further pur,
chases.
They say, however, at the Plains,” the ped-
lar continued, after first throwing his eyes again
round the room, and letting them rest for an in-
stant on Harper," that Sumpter and one or two
more were all that was hurt, and that the rigʻars
were all cut to pieces, for the militia were fixed
snugly in a log barn."
“ Not very probable,” said Sarah contemptuous-
ly, “though I make no doubt the rebels gut be-
hind the logs."
“ I think,” said the pedlar coolly, again offer-
ing the silk, “it's quite ingenious to get a log be-
tween one and a gun, instead of getting between
a gun and a log.”—The eye of Harper dropped
quietly on the pages of the volume in his haud,
while Frances, rising, came forward with a smile
in her face, as she inquired, in a tone of affability
the pedlar had never before witnessed--
Have you more of the lace, Mr. Birch ?"
The desired article was immediately produced,
and Frances became a purchaser also; by her
order a glass of liquor was offered to the trader,
who took it with thanks, and, having paid his com-
pliments to the master of the house and the ladies,
drank the beverage.
“ So it is thought that Colonel Tarleton has
worsted General Sumpter ?" said Mr. Wharton,
affecting to be employed in mending the cup,
broken by the eagerness of his sister-in-law.
“ I believe they think so at Morrisania,” said
Birch drily.
“ Have you any other news, friend ?'' asked
Captain Wharton, venturing to thrust his face with-
out the curtains again.
“ Have you heard that Major André has been
hung ?" inquired the pedlar with emphasis, in
reply.


THE SPY.
39
Captain Wharton started, and for a moment
glances of great significance were exchanged be-
tween him and the trader, when he observed, with
affected indifference, “that must have been some
five weeks ago."
“Does his execution make much noise ?" asked
the father, striving to make the broken china
unite.
“ People will talk, you know, Squire," returned
the pedlar, exhibiting his goods respectfully to the
young ladies.
" Is there any probability of movements below
my friend, that will make travelling dangerous ???
asked Harper, looking steadily at the other, in ex-
pectation of his reply.
Some bunches of ribbons fell from the hand of
Birch ; his countenance changed instantly, losing
its keen expression in intent meaning, as he an-
swered slowly._“It is some time since the rig'lar
cavalry were out, and I saw some of De Lancey's
men cleaning their arms as I passed their quarters;
it would be no wonder if they took the scent soon,
for the Virginia horse are low in the county.”
66 Are they in much force ?" asked Mr. Whar-
ton, suspending all employment in anxiety.
6 I did not count them," said the pedlar, giving
his attention to his trade again.
Frances was the only observer of the change in
the manner of Birch, and, on turning to Harper, he
had resumed his book in silence. The maid took
some of the ribbons in her handlaid them down
again--and, bending over the goods, so that her
hair, falling in rich curls, shaded her face, she ob-
served, blushing with a colour that suffused her
neck-
“I thought the southern horse had marched to-
wards the Delaware."
"It may be so," said Birch ;"I passed the troops
at a distance."



40
THE SPI..
Cæsar had now selected a piece of calico, in
which the colors of yellow and red were contrasted
on a white ground, and after admirirg it for seve-
Fal minutes, laid it down with a sigh, as he ex-
claimed, “berry pretty calico !!!
“ That,” said Sarah; “yes, that would make a
proper gown for your wife, Cæsar.”
“Yes, Miss Sally,” cried the delighted black,
* make old Dinah heart leap for joy-so berry
genteel.”
“Yes,” added the pedlar quaintly, “ that would
make Dinah look like a rainbow."
Cæsar eyed his young mistress eagerly, until,
laying it down with a smile, she inquired the price
of Harvey.
“Why, much as I light of chaps," said the ped-
lar.
" How much ?" demanded Sarah in surprise.
“ According to my luck in finding purchasers-
for my friend Dinah, you may have it at four shil-
lings.
. It is too much,” said Sarah, turning to some
goods for herself.
“Monstrous price--for coarse calico, Mister
Birch,” grumbled Cæsar, dropping the opening of
the pack again.
“We will say three then," added the pedlar,
“if you like that better."
“Be sure, like 'em better”--said Cæsar smiling
good humouredly, re-opening the pack--" Miss
Sally like a three shilling when she give, and a
four shilling when she take."
The bargain was immediately concluded; but
in measuring, the cloth wanted a little of the well
known ten yards required by the dimensions of
Dinah. By dint of a strong arm, however, it grew
to the desired length, under the experienced eye
of the pedlar, who conscientiously added a ribbon


THE SPY.
41
of corresponding brilliancy with the calico, and
Cæsår hastily withdrew, to communicate the joy.
ful intelligence to his aged partner.
During the movements created by the conclu-
sion of the purchase, Captain Wharton had ven-
tured to draw aside the curtain, so as to admit a
view of his person, and he now inquired of the
pedlar, who had begun to collect his scattered
goods, at what time he had left the city.
“ At early twilight,” was the answer.
“So lately !" cried the other in surprise; and
then correcting his manner, by assuming a more
guarded air, he continued Could you pass the
picquets at so late an hour ?"
"I did," was the laconic reply.
6 You must be well known by this time, Har-
vey, to the officers of the British army,” cried Sa-
rah, smiling archly on the pedlar.
“I know some of them by sight," said Birch,
glancing his eyes round the apartment, taking in
their course Captain Wharton, and resting for an
instant on the countenance of Harper.
Mr. Wharton had listened intently to each
speaker in succession, and had so far lost the af-
fectation of inditference, as to be crushing in his
hand the pieces of china he had expended so much
labour in endeavouring to mend; when, observing
the pedlar tying the last knot in his pack, he asked
abruptly--
“Are we about to be disturbed again with the
enemy?!
“Who do you call the enemy ?” said the pedlar,
raising himself erect, and giving the other a look,
before which the eyes of Mr. Wharton sunk in in-
stant confusion.
“ All are enemies who disturb our peace," said
Miss Peyton, observing her brother unable to
speak. “But are the royal troops out from below ???
4*



42
THE SPY
“ 'Tis quite likely they soon may be," returned
Birch, raising his pack from the floor, and prepar-
ing to leave the room.
6 And the continentals,” continued Miss Peyton
mildly, “are the continentals in the county ?
Harvey was about to utter something in reply,
when the door opened, and Cæsar made his ap-
pearance, attended by his delighted spouse.
The race of blacks of which Cæsar was a favor-
able specimen is becoming very rare. The old
family servant, who, born and reared in the dwell.
ing of his master, identified himself with the wel-
fare of those whom it was his lot to serve, is giving
place in every direction to that vagrant class
which has sprung up within the last thirty years,
and whose members roam through the country,
unfettered by principles, or uninfluenced by attach-
ments. For it is one of the curses of slavery,
that its victims become incompetent to the attri-
butes of a freeman. The short curly hair of Cæ-
sar had acquired from age a coloring of
gray, that
added greatly to the venerable cast of his appear-
Long and uninterrupted application of
the comb bad straightened the close curls of his
forehead, until they stood erect in a stiff and for-
mal precision, that gave at least two inches to his
stature. The shining black of his youth bad lost
its glistening hue, and had been succeeded by a
dingy brown. His eyes, which stood at a most
formidable distance from each other, were small,
and characterized by an expression of good feel-
ing, occasionally interrupted by the petulence of
an indulged servant-they, however, now danced
with inward delight. His nose possessed, in an
eminent manner, all the requisites for smelling,
but with the most modest unobtrusiveness--his
nostrils being abundantly capacious, without
thrusting themselves in the way of their neigh-
ance.


THE SPY.
43
bours. His mouth capacious to a fault, that was
only tolerated on account of the double row of
pearls it contained. In person Cæsar was short,
and we would say square, had not all the angles
and curves of his figure bid defiance to any thing
like mathematical symmetry. His arms were long
and muscular, and terminated by two bony hands,
that exhibited on one side, a coloring of blackish
gray, and on the other a faded pink. But it was
in his legs that nature had indulged in her most ca-
pricious humours. There was an abundance of the
material, but it had been injudiciously used. The
calves were neither before nor behind, but rather
on the outer side of the limb, inclining forward,
and so close to the knee as to render the free use
of that joint a subject of doubt. In the foot, con-
sidering it as a base on which the body was to rest,
Cæsar had no cause of complaint, unless, indeed,
it might be that the leg was placed so near the cen-
tre, as to make it sometimes of a matter of dispute,
whether he was not walking backwards. But
whatever might be the faults a statuary could dis-
cover in his person, the heart of Cæsar Thompson
was in the right place, and, we doubt not, of very
just dimensions.
Accompanied by his ancient companion, Cæsar
now advanced, and paid his tribute of gratitude in
words---Sarah received them with great compla-
cency, and made a few compliments to the taste of
the husband, and the probable appearance of the
wife. Frances, with a face beaming with a look
of pleasure that corresponded to the smiling coun-
tenances of the blacks, offered the service of her
needle in fitting the admired calico to its future
The offer was humbly and gratefully ac-
cepted.
As Cæsar followed the pedlar and his wife from
the apartment, and was in the act of closing the
uses.


44
THE SPY.
door, he indulged himself in a grateful soliloquy,
by saying aloud-
“Good little lady--Miss Fanny-take care of
old father--love to make a gown for old Dinah,
too." What else his feelings might have induced
him to utter is unknown, but the sound of his voice
was heard sometime after the distance had made
his words indistinct.
Harper had dropped his book, and sat an ad-
miring witness of the scene; and Frances enjoyed
a double satisfaction, as she received an approving
smile from a face which concealed, under the
traces of deep thought and engrossing care, the be-
nevolent expression which characterizes all the
best feelings of the human heart.


THE SPY.
45
CHAPTER IV.
" It is the form, the eye, the word,
The bearing of that stranger Lord;
His stature, manly, bold, and tall,
Built like a castle's battled wall,
Yet moulded in such just degrees,
His giant strength seems lightsome ease.
Weather and war their rougher trace
Have left on that majestic face ;-
But 'tis his dignity of eye!
There, if a suppliant, would I dy,
Secure, 'mid danger, wrongs, and grief,
Of sympathy, redress, relief-
That glance, if guilty, would I dread
More than the doom that spoke me dead !
« Enough, enough,” the princess cried,
« 'Tis Scotland's hope, her joy, her pride !"
Walter Scott.
The party sat in silence for several minutes af:
ter the pedlar withdrew. Mr. Wharton had
heard enough to increase his uneasiness, without
in the least removing his apprehensions on behalf
of his son. The Captain was impatiently wishing
Harper in any other place, than the one he occu-
pied with such apparent composure ; while Miss
Peyton completed the disposal of her breakfast
equipage, with the mild complacency of her na-
ture, aided a little by inward satisfaction at her
possessing so large a portion of the trader's lace-
Sarah was busily occupied in arranging her pur-
chases, and Frances was kindly assisting her in the
occupation, disregarding her own neglected bar-
gains for the moment, when the stranger suddenly
broke the silence by saying-
"If any apprehensions of me induce Captain
Wharton to maintain his disguise, I wish him to


46
THE SPY.
be undeceived-had I motives for betraying him,
they could not operate under present circumstan-
ces."
The younger sister sunk into her seat colourless
and astonished. Miss Peyton dropped the tea-tray
she was lifting from the table; and Sarah sat with
her purchases unheeded in her lap, in speechless
surprise. Mr. Wharton was stupified; but the
Captain, hesitating a moment from astonishment,
sprang into the middle of the room, and exclaimed,
as he tore off the instruments of his disguise-
“I believe you from my soul, and this tiresome
imposition shall continue no longer under the roof
of my father. Yet I am at a loss to conceive in
what manner you
know me.”
“ You really look so much better in your proper
person, Captain Wharton,” said Harper with a
slight smile, “ I would advise you never to con-
ceal it in future. There is enough to betray you,
if other sources of detection were wanting ;" as he
spoke, he pointed to a picture suspended over the
mantle-piece, which exhibited the British officer
in his regimentals.
“I had flattered myself,” cried young Wharton
with a laugh,
I looked better on the canvass
than in masquerade--you must be a close obser-
ver, sir!"
66
Necessity has made me one," said Harper
mildly, rising from his seat.
Frances met him as he was about to withdraw,
and, taking his hand between both her own, said
with earnestness-her cheeks mantling with their
richest vermilion You cannot--you will not
betray my brother.”
Foran instant Harper paused in silent admiration
of the lovely pleader, and then, folding her hands
on his breast, replied solemnly—“I cannot, and !
will not ;he released her hands, and laying his


THE SPY.
47
own on her head gently, continued—“ If the
blessing of a stranger can profit you, receive it."
He turned, and, bowing low, retired to his apart-
ment.
The whole party were deeply impressed with
the ingenuous and solemn manner of the traveller,
and all but the father found immediate relief in
his declaration. Some of the cast-off clothes of
the captain, which had been removed with the
goods from the city, were produced; and young
Wharton, released from the uneasiness of his dis-
guise, began at last to enjoy a visit which had been
undertaken at so much personal risk to himself.
Mr. Wharton retiring to his apartment in pursu-
ance of his regular engagements, the ladies, with
the young man, were left to an uninterrupted com-
munication on such subjects as were most agree-
able. Even Miss Peyton was affected with the
spirits of her younger relatives; and they sat for
an hour enjoying in heedless confidence, the plea-
sures of an unrestrained conversation, without re-
flecting on any danger which might be impending
over them. The city and their acquaintances
were not long neglected; for Miss Peyton, who
had never forgotten the many agreeable hours of
her residence within its boundaries, soon inquired,
among others, after their old acquaintance Colonel
Wellmere.
“Oh!” cried the Captain, gaily, “he yet con-
tinues there, as handsome and as gallant as ever."
Although a woman be not actually in love, she
seldom hears without a blush, the name of a man
whom she might love, and who has been connect-
ed with herself, by idle gossips, in the amatory
rumour of the day. Such had been the case with
Sarah, and she dropped her eyes on the carpet
with a smile, that, aided by the blush which suf-
fused her cheek, in no degree detracted from her
native charms,


48
THE SPY.
Captain Wharton, without heeding this display
of interest in his sister, immediately continued
At times he is melancholy-we tell him it must
be love." Sarah raised her eyes to the face of
her brother, and was consciously turning them on
the rest of the party, when she met those of her
sister, laughing with good-humour and high spirits,
as she cried, “ Poor man--does he despair ?
Why, no--one would think he could not--the
eldest son of a man of wealtb, so handsome, and
a Colonel.”
" Strong reasons, indeed, why he should pre-
vail," said Sarah, endeavouring to laugh, “ more
particularly the latter."
“Let me tell you,” replied the Captain grave-
ly, a Lieutenant-Colonelcy in the Guards is a
very pretty thing”-
And Colonel Wellmere a very pretty man,"
cried Frances, with a laugh.
“Nay, Frances," returned her sister, “ Colonel
Wellmere was never a favorite with you--he is
too loyal to his King to be agreeable to your
taste."
Frances took the hand of her sister, as she said
" and is not Henry loyal to his King ?”
“ Come, come," said Miss Peyton, “ no differ-
ence of opinion about the Colonel he is a favo.
rite of mine."
“ Fanny likes Majors better,” cried the brother,
pulling her upon his knee.
“ Nonsense,” said the blushing girl, as she en-
deavoured to extricate herself from the grasp of
her laughing brother.
6 It surprizes me," continued the Captain,
“ that Peyton, when he procured the release of
my father, did not endeavour to detain
my
sister
in the rebel camp."
“ That might have endangered his own liberty,"


THE SPY.
49.
said the maid, smiling archly, and resuming her
seat; you know it is liberty for which Major Dun-
woodie is fighting."
“ Liberty !” exclaimed Sarah,“ very pretty
liberty-which exchanges one master for fifty."
6 The privilege of changing masters at all is a
liberty," returned the other good-humouredly.
“ And one you ladies would sometimes be glad
to exercise, cried the captain.
“We like, I believe, to have the liberty of
choosing who they shall be in the first place,” said
the laughing girl; “ don't we, aunt Jeanette."
“ Me!" cried Miss Peyton starting ; " what do
I know of such things, child; you must ask some
one else, if you wish to learn such matters."
“Ah !" returned the maid, looking playfully at
her aunt, "you would have us think you were
never young--but what am I to believe of all the
tales I have heard about the handsome Miss Jean-
ette Peyton ?"
“Nonsense--my dear--nonsense,
> said the
aunt, endeavouring to suppress a smile; “it is
very silly to believe all you hear.”
"Nonsense, do you call it?” cried the captain
gaily; “ to this hour General Montrose toasts Miss
Peyton ; I. heard him within the week, at Sir Hen-
ry's table."
Why, Henry, you are as saucy as your sister,
returned the lady; "and to break in upon your
folly, I must take you to see my new home-made
manufactures in contrast with the finery of Birch."
The young people rose to follow their aunt, in
perfect good humour with each other and the
world. On ascending the stairs to the place of
deposit for Miss Peyton's articles of economy, she
availed herself, however, of an opportunity to in-
quire of her nephew, whether General Montrose
VOL. 1.
1


59
THE SPY.
suffered as much from the gout, as he had done
when she knew him.
It is a painful discovery that we make, as we
advance in life, that none of us are exempt from
its frailties. When the heart is fresh, and the
view of the future unsullied by the blemishes which
have been gathered from the experience of the
past, our feelings are most holy-we love to iden-
tify with the persons of our natural friends, all
those qualities to which we ourselves aspire, and
all those virtues we have been taught to revere.
The confidence with which we esteem seems a
part of our nature; and there is a purity, thrown
around the affections which tie us to our kindred,
that after life can seldom hope to see uninjured.
The family of Mr. Wharton continued to enjoy,
for the remainder of the day, a happiness to which
they had long been strangers; and one that sprung,
in its younger members, from the delights of the
most confiding affection, and the exchange of the
most disinterested endearments.
Harper appeared only at the dinner table, and
retired with the cloth, under the pretence of some
engagements in his own room.
Notwithstanding
the confidence created by his manner, the family
felt his absence a relief; for the visit of Captain
Wharton was necessarily to be confined to a very
few days, both from the limitation to his leave of
absence, and the danger of a discovery.
All dread of consequences, bowever, were lost
in the pleasure of the meeting. Once or twice
during the day, Mr. Wharton had suggested a
doubt as to the character of his unknown guest,
and the possibility of the detection of his son pro-
ceeding in some manner from his information :
but the idea was earnestly opposed by all his chil-
dren ; even Sarah united with her brother and
sister in pleading warmly in favor of the sincerity


THE SPY.
51
expressed in the outward appearance of the tra-
veller.
" Such appearancés, my children,” replied the
desponding parent, "are but too often deceitful;
when men like Major André lend themselves to
the purposes of fraud, it is idle to reason from
qualities, much less externals."
«« Fraud !" cried his son quickly; “surely, sir,
you forget that Major André was serving his king,
and that the usages of war justified the measure."
“ And did not the usages of war justify his death,
Henry?” inquired Frances, speaking in a low voice,
unwilling to abandon what she thought the cause
of her country, and yet unable to suppress her
feelings for the man.
“ Never!” exclaimed the young man, springing
from his seat, and pacing the floor rapidly—“Fran-
ces you shock me; suppose it should be my fate,
even now, to fall into the power of the rebels
you would vindicate my execution-perhaps exult
in the cruelty of Washington."
Henry!" said Frances solemnly, quivering
with emotion, and with a face pale as death, “ you
little know my heart.”
“Pardon me--my sister-my little Fanny,” cried
the repentant youth, pressing her to his bosom,
and kissing off the tears which had burst in torrents
from her eyes.
“ It is very foolish to regard your hasty words,
I know," said Frances, extricating herself from his
arms, and raising her yet humid eyes to his face
with a smile" But reproach from those we love
is most severe, Henry-particularly-where we--
we think-we know-the paleness of the maid
gradually gave place to the color of the rose, as
she concluded in a low voice, with her eyes
di-
rected to the carpet," we are undeserving of
at.'s.


THE SPY.
Miss Peyton moved from her own seat to the
one next her niece, and, kindly taking her hand,
observed," you should not suffer the impetuosity
of your brother to affect you so much---boys, you
know," she continued with a smile," are prover-
bially ungovernable.”...
“ And you might add cruel, from my conduct,”
said the Captain, seating himself on the other side
of his sister; “ but on the subject of the death of
André we are all of us. uncommonly sensitive-
you did not know him he was all that was brave
--that was accomplished-that was estimable.”
Frances smiled faintly and shook her head, but
made no reply. Her brother, observing the marks
of incredulity in her countenance, continued
you doubt it, and justify his death?”.
“ I do not doubt his worth,” replied the maid
mildly, "nor his being deserving of a more happy
fate; but I doubt the impropriety of Washington's
conduct. I know but little of the customs of war,
and wish to know less; but with what hopes of suc-
cess could the Americans contend, if they yielded
all the principles which long usage had establish-
ed, to the exclusive purposes of the British ?”
" Why contend at all?" cried Sarah impatient-
ly; 6 besides, being rebels, all their acts are ille-
gal.”
“ Women are but mirrors, which reflect the
images before them," cried the captain good na-
turedly. "In Frances I see the picture of Major
Dunwoodie-and in Sarah"--
“ Colonel Wellmere,” interrupted the younger
sister laughing, and blushing crimson.
66 I must
confess I am indebted to the Major for my reason.
ing-am I not aunt Jeanette ?!
"I believe there is something like it, indeed,
child," replied Miss Peyton with a smile, " in his
last letter to me."


THE SPY.
53
“Yes, I plead guilty-and you, Sarah, have not
forgotten the learned discussions of Colonel Well.
inere.
,
“I trust I never forget the right,” said Sarah,
emulating her sister in color, and rising under the
pretence of avoiding the heat of the fire.
Nothing occurred of any moment during the
rest of the day ; but in the evening Cæsar reported
that he had overheard voices in the room of Har-
per, conversing in a low tone. The apartment
occupied by the traveller, was the wing at the ex-
tremity of the building, opposite to the parlour in
which the family ordinarily assembled; and it
seems, that Cæsar had established a regular sys-
tem of espionage, with a view to the safety of his
young master. This intelligence gave some un-
easiness to all the members of the family ; but the
entrance of Harper himself, with the air of bene.
volence and sincerity which shone through his re-
serve, soon removed the doubts from the breast
of all but Mr. Wharton. His children and sister
believed Cæsar to have been mistaken, and the
evening passed off without any additional alarm.
On the afternoon of the succeeding day, the
party were assembled in the parlour around the
tea-table of Miss Peyton, when a change in the
weather occurred. The thin scud, that apparent-
ly floated but a short distance above the tops of
the hills, began to drive from the west towards the
east in astonishing rapidity. The rain yet con-
tinued to beat against the eastern windows of the
house with incredible fury: in that direction all
was dark and gloomy. Frances was gazing at the
scene with the desire of youth to escape from the
tedium of confinement, when, as if by magic, all
was still. The rushing winds had ceased the
pelting of the storm was over-and, springing to
the window, the maid, with delight pictured in her


64
THE SPY.
face, saw a glorious ray of sunshine lighting on the
opposite wood. The foliage glittered with the
chequered beauties of the October leaf-reflect-
ing back from the moistened boughs the richest
lustre of an American autumn. In an instant, the
piazza, which opened to the south, was thronged
with the inmates of the cottage. The air was
mild, balmy, and refreshing~in the east, clouds,
which might be likened to the retreating masses
of a discomfited army, hung around the horizon in
awful and increasing darkness. At a little eleva-
tion above the cottage, the thin and vapory clouds
were still rushing towards the east with amazing
velocity; while in the west the sun had broken
forth in all his majesty, and shed his parting ra-
diance on the scene below, aided by the fullest
richness of a clear atmosphere and freshened
herbage. Such moments belong only to the cli-
mate of America, and are enjoyed in a degree pro-
portioned to the suddenness of the contrast, and
the pleasure we experience in escaping from the
turbulence of the elements to the quiet of a peace-
ful evening, and an air still as the softest mornings
in June.
“What a magnificent scene!” said Harper in a
low tone; “how grand! how awfully sublime !--
May such a quiet speedily await the struggle in
which my country is engaged, and such a glorious
evening follow the day of her adversity.”
Frances, who stood next to him, alone heard the
voice-turning in amazement from the view to
the speaker, she saw him standing bare headed,
erect, and with his eyes to heaven; there was no
longer the quiet which had seemed their charac-
teristic, but they were lighted into something like
enthusiasm, and a slight flush passed over his pale
features.
There can be no danger apprehended from such


THE SPY.
55
a man, thought Frances—such feelings belong only
to the virtuous.
The musings of the party were now interrupted
by the sudden appearance of the pedlar. He had
taken advantage of the first gleam of sunshine to
hasten to the cottage. Heedless of wet or dry as
it lay in his path, with arms swinging to and fro,
and with his head bent forward of his body seve-
rai inches, Harvey Birch approached the piazza,
with a gait peculiarly his own--the quick length-
ened pace of a vender of goods.
" Fine evening,” said the pedlar, saluting the
party without raising his eyes, “quite warm and
agreeable for the season."
Mr.Wharton assented to the remark, and in-
quired kindly after the health of his father. Har-
vey heard him, and continued standing for some
time in moody silence; but the question being re-
peated, he answered with a slight tremor in his
voice-
“ He fails fast; old age and hardships will do
their work.” The pedlar turned his body from
the view of most of the family ; but Frances notic-
ed his glistening eyes and quivering lip, and, for
the second time, Harvey rose in the estimation of
the maid.
The valley in which was the residence of Ms.
Wharton ran in a direction from North-West to
South-East, and the house stood on the side of a
hill which terminated its length in the former di-
rection. A small opening, occasioned by the re-
ceding of the opposite hill, and the fall of the
land to the level of the tide water, afforded a view
of the Sound over the tops of the distant woods on
its margin. The surface of the water, which bad
so lately been lashing the shores with boisterous
fury, was already losing its ruffled darkness in the
long and regular undulations that succeed a tem-


56
THE SPY.
pest, while the light air from the South-West was
gently touching their summits, lending its feeble
aid in stilling the waters. Some dark spots were
now to be distinguished, occasionally rising into
view, and again sinking behind the lengthened
waves which interposed themselves to the sight.
They were unnoticed by all but the pedlar. He
had scated himself on the piazza, at a distance
from Harper, and appeared to have forgotten the
object of his visit. His roving eye, however, soon
caught a glimpse of these new objects in the view,
and he sprang up with alacrity, gazing intently to-
wards the water. The juices of the tobacco soon
disfigured the floor of Miss Peyton-he changed
his place--glanced his eye with marked uneasiness
on Harper-and then said with great emphasis--
" The rigʻlars must be out from below."
Why do you think so ?" inquired Captain
Wharton eagerly ; “God send it may be true; I
want their escort in again.”
“ Them ten whale boats would not move so fast,
answered Birch drily, “unless they were better
manned than common.
Perhaps,” cried Mr. Wharton in alarm, " they
are-they are continentals returning from the is-
land."
They look like rig’lars," said the pedlar with
great meaning
“Look !" repeated the captain, “there is no-
thing but spots to be seen."
Harvey disregarded his observation, but seem-
ed to be soliloquizing as he said, in an under tone-
“ They came out before the gale-have laid on the
island these two days horse are on the road-
there will soon be fighting near us." During this
speech Birch several times glanced his eye to-
wards Harper, with evident uneasiness, but no
corresponding emotion betrayed any interest of
that gentleman in the scene. He stood in silent
>


THE SPY.
57
contemplation of the view, and seemed enjoying
the change in the air. As Birch concluded, how-
ever, Harper turned to his host and mentioned,
that his business would not admit of unnecessary
delay; he would, therefore, avail himself of the
fine evening to ride a few miles on his journey.
Mr. Wharton made many professions of regret at
losing so agreeable an inmate; but was too mind-
ful of his duty not to speed the parting guest, and
orders were instantly given to that effect.
The uneasiness of the pedlar increased in a
manner for which nothing apparent could account;
bis eye was constantly wandering towards the
lower end of the vale, as if in expectation of some
interruption from that quarter. At length Cæsar
appeared leading the noble beast which was to
bear the weight of the traveller. The pedlar of-
ficiously assisted to tighten the girths, and fasten
the blue cloak and valisse to the mail straps.
Every preparation being completed, Harper
proceeded to take his leave. To Sarah and her
aunt he paid his compliments with ease and kind-
nes--but when he came to Frances, he paused a
moment, while his face assumed an expression of
more than ordinary benignity ; his eye repeated
the blessing which had before fallen from his lips,
and the maid felt her cheeks glow and heart
beat with a quicker pulsation, as he spoke his
adieus. There was a mutual exchange of polite
courtesy between the host and his parting guest;
but as Harper frankly offered his hand to Captain
Wharton, he remarked, in a manner of great so-
lemnity-
“ The step you have undertaken is one of much
danger, and disagreeable consequences to yourself
may result from it-in such a case I may have it iu
my power to prove the gratitude I owe your family
for its kindness,'


58
THE SPY.
“Surely, sir,” cried the father, losing sight of
delicacy in apprehension for his child, you will
keep secret the discovery which your being in my
house has enabled you to make.'
Harper turned quickly to the speaker, and then
losing the sternness which had begun to gather on
his countenance, he answered mildly, “I have
learnt nothing in your family, sir, of which I was
ignorant before-but your son is safer from my
knowledge of his visit, than he would be without
it."
He bowed to the whole party, and without tak-
ing any notice of the pedlar other than by simply
thanking him for his attentions, mounted his horse,
and riding steadily and gracefully through the lit-
tle gate, was soon lost behind the hill which shel-
tered the valley to the northward.
The eye of the pedlar followed the retiring
figure of the horseman so long as it continued
within view, and as it disappeared from his sight,
he drew a long and heavy sigh, as if relieved from
a load of apprehension. The Whartons had me-
ditated in silence on the character and visit of their
unknown guest for the same period, when the fa-
ther approached Birch, and observed
“I am yet your debtor, Harvey, for the tobacco
you were so kind as to bring me from the city.”
“If it should not prove so good as the first,” re-
plied the pedlar, fixing a last and lingering look
in the direction of Harper's route, “it is owing to
the scarcity of the article."
“ I like it much,” continued the other, “but
you have forgotten to name the price."
The countenance of the trader changed, and
losing its expression of deep care in a natural
acuteness, he answered--
6. It is hard to say what ought to be the price; I
believe I must leave it to your own generosity."
2
12


THE SPY.
59
Mr. Wharton had taken a hand well filled with
the images of Carolus III. from his pocket, and
now extended it towards Birch with three of the
pieces between his finger and thumb. Harvey's
eyes twinkled as he contemplated the reward ;
and rolling over in his mouth a large quantity of
the article in question, coolly stretched forth his
hand into which the dollars fell with a most agree-
able sound; but not satisfied with the transient
music of their fall, the pedlar gave each piece in
succession a ring on the stepping-stone to the pi-
azza, before he consigned it to the safe keeping of
a huge deer-skin purse, which vanished from the
sight of the spectators so dexterously, that not one
of them could have told about what part of his
person it was secreted.
This very material point in his business so satis-
factorily completed, the pedlar rose from his seat
on the floor of the piazza, and approached where
Captain Wharton stood, supporting his sisters on
either arm, as they listened with the lively interest
of affection, to his conversation.
The agitation of the preceding incidents had
caused such an'expenditure of the juices which
had become necessary to the mouth of the pedlar,
that a new supply of the weed was required be-
fore he could turn his attention to business of les-
ser moment. This done, he asked abruptly-
“Captain Wharton, do you go in to night ?"
“No!" said the captain laconically, and look-
ing at his lovely burdens with great affection.--
“ Mr. Birch, would you have me leave such com-
pany so soon, when ) may never enjoy it again."
“ Brother!" said Frances in a low tone, " jest-
ing on such a subject is cruel."
“ I rather guess, continued the pedlar coolly,
now the storm is over, the Skinners may be
moving; you had better shorten your visit, Cap-
täin Wharton,"?


60
THE SPY.
63
, ."
« Oh!” cried the British officer, “ a few guineas
will buy off those rascals at any time should I
meet them. No--no-Mr. Birch, here I stay un-
til morning.”
“Money could not liberate Major André," said
the pedlar drily.
Both the sisters now turned to the captain in
alarm, and the elder observed -
“ You had better take the advice of Harvey--
rest assured, brother, his opinion in such matters
ought not to be disregarded."
« Yes,” added the younger, “if, as I suspect,
Mr. Birch assisted you to come here—your safety
--our happiness, dear Henry, requires you to lis-
ten to him now."
I brought myself out, and can take myself in,99
said the captain positively; "our bargain went no
farther than to procure my disguise, and let me
know when the coast was clear, and in the latter
said the pedlar with some interest,
" and the greater is the reason why you should get
back to night-the pass I gave you will serve you
but once."
“Cannot you forge another ?"
The pale cheek of the trader showed an un-
usual colour, but he continued silent, with his
eyes fixed to the ground, until the young man
added with great positiveness--s here I stay this
night, come what will."
* Captain Wharton,” said the pedlar with great
deliberation and marked emphasis,“ beware a tall
Virginian, with huge whiskers-he is below you to
my knowledge; the devil can't deceive him; I
never could but once myself."
“Let him beware of me," said Wharton haugh-
tily; “but Mr. Birch, I exonerate you from fur-
ther responsibility."
66 I was,


THE SPY.
61
* Will you give me that in writing ?”! asked the
cautious Birch.
“Oh! cheerfully,” cried the captain with a
laugh; " Cæsar! pen, ink, and paper, while I write
a discharge for my trusty attendant, Harvey Birch,
pedlar, &c. &c."
The implements for writing were produced,
and the captain, with great gaiety, wrote the de-
sired acknowledgment in language of his own;
which the pedlar took, and carefully depositing it
by the side of the images of his Catholic majesty,
made a sweeping bow to the whole family, and de-
parted as he had approached. He was soon seen
at a distance stealing into the door of his own hum-
ble dwelling
The father and sisters of the captain were too
much rejoiced in retaining the young man to ex-
press, or even entertain, the apprehensions his si-
tuation might reasonably excite; but on retiring to
their evening repast, a cooler reflection induced
the captain to think of changing his mind-unwil-
ling to trust himself out of the protection of his
father's domains, the young man despatched Cæ-
sar to desire another interview with Harvey. The
black soon returned with the unwelcome intelli-
gence that it was now too late. Katy had told
him Harvey must be miles on his road to the
northward, having left home at early candle light,
with his pack. Nothing now remained to the cap-
tain but patience, until the morning afforded fur.
ther opportunity of deciding on the best course for
him to pursue.
“ This Harvey Birch, with his knowing looks
and portentous warnings, gives me more uneasi-
ness than I am willing to own,” said Captain
Wharton, rousing himself from a fit of musing in
which the danger of his situation made no small
part of his meditations.
VOL. 1,
6


62
THE SPY.
“ How is it, that he is able to travel to and fro
in these difficult times without molestation ?" in-
quired Miss Peyton.
“ Why the rebels suffer him to escape so easily,
is more than I can answer,” returned the other ;
“but Sir Henry would not permit a hair of his
head to be injured.”
"Indeed!'' cried Frances with interest; " is he
then known to Sir Henry Clinton ?”
6 At least he ought to be," said the captain,
smiling significantly.
“Do you think, my son,” asked Mr. Wharton,
“there is no danger of his betraying you ?”
“Why-no--l reflected on that before I trusted
myself to his power," said the captain, thoughtful-
" he seems to be faithful in matters of busi-
ness. The danger to himself, should he return to
the city, would prevent such an act of villany."
“I think," said Frances, adopting the manner
of her brother, “Harvey Birch is not without good
feelings ; at least he has the appearance of them
at times.'
“Oh!" cried her sister, exultingly, "he has loy-
alty, and that with he is a cardinal virtue."
“I am afraid,” said her brother laughing, “ love
of money is a stronger passion than love to his
ly;
king."
" Then," said the father, “ you cannot be safe
while in his power—for no love will withstand the
temptation of money when offered to avarice."
“Surely, sir," cried the youth, recovering his
gaiety, 66 there must be one love that can resist
any thing-is there not Fanny ?!?
“ Here is your candle," said the distressed
maiden: “you keep your father up beyond his
usual hour."


THE SPY.
63
CHAPTER V.
$
Through Solway sands, through Taross moss,
Blindfold, he knew the paths to cross;
By wily turns, by desperate bounds,
Had baffled Percy's best blood hounds.
In Eske, or Liddel, fords were none,
But he would ride them, one by one ;
Alike to him was time, or tide,
December's snow, or July's pride ;
Alike to him was tide, or time,
Moonless midnight, or matin prime.
Walter Scott
ÅLL the members of the Wharton family laid
their heads on their pillows that night, with a fear-
ful anticipation of some interruption to their ordi-
nary quiet. This uneasiness kept the sisters from
enjoying their usual repose, and they rose from
their bed on the following morning; unrefreshed,
and almost without closing their eyes.
On taking an eager and hasty survey of the val-
ley from the windows of their room, nothing, how-
ever, but its usual serenity was to be seen--it was
glittering with the opening brilliancy of one of
those lovely mild days, which occur about the
time of the fall of the leaf; and which, by their
frequency, class the American autumn with the
most delightful seasons in other countries. We
have no spring.--vegetation here seems to leap
into existence, instead of creeping, as in the same
latitudes of the old world: but how gracefully it
retires! September-October-even November
and December compose the season for enjoyment
in the open air---they have their storms, but they
are distinct, and not of long continuance, leaving
a clear atmosphere and cloudless sky,


6-4
THE SPY.
As nothing could be seen likely to interrupt the
enjoyments and harmony of such a day, the sisters
descended to the parlor with a returning confi-
dence in their brother's security, and their own
consequent bappiness.
The family were early in assembling around their
breakfast table; and Miss Peyton, with a little of
that minute precision which creeps into the habits
of single life, had pleasantly insisted that the ab-
sence of her nephew should in no manner inter-
fere with the regular hours she had established
consequently, the party were already seated when
the captain made his appearance; though the un-
tasted coffee sufficiently proved, that by none of
his relatives was his absence disregarded.
" I think I did much better," he cried, taking a
chair between his sisters, and receiving their offer
ed salutes, " to secure a good bed, and such a plen-
tiful breakfast, instead of trusting to the hospitality
of that renowned corps, the Cow-Boys."
“ If you could sleep," said Sarah, “ you were
more fortunate than Frances and myself-every
murmur of the night air sounded to me like the
approach of the rebel army."
" Why, said the captain laughing," I do ac-
knowledge a little inquietude myself—but how
was it with you," turning to his younger and evi-
dently favorite sister, and tapping her cheek;
6 did you see banners in the clouds, and mistake
Miss Peyton's Æolian harp for rebellious music ?”
“ Nay, Henry,” rejoined the maid, looking at
him affectionately, “ much as I love my own coun-
try, the approach of her troops just now would
give me great pain."
The brother made no reply, but returning the
fondness expressed in her eye by a look of frater-
nal tenderness, he gently pressed her hand in si-
lence-when Cæsar, who had participated largely


THE SPY.
65
in the anxiety of the family, and who had risen
with the dawn, and kept a vigilant watch on the
surrounding objects, exclaimed, as he stood gazing,
from one of the windows-
"Run--massa Harry--run--if love old Cæsar
run--here come the rebel horse," added the black..
with a face that approached to something like the
hues of a white man.
“ Run!" repeated the British officer, gathering
himself up in an air of military pride; “no, Mr,
Cæsar, running is not my trade”-while speaking,
he walked deliberately to the window, where the
family were already collected in the greatest con-
sternation.
At a distance of more than a mile, about fifty
dragoons were to be seen, winding down one of
the lateral entrances to the valley. In advance
with an officer, was a man attired in the dress of
a countryman, who pointed in the direction of the
cottage. A small party now left the main body
and moved rapidly towards the object of their des
tination.
On reaching the road which led through the boto
tom of the valley, they turned their horses' heads
to the north. The Whartons continued chaine
in breathless silence to the spot, watching their
movements, when the party, having reached the
dwelling of Birch, made a rapid circle round his
grounds, and in an instant his house was surround.
ed by a dozen sentinels.
Two or three of the dragoons now dismounted
and disappeared: in a few minutes, however,
they returned to the yard, followed by Katy, from
whose violent gesticulations. it was evident mat-
ters of no trifling concern were on the carpet. A
short communication with the loquacious house-
keeper followed the arrival of the main body of
the troop, and the advanced party remounting,
6*


66
THE SPY.
the whole moved towards the Locusts with great
speed.
As yet, none of the family had sufficient pre-
sence of mind to devise any means of security for
Captain Wharton; but the danger now became too
pressing to admit of delay, and various means of
secreting him were hastily proposcd, but they
were all haughtily rejected by the young man, as
unworthy of his character—it was too late to re-
treat to the woods in the rear of the cottage, for
he would unavoidably be seen, and followed by a
troop of horse, as inevitably taken.
At length his sisters, with trembling hands, re-
placed his original disguise, the instruments of
which had been carefully kept at hand by Cæsar,
in expectation of some apprehended danger.
This arrangement was hastily and imperfectly
completed, as the dragoons entered the lawn and
orchard of the Locusts, riding with the rapidity of
the wind; and in their turn the Whartons were
surrounded.
Nothing remained now, but to meet the im-
pending examination with as much indifference as
The family could assume. The leader of the horse
dismounted, and followed by a couple of his men,
approached the outer door of the building, which
was slowly and reluctantly opened for his admis-
sion by Cæsar. The heavy tread of the trooper,
as he followed the black to the door of the parlor,
rung in the ears of the females as it approached
nearer and nearer, and drove the blood from their
faces to their hearts with a chill that nearly anni-
hilated all feeling.
A man whose colossal stature manifested the
possession of vast strength, entered the room, and
removing his cap, saluted the family with a mild-
ness his appearance did not indicate as belonging
to his nature-his dark hair hung around his brow


THE SPY.
67
in profusion, though stained with the powder which
was worn at that day, and bis face was nearly hid
in the whiskers by which it was disfiguredstill
the expression of his eye, though piercing, was not
bad, and his voice, though deep and powerful, was
not unpleasant. Frances ventured to throw a timid
glance at his figure as he entered, and saw at once
the man, from whose scrutiny Harvey Birch had
warned them there was so much to be apprehended,
66. You have no cause for alarm, ladies,” said
the officer, pausing a moment and contemplating
the ale faces around him—my business will be
confined to a few questions, which, if freely an-
swered, will instantly remove us from your dwell-
ing."
“ And what may they be, sir ?" stammered Mr.
Wharton, raising from his chair, and waiting anxi-
ously for the reply.
“ Has there been a strange gentleman staying
with you during the storm ?" continued the dra-
goon, speaking with interest, and in some degree
sharing in the evident anxiety of the father.
“ This gentleman-here-favored us with his
company during the rain, and has not yet depart-
ed;" answered the agitated parent, unable to look
his interrogator in the face.
“ This gentleman!" repeated the other, turning
to Captain Wharton, and contemplating his figure
for a moment, until the anxiety of his countenance
gave place to a lurking smile-he approached the
youth with an air of comic gravity, and, with a low
bow, continued "I am sorry for the severe cold
you have in your head, sir."
“Me!" exclaimed the captain in surprise ; “I
have no cold in my head.”
“I fancied it then, from seeing you had covered
such handsome black locks with that ugly old wig,”
rejoined the stranger; “it was my mistake, you
will please to pardon it.”!


68
THE SPY.
Mr. Wharton groaned aloud ; but the ladies, ig-
norayıt of the extent of their visitor's knowledge,
remained in trembling yet rigid silence. The cap-
tain himself moved his hand involuntarily to his
head, and found the trepidation of his sisters had
left some of his natural hair exposed. The dra-
goon watched the movement with a continued
smile, when, seeming to recollect himself, he pro-
ceeded, turning to the father-
“ Then, sir, I am to understand there has not
been a Mr. Harper here within the week."
“ M:. Harper!" echoed the other, feeling a
load removed from his heart—"yes, sir I had for-
gotten; but he is gone ; and if there be any thing
wrong in his character, we are in entire ignorance
of ii—to me he was a total stranger."
** You have but little to apprehend from his
character," answered the dragoon dryly; "but he
is gone-how--when-and whither ?
“ He departed as he arrived,” said Mr. Whar-
ton, gathering renewed confidence from the man-
ner of the trooper, “on horseback last evening,
and he took the northern road."
The officer listened to him with intense inter-
est, his countenance gradually lighting into a smile
of pleasure, and the instant Mr. Wharton con-
cluded his laconic reply, he turned on his heel
and left the apartment. The Whartons, judging
from his manner, thought he was about to proceed
in quest of the object of his inquiries. On gaining
the lawn they noticed the dragoon in earnest, and
apparently pleased conversation with his two sub-
alterns. In a few moments orders were given to
some of the troop, and horsemen left the valley,
at full speed, by its various roads.
The suspense of the party within, who were all
highly interested witnesses of the scene, was short-
ly terminated; for the heavy tread of the dragoon


THE SPY.
69
soon announced his second approach. He bowed
again politely as he re-entered the room, and walk-
ing up to Captain Wharton, said, with comic gra-
vity-
« Now, sir, my principal business being done,
may I beg to examine the quality of that wig ?”
The British officer imitated the manner of the
other, as he deliberately uncovered bis head, and
handing him the wig, observed, " I hope, sir, it is
to your liking."
“I cannot, without violating the truth, say it is,
sir," returned the dragoon ; " I prefer your ebony
hair, from which you seem to have combed the
powder with great industry—but that must have
been a sad hurt you have received under that
enormous black patch.”
“You appear so close an observer of things, I
should like your opinion of it, sir,” said Henry,
removing the silk, and exhibiting his cheek free
froin blemish.
“Upon my word, sir, you improve most rapidly
in externals," added the trooper, preserving
his muscles in inflexible gravity : " if I could but
persuade you to exchange this old surtout for that
handsome blue coat by your side, I think I never
could witness a more agreeable metamorphosis,
since I was changed myself from a lieutenant to a
captain.''
Young Wharton very composedly did as he was
required ; and stood an extremely handsome, well-
dressed
young man. The dragoon looked at him
for a minute with the drollery that characterized
Liis manner, and then continued
- This is a new comer in the scene--it is usual
you know for strangers to be introduced I am
Captain Lawton, of the Virginia horse."
" And I-sir-am Captain Wharton, of his Ma-
jesty's 60th regiment of foot,”? returned Henry,
bowing stiffly, and recovering his natural manner.


70
THE SPY.
99
The countenance of Lawton changed instantly,
and his assumed quaintness vanished. He viewed
the figure of Captain Wharton, as he stood proud-
ly swelling with a conscious pride that disdained
further concealment, and cried, with great ear-
nestness
Captain Wharton—from my soul I pity you."
“Oh! then," cried the father in agony,
if you
pity him, dear sir, why molest him ?--he is not a
spy-nothing but a desire to see his friends prompt-
ed him to venture so far from the regular army in
disguise-leave him with us—there is no reward,
no sum, which will not cheerfully pay."
“Sir, your anxiety for your friend excuses your
language,” said Lawton haughtily; “ but you for-
get I am a Virginian, and a gentleman."--Turning
to the young man, he continued—“ were you ig-
norant, Captain Wharton, that our piquets have
been below you for several days ?”
“I did not know it until I.reached them, and it
was then too late to retreat," said Wharton sullen-.
ly. “I came out, as my father has mentioned, to
see my friends, understanding your parties to be
at Peekskill, and near the Highlands, or surely I
would not have ventured."
“ All this may be very true,” said Lawton mu-
sing; “ but the affair of André has made us on the
alert. When treason reaches to the grade of
neral officers, Captain Wharton, it behoves the
friends of liberty to be vigilant."
Henry bowed to this remark in distant silence,
and Sarah ventured to urge something in behalf
of her brother. The dragoon heard her politely,
and apparently with commiseration ; but willing to
avoid useless and embarrassing petitions, answer-
ed mildly--
I am not the commander of the party, madam;
Major Dunwoodie will decide what must be done
ge-


THE SPY.
71
with your brother; and, at all events, he will re-
ceive nothing but kind and gentle treatment.
“ Dunwoodie !" exclaimed Frances, with a face
in which the roses contended with the paleness of
apprehension for the mastery; “thank God! then
Henry is safe."
Lawton regarded her with a mingled expression
of pity and admiration; then shaking his head,
doubtingly, he continued-
“ I hope so; and with your permission we will
leave the matter for his decision."
The color of Frances changed from the pale-
ness of fear to the glow of hope—her dread on
behalf of her brother was certainly greatly dimi-
nished; yet her form shook; her breathing became
short and irregular ; and her whole frame gave
tokens of extraordinary agitation-her eyes rose
from the floor to the dragoon, and were again fix-
ed immoveably on the carpet-she evidently wish-
ed to utter something, but was unequal to the ef-
fort. Miss Peyton was a close observer of these
movements of her niece, and advancing with an
air of feminine dignity, inquired-
66 Then, sir, we may expect the pleasure of
Major Dunwoodie's company shortly ???
Immediately, madam," answered the dragoon,
withdrawing his admiring gaze from the person of
Frances; “ expresses are already on the road to
announce to him our situation, and the intelli-
gence will speedily oring him to this valley; un-
less, indeed," he continued, contracting his lips,
and looking droll, as he turned to Mr. Wharton,
some private reasons may exist to make a visit
particularly unpleasant.'
“ I shall always be happy to see Major Dun-
woodie," said the father hastily, overhearing the
soliloquy of the trooper.
"Oh! doubtless, sir," said the other; "he is a


72
THE SPY.
general favorite-may 1 presume on it so far as to
ask leave to dismount and refresh my men, who
compose part of his squadron ?"
There was a manner about the trooper, that
would have made the omission of such a request
easily forgiven by Mr. Wharton, but he was fairly
entrapped by his own eagerness to conciliate, and
it was useless to withhold a consent which he
thought would probably be extorted—be, there-
fore, made the most of the necessity of the case,
and
gave such orders as would facilitate the wishes
of Captain Lawton.
The officers were politely invited to take their
morning's repast at the family breakfast table, and
having first made their arrangements without, the
invitation was frankly accepted. None of the
watchfulness, which was so necessary to their si-
tuation, was neglected by the wary partizan. The
patroles were seen on the distant hills, taking their
protecting circuit around their comrades, who
were enjoying, in the midst of dangers, a security
that can only spring from the watchfulness of dis-
cipline, and the indifference of habit.
The addition to the party at Mr. Wharton's
table was in number only three-and they were
all of them men who, under the rough exterior in-
duced by actual and arduous service, concealed
the manners of the highest class of society. Con-
sequently, the interruption to the domestic privacy
of the family was marked by the observance of
strict decorum, The ladies left the table to their
guests, who proceeded without much superfluous
modesty to lo proper honors to the hospitality of
Mr. Wharton.
At length, Captain Lawton suspended for a mo-
ment his violent attacks on the buck-wheat cakes,
to inquire of the master of the house, if there was
not a pedlar of the name of Birch who lived in
the valley at times.


THE SPY.
173
12
" At times only, I believe, sir," replied Mr.
Wharton quickly; "he is seldom here--I may
say
I never see him.'
" That is strange too," said the trooper, look-
ing at the disconcerted host intently, “ consider-
ing he is your next neighbour; he must be quite
domestic, sir-and to the ladies it must be some-
what inconvenient--l doubt not but that muslin
in the window-seat cost twice as much as he
would have asked them for it.”
Mr. Wharton turned in consternation, and saw
some of the recent purchases scattered around the
room.
The two subalterns smiled: on each other sig-
nificantly, but the captain resumed his breakfast
with an eagerness that created a doubt, whether
'he ever expected to enjoy another. The neces-
sity of a supply from the dominion of Dinah soon,
however, afforded another respite, of which Law-
ton availed himself to say-
6o I had a wish to break this Mr. Birch of his
unsocial habits, and gave him a call this morning-
had I found him within, I should have placed him
where he would enjoy life in the midst of society,
for a short time at least."
“ And where might that be, sir," asked Mr.
Wharton, conceiving it necessary to say some-
thing.
“ The guard-room,” said the trooper drily.
" What is the offence of poor Birch ?" asked
Miss Peyton, handing the dragoon' a fourth dish of
coffee.
" Poor!” cried the captain; “ if he is poor-
John Bull must pay him ill.”
“ Yes, indeed," said one of the subalterns,
6 king George owes him a dukedom."
“ And congress a halter," continued the com-
n.
VOL. I.


74
THE SPY.
manding officer, commencing anew on a fresh sup-
ply of the cakes.
“I am sorry," said Mr. Wharton, “ that any
neighbour of mine should incur the displeasure of
our rulers."
“ If I catch him," cried the dragoon, while but-
tering another cake, “ he will dangle from the
limbs of one of his namesakes."
*** He would make a very pretty ornament, sus-
pended from one of those locusts before his own
door," added the lieutenant coolly.
“ Never mind," continued the captain, “ I will
have him yet before I'm a major."
As the language of these officers appeared to
flow from the strength of their feelings, the Whar-
tons thought it prudent to discontinue the subject.
It was no new intelligence to any of the family,
that Harvey Birch was distrusted, and greatly har-
rassed by the American officers. His escapes
from their hands, not less than his imprisonments,
liad been the conversation of the country in too
many instances, and under circumstances of too
great mystery, to be easily forgotten. In fact, no
small part of the bitterness, expressed by Captain
Lawton against the pedlar, arose from the unac-
countable disappearance of the latter when in-
trusted to the custody of two of his most faithful
dragoons.
A twelvemonth had not yet elapsed since Birch
had been seen lingering near the head quarters of
the commander-in-chief, and at a time when im-
portant movements were expected hourly to oc-
So soon as the information of this fact was
communicated to the officer, whose duty it was to
guard the avenues to the American camp, he des-
patched Captain Lawton in pursuit of the suspect-
ed pedlar.
Acquainted with all the passes of the hills, and
cur.


THE SPY.
75
indefatigable in the discharge of his duty, the
trooper had, with much trouble and toil, succeed-
ed in effecting his object. The party had halted
at a farm house for the purposes of refreshment,
and the prisoner been placed in a room by himself,
but under the keeping of the two men before men-
tioned-all that was known subsequently is, that a
woman was seen busily engaged in the employ,
ments of the household near the sentinels, and
was particularly attentive to the wants of the cap-
tain, until he was deeply engaged in the employ-
ments of the
supper
table.
Afterwards neither woman nor pedlar were to
be found. The pack, indeed, was discovered,
open, and nearly empty, and a small door commu-
nicating with a room adjoining to the one in
which the pedlar had been secured, was also open.
Captain Lawton never could forgive the decep-
tion ; his antipathies to his enemies were not very
moderate, but this was adding an insult to his pe-
netration that rankled deeply. He sat in porten-
tous silence, brooding over this exploit of his pri-
soner, yet mechanically pursuing the business be-
fore him, until after sufficient time had past to
make a very comfortable meal, a trumpet sud-
denly broke on the ears of the party, sending its
martial tones up the valley in startling melody.
The trooper rose ir.stantly from the table, ex-
claiming-
" Quick, gentlemen, to your horses—there
comes Dunwoodie;" and, followed by his officers,
he precipitately left the room.
With the exception of the sentinels left to guard
Captain Wharton, the dragoons mounted, and
marched out to meet their comrades.
None of the watchfulness, necessary in a war,
where similarity of language, appearance and cus-
toms, rendered prudence doubly necessary, was


76
THE SPI.
omitted by this cautious leader. On getting suf-
ficiently near, however, to a body of horse of more
than double his own number, to distinguish coun-
tenances, Lawton plunged his rowels in his char-
ger, and in a moment was by the side of his com-
mander.
The ground in front of the cottage was again
occupied by the horse ; and the same precautions
observed as before, the newly arrived troops has-
tened to participate in the cheer prepared for
their comrades.


THE SPY.
77
CHAPTER VI.
and let conquerors boast
Their fields of fame-he who in virtue arms
A young, warm spirit against beauty's charms,
Who feels her brightness, yet defies her thrall,
Is the best, bravest conqueror of them all."
Moore.
The ladies of the Wharton family had gathered
around a window, deeply interested in the scene
we have related.
Sarah viewed the approach of her countrymen
with a smile of contemptuous indifference for the
persons and appearance of men, whom she thought
arrayed in the unholy cause of rebellion. Miss
Peyton looked on the gallant show with an exult-
ing pride which arose in the reflection, that the
warriors before her were the chosen troops of her
native colony, while Frances gazed with an intensi-
ty of interest that absorbed all other considera-
tions.
The two parties had not yet joined, before her
quickly glancing eyes distinguished one horse-
man in particular from those around him. Even
the steed of this youthful soldier seemed to be
conscious that he sustained the weight of no com-
mon man-his hoofs but lightly touched the earth,
and his airy tread was the curbed motion of a
blooded charger.
The dragoon sat gracefully in his saddle, with
a firmness and ease that showed him master of
both himself and horse-his figure united the just
proportions of strength and activity, being tall,
7*


78
THE SPY".
round, and muscular. It was to this officer Law-
ton made his report, and side by side they rode
into the field opposite to the cottage.
The heart of the maiden beat with a pulsation
nearly stifling, as he paused for a moment and
took a survey of the building with an eye whose
dark and sparkling glance could be seen in the
distance between them-her colour changed, and
for an instant, as she saw the youth throw himself
from bis saddle, Frances was compelled to seek
relief to her trembling limbs in a chair.
The officer gave a few hasty orders to his second
in command, walked rapidly into the lawn, and
approached the cottage.--Fanny rose from her
seat, and vanished from the apartment.—The dra-
goon ascended the steps of the piazza, and had
barely time to touch the outer door when it open-
ed to his admission.
The youth of Frances, when she left the city,
had prevented her sacrificing, in conformity to
the customs of that day, all her native beauties on:
the altar of fashion. Her hair, which was of a
golden richness of colour, was left untortured to
fall in the natural ringlets of her infancy, and
shaded a face which was glowing with the united
charms of health, youth, and artlessness-her eyes
spake volumes, but her tongue was silent-her:
hands were interlocked before her, and aided by
her taper form, bending forward in an attitude of
expectation, gave a loveliness and interest to her
appearance that for a moment chained her lover
in silence to the spot,
"Frances silently led the way into the vacant;
parlour opposite to the one in which the family
were assembled, and turning to the soldier frank-
ly, placing both her hands in his own, ex-
claimed
s6 Ah, Dunwoodie ! how happy, on many accounts,


THE SPY.
79
I am to see you; I have brought you in here to
pre-
pare you to meet an unexpected friend in the op-
posite room."
“ To whatever cause it may be owing," cried
the youth, pressing her hands to his lips, “I too
am happy in being able to see you alone.-Fran-
ces, the probation you have decreed to my love is
cruel-war and distance may shortly separate us
forever."
“ We must submit to the necessity which go-
verns us," said the maid, losing the glow of ex-
citement in a more melancholy feeling. “But it
is not love speeches I would hear now: I have
other and more important matter for your atten-
tion."
“ What can be of more importance than to
make you mine by a tie that may be indissoluble!
Frances, you are cold to me--me-from whose
mind days of service and nights of alarm bave ne-
ver been able to banish your image.”
“ Dear Dunwoodie,” said Frances, softening
nearly to tears, and again extending her hand to
him, as the richness of her colour gradually re-
turned, “ you know my sentiments--this war once
ended, and you may take that hand forever-but
I can never consent to tie myself to you by any
closer union than already exists, so long as you
are arrayed in arms against my only brother-
even now that brother is awaiting your decision
to restore him to liberty, or conduct him to a
probable death."
Your brother !" cried Dunwoodie, starting
and turning pale; your brother! explain your-
self-what dreadful meaning is concealed in your
words ?"
“ Has not Captain Lawton told you of the ar-
rest of Henry, as a spy, by himself this very morn-
ing ?” continued Frances, in a voice barely audi-


80
THE SPY.
man in
ble, and fixing on her lover a look of the deepest
and most anxious interest.
“ He told me of arresting a captain of the 60th
in disguise, but without mentioning where or
whom," replied the major in a similar tone, and
dropping his head between his hands, he endea-
voured to conceal his feelings from his com-
panion.
“ Dunwoodie! Dunwoodie !” exclaimed Fran-
ces, losing all her former confidence in the most
fearful apprehensions, “what means this agita-
tion ?" as the Major slowly raised his face, in
which was pictured the most expressive concern,
she continued, "surely-surely--you will not be-
tray your friend--my brother-your brother--to
an ignominious death."
• Frances !" exclaimed the
young agony,
66 what can I do--what can I do?"
“ Do !" repeated the maid, gazing at him wild-
ly; " would Major Dunwoodie yield his friend
to his enemies--the brother of his bethrothed
wife ?".
- Oh speak not so unkindly to me-dearest
Miss Wharton-my own Frances. I would this
moment die for you--for Henry--but cannot
forget my duty--cannot forfeit my honor--you
yourself would be the first to despise me if I did."
“Peyton Dunwoodie!” said Frances solemnly,
and with a face of ashy paleness, “you have told
me e--you
have
sworn, that you loved me."
“I do--I do?--interrupted the soldier with fer-
vor;
but the maid, motioning with her hand for
silence, continued, in a voice that trembled with
her emotions,
“ Do you think I can throw myself in the arms
of a man whose hands are stained with the blood
of my only brother ?":
5 Frances!” exclaimed the major in agony


THE SPY.
81
you wring my very heart;" then pausing for a
moment to struggle with his feelings, he endea-
voured to force a smile, as he added, “but, after
all, we may be torturing ourselves with unnecessary
fears, and Henry, when I know the circumstances,
may be nothing more than a prisoner of war; in
which case I can liberate him on parole."
There is no more delusive passion than hope;
and it seems to be the happy privilege of youth to
cull all the pleasures which can be gathered from
its indulgence. It is when we are most worthy of
confidence ourselves, that we are least apt to dis-
trust, and what we think ought to be, we are fond
to think will.
The half-formed expectations of the young sol-
dier were communicated to the desponding sister
more by the eye than the voice, and she rose
quickly from her chair with a returning crimson
to her cheeks, as she cried
“Oh! there can be no just grounds to doubt it:
I knew I knew-Dunwoodie, you would never
desert us in the hour of our greatest need." The
violence of her feelings conquered, and the agi.
tated girl burst into a flood of tears.
The office of consoling those we love is one of
the dearest prerogatives of affection, and Major
Dunwoodie, although but little encouraged by his
own momentary suggestion of relief, could not un-
deceive the lovely woman who leaned on his shoul-
der, as he wiped the traces of her agitated feelings
from her face, with a trembling, but reviving con-
fidence in the safety of her brother and the pro-
tection of her lover.
Frances having sufficiently recovered her re-
collection to command herself, now eagerly led
the way into the opposite room, to communicate
to her family the pleasing intelligence which she
already conceived as certain.


82
THE SPY.
Dunwoodie followed her reluctantly, and with
dreadful forebodings of the result: but a few mo-
ments brought him into the presence of his rela-
tives, and he summoned all his resolution to meet
the approaching trial with firmness.
The salutations of the young men were cordial
and sincere, and on the part of Henry Wharton
as collected as if nothing had occurred to disturb
his self-possession.
The abhorrence of being, in any manner,
auxi.
liary to the arrest of his friend, the danger to the
life of Captain Wharton, and the heart-breaking
declarations of Frances had, however, created an
uneasiness in the bosom of Major Dunwoodie,
which all his efforts could not conceal. His re-
ception by the rest of the family was kind and sin-
cere, both from old regard, and a remembrance of
former obligations, heightened by the anticipations
they could not fail to read in the expressive eyes
of the blushing maid by his side. After exchang-
ing greetings with every member of the family,
Major Dunwoodie beckoned to the centinel, whom
the wary prudence of Captain Lawton had left in
charge of the prisoner, to leave the room. Turn-
ing to Captain Wharton, with an air of fixed reso-
lution, he inquired mildly-
“ Tell me, Henry, the circumstances of this dis-
guise, in which Captain Lawton reports you to
have been found, and remember-remember--
Captain Wharton-your answers are entirely
voluntary.”
“ The disguise was used by me, Major Dun-
woodie,” replied the English officer, gravely," to
enable me to visit my friends, without incurring
the danger of becoming a prisoner of war."
66 But
you
did not wear it until you saw the
troop of Lawton approaching ?” inquired the Ma-
jor quickly.


The spy.
83
66
“Oh! no,” interrupted Frances, eagerly, for-
getting all the circumstances in her anxiety for her
brother; “ Sarah and myself placed them on him
when the dragoons appeared it was our awkward-
ness that led to his discovery.”
The countenance of Dunwoodie brightened, as,
turning his eyes in fond admiration on the lovely
speaker, he heard her explanation, and he ad-
ded--
“ Probably some articles of your own, which
were at hand, and were used on the spur of the
moment."
No,” said Wharton, with dignity,“ the clothes
were worn by me from the city--they were pro-
cured for the purpose to which they were ap-
plied, and I intended to use them in disguising me
in my return this very day.”
The appalled Frances shrunk back from be-
tween her brother and lover, where her ardent
feelings had carried her, as the whole truth
glanced over her mind, and she sunk into a seat,
gazing wildly on the young men who stood before
her.
“ But the picquets--the party at the plains”-
added Dunwoodie, turning pale.
“I passed them too in disguise,” continued
Wharton, proudly; “ I made use of this pass for
which I paid; and, as it bears the name of Wash-
ington, I presume is forged."
Dunwoodie caught the paper from his hand
eagerly, and stood gazing on the signature for
some time in silence, during which the soldier
gradually prevailed over the man; when he turn-
ed to the prisoner, with a searching look, as he
asked-
“ Captain Wharton, whence did you procure
this paper ???
“ That is a question, I conceive, Major Dun-


84
THE SPY.
woodie has no right to ask,” said the other, dis-
tantly.
" Your pardon, sir," returned the American
officer;“ my feelings may have led me into an
impropriety."
Mr. Wharton, who had been a deeply interested
auditor to the conversation, now so far conquered
his feelings as to say, “Surely, Major Dunwoodie,
the paper cannot be material-such artifices are
used daily in war."
“ This name is no counterfeit,” said the dra-
goon, studying the characters, and speaking in a
low voice is treason yet among us undiscover-
ed ?- The confidence of Washington has been
abused, for the fictitious name is in a different
hand from the pass. Captain Wharton, my duty
will not suffer me to grant you a parole : you must
accompany me to the Highlands."
"I did not expect otherwise, Major Dun-
woodie,” said the prisoner haughtily, moving to
wards his father, and speaking to him in a low
tone.
Dunwoodie turned slowly towards the sisters,
when the figure of Frances once more arrested his
gaze; she had risen from her seat, and stood again
with her hands clasped before him in an attitude
of intense interest: feeling himself unable to con-
tend longer with his feelings, he made a hurried
excuse for a temporary absence, and left the
Frances followed him, and, obedient to
the direction of her eye, the soldier re-entered
the apartment in which had been their first inter-
room.
view.
* Major Dunwoodie,” said Frances, in a voice
barely audible, as she beckoned to him to be seat-
ed; her cheek, which had been of a chilling white-
ness, was flushed with a suffusion that crimsoned
her whole countenance; she struggled with her-


THE SPY.
85
self for a moment, and continued, “I have already
acknowledged to you my esteem-even now, when
you most painfully distress me, I wish not to con-
ceal it. Believe me Henry is innocent of every
thing but imprudence. Our country can sustain
no wrong;" again she paused, and almost gasped
for breath; her color changed rapidly from red
to white, until the blood rushed into her face, co-
vering her features with the brightest vermilion ;
and she added hastily, in an under tone, “I have
promised, Dunwoodie, when peace is restored to
our country, to become your wife-give to my bro-
ther his liberty on parole, and I will this day go
with you to the altar, follow you to the camp-
and, in becoming a soldier's bride, learn to endure
a soldier's privations."
Dunwoodie seized the hand which the blushing
maid had in her ardour extended towards him, and
pressed it for a moment to his bosom; then rising
from his seat, paced the room in excessive agita-
tion, as he exclaimed-
“ Frances-say no more-I conjure you, unless
you wish to break my heart.”
“You then reject my offered hand ?" said the
maid, with an air of offended delicacy, rising with
dignity, though her pale cheek and quivering lip
plainly showed the conflicting passions within.
“Reject it!" cried her lover with enthusiasm ;
“have I not sought it with entreaties--with tears?
Has it not been the goal of all my earthly wishes !
But to take it under such conditions would be to
dishonour us both. Yet hope for better things.
Henry must be acquitted-perhaps not tried. No
intercession of mine will be wanting, you must
well know; and believe me, Frances, I am not
without favor with Washington."
“That very paper, that abuse of his confidence, to
which you alluded, will steel himn to my brother's
VOL., 1.
8


86
THE SPY.
sufferings. If threats or entreaties could move his
stern sense of justice, would André have suffered ?"
said Frances, despairingly, as she flew from the
room to conceal the violence of her emotions.
Dunwoodie remained for a minute nearly stupi-
fied, with the distress of his mistress and the pain
of his own feelings ; and then followed, with a view
to vindicate himself and relieve her apprehensions.
On entering the hall that divided the two parlours,
he was met by a small ragged boy, who looked
one moment at his dress; and placing a piece of
paper in his hands in silence, immediately vanish-
ed through the outer door of the building. The
bewildered state of his mind, and the suddenness
of the occurrence, gave the Major barely time to
observe the messenger to be a country lad, mean-
ly attired, and that he held in his hand one of
those toys which are to be bought in cities, and
which he now apparently contemplated with the
conscious pleasure of having fairly purchased, by
the performance of the service required. The
soldier turned his eyes to the subject of the note.
It was written on a piece of torn and soiled paper,
and in a hand barely legible ; but, after some lit-
tle labour, he was able to make out as follows:-
“ The rig’lars are at hand, horse and foot.”
Dunwoodie started; and forgetting every thing
in the duties of a soldier, precipitately left the
house. While walking rapidly towards the troops,
he noticed on a distant hill a vidette riding with
speed; several pistols were fired in quick suc-
cession, and the next instant the trumpets of
the corps, rung in his ears with the enlivening
strain of “ to arms. By the time he had reach-
ed the ground occupied by his squadron, the
Major saw that every man was in active motion.
Lawton was already in his saddle, eyeing the op-
posite extremity of the valley with the eagerness


THE SPY.
87
of expectation, and crying to the musicians, in
tones but little lower than their own--
“ Sound away my lads, and let these English-
men know the Virginia horse are between them
and the end of their journey."
The videttes and patroles now came pouring in,
each making in succession his hasty report to the
commanding officer, who gave bis orders cooly,
and with a promptitude that made obedience cer-
tain. Once only, as he wheeled his horse to ride
over the ground in front, did Dunwoodie trust him.
self with a look at the cottage, and his heart beat
with an unusual rapidity as he saw a female figure
standing, with clasped hands, at a window of the
room in which he had met Frances. The distance
was too great to distinguish ber features through
the intervening object; but the soldier could not
doubt that it was his mistress. The paleness of his
cheek and the languor of his eye endured but for
a moment longer. As he rode towards the intend-
ed battle-ground, a flush of ardor began to show
itself on bis sun-burnt features; and his dragoons,
who studied the face of their leader, as the best
index to their own fate, saw again the wonted
flashing of the eyes, and cheerful animation,
which they had so often witnessed on the eve of
battle. By the additions of the videttes and par-
ties that had been out, and which now had all
joined, the whole number of the horse was increas-
ed to nearly two hundred. There was also a
small body of mounted men, whose ordinary du:
ties were those of guides, but who, in cases of
emergency, were embodied and did duty as foot
soldiers: these were dismounted, and proceeded,
by the order of Dunwoodie, to level the few
fences which might interfere with the intended
movements of the cavalry. The neglect of hus.
handry, which had been occasioned by the war,


88
THE SPY.
Those long
left this a comparatively easy task.
lines of heavy and durable walls, which now sweep
through every part of the county, forty years ago
were unknown.
The slight and tottering fences
of stone were then used more to clear the land
for the purposes of cultivation, than as perma-
nent barriers in the divisions of estates, and re-
quired the constant attention of the husbandman,
to preserve them against the fury of the tempests
and the frosts of winter. Sume few of them had
been built with more care immediately around the
dwelling of Mr. Wharton; but those which had in-
tersected the vale below were now generally a
pile of ruins, over which the horses of the Virgi-
nians would bound with the fleetness of the wind.
Occasionally a short line yet preserved its erect
appearance, but as none of these crossed the
ground on which Dunwoodie intended to act, there
remained only the slighter fences of rails to be
thrown down. Their duty was hastily, but effectu-
ally, performed ; and the guides withdrew to the
post assigned to them for the approaching fight.
Major Dunwoodie had received from his scouts
all the intelligence concerning his foe, which was
necessary to enable him to make his arrangements.
The bottom of the valley was an even plain, that
fell with a slight inclination from the foot of the
hills on either side, to the level of a natural mea-
dow that wound through the country on the banks
of a small stream, by whose waters it was often
inundated and fertilized. This brook was easily
forded in any part of its course; and the only im-
pediment it offered to the movements of the horse,
was in a place where it changed its bed from the
western to the eastern side of the valley, and
where its banks were more steep and difficult of
access than common; here the highway crossed it


THE SPY.
89
by a rough wooden bridge, as it did again at the
distance of half a mile above the Locusts.
The hills on the eastern side of the valley were
abrupt, and frequently obtruded themselves in
rocky prominencies into its bosom, lessening the
width to half its usual dimensions. One of these
projections was but a short distance in the rear of
the squadron of dragoons, and Dunwoodie direct-
ed Captain Lawton to withdraw, with two troops,
behind its cover. 'The officer obeyed with a kind
of surly reluctance, that was, however, somewhat
lessened by the anticipations of the effect his sud-
den appearance would make on his enemy. Dun-
woodie knew his man, and had selected the Cap-
tain to lead this service, both because he feared
his precipitation in the field, and knew, when
needed, his support would never fail to appear.
It was only in front of the enemy that Captain
Lawton was hasty ; at all other times his discern-
ment and self-possession were consummately pre-
served; but he sometimes forgot them in his eager-
ness to engage. On the left of the ground on which
Dunwoodie intended to meet his foe, was a close
wood, which skirted that side of the valley for
the distance of a mile. Into this, then, the guides
retired, and took their station near its edge, in
such a manner as would enable them to maintain
a scattering, but effectual fire, on the advancing
column of the enemy,
It cannot be supposed that all these prepara-
tions were made unheeded by the inmates of the
cottage: on the contrary, every feeling which can
agitate the human breast, in witnessing euch a
scene, was actively alive. Mr. Wharton alone
saw no hopes to himself in the termination of the
conflict. If the British should prevail his son
would be liberated; but what would then be his
own fate! He had hitherto preserved his neutral
8*


90
THE SPY.
character in the midst of trying circumstances.
The fact of his having a son in the royal, or, as it
was called, the regular army, had very nearly
brought his estates to the hammer. Nothing had
obviated this result, but the powerful interest of
the relation, who held a high political rank in the
state, and his own vigilant prudence. In his heart,
he was a devoted loyalist; and when the blushing
Frances had communicated to him the wishes of
her lover, on their return from the American camp
the preceding spring, the consent he had given,
for her future union with a rebel, was as much ex-
tracted by the increasing necessity which existed
for his obtaining republican support, as by any
considerations for the happiness of his child.
Should his son now be rescued, he would, in the
public mind, be united with him as a plotter against
the freedom of the states; and should he remain a
captive, and undergo the impending trial, the con-
sequences might be still more dreadful. Much as
he loved his wealth, Mr. Wharton loved his chil-
dren better; and he sat gazing on the movements
without, with a listless vacancy in his countenance,
that denoted his imbecility of character.
Far different were the feelings of his son. Cap-
tain Wharton had been left in the keeping of two
dragoons; one of whom marched to and fro the pi-
azza with a measured tread, and the other had been
directed to continue in the same apartment with his
prisoner. The young man had witnessed all the
movements of Dunwoodie with admiration, at the
ability he had displayed, and some fearful anticipa-
tions of the consequences to his friends. He parti-
cularly disliked the ambush of the detachment un-
der Lawton, who could be distinctly seen from the
windows of the cottage, cooling his impatience, by
pacing on foot the ground in front of his men.
Henry Wharton threw several hasty and inquiring


THE SPY
91
room.
glances around, to see if no means of literation
would offer, but invariably found the eyes of his
sentinel fixed on him with the watchfulness of an
Argus. He longed, with the ardor of youth, to
join in the glorious fray, but was compelled to re-
main a dissatisfied spectator of a scene in which
he would so cheerfully have been an actor. Miss
Peyton and Sarah continued gazing on the prepa-
rations with varied emotions, in which concern for
the fate of the captain formed the most prominent
feeling, until the moment the shedding of blood
seemed approaching, when, with the timidity of
their sex, they sought the retirement of an inner
Not so Frances-she had returned to the
apartment where she had left Dunwoodie, and,
from one of its windows, been a deeply interested
spectator of all his movements. The wheelings
of the troops, the deadly preparations, had all been
unnoticed; the maid saw her lover only, and with
mingled emotions of admiration and dread that
nearly chilled her. At one moment the blood
rushed to her heart, as she saw the young warrior
riding gracefully, and with admirable skill, through
his ranks, evidently giving life and courage to all
whom he addressed ; and the next, it curdled with
the thought, that the very gallantry she so much
valued, might soon prove the means of placing
the grave between her and the object of her re-
gard.
Frances gazed until she could gaze no
longer.
In a field on the left of the cottage, and at a
short distance in the rear of the troops, were
a small group, whose occupations seemed to differ
from all around them. They were in number
only three, being two men and a mulatto boy. The
principal personage of this party was a man, whose
leanness made his really tall stature appear ex-
cessive--he wore spectacles--was unarmed, hau


92
THE SPY.
46 Come to me,
dismounted, and seemed to be dividing his atten-
tion between a segar, a book, and the incidents of
the field before him. To this party Frances deter-
'mined to send a note, directed to Dunwoodie.
She wrote bastily, with a pencil,
Peyton, if it be but for a moment ;' and Cæsar
emerged from the cellar kitchen, taking the pre-
caution to go by the rear of the building, to avoid
the sentinel on the piazza, who had very cavalier-
ly ordered all the family to remain housed. The
black delivered the note to the gentleman, with a
request it might be forwarded to Major Dun-
woodie. It was the surgeon of the horse to whom
Cæsar addressed himself; and the teeth of the
African chattered, as he saw displayed upon the
ground, the several instruments which were in
preparation for the anticipated operations. The
doctor himself seemed to view the arrangement
with great satisfaction, as he deliberately raised
his eyes from his book to order the boy to convey
the note to his commanding officer, and then drop-
ping them on the page continued his occupation.
Caesar was slowly retiring, as the third personage,
who by his dress might be an inferior assistant of
the surgical department, coolly inquired, “ if he
would have a leg taken off,” This question seem-
ed to remind the black of the existence of those
limbs, for he made such use of them as to
reach the piazza at the same instant that Major
Dunwoodie rode up at half speed. The brawny
sentinel squared himself, and poised his sword with
military precision, as he stood on his post while
his officer passed; but no sooner had the door
closed, than, turning to the negro, he said, with
great deliberation-
“ Harkee, blacky, if you quit the house again
without my knowledge, I will shave off one of
hose ebony ears with this razor."


THE SPY.
93
Thus assailed in another member, Cæsar hastily
retreated into his kitchen, muttering something,
in which the words “Skinner, and rebel rascal,
formed a principal part of his speech.
“Major Dunwoodie," said Frances to her lover
as be entered, “I may have done you injustice-
if I have appeared harsh”—
The emotions of the agitated girl prevailed, and
sbe burst into tears.
“Frances," cried the soldier with warmth,“you
are never harsh-never unjust-but when you
doubt my love."
" Ah! Dunwoodie,” added the sobbing maid,
you are about to risk your life in battle---re-
member that there is one heart whose happiness
is built on your safety-brave I know you arembe
prudent”
“For your sake ?" inquired the delighted youth.
“For my sake," replied Frances, in a voice
barely audible, and dropping on his bosom.
Dunwoodie folded her to his heart, and was
about to speak, as a trumpet sounded in the
southern end of the vale. Imprinting one long
kiss of affection on her unresisting lips, the soldier
tore himself from his mistress, and hastened to the
scene of strife.
Frances threw herself on a sofa, buried her head
under its cushion, and with her shawl drawn over
her face, to exclude as much of sound as possible,
continued there until the shouts of the combatants,
the rattling of the fire arms, and the thundering
tread of the horses had ceased.


94
THE SPY
CHAPTER VI.
I see you stand, like grey-hounds in the slips,
Straining upon the start. The game's afoot;
Follow your spirit. And upon this charge
Cry-
Shakspeare
The rough and unimproved face of the coun-
try, the frequency of covers, together with the
great distance from their own country, and the
facilities afforded them for rapid movements to the
different points of the war, by the undisputed
command of the ocean, had all united to deter the
English officers from employing a heavy force in
cavalry, in their efforts to subdue the revolted co-
lonies.
Only one regiment of regular horse was sent
from the mother country during the struggle.--
But legions and independent corps were formed
in different places, as it best accorded with the
views of the royal commanders, or suited the exi-
gencies of the times. These were not unfrequent.
ly composed of men raised in the colonies, and at
other times drafts were had from the regiments of
the line, and the soldier was made to lay aside the
musket and bayonet, and taught to wield the
sabre and carabine. One particular body of the
subsidiary troops were included in this arrange-
ment, and the Hessian yagers were transformed
into a corps of heavy and inactive horse.
Opposed to them were the hardiest spirits of


THE SPY.
95
America. Most of the cavalry regiments of the
continental army were led and officered by gen-
tlemen from the south. The high and haughty
courage of the commanders had communicated
itself to the privates, who were men selected
with care and attention to the service they were
intended to perform.
While the British were confined to their empty
conquests in the possession of a few of the larger
towns, or marched through countries that were
swept of every thing like military supplies, the
light troops of their enemies had the range of the
whole of the interior before them.
The sufferings of the line of the American ar-
my were great beyond example; but possessing
the power, and feeling themselves engaged in a
cause which justified severity, the cavalry officers
were vigilant in providing for their wants, and the
horse were well mounted, well fed, and consequent-
ly very effective. Perhaps the world could not fur-
nish more brave, enterprising, and resistless corps
of light cavalry than a few that were in the con-
tinental service at the time of which we write.
Dunwoodie's men had often tried their prowess
against the enemy, and now sat panting to be led
once more against foes whom they seldom charged
in vain. Their wishes were soon to be gratified;
for their commander bad scarcely time to regain
his seat in the saddle, before a body of the enemy
came sweeping round the base of the hill, which
intersected the view to the south. A few minutes
enabled the Major to distinguish their cliaracter.
In one troop he saw the green coats of the Coiv-
Boys, and in the other the leather helmets :.id
wooden saddles of the yagers.
Their pumbörs
were about equal to the body under his immediate
orders.
On reaching the open space near the cottage


96
THE SPY.
of Harvey Birch, the enemy halted and drew up
his men in line, and was evidently making prepa-
rations for a charge. At this moment a column
of foot appeared in the vale, and pressed forward
to the bank of the brook which we have already
mentioned.
Major Dunwoodie was not less distinguished for
coolness and judgment, than, where occasion of-
fered, by his dauntless intrepidity. He at once
saw his advantage, and determined to profit by it.
The column he led began slowly to retire from
the field, when the youthful German, who com-
manded the enemy's horse, fearful of missing an
easy conquest, gave the word to charge. Few
troops were more hardy than the Cow-boys; they
sprang eagerly forward in the pursuit with a con-
fidence, created by the retiring foe and the column
in their rear; the Hessians followed more slowly,
but in better order. The trumpets of the Virgi-
nians now sounded long and lively; they were an-
swered by a strain from the party in ambush that
went to the hearts of their enemies. The column
of Dunwoodie wheeled in perfect order, opened,
and, as the word to charge was given, the troops
of Lawton emerged from the cover, with their
leader in advance, waving his sabre over his bead,
and shouting, in a voice that was heard above the
elangor of the martial music.
The charge threatened too much for the refugee
troop. They scattered in every direction, flying
from the field as fast as their horses, the chosen
beasts of West Chester, could carry them. Only
a few were hurt; but such as did meet the arms
of their avenging countrymen never survived the
blow, to tell who struck it. It was upon the poor
vassals of the German tyrant that the shock fell.
Disciplined to the most exact obedience, these ill-
fated men met the charge bravely, but they were


THE SPY.
97
swept before the mettled horses and nervous arms
of their antagonists like chaff before the wind.
Many of them were literally ridden down, and
Dunwoodie soon saw the field without an oppos-
ing foe. The proximity of the infantry prevented
pursuit, and behind its column the few Hessians
who escaped unhurt sought protection.
The more cunning refugees dispersed in small
bands, taking various and devious routes back to
their old station in front of Harlaem. Many was the
sufferer, in his cattle, furniture, and person, that
was created by this route ; for the dispersion of a
troop of Cow-boys was only the extension of an evilo
Such a scene could not be expected to be acted
so near them, and the inmates of the cottage take
no interest in the result. In truth, the feelings
it excited pervaded every bosom, from the kitchen
to the parlor. Terror and horror had prevented
the ladies from being spectators, but they did not
feel the less. Frances continued lying in the pos-
ture we have mentioned, offering up fervent and
incoherent petitions for the safety of her coun.
trymen, although in her inmost heart she had per-
sonified her nation by the graceful image of Major
Dunwoodie. Her aunt and sister were less ex-
clusive in their devotions, but Sarah began to feel,
as the horrors of war were thus brought home to
her senses, less pleasure in her anticipated tri-
umphs.
The inmates of Mr. Wharton's kitchen were
four-namely, Cæsar and his spouse, their grand-
daughter, a jetty damsel of twenty, and the boy
before alluded to. The blacks were the remnants
of a race of negroes which had been entailed on
his estate from Mr. Wharton's maternal ancestors,
who had been descendants from the early Dutch
colonists. Time, depravity, and death, had re-
duced them to this small number, and the boy,
Vol. 1.
9


98
THE SPY.
who was white, had been added by Miss Peyton
to the establishment, as an assistant, to perform
the ordinary services of a footman, Cæsar, after
first using the precaution to place himself under
the cover of an angle in the wall, for a screen
against any roving bullet which might be travers-
ing the air, became an amused spectator of the
skirmish. The sentinel on the piazza was at the
distance of but a few feet from him, and entered
into the spirit of the chase with all the ardor of a
tried blood-hound-he noticed the approach of the
black, and his judicious position with a smile of
contempt, as he squared himself towards the ene-
my, offering his unprotected breast to any dangers
which might come.
After considering the arrangement of Cæsar for
a moment with ineffable disdain, the dragoon said
with great coolness-
“ You seem very careful of that beautiful per-
son of yours Mr. Blueskin."
guess a bullet hurt a colored man as quick
as a white," muttered the black surlily, casting
a glance at his rampart with much self-satisfac-
tion.
“ I'm thinking it's all guess with you, snow-
ball-suppose I make the experiment,” returned
the sentinel ;--as he spoke, he deliberately drew a
pistol from his belt and levelled it at the black.
Cæsar's teeth chattered at the appearance of the
dragoon, although he believed nothing serious was
intended; and it was at this moment that the co-
lumn of Dunwoodie began to retire, and the royal
cavalry commenced their charge.
* There, Mister Light-horseman," said Cæsar
eagerly, who believed the Americans were retir-
ing in earnest,“ why you rebels don't fight--see-
see how King George's men make Major Dun-
woodie run-good gentleman too, but don't like
to fight a rig'lars.”
" I


THE SPY.
99
- Damn your regulars, “ cried the other fierce-
“ wait a minute, blackey, and you'll see Cap-
tain Jack Lawton come out from behind yonder
hill, and scatter these Cow-boys like wild geese
who've lost their leader."
Cæsar supposed the party under Lawton to have
sought the shelter of the hill from similar mo-
tives to what had induced him to place the wall
between himself and the battle ground: but the
fact soon verified the trooper's prophecy, and the
black witnessed with consternation the total rout
of the royal horse.
The sentinel manifested his exultation at the
success of his comrades with loud shouts, which
soon brought his companion, who had been left in
the more immediate charge of Henry Wharton, to
the open window of the parlor,
“ See, Tom, see," cried the delighted trooper,
“how Captain Lawton makes that Hessian's lea-
ther cap fly; and now the major has killed the
officer's horse-Zounds, why did'nt he kill the
Dutchman, and save the horse ? :
A few pistols were discharged at the flying Cow.
boys, and a spent bullet broke a pane of glass
within a few feet of Cæsar-imitating the posture
of the great tempter of our race, the black sought
the protection of the inside of the building, and
immediately ascended to the parlor.
The small lawn in front of the Locusts was hid
from the view of the road by a close line of shrub-
bery, and the horses of the two dragoons had been
left linked together under its shelter to await the
movements of their masters.
At this moment two Cow-boys, who had been
cut off from a retreat to their own party, rode
furiously through the gate, with an intention of
escaping to the open wood in the rear of the cot-
$age.


100
THE SPY.
The victorious Americans had pressed the re-
treating Germans until they had driven them un-
der the protection of the fire of the infantry; and
feeling themselves in the privacy of the lawn re-
lieved from any immediate danger, the predatory
warriors yielded to a temptation that few of the
corps were ever known to resist-opportunity and
horse-flesh. With a hardihood and presence of
mind that could only exist from long practice in
similar scenes, they made towards their intended
prizes by an almost spontaneous movement. They
were busily engaged in separating the fastenings
of the horses, when the trooper on the piazza dis-
charged his pistols, and rushed sword in hand to
the rescue.
The entrance of Cæsar into the parlor had
induced the wary dragoon within to turn his at-
tention more closely on his prisoner ; but this
new interruption drew him again to the window.'
He threw his body out of the building, and with
dreadful imprecations endeavoured by his threats
and appearance to frighten the marauders from
their prey. The moment was enticing. Three
hundred of his comrades were within a mile of
the cottage ; unridden horses were running at
largo in every direction, and Henry Wharton
seized the unconscious sentinel by his legs, and
threw him headlong into the lawn.-Cæsar van-
ished from the room, and drew a bolt of the outer
door.
The fall of the soldier was not great, and reco-
vering his feet, he turned his fury for a moment
on his prisoner. To scale the window in the face
of his enemy, was, however, impossible, and on
trial he found the main entrance barred.
His comrade now called loudly upon him for aid,
and forgetful of every thing else, the discomfited
trooper rushed to his assistance. One horse was


THE SPY.
101
instantly liberated, but the other was already fas-
tened to the saddle of a Cow-boy, and the four re-
tired behind the building, cutting furiously at each
other with their sabres, and making the air resound
with the violence of their imprecations. Cæsar
threw the outer door open, and pointing to the
remaining horse, that was quietly biting the faded
herbage of the lawn, exclaimed -
“ Run-now-run-Massa Harry, run.”
“Yes," cried the youth as he vaulted into the
saddle, “now, indeed, my honest fellow, is the
time to run." He beckoned hastily to his father,
who stood at the window in speechless anxiety,
with his hands extended towards his child in the
attitude of benediction, and adding, “God bless
you, Cæsar, salute the girls,” he dashed through the
gate with the rapidity of lightning.
The African watched bim with anxiety as he
gained the highway, saw him incline to the right,
and riding furiously under the brow of some rocks,
whích on that side rose perpendicularly, and dis-
appeared behind a projection, which soon hid him
from view.
The delighted Cæsar closed the door, pushing
bolt after bolt, and turning the key until it would
turn no more, soliloquizing the whole time on the
happy escape of his
young
master.
"How well he ride-teach him myself—-salute
a young lady—I guess a Miss Fanny would'nt let
old colored inan kiss her pretty red cheek.”
When the fortune of the day was decided, and
the time arrived for the burial of the dead, two
Cow-boys and a Virginian were found in the rear
of the Locusts to be included in the number.
Happily for Henry Wharton, the searching eyes
of his captor were examining, through a pocket
glass, the column of infantry that still held its po-
sition on the bank of the stream, as the remnants
g*


102
THE SPY.
1
of the Hessian yagers were seeking its friendly
protection. His horse was of the best blood of
Virginia, and carried him with the swiftness of the
wind along the valley, and the heart of the youth
was already beating tumultuously with the plea-
sure of his deliverance, when a well known voice
reached his startled ear, crying aloud.
“ Bravely done-Captain-.don't spare the
whip, and turn to your left before you cross the
brook."
Wharton turned his head in surprise, and saw,
sitting on the point of a jutting rock that com-
manded a bird's-eye view of the valley, his former
guide, Harvey Birch. "His pack, much diminished
in size, lay at the feet of the pedlar, who waved
his hat to the youth exultingly as the latter flew
by him. The English captain took the advice of
this mysterious being, and finding a wood road,
which led to the highway that intersected the val-
ley, turned down its direction, was soon opposite
to his friends, and the next minute crossed the
bridge, and stopped his charger before his old ac-
quaintance, Colonel Wellmere.
Captain Wharton!” exclaimed the astonished
commander of the English troops, “ dressed in
blue and mounted on a rebel dragoon horse! are
you from the clouds in this attire, and in such a
“ Thank God!” cried the youth, recovering his
breath, “I am safe, and have escaped from the
hands of my enemies; but five minutes since and
I was a prisoner and threatened with the gallows."
“The gallows, Captain Wharton ! surely those
traitors to the king would never dare to commit
another murder in cold blood ; is it not enough
that they took the life of André ? wherefore did
they threaten you with a similar fate???
“Under the pretence of a similar offence."
style ?"


THE SPY.
103
said the captain, briefly explaining to the group of
listeners the manner of his capture, the grounds
for nis personal apprehensions, and the method of
his escape. By the time he had concluded his nar-
ration, the fugitive Germans were collected in the
rear of the column of infantry, and Colonel Well-
mere cried aloud-
" From my soul I congratulate you, my brave
friend-mercy is a quality with which these trai-
tors are unacquainted, and you are doubly fortu-
nate in escaping from their hands, and uninjured.
Prepare yourself to grant me your assistance, and
I will soon afford you a noble revenge.”
“I do not think there was danger of personal
outrage to any man, Colonel Wellmere, from a
party where Major Dunwoodie commands," re-
turned young Wharton, with a slight glow on his
face; "his character is above the imputation of
such an offence; neither do I think it altogether
prudent to cross this brook into the open plain, in
the face of those Virginian horse, flushed as they
must be with the success they have just obtain-
ed."
“ Do you call the rout of those irregulars and
these sluggish Hessians, a deed to boast of ?" said
the other with a contemptuous smile; " you speak
of the affair, Captain Wharton, as if your boasted
Mr. Dunwoodie, for major he is none, had discom-
fited the body-guards of your king.”
“ And I must be allowed to say, Colonel Well-
mere, that if the body guards of my king were in
yon field, they would meet a foe that it would be
dangerous to despise. Sir, my boasted Mr. Dun-
woodie is the pride of Washington's army as a ca-
valry officer," cried Henry with warmth.
“Dunwoodie-Dunwoodie," repeated the co-
lonel slowly ; “surely I have met the gentleman
before."


104
THE SPY.
“I have been told you once saw him, sir, for a
moment, at the town residence of my sisters," re-
plied Wharton, with a lurking smile.
“Ah! I do remember me of such a youth,"
said the Colonel with affected irony ;" "and does
the most potent congress of these rebellious colo-
nies intrust their soldiers to the leading of such a
warrior ?!'
“Ask the commander of your Hessian horse,
whether he thinks Major Dunwoodie worthy of
the confidence," said Henry Wharton keenly,
indignant at the trifling of the other, when applied
to such a man as his friend, and at a moment so
unseasonable.
Colonel Wellmere was far from wanting that
kind of pride which makes a man bear himself
bravely in the presence of his enemies. He had
served in America a long time without ever meet-
ing with any but new raised levies, or the militia
of the country; these would sometimes fight, and
that fearlessly, but they as often chose to run
away without pulling a trigger. He was too
apt to judge from externals, and thought it im-
possible for men whose gaiters were so clean,
whose tread so regular, and who wheeled with so
much accuracy, to be beaten. In addition to all
these, they were Englishmen, and their success
was certain.
Colonel Wellmere had never been
kept much in the field, or these notions, which he
had brought with him from home, and which had
been greatly increased by the vaporings of a gar,
risoned town, would have long since vanished-he
listened to the warm reply of Captain Wharton
with a supercilious smile, and then inquired-
" You would not have us retire, sir, before these
boasted horsemen, without doing something that
may deprive them of part of the glory you appear
to think they have gained ?"


THE SPY.
105
66
* I would have you advised, Colonel Wellmere,
of the danger you are about to encounter.”
Danger is but an unseemly word for a sol.
dier," continued the British commander with a
sneer.
“And one as little dreaded by the 60th as any
corps who wear the royal livery,” cried Henry
Wharton fiercely; "give but the word to charge,
and then let our actions speak.”
“ Now again I know my young friend,” said
Wellmere soothingly; "but if you have any thing
to say before we fight, that can in any manner
help us in our attack, we'll listen. You know the
force of the rebels--are there more of them in
ambush ?"
“Yes,” replied the youth, chafing still with the
other's sneers, “in the skirt of this wood on our
right are a small party of foot—their horse are all
before you."
" Where they will not continue long,” cried
Wellmere, turning to the few officers around him;
* gentlemen, we will cross the stream in column,
and display on the plain beyond, or else we shall
not be able to entice these valiant yankees within
the reach of our muskets. Captain Wharton, I
claim your assistance as an aid-de-camp."
The youth shook his head in disapprobation of
a movement which his good sense taught him was
rash, but prepared with alacrity to perform his
duty in the impending trial.
During this conversation, which was held at a
small distance in advance of the British column,
and in full view of the Americans, Dunwoodie
had been collecting his scattered troops, securing
his few prisoners, and retiring to the ground where
he had been posted at the first appearance of his
enemy.
Satisfied with the success he had al-


106
THE SPY.
!
16 as I
ready obtained, and believing the English too
wary to give him an opportunity of harrassing them
farther, he was about to withdraw the guides, and,
leaving a strong party on the ground to watch the
movements of the regulars, to fall back a few
miles, to a favorable place for taking up his quar-
ters for the night. Captain Lawton was reluc-
tantly listening to the reasoning of his commander,
and had brought out his favorite glass, to see if no
opening could be found for an advantageous at-
tack, when he suddenly exclaimed-
“How's this?" a blue coat among those scarlet
gentry," again applying his glass to his
eye,
hope to live to see old Virginia, it is my masquera-
ding friend of the 60th, the handsome Captain
Wharton, escaped from two of the best men in
my troop."
He had not done speaking when the survivor of
these heroes joined his troop, bringing with him
his own horse and those of the Cow-boys; he
reported the death of his comrade, and the escape
of his prisoner. As the deceased was the imme-
diate sentinel over the person of young Wharton,
and the other was not to be blamed for defending
the horses, which were more particularly under his
care, his captain heard him with uneasiness, but
without anger.
1
This intelligence made an entire change in the
views of Major Dunwoodie. He saw at once that
his own reputation was involved in the escape of
his prisoner,
The order to recal the guides was
countermanded, and he now joined his second in
command, watching as eagerly as the impetuous
Lawton himself, for some opening to assail his foe
to advantage.
But two hours before and Dunwoodie had felt
the chance, which made Henry Wharton his
captive, as the severest blow he had ever sustain-


THE SPY.
107
ed. Now he panted for an opportunity in which,
by risking his own life, he might return his friend
to bondage-all other considerations were lost in
the goadings of his wounded spirit, and he might
have soon emulated Lawton in hardihood, had not
Wellmere and his troops at this moment crossed
the brook into the open plain.
“ There," cried the delighted captain, as he
pointed out the movement with his finger, " there
comes John Bull into the mouse trap, and with his
eyes wide open."
“Surely,” said Dunwoodie, eagerly, “he will
not display his column on that flat; Wharton must
tell him of the ambush. But if he does".
56 We will not leave him a dozen sound skins in
his battalion,” interrupted the other, springing
into his saddle.
The truth was soon apparent; for the English
column, after advancing for a short distance on the
level land, displayed with an accuracy that would
have done them honor on a field day in their own
Hyde Park.
“Prepare to mount--mount;" cried Dun-
woodie; the last word being repeated by Lawton
in a tone that rung in the ears of Cæsar, who
stood at the open window of the cottage. The
black had lost all bis confidence in Captain Law-
ton's timidity, for he thought he yet saw him
emerging from his cover and waving his sword on
high.
As the British line advanced slowly and in ex-
act order, the guides opened a galling fire. It be-
gan to annoy that part of the royal troops which
was nearest to them. Wellmere listened to the
advice of the veteran who was next to him in
rank, and ordered two companies to dislodge the
American foot from their hiding place. The
movement created a slight confusion, and Dun-


108
THE SPY.
woodie seized the opportunity to charge. No
ground could be more favorable for the manau-
vres of horse, and the attack of the Virginians was
irresistible. It was aimed chiefly at the flank op-
posite to the wood, in order to clear the Ameri.
Cans from the fire of their friends who were con-
cealed—and it was completely successful. Well-
mere who was on the left of his live, was over-
thrown by the impetuous fury of his assailants.
Dunwoudie was in time to save him from the im-
pending blow of one of his men, and raising him
from the ground, had him placed on a horse and
delivered to the custody of his orderly. The offi-
cer who had suggested the attack upon the guides,
had been intrusted with its execution, but the me-
nace was sufficient for these irregulars. In fact,
their duty was performed, and they retired along
the skirt of the wood with intent to regain their
horses, which had been left under a guard at the
upper end of the valley.
The left of the British line was outflanked
by the Americans, who doubled in their rear,
and thus made the rout in that quarter to-
tal. But the second in command perceiving how
the battle went, promptly wheeled his party, and
threw in a heavy fire on the dragoons as they
passed him to the charge; with this party was
Henry Wharton, who had volunteered to assist
in dispersing the guides : a ball had struck his
bridle arm, and compelled him to change hands.
As the dragoons dashed by them, rending the air
with their shouts, and with trumpets sounding a
lively strain, the charger ridden by the youth
became ungovernable-he plunged, reared, and
his rider being unable with his wounded arm to
manage the impatient animal, Henry Wharton
found himself in less than a minute, unwillingly
riding by the side of Captain Lawton. The dra-


THE SPY.
109
goon comprehended at a glance the ludicrous si-
tuation of this new comrade, but had only time to
cry aloud before they plunged into the English
line-
6 The horse knows the righteous cause better
than his rider. Captain Wharton, you are wel-
come to the ranks of freedom.”
No time was lost, however, by Lawton, after
the charge was completed, in securing his prisoner
again ; and, perceiving him to be hurt, he direct-
ed him to be conveyed to the rear.
The Virginian troopers dealt out their favors
with no gentle hands on that part of the royal foot
who were thus left in a great measure at their
mercy. Dunwoodie noticing the remnant of the
Hessians, who had again ventured on the plain,
led on in pursuit, and easily overtaking their light
and half fed horses, soon destroyed the remainder
of their detachment.
In the meanwhile, great numbers of the Eng.
lish, taking advantage of the smoke and confusion
on the battle ground, were enabled to get in the
rear of their countrymen, who still preserved their
order in a line parallel to the wood, but who had
been obliged to hold their fire from the fear of in-
juring friends as well as foes. The fugitives were
directed to form a second line within the wood
itself, and under cover of its trees. This was not
yet done, when Captain Lawton, called to a youth,
who commanded the other troop left with that part
of the force which remained on the ground, and
proposed charging the unbroken line of the British.
The proposal was as promptly accepted as it had
been made, and the troops were arrayed for the
purpose. The eagerness of their leader prevent-
ed the preparations necessary to insure success,
and the horse, receiving a destructive fire as they
advanced, were thrown into additional confusion
Vol. 1.
10


110
THE SPY.
Both Lawton and his more juvenile comrade fell
at this discharge. Fortunately for the credit of
the Virginians, Major Dunwoodie re-entered the
field at this critical instant-he saw his troops in
disorder-at his feet lay weltering in his blood
George Singleton, a youth endeared to him by
numberless virtues, and Lawton was unhorsed and
stretched senseless on the plain. The eye of the
youthful warrior flashed with unwonted fires.-
Riding between his squadron and the enemy, in a
voice that reached to the hearts of his dragoons,
he recalled them to their duty.
His presence
and words acted like magic. The clamor of
voices ceased; the line was formed promptly and
with exactitude; the charge sounded; and, led on
by their commander, the Virginians swept across
the plain with an impetuosity that nothing could
withstand, and the field was instantly cleared of the
enemy; those who were not destroyed, sought a
shelter in the woods. Dunwoodie slowly withdrew
from the fire of the English who were covered by
the trees, and commenced the painful duty of col-
lecting his dead and wounded.
The sergeant, charged with conducting Henry
Wharton to where he might procure surgical aid,
set about performing his duty with alacrity, in
order to return as soon as possible to the scene of
strife. They had not reached the middle of the
plain, before the captain noticed a man whose ap-
pearance and occupation forcibly arrested his at.
tention. His head was bald and bare, but a well-
powdered wig was to be seen half concealed in the
pocket of his breeches. His coat was off, and
his arms naked to the elbow-blood had disfigured
much of his dress, and his hands and even face bore
this mark of his profession-in his mouth was a
segar--in his right hand some instruments of
strange formation, and in his left the remnants of
an apple, with which he occasionally relieved the


THE SPY.
111
duty of his before-mentioned segar.
He was
standing, lost in the contemplation of a Hessian
who lay breathless before him. At a little dis-
tance were three or four of the guides, leaning on
their muskets, and straining their eyes in the di-
rection of the combatants, and at his elbow stood
a man who, from the implements in his hand and
bloody vestments, was an assistant in his duty.
“There, sir, is the doctor," said the attendant
of Henry very coolly ; "he will patch up your
arm in the twinkling of an eye;" and beckoning to
the guides to approach, he whispered and pointed
to his prisoner, and then galloped furiously to-
wards his comrades.
Wharton advanced to the side of this strange
figure, and observing himself to be unnoticed, was
about to request his assistance, when the other
broke silence in a soliloquy-
“ Now I know this man to have been killed by
Captain Lawton, as well as if I had seen bim strike
the blow. How often have I strove to teach him
the manner in which he can disable his adversary
without destroying life. It is cruel thus unneces-
sarily to cut off the human race, and furthermore,
such blows as these render professional assistance
unnecessary--it is in a measure treating the lights
of science with disrespect."
** If, sir, your leisure will admit,” said Henry
Wharton, “I must beg your attention to this slight
hurt of mine."
“ Ah!” cried the other starting, and examining
him from head to foot," you are from the field be-
low-is there much business there, sir?"
“ Indeed," answered Henry, accepting the of-
fer of the surgeon to assist in removing his coat,
“ 'tis a stirring time, I can assure you.
“Stirring !" repeated the surgeon, busily em-
ployed with his dressings; "you give me great


112
THE SPY.
pleasure, sir, for so long as they can stir there
must be life, and while there is life you know,
there is hope-but here my art is of no use I
did put in the brains of one patient, but I rather
think the man must have been dead before I saw
him-it is a curious case, sir ; I will take you
to
see itmonly across the fence there, where you
may perceive so many bodies together. Ah ! 'the
bali has glanced around the bone without shatter-
ing it-you are fortunate in falling into the hands
of an old practitioner, or you might have lost this
Jimb."
“ Indeed!" said Henry, with a slight uneasiness,
“ I did not apprehend the injury to be so serious."
“Oh! the hurt is not bad, but you have such a
pretty arm for an operation," replied the surgeon
coolly, “the pleasure of the thing might easily
tempt a novice."
“ The devil!” cried the horror-struck captain,
“ can there be any pleasure in mutilating a fellow
creature ?"
“Sir," said the surgeon with great gravity, “a
scientific amputation is a very pretty operation,
and doubtless might tempt a younger man, in the
burry of business, to overlook all the particulars of
the case."
Further conversation was interrupted by the
appearance of the dragoons, slowly marching to-
wards their former halting place, and new appli-
cations from the slightly wounded soldiers who
now came riding in, making hasty demands on the
skill of the doctor.
The guides took charge of Wharton, and with a
heavy heart, the young man retraced his steps to
his father's cottage.
The English bad lost in the charges about one
third of their foot, but the remainder bad been
rallied in the wood, and Dunwoodie, perceiving


THE SPY.
113
them to be too strongly posted to assail, had left a
strong party with Captain Lawton, with orders to
watch their motions, and seize every opportunity
to harrass them before they re-embarked.
Intelligence had reached the major of another
party being out by the way of the Hudson, and,
his duty required that he should hold himself in
readiness to defeat the intentions of these also.
Captain Lawton received his orders with strong
injunctions to make no efforts on the foe unless a
favorable chance should offer.
The injury re-
ceived by this officer was in the head, being stun-
ned by a glancing bullet, and parting with a laugh-
ing declaration from the major, that if he again
forgot himself, they should all think him more ma-
terially hurt, each took his own course.
The British were a light party without baggage,
that had been sent out to destroy certain stores.
understood to be collecting for the use of the Ame-
rican army. They now retired through the woods
to the heights, and keeping the route along their
summits, in places unassailable by cavalry, com-
menced their retreat to their boats.
10*


114
THE SPT.
CHAPTER VIII.
* With fire and sword the country round
Was wasted far and wide;
And many a childing mother then,
And new born infant died;
But things like these, you know, must be
At every famous victory."
The last sounds of the combat died on the ears of
the anxious listeners in the cottage, and were ouc-
ceeded by the stillness of suspense. Frances had
continued by herself, striving to exclude the up-
roar, and vainly endeavoring to summon resolu-
tion to meet the dreaded result. The ground
where the charge on the foot bad taken place,
was but a short mile from the Locusts, and, in the
intervals of the musketry, the voices of the sol-
diery had even reached the ears of its inhabitants.
After witnessing the escape of his son, Mr. Whar-
ton had joined his sister and eldest daughter in
their retreat, and the three continued fearfully
waiting news from the field. Unable longer to
remain under the painful uncertainty of her situa-
tion, Frances soon added herself to the uneasy
group, and Cæsar was directed to examine into
the state of things without, and report on whose
banners victory had alighted. The father now
briefly related to his astonished children the cir-
cumstance and manner of their brother's escape.
They were yet in the freshness of their surprise
when the door opened, and Captain Wharton, at-
tended by a couple of the guides, and followed by
the black, stood before them.
só Henry~my son—my son," cried the agitated


THE SPY.
115
parent, stretching out his arms, yet unable to rise
from bis seat, “what is it I seemare you again a
captive, and in danger of your life.”
6. The better fortune of these rebels has prevail.
ed," said the youth, endeavoring to force a cheer-
ful smile, and taking a hand of each of his dis-
tressed sisters. " I strove nobly for my liberty,
but the perverse spirit of rebellion has even light-
ed on their horses. The steed I mounted carried
me, greatly against my will, I acknowledge, into
the very centre of Dunwoodie's men."
“And you were again captured,” continued the
father, casting a fearful glance on the armed at.
tendants who had entered the room.
46 That, sir, you may safely say; this Mr. Law-
ton, who sees so far, had me in custody again im-
mediately.”
“Why you didn't hold 'em in, Massa Harry ?"
cried Cæsar, advancing eagerly, and disregarding
the anxious looks and pallid cheeks of the female
listeners.
“ That,” said Wharton, smiling, "was a thing
easier said than done, Mr. Cæsar, especially as
these gentlemen” (glancing his eyes at the guides)
" had seen proper to deprive me of the use of my
better arm.
“Wounded!” exclaimed both sisters in a breath,
catching a view of the bandages.
“A mere scratch, but disabling me at a most
critical moment,” continued the brother kindly,
and stretching out the injured limb to manifest the
truth of his declaration. Cæsar threw a look of
bitter animosity on the irregular warriors who
were thought to have had an agency in the deed,
and left the room. A few more words sufficed to
explain all that Captain Wharton knew relative
to the fortune of the day. The result he thought


116
THE SPY
yet doubtful, for when he left the ground, the Vir:
ginians were retiring from the field of battle.
They had tree'd the squirrel,” said one of the
sentinels abruptly, “and didn't quit the ground,
without leaving a good hound for the chase, when
he comes down."
“ Ay," added his comrade drily, “ I'm thinking
Captain Lawton will count the noses of what are
left before they see their whale-boats."
Frances had stood supporting herself by the
back of a chair, during this dialogue, catching, in
breathless anxiety, every syllable as it was utter-
ed-her colour changed rapidly-her limbs shook
under her-until, with desperate resolution, she
inquired-
* Is any officer hurt on-the-on either side ???
“ Yes," answered the man cavalierly, “these
southern youths are so full of mettle, that it's sel-
dom we fight but one or two gets knocked over-
one of the wounded, who came up before the
troops, told
me, that Captain Singleton was killed,
and Major Dunwoodie"
Frances heard no more, but fell back lifeless in
the chair behind her. The attention of her friends
soon revived her, when the captain, turning to the
man, said, fearfully-
:66 Surely Major Dunwoodie is unhurt.".
“Never fear him,” added the guide, disregard-
ing the agitation of the family, "they say a man
who is born to be hung will never be drowned if
a bullet could kill the major, he would have been
dead long ago. I was going to say, that the major
is in a sad taking because of the captain's being
killed; but had I known how much store the lady
sat by him, I would'nt have been so plain spok-
en."
Frances now rose quickly from her seat, with
cheeks glowing with confusion, and leaning on


THE SPY.
117
her aunt was about to retire, when Dunwoodie
himself appeared. The first emotion of the maid,
when she saw him, was unalloyed happiness; in
the next instant she shrunk back appalled from
the unusual expression that reigned in his coun-
tenance. The steroness of battle yet sat on his
brow--his eye was fixed, penetrating and severe.
The smile of affection that used to lighten his
dark features, on meeting his mistress, was sup-
planted by the lowering look of care ; his whole
soul seemed to be absorbed with one engross-
ing emotion, and he proceeded at once to his ob-
ject.
“Mr. Wharton," he earnestly began, “in times
like these, we need not stand on idle ceremony-
one of my officers, I am afraid, is hurt mortally;
and presuming on your hospitality, I have brought
him to your door."
“I am happy, sir, that you have done so," said
Mr. Wharton, at once perceiving the importance
to his son, of conciliating the American troops;
" the necessitous are always welcome, and doubly
so, in being the friend of Major Dunwoodie."
"Sir, I thank you for myself, and in behalf of
him who is unable to render you his thanks," re-
turned the other hastily;." if then you please, we
will have him conducted where the surgeon may
see and report upon his case without delay." To
this there could be no objection, and Frances felt
a chill at her heart, as her lover withdrew without
casting a solitary look on herself.
There is a devotedness in female love that ad-
mits of no rivalry. All the tenderness of the
heart-all the powers of the imagination, are en-
listed in behalf of the tyrant passion, and where
all is given much is looked for in return. Fran-
ces had spent hours of anguishof torture, on be-


118
THE SPY.
half of Dunwoodie, and he now met her without a
smile, and left her without a greeting. The ardor
of feeling in the maid was unabated, but the elas-
ticity of her hopes was weakened. As the sup-
porters of the nearly lifeless body of Dunwoodie's
friend, passed her in their way to the apartment
prepared for his reception, she caught a view of
this seeming rival in her interest with her lover.
His pale and ghastly countenance, sunken eye, and
difficult breathing, gave her a glimpse of death
in its most fearful form. Dunwoodie was by his
side and held his hand, giving frequent and stern
injunctions to the men to proceed with care, and,
in short, manifested all the solicitude that the
most tender friendship could, on such an occasion,
inspire. The maid moved lightly before them,
and, with an averted face, beld open the door for
their passage to the bed; it was only as the major
touched her garments on entering the room, that
she ventured to raise her mild blue eyes to his
face. But the glance was unreturned, and Fran-
ces unconsciously sighed as she sought the solitude
of her own apartment.
Captain Wharton voluntarily gave a pledge te
his keepers not to attempt again escaping, and then
proceeded to execute those duties on behalf of
his father, which were thought necessary in a host.
On entering the passage for that purpose, he met
the operator, who had so dexterously dressed his
arm, advancing to the room of the wounded offi-
cer.
" Ah!” cried the disciple of Esculapius, “I see
you are doing well--but stop-have you a pin ?
No! here, I have one--you must keep the cold
air from your hurt, or some of the youngsters will
be at work at you yet."
God forbid," muttered the captain in an un-


THE SPY.
119
der tone, and attentively adjusting the bandages,
when Dunwoodie appeared at the door, impa-
tiently crying aloud -
Hasten--Sitgreaves--hasten, or George Sin-
gleton will die from loss of blood.”
“ What! Singleton! God forbid-bless memis
it George--poor little George,” exclaimed the
surgeon as he quickened his pace with evident
emotion, and hastened to the side of the bed ; “he
is alive though, and while there is life there is
hope. This is the first serious case I have had to
day, where the patient was not already dead.
Captain Lawton teaches his men to strike with so
little discretion--poor George-bless me, it is a
musket bullet.”
The youthful sufferer turned his eyes on the man
of science, and with a faint smile endeavoured to
stretch forth his hand. There was an appeal in
the look and action that touched the heart of the
operator, with a force that was irresistible. The
surgeon removed his spectacles to wipe an un-
usual moisture from his eyes, and proceeded care-
fully to the discharge of his duty--while the pre-
vious arrangements were, however, making, he
gave vent in some measure to his feelings by say-
ing--
When it is only a bullet I have always some
hopes--there is a chance that it hits nothing vi-
tal-but bless me, Captain Lawton's men cut so
at random-generally sever the jugular, or let out
the brains, and both are so difficult to remedy-
the patient mostly dying before one can gt at
them-I never had success but once in replacing
a man's brains, although I tried three this very
day. It is easy to tell where Lawton's troop
charge in a battle, they cut so at random."
The group around the bed of Captain Single-
ton were too much accustomed to the manner of


120
THE SPY.
their surgeon, to regard or reply to his sohloquy ;
but they quietly awaited the moment when he was
to commence his examination. This now took
place, and Dunwoodie stood looking the operator
in the face with an expression that seemed to
read his soul. The patient shrunk from the ap-
plication of the probe, and a smile stole over the
features of the surgeon, as he muttered
“ There has been nothing before it in that
quarter.” He now applied himself in earnest to
his work, took off his spectacles, and threw aside
his wig. All this time Dunwoodie stood in fever-
ish silence, holding one of the hands of the suf-
ferer in both his own, watching the countenance
of Doctor Sitgreaves. At length Singleton gave
a slight groan, and the surgeon rose with alacrity,
and said aloud
“ Ah! there is some pleasure in following a
bullet, it may be said to meander through the hu-
man body, injuring nothing vital; but as for Cap-
tain Lawton's men'
“ Speak,” interrupted Dunwoodie in a voice
hardly articulate;“ is there hope--can you find the
ball ?
6. It's no difficult matter to find that which one
has in his hand, Major Dunwoodie,” replied the
surgeon coolly, and preparing his dressings ; " it
took what that literal fellow, Captain Lawton,
calls a circumbendibus, a route never taken by the
swords of his men, notwithstanding the multiplied
pains I have been at to teach him how to cut sci-
entifically. Now I saw a horse this day with his
head half severed from his body."
“ That,” said Dunwoodie, as the blood rushed
to his cheeks again, and his dark eyes sparkled
with the rays of hope revived, was some of my
own handy-work; I killed that horse myself.''
• You » exclaimed the surgeon, dropping his


THE SPY.
121
dressings in surprise, “ you ! but then you knew
it was a horse.'
66 I had such suspicions, I own,” said the Major
smiling, as he held a beverage to the lips of his
friend.
“ Such blows alighting on the human frame are
fatal,” continued the doctor, pursuing his busi-
ness, “ and set at nought all the benefits which
flow from the lights of science ; they are useless
in a battle, for disabling your foe is all that is re-
quired. I have sat, Major Dunwoodie, many a
cold hour, while Captain Lawton has been en-
gaged, and after all my expectation, not a single
case worth recording has occurred--all scratches
or death wounds; ah! the sabre is a sad weapon
in unskilful hands. Now Major Dunwoodie
many are the hours I have thrown away in en-
deavoring to impress this on Captain Lawton."
The impatient Major pointed silently to his
friend, and the surgeon quickened his movements
as he continued
“ Ah ! poor George-it is a narrow chance
but”-he was interrupted by a messenger requir-
ing the presence of the commanding officer in the
field. Dunwoodie pressed the hand of his friend
and beckoned the doctor to follow bim, as he with-
drew,
“ What think you ?'' he whispered on reaching
the passage, “ will he live ???
“ He will;" said the surgeon laconically, turn-
ing on his heel.
6 Thank God !" cried the youth, hastening be-
low.
Dunwoodie for a moment joined the family, who
were now collected in the ordinary parlor. His
face was no longer wanting in smiles, and his sa-
lutations, though hasty were cordial. He took
no notice of the escape and recapture of Henry
VOL. 1.
11


122
THE SPY.
Wharton, but seemed to think the young man had
continued where he had left him before the en-
counter. On the ground they had not met. The
English officer withdrew in haughty silence to a
window, leaving the major uninterruptedly to
make his communications.
The excitement produced by the events of the
day in the youthful feelings of the sisters, had been
succeeded by a languor that kept them both silent,
and it was with Miss Peyton that Dunwoodie held
his discourse.
"Is there any hope, my cousin, that your friend
can survive his wound ?'' said the lady, advancing
towards her kinsman with a smile of benevolent
regard.
· Every thing-my dear madam-every thing,"
answered the soldier cheerfully. Sitgreaves says
he will live, and he has never yet deceived me."
“ Your pleasure is not much greater than my
own at this intelligence. One so dear to Major
Dunwoodie cannot fail to excite an interest in the
bosom of his friends."
“Say one so deservedly dear, madam," return-
ed the major with warmth ; "he is the beneficent
spirit of the corps--equally beloved by us all-so
mild, so equal, so just, so generous, with the
meekness of a lamb and the fondness of a dove-
it is only in the hour of battle that Singleton is a
lion."
“ You speak of him as if he were your mistress,
Major Dunwoodie," observed the smiling spinster,
glancing her eye at her niece, who sat pale and
listening, in a corner of the room.
“ I love him as one,” cried the excited youth ;
“but he requires care and nursing-all now de-
pends on the attention he receives."
66 Trust me, sir,” said Miss Peyton with digni-
ty," he will want for nothing under this roof."
- Pardon me, dear madam," cried the youth;


THE SPY.
123
“ you are all that is benevolent, but Singleton re-
quires a care which many men would feel to be
irksome. It is at moments like these, and in suf-
ferings like his, that the soldier most finds the want
of female tenderness." As he spoke, he turned
his eyes on Frances with an expression that again
thrilled to the heart of the maiden-she rose from
her seat with burning cheeks, and said--
6 All' the attention that can with propriety be
given to a stranger will be cheerfully bestowed on
your friend."
“Ah!" cried the major, shaking his head," that
cold word propriety will kill him; he must be fos-
tered, cherished, soothed."
66 These are offices for a sister or a wife," said
Frances, with a still increasing color.
“A sister!" repeated the soldier, the blood
rushing to his own face tumultuously; “ a sister!
he has a sister--and one that might be here with
to-morrow's sun." He paused, mused in silence,
glanced his eye uneasily at Frances, and muttered
in an under tone--- Singleton requires it, and it
must be done."
The ladies had watched his varying countenance
in some surprise, and Miss Peyton now observed,
that-
“If there were a sister of Captain Singleton
near them, her presence would be gladly request-
ed both by herself and nieces."
“It must be, madam; it cannot well be other-
wise," replied Dunwoodie with a hesitation that
but ill agreed with his former declarations; "she
shall be sent for express this very night." And
then, as if willing to change the subject, he ap-
proached Captain Wharton, and continued mild-
“Henry Wharton, to me honor is dearer than
life--but in your hands I know it can safely be


124
THE SPY.
confided---remain here unwatched, until we leave
the county, which will not be for some days to
come."
The distance in the manner of the English offi-
cer vanished, and taking the offered hand of the
other, he replied with warmth--"your generous
confidence, Peyton, will not be abused, even
though the gibbet on which your Washington hung
Andrè be ready for my own execution."
“ Henry-Henry Wharton,” said Dunwoodie
reproachfully, “you little know the man who
leads our armies, or you would have spared him
that reproach; but duty calls me without. I leave
you where I could wish to stay myself, and where
you cannot be wholly unhappy."
In passing Frances, the maid received another
of those smiling looks of affection she so much
prized, and for a season she forgot the impression
made by his appearance after the battle.
Among the veterans that had been impelled by
the times to abandon the quiet of age
for the ser-
vice of their country was Colonel Singleton. He
was a native of Georgia, and had been
for the ear-
lier years of his life a soldier by profession. When
the struggle for liberty commenced, he offered his
services to his country, and from respect to his
character they had been accepted. His years and
health had, however, prevented his discharging the
active duties of the field, and he had been kept in
command of different posts of trust, where his coun-
try might receive the benefits of his vigilance and
fidelity without inconvenience to himself. For
the last year he had been entrusted with the passes
into the Highlands, and was now. quartered, with
his daughter, but a short day's march above the
valley where Dunwoodie had met his enemy. His
only other child was the wounded officer we have


THE SPY
125
mentioned. Thither, then, the major prepared to
despatch a messenger with the unha py news of
the captain's situation, and charged with such an
invitation from the ladies as he did not doubt
would speedily bring the ardent sister to the couch
of her brother.
This duty performed, though with an unwilling-
ness that only could make his former anxiety more
perplexing, Dunwoodie proceeded to the field
where his troops had again halted. The remnant
of the English were already to be seen, over the
tops of the trees, marching on the heights towards
their boats in compact order, and with great
watchfulness. The detachment of the dragoons
under Lawton was a short distance on their flank,
eagerly awaiting a favorable moment to strike a
blow. In this manner both parties were soon lost:
to the view.
A short distance above the Locusts was a small
village where two roads intersected each other,
and from which, consequently, access was easy
to the surrounding country. It was a favorite
halting place of the horse, and frequently held by
the light parties of the American army during
their excursions below. Dunwoodie had been
the first to discover its advantages, and, as it was
necessary for him to remain in the county until
further orders from above, it cannot be supposed
he overlooked them now. To this place, the
troops were directed to retire, carrying with
them their wounded; parties were already em-
ployed in the sad duty of interring the dead. In
making these arrangements, a new object of em-
barrassment presented itself to our young soldier.
In moving to and fro the field, he was struck with
the appearance of Colonel Wellmere seated by
himself, brooding over his misfortunes uniuter-
vupted by any but the passing civilities of the
11*


126
THE SPY.
American officers. His anxiety on behalf of Sin-
gleton bad hitherto banished the recollection of
his captive from the mind of Dunwoodie, and he
now approached him with apologies for his ne-
glect. The Englishman received his courtesies
with coolness, and complained of being injured
by what he affected to think was the accidental
stumbling of his horse. Dunwoodie, who had seen.
one of his own men ride him down, and doubt-
less with very little ceremony, slightly smiled, as
he offered him surgical assistance. This could
only be procured at the cottage, and thither they
both proceeded.
“Colonel Wellmere,” cried young Wharton in
astonishment, as they entered, “has the fortune
of war been thus cruel to you also ? but you are
welcome to the house of my father, although
could wish the introduction to have taken place
under more happy circumstances."
Mr. Wharton received this new guest with the
guarded caution that distinguished his manner,
and Dunwoodie left the room to seek the bed-side
of his friend. Every thing here looked propitious,
and he acquainted the surgeon that another pa-
tient waited his skill in the room below. The
sound of the word was enough to set the doctor
in motion, and seizing his implements of office,
he went in quest of this new applicant for his no-
tice. At the door of the parlor he was met by
the ladies, who were retiring. Miss Peyton de-
tained him for a moment to inquire into the wel.
fare of Captain Singleton, before she suffered him
to proceed. Frances smiled with something of
her natural archness of manner, as she contem-
plated the grotesque appearance of the bald-head-
ed practitioner; but Sarah was too much agitated,
with the surprise of the unexpected interview
with the British Colonel, to notice his attire. It


THE SPY.
127
has already been intimated that Colonel Well-
mere was an old acquaintance of the family. Sa.
rah had been so long absent from the city, that
she had in some measure been banished from the
remembrance of the gentleman, but the recollec-
tions of Sarah were more vivid. There is a period
in the life of every woman, when she may be said
to be predisposed to love--it is at the happy age
when infancy is lost in opening maturity-when the
guileless heart beats with the joyous anticipations
of life which the truth can never realize, and when
the imagination forms images of perfection that
are copied after its own unsullied visions it was
at this age that Sarah left the city, and she had
brought with her a picture of futurity, faintly im-
pressed, it is true, but which gained durability
from her solitude, and in which Wellmere had
been placed in the fore-ground. The surprise of
the mceting had in some measure overpowered
her, and after receiving the salutations of the co-
lonel, she had risen, in compliance with a signal
from her observant aunt, to withdraw.
“ Then, sir,” observed Miss Peyton, after listen-
ing to the surgeon's account of his young patient,
"we may be flattered with the expectations that he
will recover?”
66 'Tis certain, madam," returned the doctor,
endeavoring, out of respect to the ladies, to re-
place his wig,“ ?tis certain with care and good
nursing."
“ In those he shall not be wanting," said the
spinster mildly. “Every thing we have he can
command, and Major Dunwoodie has despatched
an express for his sister."
“ His sister," echoed the practitioner with a
look of particular meaning; “if the major has
sent for her, she will come.
“ Her brother's danger would induce her, one
would imagine.”


128
THE SPY.
dies to pass.
“No doubt, madam," continued the doctor la-
conically, bowing low, and giving room to the la-
'The words and the manner were
not lost on the younger sister, in whose presence
the name of Dunwoodie was never mentioned un-
heeded.
"Sir," cried Dr. Sitgreaves, on entering the par-
lor, addressing himself to the only coat of scarlet
in the room,
"I am advised you are in want of my
aid. God send 'tis not Captain Lawton with whom
you came in contact, in which case I may be too
late."
“ There must be some mistake, sir,” said Well-
mere haughtily ; “it was a surgeon that Major
Dunwoodie was to send me, and not an old wo-
man.
“ 'Tis Dr. Sitgreaves," said Henry Wharton
quickly, though with difficulty suppressing a laugh,
si the multitude of his engagements to-day has
prevented his usual attention to his attire."
* Your pardon, sir," added Wellmere, but very
ungraciously, proceeding to lay aside his coat and
exhibit, what he called, a wounded arm.
“ If, sir," said the surgeon drily, “the degrees
of Edinburgh-walking your London hospitals-
amputating some hundreds of limbs-operating on
the human frame in every shape that is warranted
by the lights of science, a clear conscience, and
the commission of the Continental Congress, can
make a surgeon, then am I one.'
“ Your pardon, sir," repeated the colonel stiffly.
Captain Wharton has accounted for my error.
" For which I thank Captain Wharton," said
the surgeon, proceeding coolly to arrange his am-
putating instruments with a formality that made
the colonel's blood run cold.
burt, sir ??? What! is it then this scratch in the
66 Where are you


THE SPY.
129
ני
66
shoulder ? In what manner might you have re-
ceived this wound, sir?"
** From the sword of a rebel dragoon,” said the
colonel, with emphasis.
“ Never!" exclaimed the surgeon as positively.
“Even the gentle George Singleton would not
have breathed on you so harmlessly.” He took
a piece of sticking plaster from bis pocket and ap-
plied it to the part. “ There, sir, that will answer
your purpose, and I am certain it is all that is re-
quired of me."
“ What do you take to be my purpose, then,
sir ?'' said the colonel fiercely.
“ To report yourself wounded in your despatch-
es," replied the doctor with great steadiness ;
and you may say that an old woman dressed
your hurts, for if one did not, one easily might."
Very extraordinary language," muttered the
Englishman.
Here Captain Wharton interſered, and by ex-
plaining the mistake of Colonel Wellmere to pro-
ceed from his irritated mind and pain of body, he
in part succeeded in mollifying the insulted prac-
titioner, who consented to look further into the
hurts of the other. They were chiefly bruises from
his fall, to which Sitgreaves made some hasty ap-
plications, and withdrew.
The horse, having taken their required refresh-
ment, prepared to fall back to their intended po-
sition, and it became incumbent on Dunwoodie
to arrange the disposal of his prisoners. Sit-
greaves he determined to leave in the cottage of
Mr. Wharton in attendance on Captain Singleton.
Henry came to him with a request that Colonel
Wellmere might also be left behind under his
parole, until the troops marched higher into the
country. To this the major cheerfully assented,
and as all the rest of his prisoners were of the vulgar


130
THE SPY.
herd, they were speedily collected, and, with the
exception of those who were wounded, under the
care of a strong guard, ordered to the interior.--
The dragoons soon after marched, and the guides,
separating in small parties, accompanied by patrols
from the horse, spread themselves across the coun-
try in such a manner as to make a chain of senti-
nels from the waters of the Sound to the Hudson.
Dunwoodie himself had lingered in front of the
cottage, after he paid his parting compliments,
with an unwillingness to return, that he thought
proceeded from solicitude for his wounded friends.
The heart which has not become callous, soon
sickens with the glory that has been purchased
with a waste of human life. Peyton Dunwoodie,
left to himself, and no longer excited by the
visions which youthful ardor had kept before
him throughout the day, began to feel there
were other ties, than those which bound the
soldier within the rigid rules of honor. He did
not waver in his duty, yet he felt how strong was
the temptation. His blood had ceased to flow
with the impulse created by the battle. The
stern expression of his eye gradually gave place
to a look of softness; and his reflections on the
victory, brought with them no satisfaction that
compensated for the sacrifices by which it had
been purchased. Wbile turning his last lingering
gaze on the Locusts, he remembered only that it
contained all that he most valued. The friend of
his youth was a prisoner, under circumstances that
endangered both life and honor. The gentle
companion of his toils, who could throw around
the rude enjoyments of a soldier, the graceful
mildness of peace, lay a bleeding victim to his
success. The image of the maid, who had held
during the day a disputed sovereignty in his be-


THE SPY.
131
som, again rose to his view with a loveliness that
banished her rival, glory, from his mind.
The last lagging trooper of the corps had already
disappeared behind the Northern hill, and the ma-
jor unwillingly turned his horse in the same direc-
tion. Frances, impelled by a restless inquietude,
now timidly ventured on the piazza of the cottage.
The day had been mild and clear, and the sun was
shining brightly in a cloudless sky. The tumult,
which so lately disturbed the valley, was succeed-
ed by the stillness of death, and the fair scene be-
fore her looked as if it had never been marred by
the passions of men. One solitary cloud, the col-
lected smoke of the contest, hung over the field;
and this was gradually dispersing, as if no vestige
of its origin was worthy to hover above the peace-
ful
graves of its victims. All the conflicting feel-
ings—all the tumultuous circumstances of the
eventful day, for a moment, appeared to the maid
like the deceptions of a troubled vision. She
turned and caught a glimpse of the retreating
figure of him who had been so conspicuous an
actor in the scene, and the illusion vanished.
Frances recognised her lover, and with the truth,
came other recollections that drove her to her
room, with a heart as sad as that which Dunwoo-
die hintself bore from the valley.


132
THE SPY.
CHAPTER IX.
A moment gaz'd adown the dale,
A moment snuff 'd the tainted gale,
A mo neat listep'd to the cry,
Thai Jicsen'd as the chase drew nigh ;
Theu as the healmost fue appear'd
With one brave bound the cupse be clear'd,
And, stretching forward free and far,
Sought the wild heaths of Uanu-Var.
Walter Scott.
The party under Captain Lawton had watched
the retiring foe to his boats with ihe most unremit-
ting vigilance, without finding any fit opening for
a charge. The experienced successor io Colonel
Wellmere in command, knew too well the pow-
er of his enemy to leave the uneven surface of
the heights, until compelled to descend to the
level of the water. Before he attempted this
hazardous movement, he threw his men into a
compact square, with its outer edges bristling with
bayonets. In this position, the impatient trooper
well understood, that brave men could never be
assailed by cavalry with success, and he was re-
luctantly obliged to hover near them without see-
ing any opportunity of stopping their slow but
steady march to the heach. A small schooner
had been their convoy from the city, and lay
with her guns bearing on the place of embarka-
tion. Against this combination of force and dis-
cipline, Lawton had sufficient prudence to see
it would be folly to contend, and the English
were suffered to embaik without further molesta.
tion. The dragoons lingered on the shore until


THE SPY.
133
the last moment, and then reluctantly commenced
their cwn retreat back to the main body of the
corps.
The gathering mists of the evening had begun
to darken the valley, as the detachment of Law-
ton made its re-appearance at the southern ex-
tremity. The march of the troops was slow, and
their line extended for the benefit of ease in their
progress. In the front rode the captain, side by
side with his senior subaltern, apparently engaged
together in close conference, while the rear was
brought up by a young corpet, humming an air,
and thinking of the sweets of a straw bed after the
fatigues of a hard day's duty.
" Then it struck you too,” said the captain ;
"the instant I placed my eyes on her, I remem-
bered the face it is one not easily forgotten--by
my faith, Tom, the girl does no discredit to the
major's taste.”
She would do honor to the corps,” replied
the lieutenant with great warmth ; “ those blue
eyes might easily win a man to gentler employ-
ments than this trade of ours. In sober truth, I
can easily imagine that such a maid might tempt
even me to quit the broad sword and saddle for a
darning-needle and pillion.”
“Mutiny, sir-mutiny," cried the other laugh-
ing; “ what you, Tom Mason, dare to rival the
gay, admired, and withal, rich, Major Dunwoodie
in his love! You, a lieutenant of cavalry, with
but one horse, and he none of the best! whose
captain is as tough as a peperage log, and has as
many lives as a cat."
“ Faith," said the subaltern, smiling in his turn,
" the log may yet be split, and Grimalkin lose his
lives, if you often charge as madly as you did this
morning. What think you of many raps from such
a beetle as laid you on your
back to-day
?:)
VOL. 1.
12
1


134
THE SPY.
“ Ah! don't mention it, my good Tom, tlie
thought makes my head ache,” replied the other,
shrugging up his shoulders ; " it is what I call fore-
stalling night.”
" The night of death."
“No, sir, the night that follows day. I saw
myriads of stars, things which should hide their
faces in the presence of the lordly sun. I do think
nothing but this thick cap saved me to you a little
longer, maugre the cat's lives.”'
I have much reason to be obliged to the cap,?'
said Mason, drily, “ that or the skull must have
had a comfortable portion of thickness, I admit."
“Come, come, Tom, you are a licensed joker,
so I'll not feign anger with you,” returned the
captain, good humouredly; “but Singleton's lieu-
tenant, I am fearful, will fare better than yourself
for this day's service.”
“I believe both of us will be spared the pain of
receiving promotion purchased by the death of a
comrade and friend," observed Mason kindly;
“it was reported that Sitgreaves said he would
live."
“From my soul I hope so," exclaimed Lawton;
“ for a beardless face, that boy carries the stoutest
heart I have ever met with. It surprises me,
however, that, as we both fell at the same instant,
the men behaved so well."
“ For the compliment, I might thank you, "cried
the lieutenant with a laugh; “but my modesty
forbids—I did my best to stop them, but without
success."
“Stop them !” roared the captain, “would you
stop men in the middle of a charge ?"
so I thought they were going the wrong way,"
answered the subaltern.
66 Ah!" said the other more mildly,
elrove them to the right about."
“It was either your fall, or apprehensions of
our fall


THE SPY.
135
their own," returned the waggish subaltern ;“ un-
til the major rallied us, we were in admirable dis-
order."
66 Dunwoodie!” exclaimed the astonished Law-
ton, why the major was on the crupper of the
Dutchman."
“Ay! but he managed to get off the crupper of
the Dutchman," continued Mason.
66. He came
in at half speed with the other two troops, and
riding between us and the enemy, with that im-
perative way he has when roused, brought us in
line in the twinkling of an eye. Then it was,''
added the lieutenant, with animation, “ that we
sent John Bull to the bushes. Oh! it was a sweet
charge--heads and tails, until we were upon
them.”
" The devil !" cried the captain with vexation,
66 what a sight I missed.”
" You slept through it all," said Mason laconi-
cally.
“Yes," returned the other with a sigh, “it was
all lost to me and poor George Singleton. But,
Tom, what will George's sister say to this fair
haired maiden, in yonder white building ?"
Hang herself in her garters," said the subal-
tern. ." I owe a proper respect to my superiors,
but two such angels are more than falls to the
share of one man, unless he be a Turk or a Hin-
doo."
“Yes, yes,” said the captain quickly, “ the
major is ever preaching morality to the youngsters;
but he is a sly fellow in the main. Do you ob-
serve how fond he is of the cross roads above this
valley ? Now, if I were to halt the troops twice in
the same place, you would all swear there was a
petticoat in the wind."
“ You are well known to the corps," returned
the sententious subaltern.


136
THE SPY,
1
was
“ Well, Tom, your slanderous propensity is in-
curable, but," stretching forward his body in the
direction he was gazing, as if to aid him in dis-
tinguishing objects through the darkness, " what
animal is moving through the field on our right ?*
“ 'Tis a man," said Mason, looking intently at
the suspicious object.
By his hump 'tis a dromedary,” added the
captain, still eyeing it keenly--wheeling his horse
suddenly from the highway, he exclaimed, “ Har-
vey Birch, take him dead or alive."
Mason and a few of the leading dragoons only
understood the sudden cry, but it heard
throughout the line. A dozen of the men, with
the lieutenant at their head, followed the impetu-
ous Lawton, and their speed threatened the pur-
saed with a speedy termination to the race.
Birch had prudently kept his position on the
rock, where he had been seen by the passing
glance of Henry Wharton, until evening had be-
gun to shroud the surrounding objects in darkness.
From the height he had seen all the events of the
day as they occurred. He had watched, with a
beating heart, the departure of the troops under
Dunwoodie, and with difficulty had curbed his im-
patience until the obscurity of night should render
his moving free from danger. He had not, how-
ever, completed a fourth of his way to his own re-
sidence, when his quick ear distinguished the
tread of the approaching horse. Trusting to the
increasing darkness, he, notwithstanding, deter-
mined to persevere. By crouching and moving
quickly along the surface of the ground, he hoped
yet to escape unnoticed. Captain Lawton bad
been too much engrossed with the foregoing con-
versation to suffer his eyes to indulge in their
usual wandering; and the pedlar, perceiving by
the voices that the enemy he most feared had


THE SPY.
137
}
passed him, yielded to his impatience and stood
erect in order to make greater progress.
The
moment his body rose above the shadow of the
ground, it was seen, and the chace commenced.
For a single instant Birch remained helpless,
with his blood curdling in his veins at the im-
minence of his danger, and his legs refusing
their natural and so necessary office. But it was
for a moment only. Casting his pack where he
stood, and instinctively tightening the belt he
wore, the pedlar betook himself to flight. He
knew that by bringing himself in a line with his
pursuers and the wood, his form would be lost to
the sight. This he soon effected, and he was
straining every nerve to gain the wood itself,
when several horsemen rode by him but a short
distance on his left, and cut him off from this place
of refuge. The pedlar had thrown himself on the
ground as they came near him, and was in this
manner passed unseen. But delay now became
too dangerous for him to remain in that position.
He accordingly rose, and still keeping in the sha-
dow of the wood, along the skirts of which he
heard voices crying to each other to be watch-
ful, he ran with incredible speed in a parallel line,
but iu an opposite direction to the march of the
dragoons.
The confusion of the chace had been heard
by the whole of the men, though none had dis-
tinctly understood the order of the hasty Lawton
but those who followed. The remainder were
lost in doubt as to what was required of them ;
and the aforesaid cornet was making eager in-
quiries of the trooper near him, when a man,
at a short distance in his rear, crossed the road at
a single bound.
At the same instant, the stento-
rian voice of Captain Lawton rang through the
12*


138
THE SPY.
valley, shouting in a manner that told the truth at
once to his men.
. “Harvey Birch, take him dead or alive."
Fifty pistols lighted the scene instantly, and the
bullets whistled in every direction around the
head of the devoted pedlar. A feeling of despair
seized his heart as he exclaimed bitterly-
6 Hunted like a beast of the forest." He felt
life and its accompaniments to be a burden, and
was about to yield himself to his enemies. Na-
ture, however, prevailed; he feared, that if taken,
his life would not be honored with the forms of a
trial, but that most probably the morning sun would
witness his ignominious execution; for he had al-
ready been condemned to, and only escaped that
fate by stratagem. These considerations, with
the approaching footsteps of his pursuers, roused
him to new exertions; and he again fled before
them. A fragment of a wall, that had withstood
the ravages made by war in the adjoining fences
of wood, fortunately crossed his path. He hardly
had time to throw his exhausted limbs over this
barrier before twenty of his enemies reached its
opposite side. Their horses refused to take the
leap in the dark, and amid the confusion of the
Tearing chargers and the execrations of their
riders, Birch was enabled to gain a sight of the
base of the hill, on whose summit was a place of
perfect security against the approach of any foe.
The heart of the pedlar now beat high with the
confidence of his revived hopes, when the voice
of Captain Lawton again rung in his ears, shout-
ing to his men to give him room. The order was
promptly obeyed, and the fearless trooper came at
the wall at the top of his horse's speed, plunged
the rowels in his charger, and flew over the ob-
stacle like lightning, and in safety. The trium-
phant hurrahs of the men, and the thundering


THE SPY.
139
tread of the horse, now too plainly assured the
pedlar of the emergency of his danger. He was
nearly exhausted, and his fate no longer seemed
doubtful.
“ Stop, or die," said the trooper in the suppres-
sed tones of inveterate determination.
Harvey stole a fearful glance over his shoulder,
and saw within a bound of him the man he most
dreaded. By the light of the stars he saw the
uplifted arm and threatening sabre. Fear, ex-
haustion, and despair, seized on his heart, and the
intended victim suddenly fell at the feet of the
dragoon. The horse of Lawton struck the pros-
trate pedlar, and both steed and rider came to-
gether violently to the earth.
As quiek as thought Birch was on his feet again,
and with the sword of the discomfited dragoon in
his hand. Vengeance seems but too natural to
buman passions. There are but few who have
not felt the seductive pleasure of making our in-
juries recoil on their supposed authors; and yet
there are some who know how much sweeter it is
to return good for evil. All the wrongs of the
pedlar shone on his brain with a dazzling bright-
For a moment the demon within him pre-
vailed, and Birch brandished the powerful wea-
pon in the air, in the next it fell harmless on the
reviving but helpless trooper; and the pedlar va-
nished up the side of the friendly rock.
Help Captain Lawton there,” cried Mason, as
he rode up followed by a dozen of his men, " and
some of you dismount with me and search these
rocks; the villain lies here concealed."
“ Hold.” roared the discomfited captain, raising
himself with difficulty on his feet. “ If one of you
dismount he dies; Tom, my good fellow, you will
help me to saddle Roanoke again."
The astonished subaltern complied in silence,
ness.
66


140
THE SPY.
:
!
while the wondering dragoons remained as fixed
in their saddles as if they composed part of the
animals they rode.
“ You are much hurt I fear,” said Mason with
something of condolence in his manner, as they
re-entered the highway, and biting off the end of
a segar for the want of a better quality of to-
bacco.
“ Something so, I do believe," replied the cap-
tain catching his breath and speaking with diffi-
culty, “ I wish our bone-setter was at hand, to ex-
amine into the state of my ribs.”
“Sitgreaves is left in attendance on Captain
Singleton, at the house of Mr. Wharton," said
Mason in reply.
“ Then there I halt for the night, Tom," re-
turned the other quickly," these rude times must
abridge ceremony; besides you may remember the
old gentleman professed a great regard for the
corps. Oh! I can never think of passing so good
a friend without calling."
" And I will lead the troop to the four cor-
ners,” said the lieutenant, “ if we all halt there,
we shall breed a famine in the land.”
A condition l-never desire to be placed in,”
added Lawton. “ The idea of that graceful spin
ster's buck-wheat cakes is highly comfortable in
the perspective.”
“Oh! you won't die if you can think of eat-
ing,” cried Mason with a laugh.
“ I should surely die if I could not,” observed
the captain gravely.
“ Captain Lawton,” said the orderly of his
troop, riding to the side of his commanding offi-
cer, we are now passing the house of the ped-
lar spy, is it your pleasure that we burn it?"
“ No!” roared the captain in a voice that star-
tled the disappointed sergeant; “are you an incen-


THE SPY.
141
.
diary-would you burn the house in cold blood-
let but a spark approach it, and the hand that car-
ries it will never light another.”
“ Zounds !" exclaimed the sleepy cornet in the
rear, as he was nodding on his horse, “there is
life in the captain, notwithstanding his tumble."
Lawton and Mason rode on in silence, the lat.
ter ruminating on the wonderful change that had
been so suddenly effected in his commander, when
they arrived opposite to the gate which was before
the residence of Mr. Wharton. The troop con-
tinued its march, but the captain and his lieute-
nant dismounted, and followed by the servant of
the former, proceeded slowly to the door of the
cottage.
Colonel Wellmere had already sought a retreat
for his mortified feelings in his own room ; Mr.
Wharton and his son were closeted by themselves;
and the ladies were administering the refreshments
of the tea-table to the surgeon of the dragoons,
who had seen one of his patients in his bed, and
the other happily enjoying the comforts of a sweet
sleep. A few natural inquiries from Miss Peyton
had opened the soul of the doctor, who knew every
individual of her extensive family connexion in
Virginia, and who even thought it impossible that
he had not seen the lady herself. The amiable
spinster smiled as she inwardly felt it improbable
that she should ever have met her new acquaint-
ance before, and not remember his singularities.
It, however, greatly relieved the embarrassment
of their situation, and something like a discourse
was maintained between them; the nieces were
only listeners, nor could the aunt be said to be
much more.
“ As I was observing, Miss Peyton, it was no-
thing but the noxious vapors of the low lands that
made the plantation of your brother an unfit resi-
dence for man; but quadrupeds were".


142
THE SPY.
“Bless me, what's that," said Miss Peyton,
turning pale at the report of the pistols fired at
Birch.
“It sounds prodigiously like the concussion on
the atmosphere made by the explosion of fire-
arms," said the precise surgeon very coolly, and
sipping his tea with great indifference, “I should
imagine it to be the troop of Captain Lawton re-
turning, did I not know the captain never uses
the pistol, and that he dreadfully abuses the sa-
bre.
“Merciful providence !” exclaimed the agitated
maiden, “ he would not injure one with it cer-
tainly."
" Injure !" repeated the other quickly, “it is
certain death, madam; the most random blows
imaginable—all that I can say to him will have no
effect."
“ But Captain Lawton is the officer we saw this
morning, and is surely your friend," said Frances:
hastily, observing her aunt to be dreadfully alarm-
ed.
“I find no fault with his want of friendship,”
returned the doctor; "the man is well enough if
he would learn to cut scientifically, and give me
some chance with the wounded; all trades, ma-
dam, ought to be allowed to live--but what be-
comes of a surgeon, if his patients are dead before
he sees them?
The doctor continued haranguing on the pro-
bability and improbability of its being the return-
ing troop, until a loud knock at the front door
gave new alarm to the ladies. Instinctively lay-
ing his hand on a small saw that had been his
coinpanion for the whole day in the vain expecta-
tion of an amputation, the surgeon coolly assuring
the ladies that he would avert any danger, pro-
ceeded in person to answer to the summons.


THE SPY.
143
"Captain Lawton!” exclaimed the surgeon, as
he beheld the trooper leaning on the arm of his
subaltern, and with difficulty crossing the thresh:
old.
"Ah!
my dear bone-setter, is it you
?'' return-
ed the other good-humouredly ; “ you are here
very fortunately to inspect my carcass, but do lay
aside that rascally saw."
A few words from Mason explained to the sur-
geon the :jature and manner of his Captain's hurts,
and Miss Peyton cheerfully accorded the required
accommodations. While the room intended for the
trooper was in preparation for his reception, and
the doctor was giving certain portentous orders,
the Captain was invited to rest himself in the par-
lor.
On the table was a dish of more substan-
tial food than ordinarily adorned the afternoon's
repast, and it soon caught the attention of the dra-
goons. Miss Peyton recollecting that they had
probably made their only meal that day at her own
table, kindly invited them to close it with another.
The offer required no pressing, and in a few mi-
nutes the two were comfortably seated, and en-
gaged in an employment that was only interrupted
by an occasional wry face from the captain as he
moved his body in evident pain. These interrup-
tions, however, interfered but little with the prin-
cipal business in hand; and the captain had got
happily through with this important duty before the
surgeon returned to announce all things ready for
his accommodation in the room above stairs.
“ What, eating !"' cried the astonished physi-
cian. “Captain Lawton, do you wish to die ??
“I have no particular wish that way," said the
trooper rising, and bowing a polite good night to
the ladies, “and, therefore, have been providing
the materials necessary to preserve life within
me'?


144
THE SPY.
The surgeon muttered his dissatisfaction as
he followed Mason and the captain from the apart-
ment.
Every house in America had at that day what
was emphatically called its best room, and this
had been allotted by the unseen influence of Sa.
rah to Colonel Wellmere. The down counter-
pane, which a clear frosty night would render ex-
tremely grateful over bruised limbs, decked the
English officer's bed. A massive silver tankard,
richly embossed with the Wharton arms, held the
beverage he was to drink during the night ; while
beautiful vessels of china performed the same
office for the two American captains. Sarah was
certainly unconscious of the silent preference she
had been giving to the English officer, and it is
equally certain, that but for his hurts, bed, tank-
ard, and everything but the beverage would have.
been matters of indifference to Captain Lawton-
half of whose nights were spent in his clothes,
and not a few of them in the saddle. After tak-
ing possession, however, of what was a small but
very comfortable room, Dr. Sitgreaves proceeded
to inquire into the state of his injuries. He had
begun to pass his hand over the body of his pa-
tient, when the latter cried impatiently-
Sitgreaves, do lay that rascally saw aside, the
sight of it makes my blood cold."
Captain Lawton,” rejoined the surgeon,
61
think, for a man who has so often exposed life and
limb, you are unaccountably afraid of what is a
very useful instrument."
“ Heaven keep me from its use," said the troop-
er with a shrug.
“Surely you would not despise the lights of
science, nor refuse surgical aid because this saw
might be necessary ?” asked the incorrigible ope-
rator.


146
THE SPY.
allied to veneration, gave the saw, as he conclu-
ded, a whirl of triumph, and departed, without
condescending to notice the compliment of the
trooper, to give some of his care to the guest in
the best bed-room. Mason finding, by the breath-
ing of the captain, that his own good night would
be unheard, hastened to pay his respects to the
ladies-mounted, and followed the troop at the
top of his horse's speed.


THE SPI.
147
CHAPTER X
On sotne fond breast 'the parting soul relies,
Some pious drops the closing eye requires
E'en from the tomb the voice of nature eries
E'en in our ashes live their wonted fires.
Gray.
THE possessions of Mr. Wharton extended to
some distance on each side of the house in which
he dwelt, and most of his land was unoccupied.
A few scattering dwellings were to be seen in dif-
ferent parts of his domains, but they were fast fall-
ing to decay, and were untenanted. The proximi-
ty of the country to the contending armies had near-
ly banished the pursuits of agriculture from the land. -
It was useless for the husbandman to devote his
time, and the labour of his hand, to obtain over-
flowing garners, that the first foraging party would
empty. Nore tilled the earth with any other
view than to provide the scanty means of subsist-
ence, except those who were placed so near to
one of the adverse parties as to be safe from the
inroads of the light troops of the other. To these
the war offered a golden harvest, more especially
to such as enjoyed the benefits of an access to the
Royal Army. Mr. Wharton did not require the
use of his lands for the purposes of subsistence,
and willingly adopted the guarded practice of the
day, and limited his attention to such articles as
were soon to be consumed within his own walls,
or could be easily secreted from the prying looks
of the foragers. In consequence, the ground on
which the action was fought had not a single in-
habited building, besides the one belonging to the


148
THE SPI.
father of Harvey Birch. This stood between the
places where the cavalry had met and the charge
had been made on the party of Wellmere.
To Katy Haynes it had been a day fruitful in in-
cidents to furnish an inexhaustible theme to her af-
ter life. The prudent housekeeper had kept her
political feelings in a state of rigid neutrality ; her
own friends had espoused the cause of the coun-
try, but the maiden never lost sight of the moment
when she herself was to be espoused to Harvey
Birch. She did not wish to fetter the bonds of Hy-
men with any other clogs than those with which na-
ture had already so amply provided them. Katy
could always see enough to embitter the marriage
bed, without calling in the aid of political conten-
tion; and yet, at times, the prying spinster had
her doubts, of which side she should be, to escape
this dreaded evil. There was so much of prac-
tised deception in the conduct of the pedlar, that
the housekeeper frequently arrested her own
words when most wishing to manifest her sympa-
thies. His lengthened absences from home, had
commenced immediately after the hostile armies
had made their appearance in the county; pre-
viously to that event his returns had been regular
and frequent.
The battle of the Plains had taught the cau-
tious Washington the advantages possessed by his
enemy, in organization, arms, and discipline.
These were difficulties to be mastered by his own
vigilance and care. Drawing off is troops to the
heights, in the northern part of the county, he bid
defiance to the attacks of the Royal Army, and
Sir William Howe fell back to the enjoyments of
his barren conquests, a deserted city and the ad-
jacent islands. Never afterwards did the oppos-
ing armies make the trial for success within the
limits of West-Chester ; yet hardly a day passed.


THE SPY.
149
that the partisans did not make their inroads, or a
sun rise, that the inhabitants were spared the rela-
tion of the excesses, that the preceding darkness
had served to conceal. Most of the movements
of the pedlar through the county, were made at
the hours which others allotted to repose.
The
evening sun would frequently leave him at one ex-
tremity of the district, and the morning find him
at the other. His pack was his never failing com-
panion, and there were those who closely studied
him in his moments of traffic, who thought his
only purpose was the accumulation of gold. He
would be often seen near the Highlands with a body
bending under the weight it carried and again
near the Harlaem river, travelling, with lighter
steps, with his face towards the setting sun. But
these glances. at him were uncertain and fleeting.
The intermediate time no eye could penetrate.
For months he disappeared, and no traces of his
course were ever known.
Strong parties held the heights of Harlaem, and
the northern end of Manhattan Island was bristled
with the bayonets of the English sentinels, yet the
pedlar glided among them unnoticed and unin.
jured. His approaches to the American lines were
also frequent; but generally so conducted as to
baffle pursuit. Many a sentinel, placed in the
gorges of the mountains, spoke of a strange figure
that had been seen gliding by them in the mists of
the evening. The stories reached the ears of the
officers, and, as we have related, in two instances
the trader fell into the hands of the Americans.
The first time he escaped from Lawton, shortly
after his arrest; but the second he was condemned
to die.
On the morning of his intended execu-
tion, the cage was opened, but the bird had flown.
This extraordinary escape had been made from
the custody of a favorite officer of Washington,
13*


150
THE SPY
and sentinels who had been thought worthy to
guard the person of the commander-in-chief.
Bribery and treason could not approach the cha-
racters of men so well esteemed, and the opinion
gained ground among the common soldiery, that
the pedlar had dealings with the dark one. Katy,
however, always repelled this opinion with indige
nation ; for within the recesses of her own bosom,
the housekeeper, in ruminating on events, con-
cluded that the evil spirit did not pay in gold
Nor, continues the wary spinster in her cogita.
tions, does Washington-paper and promises were
all that the leader of the American troops could
dispense to his servants, until after the receipt of
supplies from France ; and even then, although the
scrutinizing eyes of Katy never let any op
nity of examining into the deer-skin purse, pase
unimproved, she was never able to detect the
image of Louis, intruding into the presence of the
well known countenance of George III.
The house of Harvey bad been watched at dif-
ferent times by the Americans, with a view to his
arrest, but never with success;
the reputed spy pos-
sessed a secret means of intelligence that invaria-
bly defeated their schemes. Once, when a strong
body of the cotinental army held the Four Corners
for a whole summer, orders had been received from
Washington himself, never to leave the door of
Harvey Birch unwatched; the command was ri-
gidly obeyed, and during this long period the
perllar was unseen-the detachment was with-
diawn, and the next night Birch re-entered his
dwelling. The father of Harvey had been greatly
molested in consequence of the suspicious charac-
ter of the son. But, notwithstanding the most
minute scrutiny into the conduet of the old man,
no fact could be substantiated against him to his
injury, and his property was too small to keep


THE SPY.
151
alive the zeal of professed patriots-its confisca-
tion and purchase would not reward them for their
trouble. Age and sorrow were now about to
spare him from further molestation, for the lamp
of life had begun to be drained of its oil. The
separation of the father and son had been painful,
but in obedience to what both thought a duty.
The old man had kept his situation a secret from
the neighbourhood, in order that he might have
the company of his child in his last moments.
The confusion of the past day, and his increasing
dread that Harvey might be too late, helped to
hasten the event he would fain arrest for yet a
little while. As night set in, his illness increased
to such a degree that the dismayed housekeeper
sent a truant boy, who had been shut up with
them for the day rather than trust himself in the
presence of the combatants, to the Locusts, in
quest of a living soul to cheer her desolate situa-
tion. Cæsar was the only one who could be
spared, and, loaded with eatables and cordials by
the kind hearted Miss Peyton, the black had been
despatched on his duty.
The dying man
past the use of such articles, and his chief anxie.
ty seemed to centre in a meeting with his absent
child.
The noise of the chase had been heard by the
group in the house, but its cause not understood;
and as both the black and Katy were apprised
of the detachment of American horse being below
them, with its discontinuance all apprehension
from this disturbance ceased. They heard the
dragoous as they moved slowly by the building,
but in compliance with the prudent injunction of
the black, the housekeeper forbore to indulge her
euriosity by taking a view of the pageant. The
old man had closed his eyes, and his attendants
supposed him to be asleep. The house contained
was


152
THE SP¥.
two large rooms, and as many small ones. Odo
of the former served for kitchen and parlor-min
the other lay the father of Birch: of the latter, one
was the sanctuary of the vestal, and the other con-
tained the provisions for subsistence.
A huge
chimney of stone rose in the centre of the build-
ing, serving, of itself, for a partition between the
larger rooms, and fire-places of corresponding di-
mensions were in each apartment. A bright fire
was burning in that of the common room, and-with-
in the very jambs of its monstrous jaws sat Cæsar
and Katy at the time of which we speak. The
African was impressing his caution on the maiden
to suppress an idle curiosity that might prove dan-
gerous.
“Best neber tempt a Satan,” said Cæsar, roll-
ing up his eyes significantly, till the whites glisten.
ed by the glare of the fire"I like to lose an ear-
only for carrying a little bit of a letter-But I wish
Harvey get back.”
“It is very disregardful in him to be away at
such times," said Katy imposingly. “Suppose
now his father wanted to make his last will in the
testament, who is there to do such a thing for him.
Harvey is a very wasteful and a very disregardful-
Perhaps he make him afore," said the black,
inquiringly,
" It would not be a wonderment if he had," re-
turned the housekeeper, “he is whole days look-
ing into the Bible.”
*. Then he read a good book,” said the black,
solemnly. “Miss Fanny read bim to Dinah berry
often."
6 Yes;" continued the inquisitive spinster; “but
he would not be forever studying it, if it din’nt
hold something more as common.”
She rose from her seat, and stealing softly to a
7
man.
16
1


THE SPY.
153
chest of drawers in the room where lay the sick,
took from it a large Bible, heavily bound, and se-
cured with strong clasps of brass, with which she
returned to the expecting African, The volume
was opened, and she proceeded instantly to the
inquiry. Katy was far from an expert scholar,
and to Cæsar the characters were absolutely stran,
gers. For some time the housekeeper was occu-
pied with finding out the word Matthew, which
she at last saw in large Roman letters crowning
one of the pages, and instantly announced her dis-
covery to the attentive Cæsar.
Berry well, now look him all through,” said
the black, peeping over the damsel's shoulder, as
he held a long, lank, candle of yellow tallow in his
hand, in such a manner as to throw its feeble light
on the volume.
“ Yes, but I must begin with the book," re-
plied the other, turning the leaves carefully back,
until, moving two at once, she lighted upon a page
covered with the labours of a pen. “ Here,
said the housekeeper with impatience, and shak-
ing with the eagerness of expectation, “here is
the very words themselves; now I would give the
world to know who he has left them big silver
shoe buckles to."
" Read him," said Cæsar laconically.
66 And the black walnut drawers, for Harvey
could never want them."
Why no want 'em as well as his father ???
asked the black drily.
" And the six silver table spoons ; for Harvey
always uses the iron."
guess he say,” continued the African, point-
ing significantly to the writing, and listening
eagerly, as the other thus opened the store of
the elder Birch's wealth.
Thus repeatedly advised, and impelled by her
661


154
THE SPY.
own curiosity, Katy commenced her task ; anxious
to come to the part which most interested herself,
she dipped at once into the centre of the subject.
“ Chester Birch, Born September 1st, 1755;"
read the spinster with great deliberation.”
Well,' cried the impatient Cæsar,“ what he
give him?"
Abigail Birch, born July 12th, 1757 ;" conti-
nued the housekeeper in the same tone.
"I guess he give her the spoons,” observed the
black.
“ June 1st, 1760. On this awful day the judge
ment of an offended God lighted on my house.'
a heavy groan from the adjoining room made the
spinster instinctively close the book, and Cæsar,
for a moment, shook with fear-neither possessed
sufficient resolution to go and see what was the
condition of the sufferer, but his heavy breathings
continued as usual-Katy dared not, however, re-
open the Bible, and carefully securing its clasps,
it was laid on the table in silence. Cæsar took
his chair again, and, after looking timidly round
the room, remarked
66 I thought he 'bout to go."
56 No," said Katy solemnly “ he will live till
the tide is out, or the first cock crows in the morn-
ing."
66 Poor man!" continued the black, nestling
still farther into the chimney corner; " I hope he
lay quiet after he die."
66 Twould be no astonishment to me if he
didn't,” returned Katy, glancing her eyes around
the room, and speaking in an under voice, " for
they say an unquiet life makes an uneasy grave."
" Johnny Birch a berry good man,” said the
blaek quite positively.
“ Ah! Cæsar," said the housekeeper in the
same voice," he is good only who does good


THE SPY.
155
can you tell me, Cæsar, why honestly gotten gold
should be hidden in the bowels of the earth ?!;
" If he know, where he be, why don't he dig
him up ?" asked the black promptly.
“ There may be reasons not comprehendible to
you,
," said Katy, moving her chair so that her
clothes covered the charmed stone, underneath
which lay the secret treasures of the pedlar-
unable to refrain speaking of a secret that she would
have been very unwilling to reveal ; "but a rough
outside often holds a smooth inside." Cæsar stared
around the burlding unable to fathom the hidden
meaning of the damsel, when his roving eye sud-
denly became fixed, and his teeth chattered with
affright. The change in the countenance of the
black was instantly perceived by Katy, and turn-
ing her face, she saw the pedlar himself standing
within the door of the room.
6 Is he alive?!! asked Birch tremulously, and
seemingly afraid to receive an answer to his own
question.
Surely,” said the maiden, rising hastily, and
officiously offering her chair to the pedlar; "he
must live till day or the tide is down."
Disregarding all but her assurance, the pedlar
stole gently to the room of his dying parent. The
tie which bound this father and son together was
one of no ordinary kind. In the wide world they
were all to each other. Had Katy but have read
a few lines farther in the record, she would have
seen the sad tale of their misfortunesAt one
blow competence and kindred had been swept
from before them, and from that day to the pre-
sent hour, persecution and distress had followed
their wandering steps. Approaching the bed side,
Harvey leaned his body forward, and said, in a
voice nearly choked by his feelings-
"Father, do you know me!”


156
THE SPY.
The parent slowly opened his eyes, and a smile
of satisfaction passed over his pallid features, leav.
ing behind it the impression of death in still greater
force from the contrast. The pedlar gave a res.
torative he bad brought with him to the parched
lips of the sick man, and for a few minutes new
vigor seemed to be imparted to his frame. He
spoke, but slowly and with difficulty. Curiosity
kept Katy silent; awe had the same effect on Cæ-
sar; and Harvey seemed hardly to breathe, as he
listened to the language of the departing spirit.
“My son," said the father in a hollow voice,
“God is as merciful as he is just--if I threw the
cup of salvation from my lips when a youth, he
graciously offers it to me in mine age. He chas-
tiseth to purify, and I go to join the spirits of our
lost family. In a little while, my child, you will
be alone. I know you too well not to foresee
you will be a lone pilgrim through life. The
bruised reed may endure, but it will never rise.
You have that within you, Harvey, that will guide
you aright; persevere as you have begun, for the
duties of life are never to be neglected-and-
A noise in the adjoining room interrupted the dy-
ing man, and the impatient pedlar hastened to
learn the cause, followed by Katy and the black.
The first glance of his eye on the figure in the
door-way told the trader but too well both his er-
rand, and the fate that probably awaited himself.
The intruder was a man still young in years, but
his lineaments bespoke a mind long agitated by
evil passions. His dress was of the meanest ma-
terials, and so ragged and unseemly, as to give
him the appearance of studied poverty. His hair
was prematurely whiteved, and his sunken, lower-
ing eyeavoided the bold, forward look of innocence.
There was a restlesseess is his movements, and an
agitation in his manner, that proceeded from the


THE SPY.
137
workings of the foul spirit within him, and which
was not less offensive to others than distressing to
himself. This man was a well known leader of
one of those gangs of marauders who infested the
county with a semblance of patriotism, and were
guilty of every grade of offence, from simple
theft up to murder. Behind him stood several
other figures clad in a similar manner, but whose
countenances expressed nothing more than the
callous indifference of brutal insensibility. They
were all well armed with muskets and bayonets,
and provided with the usual implements of foot
soldiers. Harvey knew resistance to be vain, and
quietly submitted to their dircctions. In the
twinkling of an eye both he and Cæsar were strip-
ped of their decent garments, and made to ex.
change clothes with two of the filthiest of the band,
They were then placed in separate corners of the
room, and under the muzzles of the muskets, re-
quired faithfully to answer such interrogatories as
were put to them.
“Where is your pack ?" was the first question
to the pedlar.
“Hear me," said Birch, trembling with agita-
" in the next room is my father now in the
agonies of death; let me go to him, receive his
blessing, and close his eyes, and you shall have
all-aye, all.”
“ Answer me as I put the questions, or this
musket shall send you to keep the old driveller
company-where is your pack?"
“ I will tell you nothing unless you let me go
to my father," said the pedlar resolutely.
His persecutor raised his arm with a malicious
sneer, and was about to execute his threat, when
one of his companions checked him and cried
“What would you do ? you surely forget the
VOL. 1.
tion;


158
THE SPY.
reward. Tell us where are your goods; and you
shall go to your father."
Birch complied instantly, and a man was des-
patched in quest of the booty : he soon returned,
throwing the bundle on the floor, swearing it was
as light as feathers.
“Ay,” cried the leader, “there must be gold
somewhere for what it did contain; give us your
gold, Mr. Birch; we know you have it; you will
not take continental, not you."
"You break your faith,” said Harvey sullenly.
“Give us your gold," exclaimed the other fu-
riously, pricking the pedlar with his bayonet until
the blood followed his pushes in streams. At this
instant a slight movement was heard in the ad-
joining room, and Harvey cried imploringly-
“Let me--let me go to my father, and you
shall have all."
“I swear you shall go then," said the skinner.
“ Here, take the trash,” cried Birch, as he
threw aside the purse, which he had contrived to
conceal, notwithstanding the change in his gar-
ments.
The robber raised it from the floor with a hel-
lish laugh, as he said coolly-
Ay, but it shall be to your father in heaven."
66 Monster!" exclaimed Birch, “ have you no
feeling, no faith, no honesty ?"
“ Why, to hear him, one would think there was
not a rope around his neck already," said the
other malignantly: There is no necessity of
your being uneasy, Mr. Birch; if the old man gets
à few hours the start of you in the journey, you
will be sure to follow him before noon to-morrow.”
This unfeeling communication had no effect on
the pedlar, who listened with gasping breath to
every sound from the room of his parent, until he
heard his own name spoken in the hollow, sepul-


THE SPY.
159
chral tones of death. Birch could endure no more,
but shrieking out-
“Father, hush-father, I come-l come :” he
darted by his keeper, and was the next moment
pinned to the wall by the bayonet of another; for-
tunately his quick motion had caused him to es-
cape a thrust aimed at his life, and it was by his
clothes only that he was confined.
“No, Mr. Birch," said the skinner, “we know
you too well for a slippery rascal to trust you out
of sight-your gold-your gold.”?
“ You have it,” said the pedlar, writhing with
the agony of his situation.
· Ay, we have the
purse;
but
you
have more
purses. King George is a prompt paymaster, and
you have done him many a piece of good service.
Where is your hoard? without it you will never
see your father."
• Remove the stone underneath the woman,
cried the pedlar, eagerly—“ remove the stone."
" He raves-he raves," said Katy, instinctively
moving her position to another stone than the one
on which she had been standing; in a moment it
was torn from its bed, and nothing but earth was
seen under it.
“He raves; you have driven him from his right
mind," continued the trembling spinster;" would
any man in his senses think of keeping gold under
a hearth-stone ?"
“ Peace, babbling fool,” cried Harvey—“ lift
the corner stone, and you will find what will make
you rich, and me a beggar.”
“ And then you will be despiseable," said the
housekeeper bitterly. “ A pedlar without goods
and without money--is sure to be despiseable.”
“ There will be enough left to pay for his hal-
ter," cried the skinner, as he opened upon a store


160
THE SPY.
of English guineas. These were quickly trans-
ferred to a bag, notwithstanding the declarations
of the spinster, that her dues were unsatisfied,
and that of right ten of the guineas should be her
property
Delighted with a prize that greatly exceeded
their expectations, the band prepared to depart,
intending to take the pedlar with them in order
to give him up to some of the American troops
above, and claim the reward offered for his
appre-
hension. Every thing was ready, and they were
about to lift Birch in their arms, as he refused to
move an inch ; when a figure entered the room,
that appalled the group-around his body was
thrown the sheet of the bed from which he had
risen, and his fixed eye and haggard face gave him
the appearance of a being from another world.-
Even Katy and Cæsar thought it was the spirit of
the elder Birch, and they both fled the house, fol-
lowed by the alarmed skinners.
The excitement which had given the sick man
strength soon vanished, and the pedlar, lifting him
in his arms, re-conveyed him to his bed. The re-
action of the system which followed hastened to
close the scene.
The glazed eye of the father was fixed upon
the son; his lips moved, but his voice was unheard.
Harvey bent down, and, with his parting breath,
received the dying benediction of his parent. A
life of privation, of care, and of wrongs, embitter-
ed most of the future hours of the pedlar. But
under no sufferings—in no misfortune—the subject
of poverty and biting obloquy--the remembrance
of that blessing never left him. It constantly gleam-
ed over the images of the past, shedding a boly
radiance around his saddest hours of despondency.
It cheered the prospect of the future with the
prayers of a pious spirit for his well-being i and


162
THE SPY
pelled the freebooters to so hasty a retreat, they
grasped the 'hoard with an instinctive hold that
death itself would not have loosened. Perceiving
every thing to be quiet within, Katy at length
mustered resolution enough to enter the dwelling,
where she found the pedlar with a heavy heart per-
forming the last sad offices for the dead. A few
words sufficed to explain to Katy the nature of
her mistake; but Cæsar continued till his dying
day to astonish the sable inmates of the kitchen,
with learned dissertations on spookes, and how
direful was the appearance of Johnny Birch.
The danger to himself compelled the pedlar to
abridge even the short period that American cus-
tom leaves the deceased with us; and aided by the
black and Katy, his painful task was soon ended.
Cæsar volunteered to walk a couple of miles with
orders to a carpenter, and the body being habited
in its ordinary attire was left with a sheet laid over
it with great decency, to await the return of the
messenger.
The skinders had fled precipitately to the wood
which was but a short distance from the house of
Birch, and once safely sheltered within its shades,
they halted, and mustered their panic-stricken
forces.
What in the name of fury seized on your
coward hearts ?”' cried the dissatisfied leader, draw-
ing his breath heavily.
The same question might be asked yourself,**
returned one of the band sullenly,
“ From your fright, I thought a party of De
Lancey's men were upon us. Oh! you are brave
gentlemen at a race," continued the leader bit-
terly.
"We follow our captain.'
« Then follow me back, and let us secure the
šcoundrel and receive the reward."
13


THE SPY.
163
" Yes; and by the time we reach the house, that
black rascal will have the mad Virginian upon us ;
by my soul I would rather meet fifty Cow-boys,
than that single man."
" Fool," cried the enraged leader, “don't you
know Dunwoodie's horse are at the Corners, full
two miles from here ?
"] care not where the dragoons are, but I will
swear that I saw Captain Lawton enter the house
of old Wharton, while I lay watching an oppor-
tunity of getting the British colonel's horse from
the stable."
66 And if he does come, won't a bullet silence
a dragoon from the south as well as from old Eng-
land ?"
“Ay, but I don't choose a hornet's nest around
my ears; you raise the skin of one of that corps
and you will never see another peaceable night's
foraging again."
“ Well," muttered the leader, as they retired
deeper into the wood," this sottish pedlar will stay
to see the old devil buried, and though we mustn't
touch him at the funeral, he'll wait to look after
the moveables, and to-morrow night shall wind up
his concerns,
With this threat they withdrew to one of their
usual places of resort, until darkness should again
give them an opportunity of marauding on the
community without danger of detection,
"
3


164
THE SPY;
CHAPTER XI.
woe ! O woeful, woeful, woeful day
Most lamentable day! most woefal day,
That ever, ever, I did yet behold!
O day ! O day ! O day ! O hateful day!
Never was seen so black a day as this:
woeful day! 0 woeful day!
Shakspeare.
The family at the Locusts had slept or watched
through all the disturbances at the cottage of
Birch, in perfect ignorance of their occurrence.
The attacks of the skinners were always made
with so much privacy as to exclude the sufferer, not
only from succour, but frequently through a dread
of future depredations, from the commiseration
of their neighbors also. The cares of their addi-
tional duties had drawn the ladies from their pil-
lows at an hour somewhat earlier than usual, and
Captain Lawton, notwithstanding the sufferings of
his body, had risen in compliance with a rule that
he never departed from, of sleeping but six bours
at a time. This was one of the few points in
which the care of the human frame was involved,
where the trooper and the surgeon of horse were
ever known to agree. The doctor had watched,
during the night, by the side of the bed of Captain
Singleton, without once closing his eyes. Occa-
sioually he would pay a visit to the wounded En-
glishman, who being more hurt in the spirit than
in the flesh, tolerated the interruptions to his re-
pose with a very ill
grace;
and once, for an in-
stant, he ventured to steal softly to the bed of his
obstinate comrade, and was near succeeding in


THE SPY.
165
obtaining a feel of his pulse, when a terrible oath,
sworn by the trooper in a dream, startled the pru-
dent surgeon, and warned him of a trite saying in
the corps, “that Captain Lawton always slept
with one eye open." This group had assembled
in one of the parlors as the sun made its appear-
ance over the eastern hill, and dispersed the co-
lumns of fog which had enveloped the low land.
Miss Peyton was looking from a window in the
direction of the tenement of the pedlar, and was
expressing a kind anxiety after the welfare of the
sick it was supposed to contain, when the person
of Katy suddenly emerged from the dense cover-
ing of an earthly cloud, whose mists were scattering
before the cheering rays of the sun, and was seen
making hasty steps towards the Locusts. There
was that in the air of the housekeeper, which be-
spoke distress of an unusual nature, and the kind-
hearted mistress of the Locusts opened the door
of the room, with the benevolent intention of
soothing a grief that seemed so overwhelming. A
nearer view of the disturbed features of the visitor,
confirmed Miss Peyton in her belief, and with the
shock that gentle feelings ever experience at a
sudden and endless separation from even the mean-
est of their associates-- she said hastily-
What, Katy, is he gone ?"
“No, ma'm,” replied the disturbed damsel with
great bitterness," he is not yet gone, but he may
go as soon as he pleases now, for the mischief is
all done-al do verily believe, Miss Peyton, they
haven't so much as left him money enough to buy
him another suit of clothes to cover his nakedness,
and what he has on are none of the best, I can tell
you.”
6 How !” exclaimed the astonished spinster,
s could any one have the heart to plunder a man
in such distress ???


166
THE SPY.
“ Hearts !” repeated Katy, catching her breath;
men like them have no bowels at all-plunder
and distress indeed.--Why, ma'm, there were in
the iron pot, in plain sight, fifty-four guineas of
gold, besides what lay underneath, which I couldn't
count without handling and I didn't like to touch
it, for they say, that another's gold is apt to stick
---so judging from that in sight, there was’nt less
than two hundred guineas-besides what was in
the deer-skin purse. But Harvey is little better
now than a beggar, and dont you think a beggar
very despiseable, Miss Peyton ?"
“Poverty is to be pitied and not despised,"
said the lady in reply, still unable to comprehend
the extent of the misfortune that had befallen her
neighbors during the night. “But how is the old
man; and does this loss you speak of affect him
much ?"
The countenance of Katy changed instantly,
from the natural expression of concern to the set
form of melancholy, as she answered--
“ He is happily removed from the cares of the
world--the chinking of the money made him get
out of his bed, and the poor soul found the shock
too great for him. He died about two hours and
ten minutes before the cock crowed, as near as
we can say”-she was interrupted by the physi-
cian, who, approaching, inquired with much inte-
rest, the nature of his disorder. Glancing her
eye
over the figure of this new acquaintance, Katy,
after instinctively adjusting her dress, replied--
“'Twas the troubles of the times, and the loss
of property, that brought him down--he wasted
from day to day, and all my care and anxiety were
lost--for now Harvey is no better than a beggar,
and who is there to repay me for what I have
done ?"


THE SPY.
167
** God will reward you for all the good you have
done,” said Miss Peyton mildly.
“ Yes," interrupted the spinster hastily, and
with an air of reverence that was instantly suc-
ceeded by an expression that denoted more of
worldly care ; “but then I left my wages for three
years past in the hands of Harvey, and how am I
to get them?
My brothers told me again and
again to ask for my money, but I always thought
accounts between relations were easily settled."
"Were you related, then, to Birch ? asked Miss
Peyton, observing her to pause.
* Why," returned the maiden, hesitating a lit-
tle, “ I thought we were as good as so. I wonder
if I have no claim on the house and garden, though
they say now it is Harvey's it will surely be con-
fisticated,” turning to Lawton, who had been sitting
in one posture, with his piercing eyes lowering at
her through his thick brows, in silence; "perhaps
this gentleman knows-he seems to take an inte-
rest in my story-
Madam,” said the trooper, bowing very low,
“ both you and the tale are extremely interest-
ing.” Katy smiled involuntarily; “but my hum-
ble knowledge is limited to the setting of a squa-
dron in the field, and using it when there. I beg
leave to refer you to Dr. Archibald Sitgreaves, a
gentleman of universal attainments, and unbound-
ed philanthropy."
The surgeon drew up in proud disdain, and em-
ployed himself in whistling a low air as he looked
over some phials on a table; but the housekeep-
er, turning to him with an inclination of her head,
continued
I suppose, sir, a woman has no dower in her
husband's property, unless they be actually mar-
ried?"
It was a maxim with Dr. Sitgreaves, that ne
66


168
THE SPY.
species of knowledge was to be despised, and con-
sequently he was an empiric in every thing but his
profession. At first, indignation at the irony of
his comrade kept him silent; but suddenly chang-
ing his purpose, he answered the maiden, with a
smile-
“ I judge not. If death has anticipated your
nuptials, I am fearful you have no remedy against
his stern decrees."
To Katy this sounded well, although she under-
stood nothing of its meaning, but “death,” ard
“ nuptials.” To this part of his speech, then, she
directed her reply.
6 I did think he only waited the death of the old
gentleman before he married," said the house-
keeper, looking on the carpet; “but now he is
nothing more than despiseable, or what's the same
thing, a pedlar without house, pack, or money.
It might be hard for a man to get a wife at all in
such a predicary-don't you think it would, Miss
Peyton ?
51 seldom trouble myself with such things,''
said the lady gravely, busying herself in prepara-
tions for the morning's repast.
During this dialogue Captain Lawton had been
studying the countenance and manner of the
housekeeper, with a most ludicrous gravity; and
fearful the conversation would cease, he inquired
with an appearance of great interest
“ Then you think it was age and debility that
removed the old gentleman at last ?"
" And these troublesome times," returned the
spinster promptly; "trouble is a heavy pull down
to a sick bed; but I suppose his time had come,
and when that happens, it matters but little what
doctor's stuff we take."
“Let me set you right in that particular," in-
terrupted the surgeon gravely; "we must all die


THE SPY.
169
it is true, but it is permitted us to use the lights of
science in arresting dangers as they occur, until”-
“ We can die secundum artem,” interrupted
the trooper.
To this observation the physician did not deign
to make any reply, but deeming it necessary, in
order to support his dignity, that the conversation
should continue, he added
Perhaps, in this instance, judicious treatment
might have prolonged the life of the patient-who
administered to the case ?''
“No one yet," said the housekeeper, with quick-
ness; “ I expect he made his last will in the tes-
tament."
The surgeon disregarded the smile of the ladies,
and pursued his inquiries, by saying-
" It is doubtless wise to be ever prepared for
death. But under whose care was the sick man
during his indisposition ?"
“ Under mine," answered Katy, with an air of a
little importance; “ and care thrown away I may
well call it; for Harvey is quite too despiseable to
think any more nor that.”
There was a mutual ignorance of each other's
meaning, between the surgeon of horse and the
loquacious maiden, but it made very little inter-
ruption in their communications--both took a good
deal for granted, and Sitgreaves pursued his ques-
tions by asking-
" And how did you treat heim ?”
Why kindly, you may be certain,” said Katy
with spirit, and rather tartly.
“ The doctor means medically, madam,” said
Captain Lawton, with a face that would have ho-
nored the funeral of the deceased.
“ I doctor'd him mostly with yarbs," said the
housekeeper, smiling her consciousness of error.
“ With simples," returned the surgeon; "they
Vol. 1.
15


170
THE SPY.
are safer in the hands of the unlettered than more
powerful remedies—but why had you no regular
attendant ?"
66 I'm sure Harvey has suffered enough already
from having so much concerns with the rigʻlars,
without having one to wait on his father,” replied
the housekeeper; “ he has lost his all, and made
himself a vagabond through the land and I have
reason to rue the day I ever crossed the threshold
of his house."
“ Dr. Sitgreaves does not mean a rig’lar soldier,
but a regular physician, madam," said the trooper,
without moving a muscle.
“Oh!” cried the maiden, again correcting her-
self, with a smile, “ for the best of all reasons-
there was none to be had so I took care of him
myself. If there had been a doctor at hand I am
sure we would gladly have had him'; for my part,
I am clear for doctoring, though Harvey says I
am killing myself with medicines, but I am sure
it will make but little difference to him whether I
live or die."
Therein you
show
your sense,” said the sur-
geon, approaching to where the spinster sat hold-
ing the palms of her hands and the soles of her
feet to the genial heat of a fine fire, making the
most of comfort amid all her troubles ;.“ you ap-
pear to be a sensible, discreet woman, and some
who have had opportunities of acquiring more
correct views, might envy you your respect for
knowledge and the lights of science."
Although the housekeeper did not altogether
comprehend its meaning, she knew it was a com-
pliment, and as such was highly pleased with
the surgeon's observation; with increased ani-
mation, therefore, she cried, “ it was always
said of me, that I wanted nothing but oppor-
tunity to make quite a physician myself-so


THE SPY
171
long as before I came to live with Harvey's father,
they called me the bitch doctor.'
• More true than civil, I dare say," returned the
surgeon, losing sight of the woman's character in
his admiration of her respect for the healing art.
* In the absence of more enlightened counsellors,
the experience of a discreet matron is frequently
of great efficacy in checking the progress of dis-
ease in the human system; under such circum-
stances, madam, it is dreadful to have to contend
with ignorance and obstinacy."
“Bad enough, as I well know from experience,”
cried Katy in triumph ; “Harvey is as obstinate
about such things as a dumb beast; one would
think the care 1 took of his bed-ridden father,
might learn him better than to despise good nurs-
ing. But some day he may know what it is to
want a careful woman in his house, though now I am
sure he is too despiseable himself to have a house.”?
“Indeed, I can easily comprehend the mortifi-
cation you must have felt in having one so self-
willed to deal with,” returned the surgeon, glanc-
ing his eye reproachfully at his comrade; “ but you
should rise superior to such opinions, and pity the
ignorance by which they are engendered.'
The housekeeper hesitated a moment, at a loss
to comprehend all that the surgeon expressed, yet
she felt it was both complimentary and kind;
therefore, suppressing her natural flow of language
a little, she replied
“I tell Harvey his conduct is often despiseable,
and last night he made my words good ; but the
opinions of such unbelievers is not very conse-
quential; yet it is dreadful to think how he behaves
at times : now, when he threw away the needle"
" What !" said the surgeon, interrupting her,
“ does he affect to despise the needle ?»s* But it is
my lot to meet with men daily who are equally


172
THE SPY.
perverse, and who slow a still more culpable dis-
respect for the information that flows from the
lights of science."
The doctor turned his face towards Captain
Lawton while speaking, but the elevation of the
head, prevented his eye from resting on the grave
countenance maintained by the trooper. Katy
listened with the most profound attention, and ad-
ded
“Then Harvey is a disbeliever in the tides."
“Not believe in the tides !” repeated the healer
of bodies, in astonishment; “ does the man distrust
his senses--but perhaps it is the influence of the
moon that he doubts?",
“ That he does,” exclaimed Katy, shaking with
eager delight at meeting with a man of learning,
who could support her in her favorite opinions.
“ If you was to hear him talk, you would think be
didn't believe there was such a thing as a moon
at all."
“It is the misfortune of ignorance and incredua
lily, madam, that they increase themselves,” said.
the doctor, gravely. “The mind once rejecting
useful information, insensibly leans to superstition
and conclusions on the order of nature, that are
not less prejudicial to the cause of truth than they
are at variance with the first principles of human
knowledge.'
The spinster was too much awe-struck to ven-
ture an undigested reply to this speech, and the
surgeon, after pausing a moment in a kind of phi-
losophical disdain, continued
That any man in his senses can doubt of the
flux of the tides is more than I could have thought
possible ; yet obstinacy is a dangerous inmate to
harbor, and may lead us into any error, however
gross."
" You think then they have an affect on the
Aux ?" said the housekeeper, inquiringly.


THE SPY.
173
Miss Peyton rose with a slight smile, and beck-
oned her nieces to give her their assistance in the
adjoining pantry, while for a moment the dark
visage of the attentive Lawton was lighted by an
animation that vanished by an effort as powerful,
and as sudden, as the one that drew it into being.
After reflecting whether he rightly understood
the meaning of the other, the surgeon, making due
allowance for the love of Icarning, acting upon a
want of education, replied-
“ The moon, you mean-many philosophers
have doubted how far it affects the tides ; but I
think it is wilfully rejecting the lights of science
not to believe causes both the flux and reflux."
As reflux was a disorder the spinster was not ac-
quainted with, she thought it prudent to be silent
for a time; yet burning with curiosity to know
the meaning of certain portentous lights that the
other so often alluded to, she ventured to ask
“ If them lights he spoke of were what was call-
ed northern lights in these parts ?”'
In charity to her ignorance, the surgeon would
have entered into an elaborate explanation of his
meaning, had he not been interrupted by the
mirth of Lawton. The trooper had listened so
far with great composure ; but now he laughed
until his aching bones reminded him of his fall,
and the tears rolled over his cheeks in larger
drops than had ever been seen there before. At
length the offended physician seized an opportu-
nity to say-
“ To you, Captain Lawton, it may be a source
of triumph, that an uneducated woman should
make a mistake in a subject on which men of
science have long been at variance; but yet you
find this respectable matron does not reject the
lights--the lights-does not reject the use of pro-
15*


174
THE SPY.
1
66
per instruments in repairing injuries sustained by
the human frame. You may possibly remember,
sir, hér allusion to the use of the needle."
• Ay,” cried the delighted trooper, " to mend
the pedlar's breeches."
Katy drew up in evident displeasure at this al-
lusion to such familiarity between herself and the
nether garments of the trader, but prompt to vin-
dicate her character for more lofty acquirements,
said
66'Twas not a common use that I put that
needle to-but one of much greater virtue.”
“Explain yourself, madam," said the surgeon
impatiently, “ that this gentleman may see how
little reason he has for exultation."
Thus solicited, Katy paused to collect sufficient
eloquence with which to garnish ber narrative.
The substance of which was, that a child who had
been placed by the guardians of the poor in the
keeping of Harvey, bad, in the absence of its
master, injured itself badly in the foot by a large
needle. The offending instrument had been
carefully greased, wrapped in woollen, and placed
in a certain charmed nook of the chimney; while
the foot, from a fear of weakening the incantation,
was left in a state of nature. The arrival of the
pedlar had altered the whole of this admirable ar-
rangement, and the consequences were expressed
by Katy, as she concluded her narrative, by say-
ing-
*Twas no wonder the boy died of a lock-jaw.”'
Dr. Sitgreaves looked out of the window in ad-
miration of the brilliant morning-strove all he
could to avoid the basilisk eye of his comrade,
but in vain. He was impelled by a feeling that
he could not conquer, to look Captain Lawton in
the face. The trooper had arranged every mus-
cle of his coutenance in perfect accordance with


THE SPY,
175
due sympathy for the fate of the poor child; but
the exultation of his eyes cut the astounded man
of science to the quick: he muttered something
concerning the condition of his patients, and re-
treated with precipitation.
Miss Peyton entered into the situation of things
at the house of the pedlar, with all the interest of
her excellent feelings: she listened patiently while
Katy recounted more particularly the circum-
stances of the past night as they occurred. The
housekeeper did not forget to dwell on the magni-
tude of the pecuniary loss sustained by Harvey, and
in no manner spared her invectives at his betraying
a secret which might so easily have been kept.
For, Miss Peyton,” she continued, after a
pause of a moment to take breath, "I would have
given up life before I would have given up that
secret. At the most, they could only have killed
him, and now a body may say that they have slain
for this world, both soul and body; or what's the
same thing, they have made him a despiseable
vagabond. I wonder who he thinks would be his
wife, or who would keep his house. For my part,
my good name is too precious to be living with a
lone man; though, for the matter of that, he is
never there. I am resolved to tell him this day, that
stay there a single woman I will not an hour after
the funeral--and marry him I don't think I will-
unless he becomes steadier, and more of a home-
body."
The mild mistress of the Locusts suffered the
exuberance of the housekeeper's animation to ex-
pend itself, and then, by one or two judicious
questions, that denoted a more intimate knowledge
of the windings of the human heart in matters of
Cupid; than might fairly be supposed to belong to
å spinster, she extracted enough from Katy to dis-
cover the improbability of Harvey's ever presum-


176
THE SPY.
ing to offer himself, with his broken fortunes, lo
the acceptance of Miss Katharine Haynes. She,
therefore, mentioned her own want of assistance
in the present stale of her household, and expres-
sed a wish thai katy would change her residence
to the Locists, ita case the pedlar had not farther
use for her services. After a few preliminary
conditions on the part of the wary housekeeper,
she concluded the arrangement; and making a few
more piteous lamentations on the weight of her
own losses, the stupidity of Harvey, and united
with some curiosity to know the future fate of the
pedlar, Katy withdrew to make certain prepara-
tions for the approaching funeral, which was to
take place that day.
During the interview between the maidens Law-
ton, through delicacy, had withdrawn. Anxiety
took him to the room of Captain Singleton.
The character of this youth, it has already been
shown, endeared him in a peculiar manner to
every officer in the corps. The singularly mild
deportment of the young dragoon had, on so many
occasions, been proved not to proceed from want
of manly resolution, that his almost feminine soft-
ness of manner and appearance, had failed to bring
him into disrepute even among a band of partizan
warriors.
To the major he was as dear as a brother, and
his easy submission to the directions of his sur-
geon had made him a marked favorite with Dr.
Šitgreaves. The rough usage this corps often re-
ceived in their daring attacks, had brought each
of its officers in succession under the temporary
keeping of its surgeon. To Captain Singleton
the man of science had decreed the palm on such
occasions, and Captain Lawton he had fairly
black-balled. He frequently declared, with un-
conquerable simplicity and earnestness of manner,


THE SPY.
177
to his assembled comrades, that it gave him more
pleasure to see the former brought in wounded
than any officer in the squadron, and that the lat-
ter afforded him the least-a compliment and con-
demnation that was received by the first of the
parties with a quiet smile of good nature, and by
the last with a grave bow of thanks. On the pre-
sent occasion, the mortified surgeon and exuiting
trooper met in the room of Captain Singleton, as a
place where they could act on common ground.
Some time was occupied in joint attentions to the
comfort of the wounded efficer, and the doctor re-
tired to an apartment prepared for his own accom-
modation; here, within a few minutes, he was sur-
prized by the entrance of Lawton. The triumph
of the trooper had been so complete, that he felt
he could afford to be generous, and commencing
by voluntarily throwing aside his coat, the captain
cried, carelessly-
“Come, Sitgreaves, administer a little of the
aid of the lights of science to my body, if you
please."
The surgeon was beginning to feel this was a
subject that was intolerable, but venturing his first
glance towards his comrade, he saw with surprize
the preparations he had made, and an air of sin-
cerity about him that was unusual to his manner
when making such a request. Changing his in-
tended burst of resentment to a tone of civil inqui-
ry, he said
“Does Captain Lawton want any thing at my
hands ?"
“Look for yourself, my dear Sit.” said the
trooper, mildly; "here seem to be most of the
colors of the rainbow on this shoulder of mine."
Indeed
you have reason for saying so,” said
the other, handling the part with great tenderness


178
THE SPI.
and consummate skill; “but happily nothing is
broken. It is wonderful bow well you escaped."
“Oh! I have been a tumbler from my youth,
and I am past minding a few falls from a horse ;
but, Sitgreaves," he added with affection, and
pointing to a scar on his body, “ do you remember
this bit of work ?"
“Perfectly well, Jack,” replied the doctor with
a smile, “it was bravely obtained, and neatly ex-
tracted; but don't you think I had better apply an
oil to these bruises ?'
“Certainly," said Lawton, with unexpected
condescension.
“Now, my dear boy,” cried the doctor, exult-
ingly, as he busied himself in applying the remedy
to the hurts, “do you not think it would have
been better to have done all this last night ???
“Quite probably,” returned the other, compla-
cently.
“Yes, Jack, but if you had let me perform the
operation of phlebotomy when I first saw you, it
would have been of infinite service."
“ No phlebotomy,” said the other, positively.
“ It is now too late," replied the dejected sur-
geon; " but a dose of oil would carry off the hu-
mors famously."
To this the captain made no reply, but grated
his teeth in a way that showed the fortress of his
mouth was not to be assailed without a resolute
resistance, and the experienced physician changed
the subject by saying--
“ It is a pity, John, that you did not catch the
raseal, after the danger and trouble you incur-
red."
The captain of dragoons made no reply; and,
while placing some bandages on the wounded
shoulder, the surgeon continued--
“If I have any wish at all to destroy human life,
4


THE SPY.
179
it is to have the pleasure of seeing that traitor
hung.”
“ I thought your business was to cure, and not
to slay,” said the trooper drily.
“ Ay! but he has caused us such heavy losses
by his information, that I sometimes feel a very
unchristian temper towards that spy:
“ You should not encourage such feelings of
animosity to any of your fellow creatures, re-
turned Lawton, in a tone that caused the opera-
tor to drop a pin he was arranging in the banda-
ges, from his hand. He looked the patient in the
face to remove all doubts of his identity, and find-
ing, however, it was his old comrade, Captain
John Lawton, who had spoken, he rallied his as-
tonished faculties, and proceeded by saying-
“Your doctrine is just, and in general I sub-
scribe to it. But, John, my dear fellow, is the
bandage easy?"
"Quite."
I
agree
with you as a whole; but as mat-
ter is infinitely divisible, so no case exists without
an exception. Lawton, don't you-do you-feel®
• Very."
" It is not only cruel to the sufferer, but some.
times unjust to others, to take human life where a
less punishment would answer the purpose. Now,
Jack, if you were only--move your arm a little
if
you were only--I hope you feel easier, my dear
friend ?"
" Much."
If, my dear John, you would teach your mes
to cut with more discretion, it would answer you
the same purpose--and give me great pleasure."
The doctor drew a heavy sigh, as he was 2!12-
bled to get rid of what was nearest to his heart;
66 Yes,
easy ?"


180
THE SPY.
and the dragoon coolly replaced his coat, saying
with great deliberation, as he retired--
“ I know nó troop that cut more judiciously-
they generally shave from the crown to the jaw."
The disappointed operator collected his instru.
ments, and with a heavy heart, proceeded to pay
a visit to the room of Colonel Wellmere.


THE SPY
18
CHAPTER XII.
.
This fairy form contains a soul as mighty
As that which lives within a giant's frames
These slender limbs, that tremble like the appen
At summer evening's sigh, uphold a spirit,
Which rous'd, can tower to the height of heaven,
And light those shining windows of the face
With much of heaven's own radiance.
Duo.
The number and character of her guests had
greatly added to the cares of Miss Jeanette Pey-
ton. . The morning had found them all restored,
in some measure, to their former ease of body,
with the exception of the youthful captain of dra-
goous, who had been so deeply regretted by Dun-
woodie. The wound of this officer was severe,
though the surgeon persevered in saying that it
was without danger. His comrade, we have
shown, had deserted his couch; and Henry Whar-
ton awoke from a sleep that had been undisturbed
by any thing but a dream of suffering amputation
under the hands of a surgical novice. As it
proved, however, to be nothing but a dream, the
youth found himself much refreshed by his slum-
bers, and Dr. Sitgreaves removed all further
apprehensions, by confidently pronouncing him a
well man within a fortnight.
During all this time Colonel Wellmere had not
made his appearance; he breakfasted in his own
room, and, notwithstanding certain signiticant
smiles of the man of science, declared himself too
much injured to rise from his bed. Leaving him
VOL. 1.
16


182
THE SPY.
therefore, endeavouring to conceal his chagrin in
the solitude of his chamber, the surgeon proceeded
to the more grateful task of sitting an hour by the
bedside of George Singleton. A slight flush was on
the face of the patient as the doctor entered the
room, and he advanced promptly and laid his fin-
gers on the pulse of the youth, beckoning bim to
be silent, while he filled the vacuum in the dis-
course, by saying-
Growing symptoms of a febrile pulse-no-
no, my dear George, you must remain quiet and
dumb; though your eyes look better, and your
skin has even a moisture.'
Nay, my dear Sitgreaves," said the youtb
taking his hand, “tou see there is no fever about
me-look, is there any of Jack Lawton's hoar-
frost on my tongue ?"
“ No, indeed," said the surgeon, clapping a
spoon in the mouth of the other, forcing it open,
and looking down his throat as if he was disposed
to visit his interior in person ; “ your tongue is
well, and your pulse begins to lower again. Ah!
the bleeding did you good. Phlebotomy is a sove-
reign specific for southern constitutions. But
that mad.cap Lawton obstinately refused to be
blooded for a fall he had from his horse last
night. Why, George, your case is becoming
singular," continued the doctor, instinctively
throwing aside his wig; your pulse even and soft,
your skin moist, but your eye fiery, and cheek
flushed. Oh! I must examine more closely into
these symptoms."
Softly, my good friend, softly,” said the
youth, falling back on his pillow, and losing some
of that color wbich'alarmed his companion; “I
believe in extracting the ball you did for me all
that is required. I am free from pain, and only
weak, I do assure you."


THE SPY.
185
* Captain Singleton," said the surgeon with
heat, “it is presumptuous in you to pretend to tell
your medical attendant when you are free from
pain; if it be not to enable us to decide in such
matters, of what avail the lights of science? For
shame, George, for skame; even that perverse
fellow, John Lawton, could not behave with more
obstinacy."
His patient smiled as he gently repulsed his
physician in an attempt to undo the bandages,
and with a returning glow to his cheeks, inquir-
ed-
“ Do, Archibald," a term of endearment that
seldom failed to soften the operator's heart," tell
me what spirit from heaven bas been gliding
around my apartment, while I lay pretending to
sleep, but a few minutes before you entered."
any one interferes with my patients, cried
the doctor, hastily, “ I will teach them, spirit or
no spirit, what it is to meddle with another man's
concerns."
“Tut-my dear fellow," replied the wounded
man with a faint smile, “there was no interfe-
rence made, nor any intended; see,” exhibiting
the bandages, “every thing is as you left it-but
it glided about the room with the grace of a fairy,
and the tenderness of an angel."
The surgeon, having satisfied himself that every
thing was as he had left it, very deliberately resum-
ed his seat and replaced his wig, as he inquired,
with a brevity that would have honored Lieutenant
Mason
“Had it petticoats, George ?"
"I saw nothing but its heavenly eyes--its bloom
-its majestic step-its grace;" replied the young
man, with rather more ardor than his surgeon
thought consistent with his debilitated condition,


184
THE SPY
and he laid his hand on his mouth, to stop him
saying himself
" It must have been Miss Jeanette Peyton-a
lady of fine accomplishments, with-with-hem-
with something of the kind of step you speak of
a very complacent eye; and as to the bloom, I
dare say offices of charity can summon as fine a
color to her cheeks, as glows in the faces of her
more youthful nieces."
“ Nieces !” said the invalid ; " has she nieces
then? Oh! the angel I saw may be a daughter, a
sister, or a niece, but never an aunt."!
Hush, George, hush, your talking has brought
your pulse up again ; you must observe quiet,
and prepare for a meeting with your own sister,
who will be here within an hour."
" What, Isabella! and who sent for her ?”'
“ The major, said the surgeon, drily.
“ Kind, considerate Dunwoodie," murmured
the exhausted youth, sinking again on his pillow;
where the commands of his attendant compelled
him to continue in silence.
Even Captain Lawton had been received with
many and courteous inquiries after the state of his
health, from all the members of the family when
he made his morning entrance; but an invisible
spirit presided over the comforts of the English
colonel. Sarah had shrunk with retiring delicacy
from entering the room ; yet she knew the posi-
tion of every glass, and had, with her own hands,
supplied the contents of every bowl, that stood on
his well furnished table.
At the time of which we write we were a di-
vided people, and Sarah thought it was no more
than her right to cherish the institutions of that
country to which she yet clung as the land of her
forefathers: but there were other, and more co-
gent reasons for the silent preference she was


THE SPY.
185
giving to the Englishman. His image had first
filled the void in her youthful fancy, and it was an
image that was distinguished by many of those
attractions that can enchain a female heart. It is
true, he wanted the graceful and lofty stature of
Peyton Dunwoodie, his commanding brow, his
speaking eye, and his clear and comprehensive
diction, but his skin was fair, his cheeks colored,
and his teeth no less white than those which shone
in the fascinating smile of the young Virginian.
Sarah had moved round the house during the
morning, casting frequent and longing glances at
the door of Wellmere's apartment, anxious to
learn the condition of his wounds, and yet ashamed
to inquire : conscious interest kept her tongue tied,
until her sister, with the frankness of innocence,
had put the desired question to Dr. Sitgreaves.
- Colonel Wellmere,” said the operator grave-
ly," is in what I call a state of free-will, madam.
He is ill, or he is well, as he pleases ; his case,
young lady, exceeds my art to heal; and I take it,
Sir Henry Clinton is the best adviser he can apa
ply to: though Major Dunwoodie has made the
communication with his leech rather difficult."
Frances smiled archly, but averted her face to
do so, while Sarah moved baughtily, and with the
stately grace of an offended Juno, from the apart-
ment. Her own room, however, afforded her but
little to relieve her thoughts, and in passing through
the long gallery that communicated with each of
the chambers of the building, she noticed the door
of Singleton's room to be open. The wounded
youth seemed sleeping, and was alone. Sarah
ventured lightly into the apartment, and busied
herself for a few minutes in arranging the tables,
and nourishment provided for the patient, hardly
conscious of what she was doing, and possibly
dreaming that it was done for another. The na-
16*


186
THE SPY.
but he leaves his room,
tural bloom of her cheek was heightened by thre
insinuation of the surgeon, and the lustre of her
eye was by no means diminished from the same
cause. The sound of the approaching footsteps
of Sitgreaves had hastened her retreat through
another door, and down a private stair-way to the
side of her sister.. Together they sought the fresh
air on the piazza to the cottage, and they pursued
their walk arm in arın, holding the following dia-
logue-
“There is something disagreeable about this
surgeon, Dunwoodie has honored us with,” said
Sarah, “ that causes me to wish him away, most
heartily.”
Frances fixed her laughing eyes on her sister,
who, meeting their playful glance as they turned
in their walk, blushed yet deeper than before as
she added hastily ; “ but I forget he is one of this
renowned corps of Virginians, and as such must be
spoken reverently of.»;
“ As respectfully as you please, my dear sister,"
returned Frances mildly; there is but little dan-
ger
of
your exceeding the truth."
“Not in your opinion," said the elder with a
little warmth; "but I think Mr. Dunwoodie has
taken a liberty that exceeds the rights of consan-
guinity; he has made our father's house an hos-
“ We ought to be grateful,” replied the younger
in a low voice, “ that none of the patients it con-
tains are dearer to us."
“ Your brother is one,” said Sarah laconically,
" True, true," interrupted Frances hastily, and
and thinks his wound lightly purchased by the
pleasure of being with his friends--if," she added
with a tremulous lip," this dreadful suspicion that
pital.


THE SPL.
187
is affixed to his visit were removed, I could feel
his wound as nothing."
" You now have the fruits of rebellion brought
home to you," said Sarah, moving across the piaz-
za with something more than her ordinary state,
liness; "a brother wounded and a prisoner, and
perhaps a victim; your father distressed, his pri-
vacy interrupted, and not improbably his estates
torn from him on account of his loyalty to his
king.”
Frances continued her walk in silence. While
facing the northern entrance to the vale, her eye
was uniformly fastened on the point where the
road was suddenly lost by the intervention of a
hill; and at each turn, as she lost sight of the
spot, she lingered until an impatient movement of
her sister quickened her pace to an even motion
with that of the other. At length, a single horse
chaise was seen making its way carefully among
the stones which lay scattered over the country
road that wound through the valley, and approach-
ed the cottage. Frances lost her brilliancy of
color as the vehicle gradually drew nigher, and
when she was enabled to see a female form in it
by the side of a liveried black who held the reins,
her limbs shook with an agitation that compelled
her to lean on Sarah for support. In a few mi-
nutes the travellers approached the gate, and it
was thrown open by a dragoon who had followed
the carriage, and who had been the messenger
despatched by Dunwoodie to the father of Cap-
tain Singleton. Miss Peyton advanced to receive
their guest, and the sisters united in giving her the
kindest welcome ; still Frances could with diffi-
culty withdraw her truant eyes from reading the
countenance of the visitor. She was young, of a
light and fragile form, yet of exquisite proportions;
but it was in her eye that her greatest charm es.


188
THE SPY.
ness.
1
isted; it was large, full, black, piercing, and at
times a little wild. Her hair was luxuriant, and
without the powder it was then the fashion to
wear, but shone in its own, glossy, raven black-
A few of its locks had fallen on her cheek,
giving its chilling whiteness by the contrast yet a
more deadly character. Dr. Sitgreaves supported
her from the chaise, and when she gained the floor
of the piazza, she turned her expressive eye on the
face of the practitioner in silence ; but it spoke
all that she wished to say
" Your brother is out of danger, and wishes te
see you, Miss Singleton," said the surgeon in re-
ply to her look.
For an instant the lady clasped her hands with
energy, rolled her dark eyes to heaven, while é
slight flush, like the last reflected tinge of the set-
ting sun, beamed on her features, and she
gave
vent to her feelings in a flood of tears. Frances
had stood contemplating the action and face of
Isabella with a kind of uneasy admiration, but she
now sprang to her side with the ardor of a sister,
and kindly drawing her arm in her own, led the
way to a retired room. The movement was so
ingenuous, so considerate, and so delicate, that
even Miss Peyton withheld her interferenre, fol-
lowing the youthful pair with only her eyes and a
smile of complacency. The feeling was commu-
nicated to all the spectators, and they dispersed
in pursuit of their usual avocations. Isabella
yielded to the gentle influence of Frances without
resistance, and having gained the room where the
latter conducted her, wept in silence on the shoul-
der of the observant and soothing maider, until
Frances thought her tears exceeded the emotion
natural to the occasion. The sobs of Miss Sin-
gleton for a time were violent and uncontrolable,
until with an evident exertion she yielded to a


190
THE SPY.
1
led the anxious Frances, who studied her move-
ments with intensity of interest, as forcibly as the
moment before it had attracted her; while the
sister answered with a trembling emotion-
66 Dunwoodie! is he then not here? with me
he has not been : I thought to have met him by the
side of my brother's bed."
“ He has duties that require his presence else-
where; yes, these English are said to be out by
the way of the Hudson, and give the light troops
but little rest,” said the brother musing; surely
nothing else could have kept him so long from a
wounded friend; but, Isabella, the meeting has
been too much for you; you tremble like an as-
pen.”
Isabella made no reply, but stretched forth her
hand towards the table which held the nourish-
ment of the captain, and the attentive Frances
comprehended her wishes in a moment; a glass
of water in some measure revived the sister, who,
smiling faintly, was enabled to say—
“ Doubtless it is his duty. 'Twas said above, a
royal party was moving on the river; though I
passed the troops but a short two miles from this
spot." The latter part of the sentence was hard.
ly audible, and spoken more in the
manner of
soliloquy than as if intended for the ears of her
companions.
“On the march, Isabella ?” eagerly inquired
her brother.
No, dismounted, and seemingly at rest,” was
the reply, in the same abstracted manner as be-
fore.
The wondering brother turned his gaze on the
countenance of his sister, who sat with her full,
black eye bent on the carpet in unconscious ab-
seuce, but found no explai:ation. His look was
changed to the face of Frances, who, startling with
a


THE SPY.
191
66
.
the earnestness of his expression, arose, and has-
tily inquired if he would have any assistance.
If, madam, you can pardon the rudeness,
said the wounded officer, making a feeble effort
to raise his body, “ I would request to have Cap-
tain Lawton's company for a moment."
Frances hastened instantly to communicate his
wish to that gentleman, and impelled by an anx-
ious interest she could not control, returned again
to her seat by the side of Miss Singleton.
Lawton," said the youth impatiently as the
trooper entered, “hear you from the major ?":
The
eye
of the sister was now bent on the face
of the trooper, who made his salutations to the
lady with the ease of a gentleman, blended with
the frankness of a soldier, and answered
“ His man has been here twice to inquire how
we fared in the Lazaretto.".
“ And why not himself?” said the other quick-
ly.
“ Ah! that is a question the major can answer
best himself,” returned the dragoon, drily; "but
you know the red coats are abroad, and Dun-
woodie commands in the county ; these English
must be looked to."
True," said Singleton, slowly, as if struck
with the other's reasons ; but how is it that you
are idle when there is work to do ?"
My sword arm is not in the best condition,
and Roanoke has a dreadful shambling gait this
morning,” said the trooper with a shrug; “be-
sides there is another reason I could mention, if
it were not that Miss Wharton would never for-
give me.”
“ Speak, I beg, sir, without dread of my dis-
pleasure,” said Frances, withdrawing her eyes from
the countenance of Miss Singleton, and returning


192
THE SPY.
the good-humoured smile of the trooper with the
natural archness of her own lovely face.
“The odors of your kitchen, then," cried Law-
ton bluntly, “ forbid my quitting the domains, un-
til I qualify myself to speak with more certainty
concerning the fatness of the land."
“ Oh! aunt Jeannette is exerting herself to do
credit to my father's hospitality,” said the laugh-
ing maid, " and I am a truant from her labors, as
I shall be a stranger to her favor unless ) proffer
my assistance."
After making a proper apology to the stranger,
Frances withdrew to seek her aunt, musing deep-
ly on the character and extreme sensibility of the
new acquaintance chance had brought to the cot-
tage.
The wounded officer followed her with his eyes,
as her lovely figure moved with infantile grace
through the door of his apartment, and as she va-
nished from bis view, observed
" Such an aunt and niece are seldom to be met
with, Jack; this seems a fairy, but the aunt is an-
gelic.”
Ah! George, you are doing well I see,” said
the trooper; “ your enthusiasm holds its own."
“ I should be ungrateful as well as insensible
did I not bear testimony to the loveliness of Miss
Peyton.”
66 A good motherly lady,” said the dragoon,
drily; - but as to love you know that is a matter
of taste. I think a few years younger, with de-
ference to the sex," bowing to Miss Singleton,
66 would accord better with my fancy."
“She must be under twenty," said the other
quickly.
“Oh, doubtless, about nineteen,” said Lawton
with extreme gravity; " yet she looks a trifle
older."


THE SPY.
193
" You have mistaken ari elder sister for the
aunt,” said Isabella, laying her fair hand on
the mouth of the invalid; “ but you must be si-
lent; your feelings are beginning to affect
your
frame.
The entrance of Doctor Sitgreaves, who, in
some alarm, noticed the increase of feverish
symp-
toms in his patient, enforced this mandate; and
the trooper withdrew to pay a visit of condolence
to Roanoke, who had been an equal sufferer with
himself in their last night's somerset. To his
great joy his man pronounced the steed to be
equally convalescent with the master; and Law-
ton found, that by dint of rubbing the animal's
limbs several hours without ceasing, he was en.
abled to place his feet in what he called syste-
matic motion. Orders were accordingly given to
be in readiness to prepare to rejoin the troop at the
Four Corners, so soon as the captain had shared in
the bounty of the approaching banquet.
In the mean time, Henry Wharton had entered
the apartment of Wellmere, and by his sympa,
thetic feelings on account of a defeat in which
they had been alike unfortunate, suceeded great-
ly in restoring the colonel to his own good graces;
he was consequently enabled to rise and prepare
to meet a rival of whom he had spoken so lightly,
and, as the result had proved, with so little rea-
son.
Wharton knew this misfortune, as it was
termed by both, was owing to the other's rash-
ness ;
but he forbore to speak of any thing ex-
cept the unfortunate accident which had deprived
the English of their leader, and their consequent
defeat.
“In short, Wharton," said the colonel, putting
one leg out of bed, " it may be called a combina-
tion of untoward events; your own ungovernable
Vol. 1.


194
THE SPY
horse prevented my orders from being carried to
the major, in season to flank the rebels."
“Very true," replied the captain, kicking a slip-
per towards the bed ; “ had we succeeded
in get-
ting a few good fires upon them in flank, we should
have sent these brave Virginians to the right
about."
“Ay! and that in double quick time," cried the
colonel with very considerable animation, making
the other leg follow its companion; "then it was
necessary to rout the guides, you know, and the
movement gave them the best possible opportuni-
ty to charge.”
“ Yes," said the other, sending the second slip-
per after the first, “and that Dunwoodie never
overlooks an advantage."
“I think if we had the thing to do over again,"
continued the colonel, raising himself on his feet,
we might alter the case very materially, though
the chief thing the rebels have now to boast of is
my capture ; they were repulsed you saw, in their
attempt to drive us from the wood."
“At least they would have been, had they made
an attack," said the captain, throwing his clothes
within reach of the colonel.
“Ay! why that, you know, is the same thing,"
returned Wellmere, dressing himself; “to assume
such an attitude as to intimidate your enemy
is
the chief art of war."
“ Doubtless,” said the captain, entering him-
self a little into the proud feelings of a soldier;
“then you may remember in one charge they were
completely routed."
“ True-true,” cried the colonel with anima-
tion; " had I been there to have improved that
advantage we might have turned the table com-
pletely on the yankees;” in saying which he
completed his toilette, and was prepared to make


THE SPY.
195
kis appearance, fully restored to his own good
opinion, and fairly persuaded that his capture was
owing to casualties absolutely without the control
of man.
The knowledge that Colonel Wellmere was to
be a partaker in the feast in no degree diminished
the preparations which were already making for
that important event; and Sarah, after receiving
the compliments of the gentleman, and making,
with blushing cheeks, many kind inquiries after
the state of his wounds, proceeded in person to
lend her aid in embellishing that, which would now
be of additional interest.


196
THE SPY,
CHAPTER XIII.
I will stand to and feed,
Although my last: no matter, since I feel
The best is past :--Brother, my Lord the Duke,
Stand to, and đo as we
Tempést.
The savour of preparation which had been no-
ticed by Captain Lawton, began to increase vast-
ly within the walls of the Cottage-Certain sweet
smelling odors, that rose from the subterraneous
territories of Cæsar, gave to the trooper the most
pleasing assurance, that his olfactory nerves, which
on such occasions were as acute as his eyes on
others, had faithfully performed their duty; and
for the benefit of enjoying the passing sweets as
they arose, the dragoon so placed himself at a win-
dow of the building, that not a vapour, charged
with the spices of the east, could exhale on its
passage to the clouds, without first giving its
incense, by way of tribute, to his nose. Law
ton, however, by no means indulged himself in
this comfortable arrangement without first making
such preparations, to do meet honor to the feast,
as his scanty wardrobe would allow. The uni-
form of bis corps was always a passport to the
proudest tables, and this, though somewhat tar-
nished by faithful service and unceremonious
usage, was properly brushed and decked out for
the occasion. His head, which nature had mark-
ed with the blackness of a crow, now shone with
the spotless whiteness of the dove ; and his hand,


THE SPY.
197
that so well became, by its bony and gigantic frame,
the sabre it wielded so indiscreetly, peered from
beneath a ruffle with something like maiden deli-
cacy. . The improvements of the dragoon went
no farther, excepting that his boots shone with
more than holiday splendor, and his spurs glitter-
ed in the rays of the sun like worthy offspring of
the hills of Potosi.
Cæsar moved through the apartments with a
face charged with an importance, vastly exceed-
ing that which had accompanied him in his melan-
choly task of the morning. The black had early
returned from the message on which he had been
despatched by the pedlar, and obedient to the
commands of his mistress, promptly appeared to
give his services, where his allegiance was due-
so serious, indeed, was his duty now becoming
that it was only by odd moments he was enabled
to impart to his sable brother, who had been sent
in attendance on Miss Singleton to the Locusts,
any portion of the wonderful incidents of the mo-
mentous night he had so lately passed through.
By ingeniously using, however, such moments as
might be fairly thought his own, Cæsar communi-
cated so many of the heads of his tale, as served
to open the eyes of his visitor to a width that
justly entitled them to the significant appellative
of saucer.
Indeed, to such a state of amaze-
ment had the gusto for the marvellous conducted
the sable worthies, that Miss Peyton found it ne-
cessary to interpose her authority, in order to
postpone the residue of the history to a more be-
fitting opportunity.
“Ah! Miss Jin’nett,” said Cæsar'shaking his
head, and looking all that he expressed, “twas
awful to see Johnny Birch walk on a feet, when
he lie dead."
This concluded the conversation for the present,
17*


198
THE SPY.
though the black promised himself, and actually
put in execution his intention of having many a
good gossip on the solemn subject hereafter.
The ghost thus happily laid, the department of
Miss Peyton throve with additional success, and
by the time the afternoon's sun had travelled a
two hours journey from the meridian, the formal
procession from the kitchen to the parlor com-
menced under the auspices of Cæsar, who led the
van, supporting a turkey on the palms of his with-
ered hands with the dexterity of a balance mas-
ter.
Next followed the servant of Captain Lawton,
bearing, as he marched stiffly and walking wide,
as if allowing room for his steed, a ham of true
Virginian flavor ;-being a present from the spin-
ster's wealthy brother in Accomać. The sup-
porter of this savory dish kept his eye on his trust
with military precision, and by the time he reach-
ed his destination it might be difficult to say which
contained the most juice, his mouth or the Acco-
mac bacon.
Third in the line was to be seen the valet of
Colonel Wellmere, who carried in either hand
chickens fricassied, and oyster pattys.
After him marched the attendant of Dr. Sit-
greaves, who had instinctively seized an enor-
mous tureen, as most resembling matters he un-
derstood ; and followed on in place, until the
steams of the soup so completely bedimmed the
spectacles he wore as a badge of office, that on
arriving at the scene of action, he was compelled
to deposite his freight on the floor until, by re-
moving the glasses, he could see his way through
the piles of reserved china and plate-warmers in-
safety.
Next followed another trooper, whose duty it
was to attend on Captain Singleton ; and as if ap-


The SPY.
199
portioning his appetite to the feeble state of his
master, he had contented himself with conveying
a pair of ducks, roasted until their tempting fra-
grance began to make him repent his demolishing
80 lately, a breakfast that had been provided for bis
master's sister, with another prepared for himself.
The white boy who belonged to the house
brought up the rear, groaning under the load of
sundry dishes of vegetables that the cook, by way
of climax, had unwittingly heaped on him.
But this was far from all of the preparations for
that day's feast. Cæsar no sooner deposited his
bird, which but the week before had been flying
amongst the highlands of Duchess, little dreaming
of so soon heading such a goodly assemblage, than
he turned mechanically on his heel, and took
up
his
line of march again for the kitchen. In this evolu-
tion the black was imitated by his companions in
succession, and another procession to the parlor
followed in the same order. By this admirable
arrangement, whele flocks of pigeons, certain be-
vys of quails, shoals of fat-fish, bass, and sundry
wood-cock, found their way into the presence of
the company above stairs.
A third attack brought suitable quantities of po-
tatoes, onions, beets, cold-slaw, rice, and all the
other minutiæ of a goodly dinner; and for a time
this completed the preparations.
The board now fairly groaned with American
profusion, and Cæsar, glancing his eye over the
show with a most approving conscience, after
moving every dish that had not been placed on the
table with his own hands, proceeded to acquaint
the mistress of the revels, that his task was happily
accomplished.
Some half hour before the martial array we
have just recorded took place, all the ladies had
disappeared, much in the same unaccountable


200
TIIE SPY.
manner that swallows flee the approach of winter.
But the spring-time of their return had arrived,
and the whole party were collected in an apart-
ment that, in consequence of its containing no
side table, and being furnished with a chintz-cover-
ed settee, was termed a withdrawing room.
The kind-hearted spinster had deemed the oc-
casion worthy, not only of extraordinary prepara-
tions in the culinary department, but had seen pro-
per to deck her own person in garments suited to
the guests it was now her happiness to entertain.
On her head Miss Peyton wore a cap of exqui-
site lawn, which was ornamented in front with a
broad border of lace, that spread from the face in
such a manner as to admit of a display of artificial
flowers, clustered in a tasteful group on the sum-
mit of her fine forehead.
The color of her hair was lost in the profusion
of powder with which it was covered; but a slight
curling of the extremities in some degree relieved
the formality of its starched arrangement, and gave
a look of feminine softness to the features.
Her dress was a rich, heavy silk of violet color,
cut low around the bust, with a stomacher of the
same materials, that fitted close to the figure, and
exbibited the form, from the shoulders to the waist,
in its true proportions : below, the dress was full,
and sufficiently showed, that parsimony in attire
was not a foible of the day. A small hoop dis-
played the beauty of the fabric to advantage, and
aided in giving majesty to the figure.
The tall stature of the spinster was heightened
by shoes of the same material with the dress,
whose heels added more than an inch to the libe-
rality of nature.
The sleeves were short and close to the limb,
until they fell off at the elbows in large ruffles, that
hung in rich profusion from the arm when ex-


THE SPI.
201
tended ; and duplicates and triplicates of lawn,
trimmed with Dresden lace, leut their aid in giy-
ing delicacy to a hand and arm that yet retained
their whiteness and symmetry.
A treble row of
large pearl closely encircled her throat, and a hand-
kerchief of lace partially concealed that part of
the person that the silk had left exposed, but wbich
the experience of forty years had warned Miss
Peyton should now be veiled.
Thus attired, and standing erect with the lofty
grace that distinguished the manners of that day,
the spinster would have looked into atoms a bevy
of modern belles.
The taste of Sarah had kept even pace with
the decorations of her aunt; and a dress, differ-
ing in no respect from the one just described, but
in material and tints, exhibited her imposing form
to equal advantage.
The satin of her robe was
of a pale blush color. Twenty years did not,
however, require the skreen that was prudent in
forty, and nothing but an envious border of exqui-
site lace hid, in some measure, what the satin left
exposed to the view. The upper part of the bust
and fine fall of the shoulders were blazing in all
their native beauty, and like the aunt, the throat
was ornamented by a treble row of pearl, to cor-
respond with which were rings of the same jewel
in the ears.
The head was without a cap, and
the hair drawn up from the countenance so as to
give to the eye all the loveliness of a forehead as
polished as marble and as white as snow. A few
straggling curls fell gracefully in the neck, and a
bouquet of artificial flowers was also placed, like a
coronet, over her commanding brow.
Miss Singleton had yielded her brother to the
advice of Dr. Sitgreaves, who had succeeded in
getting his patient in a deep sleep after quieting
certain feverish symptoms that followed the agi-


202
THL Sry.
tation of the interview related. The sister was
persuaded by the observant mistress of the man-
sion to make one of the party, and sat by the side
of Sarah ; differing but little in appearance from
that lady, except in refusing the use of powder on
her raven locks, and that her unusually high fore-
head and large and brilliant eye gave an ex-
pression of thoughtfulness to her features, that
was possibly heightened by the paleness of her
cheek.
Last and least, but not the most unlovely in this
display of female charms, was the youngest daugh-
ter of Mr. Wharton. Frances, we have already
mentioned, left the city before she had attained to
the
age of fashionable womanhood. A few ad-
venturous spirits were already beginning to make
inroads in the barrier which custom had so long
drawn around the comforts of the fair sex; and
the maid had so far ventured in imitation, as to
trust her beauty to the height which nature had
given her. This was but little, but that little was
a master-piece. Frances several times had deter-
mined, in the course of the morning, to bestow
more than usual pains in the decoration of her
person. Each time in succession, as she formed
this resolution, she spent a few minutes in looking
earnestly towards the north, and then she as inva-
riably changed it.
At the appointed hour, the maid appeared in the
drawing room, clothed in a vestment of pale blue
silk, of a cut and fashion much like that worn by her
sister. Herhair was left to the wild curls of nature,
its exuberance being confined to the crown of her
head by a long low comb, made of light tortoise
shell; a color barely distinguishable in the golden
hue of her tresses. Her dress was without a plait
or a wrinkle, and fitted the form with an exacti-
tude that might lead one to imagine the arch giel


THE SPI.
203
more than suspected the beauties it displayed. A
tucker of rich Dresden lace softened the contour
of the figure. Her head was without ornament;
but around her throat was a necklace of gold
clasped in front with a rich cornelian.
Dr. Sitgreaves was a mineralogiet among his
other qualities, and during the day he ventured a
remark on the beauty of the stone; and for a long
time the simple operator was at a loss to conjec-
ture what there was in the observation to call the
blood so tumultuously to the face of the maiden.
His surprise might haply have continued to the
hour of his death, had not Lawton kindly inti-
mated that it was indignation at his overlooking
the object on which the bauble reposed. The gloves
of kid which concealed the hands and part of the
arm, leaving enough of the latter in sight, how-
ever, to proclaim its fair proportions, indicated
that their was no one present to tempt the flatter-
ing, and perhaps unconscious display, of womanly
power.
Once, and once only, as they moved towards
the repast prepared with so much judgment and
skill by Cæsar, did Lawton see a foot thrust itself
from beneath the folds of her robe, and exhibit
its little beauties encased in a slipper of blue silk,
clasped close to the shape by a buckle of bril-
liants. The trooper caught himself sighing as he
thought, though it was good for nothing in the stir-
rup, how enchantingly it would grace a minuet.
As the black appeared on the threshold of the
room making a low reverence, which has been in-
terpreted for some centuries into "dinner waits,"
Mr. Wharton, clad in a dress of drab, and load-
ed with enormous buttons, advanced formally to
Miss Singleton, and bending his powdered head to
near the level of the hand he extended, received
hers in return.


204
THE SPY.
Dr. Sitgreaves offered the same homage to Miss
Peyton, and met with equal favor; the lady first
pausing, with stately grace, to draw on her gloves.
Colonel Wellmere was honored with a smile
from Sarah while performing a similar duty; and
Frances gave the ends of her taper fingers to Cap-
tain Lawton with a manner, that said so much to
the corps, and so little to the man.
Much time, and some trouble was expended be-
fore the whole party were, to the great joy of Cæ-
sar, comfortably arranged around the table with
proper attention to all points of etiquette and pre-
cedence. The black well knew the viands were
getting cold, and felt his honor concerned in the
event.
For the first ten minutes all but the captain of
dragoons found themselves in a situation much
to their liking ; but he felt himself a little soured
at the multiplicity of the questions and offers of
the host, which were meant to be conducive to his
enjoyments, but wbich in truth had an exactly
contrary effect. The captain could not eat and
answer in a breath, and the demands for the latter
somewhat interfered with the execution of the for.
mer.
Next came the drinking with the ladies; but as
the wine was excellent, and the glasses of very
ample size, the trooper bore this interruption with
consummate good nature. Nay, so fearful was he
of giving offence, and omitting any of the nicer
points of punctilio, that having commenced this
courtesy with the lady who sat next him, he
persevered until not one of his fair companions
could, with justice, reproach him with partiality
in this particular.
His long abstemiousness from any thing like
generous wine might plead the excuse of Captain
Lawton, especially when exposed to so strong a


THE SPY.
205
femptation as was now before him. Mr. Whar-
ton had been one of a set of politicians in New-
York, whose priuciple exploits, before the war,
hrad been to assemble, and pass sage opinions on
the signs of the times, under the inspiration of
certain liquors which were made from a grape
that grew on the south side of the island of Ma-
deira, and found its way into the colonies of North
America by the way of the West Indies, sojourn-
ing awhile in the Western Archipelago, by way
of trying the virtues of the climate. A large sup-
ply of this cordial had been drawn from his store-
house in the city, and some of it now sparkled in
a bottle before the captain, blushing luxuriantly
in the rays of the sun, which were passing ob-
liquely through it.
If the meat and vegetables had made their en-
trance with perfect order and propriety, their
exeunt was effected with far less. The point was
to clear the board something after the fabled tale
of the harpies, and by dint of scrabbling, tossing,
breaking, and spilling, the overflowing remnants
of the repast vanished from the room.
And now
another series of processions commenced, by vir-
tue of which a goodly display of pasty with its
usual accompaniments, garnished the table.
Mr. Wharton poured out a glass of wine for the
lady who sat on his right hand, and pushing the
bottle to a guest, said, with a low bow-
66 We are to be honored with a toast from Miss
Singleton."
Although there was nothing more in this move-
ment than occurred every day on such occa-
sions, yet the lady trembled, colored, and grew
pale again, seemingly endeavoring to rally her
thoughts, until by her agitation she had excited
the interest of the whole party ; when, by an
VOL. 1.
18


206
THE SPY:
effort, and in a manner as if she had strived io
vain to think of another, Isabella said faintly-
“ Major Dunwoodie."
The health was drank cheerfully by all but
Colonel Wellmere, who wet his lips, and drew
figures on the table with some of the liquor he
had spilt; and Frances thought deeply on the
manner of doing, what in itself would have ex-
cited no suspicions.
At length Colonel Wellmere broke silence by
saying aloud to Captain Lawton-
" I suppose, sir, this Mr. Dunwoodie will re-
ceive promotion in the rebel army, for the advan-
tage my misfortune gave him over my command."
The trooper had supplied the wants of nature
to his perfect satisfaction; and perhaps, with the
exception of Washington and his immediate com-
mander, there was no mortal whose displeasure
he regarded a tittle : he was free to converse or
to fight; to him it mattered nought. First help-
ing himself, therefore, to a little of his favorite
bottle, he replied with admirable coolness.
“ Colonel Wellmere, your pardon-Major Dun-
woodie owes his allegiance to the confederated
states of North America, and where he owes it he
pays it, and is no rebel; promoted I hope he may
be, both because he deserves it, and I am next in
rank in the corps; and I know not what you call
a misfortune, unless you deem meeting the Vir-
ginia horse as such."
“ We will not differ about terms, sir," said the
colonel haughtily; I spoke as duty to my sove-
reign prompted; but do you not call the loss of a
commander a misfortune to a party ?"
“ It certainly may be so," said the trooper,
with great emphasis.
“ Miss Peytoir, will you favor us with a toast ?"
cried the master of the house, anxious to stop a


THE SPY.
207
dialogue in which he might be called on for an
opinion.
The spinster bowed her head with infinite dig.
nity as she named “General Montrose;" and her
nephew smiled as he noticed the long absent bloom
stealing lightly over her fine features.
6. There is no term more doubtful than that
word misfortune," said the surgeon regardless of
the nice manoeuvres of the host : some deem one
thing a misfortune, others its opposite : misfor-
tune begets misfortune: life is a misfortune; for
it may be the means of enduring misfortune ; and
death is a misfortune, as it abridges the enjoyments
of life."
" It is a misfortune that our mess has no such
wine as this," interrupted the trooper abruptly,
and laying in a stock to supply the deficiency.
“ We will pledge you a sentiment in it, sir, as it
seems to suit your taste," said Mr. Wharton, still
uncertain what would be the termination of all
these misfortunes.
Filling to the brim, Lawton said, looking hard
at the English colonel-"a clear field and no fa-
vor.''
“I drink your toast, Captain Lawton," said the
surgeon gravely; "inasmuch as courtesy requires
no less at my hands; but I wish never to see
your troop nearer to an enemy than long pistol-
shot.'
“Let me tell you, Mr. Archibald Sitgreaves,"
said the dragoon, hastily, “ that's a damned un-
neighbourly wish."
'I'he ladies bridled, and Miss Peyton made a mo-
tion to withdraw, which was instantly obeyed by
her fair bevy of juniors.
The suddenness of the movement somewhat
appalled the trooper, and he staminered out an
apology to Frances, who stood next him, which


208
THE SPY.
the laughing maid received very good-naturedly
out of regard to the coat he wore, although she
knew it would afford matter of triumph to her sis-
ter for a month to come.
“'Tis unneighbourly to wish a man at such a dis-
distance from bis friends," said the captain good-
humouredly, in a manner that spoke his willing-
ness to atone; it was, however, too late, and the
ladies retired with much dignity amidst the bows
and compliments of all but the chop-fallen dra-
goon. The discomfiture produced an utter stag-
nation in the thoughts of the trooper; and Mr.
Wharton, making a profusion of apologies to his
guests, arose and left the room, followed by his
son, and together both quitted the house. The
retreat of the ladies was the signal for the appear-
ance of the surgeon's segar, which, having com-
fortably established it in a corner of his mouth
in a certain knowing way, caused not the slightest
interruption to the following discourse--
“If any thing can sweeten captivity and wounds,
it must be the happiness of suffering in the society
of the ladies who have left us," said the colonel,
gallantly, feeling something of the kind due to the
hospitality he experienced, and, perhaps, also,
moved by a softer sentiment.
The doctor cast a glance of silent observation
on the black scarf around the neck of the English-
man, and knocking the ashes from his segar with
his little finger, in the manner of an adept, re-
plied-
“Sympathy and kindness have, doubtless, their
genial influence on the human system. The con-
nexion is intimate between the moral and physi-
cal feelings; but still, to accomplish a cure, and
restore nature to the healthy tone it has lost from
disease or accident, requires more than can flow
from unguided sympathies. In such cases, the


THE SPY
209
lights”--the surgeon accidentally caught the eye
of the trooper, which was fast regaining its com-
placency-taking two or three hasty puffs in huge
disdain, he essayed to finish the sentence-"yes,
in such cases, the knowledge that flows from the
--the lights”.
66 You were saying, sir,” said Colonel Well-
mere, sipping his wine.
“ Yes, sir," said the operator, turning his back
abruptly on Lawton; “I was saying that a bread
poultice would not set a broken arm.'
“ More is the pity,” cried the trooper, venture
ing again to trust the sound of his own voice.
“Now, Colonel Wellmere, to you, as a man of
education," said the surgeon with great earnest-
ness, “ I can with safety appeal.” The colonel
bowed complacently. “You must have noticed
the dreadful havoc made in your ranks by the
men who were led by this gentleman;" the colo-
nel looked grave again; “how, when blows light-
ed on their frames, life was invariably extinguished
beyond all hope of scientific reparation--how cer-
tain yawning wounds were inflicted, that must
prove fatal to the art of the most experienced
practitioner; now, sir, to you I triumphantly ap-
peal, to know whether your detachment would not
have been as effectually defeated, if the men had
all lost a right arın for instance, as if they had all
lost their heads."
“ The triumph of your appeal is somewhat
hasty, sir,” said Wellmere, nettled at the unfor-
tunate conjunction of terms in the doctor's qués-
tion.
“ Is the cause of liberty advanced a step by
such injudicious harshness in the field ?" con-
tinued the surgeon, disregarding the other's equi.
vocation, and bent on the favorite principle of his
life.
18*


210
THE SPY.
"I am yet to learn that the cause of liberty is
in any manner advanced by the services of any
gentleman in the rebel army,” said the colonel
promptly.
“ Not liberty,” said the appalled operator in as-
tonishment; Good God, for what then are we
contending ?"
“ Slavery, sir; yes, even slavery," cried the
Englishman with confidence in his infallibility
you are putting the tyranny of a mob on the
throne of a kind and lenient prince-wiere is the
consistency of your boasted liberty ?''
“Consistency, repeated the surgeon, looking
around him a little wildly at hearing such sweep-
ing charges against a cause he had so long thought
to be holy.
Ay, sir, your consistency. Your congress of
sages have published a manifesto, wherein they
set forth the equality of political rights."
66'Tis true, and it is done most ably."
“I say nothing of its ability ; but iſ true, why
not set your slaves at liberty ?!? cried Wellmere,
in a tone that plainly showed he had transferred
the triumph to his own standard.
Every American feels humbled at the necessity
of vindicating his country from the inconsistency
and injustice of this practice; his emotions are
much like those of a man who is compelled to ex-
onerate himself from a disgraceful charge. al-
though he may know the accusation to be false.
At the bottom, Sitgrcaves had much good sense,
and thus called on, he took up the cudgels of ar-
gument in downright earnest.
“ We deem it a liberty to have a voice in the
councils by which we are governed. We think it
a hardship to be ruled by a people who live at a
distance of three thousand miles from us, and who
cannot, and who do not, feel a single political int-


THE SPY.
211
terest in common with ourselves. I say nothing
of oppression ; the child was of age, and was en-
titled to the privileges of majority. In such cases,
there is but one tribunal to which to appeal for a
nation's rights—it is power, and we now make the
appeal."
Such doctrines may suit your present pur-
poses,
” said Wellmere with a sneer of contempt;
6 but I apprehend it is opposed to all the opinions
and practices of civilized nations."
" It is in conformity with the practices of all
nations," said the surgeon, returning the nod, and
drinking to Lawton, who enjoyed the good sense
of his omrade as much as he disliked what he
called "6 medical talk." 66 Who would be ruled
when he can rule—the only rational ground to
take is, that every community has a right to govern
itself, so that in no manner it violates the laws of
God."
66 And is holding your fellow creatures in bond-
age, in conformity to those laws ?” asked the co-
lonel impressively.
The surgeon took another glass, and hemming
once, returned to the combat.
“ Sir," said he, “ slavery is of very ancient ori-
gin, and seems to have been confined to no par-
ticular religion or form of government; every
nation of civilized Europe does, or has held their
fellow creatures in this kind of duresse."
“ You will except Great Britain, sir," cried the
colonel proudly.
"No, sir," "continued the surgeon confidently,
feeling that he was carrying the war out of his
own country : "I cannot except Great Britain.
It was her children, her ships, and her laws, that
first introduced the practice into these states; and
on her institutions the judgment must fall. It is
true, we continue the practice; but we must come


212
THE SPY.
gradually to the remedy, or create an evil greater
than that which we endure at present : doubtless,
as we advance, the manumission of our slaves will
accompany us, until happily these fair regions will
exist, without a single image of the creator that is
held in a state, which disqualifies him to judge of
that creator's goodness."
It will be remembered that Doctor Sitgreaves
spoke forty years ago, and Wellmere was unable
to contradict his prophetic assertioni.
Finding the subject exceeding his comprehen-
sion, the Englishman retired to the apartment where
the ladies had assembled, and, seated by the side
of Sarah and her aunt, found a more pleasing em-
ployment in relating the events of fashionable life
in the metropolis, and recalling the thousand little
anecdotes of their former association.
Miss Pey-
ton was a pleased listener, as she dispensed the
bounties of the tea-table with precise grace, and
Sarah frequently bowed her blushing countenance
to the needle work in her lap, as her face glowed
at the flattering remarks of her companion.
The dialogue we have related established a
perfect truce again between the surgeon and his
comrade, and the former having paid a visit to
Singleton, they took their leave of the ladies, and
mounted; the former to visit the wounded at the
encampment, and the latter to rejoin his troop.
But their movement was arrested at the gate by
an appearance, which we will relate in the suc-
ceeding chapter.


THE SPY.
213
CHAPTER XIV.
I see no more those wbite locks thinly spread,
Round the bald polish of that honoured head :-
No more that meek, that suppliant look in prayer,
Nor that pure faith that gave it force-are there :-
But he is blest, and I lament no more,
A wise good man contented to be poor.
Crabbe.
We have already said, that the customs of
America leave the remains of the dead but a short
time in the sight of the mourners; and the neces-
sity of providing for his own safety compelled the
pedlar to abridge even this brief space. In the
confusion and agitation produced by the events
we have recorded, the death of the elder Birch
had occurred unnoticed; but a sufficient number
of the immediate neighbors were hastily collect-
ed, and the ordinary rites of sepulture were paid
to the deceased; it was the approach of this
humble procession that arrested the movements
of the trooper and his comrade. Four of the men
supported the body on a rude bier; and four
others walked in advance, ready to relieve their
friends occasionally from their burthen. The ped-
lar walked next the colin, and by his side moved
Katy Haynes with a most determined aspect of
woe, and next to the mourners came Mr. Whar-
ton and the English captain. Two or three old
men and womea, with a few stragaling boys,
brought up the rear. Captain Lawton sat in his


214
THE SPY.
saddle in rigid silence until the bearers came op-
posite to his position, and then, for the first time,
Harvey raised his eyes from the ground, and saw
the enemy that he dreaded so near him. The
first impulse of the pedlar was certainly flight;
but recovering his recollection, he fixed his eye
on the coffin of his parent, and passed the dragoon
with a tirm step, but swelling heart. The trooper
slowly lifted his cap from his head, and continued
uncovered until Mr. Wharton and his son had
moved by him, when, accompanied by the sur-
geon, he rode leisurely in the rear, maintaining
an inflexible silence. Cæsar emerged from the
cellar kitchen of the cottage, and with a face of
settled solemnity, added himself to the number of
the followers of the funeral, though with a humble
mein, and at a most respectful distance from the
horseman; the first feeling was owing to the co-
lor of his skin; and the latter circumstance, to
certain emotions of dread that prevailed in the
bosom of the black whenever Captain Lawton
prevented his organs of vision from resting on
more agreeable objects. Cæsar had placed
around his arm, a little above the elbow, a nap-
kin of unsullied whiteness, it being the only time
since his departure from the city, that the black
had an opportunity of exhibitng himself in the
garniture of servile mourning. He was a great
lover of propriety, and had been a little stimu-
lated to this display by a desire to show his sable
friend from Georgia all the decencies of a New-
York funeral; and the ebullition of his zeal went
off very well, producing no other result, than a
mild lecture from Miss Peyton at his return, on the
fitness of things. The attendance of the black
was thought well enough in itself; but the napkin
was deemed a superfluous exhibition of ceremony,
at the funeral of a man who had performed all


THE SPY.
215
the menial offices in his own person. The grave-
yard was an enclosure on the grounds of Mr.
Wharton, which had been fenced with stone, and
set apart for the purpose by that gentleman some
years before. It was not, however, intended as a
burial place for any of his own family. Until the
fire, which raged as the British troops took posses-
sion of New York, had laid Trinity in ashes, a
goodly gilded tablet graced its walls, that spoke
the virtues of his deceased parents, and beneath a
flag of marble in one of the aisles of the church,
their bones were left to moulder with becoming
dignity. Captain Lawton made a movement, as
if he was disposed to follow the procession when
it left the highway, to enter the field which con-
tained the graves of the humble dead, but he was
recalled to his recollection by a hint from his com-
paniou, that he was taking the wrong road.
66 Of all the various methods which have been
adopted by man for the disposal of his earthly re-
mains, which do you prefer, Captain Lawton ?"
said the surgeon with great deliberation, as they
separated from their line of march:
countries the body is exposed to be devoured by
wild beasts; in others, it is suspended in the air to
exhale its substance in the manner of decom-
position; in some countries it is consumed on the
funeral pile, and then, again, it is inhumed in the
bowels of the earth ; every people have their own
particular fashion, and to which do you give the
preference ?"
“All are very agreeable," said the trooper, dis-
regarding the harangue of the other, and following
the group they had left with his eyes; “which do
you most admire ?"
* The last as practised by ourselves," said the
operator promptly; " for the other three are des-
tructive to the opportunities for dissection; but
now
in
some


216
THE SPY.
in the last, the coffin can lie in peaceful decency,
while the remains are made to subserve the useful
purposes of science. Ah! Captain Lawton, I en-
joy coinparatively but few opportunities of such a
natuk', to what I expected to meet on entering
the umy."
“ To what may these pleasures numerically
amount in a year ?" said the captain, drily, and
withdrawing his gaze from the grave-yard.
“ Within a duzen, upon my honor," said the
surgeon, piteously; “my best picking is when the
corps is detached; for when we are with the
main army, there are so many boys to be satisfied,
that I seldom get a good subject. Those young-
sters are dreadfully wasteful, and as greedy as vul-
tures."
6 A dozen !'? echoed the trooper in surprise,
“why I furnish you more than that number with
my own hands."
"" Ah! Jack,” returned the doctor, approaching
the subject with great tenderness of manner, " it
is seldom I can do any thing with your patients,
you distigure them wofully ; believe me, John,
when I tell you as a friend---merely as a friend,
that your system is all wrong; for you unnecessa-
rily destroy life, and then you injure the body so
that it is unfit for the only use that can be made
of a dead man."
The trooper maintained a silence which he
thought would be the most probable means of pre-
serving peace between them; and the surgeon,
turning his head from taking a last look at the bu-
rial, as they rode round the foot of the hill that
shut the valley from their sight, continued with a
kind of suppressed sigh-
“ A body might get a natural death from that
grave-yard to night, if there was but time and op-


THE SPY
217
66 he
portanity; the patient must be the father of the
łady we saw this morning."
"The bitch-doctor; she with the sky-blue com-
plexion,” said the trooper, with a shrewd smile,
that began to cause uneasiness to his companion;
* but the lady was not the gentleman's daughter,
only his medico-petticoat attendant; and the Har:
vey, whose name was made to rhyme with every
word in her song, is the renowned pedlar-spy."
66 What!” cried the astonished surgeon;
who uphorsed you."
“No man ever unhorsed me, Doctor Sitgreaves,"
said the dragoon with abundant gravity : “ I fell
by a mischance of Roanoke; we kissed the earth
together."
"A warm embrace from the love spots it left
on your cuticle," returned the surgeon with some
of the other's archness; “but 'tis a thousand
pities that you cannot find where the tattling rase
cal lies hid."
“ He followed his father's body," said the
trooper composedly.
6 What! and you let him pass,” cried the sur-
geon with extraordinary animation, checking his
horse instantly; "let us return immediately and
take him, to-morrow you have him hung, Jack,
and damn him, I'll dissect him."
“Softly, softly, my dear Archibald,” said the
trooper soothingly; "would you arrest a man
while paying the last offices to a dead father?
leave him to me, and I pledge myself be shall have
justice."
The doctor muttered his dissatisfaction at any
postponement of his vengeance, but was compel-
led to acquiesce from a regard to his reputation
for propriety, and they continued their ride to
the quarters of the corps, engaged in various dis-
VOL. 1.
19


218
THE SPY.
cussions concerning the welfare of the human
body.
Birch supported the grave and collected
manner, that was thought becoming in a male
mourner on such occasions, and to Katy was left
the part of exhibiting the tenderness of the softer
sex. There are some people, whose feelings are
of such a nature, that they cannot weep unless
it be in proper company, and the spinster was
a good deal addicted to all congregational vir-
tues; after turning her head round the small as-
semblage, the housekeeper found the eyes of the
few females who were present fixed on her in so-
lemn expectation, and the effect was instanta-
neous; the maiden really wept, and gained no in-
considerable sympathy and reputation for a ten-
der heart from the spectators.
The muscles of
the pedlar's face were seen to move, and as the
first clod of earth fell on the tenement of his fa-
ther, sending up that dull, hollow, sound, that
speaks so eloquently the mortality of man, his
whole frame was for an instant convulsed; he
bent his body down as if in pain, bis fingers worked
as his hands hung lifeless by his side, and there
was an expression in his countenance that seemed
to announce a writhing of the soul; but it was not
unresisted, and it was transient: he stood erect,
drew a long breath, and looked around him with
an elevated face, that even seemed to smile with
a consciousness of having obtained the mastery.
The grave was soon filled; a rough stone, placed
at either extremity, marked its position, and the
turf, with a faded vegetation that was adapted to
the fortunes of the deceased, covered the little
hillock with the last office of seemliness. The
task ended, the neighbours, who had each oflicious-
ly tendered his services in performing this duty,
paused, and lifting their hats, stood looking


THE SPY.
219
toward the mourner, who now felt himself to be
really alone in the world; removing his hat also,
the pedlar hesitated a moment to gather energy,
and spoke--
“My friends and neighbours, I thank you for as-
sisting me to bury my dead out of my sight."
A solemn pause succeeded the brief and custom-
ary conclusion, and the group dispersed in silence,
some few walking with the mourners back to their
own habitation, but respectfully leaving them at
its entrance. The pedlar and Katy were follow-
ed into the building by one man, however, who
was well known to the surrounding country by
the significant term of “speculator." Katy saw
him enter with a heart that palpitated with dread-
ful forebodings, but Harvey civilly handed him a
chair, and evidently was prepared for the visit.
The pedlar went to the door, and taking a cau-
tious glance around the valley, quickly returned
and commenced the following dialogue-
“ The sun has just left the top of the eastern
hill; my time presses me; here is the deed for the
house and lot, every thing done according to law."
The stranger took the paper, and conned its
contents with a deliberation that proceeded partly
from his caution, and partly from the unlucky cir-
cumstance of his education having been sadly ne-
glected when a youth. The time occupied in
this tedious examination was employed by Harvey
in gathering together certain articles, which he in-
tended to include in the stores that were to leave
the habitation with himself. Katy had already
inquired of the pedlar, whether the deceased bad
left a will, and saw the Bible placed in the bot-
tom of a new pack, which she had made for his
accommodation, with a most stoical indifference;
but as the six silver spoons were laid carefully
by its side, a sudden twinge of her conscience


220
THE SPY.
objected to such a palpable waste of properij,
and she broke silence by saying somewhat abrupt-
“When you marry, Harvey, you may miss thems
spoons.
“I never shall marry,” said the pedlar loconi-
cally.
"Well, if you don't, there's no occasion to be
short. I'm sure no one asked you. I should like
to know, though, of what use so many spoons can
be to a single man: for my part, I think it's a duty
for every man who is so well provided, to have a
wife and family to maintain."
At the time when Katy expressed this senti-
ment, the fortune of women in her class of life
consisted of a cow, a bed, the labors of their own
hands in the shape of divers pillow cases, blankets,
and sheets, with, where fortune was unusually
kind, a half dozen of silver spoons. The spinster
herself had obtained all the other necessaries ta.
completing her store, by her own industry and
prudenee, and it can easily be imagined saw the
articles, she had long counted her own, vanish in
the enormous pack with a very natural dissatis-
faction, that was in no degree diminished by the
declaration that had preceded the act. Harvey,
however, disregarded her opinions and feelings,
and continued his employment of filling the pack,
which soon grew to a size something like the ors
dinary burden of the pedlar.
“I'm rather timorsome about this conveyance,'*
said the purchaser, having at length concluded
his task.
66 Why so ?" said Harvey quickly.
“ I'm afeard it won't stand good in law; I know.
that two of the neighbours leave home to-morrow
morning, to have the place entered for confistica-
tion, and if I should go now and give forty pounds


THE SPY.
221
and lose it all, 'twould be a dead pull back to
me."
“ They can only take my right,” said the ped-
lar, coolly ;“ pay me two hundred dollars, and the
house is yours; you are a well known whig, and
you at least they won't trouble ;" as Harvey spoke,
there was a strange mixture of bitterness with the
care 'he expressed concerning the sale of his pro-
perty.
Say one hundred, and it is a bargain," re-
turned the man, with something that he meant for
a good-natured smile.
" A bargain!" echoed the pedlar in surprise,
“ I thought the bargain already made."
Nothing is a bargain,” said the purchaser with
a gratulating chuckle, " until papers are delivered,
and the money paid in hand.”
“ You have the paper,” returned the pedlar
quickly.
“ Aye, and will keep it, if you will excuse the
money," replied the speculator with a sneer;
come, say one hundred and fifty, and I won't be
hard ; here-here is just the money."
The pedlar looked from the window, and saw
with dismay that the evening was fast advancing,
and knew well that he endangered his life by re-
maining in the dwelling after dark; yet he could
not tolerate the idea of being defrauded in this
manner, in a bargain that had already been fairly
made; he hesitated-
“ Well,” said the purchaser, rising ; “ mayhap
you can find another man to trade with between
this and morning; but if you don't, your title won't
be worth much afterward.'?
* Take it, Harvey,” said Katy, who felt it im-
possible to resist a tender like the one before her,
all in English guineas : her voice roused the ped-
lar, and a new idea seemed to strike him.
19*


222
THE SPY.
“ I agree to the price," he said, and turning to
the spinster, placed part of the money in her hand,
as he continued—“ had I other means to pay you,
I would have lost all, rather than have suffered
myself to have been defrauded of part.”'
“ You may lose all yet," muttered the stranger
with a sneer, as he rose and left the building.
“ Yes," said Katy, following him with her eyes ;
“ he knows your failing, Harvey; he thinks with
me, now the old gentleman is gone, you will want
a careful body to take care of your concerns.”
The pedlar was busied in arranging things for
his departure, and took no notice of this insinua-
tion, while the spinster returned again to the at-
tack. She had lived so many years in expectation
of a different result from that which now seemed
likely to occur, that the idea of separation began
to give her more uneasiness, than she had thought
herself capable of feeling, about a man so desti-
tute and friendless as the pedlar.
“ Have you another house to go to ?" inquired
Katy, with unusual pathos in her manner,
“ Providence will provide me with a home,”
said Harvey, with a perceptible tremor in his
voice.
“ Yes," said the housekeeper; “but maybe
twill not be to your liking."
“ The poor must not be difficult," returned the
pedlar.
" I'm sure I'm every thing but a difficult body,',
cried the spinster very hastily; " but I love to
see things becoming, and in their places; yet I
wouldn't be hard to persuade to leave this place
myself. I can't say I altogether like the ways of
the people."
“ The valley is lovely," said the pedlar with
fervor, " and the people like all the race of man;
but to me it matters pothing; all places are now


224
THE SPY.
6. Why Harvey, Harvey,” Katy ventured to say
imploringly, when the pedlar added, as a smile
stole over his haggard features
“ Yes, there is one who will—who must know
me before I die. Oh ! it is dreadful to die and
leave such a name behind me."
“Don't talk of dying, Harvey,” said the spin-
ster, glancing her eye around the room, and
pushing the wood in the fire to obtain a light
from the blaze.
But the ebullition of feeling in the pedlar was
over ; it had been excited by the events of the
past day, and a vivid perception of his sufferings ;
it was not long that passion maintained an ascend-
ancy o the reason of the trader, and perceiv-
ing that the night had already thrown an obscurity
around the objects without doors, he hastily threw
his pack over bis shoulders, and taking Katy kind-
ly by the hand, made his parting speech-
“ It is painful to part with even you, good wo-
man, but the hour has come, and I must go : what
is left in the house is freely yours; to me it could
be of no use, and it may serve to make you more
comfortable--farewell-we meet hereafter."
“ Yes, in the regions of darkness,” cried a
voice that caused the pedlar to sink on the chest
he had risen from in despair.
“ What! another pack, Mr. Birch, and so well
stuffed so soon.
“ Have you not yet done evil enough?” cried
the pedlar. regaining his firmness, and springing
on his feet with energy,“ is it not enough to har-
rass the last moments of a dying man—to impo-
· verish me
-what more would you have ?"
“ Your blood," said the skinner, with cool ma-
lignity.
" And for money," cried Harvey, bitterly; "like
the ancient Judas, you would grow rich with the
price of blood.”
>>


THE SPY.
225
** Ay! and a fair price it is my gentleman: fifty
guineas--nearly the weight of that scare-crow
carcass of your's in gold."
“Here,” said Katy, promptly, “here are fifteen
guineas, and these drawers, and this bed are all
mine if you will give Harvey but one hour's start
from the door, they shall be your's.”
“One hour," said the skinner, showing his teeth,
and looking with a longing eye at the money.
“ Yes, but one hour-here take the money.'
“Hold !” cried Harvey, “put no faith in the
miscreants.”
“She may do what she pleases with her faith,"
said the skinner with malignant pleasure; “but I
have the money in good keeping; as for you, Mr.
Birch, we will bear your insolence, for the fifty
guineas that are to pay for your gallows."
6 Go on,” said the pedlar proudly; “take me to
Major Dunwoodie ; he, at least, may be kind, als
though he may be just."
“I can do better than by marching so far in
such disgraceful company,” replied the other very
coolly; to this Mr. Dunwoodie has let one or two
tories
go at large; but the troop of Captain Law,
ton is quartered some half mile nearer, and his
receipt will get me the reward as soon as his ma-
jor's: how relish you the idea of supping with
Captain Lawton this evening, Mr. Birch ?"
“Give me my money, or set Harvey free,”
cried the spinster in alarm.
6. Your bribe was not enough, good woman, un-
less there is money in this bed;" thrusting his baya
onet through the ticking, and ripping it for some
distance, he took a malicious satisfaction in scat-
tering its contents around the room.
“If,” cried the housekeeper, losing sight of her
personal danger in care for her newly acquired
property, “there is law in the land, I will be
righted
>


226
THE SPY
1
1
a
11
T
W
12
PI
“ The law of the neutral ground is the law of
the strongest,” said the skinner with a malignant
"laugh ; " but your tongue is not as long as my
baggonet; you had, therefore, best not set them at
loggerheads, or you might be the loser."
A figure stood in the shadow of the door as if
afraid to be seen in the group of Skinners, but a
blaze of light raised by some articles thrown in
the fire by his persecutors showed the pedlar the
face of the purchaser of his little domain : occa-
sionally there was some whispering between this
man and the skinner nearest him, that induced
Harvey to suspect he had been the dupe of a con-
trivance, in which that wretch had participated :
it was, however, too late to repine, and he follow-
ed the party from the house with a firm and col-
lected tread, as if marching to a triumph and not
to a gallows. In passing through the yard the leader
of the band fell over a billet of wood, and received
a momentary hurt from the fall; exasperated at
the accident, the fellow sprang on his feet, and ex-
claimed
“ The curse of heaven light on the log; the
night is too dark for us to move in; throw that
brand of fire in yon pile of tow, to light up
the
scene."
* Hold !" roared the horror-struck speculator,
"you'll fire the house."
“ And see the farther," said the other, hurling
the fire in the midst of the combustibles ; in an in-
stant the building was in flames;
come on, let
us move towards the heights while we have light
to pick our road."
- Villain !" cried the exasperated purchaser,
" is this your friendship, this my reward for kid-
napping the pedlar?”
669Twould be wise to move more from the light,
if you mean to entertain us with abuse, or we.


THE SPY.
227
may see too well to let a bullet miss you,” cried
the leader of the gang ; the next instant he was
as good as his threat, but happily missed the ter-
rified speculator, and equally appalled spinster,
who saw herself again reduced from comparative
wealth to poverty, by the blow. Prudence dic-
tated to the pair a speedy retreat, and the next
morning, the only remains of the dwelling of the
pedlar' was the huge chimney we have already
mentioned.


228
THE SPY.
CHAPTER X.
Trides, light as air,
are to the jealous, confirmations strong
As proofs from holy writ.
Moor of Venice.
The weather, which had been mild and clear
since the storm, now changed with the sudden-
ness of the American climate. Towards evening
the cold blasts poured down from the mountains,
and flurries of snow plainly indicated that the
month of November had arrived La season whose
temperature varies from the heats of summer to
the cold of winter. Frances had stood at the
window of her own apartment, watching the slow
progress of the funeral procession, with a melan-
choly that was too deep to be excited by the spec-
tacle. There was something in the sad office
whirh engaged the attention of her father and
brother, that was in unison with the feelings of
the maid. As she gazed around, she saw the
trees bending to the force of the whirlwinds, that
swept through the valley with an impetuosity that
shook even the buildings of lesser importance;
and the forest, that had so lately glittered in the
sun with its variegated hues, was fast losing its
loveliness, as the leaves were torn from the
branches, and were driving irregularly before the
eddies of the blast. A few of the southern dra.
goons, who were patroling the passes, which led to
the encampment of the corps, could be distin-
guished at a distance on the heights, bending to
their pommels, as they faced the keen air which had
so lately traversed the great fresh water lakes,


THE SPY.
229
and drawing their watch coats around them in
tighter folds.
The maid witnessed the disappearance of the
wooden tenement of the deceased, as it was slow-
ly jowered from the light of day, and the sight
still added to the chilling dreariness of the view.
Captain Singleton was sleeping under the careful
watchfulness of his own man, while his sister had
been persuaded to take possession of her room,
for the purpose of obtaining the repose, of which
her last night's journeying had robbed her. The
apartment of Miss Singleton communicated with
the room occupied by the sisters, through a pri-
vate door, as well as through the ordinary passage
of the house ; this door was partly open, and
Frances moved towards it with the benevolent
intention of ascertaining the situation of her
guest, when the surprised girl saw her whom
she had thought to be sleeping, not only awake,
but employed in a manner that banished all pro-
bability of present repose.
The black tresses,
that during the dinnerhad been drawn in close
folds over the crown of the head, were now loosen-
ed, and fell in profusion over her shoulders and
bosom, imparting a slight degree of wildness to
her expressive countenance. The chilling white
of her complexion was strongly contrasted with
the brilliant glances of eyes of the deepest black,
that were fixed in rooted attention on a picture
she held in her hand. Frances hardly breathed,
as she was enabled, by a movement of Isabella, to
see that it was the figure of a man in the well
known dress of the southern horse ; but she
gasp-
ed for breath, and instinctively laid her hand
on her heart to quell its throbbings, as she
thought she recognised the lineaments that were
so deeply seated in her own imagination. Fran-
ces felt she was improperly prying into the
VOL. 1.
20


230
THE SPY.
sacred privacy of another, but her emotions were
too powerful to permit her to speak, and she
drew back to a chair, whence she still retained
a view of the stranger, from whose countenance
she felt it to be impossible to withdraw her eyes.
Isabella was too much engrossed by her own feel-
ings to discover the trembling figure of the maid
who witnessed her actions, and she pressed the
inanimate image to her lips, with an enthusiasm
that denoted the most intense passion. The ex-
pression of the countenance of the fair stranger
was so changeable, and the transitions were so
rapid, that Frances had scarcely time to distin-
guish the character of the emotion, before it was
succeeded by another equally powerful, and
equally attractive. · Admiration and sorrow were,
however, the preponderatirg passions; the latter
was indicated by large drops that fell from her
eyes on the picture, and which followed each
other over her check at such intervals, as seemed
to pronounce the grief too heavy to admit of
the ordinary bursts of sorrow. Every move-
ment of Isabella was marked by an enthusiasm
that was peculiar to her nature, and every pas-
sion in its turn triumphed in her breast with an
undisputed sway. The fury of the wind, as it
whistled around the angles of the building, was
in consonance with those feelings, and she rose
and moved to a window of her apartment. Her
figure was now hid from the view of Frances, who
was about to rise and approach her guest, when
tones of a thrilling melody chained her in breath-
less silence to the spot.
The notes were wild,
and the voice not powerful, but the execution ex-
ceeded any thing the maid had ever heard, and
she stood, endeavoring to stifle the sounds of her
own gentle breathing, until the following song was
concladed :


THE SPY
231
!
Cold blow the blasts o'er the tops of the mountain,
And bare is the oak on the hill,
Slowly the vapours exhale from the fountain,
And bright gleams the ice-bordered rill
All nature is seeking its annual rest,
But the slumbers of peace have descrted my breast.
Long has the storm pour'd its weight on my nation,
And long have her brave stood the shock;
Long has our chieftain ennohled his station,
A bulwark on liberty's rock-
Unlicens'd ambition relaxes its toil,
Yet blighted affection represses my smile.
Abroad the wild fury of winter is low'ring,
And leafless, and drear is the tree,
But the vertical sun of the south appears pouring
Its fierce, killing heats upon me
Without all the season's chill symptoms begin,
But the fire of passion is raging within.
Frances abandoned her whole soul to the sup-
pressed melody of the music, though the language
of the song expressed a meaning, which united
with certain events of that and the preceding day,
left a sensation of uneasiness in the bosom of the
warm-hearted girl, to which she had hitherto been
a stranger. Isabella moved from the window as
her last tones melted on the ear of her admiring
listener, and, for the first time, her eye rested on
the face of the pallid maiden. A glow of fire light-
ed the countenances of both at the same instant,
and the blue eye of Frances met the brilliant black
one of her guest for a single moment, and both
fell in abashed confusion on the carpet; they ad-
vanced, however, until they met, and had taken
each other's hand, before either ventured again to
look her companion in the face.
- This sudden change in the weather, and per-
haps the situation of my brother, have united to
make me melancholy, Miss Wharton," said Isa-


232
THE SPY.
bella in a low tone, and in a voice that trembled as
she spoke.
6 "Tis thought you have little to apprehend for
your brother," said Frances in the same embar-
Tassed manner; “ had you seen him when he was
brought in by Major Dunwoodie" --
Frances paused with a feeling of conscious
shame, for which she could not account herself,
and in raising her eyes, she saw Isabella studying
her countenance, with an earnestness that again
drove the blood tumultuously to her temples.
“You were speaking of Major Dunwoodie,',
said Isabella, faintly.
“He was with Captain Singleton."
“Do you know Dunwoodie-have you seen
him often ?' continued Isabella, in a voice that
startled her companion. Once more Frances ven-
tured to look her guest in the face, and again she
met the piercing eyes bent on her as if to search
her inmost heart. “Speak, Miss Wharton, is Ma-
jor Dunwoodie known to you ?"
“ He is my relative,” said Frances, appalled at
the manner of the other.
"A relative !" echoed Miss Singleton; "in
what degree-speak, Miss Wharton, I conjure you
to speak.”
“Our parents were cousins," replied Frances,
in still greater confusion at the vehemence of Isa-
bella.
“And he is to be your husband," cried the stran-
ger, impetuously.
Frances felt her pride awakened by this direct
attack upon the delicacy of her feelings, and she
raised her eyes from the floor to her interrogator
a little proudly, when the pale cheek and quiver-
ing lip of Isabella removed her resentment in a
moment.
"It is true-my conjecture is true--speak to


THE SPY.
233
me, Miss Wharton-I conjure you, in mercy to
my feelings, to tell me-do you love Dunwoo.
die ?” There was a plaintive earnestness in the
voice of Miss Singleton, that disarmed Frances of
all resentment, and the only answer she could
make, was hiding her burning face between her
hands, as she sunk back in a chair to conceal her
confusion.
Isabella paced the floor in silence for several
minutes, until she had succeeded in conquering
the violence of her feelings, when she approached
the place where Frances yet sat, endeavoring to
exclude the eyes of her companion from reading
the shame expressed in her countenance, and tak-
ing the hand of the maid, she spoke with an evi-
dent effort at composure.
" Pardon me, Miss Wharton, if my ungovern-
able feelings have led me into impropriety—the
powerful motive the cruel reason'—she hesita-
ted; Frances now raised her face, and the eyes of
the maids once more met—they fell in each other's
arms, and laid their burning cheeks together-the
embrace was long-was ardent and sincere—but
neither spoke-and on separating, Frances retired
to her own room without farther explanation.
While this extraordinary scene was acting in
the room of Miss Singleton, matters of great im-
portance were agitated in the drawing-room. The
disposition of the fragments of such a dinner as
the one we have recorded, was a task that requir-
ed no little exertion and calculation. Notwith-
standing several of the small game had nestled in
the pocket of Captain Lawton's man, and even the
assistant of Dr. Sitgreaves had calculated the un-
certainty of bis remaining long in such good quar-
ters, still there was more left unconsumed than the
prudent spinster knew how to dispose of to advan-
tage. Cæsar and bis mistress bad, therefore, a long
20*


234
THE SPY.
and confidential communication on this important
business, and the consequence was that Colonel
Wellmere was left to the hospitality of Sarah
Wharton. All the ordinary topics of conversation
were exhausted, when the colonel, with a little of
the uneasiness that is in some degree inseparable
from conscious error, touched lightly on the trans-
actions of the preceding day.
“We little thought, Miss Wharton, when I first
saw this. Mr. Dunwoodie in your house in Queen-
street, that he was to be the renowned warrior he
has proved himself,” said Wellmere, endeavoring
to smile contemptuously.
“ Renowned, when we consider the enemy he
overcame,” said Sarah, with consideration for her
companion's feelings. “'Twas most unfortunate
indeed in every respect that you met with the ac-
cident, or doubtless the arms of our Prince would
have triumphed in their usual manner.”
“ And yet the pleasure of such society' as this
accident has introduced me to, would more than
repay the pain of a mortified spirit and wounded
body,” added the colonel in a manner of peculiar
softness.
“ I hope the latter is but trifling," said Sarah,
stooping to hide her blushes under the pretext of
biting a thread from the work on her knee.
“ Trifling, indeed, compared to the former,"
returned the colonel in the same manner. 66 Ah!
Miss Wharton, it is in such moments we feel the
full value of friendship and sympathy."
Those who have never tried it, cannot easily
imagine, what a rapid progress a warm-hearted fe-
male can make in love, in the short space
of half
an hour, particularly where there is a predisposi-
tion to the distemper. Sarah found the conver-
sation, when it began to touch on friendship and
sympathy, too interesting to venture her voice


THE SPY.
235
with a reply. She however turned her eyes on
the colonel, and saw him gazing at her fine face
with an admiration that was quite as manifest, and
much more soothing, than any words could make
it.
Their tete-a-tete was uninterrupted for an hour,
and although nothing that would be called decided
by an experienced matron was said by the gentle-
mau, he uttered a thousand things that delighted
his companion, who retired to her rest with a light-
er heart than she had felt since the arrest of her
brother by the Americans.


236
THE SPY.
CHAPTER XVI.
And let me the canakin clink, clink :
And let me the canakin clink :
A soldier's a man;
A life's but a span;
Why then, let a soldier drink.
lage.
The position held by the corps of dragoons, we
have already said, was a favorite place of halting
with their commander. A cluster of some half
dozen small and dilapidated buildings formed
what, from the circumstance of two roads inter-
secting each other at right angles, was called the
village of the Four Corners. As usual, one of the
most imposing of these edifices had been termed,
in the language of the day, “ a house of entertain-
ment for man and beast.” On a rough board sus-
pended from the gallows looking post that had
supported the ancient sign was, however, written
in red chalk, “Elizabeth Flanagan, her hotel," .
an ebullition of wit from some of the idle
wags
of
The matron, whose name had thus
been exalted to an office of such unexpected dig-
nity, ordinarily discharged the duties of a female
sutler, washerwoman, and, to use the language of
Katy Haynes, bitch-doctor to the troops ; she was
the widow of a soldier who had been killed in the
service, and who, like herself, was a native of a
distant island, and had early tried his fortune in
the colonies of North America. She constantly mi-
grated with the troops, and it was seldom that
they became stationary for two days at a time;
the corps.


THE SPY.
237
but the little cart of the bustling woman was seen
driving into their encampment, loaded with such
articles, as she conceived would make her pre-
sence most welcome. With a celerity that seem-
ed almost supernatural, Betty took up her ground
and commenced her occupation; sometimes the
carö itself was her shop; at others, the soldiers
made her a rude shelter of such materials as of-
fered; but on the present occasion she had seized
on a vacant building, and by dint of stuffing the
dirty breeches and half dried linen of the troopers
in the broken windows, to exclude the cold which
had now become severe, she formed what she
herself had pronounced to be “most iligant lodg-
ings.” The men were quartered in the adjacent
barns, and the officers collected in the 6 Hotel
Flanagan," which they facetiously called head-
quarters. Betty was well known to every trooper
in the corps, could call each by his christian or
nick-name, as best suited her fancy; and, although
absolutely intolerable to all whom habit had not
made familiar with her virtues, was a general fa-
vorite with these partizan warriors. Her faults
were, a trifling love of liquor, excessive filthiness,
and a total disregard to all the decencies of lan-
guage; her virtues, an unbounded love for her
adopted country, perfect honesty when dealing on
certain known principles with the soldiery, and
great good nature: added to these, Betty had the
inerit of being the inventor of that beverage which
is so well known at the present hour, to all the
patriots who make a winter's march between the
commercial and political capitals of this great
state, and which is distinguished by the name of
“cock-tail.” Elizabeth Flanagan was peculiarly
well qualified by education and circumstances to
perfect this improvement in liquors, having been
literally brought up on its principal ingredient.


PHE SPY.
239
his saddle, and slid down on the right side of his
horse.
“Faith, my dear jewel of a doctor, but it was
this side I was expicting you; the whole corps
come down on this side but yeerself,” said Betty,
winking at the trooper:“ but I've been feeding the
wounded, in yeer absence, with the fat of the
land."
“ Barbarous stupidity !" cried the panic-stricken
physician, “ to feed men labouring under the ex-
citement of fever with powerful nutriment; wo-
man, woman, you are enough to defeat the skill of
Hippocrates himself.”
* Pooh!” said Betty with infinite composure,
“ what a botheration yee make about a little
whiskey; there was but a gallon betwixt a good
two dozen of them, and I gave it to the boys to
make them sleep asy; sure jist as slumbering
drops."
Lawton and his companion now entered the
building, and the first objects which met their
eyes explained the hidden meaning of Betty's com-
fortable declaration. A long table, made of boards
torn from the side of an out-building, was stretched
through the middle of the largest apartment or
bar-room, and on it was a very scanty display of
crockery ware. The steams of cooking arose from
an adjoining kitchen, but the principal attraction
was in a demi-john of fair proportions, which had
been ostentatiously placed on high by Betty as
the object most worthy of notice. Lawton soon
learnt that it was teeming with the real amber.
coloured juice of the grape, and had been sent
from the Locusts as an offering to Major Dun-
woodie, from his friend Captain Wharton, of the
royal army.
*** And a royal gift it is,” said the grinning sub-
altern who made the explanation,
66 The major


240
THE SPY.
gives us an entertainment in honor of our victory,
and you see the principal expeuse is borne, as it
should be, by the enemy. Zounds, I am thiuking
that after we have primed with such stuff, we
could charge through Sir Henry's head quarters
and carry off the knight himself."
The captain of dragoons was in no manner dis-
pleased at the prospect of terminating so pleasantly
a day that had been so agreeably commenced; he
was soon surrounded by his comrades, who made
many eager inquiries concerning his adventures,
while the surgeon proceeded with certain quakings
of the heart, to examine into the state of his wound-
ed. Enormous fires were crackling in the chim-
neys of the house, superseding the necessity of
candles, by the bright light which was thrown from
the blazing piles. The group within were all
young men, and tried soldiers ; in number they
were rather more than a dozen, and their man-
ners and conversation, were a strange mixture of
the bluntness of the partizan with the polish of
gentlemen. Their dresses were ncat, though plain;
and a never failing topic amongst them was the
performance and quality of their horses-some
were endeavouring to sleep on the benches which
lined the walls, some were walking the apart-
ments, and others were seated in earnest discus-
sion on subjects connected with the business of
their lives. Occasionally, as the door of the kitch-
en opened, the hissing sounds of the frying pans,
and the inviting savour of the food, created a stag-
nation in all other employments; even the sleep-
ers, at such moments, would
open
their eyes and
raise their heads to reconnoitre the state of the
preparations. All this time Dunwoodie sat by
himself gazing at the fire, and lost in reflections
which none of his officers presumed to disturb; he
had made earnest inquiries of Sitgreaves on his


THE SPY.
241
entrance after the condition of Singleton, during
which a profound and respectful silence was main-
tained in the room; but as soon as he had ended
and resumed his seat, the usual ease and freedom
prevailed.
The arrangement of the table was a matter of
but little concern to Mrs. Flanagan, and Cæsar
would have been sadly scandalized at witnessing
the informality with which various dishes, each
bearing a wonderful resemblance to the others,
were placed before so many gentlemen of consi-
deration. In taking their places at the board, the
strictest attention was placed to precedency; for
notwithstanding the freedom of manners which
prevailed in the corps, the points of military eti-
quette were at all times observed, with something
approaching to religious veneration. Most of the
guests had been fasting too long to be in any de-
gree fastidious in their appetites, but the case was
different with Captain Lawton; he felt an unac-
countable loathing at the exhibition of Betty's
food, and could not refrain from making a few
passing comments on the condition of the knives,
and the clouded colorings of the plates. The
good nature and personal affection of Betty for
the offender, restrained her for some time from
answering to his innuendoes, until Lawton, with a
yawn, ventured to admit a piece of the black
meat before him into his mouth, where, either
from sated appetite, or qualities inherent in the
food, much time was spent in vain efforts at masti-
cation, when he cried with some spleen-
“ What kind of animal might this have been
when living, Mrs. Flanagan ?”
“Sure, captain, and was’nt it the ould cow,"
replied the sutler with an emotion, that proceed.
ied partly from dissatisfaction at the complaints of
VOL. 1.
21


242
THE SPY.
her favorite, and partly from grief at the loss of
the deceased.
" What!" roared the trooper, stopping short as
he was happily about to swallow his morsel,“ an-
cient Jenny!”
“ The devil !" cried another dropping his knife
and fork, “ she who made the campaign of the
Jerseys with us?”
“ The very same," replied the mistress of the
house, with a most piteous aspect of woe; “sure
gentlemen, 'tis awful to have to eat sich an ould
frind."
"And has she sunk to this ?" said Lawton, point-
ing with his knife to the remnants on the table.
“ Nay, captain,” said Betty, with spirit, “ 1 sould
two of her quarters to some of yeer troop; but
divil a word did I tell the boys what an ould frind
it was they had bought, for fear it might damage
their appetites."
“ Fury!" cried the trooper, with affected anger,
" I shall have my fellows as limber as supple-jacks
on such fare. Afraid of an Englishman as a Vir-
ginian negro is of his driver."
“Well," said Lieutenant Mason, dropping his
knife and fork in a kind of despair, “ my jaws have
more sympathy than many men's hearts. They
absolutely decline making any impression on the
relics of their old acquaintance.”
“ Try a drop of the gift," said Betty, soothingly,
pouring a large allowance of the wine into a bowl,
and drinking it off as taster to the corps.
« Faith
'tis but a wishy-washy sort of stuff after all.”
The ice once broken, however, a clear glass of
wine was handed to Dunwoodie, who, bowing to
his companions, drank the liquor in the midst of a
most profound silence. For a few glasses there was
much formality observed, and sundry patriotic
toasts and sentiments were duly noticed by the


THE SPY.
243
Company. The liquor, however, performed its
wonted office; and before the second sentinel at
their door had been relieved, all recollection of
the dinner and their cares was lost in the present
festivity. - Dr. Sitgreaves did not return in season
to partake of Jenny, but was in time to receive
his fair proportion of Captain Wharton's pre-
sent.
“ A song—a song from Captain Lawton,” cried
two or three of the party in a breath, on observing
the failure of some of the points of good fellowship
in the trooper; "silence for the song of Captain
Lawton."
“Gentlemen," returned Lawton, his dark eyes
swimming with the bumpers he had finished,
though his head was as impenetrable as a post,
“I am not much of a nightingale, but under the
favor of your good wishes, I consent to comply
with the demand."
Now, Jack,” said Sitgreaves, nodding on his
seat, remember the air í taught you, and-stop,
I have a copy of the words in my pocket."
“Forbear-forbear, good doctor,” said the
trooper, filling his glass with great deliberation,
“I never could wheel round those hard names.
Gentlemen, I will give you an humble attempt of
my
own.'
“ Silence for Captain Lawton's song," roared
five or six at once, when the trooper proceeded,
in a fine full tone, to sing the following words to a
well known bacchanalian air; several of his com-
rades helping him through the chorus with a fer-
your that shook the crazy edifice they were in :
66
Now push the mug, my jolly boys,
And live, while live we can,
To-morrow's sun may end your joys,
For brief's the hour of man.


THE SPY.
245
Captain Lawton, I marvel that a gentleman,
and a gallant officer, can find no other subject for
his muse, in these times of trial, than in such beast-
ly invocations to that notorious follower of the
camp, the filthy Elizabeth Flanagan. Methinks
the Goddess of Liberty could furnish a more no-
ble inspiration, and the sufferings of your country
a more befitting theme."
6. Heyday!" shouted the hostess, advancing up-
on him in a most threatening attitude ; " and who
is it that calls me filthy? Master Squirt, Master
Pop-gun-
Peace," said Dunwoodie, in a voice that was
exerted but a little more than common, but which
was succeeded by the stillness of death ;
66 woman
leave the room. Dr. Sitgreaves, I call you to
your seat, to wait the order of the revels.''
“Proceed-proceed,” said the surgeon, draw-
ing himself up in an attitude of dignified compo-
sure ; " I trust, Major Dunwoodie, I am not unac-
quainted with the rules of decorum, nor ignorant
of the by-laws of good fellowship. Betty made
a hasty but somewhat devious retreat to her own
dominions, being unaccustomed to dispute the or-
ders of the commanding officer.
Major Dunwoodie will honour us with a sen-
timental song," said Lawton, bowing to his lead-
er, with the politeness of a gentleman, and the
collected manner he so well knew how to assume.
The Major hesitated a moment, and then sung,
with fine execution, the following words:
66
Some love the heats of southern suns,
Where life's warm current mad'ning runs,
In one quick circling stream;
But dearer far's the mellow light,
Which trembling shines, reflected bright,
In Luna's milder beams.
21*


246
THE SPY.
Some love the tulip's gaudjer dyes,
Where deep’ning blue with yellow vies,
And gorgeous beauty glows;
But happier he, whose bridal wreath,
By love entwined, is found to breathe
The sweetness of the rose,
66 I call on
The voice of Dunwoodie never lost its autho-
rity with his inferiors, and the applause which fol-
lowed his song, though by no means so riotous as
that which succeeded the effort of the captain, was
much more flattering.
“If, sir,” said the doctor, after joining in the
plaudits of his companions, “ you would but learn
to unite classical allusions with your delicate ima-
gination, you would become a pretty amateur
poet."
“ He who criticises ought to be able to per-
form,” said Dunwoodie with a smile;
Dr. Sitgreaves for a specimen of the style he ad-
mires."
“ Dr. Sitgreaves' song-Dr. Sitgreaves' song,
echoed all at the table with delight : “a classical
ode from Dr. Sitgreaves."
The surgeon made a complacent bow of acqui-
escence, took the remnant of his glass, and
gave
a few preliminary hems, that served hugely to de-
light three or four young cornets at the foot of the
table. He then commenced singing in a cracked
voice, and to any think but a tune, the following
ditty-min
Hast thou ever felt love's dart, dearest,
Or breathed his trembling sigh-
Thought him, afar, was ever nearest,
Before that sparkling eye
Then hast thou known, what 'tis to feel
The pain that Galen could not heal.
6 Hurrah!" shouted Lawton in a burst of ap-
plause, “ Archibald eclipses the muses themselves ;


THE SPY.
247
66 do you know +
his words'flow like the sylvan stream by moonlight,
and his melody is a cross breed of the nightingale
and the owl.',
Captain Lawton,” cried the exasperated ope-
rator, " it is one thing to despise the lights of clas-
sical learning, and another to be despised for your
own ignorance.”'
A loud summons at the door of the building
created a dead halt in the uproar, and the dra-
goons instinctively caught up their arms, to be
prepared for any intruders. The door was opened,
and the skinners entered, dragging in the pedlar,
bending under the load of his pack.
“Which is Captain Lawton ?” said the leader
of the gang, gazing around him in some little as-
tonishment.
“ He waits your pleasure," said the trooper,
with infinite composure.
66 Then here I deliver to your hands a con-
demned traitor--this is Harvey Birch, the pedlar-
Lawton started as he looked his old acquaint-
ance in the face, and turning to the skinner with a
lowering look, continued-
And who are you, sir, that speak so freely of
your neighbours ? but," bowing to Dunwoodie,
your pardon, sir; here is the commanding offi-
cer; to him you will please to address yourself."
"No," said the man sulienly; "it is to you I de-
liver the pedlar, and from you I claim my re-
ward."
" Are you Harvey Birch ?" said Dunwoodie,
advancing with an air of authority, that instantly
drove the skinner to a corner of the room,
“ I am,” said Birch, proudly.
“And a traitor to your country," continued the
be justified in ordering your execution this night?',
spy."


248
THE SPY.
soul so
1
66
66 'Tis not the will of God to send
hastily to his presence," said the pedlar with so-
lemnity.
6. You speak truth,” said Dunwoodie; "and a
few brief hours shall be added to your life; but as
your
offence is most odious to a soldier, so it will
be sure to meet with the soldier's vengeance : you
die to-morrow.”
“'Tis as God wills,” returned Harvey, without
moving a muscle.
“I have spent many a good hour to entrap the
villain," said the skinner, advancing a little from
his corner, “and I hope you will give me a certi-
ficate that will entitle us to the reward; 'twas
promised to be paid in gold.”
Major Dunwoodie,” said the officer of the
day entering the room," the patroles report a
house to be burnt, near yesterday's battle ground."
6 'Twas the hut of the pedlar," muttered the
leader of the gang;
we have not left him a shin-
gle for shelter; I should have burnt it months ago,
but I wanted his shed for a trap to catch the sly
fox in."
“ You seem a most ingenious patriot, “said
Lawton with extreme gravity;“ Major Dunwoodie,
I second the request of this worthy gentleman, and
crave the office of bestowing the reward on him
and his fellows."
“ Take it,” said the major ; " and you, misera-
ble man, prepare for that fate which will surely
await you before the setting of to-morrow's sun.
“ Life offers but little to tempt me with,” said
Harvey, slowly raising his eyes, and gazing wildly
at the strange faces in the apartment.
“Come, worthy children of America," said
Lawton, “ follow, and receive your reward."


THE SPY.
219
The gang eagerly accepted this invitation, and
followed the captain towards the quarters assigned
to his troop. Dunwoodie paused a moment, from
reluctance to triumph over a fallen foe, and pro-
ceeded with great solemnity-
“ You have already been tried, Harvey Birch,
and the truth has proved you to be an enemy, too
dangerous to the liberties of America, to be suf-
fered to live."
“ The truth!" echoed the pedlar starting, and
raising himself proudly, in a manner that regarded
the weight of his pack as nothing.
"Ay, the truth-you were charged with loiter-
ing near the continental army, to gain intelligence
of its movements, and by communicating it to the
enemy, to enable him to frustrate the intentions of
Washington."
“ Will Washington say so, think you ?" said
Birch with a ghastly smile.
“Doubtless he would even the justice of
Washington condemns you.'
"
“No-no-no," cried the pedlar, in a voice,
and with a manner that startled Danwoodie;
Washington can see beyond the hollow views of
pretended patriots. Has he not risked his all on
the cast of the die?-if a gallows is ready for me,
was there not one for him also ? no-no-no,
Washington would never say, 'lead him to a gal-
lows.'
" Have you any thing, wretched man, to urge
to the commander in chief, why you should not
die ?" said the major, recovering from the surprise
created by the manner of the other.
Birch trembled with the violence of the emo.
tions that were contending in his bosom ; his face
assumed the ghastly paleness of death, and his
hand drew a box of tin from the folds of his shirt--


250
THE SPY.
he opened it and it contained a small piece of pa-
per-his eyes were for an instant fixed on it-he
had already held it towards Dunwoodie, when
suddenly withdrawing his hand, he exclaimed-
“No-it dies with me I know the conditions
of my service, and will not purchase life with their
forfeiture-it dies with me."
"Deliver that paper, and you may possibly yet
find favor,” said Dunwoodie eagerly, expecting a
discovery of importance to the cause.
" It dies with me," repeated Birch, a flush pass-
ing over his pallid features, and lighting them
with extraordinary brilliancy,
“Seize the traitor, cried the major, “and wrest
the secret from his hands."
The order was immediately obeyed; but the
movements of the pedlar were too quick for them i
in an instant he swallowed it. The officers paused
in astonishment, at the readiness and energy of
the spy; but the surgeon cried eagerly-
“Hold him, while I administer an emetic."
“Forbear,” said Dunwoogie, beckoning him
back with his hand ; if his crime is great, so will
his punishment be heavy."
"Lead on," cried the pedlar, dropping his pack
from his shoulders, and advancing towards the
door with a manner of incomprehensible dignity.
66 Whither?" asked Dunwoodie in amazement.
66 To the gallows."
“No," said the major, recoiling in horror at his
own justice. “My duty requires that I order you
to be executed ; but surely not so hastily_take
until nine to-morrow to prepare for the awful
chaoge you are to undergo."
Danwoodie whispered his orders in the ear of a
subaltern, and motioned to the pedlar to with-
draw. The interruption caused by this scene


THE SPY.
251
prevented further enjoyment around the table,
and the officers dispersed to their several places
of rest. In a short time the only noise to be
heard was the heavy tread of the sentinel, as he
paced over the frozen ground, in front of the
Hotel Flanagan.
END OF THE FIRST VOLUME.


1
1


THE SPY;
A TALE OF
THE NEUTRAL GROUND.
* Breathes there a man with soul so dead,
Who never to himself hath said,
This is my own, my native land."
BY
THE AUTHOR OF
PRECAUTION.'
IN TWO VOLUMES.
VOL. II.
SECOND EDITION.
NEW-YORK:
VILEY AND HALSTED, 3, WALL-STREET.
Wm. Grattan, Printer.
1822.


THE SPY
A TALE OF
THE NEUTRAL GROUND.
CHAPTER I.
- there are, wbose changing lineaments
Express each guileless passion of the breast,
Where Love and Hope and tender-hearted Pity,
Shine forth, retlected, as from the mirror's face
But cold esperience can veil these hues
With looks, invented, shrewdly to encompass
The cunning purposes of base dereit.”
Duo.
The officer to whose keeping Dunwoodie had
committed the pedlar, transferred his charge to
the custody of the regular sergeant of the guard,
The gift of Captain Wharton had not been lost on
the youthful lieutenant, and a certain dancing mo-
tion that had unaccountably taken possession of
objects before his eyes, gave him warning of the
necessity of recruiting nature by sleep. After
admonishing the non-commissioned guardian of
Harvey to omit no watchfulness in securing the
prisoner, the youth wrapped himself in his cloak,
and, stretched on a bench before a fire, sought,
and soon found the repose he needed. A rude
shed extended the whole length of the rear of the
building, and from off one of its ends had been
partitioned a small apartment, that was intended


4
THE SPY.
as a repository for many of the lesser implements
of husbandry. The lawless times had, however,
occasioned its being stript of every thing of any
value, and the searching eyes of Betty Flanagan
selected this spot, on her arrival, as the store house
for her moveables, and a withdrawing-room for
her person. The spare arms and baggage of the
corps had also been deposited here; and the uni-
ted treasures were placed under the eye of the
sentinel who paraded the shed as a guardian to the
rear of the head quarters. A second warrior,
who was stationed near the house to protect the
horses of the officers, could command a view of
the outside of the apartment, and as it was with-
out window, or outlet of any kind excepting its
door, the considerate sergeani thought this the most
befitting place in which to deposite his prisoner,
until the moment of his execution.
There were
several inducements that urged Sergeant Hollister
to this determination, among which was the ab-
sence of the washerwoman, who lay before the
kitchen fire, dreaming that the corps were attack-
ing a party of the enemy, and mistaking the noise.
that proceeded from her own nose for the bugles
of the Virginians sounding the charge. Another
was the peculiar opinions that the veteran en-
tertained of life and death, and by which he
was distinguished in the corps as a man of most
exemplary piety and holiness of life. The ser:
geant was more than fifty years of age, and for
half that period had borne arms as a profession.
The constant recurrence of sudden deaths before
his eyes had produced an effect on him differing
greatly from that, which was the usual moral con-
sequence of such scenes, and he had become not
only the most steady, but the most trust-worthy
soldier in his troop. Captain Lawton re-
warded his fidelity by making him its orderly.
3


THE SPY.
5
Followed by Birch, the sergeant proceeded in
silence to the door of the intended prison, and
throwing it open with one hand, held a lantern
with the other to light the pedlar as he entered.
Seating himself on a cask that contained some of
Betty's favorite beverage, the sergeant motioned
to Birch to occupy another in the same manner.
The lanthern was placed on the floor, and the
dragoon, after looking his prisoner steadily in the
face, observed
* You look as if you would meet death like a
man, and I have brought you to a spot where you
can fix things to suit yourself, and be quiet and
undisturbed.),
66 ?Tis a fearful place to prepare for the last
change in,” said Harvey, shuddering, and gazing
around his little prison with a vacant eye.
66 Why, for the matter of that," returned the ve-
teran," it can reckon but little in the great account
where a'man parades his thoughts for the last re-
view, so that he finds them fit to pass the muster
of another world. I have a small book here
which I make it a point to read a little in, when-
ever we are about to engage, and I find it a great
strength’ner in time of need."
While speaking
he took a bible from his pocket and offered it to
the acceptance of the pedlar. Birch received
the volume with habitual reverence, but there
was an abstracted air about him, and a wander-
ing of the eye that induced his companion to
think that alarm was getting the mastery over
the pedlar's feelings-accordingly he proceeded
in what he conceived to be the offices of con-
solation.
“ If there's any thing that lies beavy on your
mind, now is the best time to get rid of it-if you
have done wrong to any one, I promise you, on
1*


6
TIIE SPY.
the word of an honest dragoon, to lend
уоа
helping hand to see them righted.”
65 There are few who have not done so," said
the pedlar, turning his vacant gaze once more on
his companion.
66 True-'tis natural to sin--but it sometimes
happens that a man does, what at other times he
may be sorry for.--One would not wish to die
with any very heavy sin on his conscience, after
all."
Harvey had by this time thoroughly examined
the place in which he was to pass the night, and
saw no means of escape. But hope is ever the
last feeling to desert the human breast, and the
pedlar gave the dragoon more of his attention,
fixing on bis sun-burnt features such searching
looks, that Sergeant Hollister lowered his eyes
before the wild expression which he met in the
gaze of his prisoner.
“ I have been taught to lay the burden of my
sins at the feet of my saviour,” replied the ped-
lar.
Why, yes—all that is well enough,” returned
the other; " but justice should be done while
there is opportunity.--There have been stirring
times in this county since the war began, and
many have been deprived of their rightful goods.
I oftentimes find it hard to reconcile my lawful
plander to a tender conscience."
These hands," said the pedlar, stretching
forth his meagre, bony fingers, and speaking with
unusual pride,“ have spent years in toil, but not
a moment in pilfering."
6. It is well that it is so," said the honest-heart-
ed soldier; “and no doubt, you now feel it a great
consolation--there are three great sins that if
a man can keep his conscience clear of--why,
by the mercy of God, he may hope to pass muster


THE SPY.
with the saints in Heaven--they are, stealing,
murdering, and desertion."
“Thank God!” said Birch with fervor, "I
have never yet taken the life of a fellow crea-
ture."
" As to killing a man in lawful battle, why that
is no more than doing one's duty,” interrupted
the sergeant, who was a close imitator of Captain
Lawton in the field. 66 If the cause is wrong,
the
sin of such a deed you know falls on the nation,
and a man receives his punishment here with the
rest of the people-but murdering in cold blood
stands next to desertion, as a crime in the eye of
God."
“I never was a soldier, therefore never could
desert," said the pedlar, resting his face on his
hand in a melancholy attitude.
“Why, desertion consists of more than quitting
your colours, though that is certainly the worst
kind," continued the dragoon, speaking slowly
and with some emphasis- A man may desert his
country in the hour of her utmost need."
Birch buried his face in both his hands, and his
whole frame shook with violent agitation; the
sergeant regarded him closely, but good feelings
soon got the better of his antipathies, and he con-
tinued more mildly-
“ But still that is a sin which I think may be
forgiven if sincerely repented of; and it matters
but little when or how a man dies, so that he dies
like a christian and a man. I recommend you
to
say your prayers, and then get some rest, in order
that you may do both. There is no hope of your
being pardoned, for Colonel Singleton has sent
down the most positive orders to take your life
whenever we met you. No-no-nothing can
save you."
“ You say the truth,” cried Birth. : « It is now
12


8
THE SPY.
too late I have destroyed my only safeguard.
Bụt He will do my memory justice at least.
“What safeguard ?” asked the sergeant, with .
awakened curiosity.
“ 'Tis nothing, replied the pedlar, recovering
bis natural manner, and lowering his face to avoid
the earnest looks of his companion.
66 And who is he?",
“ No one,” added Harvey, evidently anxious
to say no more.
Nothing and no one, can avail but little now,?
said the sergeant, rising to go ; “ lay yourself on
the blanket of Mrs. Flanagan, and get a little
sleep, I will call you betimes in the morning, and
from the bottom of my soul, I wish I could be of
some service to you, for I dislike greatly to see a
man hung up like a dog."
• Then you might save me from this ignomini-
nious death,” said Birch, springing on his feet,
and catching the dragoon by the arm" And oh!
what will I not give you in reward!"
“ In what manner?" asked the sergeant, look-
at him in surprise.
“See," said the pedlar, producing several gui-
neas from his person; - these are but as nothing
to what I will give you, if you will assist me to
escape.
“ Was you the man whose picture is on the
gold, I would not listen to such a crime," said the
trooper, throwing the money on the floor with cool
contempt. "Go-go--poor wretch, and make your
peace with God; for it is he only that can be of
service to you now."
The sergeant took up the lantern, and, with
some indignation in his manner, left the pedlar to
his sorrowful meditations on his approaching fate.
Birch sunk in momentary despair on the pallet of
Betty, while his guardian proceeded to give the
1


THE SPY.
9
necessary instructions to the sentinels for his safe
keeping
Hollister concluded his injunctions to the man
in the shed, by saying, “your life will depend on
his not escaping.
“But,” said the trooper, “my orders are, to let
the washerwoman pass in and out, as she pleases."
6 Well let her then, but be careful that this
wily pedlar does not get out in the folds of her
petticoats.” He then continued his walk, giving
similar orders to each of the sentinels near the
spot.
For some time after the departure of the ser-
geant, silence prevailed within the solitary prison
of the pedlar, until the dragoon at his door heard
his loud breathings, which soon rose into the re-
gular cadence of one in a deep sleep; and the
man continued walking his post, musing on the in-
difference to life which could allow nature its
customary rest even on the threshold of the
grave. Harvey Birch bad, however, been too
long a name held in detestation by every man in
the corps, to suffer any feelings of commiseration
to mingle with these reflections of the sentinel ;
for notwithstanding the consideration and kind-
ness manifested by the sergeant, there probably
was not another man of his rank in the whole
party who would have discovered equal benevo-
lence to the prisoner, or who would not have imi-
tated the veteran in rejecting the bribe, although
probably from a less worthy motive. There was
something of disappointed vengeance in the feel-
ings of the man who watched the door of the
room, on finding his prisoner enjoying a sleep that
he himself was deprived of, and at his exhibiting
such obvious indifference to the utmost penalty
that military rigor could inflict on all his treason


10
THE SPY.
to the cause of liberty and America. More than
once he felt prompted to disturb this unwont-
ed repose of the pedlar by taunts and revilings,
but the discipline he was under, and a secret
sense of shame at its brutality, held him in sub-
jection.
His meditations were, however, soon interrupt-
ed by the appearance of the washerwoman, who
came staggering through the door that communi-
cated with the kitchen, muttering execrations
against the servants of the officers who, by their
waggery, had disturbed her slumbers before the
fire. The sentinel understood enough of her male-
dictions to comprehend the case, but all his efforts
to enter into conversation with the enraged wo-
man were useless, and he suffered her to enter
her room without explaining that it contained
another inmate. The noise of her huge frame
falling on the bed, was succeeded by a silence that
was soon interrupted by the renewed breathing
of the pedlar, and within a few minutes Harvey
continued to breathe aloud as if no interruption
had occurred. The relief arrived at this mo:
ment, the sentinel who felt excessively nettled at
the contempt of the pedlar, after communicating
his orders, exclaimed to his successor, while he
was retiring-
“ You may keep yourself warm by dancing,
John; the pedlar-spy has tuned his fiddle you
hear, and it will not be long before Betty will
strike
up
in her turn."
The joke was followed by a general laugh from
the party, who marched on in the performance of
their duty. At this instant the door of the prison
was opened, and Betty re-appeared, staggering
back again towards her former quarters.
Stop," said the sentinel, catching her by her
1
1


THE SPY.
11
clothes; “are you sure the Spy is not in your
pocket?"
“ Can't you hear the rascal snoring in my room,
you dirty blackguard?'' sputtered Betty, her whole
frame shaking with the violence of her rage;" and
is it so yee would sarve a dacent female that a
man must be put to sleep in the room wid her,
yee rapscallion."
“Pooh! wbat do you mind a man who's to be
hung in the morning for; you see he sleeps alrea-
dy; to-morrow he'll take a longer nap."
“ Hands off, you villain,” cried the washerwo-
man, relinquishing a small bottle that the fellow
had succeeded in wresting from her.
66 But I'll
go to Captain Jack, and know if it's his orders to
put a hang-gallows spy in my room, ay, even in
my
widow'd bed, you thief.”'
“Silence, you old Jezebel," said the fellow
with a laugh, taking the bottle from his mouth to
breathe," or you will wake the gentleman-would
you disturb a man in his last sleep?'
“I'll awake Captain Jack, you riprobate villain,
and bring him here to see me righted-he will
punish you all for imposing on a dacent' widow'd
body, you marauder.”
With these words, which only extorted a laugh
from the sentinel, Betty staggered round the end
of the building, and made the best of her way to-
wards the quarters of her favorite, Captain John
Lawton, for redress. Neither the officer nor the
woman, however, appeared during the night, both
being differently employed, and nothing further
occurred to disturb the repose of the pedlar, who,
to the astonishment of the sentinel, continued ap-
parently, by his breathing, to manifest how little
the gallows could affect his slumbers.


12
THE SPY.
CHAPTER II.
" A Dantel come to judgment! yea, a Daniel
O wise young judge, how do I honour thee !"
Merchant of Venice.
The Skinners followed Captain Lawton withe
alacrity towards the quarters occupied by the
troop of that gentleman. The captain of dra-
goons had on all occasions manifested so much
zeal for the cause in which he was engaged-was
so regardless of personal danger when opposed to
the enemy, and his stature and stern countenance
contributed so much to render him terrific at such
moments, that they had, in some measure, pro-
cured him a reputation distinct from the corps in
which he served.--His intrepidity was mistaken
for ferocity, and his hasty zeal for the natural love
of cruelty. On the other hand, a few acts of cle-
mency, or more properly speaking, of discrimi-
nating justice, had with one portion of the com-
munity acquired for Dunwoodie the character of
urdue forbearance. It is seldom that either
popular condemnation or applause falls where it is
merited.
While in the presence of the major, the leader
of the gang had felt himself under that restraint
which vice must ever experience in the company
of acknowledged virtue, but having left the house,
he at once conceived that he was under the protec.
tion of a congenial spirit. There was a gravity in
the manner of Lawton, that deceived most of those
who did not know him intimately, and it was a
common saying in his troop, that " when the cap-
taia laughed he was sure to punish." Drawing


THE SPY.
wear his conductor, therefore, the leader com-
inenced, with inward satisfaction, the following di-
alogue
« Tis always well for a man to know his friends
from his enemies."
To this prefatory observation, the captain made
no other reply than an assenting sound, that could
not be called a word.
“I suppose Major Dunwoodie has the good opi-
nion of Washington ?" continued the skinner in
a low, confidential tone, that rather expressed a
doubt than asked a question.
“ There are some who think so," returned the
captain, ambiguously.
* Many of the friends of Congress in this coun.
ty," the man proceeded, “wish the horse was led
by some other officer--for my part if I could only
be covered by a troop now and then, I could uo
many an important piece of service to the cause,
that this capture of the pedlar would be nothing
“ Indeed !'' said the captain, drawing familiarly
nigh him and lowering his voice; " such as what?"
“For the matter of that it could be made as
profitable to the officer, as it would be to us who
did it," said the skinner, with a look of the most
significant meaning.
*** But how?" asked Lawton, a little impatiently,
and quickening his step to get out of the hearing
of the rest of the party.
* Why near hand to the royal lines, even under
the
very guns of the heights, might be good pick-
ing if we had a force to guard us from De Lancey's
men, and to cover our retreat from being cut off
by the way of King's-Bridge."
“I thought the refugees took all that game to
themselves,” said the captain.
- They do a little at it, but are obliged to be
VOL, 2.
2
to."


14
THE SPY.
sparing among their own people," retarned the
fellow, in perfect confidence. 6 I have been down
twice under an agreement with them : the first
time they acted with honor--but the second they
came upon us and drove us off, and took the plun-
der to themselves."
“ That was a very dishonorable act, indeed,"
said Lawton; “I wonder that you associate with
such rascals."
6 It is necessary to have an understanding with
some of them, or we might be taken,” returned
the skinner. 6 But a man without honor, is worse
than a brute-do you think Major Dunwoodie is a
man to be trusted ?”
“You mean on honorable principles," said Law-
ton.
“ Certain-you know Arnold was thought well
of, until the royal major was taken."
“Why I do not believe Dunwoodie would sell
his command as Arnold wished to,” said the cap-
tain; “neither do I think him exactly trust-worthy
in a delicate business like yours."
- That's just my notion, rejoined the skinner,
with a self-approving manner that showed how
much he was satisfied with his own estimate of
character.
By this time they had arrived at a better sort of
farm house, the very extensive out-buildings of
which were in tolerable repair for the times.
The barns were occupied by the men of the
troop in their clothes, while their horses were
arranged under the long sheds which protected
the yard from the cold north wind, and were qui-
etly eating, with their saddles on their backs, and
bridles thrown on their necks, ready to be bitted
at the shortest warning. Lawton excused him-
self for a moment to the skinner and entered his
quarters. He soon returned, holding in his hand


INE SPY.
15
one of the common lanterns used by the men
when working on their steeds, and led the way
towards the large orchard that surrounded the
buildings on three sides. The gang followed the
leader in silence, who suspected the object to be the
facility of communicating further on this interest-
ing topic without the danger of being overheard.
Approaching the captain, he renewed the dis-
course with a view of establishing further confi-
dence, and giving his companion a more favorable
opinion of his intellects.
“ Do you think the colonies will finally get the
better of the King ?” he inquired with a little of
the importance of a politician.
“ Get the better!" echoed the captain, witha
impetuosity—then checking himself, he continued,
“ no doubt they will-If the French will give us
arms and money, we can drive the royal troops out
in six months."
"Well, so I hope we will soon,” said the skin-
ner, hastily, being conscious of his having medi-
tated joining the refugees for some time, and
then we shall have a free government, and we,
who fight for it, will get our reward."
“Oh!" cried Lawton, “ your claims will be
indisputable, while all these vile tories who live
at home peaceably to take care of their farms,
will be held in the contempt they merit. You
have no farm I suppose ???
" Not yet-but it will go hard if I do not find
one before the peace is made.”
“Right; study your own interests and you study
the interests of your country-press the point of
your own services, and rail at the tories, and I'll
bet my spurs against a rusty nail, that you get to
be a county-clerk at least."
“Don't you think Paulding's party were fools
in not letting the Royal Adjutant-General es-


16
THE SPY.
!"
1
cape ?'' said the man, thrown off his guard by the
freedom of the captain's manner.
“ Fools !" cried Lawton, with a bitter laugh ;
" Ay fools indeed-King George would have paid
them better, for he is richer. He would have
made them gentlemen for their lives. But, thank
God, there is a pervading spirit in the people that
seems miraculous. Men who have nothing, act
as if the wealth of the Indies depended on their
fidelity-all are not villains like yourself, or we
should have been slaves to England years ago.”
“ How !” exclaimed the skinner, starting back
and dropping bis musket to the level of the other's
breast, *am I betrayed then--and are you my
enemy!
“Miscreant !" shouted Lawton, his sabre ring-
ing in its steel scabbard as he struck the musket
of the fellow from his hands, "offer but again to
point your gun at me, and I'll cleave you to the
middle."
" And you will not pay us then, Captain Law-
ton ?”' said the skinner, trembling, and noticing
a party of mounted dragoons silently encircling
the whole party.
"0! pay you-yes-you shall have the full
measure of your reward--there is the money that
Colonel Singleton sent down for the captors of the
spy." throwing a bag of guineas with disdain at
the other's feet. “But ground your arms, you
Fascals, and see that the money is truly told.”
The intimidated band did as they were ordered,
and while they were hastily employed in this
pleasing avocation, a few of Lawton's men pri-
vately knocked the flints from their muskets.
* Well," cried the captain, “is it right-have
you the promised reward ???
5 There is just the money," said the leader.


THE SPY.
17
** and we will now go to our homes with your per-
mission."
“ Hold !" returned Lawton, with his usual gra-
vity ;“ so much to redeem our promise-ņow for
justice; we pay you for taking a spy, but we
punish you for burning, robbing, and murdering-
seize them my lads, and give them each the law
of Moses—forty, save one."
This command was given to no unwilling listen-
ers, and in the twinkling of an eye the skinners
were stripped and fastened, by the balters of the
party, to as many of the apple-trees as were neces-
sary to furnish one to each of the gang; swords
were quickly drawn, and fifty branches cut from
the trees like magic : from these were selected a
few of the most supple of the twigs, and a willing
dragoon was soon found to wield each of these
new weapons. Captain Lawton gave the word,
humanely cautioning his men not to exceed the
discipline prescribed by the Mosaic law, and
directly the uproar of Babel commenced in the
orchard. The cries of the leader were easily to
be distinguished above those of his men, and the
circumstance might be accounted for, by Captain
Lawton's reminding his corrector that he had to
deal with an officer, and he should remember and
pay him unusual honor. The flagellation was
executed with great neatness and despatch, and
was distinguished by no irregularity excepting that
none of the disciplinarians began to count until
they had tried their whips by a dozen or more
blows, by the way, as they said themselves, of
finding out the proper places to strike. As soon
as this summary operation was satisfactorily com-
pleted, Lawton directed his men to leave the
skinners to replace their own clothes, and to
mount their horses, for they were a party who had
2*


18
THE SPY.
been detailed for the purpose of patroling lower
down in the county.
“ You see, my friend," said the captain to the
leader of the skinners, after he had prepared himself
to depart, “ ) can cover you to some purpose when
necessary. If we meet often, you will be covered
with scars, which, if not very honorable, will be
at least merited."
The fellow made no reply, but was busy with
his musket, and hastening his comrades to march;
when, every thing being ready, they proceeded
sullenly towards some rocks, at no great distance,
which were overhung by a deep wood. The
moon was just rising, and the group of dragoons
could easily be distinguished where they had been
left. Suddenly turning, the whole gang levelled
their pieces and drew the triggers. The action
was noticed and the snapping of the locks was
heard by the soldiers, who returned their futile
attempt with a laugh of derision--the captain
crying aloud
“Ah! rascals, I know you and have taken
away your flints.'
6 You should have taken away the one in my
pocket too,” shouted the leader, firing his gun in
the next instant. The bullet grazed the ear of
Lawton, who laughed as he shook his head, and
said, “a miss was as good as a mile.” One
of the dragoons had noticed the preparations of
the skinner, who had been left alone by the rest
of his gang, as soon as they had made their abor-
tive attempt at revenge, and was in the act of
plunging his spurs in his horse as the fellow fired,
The distance to the rocks was but small, yet the
speed of the horse compelled the leader to aban-
don both money and musket, to effect his escape.
The soldier returned with his prizes and offered
them to the acceptance of his captain, but Law-


THE SPY.
19
ton coolly rejected them, telling the man to retain
them himself, until the skinner appeared in per-
son to claim his property.
It would have been a
business of no small difficulty for any tribunal
then existing in the new states, to have enforced
. a decree of restitution of the money, for it was
shortly after most equitably distributed by the
hands of Sergeant Hollister, among a troop of
horse. : The patrole departed, and the captain
slowly returned to his quarters, with an intent of
retiring to rest.
A figure moving rapidly among
the trees in the direction of the wood, whither the
skinners had retired, caught his eye, and, wheeling
on his heel, the cautious partisan approached it,
and to his astonishment saw the washerwoman at
that hour of night, and in such a place.
What, Betty !-walking in your sleep, or
dreaming while awake," cried the astonished
trooper; "are you not afraid of meeting with the
ghost of ancient Jenny in this her favorite pas-
ture ?"
Ah, súre, Captain Jack, returned the suttler
in her native accent, and reeling in a manner that
made it difficult for her to raise her head, “its
not Jenny, or her ghost, that I'm seeking-but
some yarbs for the wounded. And its the vartue
of the rising moon, as it jist touches them, that I
want. They grow under yon rocks, and I must
hasten or the charm will lose its power."
"Fool, you are fitter for your pallet than wan-
dering among those rocks—a fall from one of them
would break your bones-besides, the skinners
have fled to those heights, and should they see
you, would revenge on you a flogging they have
but just now received from me.
old woman, and finish your nap--we march in the
morning, I hear.”
Betty disregarded his advice, and continued her
66
Better return,


20
THE SPY.
devious route to the hill side. For an instant, as
Lawton mentioned the skinners, she paused, but
immediately resumed her course, and was soon
out of sight among the trees.
On entering his quarters, the sentinel at the
door inquired if he had met Mrs. Flanagan--and
told his captain she had passed there, filling the
air with threats against her tormentors at the
“ Hotel,” and inquiring for the captain, in search
of redress. Lawton heard the man in astonish-
ment-appeared struck with a new idea-walked
several yards towards the orchard, and returned
again; for several minutes he paced rapidly to
and fro before the door of the house, and then has-
tily entering it, threw himself on a bed in his
clothes, and was soon in a profound sleep.
In the mean time the gang of marauders had
successfully gained the summit of the rocks, and
scattering in every direction buried themselves in
the depths of the wood. Finding, however, they
were unpursued, a thing which was impracticable
for horse, the leader ventured to call his band to-
gether with a whistle, and in a short time succeed.
ed in collecting his discomfited party at a point
where they had but little to apprehend from this
new enemy.
6 Well," said one of the fellows, while a fire
was lighting to protect them against the air, which
was becoming severely cold, "there is an end to
our business in West-Chester. The Virginia
horse will soon make the county too hot to hold
us."
“I'll have his blood," muttered the leader, " if
I die for it the next instant.".
“Oh, you are very valiant here in the wood,"
cried the other with a savage laugh; "why did
you, who boast so much of your aim, miss your
man just now, at thirty yards ?"


THE SPY.
21
vrsTwas the horseman that disturbed me, or I
would have ended this Captain Lawton on the
spot-besides the cold had set me a shivering, and
I had no longer a steady hand.”
“Say it was fear and you will tell no lie," said
his comrade, with a sneer. “For my part, I think
I shall never be cold again-my back burns as if
a thousand gridirons were laid on it, and that not
very gently."
"And you would tamely submit to such usage,
and kiss the rod that beat you ?”
“As for kissing the rod, it would be no easy
matter I'm thinking," returned the other. “Yes,
mine was broke into such small pieces on my own
shoulders, that it would be difficult to find one big
enough to kiss'; but I would rather submit to
losing half my skin, than to losing the whole of it,
with my ears in the bargain. And such will be
our fates if we tempt this mad Virginian again.--
God willing, I would at any time give him enough
of my hide to make a pair of Jack books, to get
out of his hands with the remainder. If you
had
known when you were well off, you would have
stuck to Major Dunwoodie, who don't know half
so much of ourevil-doings."
“Silence, you talking fool,” shouted the en-
raged leader; "your prating nonsense is sufficient
to drive a man mad--is it not enough to be robbed
and beaten, but we must be tormented with your
folly ?-help to get out the provisions, if any is left
in the wallet, and try and stop your mouth with
food."
This injunction was obeyed, and the whole par :
ty, amidst sundry groans and contortions, excited
by the disordered state of their backs, made their
arrangements for a scanty meal. A large fire of
dry wood was burning in the cleft of a rock, and
at length they began to recover in some measure


22
THE SPY.
from the confusion of their flight, and to collect
their scattered senses. Their hunger being ap-
peased, and many of their garments thrown aside
for the better opportunity of dressing their wounds,
the gang began to plot measures of revenge.
An
hour was spent in this manner, and various expe-
dients were proposed, but as they all depended a
good deal on personal prowess for their success,
and were attended by great danger, they were of
course rejected. There was no possibility of ap-
proaching the troops by surprise, their vigilance
being ever on the watch; and the hope of meeting
Captain Lawton away from his men was equally
forlorn, for the trooper was constantly engaged in
his duty, and his movements were so rapid, that
any opportunity of meeting with him at all must
depend greatly on accident. Besides, it was by
no means certain, that such an interview would
result happily for themselves. The cunning of
the trooper was notorious, and rough and broken
as was West-Chester, the fearless partisan was
known to take desperate leaps, and stone walls
were but slight impediments to the charges of
the Southern horse. Gradually, the conversation
took another direction, until the gang determined
on a plan which should both revenge themselves,
and at the same time offer some additional stimu-
lus to their exertions. The whole business was
accurately discussed, the time fixed, and the man-
ner adopted-in short, nothing was wanting to the
previous arrangement for this deed of villany,
when they were aroused by a voice calling aloud-
“ This way, Captain Jack-here are the rascals
ating by a fire this way, and murder the thieves
where they sit-quick, lave your horses and shoot
your pistols.
This terrific summons was enough to disturb


THE SPY
23
the philosophy of the gang entirely, and springing
on their feet, they rushed deeper into the wood,
and having already agreed upon a place of ren-
dezvous previously to their intended expedition,
they dispersed towards the four quarters of the
heavens-certain sounds and different voices were
heard calling to each other, but as the marauders
were well trained to speed of foot, they were soon
lost in the distance.
It was not long before Betty Flanagan emerged
from the darkness, and very coolly took possession
of what the skinners had left in their flight-these
were food, and divers articles of dress. The
washerwoman deliberately seated herself, and
made a meal with great apparent satisfaction; for
an hour she sat with her head upon her hand in
deep musing, then gathered together such articles
of the clothes as seemed to suit her fancy, and re-
tired into the wood leaving the fire to throw its
glimmering light on the adjacent rocks, until its
last brand died away, and the place was abandon-
ed to solitude and darkness.


24
THE SPY.
CHAPTER JII.
* No longer then perplex thy breast,
When thoughts torment, the first are bests
'Tis mad to go, 'tis death to stay!
Away, to Orra, laste away."
Lapland Love Song.
any
While his comrades were sleeping, in perfect
forgetfulness of their hardships and dangers, the
slumbers of Dunwoodie were broken and unquiet.
After spending a night of restlessness, he arose
unrefreshed from the rude bed where he had
thrown himself in his clothes, and without awaking
of the
group
around him, wandered into the
open
air in search of relief. The soft rays of the
moon were just passing away in the more distinct
light of the morning; the wind had fallen, and the
rising mists gave the promise of another of those
autumnal days, which, in this unstable climate,
succeed a tempest with the rapid transitions of
magic. The hour had not arrived when he in-
tended moving from bis present position; and
willing to allow his warriors all the refreshment
that circumstances would permit, he strolled to-
wards the scene of the skinners' punishment, mu-
sing upon the embarrassments of his situation,
and uncertain how he should reconcile his sense
of manly delicacy to his love.--Added to this di-
lemma, was the dangerous situation of Henry
Wharton. Although Dunwoodie himself placed
the most implicit reliance on the captain's purity


THE SPY.
25
soner.
of intention, he was by no means assured that a
board of officers would be equally credulous, and
independent of all feelings of private regard, he
felt certain that with the execution of Henry
would be destroyed all hopes of an union with his
sister. He had despatched an officer the preced-
ing evening to Col. Singleton, who was in com-
mand in the advance posts, reporting the capture
of the British captain, and, after giving his own
opinion of his innocence, requesting orders as to
the manner in which he was to dispose of his pri-
These orders might now be expected
every hour, and his uneasiness increased, in pro-
portion as the moment approached when his friend
might be removed from his protection. In this dis-
turbed state of mind, the major wandered through
the orchard, and was stopped in his walk by ar-
riving at the base of those rocks which had pro-
tected the skinners in their flight, before he was
conscious whither his steps had carried him. He
was about to turn, and retrace his path to his quar-
ters, when he was startled with a voice bidding
him to
“ Stand or dic."
Dunwoodie turned in amazement, and beheld
the figure of a man placed at a little distance
above him on a shelving rock, with a musket in
his hands that was levelled at himself. The light
was not yet sufficiently powerful to reach the re-
cesses of that gloomy spot, and a second louk was
necessary before he discovered, to his astonish-
ment, that it was the pedlar who stood before him.
Comprehending in an instant the danger of his
situation, and disdaining to implore mercy or to
retreat, had the latter been possible, the youth
cried firmly—
"If I am to be murdered, fire ; for I will never
become your prisoner."
VOL. 2,
3


26
THE SPY.
99
66 God
“No, Major Dunwoodie,” said Birch, lowering
his musket," it is neither my intention to capture
nor to slay."
“What then would you have, mysterious being?"
said Dunwoodie, hardly able to persuade himself
that the form he saw was not a creature of the
imagination.
“ Your good opinion,” answered the pedlar with
emotion ; “I would wish all good men to judge
me with lenity."
“To you it must be indifferent what may be the
judgment of men on your actions," said the ma-
jor, gazing around him in continued surprise ;
“ for you seem to be beyond the reach of their sen-
tence."
spares
the lives of his servants to his own
time," said the pedlar, solemnly : “'Tis but a few
hours and I was your prisoner, and threatened with
the gallows; now you are mine ; but, Major Dun-
woodie, you are free. There are them abroad
who would treat you less kindly. Of what service
would that sword be to you against my weapon
and a steady hand ? Take the advice of one who
has never harmed you, and who never will. Do
not trust yourself in the skirts of any wood, unless
in company and mounted.”
" And have you comrades who have assisted you
to escape,” said Dunwoodie, “and who are less
generous than yourself ?”
66 No-no"--cried Harvey, clasping bis hands
wildly, and speaking with bitter melancholy; “I
am alone truly-none know me but my
God and
Him."
“And who ?” asked the major, with an interest.
he could not control.
6 None,” continued the pedlar, recovering his
composure.
“But such is not your case, Major
Dunwoodie; you are young and happy; there are


THE SPY.
27
them that are dear to you, and such are not far
away-danger is near them you love most-dan-
ger within and without ;-double your watchful-
ness-strengthen your patroles and be silent
with
your opinion of me, should I tell you more
you would suspect an ambush. But remember
and guard them you love best.”
The pedlar discharged the musket in the air,
and threw it at the feet of his astonished auditor;
and when the surprise and smoke suffered Dun-
woodie to look again on the rock where he bad
stood, the spot was vacant.
The youth was aroused from the stupor which
had been created by this strange scene, by the
trampling of horses and the sound of the bugles.
A patrole was drawn to the spot by the report of
the musket, and the alarm had been given to the
corps. Without entering into any explanation
with his men, the major returned quickly to his
quarters, where he found the whole squadron un-
der arms, in battle array, impatiently awaiting the
appearance of their leader. The officer whose
duty it was to superintend such matters had di-
rected a party to lower the sign of the Hotel
Flanagan, and the post was already arranged for
the exccution of the spy. On hearing from the
major that the musket was discharged by himself,
and was probably another dropped by the skinners,
(for by this time Dunwoodie had learnt the pu-
nishment inflicted by Lawton, but chose to con-
ceal his interview with Birch,) his officers sug-
gested the propriety of executing their prisoner
before they marched. Unable to believe all he
had seen was not a dream, Dunwoodie, followed
by many of his officers, and preceded by Sergeant
Hollister, went to the place which was supposed
to contain this mysterious pedlar.
"Well, sir," said the major, sternly, to the


28
THE SPY.
sentinel who guarded the door, “I suppose you
have your prisoner in safety."
“He is yet asleep,'' replied the .man, “and
makes such a noise I could hardly hear the bugles
sound the alarm."
Open the door and bring him forth," said
Dunwoodie to the sergeant.
The order was obeyed, so far as circumstances
would allow ; but to the utter amazement of the
honest veteran, he found the room in no little
disorder—the coat of the pedlar was where his
body ought to have been, and part of the ward-
robe of Betty was scattered in disorder on the
floor. The washerwoman herself occupied the
pallet in a profound mental oblivion, in all her
slothes excepting the little black bonnet, which
she so constantly wore, that it was commonly
thought she made it perform the double duty of
both day and night cap: The noise of their en-
trance, and the exclamations of the party, awoke
the woman, and rising, she exclaimed bastily-
“ Is it the breakfast that's wanting ? Well, faith,
yee look as if yee would ate myself-but patience
a little, darlings, and yee'll see sich a fry as never
was."
“ Fry!" echoed the sergeant, forgetful of his
religious philosophy, and the presence of his offi-
cers; “ we'll have you roasted, you jade--you've
helped that damn'd pedlar to escape.”
" Jade, back agin in yeer teeth, and damn'd
pedlar, too, Mister Sargeant," cried Betty, who
was easily roused; "what have I to do with ped-
lars or escapes ? I might have been a pedlar's
lady and worn my silks, If I'd had Sawny M-Twill,
instead of tagging at the heels of a parcel of dra-
gooning rapscallions, who don't know how to trate
a lone body with dacency."
“ The fellow has left my bible,” said the vete-


THE SPY.
29
rai, taking the book from the floor; “ in place of
spending his time in reading it to prepare for his
end, like a good Christian, he has been busy in
labouring to escape."
“ And who would stay and be hung like a dog ?”
cried Betty, beginning to comprehend the case;
66 ?Tisn't every one that's born to meet with sich an
ind-like yourself, Mister Hollister."
“Silence!” said Dunwoodie; "this must be
inquired into closely, gentlemen; there is no out-
let but the door, and there he could not pass, un-
less the sentinel connived at his escape or was
asleep on his post-call up all the guard."
As these men were not paraded, curiosity had
already drawn them to the place, and they all
excepting one denied that any person had passed
out, and he acknowledged that Betty had gone by
him, but pleaded his orders in justification.
“ You lie, you tief-you lie!" shouted Betty,
who had impatiently listened to his exculpation;
" would yee slanderize a lone woman, by saying
she walks a camp at midnight ?-Here have I been
slaaping the long night as sweetly as the sucking
babe."
“ Here, sir," said the sergeant, turning respect-
fully to Dunwoodie, “ is something written in my
bible that was not in it before ; for having no fami-
ly to record, I would never suffer any scribbling in
the sacred book."
One of the officers read aloud-" These certify,
that if suffered to get free, it is by God's help alone,
to whose divine aid ſ humbly riccommint myself
I'm forced to take the woman's clothes, but in her
pocket is a ricompinse.-Witness my hand--Harvey
Birch."
" What!” roared Betty, in consternation, "has
the tief robbed a lone woman of her all ?-hang
3*


-30
THE SPY.
him-catch him and hang him, major, if there's
law or justice in the land."
“ Examine your pocket," said one of the young-
sters, who was enjoying the scene, careless of
the cause or its consequences.
“ Ah! faith,” cried the washerwoman, produce
ing a guinea; “but he is a jewel of a pidlar--
long life and a brisk trade to him say I-he is
welcome to the duds--and if he is ever hung
many a bigger rogue will go free.”
Dunwoodie turned to leave the apartment, and
saw Captain Lawton standing with folded arms,
contemplating the scene in profound silence.
His manner, so different from his usual-impetu-
osity and zeal, struck his commander as singular
-their eyes met, and they walked together for a
few minutes in close conversation, when Dun-
woodie returned and dismissed the guard to their
place of rendezvous. Sergeant Hollister, how-
ever, continued alone with Betty, who having
found none of her vestments disturbed but such as
the guinea more than paid for, was in high good-
humour for the interview. The washerwoman had
for a long time looked on the veteran with the
eyes of affection, and had secretly determined
within herself to remove the dangers from a lone
woman, by making the sergeant the successor of
her late husband. For some time the trooper had
seemed to flatter her preference, and Betty con-
ceiving that her violence had mortified the feel-
ings of her lover, was determined to make him
all the amends in her power. Besides, rough
and uncouth as she was, the washerwoman had
still enough of her sex to know that the moments
of reconciliation were the moments of her power.
She, therefore, poured out a glass of her morning
beverage, and handed it to her companion as she
observed


THE SPI.
31
"A few warum words between frinds are a tri.
fle, yee must be knowing, sargeant. It was Mi-
chael Flanagan that I ever calumnated the most
when I was loving him the best.”
“ Michael was a good soldier and a brave man,"
said the warrior, finishing the glass ; "our troop
was covering the flank of his regiment when he
fell, and I rode over his body myself more than
once during the day-poor fellow, he lay on his
back, and looked as composed as if he had died a
natural death after a year's consumption."
“Oh! Michael was a great consumer, and be
sartain," said the disconsolate widow; “two like
us make dreadful inroads in the stock, sargeant.
But yee're a sober, discrate man, Mister Hollister, ,
and would be a help-mate indeed.”
“Why, Mrs. Flanagan,” said the veteran with
great solemnity, “I've tarried to speak on a sub-
ject that lies heavy at my heart, and will now open
my mind, if you've leisure to listen.”
6 Is it listen ?" cried the impatient woman;
"and I'd listen to you, sargeant, if the officers ne-
ver ate another mouthful-but take another drop,
dear-and it will incourage you to spake freely."
“I am already bold enough in so good a cause,
returned the veteran, rejecting her bounty ; " but,
Betty, do you think it was really the Pedlar-Spy
that I placed in this room the last night ?"
" And who should it be else, darling ?”
6. The evil-one.”
“ What, the divil?"
“Ay, even Belzebub, disguised as the pedlar,
and them fellows we thought to be skinners were
his imps," said the sergeant, with a most porten-
tous gravity in his countenance.
“Well sure, sargeant, dear,” said Betty, "yee'r
but little out this time, any way--for if the
99


32
THE SPY.
divil's imps go at large in the county West-Ches-
ter, sure it is the skinners themselves."
“No, but Mrs. Flanagan," interrupted her com-
panion, “I mean in their incarnate spirits—the
evil one knew that there was no one we would
arrest sooner than the pedlar, Birch, and took on
his appearance to gain admission to your room."
6. And what should the divil be wanting of me?"
cried Betty, tartly, “and isn't there divils enough
in the corps already, without one's coming from
the bottomless pit to frighten a lone body ?)
“ 'Twas, 'twas in mercy to you, Betty, that he
was permitted to come. You see he vanish'd
through the door in your form, which is a symbol
of your fate, unless you mend your life. Oh! I
noticed how he trembled when I gave him the
good book.
Would any christian, think you, my
dear Betty, write in a bible in this way; unless it
might be the matter of births and deaths, and such
like chronicles ?"
The washerwoman was pleased with the soft-
ness of her lover's manner, but dreadfully scanda-
lized at his insinuation; she, however, preserved
her temper, and, with the quickness of her own
country's people, rejoined
" And would the divil have paid for the clothes,
think ye ? Aye! and overpaid."
“Doubtless, the money is base," said the ser-
geant, a little staggered at such an evidence of ho-
nesty in one he thought so meanly of. “He tempt-
ed me with his glittering coin, but the Lord gave
me strength to resist."
“ The goold looks well,” said the washerwoman,
“But I'll change it, any way, with Captain Jack,
the day-he is nivir a bit afeard of any divil of
them all."
“ Betty, Betty,” said her companion, “ do not
speak so disreverently of the evil spirit, he is ever
1


THE SPY.
at hand, and will owe you a grudge for your lan-
guage."
re-
$
“ Pooh! if he has any bowels at all, he won't
mind a fillip or two from a poor lone woman,
turned the washerwoman. " I'm sure no other
Christian would."
“But the dark one has no bowels, except to de-
vour the children of men,” said the sergeant,
looking around him in horror, “and it's best to
make friends every where ; for there is no telling
what may happen 'till it comes. But, Betty, no
man could have got out of this place, and passed
all the sentinels, without being known-take awful
warning from the visit, therefore."
Here the dialogue was interrupted by a sun-
mons to the suttler to prepare her morning's repast,
and they were obliged to separate, the woman se-
cretly hoping that the interest the sergeant mani-
fested for her was more earthly than he imagined,
and the man, bent on saving a soul from the fangs
of the dark spirit, that was prowling through their
camp, in quest of victims.
During the breakfast, several expresses arrived,
one of which brought intelligence of the actual
force and destination of the enemy's expedition
that was out on the Hudson, and another, orders
to send Captain Wharton to the first post above,
under the escort of a body of dragoons. These
last instructions, or rather commands, for they ad-
mitted of no departure from their letter, completed
the sum of Dunwoodie's uneasiness.
The despair
and misery of Frances, were constantly before his
eyes, and fifty times he was tempted to throw him-
self on his horse, and gallop to the Locusts, but an
uncontrollable feeling of delicacy prevented him.
In obedience to the commands of his superior, an
officer, with a small party, was sent to the cottage
to conduct Henry Wharton to the place directed,


34
SHE SPY.
son.
and the gentleman who was entrusted with the
execution of the order, was charged with a letter
from Dunwoodie to his friend, containing the most
cheering assurances of his safety, as well as the
strongest pledges of his own unceasing exertions
in his favor. Lawton was left in charge of the few
wolinded, with part of his own troop, and as soon
as the men were refreshed, the encampment broke
up, and the main body marched towards the Hud-
Dunwoodie repeated, again and again, bis
injunctions to Captain Lawton-dwelt upon every
word that had fallen from the pedlar, and canvass-
ed in every possible manner that his ingenuity
could devise, the probable meaning of bis myste-
rious warnings, until no excuse remained for de-
laying his own departure a moment longer. Sud-
denly recollecting, however, that no directions had
been given for the disposal of Colonel Wellmere,
instead of following the rear of his column, the
major yielded to his passions, and turned down the
road which led to the Locusts, attended by his
The horse of Dunwoodie was fleet as
the wind, and scarcely a minute seem'd to have
passed before he gained a sight, from an eminence,
of the lonely vale, and as he was plunging into the
bottom lands that formed its surface, he caught a
glimpse of Henry Wharton, and his escort, defiling
at a distance through a pass which led to the posts
above. This sight added to the speed of the anx-
ious youth, who now turned the angle of the bill
that opened to the valley, and came suddenly on
the object of his search. Frances had followed
the party which guarded her brother at a distance,
and as they vanished from her sight she felt as if
deserted by all that she most prized in this world.
The nnaccountable absence of Dunwoodie, with
the shock of parting from Henry under such cir-
cumstances, had entirely subdued her fortitude,
own man.


THE SPY.
35
As soon
and she had sunk on a stone by the road-side and
wept as if her heart would break. Dunwoodie
sprung from his charger, throwing the reins to his
man and in a moment was by the side of the weep-
ing girl.
“ Frances-my own Frances !” he exclaimed,
66 why this distress ?--let not the situation of your
brother create any alarm.
as the duty
I am now on is completed, I will hasten to the
feet of Washington, and beg his release. The
Father of his country will never deny such a boon
to one of his favorite pupils."
“Major Dunwoodie, for your interest on be-
half of my poor brother, I thank you," said the
maid drying her eyes, and rising with dignity,
* but such language addressed to me surely is
improper."
# How ! improper!" echoed her lover in amaze-
ment;
are you not mine-by the consent of
your father—your aunt-your brother-nay, by
your own consent, my sweet Frances ?''
" I wish not, Major Dunwoodie, to interfere
with the prior claims that any other lady may
have to your affections," said Frances, motioning
to return.
“ None other, I swear by Heaven, none other
but yourself has any claim on me," cried Dun-
woodie with fervor; “ you alone are mistress of
my inmost soul.”
“You have practised so much, and so success-
fully, Major Dunwoodie, that it is no wonder you
excel in deceiving the credulity of my sex,” said
the maiden bitterly, attempting a smile which the
tremulousness of her muscles smothered in its
birth.
“ Am I a villain, Miss Wharton, that you re-
ceive me with such language--when have I ever


36
THE SPY.
deceived you, Frances-who has practised in this
manner on your purity of heart ???
Why has not Major Dunwoodie honored the
dwelling of his intended father with his presence
lately? Did he forget it contained one friend on a
bed of sickness, and another in deep distress? Has it
escaped his memory that it held his intended wife?
Or is he fearful of meeting more than one that
can lay a claim to that title? Oh, Peyton-Pey-
ton, how bave I been deceived in you—with the
foolish credulity of my youth, I thought you all
that was brave, noble, generous, and loyal.”
“ Frances, I see how it is that you have de-
ceived yourself,” cried Dunwoodie, his face in a
glow of fire ; “ You do me injustice, I swear by
all that is most dear to me, that you do me in-
justice.”
“ Swear not, Major Dunwoodie,” interrupted
the maiden, her fine countenance lighting up with
all the lustre of womanly pride; “ the time is gone
by for me to credit oaths.”
“ Miss Wharton, would you have me a cox-
comb-make me contemptible in my own eyes, by
boasting with a hope of raising myself in your es-
timation ?"
" Flatter not yourself that the task is so easy,
sir,” returned Frances, moving towards the cot-
tage ; we converse together, in private, for the
last time ;-but my father would gladly welcome
my mother's kinsman."
No, Miss Wharton, I cannot enter his dwel-
ling now : I should act in a manner
thy of myself. You drive me from you, Frances,
in despair. I am going on desperate service, and
may not live to return.
Should fortune prove
severe to me, at least do my memory justice ;
remember that the last breathing of my soul, will
be for your happiness.” So saying he had al-
unwor-


THE SPY.
ready placed his foot in the stirrup, but his mis-
tress turning on him a face that was pallid with
emotion, and an eye that pierced his soul with
its thrilling expression, arrested the action, and
he paused.
"Peyton—Major Dunwoodie,” she said, “can
you ever forget the sacred cause in which you are
enlisted? Your duty both to your God and to
your country, forbids your doing any thing rashly.
The latter has need of your services; besides"
but her voice became choked, and she was unable
to proceed.
6 Besides what?!' echoed the youth, springing
to her side, and offering to take her hand in his
own. Frances baving, however, recovered her-
self, coldly repulsed him, and continued her walk
homeward.
“ Miss Wharton, is this our parting !!! cried
Dunwoodie, in agony; "am I a wretch, that you
treat me so cruelly? You have never loved me,
and wish to conceal your own fickleness by accu-
sations against me that you will not explain.'
Frances stopped short in her walk, and turned
on her lover a look of so much purity and feeling,
that, heart-stricken, Dunwoodie would have knelt
at her feet for pardon ; but motioning him for
silence, she once more spoke
"Hear me, Major Dunwoodie, for the last time;
it is a bitter knowledge when we first discover our
own inferiority; but it is a truth that I have lately
learnt. Against you I bring no charges-make no
accusations--no: not willingly in my thoughts.
Were my claims to your heart just, I am not
worthy of you, It is not a feeble, timid girl like
me, that could make you happy; No, Peyton,
you are formed for great and glorious actions,
deeds of daring and renown, and should be united
to a soul like your own: one that can rise above
VOL. 2,
4


38
THE SPY,
the weakness of her sex. I should be a weight to
drag you to the dust; but with a different spirit in
your companion, you might soar to the very pin-
nacle of earthly glory. To such an one, therefore,
I resign you freely, if not cheerfully; and pray,
oh! how fervently, that with such an one you
may be happy."
Lovely enthusiast,"' cried Dunwoodie, “ you
know not yourself nor me. It is a woman, mild,
gentle, and dependant as yourself that my very
nature loves-deceive not yourself with visionary
ideas of generosity, which will only make me
miserable."
“ Farewell, Major Dunwoodie,” said the maid,
pausing for a moment to gasp for breath ; " forget
that
you ever knew me-remember the claims of
your bleeding country and be happy."
“ Happy!" repeated the youthful soldier bit-
terly, as he saw her light form gliding through the
gate of the lawn, and disappearing behind its shrub-
bery; " oh! yes, I am now happy, indeed."
Throwing himself into the saddle, he plunged
his
spurs into his horse and soon overtook his
squadron, which was marching slowly over the
hilly roads of the county to gain the banks of the
Hudson.
But painful as were the feelings of Dunwoodie
at this unexpected termination to the interview
with his mistress, they were but light compared
to those which were experienced by the maiden
herself. Frances had, with the keen eye of jea-
lous love, easily detected the attachment of Isa-
bella Singleton to Dunwoodie. Delicate and retir-
ing herself as the fairest visions of romance had ever
portrayed her sex, it never could present itself to
the mind of Frances, that this love had been un-
sought. Ardent in her own affections, and artlese
in their exhibition, she had early caught the eye


THE SPY.
39
of the youthful soldier; but it required all the
manly frankness of Dunwoodie to court her fa-
vour, and the most pointed devotion to obtain
his conquest.
This once done-his power was
durable, entire, and engrossing. But the unusual
occurrences of the few preceding days, the altered
mien of her lover during those events, his unwont-
ed indifference to herself, and chiefly the roman-
tic idolatry Of Isabella, had aroused new sensa-
tions in her bosom. With a dread of her lover's
integrity had been awakened the never-failing
concomitant of the purest affection—a distrust of
her own merits. In the moment of enthusiasm,
the task of resigning her lover to another, who
might be more worthy of him, seemed easy—but it
is in vain that the imagination attempts to deceive
the heart. Dunwoodie had no sooner disappear-
ed, than our heroinc felt all the misery of her
. situation, and if the youth found some relief in the
cares of his command from his anxiety of mind,
Frances was less fortunate in the performance of
a duty imposed on her by filial piety. The remo-
val of his son had nearly destroyed the little ener-
gy of Mr. Wharton, who required all the ten-
derness of his remaining children to convince him
that he was able to perform the ordinary functions
of life,


THE SPI
CHAPTER VI.
Flatter and praise, commend, exto) their graces,
Though ne’er so black, say they have angels' faces ;
That man who bath a tongue, I say, is no man,
If with that tongue be cannot win a woman."
Two Gentlemen of Verona.
In making the arrangement by which Captains
Lawton had been left, with Sergeant Hollister and
twelve men, as a guard over the wounded and
beavy baggage of the corps, Dunwoodie had cor-
sulted not only the information which had been con-
veyed in the letter of Col. Singleton, but the sup-
posed bruises of his comrade's body.
It was in
vain that Lawton had declared himself fit for any
duty that man could perform, or that he had plainly
intimated that his men would never follow Tom
Mason to a charge, with the alacrity and confi-
dence with which they followed himself; his com-
mander was firm, and the reluctant captain was
compelled to comply with as good a grace as he
could assume. Before parting, Dunwoodie had
renewed his caution to Lawton, to keep a watchful
eye on the inmates of the cottage, and especially
enjoined him, if any movements of a particularly
suspicious nature were noticed in the neighbour-
hood, to break up from his present quarters, and
move down with his party, and to take possession
of the domains of Mr. Wharton. A vague suspi-
cion of danger to the family had been awakened
in the breast of the major, by the language of the
pedlar, although he was unable to refer it to any
particular source, or understand why it was to be
apprehended.
1


THE SPY.
41
For some time after the departure of the troops,
the captain was walking to and fro, before the
door of the “Hotel," inwardly cursing his fate
that condemned him to an inglorious idleness, at a
moment when a meeting with the enemy might
be expected, and replying to the occasional que-
ries of Betty, who from the interior of the build-
ing, ever and anon, demanded in a high tone of
voice, an explanation of various points in the ped-
lar's escape that as yet she could not comprehend.
At this instant he was joined by the surgeon, who
had hitherto been engaged among his patients in
a distant building, and was profoundly ignorant of
every thing that had occurred, even to the depar-
ture of the troops.
“Where are all the sentinels, John,” he in-
quired, as he gazed around with a look of curiosi-
ty, “and why are you here alone ?"
“ Off—all off
, with Dunwoodie, to the river.
You and I are left here to take care of a few sick
men and some woman."
“I am glad, however," said the surgeon, " that
Major Dunwoodie had consideration enough, not
to move the wounded. Here, you Mrs. Elizabeth
Flanagan, hasten with some food, that I may ap-
pease my appetite. I have a dead body to dissect,
and am in a hurry."
“And here, you Mister Doctor Archibald Sit-
greaves," echoed Betty showing her blooming
countenance from a broken window of the kitchen,
" you are ever a coming too late; here is nothing
toate but the skin of Jenny and the body yee'r
mintioning."
“Woman,” said the surgeon, in anger, “ do you
take me for a cannibal, that you address your fil-
thy discourse to me in this manner.-I bid
you
hasten with such food as may be proper to be re-
ceived into the stomach fasting."
4*


42
THE SPY.
“And I'm sure its for a pop-gun that I should be
taking you sooner than for a cannon-ball," said
Betty, winking at the captain, “and I tell yee that
its fasting you must be, unless yee'l let me cook yee
a stake from the skin of Jenny. The boys have
ate me up entirely."
Lawton now interfered to preserve the peace,
and assured the surgeon that he had already des-
patched the proper persons in quest of food for
the party. A little mollified with this explanation,
the operator soon forgot his hanger, and declared
his intention of proceeding to business at once.
“ And where is your subject ?" asked Lawton,
gravely.
6 The pedlar," said the other, gazing on the
sign-post; "you see I made Hollister put a stage
so high that the neck would not be dislocated by
the fall, and I intend making as handsome a skele-
ton of him, as there is in the States of North Ame-
rica--the fellow has good points, and his bones
are well knit. Oh! Jack, I will make a perfect
beauty of him. I have long been wanting some-
thing of the sort to send as a present to my old aunt
in Virginia, who was so kind to me when a boy.”
« The devil!" cried Lawton; “ would you send
the old woman a dead man's bones."
“Why not?" said the surgeon; "what nobler
object is there in nature than the figure of a man--
and the skeleton may be called his elementary
parts. But what has been done with the body ?
« Off too."
« Off !" echoed the pavic stricken operator;
“and who has dared to take it away without my
leave."
“Sure jist the divil,” said Betty ; "and who'll
be after taking yeerself away some of these times
too, without asking yeer lave."
66 Silence, you witch," said Lawton, with diffi-


THE SPY.
43
culty suppressing a laugh ; " is this the manner
in which to address an officer ?"
“ Who called me the filthy Elizabeth Flana-
gan, ,"? cried the washerwoman, snapping her fin-
gers contemptuously; “ I can remimber a frind for
a year, and don't forgit an inimy for a month."
But the friendship or enmity of Mrs. Flanagan
were alike indifferent to the surgeon, who could
think of nothing but his loss; and Lawton was
obliged to explain to his friend the apparent man-
ner in which it happened.
“And a lucky escape it was for yee my jewel of
a doctor," cried Betty, as the captain concluded.
“ Sergeant Hollister, who saw him face to face, as
it might be, says it's Beelzeboob, and no pedlar,
unless it may be in a small matter of lies and thefts,
and sich wickednesses. Now a pretty figure yee
would have been in cutting up Beelzeboob, if the
major had hung him.
I don't think it's very asy
he would have been under yeer knife."
Thus doubly disappointed in both his meal and
his business, Sitgreaves suddenly declared his in-
tention of visiting the "Locusts,” and inquiring
into the state of Captain Singleton. Lawton was
ready for the excursion, and mounting they were
soon on the road, though the surgeon was obliged
to submit to a few more jokes from the washerwo-
man, before he could get out of hearing. For
some time ihe two rode in silence, when Lawton
perceiving that his companion's temper was some-
what ruffled by his disappointments and Betty's
attack, made an effort to restore the tranquillity of
his feelings, by saying...
“ That was a charming song, Archibald, that
you commenced, last evening, when we were in-
terrupted by the party that brought the pedlar.
The allusion to Galen was extremely neat.
" I knew you would like it, Jack, when your


41
THE SPY.
eyes were opened to its beauties," returned the
operator, suffering his muscles to relax into a
smile ; 66 but when the brain has become confused
by the fumes of wine ascending from the stomach,
intoxication is liable to ensue, and the faculties
by no means continue qualified to discriminate,
either in matters of taste or of science."
" And yet your ode partook largely of both,”
observed Lawton, suffering no part of him to smile
but his eyes.
“Ode is by no means a proper term for the
composition,” said Sitgreaves." I should rather
term it a classical ballad."
“ Very probably," said the trooper; “hearing
only one verse, it was difficult to affix a name to
it."
The surgeon involuntarily hem'd, and began to
clear his throat, although by no means conscious
himself to what the preparation tended. But the
captain rolling his dark eye towards his compa-
nion, and observing him to be sitting with great
uneasiness on his horse, continued
“ The air is still, and the road solitary-why
not give me the remainder-it might correct the
bad taste you accuse me of possessing, to hear it.”
“Oh! my dear John, if I thought it would cor-
rect the errors you have imbibed, from habit and
indulgence, nothing could give me more plea-
sure.
66
Try; we are fast approaching some rocks on
our left--the echo from them, I should think, must
be delightful."
Thus encouraged, and somewhat impelled by
the opinion that he both sung and wrote with ex-
quisite taste, the surgeon set about complying with
the request in sober earnest. After carefully re-
moving his spectacles from his eyes, and wiping
the glasses, they were replaced with the utmost


THE SPY.
45
accuracy and precision ; his wig was adjusted to
his head with mathematical symmetry, and his
voice being cleared by various efforts until at length
its melody pleased the exquisite sensibility of his
own ear-then, to the no small delight of the troop-
er, he began anew the ditty of the preceding eve-
ning. But whether it was that his steed became en-
livened by the notes of his master, or that he caught
a disposition to trot from Lawton's charger, the
surgeon had not concluded his second verse, before
his tones vibrated in regular cadence to the rise
and fall of his own body on the saddle. Notwith-
standing this somewhat inharmonious interruption,
Sitgreaves resolutely persevered, until he had got
through with the following words--
Hast thou ever felt love's dart, dearest,
Or breathed his trembling sigh-
Thought him, afar, was ever nearest,
Before that sparkling eye?
Then hast thou known, what 'tis to feel
The pain that Galen could not heal.
Mast thou ever known shame's blush, dearest,
Or felt its thrilling smart
Suffuse thy cheek, like marble, clearest,
As Damon read thy heart?
Then, silly girl, thou'st blush'd to own
A pain that Harvey e'en has known.
i
But for each pain of thine, dearest,
Or smart of keen love's wound,
For all that, foolish maid, thou fearest,
An antidote is found.
And mighty Hymen's art can heal
Each wound that youthful lovers feel.
Hast thou ever"-
"Hush !" interrupted the trooper; "what rus-
tling noise is that, among the rocks ?":
66 The echo.
Hast thou ever"-
Listen," said Lawton, stopping his horse. He
had not done speaking when a stone fell at his feet,
and rolled harmlessly across the path.


46
THE SPY.
" A friendly shot, that,” cried the trooper,
* neither the weapon, nor its force, implies much
ill will towards us."
“ Blows from stones seldom produce more than
contusions,” said the operator, bending his gaze
in every direction in vain, in quest of the band
from which the missile had been hurled ; “it must
be meteoric--there is no living being in sight, ex
eept ourselves.”
“It would be easy to hide a regiment behind
those rocks," returned the trooper, dismounting,
and taking the stone in his hand, -"Oh! here is
the explanation, along with the mystery.” So say.
ing, he tore a piece of paper that had been inge-
niously fastened to the small fragment of rock
which had thus singularly fallen before him, and
opening it, the captain read the following words
written in ne very legible hand :
“ A musket bullet will go farther than a stone,
and things more dangerous than yarbs for wounded
men, lie hid in the rocks of West-Chester. The
horse may be good, but can he mount a pricipice ?")
“ Thou sayest the truth, strange man,
Lawton; "courage and activity would avail but
little against assassination, and these rugged pass-
Remounting his horse, he cried aloud
" Thanks, unknown friend--your caution will be
remembered, and it shall never be forgotten that
all my enemies are not merciless."
A meagre hand was extended for an instant over
a rock, waving in the air, and afterwards nothing
further was seen or heard by the soldiers.
“Quite an extraordinary interruption," said the
astonished operator, " and a letter of a very mys-
terious meaning.
“Oh! 'tis nothing but the wit of some bumpkin
who thinks to frighten two of the Virginians by an
4. said
es.


48
THE SPY.
am
comes up, if you please,” cried the surgeon, ob.
serving him to flee with a rapidity that baffled his
horsemanship. But as if the invitation contained
new terrors, the footman redoubled his efforts, nor
paused even to breathe, until he had reached his
goal, when, turning on his heel, he discharged his
musket towards the operator, and was out of sight
in an instant. To gain the highway and throw
himself in his saddle detained Lawton but a mo-
ment, and he rode to the side of his comrade just
as the figure had disappeared.
6 Which way has he fled ?" cried the trooper.
« John," said the surgeon,
I not a non-
combatant?"
“ Whither has the rascal fled !" cried Lawton
again, impatiently.
“ Where you cannot follow-into that wood,"
returned the surgeon. “ But I repeat, John, am
I not a non-combatant ?"
The disappointed trooper perceiving that his
enemy had escaped him, now turned his eyes,
which were flashing with anger under his dark
brows, upon his comrade, and gradually his mus-
cles lost their rigid compression, his brow relaxed
and his eyes changed from their fierce expression,
to the covert laughter which so often distinguished
those organs in the trooper. The surgeon sat in
dignified composure on his horse ; his thin body
erect, and head elevated with all the indignity of
conscious injustice towards himself--his specta-
eles had been shaken down to the extreme end of
the ample member on which they rested, and his
eyes were glaring above them with the fullness of
indignation.
A slight convulsive effort composed the muscles
of the trooper's face, however, and he broke the
silence again, by saying--


THE SPY.
49
“Why did you suffer the rascal to escape?--had you
but brought him within the reach of my sabre, I
wouid have given you a substitute for the pedlar."
66. 'Twas impossible to prevent it," said the sur-
geon, pointing to the bars, before which he had
stopped his horse; "he threw himself on the other
side of this fence, and left me where you see--
--nor
would the man in the least attend to my remon-
strances, or intimation that you wished to hold dis-
course with him."
“No!" exclaimed Lawton, in an affected sur-
prise; "he was truly a discourteous rascal; but
why did you not leap the fence, and compel bim
to a halt?--you see but three of the bars are up,
and Betty Flanagan could clear them, on her cow."
The surgeon for the first time, withdrew his eyes
from the place where the fugitive had disappear-
ed, and turned his countenance towards his com-
rade. His head, however, was not permitted to
lower itself in the least, as he replied --
"I humbly conceive, Captain Lawton, that nei.
ther Mrs. Elizabeta Flanagan, nor her cow, are
examples to be emulated by Doctor Archibald Sit-
greaves--it would be but a sorry compliment to
science to say that a Dector of Medicine had frac-
tured both his legs, by injudiciously striking them
against a pair of bar-posts." While speaking, the
surgeon raised the limbs in question to a nearly
horizontal position, that really appeared to bid de-
fiance to any thing like a passage for himself
through the defile ; but the trooper, disregarding
this ocular proof of the impossibility of the move-
ment, cried hastily.--
“ Here was nothing to stop you man; I could
leap a platoon through, boot and thigh, without
pricking with a single spur. Pshaw, i have often
charged upon the bayonets of infantry over great-
er difficulties than this."
Vol. 2.
5


50
THE SPY.
“ You will please to remember, Captain Joh#
Lawton,” said the surgeon, with a most imposing
air of offended dignity,“ that I am not the riding
master to the regiment--nor a drill sergeant--nor
a crazy cornet--no, sir--and I speak it with a due
respect for the commission of the continental Con-
gress--nor an inconsiderate captain who regards
his own life as little as that of his enemies. I am
only, sir, a poor, humble man of letters, a mere
Doctor of Medicine, an unworthy graduate of
Edinburgh, and a surgeon of dragoons, nothing
more I do assure you, Captain John Lawton.".
So saying, he turned his horse's head towards the
cottage, and re-commenced his ride.
“Ay! you speak the truth," muttered the dra-
goon;
6 had I but the meanest rider of my troop
with me, I should have taken the scoundrel; and
given at least one victim to the offended laws of
my country. But, Archibald, no man can ride
well who straddles in this manner like the Colos-
sus of Rhodes. You should depend less on your
stirrup, and keep your seat by the power of the
knee.”
“ With proper deference to your experience,
Captain Lawton,” returned the surgeon, " ! con-
ceive myself to be no incompetent judge of mus-
cular action, whether in the knee or any other
part of the human frame. And although but hum-
bly educated, I am not now to learn, that the
wider the base, the more firm is the superstruc-
ture."
“Yes, but Archibald," cried Lawton, impatient-
ly, “would you fill a highway in this manner with
one pair of legs, when half a dozen might pass
together in comfort--stretching them abroad like
the scythes to the ancient chariot wheels ?"
The allusion to the practice of the ancients


THE SPY.
51
somewhat softened the indignation of the surgeon,
and he replied with rather less hauteur-
5. You should speak with reverence of the
usages of those who have gone before us, and
who, however ignorant they were in matters of
science, and particularly that of surgery, yet fur-
nished many brilliant exceptions to the supersti-
tions of the day. Now, sir, I have no doubt that
Galen las operated on wounds occasioned by
these very scythes that you mention, although we
can find no evidence of the fact in cotemporary
writers. Ah! they must have given dreadful in
juries, and I doubt not, caused grcat uneasiness to
the medical gentlemen of that day.”
" There could not have been much science dis-
played, I think,” returned the trooper, collecting
himself into his usual manner; "and occasionally
a body must have been left in two pieces, to puz-
zle the ingenuity of those gentry to unite.
Yet,
doubtless, they did it."
• What!" cried the operator in amazement,
6 unite two parts of the human body that have
been severed by an edged instrument, to any of
the purposes of animal life ?!!
" That have been rent asunder by a scythe, and
are united to do military duty," said Lawton.
“ 'Tis impossible--quite impossible,” cried the
surgeon ; “it is in vain, Captain Lawton, that hu-
man ingenuity endeavors to baffle the efforts of
nature. Think, my dear sir, in this case you se-
parate all the arteries--injure all of the intestines
-sever all of the nerves and sinews, and, what is
of more consequence, you"
Enough," said Lawton, waving his hand;
"you have said enough, Dr. Sitgreaves, and I am
convinced. Nothing shall ever tempt me wil.
lingly to submit to be divided in this irretrievable


52
THE SPY.
manner-a manner, I say, Dr. Sitgreaves, that puis
at defiance all the arts of surgery.”
“ True---most true, my dear John," cried the
surgeon with warmth, and forgetting his displea-
sure; "it removes all the pleasure of a wound,
when you find it beyond the reach of science to
heal."
6 I should think so," said Lawton, rather drily.
" What do you think is the greatest pleasure in
life ??) asked the operator suddenly, and with all
his confidence in his companion restored.
“ That may be difficult to answer.
“Not at all,” cried the surgeon ; “it is in wit-
nessing, or rather feeling, the ravages of disease
repaired by the lights of science co-operating with
nature. I once broke my little finger intentional-
ly, in order that I might reduce the fracture and
watch the cure; it was only on a small scale, you
know, dear John; still I think the thrilling sensa-
tion, excited by the knitting of the bone, aided
by the contemplation of the art of man thus act-
ing in unison with nature, exceeded any other en-
joyment that I have ever experienced. Oh! had
it been one of the more important members, such
as the leg orarm, how inuch greater must the plea-
sure have been."
" Or the neck," said the trooper; but their dis-
course was interrupted by their arrival at the cot.
tage of Mr. Wharton. No one appearing to usher
them into an apartment, the captain proceeded to
the door of the parlor, where he knew visitors
were commonly shown. On opening it, he paused
for a moment, in admiration, at the scene within.
The person of Col. Wellmere first met his eye,
bending forward towards the figure of the blush-
ing Sarah, with an earnestness of manner, that
prevented the noise of Lawton's entrance being
heard by either of the parties. Certain signifi


THE SPY.
53
ness.
cant signs, which were embraced at a glance by
the prying gaze of the trooper, at once made him
a master of their secret, and he was about to re-
tire as silently as he had advanced, when his com-
panion, pushing himself through the passage,
abruptly entered the apartment. Advancing in-
stantly to the chair of Wellmere, the surgeon in-
stinctively laid hold of his arm and exclaimed
36 Bless mema quick and irregular pulse--
flushed cheek and fiery eye--strong febrile symp-
toms, and such as must be attended to." While
speaking, the doctor, who was much addicted to
practising in a summary way, had already pro-
duced his lancet, and made certain other indica-
tions of his intentions to proceed at once to busi-
But Col. Wellmere, recovering from the
confusion of the surprise, arose from his seat,
rather haughtily, and said
“ Sir, it is the warmth of the room, that lends
me the color, and I am already too much in-
debted to your skill to give you any farther trou-
ble--Miss Wharton knows that I am quite well,
and I do assure you that I never felt better or
happier in my life.”
There was a peculiar emphasis in the latter
part of this speech, that, however it might gratify
the feelings of Sarah, brought the color to her
cheeks with a redoubled brilliancy, and Sitgreaves,
as his eye followed the direction of those of his
patient, did not fail to observe it.
“ Your arm, if you please, madam," said the
surgeon promptly, advancing with a bow; “anxiety
and watching have done their work on your deli-
cate frame, and there are symptoms about you
that must not be neglected.
“ Excuse me, sir,” said Sarah, recovering her-
self with womanly pride," the heat is oppressive,


THE SPY.
and I will retire and acquaint Miss Peyton with
your presence."
There was but little difficulty in practising on
the abstracted simplicity of the surgeon; but it
was necessary for Sarah to raise her eyes to re-
turn the salutation of Lawton, as he bowed his
head to nearly a level with the hand that held
open the door for her passage.
One look was
sufficient; she was able to control her steps suffi-
ciently to retire with dignity, but no sooner was
she relieved from the presence of all observers,
than she fell into a chair and abandoned herself
to a mingled feeling of shame and pleasure.
A little nettled at the contumacious deportment
of the British colonel, Sitgreaves, after once more
tendering services that were again rejected, with-
drew to the chamber of young Singleton whither
Lawton had already preceded him.


THE SPY.
55
CHAPTER Y.
L
*Oh! Henry, when thou deign'st to sue,
Can I thy suit withstand ?
When thou, lov'd youth, hast won my heart,
Can I refuse my hand ?”
Hermit of Warkworth,
The graduate of Edinburgh found his patient
rapidly improving in health, and entirely free
from fever. His sister, with a cheek that was, if
possible, paler than on her arrival, watched around
his couch with vigilant care, and the ladies of the
cottage had not, in the midst of their sorrows and
varied emotions, forgotten to discharge the duties
of hospitality. Frances felt herself impelled to-
wards their disconsolate guest, with an interest
for which she could not account, and with a force
that she could not control. The maid bad un-
consciously connected the fates of Dunwoodie and
Isabella in her imagination, and felt, with all the
romantic ardor of a generous mind, that she was
serving her former lover most, by exhibiting kind-
ness to her he loved best. Isabella received her
attentions with a kind of vacant gratitude, but
neither of them indulged in any allusions to the
latent source of their uneasiness. The observation
of Miss Peyton seldom penetrated beyond things
that were visible, and to ber the situation of Henry
Wharton seemed to furnish an awful excuse for
the fading cheeks and tearful eyes of her niere.
If Sarah inanifested less of care than
her sister,
still the unpractised spinster was not at a loss to
comprehend the reason. Love is a species of
holy feeling with the virtuous of the female sex


56
THE SPY.
and seems to hallow all that comes within its in.
fluence. Although Miss Peyton mourned with
sincerity over the danger which threatened her
nephew, still she indulged her eldest niece, with
motherly kindness, in the enjoyment that chance
had given to her early attachment. War she well
knew was a dreadful enemy to love, and the mo-
ments that were thus granted to his votaries were
not to be thrown away.
Several days now passed without any interrup-
tion to the usual avocations of the inhabitants of
the cottage, or the party at the “ Four Corners."
The former were supporting their fortitude with
the certainty of Henry's innocence, and a strong
reliance on Dunwoodie's exertions in his behalf,
and the latter waiting with coolness the intelli-
gence that was hourly expected of a conflict, and
their orders to depart. Captain Lawton, however,
waited for both these events in vain. Letters from
his major announced that the enemy, finding the
party which was to co-operate with them, had been
defeated and was withdrawn, had retired also be-
hind the works of Fort Washington, where they
continued inactive, but threatening momentarily to
strike a blow in revenge for their disgrace. The
trooper was enjoined to vigilance, and the letter
concluded with a compliment to his honor, zeal,
and undoubted bravery.
“ Extremely flattering, Major Dunwoodie,"
muttered the dragoon as he threw down this epis-
tle, and stalked across the floor of his room to
quiet his impatience. “A proper guard have you
selected for this service.let me see- have to
watch over the interests of a crazy, irresolute old
man, who does not know whether he belongs to us
or to the
enemy.
Four women;
three of whom
are well enough in themselves, but who are not
immensely flattered by my society, and the fourth


THE SPY.
who, good as she is, is on the wrong side of forty-
some two or three blacks--a talkative house-
keeper that does nothing but chatter about gold
and despisables, and signs and omens--and poor
George Singleton-Ah! well a comrade in suffer-
ing has a claim on a man, next to his honor in the
field, and an engagement with his mistress--50
I'll make the best of it."
As he concluded this soliloquy, the trooper took
a seat and began to whistle to convince himself
how little he cared about the matter, when, by
throwing his booted leg carelessly round, he upset
the canteen that heid his whole stock of brandy.
The accident was soon repaired, but in replacing
the wooden vessel, he observed a billet lying on
the bench, on which the liquor had been placed.
It was soon opened and be read the moon will
not rise till after midnight--a fit time for deeds
of darkness." There was no mistaking the hand;
it was clearly the same that had given him the
timely warning against assassination, and the
trooper continued, for a long time, musing on the
nature of these two notices, and the motives that
could induce the mysterious pedlar to favor an
implacable enemy in the manner that he latterly
had done. That he was a spy of the enemy Law-
ton knew, for the fact of his conveying intelli-
gence to the English commander-in-chief of a
party of Americans that were exposed to the ene-
my, was proved most clearly against him on the
trial for his life. The consequences of his trea-
son had been avoided, it is true, by a lucky order
from Washington, which withdrew the regiment
a short time before the British appeared to cut it
off, but still the crime was the same; perhaps,
thought the partisan, he wishes to make a friend
of me, against the event of another capture ; but,
at all events, he spared my life on one occasion,


58
THE SPY
and saved it on anotber. I will endeavor to be
as generous as himself, and pray that my duty
may never interfere with my feelings. Whether
the danger, intimated in the present note, threat-
ened the cottage or his own party, the captain was
uncertain, but he inclined to the latter opinion,
and determined to beware how he rode abroad
in the dark. To a man in a peaceable country,
and in times of quiet and order, the indifference
with which the partisan regarded the impending
danger, would be inconceivable. His contem-
plations on the subject were more for devising
ineans to entrap his enemies, than to escape their
machinations. But the arrival of the surgeon,
who had been to pay his daily visit to the Locusts,
interrupted his meditations. Sitgreaves brought
an invitation from the mistress of the mansion, to
Captain Lawton, desiring that the cottage might
be honored with his presence at an early hour
on that evening.
“What !” cried the trooper, " then they have
received a letter also."
“ I think nothing more probable," said the ope-
rator; “there is a chaplain here from the royal
army, who has come out to exchange the British
wounded, and who has an order from Col. Single-
ton for their delivery. But a more mad project
than to remove them now, was never adopted.”
“ A priest, say you !-is he a hard drinker-a
real camp-idler-a fellow to breed a famine in a
regiment?-or does he seem a man who is in
earnest in his trade ?"
“ A very respectable and orderly gentleman,
not at all given to intemperance, judging from the
outward symptoms," returned the surgeon," and
a man who really says grace in a very regular and
appropriate manner.”
ts And does he stay the night ?"


THE SPY.
59
“ Certainly, he waits for his cartel; but hasten,
John, we have but little time to waste. I will
just step up and bleed two or three of the English-
men who are to move in the morning, in order to
prevent inflammation, and be with you immedi-
ately."
The gala suit of Captain Lawton was easily ad-
justed to his huge frame, and his companion being
ready, they once more took their route towards
the cottage. Roanoke had been as much bene-
fitted by a few days rest as his master, and Law-
ton ardently wished, as he curbed his gallant
steed, on passing the well remembered rocks,
that his treacherous enemy stood before him
mounted and armed as himself.
But no enemy,
nor any disturbance whatever interfered with
their progress, and they reached the Locusts just
as the sun was throwing his setting rays on the
valley, and tinging the tops of the leafless trees
with the color of goid. It never required more
than a single look, to acquaint the trooper with
the particulars of every scene that was not un-
commonly veiled, and the first survey that he
took on entering the house, told him more than
the observations of a day had put into the posses-
sion of Dr. Sitgreaves. Miss Peyton accosted
him with a smiling welcome that exceeded
the bounds of ordinary courtesy, and evidently
flowed more from feelings that were connected
with the heart, than from manner. Frances glided
about, tearful, and agitated, while Mr. Wharton
stood ready to receive them, decked in a suit of
velvet, that would have been conspicuous in the
gayest drawing-rooms on the continent. Col.
Wellmere was in the uniform of an officer
of the household troops of his prince, and Isa-
bella Singleton sat in the parlor, clad in the
habiliments of joy, but with a countenauce that


60
THE SPY,
an eye
belied her appearance, while her brother by her
side, looked, with a cheek of flitting colour, and
of intense interest, like any thing but an
invalid. As it was the third day that he had left
his room, Dr. Sitgreaves, who began to stare about
him in stupid wonder, forgot to reprove his pa-
tient for his imprudence.
Into this scene, Cap-
tain Lawton moved with all the composure and
gravity of a man whose nerves were not easily dis-
composed by novelties. His compliments were re-
ceived as graciously as they were offered, and after
exchanging a few words with the different indivi-
duals in the room, he approached to where the
surgeon had withdrawn in a kind of confused as-
tonishment to rally his senses to the occasion.
“John," whispered the surgeon, with awakened
curiosity, “what do you think?"
“ That your wig and my black head would look
the better for a little of Betty Flanagan's best
flour; but it is too late now, and we must fight the
battle armed as you see-why, Archibald, you and
I look like militiamen flanked by those holiday
Frenchmen who have come amongst us.”.
"Observe," said Sitgreaves, in increasing won-
der, Where comes the army chaplain in his full
robes as a Doctor Divinitatis-what can it mean ???
“An exchange," said the trooper; "the wound-
ed of Cupid are to meet and settle their accounts
with the god, in the way of plighting their faith to
suffer from his archery no more."
“Oh!" ejaculated the operator, laying his fin-
ger on the side of his nose, and for the first time
comprehending the case.
“Yes-oh! muttered Lawton, in imitation-
when turning 'suddenly to his comrade, he said
fiercely, but in an under tone, " Is it not a crying
shame, that a sunshine-hero, and an enemy, should
1


THE SPY.
61
" she
thus be suffered to steal away one of the fairest
plants that grows in our soil-a dower fit to be
placed in the bosom of any man."
“ You speak the truth, John; and if he be pot
more accomodating as a husband, than as a patient,
I fear me that the lady will lead a troubled life.”
to Let her," said the trooper indignantly ;
has chosen from her country's enemies, and may
she meet with a foreigner's virtues in her hoice."
Their further conversation was interrupted by
Miss Peyton, who, advancing, acquainted them that
they had been invited to grace the nuptials of her
eldest niece and Col. Wellmere. The gentlemen
bowed in silence at this explanation of what they
already understood, and the good spinster, with
an inherent love of propriety, went on to add,
that the acquaintance was of an old date, and the
attachment by no means a sudden thing. To this
Lawton merely bowed, but the surgeon, who loved
to hold converse with the virgin replied
"That the human mind was differently consti-
tuted in different individuals. In some, impres-
sions are vivid and transitory; in others, more
deep and lasting:-indeed, there are some philo-
sophers who pretend to trace a connexion between
the physical and mental powers of the animal;
but for my part, madam, I believe that the one is
much influenced by habit and association, and the
other subject to the laws of science."
Miss Peyton, in her turn, bowed her silent as-
sent to this remark, and retired with dignity, to
usher the intended bride into the presence of the
company. The hour had arrived when American
custom bas decreed, that the vows of wedlock
must be exchanged ; and Sarah, blushing with a
variety of emotions, followed her aunt to the with-
drawing room. Wellmere sprang to receive the
hand that, with an averted face, she extended to-
Vol. 2.
6


62
THE SPY.
wards him, and, for the first time, the English Co-
lonel appeared conscious of the important part that
he was to act in the approaching ceremonies.
Hitherto his air had been abstracted, and his man.
per uneasy, but every thing excepting the certain-
ty of his bliss, seemed to vanish at the blaze of
loveliness that burst on his sight with the presence
of his mistress. All arose from their seats, and
the reverend gentleman had already opened
the volume in his hand, when the absence of Fran-
ces was noticed : Miss Peyton again withdrew in
search of her niece, whom she found in her own
apartment, and in tears.
“Come, my love, the ceremony waits bat for
as,” said the aunt, affectionately entwining her
arm in that of her niece ; 66 endeavor to compose
yourself, that proper honor may be done to the
choice of
your
sister."
• Is he--can he be worthy of her ?'' cried Fran-
ces, in a burst of emotion, and throwing herself
into the arms of the spinster.
“ Can he be otherwise ?" relurned Miss Pey-
ton; “is he not a gentleman ?--a gallant soldier,
though an unfortunate one ? and certainly, my
love, one who appears every way qualified to
make any woman happy."
Frances had given vent to her feelings, and, with
an effort, she collected sufficient resolution to ven-
ture again to join the expecting party below. But
to relieve the embarrassment of this delay, the
clergyman had put sundry questions to the bride-
groom; one of which was by no means answered
to his satisfaction. Wellmere was compelled to
acknowledge that he was unprovided with a ring,
and to perform the marriage ceremony without
one, the divine pronounced to be impossible. His
appeal to Mr. Wharton for the propriety of this
decision, was answered affirmatively, as it would


THE SPY.
bave been negatively, had the question been put
in a manner to lead to such a result. The owner
of the Locusts had lost the little energy he pos-
sessed, by the blow recently received through his
son, and his assent to the objection of the clergy-
man, was as easily obtained, as his consent to the
premature proposals of Wellmere. In this stage
of 'the dilemma; Miss Peyton and Frances ap-
peared. The surgeon of dragoons approached
the former, and as he handed her to a chair, ob-
served
“ It appears, Madam, that untoward circumstan-
ces have prevented Colonel Wellmere from pro.
viding all of the decorations that custom, antiquity,
and the canons of the church, have prescribed as
indispensable to enter into the honorable state of
wedlock."
Miss Peyton glanced her quiet eye at the un-
easy bridegroom, and perceiving him to be adorn-
ed with what she thought sufficient splendor, al-
lowing for the time and the suddenness of the oc-
casion, she turned her look on the speaker with a
surprise that demanded an explanation.
The surgeon understood her wishes, and pro-
ceeded at once to gratify them.
“ There is," he observed, “au opinion preva-
lent, that the heart lies on the left side of the
body, and that the connexion between the mem-
bers of that side and what may be called the seat
of life, is more intimate than that which exists
with their opposites. But this is an error that
grows out of an ignorance of the scientific ar-
rangement of the human frame. In obedience to
this opinion, the fourth finger of the left hand is
thought to contain a virtue that belongs to no
other of its class, and is encircled, during the so-
lemnization of wedlock, with a cincture or ring, as
if to chain that affection to the marriage state,


64
THE SPY.
65
which is best secured by the graces of the female
character.” While speaking, the operator laid his
hand impressively on his heart, and bowed nearly
to the floor as he concluded.
I know not, sir, that I rightly understand your
meaning,” said Miss Peyton, with dignity, but suf-
fering a slight vermilion to appear on a cheek that
had long lost that peculiar charm of youth.
“ A ring, Madam--a ring is wanting for the ce-
remony.
The instant that the surgeon spoke explicitly,
the awkwardness of their situation was compre-
hended. She glanced her eyes at her neices, and
in the younger she read a secret exultation that
somewhat displeased her; but the countenance of
Sarah was suffused with a shame that the conside-
rate aunt well understood.---Not for the world
would she violate any of the observances of fe-
male etiquette. It suggested itself to all the fe.
males of the Wharton family, at the same mo-
ment, that the wedding ring of their late mother
and sister was reposing peacefully amid the rest
of her jewellery, in a secret receptacle that had
been provided at an early day, to secure the valu-
ables against the predatory inroads of the marau-
ders who roamed through the county. Into this
hidden vault, the plate and whatever was most
prized made a nightly retreat, and there the ring
in question bad long lain, forgotten until at this
moment. But it was the business of the bride-
groom, from time immemorial, to furnish this
indispensable to wedlock, and on no account would
Miss Peyton do any thing that transcended the
usual courtesies of her sex on this solemn occa-
sion; certainly not until sufficient expiation for
the offence had been made by a due portion of
trouble and disquiet. The spinster, therefore, re-
tained the secret from a regard to decorum, Sarab


THE SPY
65
from feeling, and Frances from both, united to dis-
satisfaction at the connexion. It was reserved for
Dr. Sitgreaves to break the embarrassment of the
party by again speaking:
“ lf, Madam, a plain ring that once belonged to
a sister of my own" The operator paused a
moment, and hem'd once or twice, "If Madam,
a ring of that description might be admitted to this
honor, I have one that could be easily produced
from my quarters at the “Corners," and I doubt
not it would fit the finger for which it is desired.
There is a strong resemblance between--bem-
between my late sister and Miss Wharton in sta-
tere and anatomical figure, and the proportions are
apt to be observed throughout the whole animal
economy."
A glance of Miss Peyton's eye recalled Colonel
Wellmere to a sense of his duty, and springing
from his chair, he assured the surgeon, that in no
way could he impose heavier obligations on him,
than by sending for that very ring. The operator
bowed a little haughtily, and withdrew to fulfil
his promise, by despatching a messenger on the
errand. The spinster suffered him to retire;
but unwillingness to admit a stranger into the pri-
vacy of their domestic arrangements, induced her
to follow and tender the services of Cæsar instead
of Sitgreaves' man who had been offered by Isa-
bella for this duty--her brother, probably from bo-
dily weakness, continuing silent throughout the
whole evening. Katy Haynes was 'accordingly
directed to summon the black to the vacant pare
lor, and thither the spinster and surgeon repair-
ed, to give their several instructions.
'The consent to this sudden union of Sarah and
Wellmere, and especially at a time when the life
of a member of the family was in such imminent
jeopardy, was given from a conviction, that the


66
THE SPY.
unsettled state of the country, would probably
prevent another opportunity for the lovers meet-
ing, and a secret dread on the part of Mr. Whar-,
ton, that the death of his son, might, by hastening
his own, leave his remaining.children without a
protector. But notwithstanding that Miss Peyton
had complied with her brother's wish to profit by
the accidental visit of a divine, she had not
thought it necessary to blazon the intended nup-
tials of her niece to the neighbourhood, had even
time been allowed: she thought therefore, that
she was now communicating a profound secret to
Cæsar and her housekeeper.
“ Cæsar," she commenced with a smile, "you
are now to learn, that your young mistress, Miss
Sarah, is to be united to Colonel Wellmere this
evening.”
“No, no-1 tink I see'em afore,” said Cæsar,
laughing and chuckling with inward delight, as he
shook his head with conscious satisfaction at his
own prescience; 66 old black man tell when a
young lady talk all alone wid a gem’man in a par-
lor."
“ Really, Cæsar, I find I have never given you
credit for half the observation that you deserve,"
said the spinster gravely; "but as you already
know on what emergency your services are requir-
ed, listen to the directions of this gentleman, and
take care to observe them strictly.??
T'he black turned in quiet submission to the sur-
geon, who commenced as follows:
“Cæsar your mistress has already acquainted
you with the important event about to be solemniz-
ed within this habitation ; but a ring is wanting,
and by riding to the mess-house at the Four Cor-
ners, and delivering this billet to either sergeant
Hollister or Mrs. Elizabeth Flanagan, it will
speedily be placed in your possession. On its re-


THE SPY.
67
ceipt return hither, and fail not to use diligence
in both going and returning, for my patients will
shortly require my presence iu the hospital, and
Captain Singleton already suffers from the want
of rest."
By this time the surgeon had.forgotten every
thing bụt what appertained to his own duties, and
rather unceremoniously left the apartment. Cu-
riosity, or perhaps an opposite feeling, delicacy,
induced Miss Peyton to glance her eye on the open
billet that Sitgreaves bad delivered to the black,
where she read as follows:-it was addressed to
his assistant.
" If the fever has left Kinder, give him nour-
ishment. Take three ounces more of blood from
Watson. Have a search made that the woman
Flanagan has left none of her jugs of alcohol in
the hospital ;--renew the dressings of Johnson,
and dismiss Smith to duty. Send the ring, which
is pendant from the chain of the watch that I left
with you to time the doses, by the bearer.
“ ARCHIBALD SITGREAVES, M. D.
Surgeon of Dragoons."
Miss Peyton yielded this singular epistle to the
charge of the black, in silent wonder, and with,
drew, leaving Katy and Cæsar to arrange the de-
parture of the latter.
“ Cæsar," said Katy, with imposing solemnity,
o
put the ring when you get it, in your left
pocket, that is nighest your heart, and by no
means indivour to try it on your finger, for it is
unlucky.”
Try him on a finger !" interrupted the negro,
stretching forth his body knuckles; "tink a Miss
Sally's ring go on old Cæsar finger ?"
66


60
THE SPY.
""Tis not consequential whether it goes on or
not,” said the housekeeper; “but it is an evil
omen to place a marriage ring on the finger of an-
other after wedlock, and of course it may be dan-
gerous before."
"] tell you, Katy,” cried Cæsar, a little indige
nantly, “ go fetch a ring, and nebber tink to put
him on a finger."
“Go-go then, Cesar,” said Katy, suddenly
recollecting divers important items in the supper
that required her attention ; ."and hurry back
again, and stop not for living soul."
With this injunction Cæsar departed, and was
soon firmly fixed in the saddle. From his youth
the black, like all of his race, had been a hard ri.
der; but charged with a message of such import-
ance, he moved at first with becoming dignity, and
bending under the weight of sixty winters, his Af-
rican blood had lost some of its native beat. The
night was dark, and the wind whistled through
the vale with the chilling dreariness of the blasts
of November. By the time Cæsar reached the
grave-yard, that had so lately received the body
of the elder Birch, all the horrors of his situation
began to burst on the mind of the old man, and
he threw around him many a fearful glance, in
momentary expectation of seeing something su-
perhuman. There was barely light sufficient to
discern á being of earthly mould emerging into
the highway, and apparently from the graves of
the dead. It is in vain that philosophy and rea-
son contend with our fears and early impressions,
but Cæsar had neither to offer him their frail sup-
port. He was, however, well mounted on a coach-
horse of Mr. Wharton's, and clinging to the back
of the animal with instinctive skill, he aban-
doned the rein to the pleasure of the beast. Hil-
locks, woods, rocks, fences, and houses flew by


PHE SPY.
69
ET!
icdia
to put
denly
dwa
routh
174.
- ยะ
1
The
rolet
asti
him with the rapidity of lightning, and the black
had just begun to think where and on what busi.
ness it was, that he was riding in this headlong
manner, when he reached the place where the
two roads met, and the “ Hotel Flanagan" stood
in all its dilapidated simplicity. The sight of a
cheerful fire through its windows, first gave Cæsar
a pledge that he had reached the habitation of
man, and with it came all his dread of the bloody
Virginians ;-his duty must, however, be done, and
dismounting, he fastened the foaming animal to a
fence, and approached the window with cautious
steps, to listen and reconnoitre.
Before a blazing fire sat sergeant Hollister and
Betty Flanagan, enjoying themselves over a libe-
ral donation from the stores of the washerwoman.
“I tell yee sargeant, dear,” said Betty, remo-
ving the mug from her mouth, “ 'tis no rasonable
to think it was any thing more than the pidlar
himself; sure now, where was the smell of sul-
phur, and the wings. and the tail, and the cloven
foot ?--besides sargeant, its no dacent to tell a
lone famale that she had Beelzeboob for a bed.
fellow."
6. It matters but little, Mrs. Flanagan, provided
you escape his talons and fangs hereafter,' return-
ed the veteran, following his remark by a heavy
potation.
Cæsar hcard enough to convince him, that
danger to himself from this pair was but little to
be apprehended. His teeth already began to
chatter from cold and terror, and the sight of the
comfort within, stimulated him greatly to adven-
ture to enter. He made his approaches with pro-
per caution, and knocked with extreme humility
at the door. The appearance of Hollister with a
drawn sword, roughly demanding who was with-
out, contributed in no degree to the restoration of
body
ation
and
SU
to
of
1
2
008,
op
ch
uck
10
11


70
THE SPY.
his faculties; but fear itself lent him power to ex-
plain his errand.
" Advance," said the sergeant with military
promptness, and throwing a look of close scrutiny
on the black, as he brought him to the light; "ad.
vance, and deliver your despatches :--but stop,
have you the countersign ?"
"I don't tink a know what he be," said the
black, shaking in his shoes.
“ Who ordered you on this duty, did you say ?!?
“A tall massa, with a spectacle," returned Cæ-
sar; "he came a doctering a Capt. Singleton."
66'Twas Doctor Sitgreaves; he never knows the
countersign himself-now, blackey, had it been
Captain Lawton, he would not have sent you here
close to a sentinel without the countersign; for
you might get a pistol bullet through your head,
and that would be cruel to you, for although you
be black, I am none of them who thinks niggurs
haven't no souls."
“ Sure a nagur has as much sowl as a white,"
said Betty ; "come hither, ould man, and warm
that shivering carcass of yeers by the blaze of this
fire. I'm sure a Guinea nagur loves heat as much
as a souldier loves his drop.”
Cæsar obeyed in silence, and a mulatto boy,
who was sleeping on
a bench in the room, was
bidden to convey the note of the surgeon to the
building where the wounded were quartered.
“Here,” said the washerwoman, tendering to
Cæsar a taste of the article that most delighted
herself, “try a
'try a drop, smooty, 'twill warm the
black sowl within your body, and be giving you
spirits as yee'r going homeward."
"I tell you, Elizabeth,” said the sergeant,“ that
the souls of niggurs are the same as our own, and
how often have I heard the good Mr. Whitfield
say, that there was no distinction of color in hea.


THE SPY.
71
ven. Therefore it is reasonable to believe, that
the soul of this here black, is as white as my own,
or even Major Dunwoodie's.'
“ Be sure he be," cried Cæsar, a little tartly,
who had received a wonderful stimulus by tasting
the drop of Mrs. Flanagali.
“It's a good sowl that the major is, any way,"
returned the washerwoman, “and a kind sowi.
aye, and a brave sowi too ; and yee'll say all that
yeerself, sargeant, I'm thinking."
6 For the matter of that," returned the vete-
ran, 6 there is one above even Washington, to
judge of souls; but this I will say, that Major
Dunwoodie is a gentleman who never says, go,
boys—but always says, come, boys; and if a poor
fellow is in want of a spur or a martingale, and
the leather-wack is gone, there is never wanting
the real silver to make up the loss, and that from
his own pocket too."
“ Why, then, are you here idle, when all that
he holds most dear are in danger ?'' cried a voice
with startling abruptness; “ mount, mount, and
follow your captain-arm and mount, and that in-
stantly, or you will be too late."
This unexpected interruption, produced an in-
stantaneous confusion amongst the tiplers. Cæsar
filed instinctively into the fire-place, where he
maintained his position in defiance of a heat that
would have roasted a white man. Sergeant Hol-
lister turned promptly on his heel, and seizing his
sabre, the steel was glittering in the fire-light, in
the twinkling of an eye; but perceiving the
intruder to be the pedlar, who stood near the
open door that led to the stoop in the rear, he
began to fall back towards the position of the
black, with a kind of military intuition which
· taught him to concentrate his forces. Betty alone
stood her ground by the side of the temporary ta-


72
THE SPY
66
*ble. Replenishing the mug with a large addition
of the article known to the soldiery by the nanie
of “choke dog," she held it towards the pedlar,
The
eyes
of the washerwoman had for some time
been swimming with love and liquor, and turning
them goodnaturedly on Birch, she cried
“ Faith, but yee'r welcome, Mister Pidlar, or
Mister Birch, or Mister Beelzeboob, or what's
vee'r name.
Yee'r an honest divil, any way, and
I'm hoping that yee found the pitticoats conva-
nient-come forward, dear, and fale the fire ; Ser-
geant Hollister won't be hurting you for the fear
of an ill turn you may be doing him hereafter-
will yee, Sargeant, dear?''
Depart, ungodly man,” cried the veteran,
edging still nearer to Cæsar, but lifting his legs
alternately as they scorched with the heat, “ de
part in peace.
There is none here for thy ser-
vice, and you seek the woman in vain. There is
a tender mercy that will save her from thy talons."
The sergeant ceased to utter aloud, but the
motion of his lips continued, and a few scattering
words of prayer were alone to be heard.
The brain of the washerwoman was in such a
state of confusion that she did not clearly com-
prehend the meaning of her lover, but a new idea
struck her imagination, and she broke forth-
“ If it's me the man sa'aks, where's the matter,
pray?-am I not a widow'd body, and my own pro-
perty? And yee talk of tinderness, sargeant, but
it's little I see of it any way–who knows but Mr.
Beelzeboob here is free to spake his mind I'm
sure it's willing to hear that I'am.”
“Woman," said the pedlar,“ be silent; and
you, foolish man, mount-arm and mount, and
fly to the rescue of your
officer, if
you are wor-
thy of the cause in which you serve, and would


THE SPY.
79
not disgrace the coat that you wear." The feel-
ings of the pedlar communicated to his manner
the power of eloquence, and he vanished from the
sight of the bewildered trio, with a rapidity that
left them uncertain whither he had fled.
On hearing the voice of an old friend, Cæsar
emerged from his quarters, with a skin that was
glistening with moisture, and fearlessly advanced
to where Betty stood in a maze of intellectual
confusion.
“I wish a Harvey stop," said the black; “if he
ride down a road, I should like to go along ;-)
don't tink Johnny Birch hurt his own son.”
“ Poor ignorant wretch !” exclaimed the vete.
ran, recovering his voice with a long drawn
breath; "think you that figure was of Aesh and
blood ?''
Harvey an't a berry fleshy,” replied the black,
6 but he berry clebber man."
"Pooh! sargeant dear," exclaimed the washer-
woman, “talk rason for once, and mind what the
knowing one tells yee; call out the boys, and ride
a bit after Captain Jack-rimimber darling, that
he told you the day, to be in readiness to mount at
a moment's warning."
“Ay, but not at a summons from the foul fiend.
Let but Captain Lawton, or Lieutenant Mason, or
Cornet Skipwith say the word,” cried the veteran,
“and who is quicker in the saddle than I am ?”
“Well sargeant, how often is it that yee've
boasted to myself, that the corps was’nt a bit
afeard to face the divil."
“ No more be we, in battle array, and by day-
light; but it's fool-hardy and irreverent to tempt
Satan, and on such a night as this ; listen how the
wind whistles through the trees, and hark! there
is the howlings of evil spirits abroad."
“I see him," said Cæsar, opening his eyes to a
VOL. 2.


74
THE SPY.
yee won't
width that might have embraced more than an
ideal form.
“ Where?”' interrupted the sergeant, again in-
stinctively laying his hand on the hilt of his sabre.
“No-no," said the black, “I see a Johnny
Birch come out of he grave-Johnny walk afore
he bury'd."
66 Ah! then he must have led an evil life in-
deed," said Hollister, “ the blessed in spirit lie
quiet until the general muster at the last day, but
wickedness disturbs the soul in this life as well as
in that which is to come.”
“ And what is to come of Captain Jack ?" cried
Betty, angrily; “is it yee'r orders that
mind, nor a warning given? I'll jist git my cart
and ride down and tell him that you are afeard of
a dead man and Beelzeboob; and it isn't succour
he may be expicting from yee.--I wonder wbo'll
be the orderly of the troop the morrow then ?-his
name won't be Hollister, any way."
“Nay, Betty, nay,” said the sergeant, laying
his hand on her shoulder ;“ if there must be riding
to-night, let it be by him whose duty it is to call
out the men and set an example.- The Lord have
mercy, and send us enemies of flesh and blood."
Another glass confirmed the veteran in a reso-
lution that was only excited by a dread of his
Captain's displeasure, and he proceeded to sum-
mon the dozen men who had been left under his
command. The boy arriving with the ring, (æ-
sar placed it carefully in the pocket of his waist-
coat next his heart, and mounting, shut his eyes,
seized his charger by the mane, and continued in
a state of comparative insensibility, until the ani-
mal stopped at the door of the warm stable,
whence he had started.


THE SPY.
75
The movements of the dragoons being timed
to the order of a march, were much slower, and
were made with a watchfulness that was intended
to guard against surprise from the evil one him-
self.
)


76
THE SPY.
CHAPTER VI.
* Be not your tongue thy own shame's orator;
look sweet, speak fair, become disloyalty;
Apparel vice like virtue's harbinger."
Comedy of Errorks
The situation of the party in Mr. Wharton's
dwelling, was sufficiently awkward during the
short hour of Cæsar's absence, for such was the
astonishing rapidity displayed by his courser, that
the four miles of road was gone over, and the
events we have recorded, had occurred, somewhat
within that period of time. Of course the gen-
tlemen strove to make the irksome moments ffy
as swiftly as possible; but premeditated happi-
ness is certainly of the least joyous kind. The
bride and bridegroom, from a variety of reasons,
are privileged to be dull, and but few of their
friends seemed disposed, on the present occasion,
to dishonor their example. The English Colo-
nel exhibited a proper portion of uneasiness at
this unexpected interruption to his felicity, and
sat with a varying countenance by the side of Sa-
rab, who seemed
to be profiting by the delay, to
gather fortitude for the solemn ceremony. In
the midst of this embarrassing silence, Dr. Sit-
greaves addressed himself to Miss Peyton by whose
side he had contrived to procure a chair.
“ Marriage, madam, is pronounced to be hon-
orable in the sight of God and man; and it may
be said to be reduced in the present age to the
laws of nature and reason. The ancients, in sanc-


THE SPY.
77
tioning polygamy, lost sight of the provisions of
nature, and condemned thousands to misery; but
with the increase of science, have grown the wise
ordinances of society, which ordain that man
should be the husband of but one woman."
Wellmere glanced a fierce expression of disgust
at the surgeon, that indicated his sense of the te-
diousness of the other's remarks; while the spin-
ster, with a slight trembling at touching on forbid-
den subjects, replied with an extremely dignified
inclination of her body-
“ I had thought, sir, that we were indebted to
the Christian religion for our morals on this sub-
ject."
" True, madam,” replied the operator, “it is
somewhere provided in the prescriptions of the
apostles, that the sexes should henceforth be on
an equality in this respect. But in what degree
could polygamy affect holiness of life ? Certainly
it was a scientific arrangement of Paul, who was
much of a scholar, and probably had frequent con-
ferences with Luke, whom we all know to have.
been bred to the practice of medicine, on this im-
portant subject.”
To this profound discussion, the spinster made
no other reply, than another bend of her body,
that would have struck an ordinary man dumb;
but Captain Lawton, placing the point of his
sheathed sabre on the floor, folded his hands across
the hilt, and leaning his chin thereon, threw sin-
gular glances with his searching eyes, alternately
from the surgeon to the bridegroom.
" Yet this practice still prevails," said the troop-
er; “and in those very countries where it was
first abolished by the Christian code. Pray, Colo-
nel Wellmere, in what manner is bigamy punished
in England ???
7*


78
THE SPY
Thus addressed, the bridegroom raised his eyes
to the countenance of the other, but they quickly
sunk again under the prying look they encounter-
ed; an effort banished the tremor from his lip,
and restored some of the color to his cheek, as he
replied
“ Death!as such an offence merits."
.“ Death and dissection," continued the opera-
tor; “it is seldom that the law loses sight of even-
tual utility in a malefactor. Bigamy in a man is
certainly a most heinous offence. ?,
“More so, think you, than celibacy ?" asked
Lawton, a little archly.
“Even so," returned the surgeon with undis-
turbed simplicity; "he who remains in a single
state, máy devote his life to science and the ex-
tention of knowledge, if not of his species; but
the wretch who profits by the constitutional ten-
dency of the female sex to credulity and tender-
ness, incurs all the wickedness of a positive sin,
heightened by the baseness of deception in its ex-
ecution."
Really, sir, the ladies are infinitely obliged to
you, for attributing folly to them as part of their
nature.'
"Captain Lawton, in man the animal is more
nobly formed than in woman. The nerves are
endowed with less sensibility-the whole frame is
less pliable and yielding ; is it, therefore, surpris-
ing, that a tendency to rely on the faith of her
partner, is more natural to woman than to the
other sex ?"
Wellmere, unable at this monent to listen with
any degree of patience to the dialogue, sprung
from his seat, and paced the floor in disorder.--
Pitying his situation, the reverend gentleman, who,
in his robes, was patiently awaiting the return of
Cæsar, changed the discourse, and a few minutes


THE SPY.
79
brought the black himself. The billet was handed
to Dr. Sitgreaves; for Miss Peyton had expressly
enjoined Cæsar, not to implicate her in any man-
ner in the errand on which he was despatched.
The note contained a summary statement of the
several subjects of the surgeon's directions, and
referred him to the black for the ring; it was in-
stantly demanded, and promptly delivered. A
transient look of melancholy clouded the brow
of the operator as he stood a moment, and gazed
silently on the bauble ; nor did he remember the
place or the occasion, while he soliloquized as fol-
lows:
“ Poor Anna! gay as innocence and youth could
make you, was thy heart when this cincture was
formed to grace thy nuptials; but ere the hour
had come, God had taken you to himself. Years
have passed, my sister, but never have I forgotten
the companion of my infancy;" he advanced to
Sarah, and, unconscious of observation, placing
the ring on her finger, continued," she for whom
it was intended, has long been in her grave, and
the youth who bestowed the gift, soon followed
her sainted spirit; take it, madam, and God grant
that it may be an instrument in making you as
happy as you deserve to be.”
Sarah felt an unaccountable chill at her heart,
as this burst of feeling escaped from the surgeon ;
but Wellmere offering his hand, she was led be-
fore the divine, and the ceremony began. The
first words of this imposing office, produced a
dead stillness in the apartment; and the minister
of God proceeded to the solemn exhortation, and
witnessed the plighted troth of the parties, when
the investiture with the ring was to follow. It had
been left, from inadvertency, and the agitation of
the moment, where Sitgreaves had placed it;-a
slight interruption was occasioned by the circum-


80
THE SPY.
stance, and the clergyman was about to proceed,
when a figure glided into the midst of the party,
that at once put a stop to the ceremony.-It was
the pedlar :-his sunken and cowering eye no lon-
ger avoided the look of others, but glared wild-
ly, around him, and his whole frame was agitated
by an exertion that had shaken his iron nerves.
But all these emotions passed away like shadows
from a fleeting cloud, and assuming a look of deep
humility and habitual respect, he turned to the
bridegroom, and bowing low, said
- Can Colonel Wellmere waste the precious
moments here, when his wife has crossed the
ocean to mee ? The nights are long, and the
moon bright ew hours riding would take him
to the city."
Aghast at the suddenness of this extraordinary
address, Wellmere for a moment lost the command
of his faculties. To Sarab, the countenance of
Birch, wild and agitated as it was, produced no
terror; but the instant she recovered from the
surprise of his interruption, she turned her anx-
ious gaze on the features of the man to whom she
had just pledged herself for life. They afforded the
most terrible confirmation of all that the pedlar af-
firmed ;
the room whirled around with her, and she
fell lifeless into the arms of her aunt. There is
an instinctive delicacy in woman, that for a time
seems to conquer all other emotions however
powerful, and through its impulse, the insensible
bride was immediately conveyed from sight by her
friends, and the parlor was deserted to the won-
dering group of men.
The confusion of the fall of Sarah, enabled the
pedlar to retreat with a rapidity that would have
baffled pursuit, had any been attempted, and Well-
mere stood with all eyes fixed on him in ominous
silence.


THE SPY.
81
**Tis false'tis false as hell!" be cried, strik-
ing his hand to his forehead. 66 I have ever de.
nied her claim; nor will the laws of my country
compel me to acknowledge it."
“ But will not conscience, and the laws of
God ?" asked Lawton.
Before Wellmere could reply, Singleton, who
had hitherto been supported by his servant, mova
ed into the centre of the circle, and with cheeks
glowing with animation, and eyes that flashed fire,
exclaimed
“ Thus is it ever with your nation, proud Eng-
lishman; your boasted honor, where is it? obli-
gatory only among yourselves--but have a care,"
striking the hilt of his sabre, “ each daughter of
America has a claim on the protection of her sons,
and there are none so helpless, but a countryman
can be found to avenge her injuries, or redress
her wrongs."
66 ?Tis well, sir," said Wellmere, baughtily,
and retreating towards the door" your situation
protects you now : but a time may come-
He had reached the entry, when a slight tap on
his shoulder caused him to turn his head ;-it was
Captain Lawton-who, with a smile of peculiar
meaning, beckoned to bim to follow. The state of
Wellmere's mind was such, that he would glad-
ly have gone any where to avoid the gaze of hor-
ror and detestation that glared from every eye he
met. They reached the stables before the trooper
spoke, when he cried aloud
Bring out Roanoke,”
His man appeared with the steed caparisoned
as when ready for its master; and Lawton, coolly
throwing the bridle on the neck of the animal,
took his pistols form the holsters, and continued,
“You said truly Colonel Wellmere, when you
pronounced George Singleton unfit for combat


82
THE SPY.
but here are weapons that have seen good
service before to-day-ay, and in honorable
hands, sir. These were the pistols of my father,
Colonel Wellmere ; he used them with credit in
the wars with France, and gave them to me to
fight the battles of my country with. In what bet-
ter way can I serve her than in exterminating a
wretch who would have blasted one of her fairest
flowers ?"
“ This injurious treatment shall meet with its
reward,” cried the Englishman, seizing the offered
weapon eagerly; and the blood lie on the head of
him who sought it."
“ Amen!” said Lawton ; " but hold a moment,
sir. You are
now free, and the passports of
Washington are in your pocket;--I give you the
fire ;--if I fall there is a steed that will outstrip
pursuit; and I would advise you to retreat without
much delay, for even Archibald Sitgreaves would
fight in such a cause-nor will the guard above be
very apt to give quarters.”
" Are you ready?!! asked Wellmere, gnashing
his teeth with rage.
- Stand forward, Tom, with the lights ;—fire !"
Wellmere fired, and the bullion flew from the
epaulette of the trooper in fifty pieces.
“Now, then, the turn is mine," said Lawton,
deliberately, and levelling his pistol.
66 And mine!" shouted a voice, as the weapon
was struck from his hand;
find nothing
to do but to shoot at a man, as if he was a turkey
at a Christmas match? By all the devils in hell,
'tis the mad Virginian--fall on my boys, and take
him ; this is a prize not hoped for."
Unarmed and surprised as he was, Lawton's
presence of mind did not desert him, he felt he
was in the hands of those from whom he was to
expect no mercy; and as four of the skinners fell
can you
I


THE SPY.
83
upon him at once, he used his gigantic strength to
the utmost. Three of the band grasped him by
the neck and arms, with an intent to clog his ef-
forts, and pinion him with ropes. The first of these
he threw from him with a violence that sent him
against the building, where he lay for a moment
stunned with the blow. But the fourth seized his
legs, and unable to contend with such odds, the
trooper came to the earth, bringing with him both
of his assailants. The struggle on the ground was
short but terrific ;-curses, and the most dreadful
imprecations were uttered by the skinners, who
in vain called on three more of their band that
were gazing on the combat in nerveless horror, to
assist in securing their prize. A difficulty of breath-
ing, from one of the combattants, was heard, accom-
panied by the stifled moanings of a strangled man;
and directly one of the group arose on his feet,
shaking himself from the wild grasp of the others.
Both Wellmere and the servant of Lawton, had
fled; the former to the stables, and the latter to
give the alarm-and all was darkness. The figure
that stood erect, sprang into the saddle of the un-
heeded charger-sparks of fire from the armed
feet of the horse, gave light enough to discover
the trooper dashing like the wind towards the
highway,
By hell he's off!” cried the leader, hoarse
with rage and exhaustion ; “fire !-bring him
down-fire, I say, or you'll be too late."
The order was obeyed, and one moment of aw-
ful suspense followed in the vain hope of hearing
the huge frame of Lawton tumbling from his steed.
“ He'd never fall, if you had killed him,” mut-
tered one ; " I've known them Virginians sit their
horses with two and three balls through them; ay,
even after they were dead.”


THE SPY.
85
rassed with the apprehension of meeting with an
enraged woman, that he had married during his
late visit to England, but whose claims, so soon as
his passion was sated, he had resolved never wil-
lingly to admit.
In the tumult and agitation of
the moment, the retreat of Lawton and Wellmere
was but little noticed, the condition of Mr. Whar-
ton, and the exhaustion that succeeded the excite-
ment of George Singleton, demanding the care and
consolation of both the surgeon and the divine.-
The report of the fire-arms first roused the family
to the sense of a new danger, and but a minute
elapsed before the leader and one more of the
gang
entered the room.
“ Surrender, you servants of King George,"?
shouted the leader, presenting his musket to the
breast of Sitgreaves, “or I will let a little of your
tory blood from your veins."
“Gently-gently, my friend,” said the surgeon;
you are doubtless more expert in inflicting
wounds than in healing them ; the weapon that
you hold so indiscreetly, is extremely dangerous
to animal life.
“ Yield, then, or take its contents,” exclaimed
the other.
“Why and wherefore should I yield ?- I am a
practitioner of medicine, and a non-combatant.
The articles of capitulation must be arranged with
Captain John Lawton, though yielding i believe
is not a subject on which you will find him parti-
cularly complying."
The fellow had by this time taken such a sur-
vey of the group, as convinced him that little
danger was to be apprehended from resistance,
and eager to seize his share of the plunder, he
dropped his musket, and was soon busy
, in arrang-
ing divers articles of plate in bags, with the as-
sistance of one of his men, so that it would
VOL. 2.
8


86
THE SPY.
be in the most convenient situation to accompany
them in their retreat. The cottage now present-
ed a most singular spectacle ;-the ladies were
gathered around Sarah, who yet continued insen-
sible, in one of the rooms that had escaped the
notice of the marauders. Mr. Wharton sat in a
state of perfect imbecility, listening to, but not
profiting by, the words of comfort that fell from
the lips of the clergyman, who soon became too
much terrified with the "scene to offer them. Sin-
gleton was lying on a sofa, shaking with debility,
and inattentive to surrounding objects ; while the
surgeon was administering restoratives, and look-
ing at the dressings, with a coolness that mocked the
tumult. Cæsar, and the attendant of Captain Sin-
gleton, had retreated to the wood in the rear of
the cottage, and Katy Haynes was flying about the
building, busily employed in forming a bundle of
valuables, from which, with the most scrupulous
honesty, she rejected every article that was not
really and truly her own.
But to return to the party at the Four Corners.
When the veteran had got his men mounted and
un der arms, a restless desire to participate in the
glory and dangers of the expedition came over
the washerwoman. Whether she was impelled to
the undertaking by a dread of remaining alone, or a
wish to hasten in person to the relief of her favor-
ite, we will not venture to assert; but, as Hollis-
ter was unwillingly giving the orders to wheel and
march, the voice of Betty was heard exclaim-
ing-
“Stop a bit, sargeant dear, till two of the boys
git out the cart, and I'll jist ride wid yeestis like
there'll be wounded, and it will be mighty couva-
nient to bring them home in.”
Although inwardly much pleased with any cause
of delay to a service that he so little relished:
l


EHE SPY.
Hollister affected some displeasure at the deten-
tion, and replied
Nothing but a cannon ball can take one of my
lads from his charger, and it's not very likely that
we shall have as fair fighting as cannon and mus-
ketry, in a business of the evil one's inventing ;-
so Elizabeth, you may go if you will--but the
cart will not be wanting."
“ Now sargeant, dear, you lie, any way,” said
Betty, who was somewhat unduly governed by her
potations, “and wasn't Captain Singleton shot off
his horse but tin days gone by ? ay, and Captain
Jack himself, too; and didn't he lie on the ground
face uppermost and back downwards, looking grim?
and didn't the boys think him dead, and turn and
lave the rig’lars the day?"
6 You lie back again," cried the sergeant,
fiercely, “and so does any one who says that we
didn't gain the day."
" For a bit or so- only I mane for a bit or so,"
said the washerwoman; “ but Major Dunwoodie
turn’d you, and so you lick'd the rig’lars. But the
Captain it was that fell, and I'm thinking that
there's no better rider going ; so, sargeant, it's the
cart that will be convanient. Here, two of you,
jist hitch the mare to the tills, and it's nu whiskey
that yee'll be wanting the morrow; and put the
piece of Jinny's hide under the pad--the baste is
never the better for the rough ways of the county
West Chester." The consent of the sergeant
being obtair.ed, the equipage of Mrs. Flanagan
was soon in readiness to receive its burthen.
66 As it is quite uncertain whether we shall be
attacked in front or rear," said Hollister, “five of
you shall march in advance, and the remainder
shall cover our retreat towards the barrack, should
we be pressed. 'Tis an awful moment to a man
of little learning, Elizabeth, to command in such


88
THE SPY.
a service; for my 'part, I wish devoutly that one
of the officers were here, but my trust is in the
Lord.”
“ Pooh! man, away wid yee,” said the washer-
woman, who had got herself comfortably seated,
66 the divil a bit of an inimy is there near--march
on hurry-skurry, and lit the mare trot, or it's but
little that Captain Jack will thank yee for the
help."
Although unlearned in matters of communi-
cating with spirits, or laying the dead, Mrs. Fla-
nagan," said the veteran, “ I have not served
through the old war, and five years in this, not to
know how to guard the baggage. Doesn't Wash-
ington always cover the baggage? I am not to be
told my duty by a camp follower. Fall in as you
are ordered, and dress."
Well, march any way," cried the impatient
washerwoman; 6 the black is there already, and
it's tardy the captain will. think yee.”
“Are you sure that it was really a black man
that brought the order ?" said the sergeant, drop-
ping in between the platoons, where he could
converse with Betty, and was equally at hand to
lead either way.
“ Nay, said the washerwoman, "and I'm sure
of nothing, dear. But why dont the boys prick
their horses, and jog a trot; the mare is mighty
uneasy, and it's no warm in this cursed valley,
riding as much like a funeral party as old rags is
to continental."
“ Fairly and softly, aye, and prudently Mrs.
Flanagan," said the veteran; “it's not rashness
that makes the good officer. If it is a spirit that we
have to encounter, it's more than likely that he'll
make his attack by surprise ;--horse are not very
powerful in the dark, and I have a character to
lose, good woman."
1


THE SPY.
89
* Caractur!" echoed Betty, “and is'nt it ca-
ractur and life too, that Capt. Jack has to lose ???
“ Halt !" cried the sergeant; “ what is that
lurking near the foot of the rock, on the left ?":
“ Sure it's nothing," said the uneasy washer-
woman,
65 unless it be the matter of Captain
Jack's sow! that's come to haunt yee, for not be
ing brisker on the march.”
“ Betty, 'tis foolishness to talk in such a way.
Advance one of you and reconnoitre the spot-
draw swords !
-rear rank close to the front !"
66 Pshaw !" shouted Betty,“ is it a big fool or a
big coward that yee are ?--jist wheel from the
road, boys, and I'll shove the mare down upon it
in the twinkling of an eye--and it's no ghost that
I fear."
By this time, one of the men had returned, and
declared there was nothing to prevent their ad.
vancing, and the party continued their march, but
with great deliberation and caution.
Courage and prudence are the jewels of a
soldier, Mrs. Flanagan," said the sergeant;" and
without one the other may be said to be good for
nothing.'
“ Prudence without courage,” cried the other,
" is it that, you mane?-and it's so that I'm think-
ing myself, sargeant. This baste pulls tight on
the reins, any way."
“Be patient, good woman--hark! what is that?"
said Hollister, pricking up his ears at the report
of Wellmere's pistol; “ I'll swear 'tis a pistol, and
one from our regiment.-Hark! rear rank close
to the front !-Mrs. Flanagan I must leave you."
So saying, having recovered all his faculties, by
hearing a martial sound that he understood, he
placed himself at the head of his men with an air
of military pride, that the darkness prèvented the
8*


THE SPY.
91
personal prowess, and these are virtues that are
sure to captivate the thoughtless soldiery. On ar-
riving near the gate of the Locusts, the trooper
halted his party, and made his arrangements for
the assault. Dismounting, he ordered eight of his
men to follow his example, and turning to Hollis-
ter, said
“Stand you here, and guard the horses ; but if
any thing attempts to pass, stop it or cut it down
and?! The flames at this moment burst through
the dormant windows and cedar roof of the cot-
tage, and a bright light glared on the darkness of
the night.
“On," shouted the trooper,“ on--give
quarters when you have done justice."
There was a startling fierceness in the voice of
the trooper that reached to the heart, even amid
the horrors of the cottage. The leader of the
skinners dropped his plunder, and for a moment
stood in nerveless dread; then rushing to a win-
dow, he threw up the sash-at this instant Law-
ton entered, sabre in hand, into the apartment.
“ Die, miscreant !" cried the trooper, cleaving
the other marauder to the jaw, but the leader
sprang into the lawn, and escaped his vengeance,
The shrieks of the lapalled females restored
Lawton to his presence of mind, and the earnest
entreaty of the divine, induced him to attend to
the safety of the family. One more of the gang
fell in with the dragoons, and met with a similar
fate, but the remainder had taken the alarm in
season to escape. Occupied with Sarah, neither
Miss Singleton nor the ladies of the house, disco-
vered the entrance of the skinners, while the flames
were raging around them with a fury that threat-
ened the building with instant destruction. The
shrieks of Katy and of the terrified consort of Cæ-


92
THE SPY.
sar, together with the noise and uproar in the adja.
cent apartment, first roused Miss Peyton and Isa-
bella to a sense of their danger.
“Merciful providence !” exclaimed the alarmed
spinster, “there is a dreadful confusion in the
house, and there will be bloodshed in consequence
of this affair."
“There are none to fight," returned Isabella,
with a face paler than that of the other; “Dr.
Sitgreaves is very peaceable in his disposition, and
surely Captain Lawton would not forget himself
so far."
66 The southern temper is quick and fiery,” con.
tinued Miss Peyton; and your brother, feeble
and weak as he is, has looked the whole afternoon,
flushed and angry.”
“Good Heaven !" cried Isabella, with difficulty
supporting herself on the couch of Sarah ; "he is
gentle as the lamb by nature, but the lion is not his
equal when roused."
* We must interfere," said the spinster, “our
presence will quell the tumult, and possibly save
the life of a fellow creature."
Miss Peyton was excited to do that which she
conceived was a duty worthy of her sex and na-
ture, and advanced with all the dignity of injured
female feeling to the door, followed by Isabella,
whose energy had returned, and whose eye, by its
sparkling brilliancy, announced a soul equal to its
task. The apartment, to which Sarah had been
conveyed, was in one of the wings of the building,
and communicated with the principal hall of the
cottage by a long and usually dark passage.-
This was now light, and across its termination se-
veral figures were noticed, rushing with an impe-
tuosity that prevented an examination of their em-
ployment.
"Let us advance," said the spinster, with a firmr-
1
1


94
THE SPY.
or you
Frances sprang on her feet, and paced the apart-
ment in a bitterness of sorrow that she could not
control. The eye of Sarah followed her in childish
admiration of her beauty and her attire, which had
been adapted to the occasion, and then pressing
her hand across her forehead, once more said
“ You look like my sister; but all good and
lovely spirits are alike, Tell me, were you ever
married? Did you ever let another, and a stran-
ger, steal your affections from your father, and
brother, and sister, as I have done? If not, poor
wretch, I pity you, although you may be in heaven.”
“Sarah--peace, peace--I implore you to be si-
lent," shrieked Frances, again rushing to her bed,
will kill me at your feet.”
Another dreadful crash was heard, that shook
the building to its centre. It was the falling of
the roof, and the flames threw their light abroad
so as to make objects visible around the cottage
through the windows of the room. Frances flew
to one of them, and saw the confused
group
that
was collected on the lawn. Among them were
her aunt and Isabella, pointing to the fiery cdifice
with distraction, and apparently urging the dra-
goons who were near them to enter it.
It was
the first time the maid comprehended their dan-
ger, and uttering a wild shriek, she flew through
the passage instinctively, without consideration or
object.
A dense and suffocating column of smoke op-
posed her progress. She paused to breathe, when
a man caught her in his arms, and bore her in a
state of insensibility through the falling embers
and darkness to the open air. The instant that
Frances recovered her recollection, she perceived
that it was to Lawton she owed her life, and
throwing herself on her knees before him, she
cried
1


THE SPY.
95
“ Sarah, Sarah, Sarah! Save my sister, and may
the blessing of God await you.
Her strength failed her, and she sunk on the
grass in insensibility. The trooper pointed to her
figure, and motioned to Katy for assistance, and
then advanced once more near to the cottage.
The fire had already communicated to the wood-
work of the piazzas and windows, and the whole
exterior of the cottage, was covered with smoke.
The only entrance was through these dangers, and
even the hardy and impetuous Lawton paused to
consider. It was for a moment only, and he dashed
into the heat and darkness, where missing the en-
trance, he wandered for a minute, and precipitated
himself back again into the lawn. Drawing a sin-
gle breath of pure air, be renewed the effort, and
was again unsuccessful; but on a third trial, he
met a man staggering under the load of a human
body. It was neither the place, nor was there time,
to question or to make distinctions, and the troop-
er caught both together in his arms, and with gi-
gantic strength, bore them through the smoke. To
his astonishment, he perceived that it was the sur-
geon and the body of one of the skinners that he
had saved.
“ Archibald !” he exclaimed," why, in the name
of justice did you bring this dead miscreant to light
again ? His deeds are rank to heaven!"
The operator was too much bewildered to re-
ply instantly, but wiping the moisture from his
forehead, and clearing his lungs from the vapor
that he had inhaled, he said, piteously-
" Ah! it is all over. Had I been in time to have
stopped the effusion from the jugular, he might
have been saved; but the heat was conducive to
hemorrhage ; yes, life is extinct indeed. Well,
are there any more wounded ?":
His question was put to the air, for Frances


96
THE SPY.
was removed to the opposite side of the building,
where here friends were collected, and Lawton
once more had disappeared in the smoke.
By this time the flames had dispersed much of
the suffocating vapor, so that the trooper was able
to find the door, and in its very entrance he was
met by a man supporting the insensible Sarah in
his arms.
There was but barely time to reach
the lawn again before the fire broke through all
the windows, and wrapped the whole building in a
single sheet of flame.
“God be praised," ejaculated the preserver of
Sarah; "it would have been a dreadful death to
have died."
The trooper turned from gazing at the edifice,
to the speaker, and, to his astonishment, instead of
one of his own men, beheld the pedlar.
“Ha! the spy," he exclaimed. “By heavens!
you cross me like a spectre.”
Capt. Lawton,” said Birch, leaning in momen-
tary exhaustion against the fence to which they
had retired from the heat, “I am again in your
power, for I can neither flee nor resist.”
" The cause of America is dear to me as life,"
said the trooper; “ but she cannot require me to
forget both gratitude and honor. Fly, unhappy
man, while yet you are unseen by my men, or I
cannot save you."
“ May God prosper you, and make you victori-
ous over your enemies," cried Birch, grasping the
hand of the dragoon with an iron strength that his
meagre figure did not indicate.
“ Hold!" said Lawton, “but a word-are you
what you seem ?-can you—are you—"
“ A royal spy,” interrupted Birch, averting his
face, and endeavouring to release his hand.
" Then go, miserable wretch," said the trooper,
66


THE SPY.
97
1
relinquishing his grasp; “either avarice or delu-
sion has led a noble heart astray."
The bright light from the flames reached to a
great distance around what was left of the build-
ing, but the words were hardly passed the lips of
Lawton, before the gaunt form of the pedlar had
glided over the visible space and plunged into the
darkness beyond which was rendered more gloomy
by the contrast.
The
of Lawton rested for a moment on the
eye
spot where he had last seen this inexplicable man,
and then turning to the yet insensible Sarah, he
lifted her in his arms, and bore her like a sleeping
infant to the care of her friends.
VOL. 2.


98
THE SFT.
CHAPTER VII.
* And now her charms are fading fast,
Her spirits now no more are gay ;
Alas! that beauty cannot last !
That flowers so sweet so soon decay !
How sad appears
The vale of years,
How chang'd from youth's too flattering scene!
Where are her fond admirers gone ?
Alas! and shall there then be none
On wbom her soul may lean?"
Cynthia's Grave.
1
1
The torrent and the blast can mar the loveliest
scenes in nature ;-war, with his ruthless hand
may rival the elements in their work of destruc-
tion—but it is passion alone that can lay waste the
human heart. The whirlwind and the flood have
duration in their existence, and have bounds to
their fury; the earth recovers from the devasta-
tion of the conflict with a fertility that seems en-
riched by the blood of its victims.--But there are
feelings that no human agency can limit, and men-
tal wounds that surpass the art of man to heal.
For some years Sarah Wharton had indulged in
contemplations on the person and character of
Wellmere, that were natural to her sex and situa-
tion; and now, when these transient recollections
were become permanent from security, and she
looked forward to the moment that she was to
take the most momentous step of her life, with that
engrossing passion which marks a woman's love,
the discovery of his real character was a blow too


THE SPY.
99
beavy for her faculties to bear. It has already
been seen that her first indications of returning
life, were unaccompanied by a consciousness of
what had so recently occurred, nor did her friends,
on receiving her from the arms of the trooper, re-
cover more than the lovely image of her whom
they had once known.
The walls of the cottage were all that was left
of the building, and these, blackened by smoke,
and stripped of their piazzas and ornaments, serv-
ed only as dreary memorials of the peaceful con-
tentment and security that had so lately reigned
within. The roof, together with the rest of the
wood work, had tumbled into the cellars, and a
pale and fitting light ascending from their embers,
shone faintly through the windows on objects in
the lawn. The early flight of the skinners left
the dragoons at liberty to exert themselves in
saving much of the furniture from the flames,
which lay scattered in heaps, giving the finish-
ing touch of desolation to the scene. Whenever
a stronger ray of light than common shot up-
wards, the composed figures of Sergeant Hollister
and his associates, sitting on their horses in rigid
discipline, were to be seen in the back ground of
the picture, together with the beast of Mrs. Flan-
agan, that having slipt its bridle, was quietly graz-
ing by the highway. Betty herself had advanced
to where the sergeant was posted, and with an in-
credible degree of composure, witnessed the whole
of the events as they occurred. More than once
she suggested to her companion the probability,
as the fighting seemed to be over, that the proper
time for plunder had arrived, but the veteran
promptly acquainted her with his orders, and re-
mained both inflexible and immoveable; until the
washerwoman noticing Lawton to come round the
wing of the building with Sarah, ventured by her-


100
THE SPY.
self amongst the warriors. The trooper, after
placing Sarah on a sofa that had been hurled from
the building by two of his men, retired with delica-
ey, that the ladies might succeed him in his care,
and in order to reflect on what further was neces-
sary to be done. Miss Peyton and her niece flew,
with a rapture that was blessed with a momentary
forgetfulness of all but her preservation, to receive
Sarah from the trooper, but the vacant eye and
flushed cheek, restored them instantly to their
recollection.
“ Sarah, my child, my beloved piece," said the
spinster, folding her in her arms, "you are saved,
and may the blessing of God await him who has
been the instrument."
See,” said Sarah, gently pushing her aunt
aside, and pointing to the glimmering ruins, “the
windows are illuminated in honor of my arrival.
They always receive a bride thus he told me so;
listen and you will hear the bells."
6 Here is no bride, no rejoicing, nothing but
woe,” cried Frances, in a manner but little less
frantic than that of her sister ; “Oh! may heaven
restore you, my sister, to us—to yourself.”
“ Peace, foolish young woman,” said Sarah,
with a smile of affected pity ; "all cannot be happy
at the same moment; perhaps you have no brother,
or no husband to console you; you look beautiful
and will yet find one, but,” she continued, drop-
ping her voice to a whisper, “see that he has no
other wife-'tis dreadful to think what might hap-
pen should he be twice married."
“ The shock has destroyed her mind,” said Miss
Peyton, shaking with apprehension, and clasping
her hands in agony; “my child, my beauteous
Sarah is a maniac.
“No, no, no," cried Frances, “it is fever; she is
light-headed--she must recover--she shall reca-
1
Yer."


THE SPI.
101
The aunt caught joyfully at the hope conveyed
in this suggestion, and despatched Katy to request
the immediate aid and advice of Dr. Sitgreaves,
The operator was found enquiring among the men
for professional employment, and inquisitively ex-
amining every bruise and scratch that he could in .
duce the sturdy warriors to acknowledge they had
received. A summons of the sort conveyed by
Káty was instantly obeyed, and not a minute elaps-
ed before he was by the side of Miss Peyton.
66 This is a melancholy termination to so joyful
a commencement of the night, madam,” he obser-
ved, with a soothing manner; “but war must bring
its attendant miseries, though doubtless it often
supports the cause of liberty, and improves the
knowledge of surgical science.”
Miss Peyton could make no reply, but pointed
to her niece in agony.
“ 'Tis fever," answered Frances, "see how glas.
sy is her eye, and look at her cheek, how flush-
ed."
The surgeon stood for a moment deeply study-
ing the outward symptoms of his patient, and then
silently took her hand into his own. It was sel.
dom that the hard and abstracted features of the
operator discovered any violent emotion; all his
passions seemed schooled to the most classical dig-
nity, and his countenance did not often betray
what his heart so frequently felt. In the present
instance, however, the eager gaze of the aunt and
sister soon detected the emotions of Sitgreaves.-
After laying his fingers for a minute on the beau-
tiful arm, which, bared to the elbow, and glitter-
ing with jewels, Sarah suffered him to retain, he
dropped it with a heavy sigh, and dashing his hand
over his eyes, turned sorrowfully to Miss Peyton
as he said
9*


102
THE SPY
66 Here is no fever to excite'tis a case, my
dear madam, for time and care only; these, with
the blessing of God, may effect a cure.”
66 And where is the wretch who has caused this
puin,” exclaimed Singleton, rejecting the support
of his man, and making an effort to rise from the
chair where the care of his sister had placed him.
It is vain that we overcome our enemies, if con-
quered they can still inflict such wounds as this."
“Dos't think, foolish boy," said Lawton with a
bitter smile, “that hearts can feel in a colony?
What is America but a satellite of England-to
move as she moves, follow where she wists, and
shine that the mother country may become more
splendid by her radiance. Surely you forget that
it is honor enough for a colonist to receive ruin
from the hand of a child of Britain."
" I forget not that I wear a sword,” said Single-
ton, falling back exhausted; "but was there no
willing arm ready to avenge that lovely sufferer--
to appease the wrongs of this hoary father ?"
“ Neither arms nor hearts are wanting, sir, in
such a cause," said the trooper, fiercely; "but
chance oftentimes helps the wicked. By heavens,
I'd give Roanoke himself for a clear field with the
miscreant."
« Nay! captain dear, no be parting with the
horse, any way,” said Betty, with a significant
look; “it is no trifle that can be had by jist ask-
ing, and the baste is sure of foot and jumps like
squirrel."
6 Woman !!' cried Lawton, “fifty horses, ay,
the
best that were ever reared on the banks of the
Potomac, would be but a paltry price for one blow
at such a villain.”
“Come," said the surgeon, “the night air can
do no service to George or these ladies, and it is
incumbent on us to remove them where they
1


THE SPY.
10S
can find surgical attendance and refreshment.
Here is nothing but smoking ruins and the miasma
of the swamps.
To this rational proposition, no objection could
be raised, and the necessary orders were issued
by Lawton to remove the whole party to the Four
Corners.
America furnished but few and very indif-
ferent carriage makers at the period of which we
write, and every vehicle that in the least as.
pired to the dignity of patrician notice, was the
manufacture of a London mechanic. When Mr.
Wharton left the city, he was one of the very
few
who maintained the state of a carriage in their
establishments, and at the time that Miss Peyton
and his daughters joined him in his retirement, they
had been conveyed to the cottage in the heavy
chariot that had once so imposingly rolled through
the windings of Queen Street, or emerged with
sombre dignity into the more spacious drive of
Broadway. This vehicle stood undisturbed where
it had been placed on its arrival, and the ages of
the horses had alone protected the favorites of
Cæsar from sequestration, by the contending for-
ces in their neighbourhood. With a heavy heart
the black, assisted by a few of the dragoons, pro-
ceeded to prepare it for the reception of the la-
dies. It was a cumbrous vehicle, whose faded
linings and tarnished hammercloths, together with
its pannels of changing color, denoted the want
of that art which had once given it lustre and
beauty. The “ lion couchants of the Wharton
arms, was reposing on the reviving splendor of a
blazonry that told the armorial bearings of a prince
of the church, and the mitre that already began
to shine through its American mask, was a symbol
of the rank of its original owner.
The chaise
which conveyed Miss Singleton was also safe, for


104
THE SPY.
the stables and out-buildings had entirely escaped
the flames; it certainly had been no part of the
plan of the marauders to leave so well appointed
a stud behind them, but the suddenness of the at-
tack by Lawton, not only disconcerted their
arrangement on this point, but on many others
also. A guard was left on the ground under the
command of Hollister, who having discovered that
his enemy was of mortal mould, took his position
with admirable coolness, and no little skill to
guard against surprise. He drew off his small
party to such a distance from the ruins, that it was
effectually concealed in the darkness, while at the
same time the light continued sufficiently power-
ful to discover any one, who might approach the
lawn with an intent to plunder.
Satisfied with this judicious arrangement, Capt.
Lawton made his dispositions for the march: Miss
Peyton and her two nieces with Isabella, were pla-
ced in the chariot, while the cart of Mrs. Flanagan
being amply supplied with blankets and a bed, was
honored with the persons of Capt. Singleton and
his man. Dr. Sitgreaves took charge of the chaise
and Mr. Wharton, and what became of the rest of
the family during that eventful night is unknown;
for Cæsar, alone, of the domestics, was to be found,
if we except the housekeeper. Having disposed of
the whole party in this manner, Lawton gave the
word to march. He remained himself for a few
minutes alone on the lawn, secreting various pieces
of plate and other valuables, that he was fearful
might tempt the cupidity of his own men; when
perceiving nothing more that he conceived likely
to overcome their honesty, be threw himself into
the saddle, with the soldierly intention of bringing
up
the rear.
“ Stop, stop," cried a female voice; “ will you
leave me alone to be murdered ? the spoon is


THE SPY.
105
66
melted I believe, and 1?ll have compensation if
there's law or justice in the land.”
Lawton turned an enquiring eye in the direction
of the sound, and perceived a female emerging
from the ruins, loaded with an enormous bundle,
that vied in size with the renowned pack of the
pedlar.
" Who have we here," said the trooper, “ris-
ing like a phenix from the flames ? oh! by the
soul of Hippocrates, but it is the identical she-
doctor, of famous needle reputation. Well, good
woman, what means this outcry ?'
Outcry!" echoed Katy, panting for breath
* is it not disparagement enough to lose a silver
spoon, but I must be left alone in this lonesome
place to be robbed, and perhaps murdered? Har-
vey would not serve me so: when I lived with
Harvey I was always treated with respect, at least,
if he was a little close with his secrets, and
wasteful with his money.
“ Then you once formed part of the household,
madam, of Mr. Harvey Birch ?"
“ You may say I was the whole of his house-
hold," returned the other;" there was nobody but
I and he, and the old gentleman; you didn't know
the old gentleman, did you ?"
“ That happiness was denied me," said Lawton,
“but how long did you live in the family of this
Birch ?';
“ I disremember the precise time," said Katy,
66 but it must have been hard on upon nine
years,
but what better am I for it all ?"
o Sure enough, I can see but little benefit that
you have derived from the association truly. But
is there not something odd in Mr Birch ?
“Odd indeed,” replied Katy, lowering her voice
and looking around her; "he was a wonderful
disregardful man, and minded a guinea no more


106
THE SPY.
72
than I do a karnal of corn. But help me to some
way of joining Miss Jinitt, and I will tell you pro-
digies of wbat Harvey has done first and last.»
* You will !” exclaimed the trooper, musing ;
here, give me leave to feel your arm above the
elbow-there-it is no small matter of bone that
you have, I see.” So saying, he gave the spinster
a sudden whirl that at once destroyed her philoso-
phy of mind, and effectually confused all her fa-
culties, until she found herself safely, if not com-
fortably, seated on the crupper of Lawton's steed.
“ Now, madam, you have the consolation of
knowing that you are as well mounted as heart
can wish. The nag is sure of foot, and will leap
like a panther."
“Let me get down,” crid Katy, struggling to
release herself from his iron grasp, and yet afraid
of falling ; “ this is no way to put a woman on a
horse, besides I can't ride without a pillion.'
“Softly, good madam," said Lawton; “ for al-
though Roanoke never falls before, he sometimes
rises behind. He is far from being accustomed to
a pair of heels beating upon his flanks like a drum-
major on a field day--a single touch of the spur
will serve him for a fortnight, and it's by no means
wise to be kicking in this manner, for he is a horse
that but little likes to be outdone.'
“Let me down, I say,” screamed Katy, 61
shall fall and be killed. Besides, I have nothing to
hold on with, my arms are full, don't you see."
" True," returned the trooper, observing that
he had brought bundle and all from the ground,
“I perceive that you belong to the baggage guard;
but my sword-belt will encircle your little waist as
well as my own.”
Katy was too much pleased with this compli-
ment to make any resistance while he buckled her
close to his own Herculean frame, and driving


THE SPY.
107
a spur into his charger they flew from the lawn with
a rapidity that defied further denial. After trotting
on for some time, at a rate that discomposed the
spinster vastly, they overtook the cart of the wash-
erwoman driving slowly over the stones, with a pro-
per consideration for the wounds of Capt. Single-
ton. The occurrences of that eventful night had
produced an excitement in the young soldier, that
was followed by the ordinary lassitude of re-action,
and he lay carefully enveloped in blankets, and
supported by his man, but little able to converse,
though deeply brooding over the past. The dia-
logue between Lawton and his companion ceased
with the commencement of their motions, but a
foot pace being more favourable to speech, the
trooper began anew-
66 Then you have been an inmate in the same
house with Harvey Birch ?”
" For more as nine years," said Katy, drawing
her breath, and rejoicing greatly that their speed
was abated.
The deep tones of the trooper's voice, were
soon conveyed by the night air to the ears of the
washerwoman, and turning her head, where she sat
directing the movements of her mare she heard
both question and answer.
“Belike then, good woman, yee'r knowing whe-
ther or no he's a-kin to Beelzeboob,” said Betty,
“it's Sargeant Hollister who's saying the same, and
no fool is the sargeant, any way."
" It's a scandalous disparagement,” cried Katy,
most vehemently; “there's no kinder soul than
Harvey that carries a pack; and for a gownd or a
tidy apron, he will never take a king's farthing
from a friend. Belzebub indeed! For what would
he read the bible if he had dealings with the evil
spirit ?"


J08
THE SPY.
“He's an honest divil, any way, as I was saying
before," returned Betty, "the guinea was pore.
Bui then the sargeant thinks him amiss, and it's
no want of larning that Mister Hollister has."
“He's a fool,” said Katy tartly,“ Harvey mought
be a man of substance, but he's so disregardful.
How often have I told him, that if he did nothing
but peddle, and would put his gains to use, and
get married, so that things at home could be kept
snug and tidy, and leave off bis dealings with the
rig'lars and all sich incumberments, that he would
soon be an excellent liver. Sergeant Hollister
would be glad to hold a candle to him, I guess,
indeed."
“ Pooh !" said Betty, in her philosopical way;
“yee'r no thinking that Mister Hollister is an off-
cer, and stands next the cornet in the troop. But
this pedlar gave warning of the brush, the night,
and it's no sure, that Captain Jack would have got
the day, but for the rinforcement.'
“ How say you, Betty," cried the trooper, bend-
ing forward on his saddle, “had you notice of our
danger from this said Birch ?”
“The very same, darling; and it's hurry I was
till the boys was in motion--not but I knew yee'r
enough for the cow-boys, any time. But wi'd the
divil on your side, I was sure of the day. I'm only
wondering there's so little plunder in a business
of Beelzeboob's contriving.”
“I'm obliged to you for the rescue,” said Law-
ton," and equally indebted to the motive.”'
* Is it the plunder? But little did I think of it,
till I saw the moveables on the ground, some burnt
and some broke, and other some as good as new.
It would be convanient to have one feather bed in
the corps, any way."
99


110
THE SPY.
66
The last drame I had was when the boys put the
thistle-stops in the blankets, and then I was think-
ing that Captain Jack's man was currying me
down, for the matter of Roanoke : but it's no trifle
I mind either in skin or stomach.”
“ I'm sure," said Katy, with a stiff erection that
drew Lawton back in his saddle, no man should
ever dare to lay hands on any bed of mine--it's
andecent and despisable conduct."
“ Pooh! pooh!” cried Betty,“ if you tag after
a troop of horse, a small bit of a joke must be
borne : what would become of the states and
liberty if the boys had never a clane shirt or a
drop to comfort them ? Ask Captain Jack there, if
they'd fight, Mrs. Beelzeboob, and they no clane
linen to keep the victory in."
" I'm a single woman, and my name is Haynes.'
said Katy," and I'd thank you to use no disparag.
ing tarms. when speaking to me; it's what I isn't
use to, and Harvey is no more of Beelzebub nor
yourself.”
6* You must tolerate a little licence in the
tongue of Mrs. Flanagan, madam," said the
trooper; " the drop she speaks of is often of an
extraordinary size, and then she has acquired the
freedom of a soldier's manner."
“ Pooh! captain, darling,” cried Betty," why
do you bother the woman-talk like yeerself,
dear, and it's no fool of a tongue that yee've got
in yee'r own head. But it's here away that the
sargeant made a halt, thinking there might be
more divils than one stirring, the night. The
clouds are as black as Arnold's heart, and deuce
the star is there a twinkling among them. Well,
the mare is used to a march after night-fall, and is
smelling out the road like a pointer slut.”
6 It wants but little to the rising moon," observ.
ed the trooper. He called a dragoon who was


THE SPY.
111
riding in advance, to him, gave a few orders and
cautions relative to the comfort and safety of Sin-
gleton, and speaking a ronsoling word to his friend
himself, gave Roanoke the spur, and dashed by the
cart at a rate that again put to flight all the philoso-
phy of Catharine Haynes.
*Good luck to yee for a free rider and a bold,
shouted the washerwoman as he passed, “if yee'r
meeting Mister Beelzeboob, jist back the baste up
to him and show him his consort that yee've got on
the crupper.. I'm thinking it's no long he'd tarry
to chat. Well, well, it's his life that we saved, he
was saying himself-though the plunder is nothing
to signify:
The cries of Betty Flanagan were too familiar
to the ears of Captain Lawton to cause any altera-
tion in the gait of his steed, or to elicit a reply.
Notwithstanding the unusual burden that Roanoke
sustained, he got over the ground with great ra-
pidity, and the distance between the cart of Mrs.
Flanagan and the chariot of Miss Peyton, was
passed in a manner that however it answered the
intentions of the trooper, in no degree contributed
to the comfort of his companion. The meeting
occurred but a short distance from the quarters of
Lawton, and at the same instant the moon broke
from behind a mass of clouds that hovered over
the horizon, and threw a light upon objects that
seemed paler than usual after the glaring bright-
ness of the conflagration. There is, however, a
sweetness in moonlight that no competition of art
can equal, and Lawton checked his horse, and
mused in silence for the remainder of the ride.
Compared with the simple elegance and sub-
stantial comfort of the Locusts, the 6 Hotel Fla-
nagan” presented but a dreary spectacle. In the
place of carpeted floors and curtained windows,
were the yawning cracks of a rudely constructed


112
SHE SPY
dwelling, and boards and paper were ingenious-
ly applied to supply the place of the green glass
in more than half the lights. The care of Law.
ton had anticipated every improvement that their
situation would allow, and blazing fires were made
before the party arrived, to cheer as much as pos-
sible the desolation within. The dragoons who
bad been charged with this duty, conveyed a few
necessary articles of furniture, and Miss Peyton
and her companions on alighting, found something
like habitable apartments prepared for their re-
ception. The mind of Sarah had continued to
wander during the ride, and, with the pliability of
insanity, she accommodated every circumstance to
the feelings that were uppermost in her own bo-
som.
It was necessary to support her to the room
intended for the ladies; but the instant she was
placed on the seat where her sister sat, she passed
an arm affectionately around the waist of Frances,
and pointing slowly with the other, said in an un-
der tone
“See, this is the palace of his father; here is
the light of a thousand torches--but no bridegroom.
Oh! never--never wed without a ring--a pre-
pared ring; and be wary lest another has a right
to it. Poor little girl, how you tremble! but you
are safe--there never can be two bridegrooms for
more than one bride. Oh!--no--no-no-do not
tremble, do not weep, you are safe.”
“It is impossible to minister to a mind that has
sustained such a blow,” said the trooper, who was
compassionately regarding the ruin, to Isabella
Singleton; "time and God's mercy can alone
avail her; but something more may be done to-
wards the bodily comfort of you all.
You are a
soldier's daughter and used to scenes like this ;--
help me to exclude some of the cold air from these
windows,"


THE SPY.
113
?
oc
Miss Singleton promptly acceded to his request,
and while Lawton was endeavoring from without
was arranging a substitute for a curtain within.
“I hear the cart," said the trooper, in reply to
one of her interrogatories. Betty is tender-
hearted in the main ; believe me, poor George.
will not only be safe but comfortable.”
"God bless her for her care, and bless you all,"
said Isabella, fervently. “ Dr. Sitgreaves has gone
down the road to meet him, I know-but what is
that glittering in the moon-beams ?"
Directly opposite to the window where they
stood, were the out-buildings of the farm, and the
quick eye of Lawton caught at a glance the object
to which she alluded.
66 ?Tis the glare of fire-arms," said the trooper,
springing from the window towards his charger,
who yet remained caparisoned at the door. His
movement was quick as thought, but a flash of fire
was followed by the whistling of a bullet, before
he had proceeded a step. A loud shriek burst from
the dwelling, and the captain sprang into his sad-
dle the whole was the business of but a moment.
“ Mount--mount, and follow,” shouted the
trooper, and before his astonished men could un-
derstand the cause of alarm, Roanoke had carried
him in safety over the fence which intervened be-
tween him and his foe. The chase was for life and
death, but the distance to the rocks was again too
short, and the disappointed trooper saw his intend-
ed victim vanish in their clefts where he could not
follow.
By the life of Washington,” muttered Law-
ton, as he sheathed his sabre, “ I would have made
two halves of him had he not been so nimble on
the foot-but a time will come.?? So saying he
returned to his quarters with the indifference of a
10*


114
THE SPY.
man who knew his life was at any moment to be
offered a sacrifice to his country. An extraordi-
nary tumult in the house induced him to quicken
his speed, and on arriving at the door, the panic-
stricken Katy informed him that, the bullet aimed
at his own life had taken effect in the bosom of
Miss Singleton.


THE SPY
CHAPTER VIII.
Husb'd were his Gertade's lips ! but still their blandt
And beautiful expression seem'd to melt
With love that could not die! and still his hand
Sbe presses to the heart no more that felt.
Gertrude of Wyoming.
The brief arrangements of the dragoons had
prepared two apartments for the reception of the
ladies, the one being intended as a sleeping room
and situated within the other. Into the latter
Isabella was immediately conveyed at her own
request, and placed on a rude bed by the side of
the unconscious Sarah. When Miss Peyton and
Frances flew to her assistance, they found her
with a smile on her pallid lips, and a composure
in her countenance, that induced them to think
her uninjured.
“God be praised,” exclaimed the trembling
spinster; “ the report of fire-arms, and your fall,
had led me into an error. Surely, surely, there
was enough of horror before, but this has been
spared us."
Isabella pressed her hands upon her bosom, still
smiling, but with a ghastliness that curdled the
blood of Frances, and said
“ Is George far distant ? let him know-hasten
him, that I may see my brother once again."
" It is as I apprehended!” shrieked Miss Pey-
ton; " but you smile--surely you are unhurt.”


116
THE SPY.
“ Quite well-quite happy," murmured Isabel-
la ; « here is a reinedy for every pain.”
Sarah arose from the reclining posture she had
taken, and yazed wildly at her companion. She
stretched forth her own hand, and raised that of
Isabella from her bosom, where she had continued
to hold it, and exhibited it stained with blood.
“ See,” said Sarah, “ there is blood, but will it
wash away love? Marry, young woman, and then
no one can expel him from your heart, unless,"
she added, whispering, and bending over the other,
you find another there before you—then die and
go to heaven-there are no wives in heaven."
The lovely maniac hid her face under the clothes
and continued silent during the remainder of the
night. It was at this moment that Lawton enter-
ed. Inured as he was to danger in all its forms,
and accustomed to the horrors of a partisan war,
the trooper could not bebold the ruin before him
unmoved. He bent over the fragile form of Isa-
bella, and the gloomy lowering of his eye betrayed
the extraordinary workings of his soul.
“ Isabella,” he at length uttered, “ I know you
to possess a courage beyond the strength of wo-
“Speak,” she said earnestly; “ If you have any
thing to say, speak fearlessly 31
The trooper averted his face as he replied
" none ever receive a ball there and survive."
“I have no dread of death, Lawton," returned
Isabella—“ I thank you for not doubting me;
I
felt it from the first."
" These are not scenes for a form like yours,"
added the trooper; “ 'tis enough that Britain calls
our youth to the field, but when such loveliness
becomes the victim of war, I sicken at my trade."
“Hear me, Captain Lawton,” said Isabella, rais-
ing herself with difficulty, but rejecting aid ; * from
man."


THE SPY.
117
early womanhood to the present hour have I been
an inmate of camps and garrisons. It was to cheer
the leisure of a father and brother, and think you
I would change those days of danger and privation
for all the luxurious ease of England's palace ?"
The paleness of her cheek gave place to a flush
of ardor as she continued-No! I have the conso-
lation of knowing in my dying moments, that what
woman could do in such a cause, I have done."
" Who could prove a recreant and witness such
a spirit!” exclaimed the trooper, unconsciously
grasping the hilt of his sabre. 6. Hundreds of
warriors have I witnessed in their blood, but ne-
ver a firmer soul among them all.”
" Ah ! 'tis the soul only," said Isabella, “ my
sex and strength have forbidden me the dearest of
privileges.-But to you, Captain Lawton, nature
has been bountiful : yours are an arm and a heart
to make the proudest of Britain's soldiers quail;
and I know that they are an arm and a heart that
will prove true to the last.”.
“So long as liberty calls, and Washington points
the way," returned the trooper, in the low tone
of determination, and smiling proudly.
“I know it-I know it--and George--and-
she paused, her lip quivered, and her eye sunk to
the floor.
66 And Dunwoodie !" echoed the trooper;
66 would to God he was here to witness and ad-
mire."
- Name him not,” said Isabella, sinking back
upon the bed, and concealing her face in her gar-
ments; “ leave me, Lawton, and prepare poor
George for this unexpected blow.”
The trooper continued for a little while gazing
in melancholy interest at the convulsive shudder-
ings of her frame, which the scanty covering
-


118
THE SPY.
could not conceal, and withdrew to meet his com-
rade. The interview between Singleton and his
sister was painful, and for a moment Isabella yield-
ed to a burst of tenderness; but, as if aware that
her hours were numbered, she was the first to
rouse herself to exertion. At her earnest request
the room
was left to herself, the captain, and
Frances. The repeated applications of the sur-
geon to be permitted to use professional aid were
stcadily rejected, and, at length, he was obliged
unwillingly to retire. The rapid approach of death
gave to the countenance of Isabella a look of
more than usual wildness, her large and dark
eyes being strongly contrasted to the ashy pale-
ness of her cheeks. Still Frances, as she leaned
over her in sorrow, thought that the expression
was changed. Much of the loftiness that formed
so marked a characteristic of her beauty, had
been succeeded by an appearance of humility, and
it was not difficult to fancy, that with the world
itself there was vanishing her wordly pride.
66 Raise me,
she said, “and let me look on a
face that I love, once more. Frances silently
complied, and Isabella turned her eyes in sisterly
affection upon George-" It matters but little, my
brother- a few hours must close the scene."
6 Live, Isabella, my sister, my only sister,” cried
the youth, with a burst of sorrow that he could
not control; “my father! my poor father-_"
“Ah! there is the sting of death,” said Isabel-
la shuddering; “ but he is a soldier and a Chris-
tian-Miss Wharton I would speak of what inte-
rests you, while yet I have strength for the task.”
Nay,” said Frances, tenderly, .“ compose
yourself-let no desire to oblige me endanger a
life that is precious to-to-so many." The
words were nearly stifled by the emotions of the


THE SPY.
119
maid, who had touched a chord that thrilled to
her in most heart.
" Poor sensitive girl," said Isabella, regarding
her with tender interest; but the world is still
before you, and why should I disturb the little
happiness it may yet afford !--dream on lovely in-
nocent! and may God keep the evil day of know-
ledge far distant.”
" Oh, there is even now little left for me to
enjoy," said Frances, burying her face in the
clothes; 66 I am heart-stricken in all that I most
loved."
“ No!" interrupted Isabella ; “ You have one
inducement to wish for life that pleads strongly in
a woman's breast. It is a delusion that nothing
but death can destroy-" Exhaustion compelled
her to pause, and her auditors continued in breath-
less suspense until, recovering her strength, she
laid her hand on that of Frances, and continued
more mildly—“ Miss Wharton, if there breathes
a spirit congenial to Dunwoodie's, and worthy of
his love, it is your own,
A flush of fire passed over the face of the list-
ener, and she raised her eyes flashing with an
ungovernable look of delight to the countenance
of Isabella , but the ruin she beheld recalled her
better feelings, and again her head dropped upon
the covering of the bed. Isabella watched her
emotions with a smile that partook both of pity
and admiration.
“ Such have been the feelings that I have es-
caped," she continued ; " yes, Miss Wharton,
Dunwoodie is wholly yours.
“ Be just to yourself, my sister,” exclaimed
the youth; " let no romantic generosity cause you
to forget your own character.
She heard him, and fixed a gaze of tender in-


THE SPY.
121
* In justice to Dunwoodie I must speak; and
for the same reason, my brother, you must listen.”
By no act or word has Dunwoodie ever induced
me to believe, he wished me more than a friend
nay-latterly, I have had the burning shame of
thinking that he avoided my presence.
“ Would he dare !” said Singleton fiercely.
“ Peace, my brother, and listen," continued Isa-
bella, rousing herself with an effort that was final;
“ here is the innocent, the justifiable cause. We
are both motherless--but that aunt--that mild,
plain-hearted, observing aunt, has given you the
victory. Oh! how much she loses, who loses a
female guardian to her youth. I have exhibited
those feelings which you have been taught to re-
press. After this, can I wish to live ?"
“ Isabella! my poor Isabella! you wander in
your mind."
66 But one word more -for I feel that blood
which ever flowed too swiftly, rushing where nature
never intended it to go. Woman must be sought
to be prized-her life is one of concealed emo-
tions; blessed are they whose early impressions
make the task free from hypocrisy, for such only
can be happy with men like-like Dunwoodie ;
her voice failed, and she sunk back on her pil-
low in silence. The cry of Singleton brought
the rest of the party to her bed side, but death
was already upon her countenance; her remain-
ing strength just sufficed to reach the hand of
George, and pressing it to her bosom for a mo-
ment, she relinquished her grasp, and, with a
slight convulsion, expired.
Frances Wharton had thought that fate had
done its worst, in endangering the life of her bro-
ther, and destroying the reason of her sister, but
the relief that was conveyed by the dying decla-
ration of Isabella, taught her that another sorrow
Vol. 2.
11


122
THE SPT
had aided in loading her heart with grief. She
saw the whole truth at a glance; nor was the
manly delicacy of Dunwoodie's forbearance lost
upon her--every thing tended to raise him in her
estimation; and for mourning that duty and pride
had induced her to strive to think less of him,
she was compelled to substitute regret that her
own act had driven him from her in sorrow, if not
in desperation. It is not the nature of youth,
however, to despair, and Frances knew a secret
joy in the midst of their distress, that gave a new
sprieg to her existence.
The sun broke forth, on the morning that suc-
ceeded this night of desolation, in unclouded lus-
tre, and seemed to mock the petty sorrows of
those who received his rays. Lawton had early
ordered his steed, and was ready to mount as the
first burst of golden light broke over the hills.
His orders were already given, and the trooper
threw his leg across the saddle in silence; and,
Gasting a glance of fierce chagrin at the narrow
space that had favored the flight of the skinner,
he gave Roanoke the rein, and moved slowly to-
wards the valley.
The stillness of death pervaded the road, nor
was there a single vestige of the scenes of the
night to tarnish the loveliness of a glorious morn.
Struck with the contrast between man and nature,
the fearless trooper rode by each pass of danger,
regardless of what might happen, nor roused him-
self from his musings, until the noble charger,
proudly enuffing the morning air, greeted his
companions, as they stood patiently by the sides
of their masters, who composed the guard under
sergeant Hollister.
Here, indeed, was sad evidence to be seen of
the midnight fray, but the trooper glanced his eye
over it with the coolness of a veteran, and check-


DHE SPY.
123
ed his horse as he gained the spot selected by the
cautio: s orderly, and slightly returning his salute,
inquired-
“ Have you seen any thing ?”
“ Nothing, sir, that we dare charge upon," re-
turned Hollister, with a little solemnity; " but we
mounted once at the report of distant fire-arms."
“ 'Tis well," said Lawton, gloomily, “Ah!
Hollister, I would give the animal I ride, to have
had your single arm between the wretch who drew
that trigger and these useless rocks which overhang
every bit of ground, as if they grudged pasture to
a single hoof.
The dragoons exchanged looks of surprise, and
wondered what could have occurred to tempt
their leader to offer such a bribe.
“ Under the light of day, and charging man te
man, 'tis but little I fear," said the sergeant, with
proud resolution; “but I can't say that I'm over-
fond of fighting with them that neither steel nor
lead can bring down."
“What mean you, silly fellow ??? cried Lawton,
frowning in disdain; “none live who can with-
stand either."
“ If there was life, it would be easy to take it,”
returned the other; “but blows and powder can-
not injure him that has already been in the grave.
I like not the dark object that has been hovering
in the skirt of the wood, since the first dawn of
day; and twice during the night the same was
seen moving across the fire-light-no doubt with
evil intent."
Ha!” said the trooper, “is it yon ball of black
at the foot of the rock-maple, that you mean?
By heaven! it moves."
“Yes and without mortal motion," said the
sergeant, regarding it with awful reverence ; "it


124
THE SPÝ.
66
99
glides along, but no feet have been seen by any
who watch here."
“Had it wings," cried Lawton, “it is '
mine ;
stand fast, until I join." The words were hardly
uttered, before Roanoke was flying across the
plain, and apparently verifying the boast of his
master.
“ Those cursed rocks!" ejaculated the trooper,
as he saw the object of his pursuit approaching
the hill-side ; but either from want of practice, or
from terror, it passed the obvious shelter they of-
fered, and fed into the open plain.
“I have you, man or devil !" shouted Lawton,
whirling his sabre from his scabbard. Halt, and
take quarter."
His proposition was apparently acceded to, for
at the sound of his powerful voice, the figure sunk
upon the ground, exhibiting a shapeless ball of
black, without life or motion.
" What have we here?" cried Lawton, drawing
up by its side; "a gala suit of the good maiden,
Jeanette Peyton, wandering around its birth-place,
or searching in vain for its discomfited mistress ?"
He leaned forward in his stirrups, and placing the
point of his sword under the silken garment, by
throwing aside the covering, discovered part of the
form of the reverend gentleman, who had fled from
the Locusts the evening before, in his robes of
office.
"Ah! in truth, Hollister had some ground for
his alarm; an army chaplain is at any time a ter-
ror to a troop of horse.''
The clergyman had collected enough of his dis-
turbed faculties, to discover that it was a face he
knew, and somewhat disconcerted at the terror he
had manifested, he endeavored to rise and offer
some explanation. Lawton received his apologies
good-humouredly, if not with much faith in their


THE SPY.
125
Truth; and, after a short communication upon the
state of the valley, the trooper courteously alight-
ed, and they proceeded towards the guard.
“I am so little acquainted, sir, with the rebel
uniform, that I really was unable to distinguish
whether these men, whom you say are your own,
did or did not belong to the gang of marauders."
“ Apology, sir, is unnecessary," replied the
trooper, curling his lip; " it is not your task, as
a minister of God, to take note of the facings of
a coat. The standard under which you serve is
acknowledged by us all."
6 I serve under the standard of his gracious ma-
jesty George III.” returned the priest, wiping the
cold sweat from his brow; but really the idea of
being scalped, has a strong tendency to unman a
new beginner like myself.
“Scalped !" echoed Lawton, a little fiercely,
and stopping short in his walk; then recollecting
himself, he added with infinite composure if it
is to Dunwoodie's sqadron of Virginian light dra-
goons that you allude, it may be well to inform
you, that they generally take a bit of the skull
with the skin."
"Oh! I can have no apprehensions of gentle-
men of your appearance," said the divine with a
smirk ;
« it is the natives that I apprehend.”
“ Natiyes! I have that honor, I do assure you,
sir."
Nay, sir, I beg that I may be understood—I
mean the Indians—they who do nothing but rob,
and murder, and destroy."
“ And scalp!?
“Yes, sir, and scalp too, continued the clergy-
man, eyeing his companion a little suspiciously;
“ the copper-colored, savage Indians."
" And did you expect to meet those nose-jew.
elled gentry in the neutral ground ???
11*


126
THE SPY,
east;
“Certainly," returned the chaplain, confident-
ly; “we understand in England that the interior
swarms with them."
“And call you this the interior of America ?"
cried Lawton, again halting, and staring the other
in the face, with a surprise too naturally expressed
to be counterfeited.
"Surely, sir, I conceive myself to be in the in-
terior."
“ Attend,” said Lawton, pointing towards the
see you not that broad sheet of water which
the eye cannot compass in its range ? thither lies
the England you deem worthy to hold dominion
over half the world. See you the land of your
nativity ?"
“ 'Tis impossible to behold objects at a distance
of three thousand miles!" exclaimed the wonder-
ing priest, a little suspicious of his companion's
sanity.
“No! what a pity it is that the powers of man
are not equal to his ambition. Now turn your
eyes westward ; observe that vast expanse of wa-
ter which rolls between the shores of America and
China."
“I see nothing but land,” said the trembling
priest;
56 there is no water to be seen."
“'Tis impossible to behold objects at a distance
of three thousand miles !" repeated Lawton grave-
ly, and pursuing his walk; “ if it be the savages
that you apprehend, seek them in the ranks of
your prince. Rum and gold have preserved their
loyalty."
"Nothing is more probable than my being de-
ceived," said the man of peace, casting furtive
glances at the colossal stature and whiskered front
of his companion ; “but the rumors we have at
home, and the uncertainty of meeting with such
an enemy as yourself, induced me to fly at your
approach."


THE SPY.
127
ver the
very enemies
« ?Twas not judiciously determined,” said the
trooper, “as Roanoke has the heels of you great-
ly; and flying from Scylla, you were liable to en-
counter Charybidis. Those woods and rocks co-
you
dread."
“ The savages !” exclaimed the divine, instinct-
ively placing the trooper in the rear.
Ay! more than savages," cried Lawton, his
dark brow contracting to a look of fierceness that
was far from quieting the apprehensions of the
other; “men, who under the guise of patriotism,
prowl through the community, with a thirst for
plunder that is unsatiable, and a love of cruelty
that mocks the Indian ferocity. Fellows, whose
mouths are filled with liberty and equality, and
whose hearts are overflowing with cupidity and
gall-gentlemen that are y’clep'd the Skinners."
“ I have heard them mentioned in our army,"
said the frightened divine, "and had thought them
to be the aborigines.”
" You did the savages injustice," returned the
trooper, in his naturally dry manner.
They now approached the spot occupied by
Hollister, who witnessed with surprise the charac-
ter of the prisoner made by his captain. Lawton
gave his orders promptly, and the men immediate-
ly commenced securing and removing such arti-
cles of furniture as were thought worthy of the
trouble; and the captain, with his reverend asso-
ciate, who was admirably mounted on a mettled
horse, returned to the quarters of the troop.
It was the wish of Singleton, that the remains
of his sister should be conveyed to the post com-
manded by his father, and preparations were early
made to this effect, as well as a messenger des-
patched with the melancholy tidings of her death.
The wounded British were placed under the con-
trol of the chaplain, and towards the middle of the
>


128
THE SPY.
day, Lawton saw that all of the arrangements were
so far completed, as to render it probable, that in
a few hours, be would be left with his small party
in undisturbed possession of the Corners,
While leaning in the door-way, gazing in moody
silence at the ground on which had been the last
night's chase, bis ear caught the sound of a horse
at speed, and the next moment a dragoon of his
own troop appeared dashing up the road, as if on
business of the last importance.
His steed was
foaming, and the rider had the appearance of hav-
ing done a hard day's service. Without speaking,
he placed a letter in the hand of Lawton, and
led his charger to the stable. The trooper knew
the hand of his major, and ran his eye over the
following:
“ I rejoice it is the order of Washington, that
the family of the Locusts are to be removed above
the Highlands. They are to be admitted to the
society of Captain Wharton, who waits only for
their testimony to be tried. You will communi-
cate this order, and with proper delicacy I do not
doubt. The English are moving up the river, and
the moment that you see the Whartons in safety,
break up and join your troop. There will be good
service to be done when we meet, as Sir Henry
is reported to have sent out a real soldier in com-
mand. Reports must be made to the command-
ant at Peekskill, as Col. Singleton is withdrawu to
head quarters to preside over the inquiry upon
poor Wharton.
Fresh orders have been sent to
hang the pedlar if we can take him, but they are
not from the commander-in-chief.-Detail a small
guard with the ladies, and get into the saddle as
soon as possible.
Yours, sincerely,
Peyton DunwOODIE."


130
THE SPY.
trooper appeared in the saddle, rejoicing in his
emancipation.
The word to march was given ; and Lawton,
throwing a look of sullen ferocity at the place of
the skinners' concealment, and another of melan-
choly regret towards the grave of Isabella, led the
way, accompanied by the surgeon, in a brown
study; while Sergeant Hollister and Betty brought
up the rear, leaving a fresh southerly wind to
whistle through the open doors and broken win-
dows of the “Hotel Flanagan," where the laugh
of hilarity and the joke of the hardy partisans, had
so lately echoed in triumph.


THE SPY.
131
1
1
CHAPTER IX.
“ No verpal blooms their torpid rocks array,
But winter, lingering, chills the lap of May;
No zephyr fondly sues the mountain's breast,
But meteors glare, and stormy glooms invest."
Goldsmith.
It was only after the establishment of their in-
dependence, that the American people seemed to
consider themselves as any thing more than so-
journers in the land of their nativity. Before
that æra, their inventions, their wealth, and their
glory centred in the isle of Britain, as unerringly
as the needle pointed to the pole. Forty years
of self-government has done for them, what a
century and a half of dependence was unable to
achieve.
The uneven surface of West-Chester was, at
the period of whieh we write, intersected with
roads in every direction, it is true ; but they were
of a character with the people and the times.
None of those straight, tasteless paths which,
with premeditated convenience, running directly
from one point of the country to the other,
abound in our newly settled territory, were to be
found under the ancient regime; unless in extraor-
dinary instances where a river curbed their vaga-
ries on one side, and a mountain on the other.
Instead of these direct and shortened passages,
with the few exceptions we have mentioned, the
highways uniformly discovered that classical taste


132
THE SPY.
which is only cherished under the institutions
that partake of the poetry of life-the two,
forming no unapt illustration of the different in-
stitutions to which we have alluded. On one
side is the result of accident and circumstances,
embellished with the graces of art, so as to ren-
der pleasing what is not always convenient; and
on the other, a straight-forward reason, that tends
directly to the object, leaving the moral of appli-
cability to atone for what it may want in beauty
and interest.
Whatever evidence of a parallel between the
roads and the governments our ingenuity may
devise Cæsar Thompson found in the former no-
thing but transitory pleasures and repeated dan-
gers. So long as one of those lovely valleys
which abound in the interior of the county lay
before him, all was security and ease. Follow-
ing the meanderings of the stream that invariably
wound through the bottom, the path lingered to
the last moment among the rich meadows and
pleasant pastures; or, running off at a right an-
gle, shot up the gentle ascent to the foot of the
hill that bounded the vale, and, sweeping by the
door of some retired dwelling, again sought the
rivulet and the meadow, until every beauty was
exhausted, and no spot, however secluded, had
escaped the prying curiosity of the genius of the
highway; then, as if eager to visit another place
of sylvan beauty, the road ran boldly to the base
of a barrier that would frighten a spirit less ad-
venturous, and, regardless of danger and difficul-
ties, kept its undeviating way until the summit
was gained, when, rioting for a moment in victory,
it as daringly plunged into the opposite vale, and
resumed its meandering and its sloth. In getting
over a highway of such varied characteristics,
Cæsar necessarily experienced a diversity of


THE SPY.
133
emotions. The cumbersome chariot that he di-
rected moved at an even pace over the level
ground, and, perched on the elevated box, the
black felt no little of the dignity of his situation ;
but the moment of ascension was one of intense
anxiety, and the descent-one of terror. As
soon as the foot of a bill was discerned, Cæsar,
with a reasoning derived from the Dutch set-
tlers of the colony, commenced applying the
whip to his venerable steeds, and accompanying
the blows with a significant cry, their ambition
was roused to the undertaking. The space be-
tween them and the point of struggle was flown
over with a velocity that shook the crazy vehicle,
and excessively annoyed its occupants; but the
manoeuvre sufficed to obtain an impetus that car-
ried the steeds up the ascent one third of the way
with glory. By this time their wind was gone-
their strength enfeebled—and the heaviest diffi-
culties remained to be overcome. Then, indeed,
it was often a matter of doubt which were to
prevail in the dispute--the chariot or the horses.
But the lash and the cries of the black stimulated
the steeds to unwonted efforts, and happily they
prevailed in each of these well contested points.
Short breathing-time was allowed on gaining what
in truth might be termed the “debateable land,"
before a descent more dangerous, if less difficult
than the ascent, was to be encountered.
these moments Cæsar would twine the reins
round his body, in a manner of remarkable inge-
nuity, and lead them over his head in such a way,
as to make that noble member sustain the labor
of curbing his horses—with either hand grasping
a side of his dangerous perch, and with a coun-
tenance showing a double row of ivory, and eyes
glistening like diamonds set in ebony, he aban-
doned every thing to the government of the an-
Vol. 2
12
At


THE SPY.
135
chiefly in silence, and the party found shelter for
the night in different farm houses.
The following morning the cavalcade dispersed.
The wounded diverged towards the river, with the
intention of taking water at Peekskill, and thus to
be transported to the hospitals of the American
army above—the litter of Singleton was convey.
ed to a part of the highlands where his father held
his quarters, and where it was intended that the
youth should complete his cure--the carriage of
Mr. Wharton, accompanied by a wagon, convey-
ing the housekeeper and what baggage had been
saved, and could be transported, resumed its
route towards the place where Henry Wharton was
held in duresse, and where he only waited their
arrival to be put upon trial for his life.
The country which lies between the waters of
the Hudson and Long-Island Sound, is, for the
first forty miles from their junction, a succession
of hills and dales. The land bordering on the
latter then becomes less abrupt, and gradually
assumes a milder appearance, until it finally melts
into the lovely plains and meadows of the Connec-
ticut. But as you approach the Hudson the rug.
ged aspect increases, until you at length meet
with the formidable barrier of the Highlands. It
was here the Neutral Ground ceased.
The royal
army held the two points of land that commanded
the Southern entrance of the river into the moun-
tains; but all of the remaining passes were guard-
ed by the Americans.
We have already stated that the picquets of
the continental army were sometimes pushed low
into the country, and that the hamlet of the White
Plains was occasionally maintained by parties of
troops. At other times, their advanced guards
were withdrawn to the Northern extremity of the
county, and the intermediate country was aban-


136
THE SPY.
doned entirely to the ravages of the miscreants
who plundered between both armies, serving nei.
ther.
The road, taken by our party was not the one
that communicates between the two principal ci-
ties of the state, but was a retired and unfre.
quented pass, that to this hour is but little known,
and which, entering the hills near the Eastern
boundary, emerges into the plain above, 'many
miles from the Hudson.
It would have been impossible for the tired
steeds of Mr. Wharton to drag the heavy chariot
up the lengthened and steep ascents which now
lay before them, and a pair of country horses were
procured, with but little regard to their owner's
wishes, by the two dragoons who still continued
to accompany the party. With their assistance,
Cæsar was enabled to advance by slow and toil-
some steps into the bosom of the hills. Willing
to relieve her own melancholy by breathing a
fresher air, and also to lessen the weight, Frances
alighted, as they reached the foot of a mountain
and found that Katy had made similar prepara-
tions, with the like intention of walking to the
summit. It was near the setting of the sun, and
from the top of the mountain their guard had de-
clared, that the desired end of their journey might
be discerned. The maid moved forward with the
elastic step of youth, and followed by the house-
keeper at a little distance, they soon lost sight of
the sluggish carriage, that was slowly toiling up
the hill, occasionally halting to allow the animals
that drew it to breathe.
“Oh, Miss Fanny, what dreadful times these
be,” said Katy, when they paused for breath
themselves; but I know'd that calamity was
about to befall, ever sin the streak of blood was
seen in the clouds."


THE SPY.
137
“ There has been blood upon earth, Katy,"
returned the shuddering Frances, “ though but
little I imagine is ever seen in the clouds."
" Not blood in the clouds !" echoed the house-
keeper; "yes, that there has, often-and comets
with fiery smoking tails----Didn't people see armed
men in the heavens the year the war begun? and
the night before the battle of the Plains, wasn't
there thunder just like the cannon themselves ?-
Ah! Miss Fanny, I'm fearful that no good can
follow rebellion against the Lord's anointed."
“ These events are certainly dreadful,” re-
turned the maid, “and enough to sicken the
stoutest heart.-But what can be done, Katy ?-
Gallant and independent men are unwilling to
submit to oppression ; and I am fearful that such
scenes are but too common in war."
"If I could but see any thing to fight about," said
Katy, renewing her walk as the young lady pro-
ceeded, " I shouldn't mind it so much'twas said
the King wanted all the tea for his own family, at
one time ; and then agin, that he meant the colo-
nies should pay over to him all their arnins.-
Now this is matter enough to fight about--for I'm
sure that no one, howsomever he may be a lord
or a king, has a right to the hard arnins of an-
other.—Then it was all contradicted, and some
said Washington wanted to be king himself, so
that between the two one doesn't know which to
believe."
6 Believe neither-for neither are true. I do
not pretend to understand, myself, all the merits
of this war, Katy,” said Frances pausing, and
blushing with the consciousness of whence it was
that she had derived her opinions; "but to me it
seems unnatural, that a country like this should be
ruled by another so distant as England.”
“So I have heard Harvey say to his father that
12*


138
THE SPY.
true."
is dead and in his grave," returned Katy, apo
proaching nearer to the young lady, and lowering
her voice.-" Many is the good time that I've
listened to them talking, when all the neighbours
was asleep; and sich conversations, Miss Fanny,
that you can have no idee on.--Well, to say the
truth, Harvey was a mystified body, and he was
like the winds in the good book-no one could tell
whence he came or whither he went."
Frances glanced her eye at her companion with
an interest altogether new to her, and with an ap-
parent desire to hear more, observed -
66 There are rumors abroad relative to the cha-
racter of Harvey, that I should be sorry were
“i 'Tis a disparagement every word on't,” cried
Katy, vehemently; “ Harvey had no more deal-
ings with Belzebub than you nor I had. l'm sure
if Harvey had sold himself, he would take care
to be better paid ; though, to speak the truth, he
was always a wasteful and disregardful man."
“ Nay, nay,” returned the smiling Frances-
“I have no such injurious suspicion of him; but
has he not sold himself to an earthly prince, one
good and amiable I allow, but too much attached
to the interests of his native island to be always
just to this country?"
“ To the king's majesty !" replied Katy "Why,
Miss Fanny, your own brother that is in gaol,
serves king George."
" True," said Frances, “but not in secret
openly, manfully, and bravely."
“'Tis said he is a spy, and why a'n't one spy as
bad as another."
66 'Tis false!” exclaimed Frances, her eyes light-
ing with extraordinary animation, and the color
rushing to her face, until even her fine forehead
glowed with fire ;“no act of deception is wortby


THE SPY.
139
of my brother, nor of any would he be guilty, for
so base a purpose as gain or promotion."
Well, I'm sure, said Katy, a little appalled at
the manner of the young lady, "if a body does the
work, he should be paid for it. Harvey is by no
means partic'lar about getting his lawful dues, and
I darst to say, if the truth was forthcoming, King
George owes him money this very minute."
“ Then you acknowledge his connexion with
the British army,” said Frances; “I confess there
have been moments when I have thought differ-
ently.”
“ Lord, Miss Fanny, Harvey is a man that no
calculation can be made on. Though I lived in his
house for a long concourse of years, I have never
known whether he belonged above or below. The
time that Burg’yne was taken, he came home, and
there was great doings between him and the old
gentleman, but for the life I couldn't tell if 'twas
joy or grief. Then, here, the other day, when the
great British general—I'm sure I have been so
furried with losses and troubles, that I forget his
“ Andrè," said Frances, in a melancholy tone.
6 Yes, Ondree; when he was hung across the
Tappaan, the old gentleman was near hand to
going crazy about it, and didn't sleep for night nor
day Still Harvey got back; and then his money
was mostly golden guineas; but the skinners took
it all, and now he is a beggar, or what's the same
thing, dispiseable for poverty and want."
To this speech Frances made no reply, hut con-
tinued her walk up the hill, deeply engaged in her
own reflections. The allusions to Andrè had re.
called her thoughts to the situation of her own
brother. Hope is a powerful stimulus to enjoy-
ment, and though arising from a single cause, sel-
dom fails to mingle with every emotion of the heart:
name"


140
THE SPY
The dying déclarations of Isabela had left an im-
pression on the mind of Frances that influenced
her whole deportment. She looked forward with
confidence to the restoration of Sarah's intellect,
and even now, as she mused on the condition of
Henry, there was a secret presentiment of his ac-
quittal that pervaded her thoughts, which sprang
from the buoyancy of youth, but for which she
would have been at a loss to account.
They now reached the highest point in their
toilsome progress to the summit, and Frances
seated herself on a rock to rest and to admire.-
Immediately at her feet lay a deep dell, but little
altered by cultivation, and dark with the gloom of
a November sun-set. Another hill rose opposite
to where she sat, at no great distance, along whose
rugged sides nothing was to be seen but shapeless
rocks, and oaks whose stinted growth proved the
absence of soil.
To be seen in their perfection, the Highlands
must be passed immediately after the fall of the
leaf. The picture is then in its chastest keeping,
for neither the scanty foliage which the summer
lends the trees, nor the snows of winter, are pre-
sent to conceal the minutest objects from the eye.
Chilling solitude is the characteristic of the scene-
ry, nor is the mind at liberty, as in March, to look
forward to a renewed vegetation that is soon to
check, without improving the view.
The day had been cloudy and cool, and thin
fleecy clouds hung around the horizon, often pro-
mising to disperse, but as frequently disappoint-
ing the maid of a parting beam from the setting
At length a solitary gleam of light struck
on the base of the mountain on which she was
gazing, and moved gracefully up its side, until
reaching the summit, it stood for a minute, form-
ing a crown of glory to the sombre pile be-
sun.


THE SPY.
141
seen.
neath. So strong were the rays, that what was
before indistinct, now clearly opened to the
view. With a feeling of awe at being thus un-
expectedly admitted, as it were, into the secrets
of that desart place, the maid gazed intently,
until among the scattered trees and fantastic rocks,
something like a rude structure was It
was low, and so obscured by the color of its ma-
terials, that but for its roof, and the glittering
of a window, must have escaped her notice.-
While yet lost in the astonishment created by dis-
covering a habitation for man in such a spot, Fran-
ces, on moving her eyes, perceived another object
that increased her wonder. It apparently was a
human figure, but of singular mould and anusual
deformity. It stood on the edge of a rock, but a lit-
tle above the hut, and it was no difficult task for our
heroine to fancy it was gazing at the vehicles that
were ascending the side of the mountain beneath
her. The distance, however, was too great for
her to distinguish with precision. After looking
at it a moment in breathless wonder, Frances
had just come to the conclusion that it was ideal,
and that what she saw was part of the rock itself,
when the object moved swiftly from its position,
and glided into the hut, at onee removing any doubts
as to the nature of either. Whether it was owing
to the recent conversation that she had been
holding with Katy, or some fancied resemblance
that she discerned, Frances thought, as the figure
vanished from her view, that it bore a marked
likeness to Birch, moving under the weight of his
pack. She continued to gaze in breathless silence
towards the mysterious residence, when the
gleam of light passed away, and at the same in-
stant the tones of a bugle rang through the glens
and hollows, and were re-echoed in every direc-
tion. Springing on her feet in alarm, the maid


1.12
THE SPY.
beard the trampling of horses, and directly a party,
in the well known uniform of the Virginians, came
sweeping around a point of rock near her, and
drew up at a short distance from where she stood.
Again the bugle sounded a lively strain, and before
le agitated girl had time to rally her thoughts,
Dunwoodie dashed by the party of dragoons, threw
himself from his charger, and advanced to the side
of his mistress.
His manner was earnest and interested, but in a
slight degree constrained. In a few words he ex-
plained to Frances, that he had been ordered up,
with a party of Lawton's men, in the absence of the
captain himself, to attend the trial of Henry, which
was fixed for the morrow, and that anxious for their
safety in the rude passes of the mountain, he had
ridden a mile or two in quest of the travellers.
Frances explained, with blushing cheeks and trem-
vring voice, the reason of her being in advance,
and taught him to expect the arrival of her father
momentarily. The constraint of his manner had,
however unwillingly on her part, communicated
itself to her own deportment, and the approach of
the chariot was a relief to both.
The major
handed her in, spoke a few words of encourage.
ment to Mr. Wharton and Miss Peyton, and again
mounting, led the way towards the plains of Fish-
kill, which broke on their sight on turning the
rock, with the effect of enchantment. A short half
hour brought them to the door of the farm-house,
which the care of Dunwoodie had already pre-
pared for their reception and where Captain
Wharton was anxiously expecting their arrival,


144
THE SPY.
so far in concealing them, that neither Miss Peyton,
nor Frances, was aware of their extent. A strong
guard was stationed in the out-buildings of the
farm-house where the prisoner was quartered, and
several sentinels watched the avenues that ap-
proached the dwelling--one was constantly near
the room of the British officer. A court was al.
ready detailed to examine into the circumstances,
and upon their decision the fate of Henry rested.
The moment at length arrived, and the different
actors in the approaching investigation assembled.
Frances experienced a feeling like suffocation,
as, after taking her seat in the midst of her family,
her eyes wandered over the group who were thus
collected. The judges, three in number, sat by
themselves, clad in the martial vestments of their
profession, and maintained a gravity worthy of the
occasion, and becoming in their rank. In the
centre was a man of advanced years, but whose
person continued rigidly erect, and whose whole
exterior bore the stamp of early and long-tried
military habits. This was the president of the
court, and Frances, after taking a hasty and ui
satisfactory view of his associates, turned to his
benevolent countenance, as to the harbinger ol
mercy to her brother.
There was a melting and
subdued expression in the features of the veteran,
that, contrasted with the rigid decency and com-
posure of the others, could not fail to attract her
notice. His attire was strictly in conformity to
the prescribed rules of the service to which he
belonged; but while his air was erect and mili.
tary, his fingers trifled, with a kind of convul-
sive and unconscious motion, with the crape
that entwined the hilt of the sword on which his
body partly reclined, and which, like himself,
seemed a relic of older times. There were the
workings of an unquiet soul within; but his con-


FHE SPY.
145
wanding and martial front blended awe with the
pity that its exhibition excited. His associates
were officers selected from the eastern troops who
held the fortresses of West-Point and the adjacent
passes--they were men who liad attained the me-
ridian of life, and the eye sought in vain the ex-
pression of any passion or emotion, on which it
might seize as an indication of human intirmity.
In their demeanor, there was a mild, but a grave
intellectual reserve.
If there was no ferocity or
harshness to chill, neither was there compassion
or interest to attract. They were men who had
long acted under the dominion of a prudent reason
and whose feelings seemed trained to a perfect
submission to their judgments.
Before these arbiters of his fate Henry Whar-
ton was ushered, under the custody of two armed
men. A profound and awful silence succeeded
his entrance, and the blood of Frances chilled in
her veins. There was but little of pomp in the
preparations to impress her imagination, but the
reserved, business-like air of the whole scene
seemed indeed as if the destinies of life awaited on
the judgment of these men. Two of the judges
sat in grave reserve, fixing their inquiring eyes on
the subject of their investigation ; but the presi-
dent continued gazing around with uneasy con-
vulsive motions of the muscles of the face, that
indicated a restlessness foreign to his years and
duty. It was Colonel Singleton, who, but the day
before, had learned the fate of Isabella, but who
proudly stood forth in the discharge of a duty
that his country required at his hands. The silence
and the expectation in every eye, at length struck
him, and making an effort to collect himself, he
spoke in the deep tones of one used to authority-
Bring forth the prisoner.”
VOL. 2.
13


146
THE SPT.
The sentinels dropped their bayonet points too
wards the judges, and Henry Wharton advanced
with a firm step into the centre of the apartment.
All was now anxiety and eager curiosity. Fran-
ces turned for a moment in grateful emotion, as
the deep and perturbed breathing of Dunwoodie
reached her ears; but her brother again concen-
trated all her interest into one feeling of intense
care. In the back ground were arranged the in-
mates of the family who owned the dwelling, and
behind them again was a row of shining faces of
ebony,glistening with pleased wonder at the scene.
Amongst these was the faded lustre of Cæsar
Thompson's countenance.
" You are said," continued the president, “ to
be Henry Wharton, a Captain in his Britannic Mas
jesty's 60th regiment of foot."
" I am."
“ I like your candor, sir ; it partakes of the ho-
norable feelings of a soldier, and cannot fail to im-
press your judges favorably."
"It wou d be prudent," said one of his compa-
nions, “ to advise the prisoner that he is bound to
answer no more than he deems necessary; al-
though we are a court of martial law, yet, in this
respect, we own the principles of all free govern-
ments."
A nod of approbation from the silent member,
was bestowed on this remark, and the president
proceeded with caution-referring to the minutes
he held in his hand.
- It is in accusation against you, that, being an
officer of the enemy, on the 29th of October last,
rou passed the picquets of the American army at
the White Plains, in disguise, whereby you are sus-
pected of views hostile to the interests of Ame-
rica ; and have subjected yourself to the punish-
ment of a spy."


148
THE SPY.
tives were, in entering the ground held by our ar-
my, in disguise,” said the other judge, with a
slight movement of the muscles of his mouth.
so I am the son of this aged man, before you,"
continued Henry. " It was to visit him that Ien-
countered the danger. Besides, the country be-
low is seldom held by your troops, and its very
name implies a right to either party to move at
pleasure over its territory."
** Its name, as a neutral ground, is unauthorised
by law; and is an appellation that originates with
the condition of the county. But wherever an
army goes, it carries its rights along, and the first
is, the ability to protect itself.”
“ I am no casuist, sir,” returned the youth, ear-
nestly ; “ but I feel that my father is entitled to
my affection, and would encounter greater risks to
prove it to him, in his old age.”
“ A very commendable spirit,” cried the vete-
ran; come, gentlemen, this business brightens.
1 confess, at first, it was very bad; but no man
can censure him for desiring to see his parent."
“ And have you proof that such only was your
intention ?"
Yes--here,” said Henry, admitting a ray
of
hope ; “ here is proof--my father, my sister, Ma-
jor Dunwoodie, all know it."
" Then, indeed,” retorned his immoveable
judge, “ we may be able to save you. It would
be well, sir, to examine further into this business."
“ Certainly,” said the president with alacrity;
6 let the elder Mr. Wharton approach and take
the oath."
The father made an effort at composure, and
advancing with a feeble step, complied with the
necessary forms of the court.
“ You are the father of the prisoner ?” said
Colonel Singleton, in a subdued voice, after paus-
66


THE SPY,
149
66 One
ing a moment in respect to the agitation of the
witness.
“ He is my only son."
“ And what, sir, do you know of his visit to
your house, on the 29th day of October last ???
“He came, as he told you, sir, to see me and
his sisters."
“ Was he in disguise ??? asked the other judge.
" He did not wear the uniform of the 60th."
“ To see his sisters, too!” said the president
with great emotion. 6. Have you daughters, sir ?"
6 I have two--both are in this house."
6. Had he a wig ?” continued the officer.
66 There was some such thing, I do believe, up-
on his head."
“ And how long had you been separated ?” ask-
ed the president.
year and two months."
66 Did he wear a loose great coat of coarse ma-
terials ?" inquired the officer, referring to the pa-
per that contained the charges.
6. There was an over-coat."
“ And you think that it was to see you, only,
that he came out ??
" And my daughters."
“ A boy of spirit,” whispered the president to
his silent comrade. “ I see but little harm in such
a freak—'twas imprudent, but then it was kind."
“Do you know that your son was entrusted
with no commission from Sir Henry Clinton, and
that the visit to you was not merely a cloak to
other designs ?"
“ How can I know it ?" said Mr. Wharton, in
alarm; would Sir Henry entrust me with such a
business?"
“ Know you any thing of this pass
?” exhibite
ing the paper that Dunwoodie had retained when
Wharton was taken.
13*


150
THE SPY.
“ Nothing-upon my honor, nothing,” cried
the father, shrinking from the paper as from con-
tagion.
“ But, on your oath ?":
“ Nothing."
“ Have you other testimony ?-this does not
avail you, Captain Wharton. You have been
taken in a situation where your life is forfeited-
the labor of proving your innocence rests with
yourself; take time to reflect, and be cool.”
There was a frightful calmness in the manner of
this judge that appalled the prisoner. In the
sympathy of Colonel Singleton, he could easily
lose sight of his danger, but the obdurate and
collected air of the others, was ominous of his
fate. He continued silent, casting expressive
glances towards his friend. Dunwoodie under-
stood the appeal, and offered himself as a witness.
He was sworn and desired to relate what he knew.
His statement did not materially alter the case,
and Dunwoodie felt that it could not. To him
personally but little was known, and that little
rather militated against the safety of Henry, than
otherwise. His account was listened to in silence,
and the significant shake of the head that was made
by the silent member, spoke too plainly what
effect it had produced.
“ Still you think that the prisoner had no other
object than what he has avowed ?" said the presi-
dent, when he had ended.
“ None other, I will pledge my life,” cried the
major with fervor.
* Will you swear it?" asked the immoveable
judge.
" How can I ? God alone can tell the heart;
but I have known this gentleman from a boy; de-
seit never formed part of his character. He is
above it."


THE SPY.
151
1
* You say that he escaped, and was retaken in
open arms ?" said the president.
“ He was ; nay, he received a wound in the com-
bat. You see he yet moves his arm with difficul-
ty. Would he, think you, sir, have trusted him-
self where he could fall again into our hands, un-
less conscious of his innocence ?"
• Wonld Andrè have deserted a field of battle,
Major Dunwoodie, had he encountered such an
event near Tarry-town ?"' asked his deliberate ex-
aminer. “Is it not natural to youth to seek glory ?''
“Do you call this glory?" exclaimed the Major,
an ignominious death, and a tarnished name.”
“ Major Dunwoodie," returned the other, still
with inveterate gravity ; “ you have acted nobly;
your duty has been arduous and severe, but it has
been faithfully and honorably discharged-ours
must not be less so."
During this examination, the most intense inter-
est prevailed amongst the hearers. With that
kind of feeling which could not separate the prin-
ciple from the cause, most of the auditors thought
that if Dunwoodie failed to move the hearts of
Henry's judges, no other possessed the power.
Cæsar thrust his misshapen form forward; and his
features, so expressive of the concern he felt, and
so different from the vacant curiosity pictured in
the countenances of the other blacks, caught the
attention of the silent judge. For the first time
he spoke--
“Let that black be brought forward."
It was too late to retreat, and Cæsar found him-
self confronted with a row of the rebel officers,
before he knew what
was uppermost in his
thoughts. The others yielded the examination to
the one who suggested it, and using all due delibe-
ration, he proceeded accordingly,
- You know the prisoner?"


THE SPI.
153
"No!!" said Frances, pressing her hand
on her brain, as if to collect her thoughts ; " he
told me nothing--we knew not of the visit until
he arrived; but can it be necessary to explain to
gallant men, that a child would incur hazard to
meet his only parent, and that in times like these
and in a situation like ours."
66 But was this the first time? Did he never even
talk of doing so before ?'' inquired the colonel,
leaning towards her with paternal interest.
“Certainly-certainly, cried Frances, catch-
ing the expression of his own benevolent counte-
nance. 66 This is but the fourth of his visits."
"I knew it!” exclaimed the veteran, rubbing
his hands with delight ; 5 an adventurous, warm-
hearted son--I warrant me, gentlemen, a fiery
soldier in the field. In what disguises did he
come ?"
“In none, for none were then neces
royal troops covered the country, and gave him
safe passage,
“ And was this the first of his visits, out of the
uniform of his regiment ?" asked the Colonel in a
suppressed voice, avoiding the looks of his com-
panions.
** Oh! the very first,” exclaimed the eager girl ;
“his first offence, I do assure you, if offence it
be."
“ But you wrote him--you urged the visit;
surely, young lady, you wished to see your bro-
ther?” added the impatient Colonel.
“That we wished it, and prayed for it, oh! how
fervently we prayed for it, is true; but to have
held communion with the royal army, would have
endangered our father, and we dare not."
6. Did he leave the house until taken, or had he
intercourse with any out of your own dwelling
essary; the
27


154
THE SPY.
6. With none-not one, excepting our neighbour,
the pedlar Birch.”
With whom ?" exclaimed the colonel, turning
pale, and shrinking as from the sting of an adder.
Dunwoodie groaned aloud, and striking his head
with his hand, cried in piercing tones, “ He is
lost !!' and rushed from the apartment.
“ But Harvey Birch," repeated Frances, gazing
wildly at the door through which her lover had
disappeared.
“ Harvey Birch !" echoed all the judges. The
two immoveable members of the court exchanged
signiticant looks, and threw many an inquisitive
glance at their prisoner.
“ To you, gentlemen, it can be no new intelli.
gence to hear that Harvey Birch is suspected of
favoring the royal cause,” said Henry, again ad-
vancing before his judges ; " for he has already
been condemned by your tribunals to the fate that
I now see awaits myself. I will, therefore, ex-
plain, that it was by his assistance that I procured
the disguise, and passed your picquets; but, to my
dying moment, and with my dying breath. I will
avow, that my intentions were as pure as the in-
nocent being before you."
“Captain Wharton," said the president solemn-
ly, “the enemies of American liberty have made
mighty and subtle efforts to overthrow our power.
A more dangerous man for his means and educa-
tion, is not ranked among our foes, than this ped-
lar of West-Chester. He is a spy--artful--delu-
sive and penetrating, beyond the abilities of any
of his class. Sir Henry could not do better than
to 3-sociate him with the officer in his next at-
temt.--He would have saved him Andrè.
In.
deed. young man, this is a connexion that may
prove fa'al to you."
The honest indignation that beamed on the


THE SPY.
157
at his victory ; but a second burst of feeling con-
quered. His head, white with the frost of seventy
winters, sunk upon the shoulder of the frantic
suppliant. The sword that had been his compa.
nion in so many fields of blood, dropped from his
nerveless hand, and as he cried
“ May God bless you for the deed !” he wept
aloud.
Long and violent was the indulgence that Co-
lonel Singleton yielded to his feelings. . On reco-
vering, he gave the senseless Frances into the
arms of her aunt, and turning with an air of forti-
tude to his comrades, he said
“ Still, gentlemen, we have our duty as officers
to discharge ;-our feelings as men may be in-
dulged hereafter. What is your pleasure with the
prisoner ?"
One of the judges placed in his hand a written
sentence that he had prepared, while the colonel
was engaged with Frances, and declared it to be
the opinion of himself and his companion.
It briefly stated that Henry Wharton had been
detected in passing the lines of the American ar-
my as a spy, and in disguise. That, thereby, ac-
cording to the laws of war, he was liable to suffer
death, and that this court adjudged him to the pe-
nalty-ordering him to be executed, by hanging,
before nine o'clock on the following morning.
It was not usual to inflict capital punishments
even on the enemy, without referring the case to
the Commander-in-Chief, for his approbation; or,
in his absence, to the officer commanding for the
time being. But, as Washington held his head-
quarters at New-Windsor, on the western bank of
the Hudson, sufficient time was yet before them
to receive his answer.
“This is short notice," said the veteran, hold-
ing the pen in his hand, in a suspense that had no
Vol. 2.
14
1


158
THE SPY.
ven ?"
object; “not a day to fit one so young for hea-
“ The royal officers gave Hale but an hour,” re-
turned his comrade; "we have extended the usual
time. But Washington has the power to extend
it, or to pardon."
“ Then to Washington will I go,” cried the co-
lonel, returning the paper with his signature, “and
if the services of an old man like me, or that brave
boy of mine, entitle me to his ear, I will yet save
the youth."
So saying, he departed, full of his generous in-
tentions in favor of Henry Wharton.
The sentence of the court was communicated
with proper tenderness to the prisoner; and after
giving a few necessary instructions to the officer
in command, and despatching a courier to head-
quarters with their report, the remaining judges
mounted, and rode to their own quarters, with the
same unmoved exterior, but with the consciousness
of the same dispassionate integrity they had main-
tained throughout the trial.


THE SPY.
161
mind. To him the rules of service were familiar,
and he was more accustomed to consider his gene-
ral in the capacity of a ruler, than as exhibiting the
characteristics of the individual. A dreadful in-
stance had too recently occurred, which fully
proved that Washington was above the weakness
of sparing another in mercy to himself. While
pacing with hurried steps through the orchard, la-
boring under these constantly recurring doubts,
enlivened by transient rays of hope, Mason ap-
proached him, accoutered completely for the sad-
dle.
Thinking you might have forgotten the news
brought this morning from below, sir, I have taken
the liberty to order the detachment under arms,"
said the Lieutenant, very cooly, cutting down with
his sheathed sabre the mullen tops that grew
within his reach,
• What news ?!! cried the major, starting.
• Only that John Bull is out in West-Chester,
with a train of wagons, which, if he fills, will com-
pel us to retire through these cursed hills, in
search of provender. These greedy Englishmen
are so shut up on York island, that when they do
venture out, they seldom leave straw enough to
furnish the bed of a yankee heiress."
“Where did the express leave them, did you
say? The intelligence has entirely escaped my
memory."
“On the heights above Sing Sing,” returned the
Lieutenant, with no little amazement. “ The road
below looks like a hay-market, and all the swine
are sighing forth their lamentations, as the corn
passes them towards Kingsbridge. George Sin-
gleton's orderly, who brought up the tidings,
says that our horses were holding consultation if
they should not go down without their riders,
and eat another meal, for it is questionable with
14*


162
THE SPY.
them whether they can get a full stomach again.
If they are suffered to get back with their plunder,
we shall not be able to find a piece of pork, at
Christmas, fat enough to fry itself.”
“Peace, with all this nonsense of Singleton's or-
derly, Mr. Mason,' cried Dunwoodie, impatiently
" let him learn to wait the orders of his superiors.
“I beg pardon in his name Major Dunwoodie,"
said the subaltern; “ but like myself, he was in
error. We both thought it was the order of Gen-
eral Heath, to attack and molest the enemy when-
ever he ventured out of his nest."
“Recollect yourself, Lieutenant Mason," said
the major fiercely; " or I may have to teach you
that your orders pass through me."
“I know it, Major Dunwoodie-I know it," said
Mason, with a look of reproach ; "and I am sorry
that your memory is so bad, as to forget that I
never have yet hesitated to obey them.”
“Forgive me, Mason,” cried Dunwoodie, tak-
ing both his hands; " I do know you for a brave
and obedient soldier; forget my humour. But
this business-Had you ever a friend ?"
Nay, nay," interrupted the Lieutenant, “ for-
give me and my honest zeal. I knew of the or-
ders, and was fearful that censure might fall on my
officer. But remain, and let a man breathe à
syllable against the corps, and every sword will
start from the scabbard of itself-besides they are
still moving up, and it is a long road from Croton
to Kingsbridge. Happen what may, I see plainly
that we shall be on their heels, before they are
housed again."
"Oh! that the courier was returned from head.
quarters," exclaimed Dunwoodie.
pense is insupportable.”
“ You have your wish,” cried Mason; here
he is coming at the moment, and riding like the
66 This susa


164
THE SPY.
My son--my son!” sobbed the father, “ there
is mercy in heaven, if there is none on earth.-
May Washington never want that mercy he thus
denies to my innocent child.”
“ Washington!" echoed Dunwoodie, gazing
around him in vacant horror. 46 Yes, 'tis the act
of Washington himself; there are his characters-
his very name is here to sanction the dreadful
deed."
“Cruel, cruel Washington !" cried Miss Pey-
ton; “how has familiarity with blood changed his
nature !”
“ Blame him not," said Dunwoodie; “it is the
General, and not the man; my life on it, he feels
the blow he is compelled to inflict.”
6 I have been deceived in him," cried Frances.
* He is not the saviour of his country ; but a cold
and merciless tyrant. Oh! Peyton, Peyton ! how
have you
misled me in his character!"
“ Peace, dear Frances; peace, for God's sake ;
use not such language,” cried her lover.
6 He is
but the guardian of the law."
“ You speak the truth, Major Dunwoodie," said
Henry, recovering from the shock of having his
last ray of hope extinguished, and advancing from
his seat by the side of his father. “1, who am to
suffer, blame him not. Every indulgence has
been granted me that I can ask, On the verge of
the grave, I cannot continue unjust. At such a
moment, with so recent an instance of danger to
your cause from treason, I wonder not at Wash-
ington's unbending justice. Nothing now remains,
but for me to prepare for that fate which so speed-
ily awaits me. To you Major Dunwoodie, I make
my first request."
“ Name it," said the major, giving utterance
with difficulty.


166
THE SPY.
. “I have been mistaken then. I did think, Pey-
ton, that your worth, your noble devotion to a
cause that you have been taught to revere, that
your kindness to our father when in imprisonment,
your friendship to me, in short, that your charac-
ter was understood and valued by my sister."
“ It is--it is,” whispered Frances, burying her
face stiil deeper in the bosom of her aunt.
“ I believe, dear Henry,” said Dunwoodie, “ this
is a subject that had better not be dwelt upon
now."
“ You forget,” returned the prisoner, with a
faint smile, “how much I have to do, and how
little time is left to do it in."
“ I apprehend,” continued the major, with a
face of fire, “that Miss Wharton has imbibed some
opinions of me, that would make a compliance
with your request irksome to her--opinions that it
is now too late to alter."
5 No, no, no," cried Frances, quickly; “you
are exonerated, Peyton-with her dying breath
she removed
my
doubts."
“Generous Isabella!" murmured Dunwoodie,
with a glow of momentary rapture; “ but still,
Henry, spare your sister now; nay, spare even
"I speak in pity to myself,” returned the brother
gently removing Frances from the arms of her
aunt. • What a time is this to leave two such
lovely females without a protector !--Their abode
is destroyed, and misery will speedily deprive
them of their last male friend," looking at his fa-
ther; “can I die in peace, with the knowledge of
the danger to which they will be exposed ?"
“ You forget me," said Miss Peyton, shrinking
herself at the idea of celebrating nuptials at such
a moment.
“ No, my dear aunt, I forget you not, nor
me."


THE SPY.
167
shall I, until I cease to remember ; but you forget
the times and the danger. The good woman who
lives in this house has already despatched a mes-
senger
for a man of God, to smooth my passage
to another world ;-Frances, if you would wish me
to die in peace-to feel a security that will allow
me to turn my whole thoughts to heaven, you will
let this clergyman unite you to Dunwoodie."
Frances shook her head, but remained silent.
“I ask for no joy-no demonstration of a feli-
city that
you
will not, cannot feel for months to
come—but obtain a right to his powerful name-
give him an undisputed title to protect you"
Again the maid made an impressive gesture of
denial.
" For the sake of that unconscious sufferer"
pointing to Sarah; "for your sake--for my sake-
my sister_"
“Peace, Henry, or you will break my heart,"
cried the agitated girl; “not for worlds would I
at such a moment engage in the solemn vows that
you wish. It would render me miserable for life.”
“You love him not,” said Henry, reproachful-
ly.” I cease to importune you to do what is
against your inclinations."
Frances raised one hand to conceal the coun-
tenance that was overspread with crimson, as she
extended the other towards Dunwoodie, and said
carnestly-
Now you are unjust to me-before you were
unjust to yourself.”
« Promise me, then," said Wharton, musing
awhile in silence, “that so soon as the recollec-
tion of my fate is softened, you will give my friend
that hand for life, and I am satisfied."
“I do promise,” said Frances withdrawing the
hand that Dunwoodie delicately relinquished with-
out even pressing it to his lips.


168
THE SPY.
66 will
“Well then, my good aunt," continued Henry,
you leave me for a short time alone with my
friend. I have a few melancholy commissions with
which to intrust him, and would spare you and my
sister the pain of hearing them."
“There is yet time to see Washington again,"
said Miss Peyton, moving towards the door; and
then speaking with extreme dignity, she continu-
ed--"I will go myself; surely he must listen to a
woman from his own colony !--and we are in some
degree connected with his family."
“Why not apply to Mr. Harper?” said Fran-
ces, recollecting the parting words of their guest
for the first time.
“ Harper!" echoed Dunwoodie, turning towards
her with the swiftness of lightning ;.“ what of him?
do you know him ?"
" It is in vain,” said Henry, drawing him aside;
“Frances clings to hope with the fondness of a
sister--retire, my love, and leave me with my
friend."
But Frances read an expression in the eye of
Dunwoodie that chained her to the spot. After
struggling to command her feelings, she conti-
tinued
“ He staid with us for two days-he was with
us when Henry was arrested.”
“And--and--did you know him ???
“Nay," continued Frances, catching her breath
as she witnessed the intense interest of her lover,
knew bim not--he came to us in the night a
stranger, and remained with us during the severe
storm ; but he seemed to take an interest in Hen-
ry, and promised him his friendship.”
" What!” exclaimed the youth in astonishment;
4 did he know your brother??'
“Certainly ;-it was at his request that Henry
ihrew aside his disguise.
we


THE SPY.
169
< But” said Dunwoodie, turning pale with
suspense,
6 he knew him not as an officer of the
royal army.'
* Indeed he did," cried Miss Peyton; "and
cautioned against this very danger.”
Dunwoodie caught up the fatal paper, that still
lay where it had fallen from his own hands, and
studied its characters intently. Something seemed
to bewilder his brain.—He passed his hand over
his forehead, while each eye was fixed on him in
dreadful suspense--all feeling afraid to admit
those hopes anew, that had once been so sadly
destroyed.
* What said he?-what promised he?"-at
length Dunwoodie asked with feverish impatience.
" He bid Henry apply to him when in danger,
and promised to requite to the son the hospitality
of the father."
“ Said he this knowing him to be a British
officer ?"
“ Most certainly ; and with a view to this very
danger."
“ Then—" cried the youth aloud, and yielding
to his rapture, “then you are safe then will I
save him-yes, Harper will never forget his
word."
“But has he the power ?" said Frances
he move the stubborn purpose of Washington ?"
6 Can he! If he cannot shouted the yonth
in uncontrollable emotion, “ If he cannot, who
can ?-Greene, and Heath, and young Hamilton
are as nothing, compared to this Harper.---But,"
rushing to his mistress, and pressing her hands
convulsively, “ repeat to me--you say you have
his promise ?"
"Surely-surely-Peyton ;-his solemn, deli-
berate promise, knowing all of the circumstan-
Can
ces."
Vol. 2.
15


THE SPY.
171
& Why, dearest aunt," said Frances, playfully,
in reply to one of her frequent reprimands, “would
you have me repress the pleasure that I feel at
Henry's deliverance, when you yourself have so
often declared it to be impossible, that such men
as ruled in our country could sacrifice an innocent
man."
Nay, I did believe it impossible, my child, and
yet think so; but still there is a discretion to be
shown in joy as well as in sorrow."
Frances recollected the declarations of Isabella,
and turned an eye filled with tears of gratitude on
her excellent aunt as she replied
“True; but there are feelings that will not
yield to reason.--Ah! there are those monsters,
who have come to witness the death of a fellow
creature, moving around yon field, as if this life
was to them nothing but a military show.”
"It is but little more to the hireling soldier,"
said Henry, endeavoring to forget his uneasiness.
“ You gaze, my love, as if you thought a mili-
tary show of some importance," said Miss Peyton,
observing her niece to be looking from the win-
dow with a fixed and abstracted attention. But
Frances answered not.
From the window where she stood the pass
that they had travelled through the Highlands was
easily to be seen ; and the mountain which held on
its summit the mysterious hut was directly before
her. Its side was rugged and barren ; huge and
apparently impassable barriers of rocks presenting
themselves through the stunted oaks, which, strip-
ped of their foliage, were scattered over its sur-
face. The base of the hill was not half a mile
from the house, and the object which attracted
the notice of Frances, was the figure of a man
emerging from behind a rock of remarkable forma-


172
THE SPY,
tion, and as suddenly disappearing. This maneu-
vre was several times repeated, as if it were the
intention of the fugitive, (for such by his air he
seemed to be,) to reconnoitre the proceedings of
the soldiery, and assure himself of the position of
things on the plain. Notwithstanding the distance,
Frances instantly imbibed the opinion that it was
Birch, Perhaps this impression was partly owing
to the air and figure of the man, and in some mea-
sure to the idea that presented itself on formerly
beholding the object at the summit of the moun-
tain.--That they were the same figure she was
confident, although this wanted the appearance,
which in the other she had taken for the pack of
the pedlar. Harvey had so connected himself with
the mysterious deportment of Harper within her
imagination, that under circumstances of less agita-
tion than those in which she had labored since
her arrival, she would have kept her suspicions to
herself. Frances, therefore, sat ruminating on this
second appearance in silence, and endeavoring to
trace in her thoughts, what possible connexion
this extraordinary man could have with the for-
tunes of her own family. He had certainly saved
Sarah, in some degree from the blow that had par-
tially alighted on her, and in no instance had he
proved himself to be hostile to their interests.
After gazing for a long time at the point where
she had last seen the figure, in the vain expecta-
tion of its re-appearance, she turned to her friends
in the apartment. Miss Peyton was sitting by Sa-
rah, who gave some slight additional signs of noti-
cing what passed, but who still continued insensi-
ble
to either joy or grief.
“I suppose by this time, my love, that you are
well acquainted with the maneuvres of a regi-
ment,” said the spinster, smiling at her nephew.


THE SPY.
173
to the eyes;
9
* It is no bad quality in a soldier's wife, at all
events."
“I am not a wife yet,” said Frances, coloring
" and we have no reason to wish for
another wedding in our family.”
“ Frances !” exclaimed her brother, starting
from his seat, and pacing the floor in violent agita-
tion, “ touch not that chord again, I entreat you.
While my fate is yet so uncertain I would wish to
be at peace with all men.'
“ Then let the uncertainty cease, cried Fran-
ces, springing to the door; “ for here comes Pey-
ton with the joyful intelligence of your release.”
The words were hardly uttered before the door
opened, and the major entered. In his air there
was neither the appearance of success nor defeat,
but there was a marked display of vexation. He took
the hand that Frances in the fulness of her heart
extended towards him, but instantly relinquishing
it, threw himself into a chair, in evident fatigue.
“ You have failed," said Wharton, with a bound
of his heart, but an appearance of composure.
“ Have you seen Harper ?” cried Frances, turn-
ing pale.
* I have not-I crossed the river in one boat as
he must have been coming to this side in another.
I returned without delay, and traced him for se-
veral miles into the Highlands by the western pass,
but there I unaccountably lost him. I have re-
turned here to relieve your uneasiness; but see him
I will this night, and bring a respite for Henry."
“ But saw you Washington ?asked Miss Pey-
ton.
Dunwoodie gazed at her a moment in abstract-
ed musing, and the question was repeated. He
answered gravely, and with some reserve-
• The commander-in-chief had left his quar-
ters.'
15*


174
THE SPY.
“ But, Peyton," cried Frances, in returning ter.
ror,
“ if they should not see each other, it will be
too late. Harper alone will not be sufficient.”
Her lover turned his eyes slowly on her anxious
countenance, and dwelling a moment on her fea-
tures, said, still musing-
“ You say that he promised to assist Henry.”
“ Certainly, of his own accord, and in requita!
for the hospitality that he had received."
Dunwoodie shook his head, and began to look
extremely grave.
“ I like not that word hospitality—it has an
empty sound--there must be something more rea-
sonable to tie Harper. I dread some mistake-
repeat to me all that passed."
Frances, in a hurried and earnest voice, com-
plied with his request. She related particularly
the manner of his arrival at the Locusts, the re-
ception that he received, and the events that pas-
sed, as minutely as her memory could supply her
with the means.
As she alluded to the conversa-
tion that occurred between her father and his
guest, the major smiled, but remained silent. She
then gave a detail of Henry's arrival, and the
events of the following day. She dwelt upon the
part where Harper had desired her brother to
throw aside his disguise, and recounted with won-
derful accuracy his remarks upon the hazard of
the step that the youth had taken. She even re-
membered a remarkable expression of his to her
brother, " that he was safer from Harper's know.
ledge of his person than he would be without it."
Frances mentioned, with the warmth of her youth-
ful admiration, the benevolent character of his
deportment to herself, and gave a minute relation
of his adieus to the whole family.
Dunwoodie at first listened with grave atten-
tion--then evident satisfaction followed as she pro-


THE SPY.
175
ceeded. When she spoke of herself in connexion
with their guest, he smiled with pleasure, and as
she concluded, he exclaimed, with perfect de-
light-
66 We are safe—we are safe.”
But he was interrupted, as we will show in the
following chapter.


176
THE SPY.
CHAPTER XII.
" The owlet loves the gloom of night,
The lark salutes the day,
The timid dove will coo at hand
But falcons soar away.”
Song in Duo.
In a country, settled like these states, by a peo-
ple who fled their native land, and much-loved
fire sides, victims to their tender consciences and
religious zeal, none of the decencies and solemni-
ties of a christian death are dispensed with, when
circumstances will admit of their exercise. The
good woman of the house was a strict adherent to
the form of the church to which she belonged ;
and, having herself been awakened to a sense of
her depravity, by the ministry of the divine who
harangued the people of the adjoining parish, she
thought that it was from his exhortations only, that
salvation could be meted out to the short-lived
hopes of Henry Wharton. Not that the kind.
hearted matron was so ignorant of the doctrines
of the religion which she professed, as to depend,
theoretically, on mortal aid for protection; but she
had, to use her own phrase, “ set so long under
the preaching of good Mr. " that she had
unconsciously imbibed a practical reliance on his
assistance for that, which, her faith should have
taught her, could come from the Deity alone.-
With her, the consideration of death was at all
times awful; and the instant that the sentence of


THE SPY.
177
man.
the prisoner was promulgated, she despatched,
Cæsar, mounted on one of her husband's best
horses, in quest of her clerical monitor. This
step had been taken without consulting either
Henry or his friends, and it was only when the
services of Cæsar were required upon some do-
mestic emergency, that she explained the nature
of his absence. The youth heard her, at first,
with an unconquerable reluctance to admit of
such a spiritual guide ; but as our view of the
things of this life becomes less vivid, our prejudices
and habits cease to retain their influence; and
a civil bow of thanks was finally given in requital
for the considerate care of the well-meaning wo-
The black returned early from his expedition,
and as well as could be gathered from his some-
what incoherent narrative, a minister of God
might be expected to arrive in the course of the
day. The interruption that we mentioned in our
preceding chapter, was occasioned by the entrance
of the landlady. At the intercession of Dun-
woodie, orders had been given to the sentinel who
guarded the door of Henry's room, that the mem-
bers of the prisoner's family should, at all times,
have free access to his apartment: Cæear was in-
cluded in this arrangement, as a matter of conve-
nience, by the officer in command ; but strict in-
quiry and examination was made into the er-
rand of every other applicant for admission. The
major had, however, included himself among the
relatives of the British officer; and one pledge,
that no rescue should be attempted, was given
in his name for them all. A short conversation
was passing between the woman of the house
and the corporal of the guard, before the door
that the sentinel had already opened in anticipa;


178
THE SPI.
tion of the decision of his non-commissioned com-
mandant,
Would you refuse the consolations of religion
to a fellow-creature, about to suffer death ?" said
the matron with earnest zeal.
plunge a soul into the fiery furnace, and a minis-
ter at hand to point out the straight and narrow
6. Would you
path."
“I'll tell you what, good woman,” returned the
corporal, gently pushing her away; " l've no no-
tion of my back being a highway for any man to
walk to heaven upon. A pretty figure 1 should
make at the pickets, for disobeying my orders-
Just step down and ask Lieutenant Mason, and
you may bring in the whole congregation. We
have not taken the guard from the foot-soldiers
but an hour, and I shouldn't like to have it said
that we know less of our duty than the militia.”
" Admit the woman," said Dunwoodie, sternly
observing, for the first time, that one of bis own
corps was on post.
The corporal raised his hand to his cap and fell
back in silence; the soldier stood to his arms, and
the matron entered.
“Here is a reverend gentleman below, come to
soothe the parting soul, in the place of our own
divine, who is engaged with an appointment that
could not be put aside--'tis to bury old Mr. "
“Show him in," said Henry, with feverish im-
patience.
“But will the sentinel let him pass? I would
not wish a friend of Mr. to be rudely stop-
ped on the threshold, and he a stranger."
All eyes were now turned on Dunwoodie, who,
looking at his watch, spoke a few words with
Henry, in an under tone, and hastened from the
apartment, followed by Frances. The subject of


THE SPY.
179
their conversation, was a wish expressed by the
prisoner for a clergyman of his own persuasion,
and a promise from the major, that one should be
sent from Fish-kill town, through which he was
about to pass, on his way to the ferry to intercept
the expected return of Harper. Mason soon
made his bow at the door, and willingly complied
with the wishes of the landlady, and the divine
was invited to make his appearance accordingly.
The person who was ushered into the apart-
ment, preceded by Cusar with a face of awful
gravity, and followed by the matron with one of
deep concern, was a tall man, beyond the middle
age, or who might rather be said to approach the
down-hill of life. In stature he was above the size
of ordinary men, though his excessive leanness
might contribute in deceiving as to his height; his
countenance was sharp and unbending, and every
muscle seemed set in the most rigid compression.
No joy or relaxation appeared ever to have dwelt
on features that frowned habitually, as if in detest-
ation of the vices of mankind. The brows were
beetling, dark, and forbidding, giving the promise
of eyes of no less repelling expression ; but the or-
gans were concealed beneath a pair of enormous
green spectacles, through which they glared
around with a fierceness that denounced the com-
ing day of wrath, nor spoke any of that benevo-
lence which, forming the essence of our holy re-
ligion, should be the characteristic of its ministers.
All was fanaticism, uncharitableness, and denun-
ciation. Long, lank, and party-colored hair, be-
ing a mixture of gray and black, fell down his
neck, and in some degree obscured the sides of
his face, and, parting on his forehead, fell in
either direction in straight and formal screens. .
On the top of this ungraceful exhibition, was laid,


180
THE SPY.
impending forward, so as to overhang in some
measure the whole fabric, a large hat of three
equal cocks. His coat was of a rusty black, and
his breeches and stockings were of the same co-
lor: his shoes without lustre, and half concealed
beneath their huge plated buckles.
He stalked into the room, and giving a stiff pod
with his head, took the chair offered to him by
the black, in dignified silence. For several mi.
nutes no one broke this ominous pause in the con-
versation ; Henry feeling a repugnance to his guest
that he was vainly endeavoring to conquer, and
the stranger himself drawing forth occasional sighs
and groans, that threatened a dissolution of the
unequal connexion between his sublimated soul
and its ungainly tenement. During this death-
like preparation, Mr. Wharton, with a feeling
nearly allied to that of his son, led Sarah from
the apartment. His retreat was noticed by the
divine, in a kind of scornful disdain, who began to
hum the air of a popular psalm tune, giving it the
full richness of the twang that distinguishes the
Eastern psalmody,
“ Cæsar," said Miss Peyton, “hand the gentle-
man some refreshment; he must need it after his
ride."
My strength is not in the things of this life,"
said the divine, steruly, speaking in the startling
tones of a hollow, sepulchral voice. 6 Thrice
have I this day held forth in my master's service,
and fainted not; still it is prudent to help this frail
tenement of clay, for, surely, the laborer is wor.
thy of his hire."
Opening a pair of enormous jaws to the exit of
a proportionable chew of tobacco, he took a good
measure of the proffered brandy, and suffered it
to glide downwards, with that facility with which
man is prone to sin.


184
THE SPY.
to die the death of a dog, when I might save him."
“ No,” said Henry, with a glow of generous
feeling on his cheek; “if the risk to yourself be
so heavy, retire as you came, and leave me to my
fate. Dunwoodie is making, even now, powerful
exertions in my behalf, and if he meets with Mr.
Harper in the course of the night, my liberation is
certain.''
Harper!" echoed the pedlar, remaining with
his hands raised, in the act of replacing the spec-
tacles; " what do you know of Harper? and why
do you think he will do you service ?".
“ I have his promise ;-you remember our re-
cent meeting in my father's dwelling, and he then
gave an unasked promise to assist me.
“ Yes--but do you know him—that is why do
you think he has the power ? or what reason have
you for believing he will remember his word ??!
“If there ever was the stamp of truth, or sim-
ple, honest benevolence, in the countenance of
man, it shone in his,” said Henry,“ besides Dun.
Woodie has powerful friends in tħe rebel army, and
it would be better that I take the chance where I
am, than thus to expose you to certain death, if
detected."
Captain Wharton,” said Birch, looking guard-
edly around, with habitual caution, and speaking
with impressive seriousness of manner, "if I fail
you, all fail you. No Harper or Dunwoodie can
save your life ; unless you get out with me, and
that within the hour, you die to-morrow on the
gallows of a murderer-yes, such are their laws;
the man who fights, and kills, and plunders, is ho-
nored; but, he who serves his country as a spy, no
matter how faithfully, no matter how honestly,
lives to be reviled, or dies like the vilest criminal."
“ You forget, Mr. Birch," said the youth, a lit.
tle indignantly, that I am not a treacherous,


THE SPY.
185
lurking spy, who deceives to betray; but am inno-
cent of the charge imputed to me."
The blood rushed over the pale, meager fea-
tures of the pedlar, until his face was one glow of
fire; but it passed away as quickly, and he re-,
plied
“I have told you. Cæsar met me, as he was
going on his errand this morning, and with him I
have laid the plan, which, if executed as I wish,
will save you-otherwise, you are lost; and I again
tell
you,
that
no other
power on earth, not even
Washington, can save you.”
“ I submit,” said the prisoner, yielding to his
carnest manner, and goaded by the fears that were
thùs awakened anew.
The pedlar beckoned to him to be silent, and
walking to the door, opened it, with a stiff,
formal air, with which he had entered the apart-
ment.
“ Friend, let no one enter,'' he said to the sen-
tinel, “ we are about to go to prayer, and would
wish to be alone."
“ I don't know that any will wish to interrupt
you,” returned the soldier, with a waggish leer of
lois eye; “but, should they be so disposed, I have
no power to stop them, if they be of the prison-
er's friends ; I have my orders and must mind
them, whether the Englisbman goes to heaven or
“ Audacious sinner!" said the pretended priest,
" have you not the fear of God before your eyes ?
I tell you, as you will dread punishment at the last
day, to let none of the idolatrous communion en-
ter to mingle in the prayers of the righteous.'
" Whew-ew-ew-what a noble commander
you'd make for Sergeant Hollister; you'd preach
him damb in a roll-call.· Hark'ee, I'll just thank
you not to make such a noise when you hold forth,
not."
16*


188
THE SPY.
know at once that it never belonged to the car-
case of a black."
“Golly !” said Cæsar, with a chuckle that ex-
hibited a mouth open from ear to ear, “ mässy
Harry breeches fit like ebbery ting.”
Èvery thing but your leg,” said the pedlar,
cooly pursuing the toilet of Henry. “ Slip on the
coat, Captain, over all. Upon my word you'd
pass well at a pinkster frolic ; and here, Cæsar,
place this powdered wig over your curls, and be
careful and look out of the window whenever the
door is open, and on no account speak, or you
will betray all."
“I s'pose Harvey tink a color'd man an't got a
tongue like oder folk,” grumbled the black, as he
took the station assigned to him.
Every thing now was arranged for action, and
the pedlar very deliberately went over the whole
of his injunctions to the two actors in the scene.
The Captain he conjured to dispense with his
erect military carriage, and for a season to adopt
the humbler paces of his father's negro, and Cæsar
he enjoined to silence and disguise, so long as he
could possibly maintain them. Thus prepared he
opened the door, and called aloud to ihe sentinel,
who had retired to the farthest end of the passage,
in order to avoid receiving any of that spiritual
comfort, which he felt was the sole property of
another.
6 Let the woman of the house be called," said
Harvey, in the solcmn key of his assumed charac-
66 and let her come alone. The prisoner is
in a happy train of meditation, and must not be
led from his devotions."
Cæsar sunk his face between his hands, and
hen the soldier looked into the apartment, he
thought he saw his charge in deep abstraction.
Casting a glance of huge contempt at the divine,
ter;


THE SPY.
189
1
66
1
he cried aloud for the good woman of the house.
She hastened at the call with earnest zeal, enter-
taining a secret hope that she was to be admitted
to the gossip of a death-bed repentance.
“Sister," said the minister, in the authoritative
tones of a master, have
you
in the house “The
Christian Criminal's last moments, or thoughts on
eternity for them who die a violent death ?!?!
56 I never heard tell of the book !" said the
matron in astonishment.
“ 'Tis not unlikely; there are many books you
have never heard of-It is impossible for this poor
penitent to pass in peace, without the consolations
of that volume. One hours reading in it is worth
an age of man's preaching."
“ Bless me, what a treasure to possess !-when
was it put out ?"
“ It was first put out at Geneva in the Greek
language, and then translated at Boston. It is a
book, woman, that should be in the hands of
every Christian, especially such as die upon the
gallows.-Have a horse prepared instantly for this
black, who shall accompany me to my brother
and I will send down the volume yet in
season.—Brother compose thy mind ; you are now
in the narrow path to glory."
Cæsar wriggled a little on his chair, but had
sufficient recollection to conceal his face with
hands, that were in their turn concealed by gloves.
The landlady departed to comply with this very
reasonable request, and the group of conspirators
were again left to themselves.
" This is well," said the pedlar; " but the dif-
ficult task is to deceive the officer who commands
the guard-he is lieutenant to Lawton, and has
learned some of the captain's own cunning in
these things-- remember, Captain Wharton.” con-
>


THE SPY.
191
“Even so is not the laborer worthy of his
hire ?" 9
“Come, suppose you give us a little preaching ;
we have a leisure moment just now, and there's
no telling how much good you might do a set of
reprobates like us, in a few words; here, mount
this horse-block, and take your text from where
you please."
The men now gathered around the pedlar inea-
ger delight, and glancing his eye expressively to-
wards the Captain, who had been suffered to
mount in peace, he replied-
“ Doubtless, for such is my duty. But, Cæsar,
you can ride up the road, and give the note--the
unhappy prisoner will be wanting the book, for
his hours are numbered.”
“Aye--aye, go along Cæsar, and get the book,"
shouted half a dozen voices, all crowding eager-
ly around the ideal priest, in anticipation of a
frolic.
The pedlar inwardly dreaded, that, in their un-
ceremonious handling of himself and garments,
his hat and wig might be displaced, when detec-
tion would be certain ; he was, therefore, fain to
comply with their request. Ascending the horse-
block, after hemming once or twice, and casting
several glances at the captain, who continued im-
moveable, he commenced as follows:
“ I shall call your attention, my brethren, to that
portion of scripture which you will find in the 2d
book of Samuel, and which is written in the
following words : And the king lamented over Ab-
ner, and said, died Abner as a fool dieth—thy
hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fet-
ters; as a man falleth before wicked men, so falleth
thou, and all the people wept again over him.'
Cæsar, ride forward, I say, and obtain the book as
f


192
TIE SPY.
directed; thy master is groaning in spirit even
now for the want of it.”
6 An excellent text," cried the dragoons. “Go
on--go on--let the snow-ball stay; he wants to be
edified as well as another."
“ What are you at there, you scoundrels ?” cried
Lieut. Mason, who just now came in sight from a
walk he had taken to sneer at the evening parade
of the regiment of militia ; "away with every man
of
you to your quarters, and let me find that each
horse is cleaned and littered when I come round."
The sound of the officer's voice operated like a
charm, and no priest could desire a more silent con-
gregation, although he might possibly have wished
for one that was more numerous.
Mason had not
done speaking, when it was reduced to the image
of Cæsar only. The pedlar took that opportunity
to mount, but he had to preserve the gravity of
his movements, for the remark of the troopers upon
the condition of their beasts, was but too just, and
a dozen of dragoon horses stood saddled and bri-
dled at hand, ready to receive their riders at a
moment's warning.
"Well, have you bitted the poor devil within,"
said Mason, “ that he can take his last ride under
the curb of divinity, old gentleman ?"
6. There is evil in thy conversation, profane
man," eried the priest, raising his hands, and cast-
ing his eyes upwards in holy horror; “so I will
depart from thee unhurt, even as Daniel was libe-
rated from the lion's den."
- Off with you, for a hypocritical, psalm sing-
ing, canting rogue in disguise," said Mason scorn-
fully; by the life of Washington! it worries an
honest fellow, see such voracious beasts of
prey ravaging a country for which he shed his
blood. If I had you on a Virginia plantation for


THE SPY.
198
a quarter of an hour, I'd teach you to worm the
tobacco with the turkeys."
“ I leave you, and shake the dust off my shoes,
that no remnant of this wicked hole may tarnish
the vestments of the godly.”
“ Start, or I will shake the dust from your jack-
et, you designing knave.
A fellow to be preach-
ing to my men! There's Hollister put the devil
in them by his exhorting--the rascals were getting
too conscientious to strike a blow that would rase
the skin. But hold, whither do you travel, master
blackey, in such godly company ?!
“ He goes," said the minister, hastily speaking
for his companion, “ to return with a book of
much condolence and virtue to the sinful youth
above, whose soul will speedily become white,
even as his outwards are black and unseemly.
Would you deprive a dying man of the consolation
of religion ?"
" No--no---poor fellow, his fate is bad enough,
---a famous good breakfast that prim body of an
aunt of his gave us. But harkee, Mr. Revela-
tions, if the youth must die secundum artem, let
it be by a gentleman's directions; and my advice
is, that you never trust that skeleton of yours
among us again, or I will take the skin off and
leave you naked."
“Out upon thee for a reviler and scoffer of
goodness !" said Birch, moving slowly, and with
a due observance of clerical dignity, down the
road, followed by the imaginary Cæsar; “ but I
leave thee, and that behind me that will prove thy
condemnation, and take from thee a hearty and
joyful deliverance."
** Damn him," muttered the trooper, pursing
his lip with a scornful smile, “the fellow rides
like a stake, and his legs stick out like the cocks
Vol. 2


194
THE SPY.
looked queer.
of his hat. I wish I had him below these bills
where the law is not over particular, I'd ---"
Corporal of the guard !----corporal of the
guard !"---shouted the sentinel in the passage to
the chambers--- corporal of the guard !---corporal
of the guard !"
The subaltern flew up the narrow stair-way that
led to the room of the prisoner, and demanded of
the man the meaning of his outcry.
• The soldier was standing at the open door of
the apartment, looking in with a suspicious eye,
upon the supposed British officer. On observing
his lieutenant he fell back with habitual respect,
and replied with an air of puzzled thought---
“I don't know, sir; but just now the prisoner
Ever since the preacher bas left
him be don't look as he used to do---but”---gazing
intently over the shoulder of his officer, “it must
be him, too. There is the same powdered head,
and the darn in the coat, where he was hit the
day we had the last brush with the enemy.”
« And then all this noise is occasioned by your
doubting whether that poor gentleman is your pri-
soner or not, is it sirrah?
Who the devil do you
think it can be else ?99
"" I don't know who else it can be," returned
the fellow, sullenly; “ but he's grown thicker and
shorter, if it is him; and see for yourself, sir, he
shakes all over like a man in an ague.'
This was but too true. Cæsar was an alarmed
auditor of this short conversation, and from con-
gratulating himself upon the dexterous escape of
his young master, his thoughts were very natu-
rally beginning to dwell upon the probable conse-
quences to his own person. The pause that
succeeded to the last remark of the sentinel, in
no degree contributed to the restoration of his fa-
culties. Lieutenant Mason was busied in ex-


THE SPY.
197
During the uproar occasioned by the assembling
of the dragoons, who all rushed tumultuously to
their horses, Cæsar rose from the floor, where he
had been thrown by Mason, and began to examine
into his injuries.—Happily for himself, he had
alighted on his head, and sustained no material
damage.
--


THE SPY.
199
66
suspense of his situation. But the forward move-
ment that the youth made for this purpose was in-
stantly checked by the pedlar.
“ Hold up!” he cried, dexterously reining his
own horse across the path of the other;
would
you ruin, us both? Fall into the place of a black
following his master.
Did you not see their blood-
ed chargers, all sadled and bridled, standing in the
sun before the house? How long do you think
that miserable Dutch horse you are on would hold
his speed, if pursued by the Virginians ? Every
foot that we can gain, without giving the alarm,
counts us a day in our lives. Ride steadily after
me, and on no account look back. They are as
subtle as foxes, aye, and ás ravenous for blood as
wolves!"
Henry reluctantly restrained his impatience,
and followed the directions of the pedlar. His
imagination, however, continually alarmed him
with the sounds of a fancied pursuit; though Birch
who occasionally looked back under the pretence
of addressing his companion, assured him that all
continued quiet and peaceful.
“ But,” said Henry, “it will not be possible for
Cæsar to remain undiscovered long-had we not
better put our horses to the gallop, and by the
time that they can reflect on the cause of our
flight, we can reach the corner of the woods ???
* Ah! you little know them, Captain Wharton,"
returned the pedlar; "there is a sergeant at this
moment looking after us, as if he thought all was
not right-the keen-eyed fellow watches me like
a tiger laying in wait for his leap'; when I stood
on the horse-block he half suspected then that
something was wrong; nay, check your beast-
we must let the animals walk a little, for he is
laying his hand on the pommel of his saddle--if


200
THE SPY.
he mounts now we are gone. The foot-soldiers
could reach us with their muskets.'
“What does he do ?” asked Henry, reining his
horse to a walk, but at the same time pressing his
heels into his sides, to be in readiness for a spring.
- He turns from his charger, and looks the other
way; now trot on gentlynot so fast-not so fast
observe the sentinel in the field, a little ahead
of us--he eyes us keenly."
“Never mind the footman,” said Henry, impa-
tiently; "he can do nothing but shoot us--where-
as, these dragoons may make me a captive again.
Surely, Harvey, there are horse moving down the
road behind us. Do you see 'nothing particu-
lar?”
Humph!" ejaculated the pedlar; "there is
something particular indeed, to be seen behind
the thicket on our left-turn your head a little,
and you may see and profit by it too."
Henry eagerly seized this permission to look
aside, and the blood curdled to his heart as he ob-
served that they were passing a gallows that un-
questionably had been erected for his own execu-
tion :-he turned his face from the sight in undis-
guised horror.
“ There is a warning to be prudent in that bit
of wood," said the pedlar, in the sententious man-
ner that he often adopted.
“It is a terrific sight, iudeed !" cried Henry, for
a moment veiling his eyes with his hand, as if to
drive a vision from before him.
The pedlar moved his body partly around, and
spoke with energetic but gloomy bitterness"and
yet, Captain Wharton, you see it where the setting
sun shines full upon you; the air you breathe is
elear, and fresh from the hills before you. Every
step that you take, leaves that hated gallows be-


THE SPY.
201
hind, and every dark hollow, and every shapeless
rock in the mountains, offers you a hiding place
from the vengeance of your enemies. But I have
seen the gibbet raised, when no place of refuge
offered. Twice have I been buried in dungeons,
where, fettered and in chains, I have passed nights
in torture, looking forward to the morning's dawn
that was to light me to a death of infamy. The
sweat has started from limbs that seemed already
drained of their moisture, and if I ventured to the
hole that admitted air through grates of iron, to
look out upon the smiles of nature, which God
has bestowed for the meanest of his creatures, the
gibbet has glared before my eyes like an evil con
science, harrowing the soul of: a dying man.
Four times have I been in their power, besides
this last; but--twice-twice-did I think that my
hour had come. It is hard to die at the best,
Captain Wharton; but to spend your last moments
alone and unpitied, to know that none near you
so much as think of the fate that is to you the
closing of all that is earthly; to think, that in a
few hours, you are to be led from the gloom,
which, as you dwell on what follows, becomes
dear to you, to the face of day, and there to meet
all eyes upon you, as if you were a wild beast;
and to lose sight of every thing amidst the jeers
and scoffs of your fellow creatures—That, Cap.
tain Wharton, that indeed is to die."
Henry listened in amazement, as his companion
uttered this speech with a vehemence altogether
new to him; both seemed to have forgotten their
danger and their disguises, as he cried
“ What! were you ever so near death as that ?"?
66 Have I not been the hunted beast of these
hills for three years past ?” resumed Harvey.;“ and
once they even led me to the foot of the gallows
itself, and I escaped only by an alarm from the


202
THE SPY.
royal troops. Had they been a quarter of an hour
later, I must have died. There was I placed in
the midst of unfeeling men, and gaping women and
children, as a monster to be cursed. When I
would
pray to God, my ears were insulted with
the history of my crimes; and when in all that
multitude 'I looked around for a single face that
showed me any pity, I could find none--no, not
even one--all cursed me as a wretch who would
sell his country for gold. The sun was brighter
to my eyes than common--but then it was the last
time I should see it. The fields were gay and plea-
sant, and every thing seemed as if this world was
a kind of heaven. Oh! how sweet life was to me
at that moment! "Twas a dreadful hour, Captain
Wharton, and such as you have never known.
You have friends to feel for you, but I had none
but a father to mourn my loss, when he might
hear of it; but there was no pity, no consolation
near to sooth my anguish. Every thing seemed
to have deserted me--I even thought that He had
forgotten that I lived."
6 What! did you feel that God had forsaken
you, Harvey ?? cried the youth, with strong sym-
pathy.
“God dever forsakes his servants,” returned
Birch, with reverence, and betraying naturally a
devotion that hitherto he had ovly assumed.
“ And who did you mean by He ?"
The pedlar raised himself in his saddle to the
stiff and upright posture that was suited to his
outward appearance. The look of fire that for a
short time glowed upon his countenance disap-
peared in the solemn lines of unbending self-
abasement, and speaking as if addressing a negro
he replied--
" In heaven there is no distinction of color,
my brother, therefore you have a precious charge


204
THE SPY.
Wharton was at his heels, urging the miserable
animal that he rode to the utmost. Birch had se-
lected the beast on which he rode, and although
vastly inferior to the high fed and blooded chargers
of the dragoons, still he was much superior to the
little pony that had been thought good enough
to carry Cæsar Thompson on an errand. A very
few jumps convinced the Captain that his compa-
nion was fast leaving him, and a fearful glance that
he threw behind, informed the fugitive that his
enemies were as speedily approaching. With
that feeling of abandonment which makes misery
doubly grievous, when it is to be supported alone,
Henry cried aloud to the pedlar not to desert him.
Harvey instantly drew up and suffered his compa-
nion to run along side of the horse he rode. The
cocked hat and wig of the pedlar fell from his head,
the moment that his steed began to move briskly.
and this development of their
disguise, as it might
be termed, was witnessed by the dragoons, who
announced their observation by a boisterous shout,
that seemed to be uttered in the very ears of the
fugitives--so loud was the cry, and so short the
distance between them.
“ Had we not better leave our horses ?'' said
Henry, “and make for the hills across the fields
on our left--the fence will stop our pursuers."
“That way lies the gallows," returned the ped-
lar---these-fellows go three feet to our two, and
would mind them fences no more than we do these
ruts; but it is a short quarter to the turn, and there
are two roads behind the wood. They may stand
to choose until they can take the track, and we
shall gain a little upon them there."
“But this miserable horse is blown already,"
cried Henry, urging his beast with the end of his
bridle, at the same time that Harvey aided his ef-
forts by applying the lash of a heavy riding whip


THE SPY.
205
that be carried ; “ he will never stand it for half a
mile further."
“ A quarter will doma quarter will do,” said the
pedlar ; a single quarter will save us, if you fol,
low my directions. "
Somewhat cheered by the cool and confident
manner of his companion, Henry continued silent-
ly urging his horse forward. A few moments
brought them to the desired turn, and as they
doubled round a point of low under-brush, the
fugitives caught a glimpse of their pursuers scat-
tered along the highway. Mason and the ser-
geant, being better mounted than the rest of the
party, were much nearer to their heels than even
the pedlar thought could be possible.
At the foot of the hills, and for some distance
up the dark valley that wound among the moun-
tains, a thick underwood of saplings had been
suffered to shoot up, where the heavier growth
was felled for the sake of the fuel. At the sight of
this cover Henry again urged the pedlar to dis-
mount and secrete themselves, but his request was
promptly refused. The two roads before mention-
ed met at a very sharp angle, at a short distance
from the turn, and both were circuitous, so that
but little of either could be seen at a time.
The pedlar took the one which led to the left,
but held it only a moment; for on reaching a
partial opening in the thicket, he darted across
into the right-hand path, and led the way up a
steep ascent which lay directly before them.
This maneuvre saved them. On reaching the
fork the dragoons followed the track, and passed
the spot where the fugitives had crossed to the
other road, before they missed the marks of the
footsteps. Their loud cries were heard by Henry
and the pedlar, as their wearied and breathless
animals toiled up the hill, ordering their comrades
Vol. 2.
13


206
THE SPY.
in the rear to ride in the right direction. The
captain again proposed to leave their horses and
plunge into the thicket.
“ Not yet-not yet,” said Birch in a low voice j
" the road falls from the top of this hill as steep
as it rises—first let us gain the top." While speak-
ing, they reached the desired summit, and both
threw themselves from their horses, Henry plung-
ing into the thick underwood, which covered the
side of the mountain for some distance above them.
Harvey stopped to give each of their beasts a few
severe blows of his whip, that drove them head-
long down the path on the other side of the emi-
nence, and then followed his example.
The pedlar entered the thicket with a little
caution, and avoided, as much as possible, rustling
or breaking the branches in his way. There was
but time only to shelter his person from view,
when a dragoon led up the ascent and on reach-
ing the height, he cried aloud--
" I saw one of their horses turning the hill this
minute."
“Drive on-spur forward, my lads," shouted
Mason ; "give the Englishman quarter, but cut
down the pedlar, and make an end of him."
Henry felt his companion gripe his arm hard, as
he listened in a universal tremor to this cry,
which was followed by the passage of a dozen
horsemen, with a vigor and speed, that showed
too plainly how little security their over-tired
steeds could have afforded them.
“Now," said the pedlar, rising from their cover
to reconnoitre, and standing for a moment in sus-
pense, - all that we gain is clear gain, for as we
go up they go down. Let us be stirring."
“ But will they not follow us, and surround this
mountain ?" said Henry, rising, and imitating the
labored but rapid progress of his companion;


THE SPY.
207
* remember they have foot as well as horse, and
at any raté we shall starve in the hills."
“ Fear nothing, Captain Wharton,"returned the
pedlar, with confidence; "this is not the moun-
tain that I would be on, but necessity has made me
a dexterous pilot arnong these hills. I will lead
you where no man will dare to follow. See, the
sun is already setting behind the top of the west-
ern mountains, and it will be two hours to the ris-
ing of the moon. Who, think you, will follow us
far on a November night through these rocks and
precipices ?"
“But listen !” exclaimed Henry;" the dragoons
are shouting to each other--they miss us already."
“Come to the point of this rock, and you may
see them,” said Harvey, composedly setting him-
self down to rest. “ Nay, they can see us-notice,
they are pointing up with their fingers. There !
one has fired his pistol, but the distance is too
great for even a musket to carry upwards.”
“ They will pursue us,” cried the impatient
Henry ; 5 let us be moving.”
“ They will not think of such a thing," return-
ed the pedlar, picking the chicker-berries that
grew on the thin soil where he sat, and
very
de-
liberately chewing them, leaves and all, to refresh
kis mouth. “What progress could they make here,
in their heavy boots and spurs, with their long
swords, or even pistols ? No, no--they may go
back and turn out the foot, but the horse pass
through these defiles, where they can keep the
saddle, with fear and trembling. Come, follow
me, Captain Wharton; we have a troublesome
march before us, but I will bring you where none
'will think of veturing this night."
So saying, they both arose, and were soon hid
from view amongst the rocks and caverns of the
mountain.


208
THE SPY.
The conjecture of the pedlar was true. Mason
and his men dashed down the hill, in pursuit, as
they supposed, of their victims, but on reaching
the bottom lands, they found only the deserted
horses of the fugitives. Some little time was spent
in examining the woods near them, and in endea-
vouring to take the trail on such ground as might
enable the horse to pursue, when one of the party
descried the pedlar and Henry seated on the rock
already mentioned.
" He's off," muttered Mason, eyeing Harvey,
with savage fury, “he's off, and we are disgrac-
ed. By heavens, Washington will not trust us
with the keeping of a suspected tory, if we let
this rascal trifle in this manner with the corps ;
and there sits the Englishman too, looking down
upon us with a mighty smile of benevolence. I
fancy that I can see it. Well, well, my lad, you
are comfortably seated, I will confess, and some-
thing better than dancing upon nothing ; but you.
are not to the west of the Harlaem river yet, and
I'll try your wind before you tell Sir Henry what
you have seen, or I'm no soldier."
“ Shall I fire, and frighten the pedlar ?" asked
one of the men, drawing his pistol from the holster.
Aye, startle the birds from their perch--let us
see how they can use the wing.” The man fired
the pistol, and Mason continued—“'Fore George,
I believe the scoundrels laugh at us. But home-
ward, or we shall have them rolling stones upon
our heads, and the Royal Gazettes teeming with
an account of a rebel regiment routed by two loy-
alists. They have told bigger lies than that be-
fore now."
The dragoons moved sullenly after their officer
who rode towards their former quarters, musing
on the course it behoved him to pursue in the pre-
sent dilemma. It was twilight when Mason's par-


210
THE SPY.
66 and one that must succeed; but let a messenger
be despatched to Dunwoodie, or he may continue
at the ferry until it proves too late ; though doubt-
less the runaways will lie in the mountains to-
night.”
To this suggestion Mason acquiesced, and a
courier was sent to the major, with the important
intelligence of the escape of Henry, and an inti-
mation of the necessity of his presence to conduct
the pursuit. With this arrangement the officers
separated.
When Miss Peyton and her niece first learnt
the escape of Captain Wharton, it was with diffi-
culty they could credit their senses. They both
relied so implicitly on the success of Dunwoo-
die's exertions, that they thought the act, on the
part of their relative, extremely imprudent; but
it was now too late to mend it. In listening to
the conversations of the officers, both were struck
with the increased danger of Henry's situation, if
re-captured, and they trembled to think upon the
great exertions that would be made to accomplish
this object. Miss Peyton consoled herself, and
endeavored to cheer her niece, with the probabi-
lity, that the fugitives would pursue their course
with unremitting diligence, so that they might
reach the Neutral Ground, before the horse would
carry down the tidings of their flight. The ab-
sence of Dunwoodie seemed to her all important
and the artless spinster was anxiously devising
gome project that might detain her kinsman, and
thus give her nephew the longest possible time.
But very different were the reflections of Frances.
She could no longer doubt that the figure she had
seen on the hill was Birch, and she felt certain,
that instead of flying to the friendly forces below,
her brother would be taken to the mysterious but
to pass the night.


THE SPY.
211
Frances and her aunt held a long and animated
discussion by themselves, when the good spinster
reluctantly yielded to the representation of her
niece, and folding her in her arms, she kissed her
cold cheek, and fervently blessing the maid, al-
lowed her to depart on an errand of fraternal
love.


212
THE SPY.
CHAPTER XIV.
i And here, forlorn and lost I tread,
With fninting steps, and slow;
Where wilds immeasurably spread,
Seem length’ning as I go."
Goldsmitz.
The night had set in dark and chilling, as Fran-
ces Wharton, with a beating heart but light steps,
moved through the little garden that lay behind
the farm-house which had been her brother's pri-
son, and took her way to the foot of the mountain,
where she had seen the figure of him that she
supposed to be the pedlar. It was still early, but
the darkness and dreary nature of a November
evening would at any other moment, or with less
inducement to exertion, have driven her back in
terror to the circle that she had left. Without
pausing to reflect, however, she flew over the
ground with a rapidity that seemed to bid defiance
to all impediments, nor stopped even to breathe,
until she had gone half the distance to the rock,
that she had marked as the spot, where Birch
made his appearance on that very morning.
The good treatment of their women, is the surest
evidence that a people can give of their civiliza-
tion, and there is no nation which has more to
boast of in this respect than the Americans. Fran-
ces felt but little apprehension from the orderly
and quiet troops, who were taking their evening's
repast on the side of the highway opposite to the


216
THE SPY.
timber for the purpose of cultivation. But either
the war, or the sterility of the soil, had compelled
the adventurer to abandon the advantages that he
had obtained over the wilderness, and already the
bushes and briars were springing up afresh, as if
the plough had never traced its furrow through
the inould which nourished them.
Frances felt her spirits invigorated by even these
faint vestiges of the labor of man, and walked
up the gentle acclivity with renewed hopes of suc-
cess. The path now diverged into so many differ-
ent directions, that she soon saw it would be useless
to follow their windings, and abandoning it, at the
first turn, she labored forward towards what she
thought was the nearest point to the summit: the
cleared ground was soon past, and woods and rocks,
clinging to the precipitous sides of the mountain,
again presented themselves to her progress. Oc-
casionally, the path was to be seen running along
the verge of the clearing, and then striking off in-
to the scattering patches of grass and herbage,
but in no instance could she trace it upward.
Tufts of wool, hanging to the briars, sufficiently
denoted the origin of these tracks, and Frances
rightly conjectured, that, whoever descended the
mountain, would avail bimself of their existence,
to lighten the labor. Seating herself on a stone,
the maid again paused to rest and to reflect ;--the
clouds were rising before the moon, as if repelled
by her brightness, and the whole scene at her feet
lay pictured in the softest colors.
The white tents of the militia were stretched
in regular lines immediately beneath her. The
light was shining in the window of her aunt, whom
Frances easily fancied was standing watching the
mountain, racked with all the anxiety she might
be supposed to feel for her niece. Lanterns were
playing about in the stable-yard, where she knew
>


THE SPY.
217
the horses of the dragoons were kept, and believe
ing them to be preparing for their night march,
she again sprang upon her feet, and renewed her
toil.
It was more than a quarter of a mile farther
that our heroine had to ascend, although she had
already conquered two-thirds of the height of the
mountain. But she was now without a path, or
any guide to direct her in her course : fortunately
the hill was conical, like most of the mountains in
that range, and by advancing upwards, she was
certain of at length reaching the desired hut,
which hung, as it were, on the very pinnacle.
Nearly an hour did the maid struggle with the nu-
merous difficulties that she was obliged to over-
come, when, having been repeatedly exhausted
with her efforts, and in several instances, in great
danger from falls, she succeeded in gaining the
small piece of table-land on the summit.
Faint with her exertions, which had been unusu-
ally severe for her slender frame, she sunk on a
rock, to recover her strength and fortitude for the
approaching interview with her brother. A few
moments sufficed for this purpose, when she pro-
ceeded in quest of the hut. All of the neighbour-
ing hills were distinctly visible by the aid of the
moon, and Frances was able, where she stood, to
trace the route of the highway from the plains
into the mountains. By following this line with
her eyes, she soon discovered the point whence
she had seen the mysterious dwelling, and directly
opposite to that point she well knew the but must
stand.
The chilling air sighed through the leafless
branches of the gnarled and crooked oaks, as with
a step so light as hardly to rustle the dry leaves
over which she trod, Frances moved forward to
that part of the hill where she expected to find
VOL. 2.
19


218
THE SPY
this secluded habitation ; but nothing could she
discern that in the least resembled a dwelling of
any sort. In vain she examined into every recess
of the rocks, or inquisitively explored every part
of the summit that she thought could hold the
tenement of the pedlar. No hut, nor any vestige
of a human being, could she trace. The idea of
her solitude struck on the terrified mind of the
maid, and approaching to the edge of a shelving
rock, she bent forward to gaze on the signs of life
in the vale, when a ray of keen light dazzled her
eyes, and a warm air diffused itself over her whole
frame. Recovering from her surprise, Frances
looked on the ledge beneath her, and at once per-
ceived that she stood directly over the object of
her search. A hole through its roof, afforded a
passage to the smoke, which, as it blew aside,
showed her a clear and cheerful fire crackling and
snapping on a rude hearth of stone. The approach
to the front of the hut, was by a winding path
around the point of the rock on which she stood,
and by this she advanced to its door.
Three sides of this singular edifice, if such is
could be called, were composed of logs laid alter-
nately on each other, to a little more than the
height of a man; and the fourth was formed by
the rock against which it leaned.
The roof was
made of the bark of trees, laid in long strips from
the rock to its eaves ; the fissures between the logs
had been stuffed with clay, which in many places
had fallen out, and dried leaves were made use of
as a substitute to keep out the wind ; a single win-
dow of four panes of glass was in front, but &
board carefully closed it in such a manner, as to
emit no light from the fire within. After pausing
sometime to view this singularly constructed
hiding-place, for such Frances knew it must be,
she applied her eye to a crevice to explore the


THE SPY.
219
scene within.
There was no lamp nor candle, but
the blazing fire of dry wood made the interior of
the hut light enough to read by. In one corner
lay a bed of-straw, with a pair of blankets thrown
carelessly over it, as if left where they had last
been used by the occupant. Against the walls
and rock were suspended, from pegs forced into
the crevices, various garments, and such as were
apparently fitted for all ages and conditions, and
for either sex. British and American uniforms
hung peaceably by the side of each other; and on
the peg that supported a gown of striped calico,
such as was the usual country wear, was also de-
pending a well powdered wig -in short, the attire
was numerous, and as various as if a whole parisha
were to be equipped from this one wardrobe.
In the angle against the rock, and opposite to the
fire which was burning in the other corner, was an
open cupboard, that held a plate or two, a mug,
and the remains of some broken meat. Before the
fire was a table, with one of its legs fractured, and
made of rough boards ; these, with a single stool,
composed the furniture, if we except a few arti-
cles for cooking. A book that by its shape and
size appeared to be a bible was lying on the ta-
ble, unopened. But it was the occupant of the
hut in whom Frances was chiefly interested.
This was a man, sitting on the stool, with his
head leaning on his hand, in such a manner as
to conceal his features, and deeply occupied in
examining some open papers before him. 'On the
table lay a pair of curiously and richly mounted
horseman's pistols, and the handle of a sheathed
rapier of exquisite workmanship, protruded from
between the legs of the gentleman, one of whose
hands carelessly rested on its guard. The tall sta-
ture of this unexpected tenant of the hut, and his
form, much more athletic than that of either Har-


420
THE SPY.
vey or her brother, told Frances, without the aid
of his dress, that it was neither of those whom she
sought. A close surtout was buttoned high in the
throat of the stranger, and parting at his knees,
showed breeches of buff, with military boots and
spurs.
His hair was dressed so as to expose the
whole face, and, after the fashion of that day, was
.profusely powdered. A round hat was laid on the
stones that formed a paved floor to the hut, as
if to make room for a large map, which, among
other papers, occupied the table.
This was an unexpected event to the maid.-
She had been so confident that the figure she had
twice seen was the pedlar, that on learning his
agency in her brother's escape, she did not in the
least doubt of finding them both in the place, which,
she now discovered was occupied by another
and a stranger's form. She stood earnestly look-
ing through the crevice, hesitating whether to re-
tire, or to wait under the expectation of yet meets
ing with Henry, as the stranger moved his hand
from before his eyes, and raised his face apparent-
ly in deep musing, when Frances instantly recog-
nized the benevolent and strongly marked, but
composed features of Harper.
All that Dunwoodie had said of his power and
disposition-all that he had himself promised her
brother, and all the confidence that had been cre-
ated by his dignified and paternal manner, rushed
across the mind of Frances, who threw open the
door of the hut, and falling at his feet, clasped his
knees with her arms, as she cried-
“ Save him--save him-save my brother-re-
member your promise, and save him!”
Harper had risen as the door opened, and there
was a slight movement of one hand towards his
pistols, but it was cool, and instantly checked, as
Frances entered. He raised the hood of the car.


THE SPY.
221
dinal which had fallen over her features, and ex-
claimed, with some uneasiness
“ Miss Wharton! But you cannot be alone!”
" There is none here but my God and you;
and
by his sacred name, I conjure you to remember
your promise, and save my brother.”
Harper gently raised her from her knees, and
placed her on the stool he resigned, begging her
at the same time to be composed, and to acquaint
him with all that she knew. This Frances instant.
ly did, with a hurried voice, ingenuously admit-
ting him to a knowledge of her own views in visit-
ing that lone spot at that hour, and by herself.
It was at all times difficult to probe the thoughts
of one who held his passions in such disciplined
subjection as Harper, but still there was a light-
ing of his thoughtful eye, and a slight unbending of
his muscles, as the maid proceeded in her narra-
tive. His interest, as she dwelt upon
the manner
of Henry's escape, and the fight to the woods, was
deep and manifest, and he listened to the remain-
der of her tale with a marked expression of bene-
volent indulgence. Her apprehensions that her
brother might still be too late through the moun-
tains seemed to have much weight with him, for,
as she concluded, he walked a turn or two across
the hut, in silent musing.
Frances hesitated and unconsciously played
with the handle of one of the pistols, and the
paleness that her fears had spread over her fine
features, began to give place to a rich tintas, af-
ter a short pause, she added
6 We can depend much on the friendslrip of
Major Dunwoodie, but his sense of honor is so
pure, that—that_notwithstanding his-his-feela
ings he will conceive it to be his duty to appre-
hend my brother again. Besides, he thinks there
19*


THE SPY.
223
hang upon slender threads, and nothing must be
left to accident that can be guarded against. Did
Sir Henry Clinton know that the pedlar held com-
munion with me, and under such circumstances,
the life of the miserable man would be taken in-
stantly--therefore, as you value human blood, or
remember the rescue of your brother, be prudent,
and be silent.-Communicate what you know to
them both, and urge them to instant departure
if they can reach the last picquets of our army
before morning's dawn, it shall be my care that
there are none to intercept them. There is bet-
ter work for Major Dunwoodie, than to be expos-
ing the life of his friend.".
While Harper was speaking, he carefully rolled
up the map he had been studying, and placed it, to-
gether with sundry papers that were also open, in-
to his pocket. He was still occupied in this man-
ner, when the voice of the pedlar, talking in unu-
sually load tones, was heard directly over their
heads.
“ Stand further this way, Captain Wharton, and
you can see the tents in the moon-shine-but let
them mount, and ride; I have a nest here that
will hold us both, and we will go in at our lei-
sure."
66 And where is this nest ?” cried Henry, with a
voice of exultation; “I confess that I have eaten
but little the last two days, and I crave some of
the cheer that you mentioned."
“ Hem”—said the pedlar, exerting his voice
still more; “hem—this fog has given me a cold;
but move slow—and be careful not to slip, or you
may land on the baggonet of the sentinel on the
flatstis a steep hill to rise, but one can go down
it with all ease."
Harper pressed his finger on his lip, to remind
Frances of her promised silence, and taking his


224
THE SPY
pistols and hat, so that no vestige of his visit re-
mained, retired deliberately to a far corner of the
hut, where, lifting several articles of dress, he en-
tered a recess in the rock, and letting them fall
again, was hid from view. Frances noticed, by the
strong fire-light, as he entered, that it was a natu-
ral cavity, and contained nothing but a few more
articles for domestic use.
The surprise of Henry and the pedlar, on en-
tering and finding Frances in possession of the hut,
may be easily imagined. Without waiting for ex-
planations or questions, the warm-hearted girl
flew into the arms of her brother, and gave a vent
to her emotions in tears. But the pedlar seemed
struck with very different feelings. His first look
was at the fire, which had been recently supplied
with fuel; he then drew open a small drawer of
the table, and looked a little alarmed at finding it
empty-
"Are you alone, Miss Fanny ?” he asked, in a
quick voice; you did not come here alone ??
“ As you see me, Mr. Birch,” said Frances,
raising herself from her brother's arms, and turn-
ing an expressive glance towards the secret ca-
vern, that the quick eye of the pedlar instantly un-
derstood.
“ But why, and wherefore are you here ?" ex-
claimed her astonished brother; and how knew
you of this place at all ?”
Frances entered at once into a brief detail of
what had occurred at the house since their depar-
ture, and the motives which induced her to seek
them.
" But," said Birch, “why follow us here, when
we were left on the opposite hill ?"
The maid related the glimpse that she had caught
of the hut and the pedlar, in her passage through
the Highlands, as well as her view of him on that
day; and her immediate conjecture that the fugi-


226
THE SPY.
“Frances,” he said, “ you have this night prov-
ed yourself to be an incomparable woman. As
you love me, give that unopened to Dunwoodie,
and remember that two hours of time may save
my life."
my sister
66
“ I will will--but why delay? why not fly,
and improve these precious moments ?"
“ Your sister says well, Captain Wharton,” ex:
claimed Harvey, who had re-entered unseen;" we
must go at once.
There is food to eat as we tra-
vel."
“ But who is to see this fair creature in safety ?"
cried the captain.
“I can never desert
in such a place as this."
“ Leave me!--leave me
-” said Frances ; "I
can descend as I came up. Do not doubt me-
you know not my courage nor my strength.”
“ I have not known you, dear girl, it is true ;
but now as I learn your value, can I quit you
here?-no-never-never."
“Captain Wharton,” said Birch, throwing
open the door,
you can trifle with your own
lives, if you have many to spare : I have but one,
and must nurse it.-Do I go alone or not?”
" Go-go-dear Henry~" said Frances, em-
bracing him; go---remember our father--remem-
ber Sarah" She waited not for his answer, but
gently forced him through the door, and closed it
with her own hands.
For a short time there was a warm debate be-
tween Henry and the pedlar; but the latter final-
ly prevailed, and the maid beard the successive
plunges as they went down the sides of the moun-
taip at a rapid rate, and they were soon out of
hearing.
Soon after the noise of their departure had
ceased, Harper re-appeared. He took the arm
of Frances in silence, and led her from the hut.
The way seemed familiar to him as, ascending to
ܙ


THE SPY.
227
the ledge above them, he led the maid across the
table land, tenderly pointing out the little difficul.
ties in their route, and cautioning her against in-
jury.
Frances felt as she walked by the side of his ma-
jestic person, that she was supported by a man of
no common stamp. The firmness of his step and
the composure of his manner, seemed to indicate
a mind that was settled and resolved. By taking
a route over the back of the hill, they descended
with great expedition and but little danger. The
distance it had taken Frances an hour to conquer,
was passed by Harper and his companion in ten
minutes, and they entered the open space, already
mentioned. He struck into one of the sheep paths,
and crossing the clearing with rapid strides, they
came suddenly upon a horse, caparisoned for a
rider of no mean rank. The noble beast snorted
and pawed the earth as his master approached
and replaced the pistols in the holsters.
Harper then turned, and taking the hand of
Frances, spoke as follows:
“You have this night saved your brother, Miss
Wharton. It would not be proper for me to ex-
plain why there are limits to my ability to serve
him, but if you can detain the horse for two hours,
he is safe. After what you have already done, I
can believe you equal to any duty. God has de-
nied to me children, young lady, but if it had been
his blessed will that my marriage should not have
been childless, such a treasure as yourself would I
have asked from his
mercy.
But
you are my child,
All who dwell in this broad land are my children
and my care, and take the blessing of one who
hopes yet to meet you in happier days.
As he spoke, with a solemnity that touched
Frances to the heart, he laid his hand impressive-
ly upon her head. The maid turned her face to .


230
THE SPY.
He had been found by the courier, who was desu
patched by Mason, impatiently waiting the return
of Harper to the ferry, and immediately flew to
the place where his friend had been confined,
harassed by many different reflections. The heart
of Frances bounded with violence, as she listened
to his approaching footsteps. It wanted yet an
hour to the termination of the shortest period that
the pedlar bad fixed as the time necessary, in
which to effect his escape. Even Harper, power-
ful and well disposed as he acknowledged himself
to be, had laid great stress upon the importance
of detaining the Virginians from pursuit during that
hour. The maid, however, had not time to rally
her thoughts, before Dunwoodie entered one door,
as Miss Peyton, with the readiness of female in-
stinct, retired through another.
The countenance of Peyton was flushed, and
there was an air of vexation and disappointment
that pervaded his whole manner--
66°Twas imprudent, Frances; nay, it was un-
kind," he cried, throwing himself into a chair, “to
fly at the very moment that I had assured him of
his safety. I can almost persuade myself that you
delight in creating points of difference in our feel-
ings and duties."
* In our duties there may very possibly be a
difference,' returned the maid, approaching near
to where he sat, and leaning her slender form
slightly against the wall; “but not in our feelings,
Peyton-You must certainly rejoice in the escape
of Henry from death!"
" There was no death impending. He had the
promise of Harper; and it is a word never to be
doubted. Oh! Frances! Frances! had you known
this man, you would never have distrusted his as-
surance; por would you have again reduced me
to this distressing alternative."


THE SPY.
231
** What alternative ?" asked Frances, pitying
his emotions deeply, but eagerly seizing upon eve-
ry circumstance to prolong the interview.
“What alternative! am I not compelled to
spend this night in the saddle, to re-capture your
brother, when I had thought to have laid my head
on its pillow, with the happy consciousness of con-
tributing to his release. You make me seem your
enemy; me, who would cheerfully shed the last
drop of my blood in your service. I repeat, Fran-
ces, it was rash-it was unkind-it was a sad, sad
mistake."
The maid bent towards him, and timidly took
one of his hands, while with the other she gently
removed the raven curls from his burning brow,
as she said--
“But why go at all, dear Peyton ?-You have
done much for our country, and she cannot exact
such a sacrifice as this at your hands."
“ Frances! Miss Wharton !"- exclaimed the
youth, springing on his feet, and pacing the floor
with a cheek that burnt with fire through its brown
covering, and an eye that sparkled with conscious
integrity; " it is not my country, but my honor,
that requires the sacrifice. Has he not fied from
a guard of my own corps ? But for this I might
have been spared the blow But if the eyes of
the Virginians are blinded to deception and arti-
fice, their horses are swift of foot, and their sa-
pres keen. We will see, before to-morrow's sun
who it is will presume to hint, that the beauty of
the sister furnished a mask to conceal the brother.
Yes--yes--I should like, even now,” he continu-
ed, laughing bitterly, “ to hear the villain, who
would dare to surmise that such a treachery ex-
isted !"
6 Peyton--dear Peyton," said Frances, recoiling
52


232
THE SPY.
ings !”
in terror from his angry eye,"you eurdle my blood
-would you
kill
my brother ?"
6 Would I not die for him!” exclaimed Dun.
woodie, with a softened voice, as he turned to her
more mildly; “you know I would ; but I am dis-
tracted with the cruel surmise to which this step of
Henry's subjects me. What will Washington think
of me, should he learn that I ever became your
husband ?"
“If that alone impels you to act so harshly to-
wards my brother," returned Frances, with a slight
tremor in her voice, “let it never happen for him
to learn."
“ And this is consoling me, Frances !" cried
her lover; "what a commentary on my suffer-
Nay, dear Dunwoodie, I meant nothing harsh
nor unkind; but are you not making us both of
more consequence to Washington, than the truth
will justify ?
“I trust that my name is not entirely unknown
to the commander-in-chief,” said the major a lit-
tle proudly; “nor are you as obscure as your
modesty would make you. I believe you, Fran-
ces, when you say that you pity me, and it must
be my task to continue worthy of such feelings.-
But I waste the precious moments; we must go
through the hills to-night, that we may be refresh-
ed in time for the duty of to-morrow. Mason is
already waiting for my orders to mount; and
Frances I leave you, with a heavy heart-pity me,
but feel no concern for your brother--he must
again become a prisoner, but every hair of his
head is sacred."
“Stop! Dunwoodie, I conjure you," cried Fran-
ces, gasping for breath, as she noticed that the
hand of the clock still wanted many minutes to the
desired hour; “ before you go on your errand of


THE SPY.
233
fastidious duty, read this note that Henry has left
for you, and which, doubtless, he thought he was
writing to the friend of his youth.”
“ Frances, I excuse your feelings, but the time
will come, when you will do me justice.”
“That time is now," said the maid, extending
her hand, unable any longer to feign a displeasure
that she did not feel.
" Where got you this note?” exclaimed the
youth, glancing his eyes over its contents. '“Poor
Henry, you are indeed my friend! If any one
wishes me happiness, it is you.”
“ He does, he does,” cried Frances, eagerly ;
- he wishes you every happiness ; believe what he
tells you-every word is true.”
“I do believe him, lovely girl, and he refers me
to you for its confirmation. Would that I could
trust equally to your affections !"
“ You may, Peyton," said Frances, looking up
with innocent confidence towards her lover.
5 Then read for yourself, and verify your
words," interrupted Dunwoodie, holding the note
towards her with eyes that sparkled with every
passion but anger.
Frances received it in astonishment and read
the following:
Life is too precious to be trusted to uncertain.
ties. I leave you, Peyton, unknown to all but
Cæsar, and I recommend him to your mercy. But
there is a carr that weighs me to the earth. Look
at my aged and infirm parent. He will be stig,
matised for the supposed crime of his son. Look
át those helpless sisters that I leave behind me
without a protector. Prove to me that
you
all. Let the clergyman whom you will bring with
you, unite you this night to Frances, and become at
once, brulher, son, and husband."
love us
20*


234
THE SPY.
The paper fell from the hands of Frances, and
she endeavored to raise her eyes to the face of
Dunwoodie, but they sunk abashed before his ea-
ger gaze.
“ What say you !” said Peyton, with an insinu-
ating voice; "am I worthy of this confidence ?
will you
send me out against your brother this
night, to meet my own brother? or will it be the
officer of Congress in quest of the officer of Bri-
tain ?"
“ And would you do less of your duty, because
I am your wife, Major Dunwoodie ? in what de-
gree would it better the condition of Henry ?”
Henry, I repeat, is safe. The word of Har-
per is his guarantee ; but I will show the world a
bridegroom,” continued the youth, perhaps de-
ceiving himself a little, “who is equal to the du-
ty of arresting the brother of his bride."
“ And will the world comprehend it all ?” said
Frances, with a musing air that lighted a thou-
sand hopes in the bosom of her lover. In fact,
the temptation was mighty-indeed, there seemed
no other way to detain Dunwoodie until the fa.
tal hour had elapsed. The words of Harper him-
self, who had so lately told her that openly he
could do but little for Henry, and that every thing
depended upon the gaining of time, were deeply
engraved upon her memory. Perhaps there was
also a fleeting thought of the possibility of an eter-
nal separation from her lover, should be proceed
and bring back her brother to punishment. It is
difficult at all times to analyze human emotions,
and they pass through the sensitive heart of a
woman with the rapidity and nearly with the vivid-
ness of lightning.
Why do I tarry, dear Frances,” cried Dun-
woodie, who was studying her varying counte-


THE SPY.
235
nance with rapture ; "a few minutes might give
me a husband's claim to protect you."
The brain of Frances whirled. She turned an
anxious eye to the clock, and the hand seemed to
linger over its face, as if with intent to torture her.
"Speak, my Frances," murmured Dunwoodie;
"may I summon my good kinswoman? determine,
for time presses.”
: Frances endeavored to reply, but could only
whisper something that was inaudible, but which
her lover, with the privilege of immemorial cus-
tom, construed into assent. He turned and flew
to the door, when the maid recovered her voice-
Stop, Peyton ; I cannot enter into such a so-
lemn engagement with a fraud upon my conscience.
I have seen Henry since his escape, and time is all
important to him. Here is my hand ; if, with this
knowledge of the consequences of delay, you will
not reject it, it is freely yours."
“Reject it!” cried the delighted youth ; " I
take it as the richest gift of heaven. There is
time enough for us all. Two hours will take me
through the hills and by noon to-morrow, I will
return with Washington's pardon for your brother,
and Henry will help to enliven our nuptials.".
“ Then meet me here in ten minutes," said
Frances, greatly relieved by unburthening her
mind, and filled with the hope of securing Henry's
safety, “ and I will return and take those vows
which will bind me to you forever.”
Dunwoodie paused only to press her once to
his bosom, and flew to communicate his wishes
to the priest.
Miss Peyton received the avowal of her niece,
with infinite astonishment and a little displeasure.
It was violating all the order and decorum of a
wedding to get it up so hastily, and with so little
ceremony. But Frances, with modest firmness,


THE SPY.
237
We are in the saddle," said the lieutenant,
" and, with your permission, will lead on; as you
are so well mounted, you can overtake us at your
leisure."
“ Yes, yes--my good fellow-march,” cried
Dunwoodie, gladly seizing an excuse to linger; “I
will reach you at the first halt.”
The subaltern retired to execute these orders,
and was followed by Mr. Wharton and the divine.
“Now, Peyton," said Frances, “it is indeed a
brother that you seek; I am sure I need not cau-
tion you in his behalf, should you unfortunately
find him."
“Say fortunately,” cried the youth; " for I am
determined he shall yet dance at my wedding.
Would that I could win him to our cause it is the
cause of his country, and I could fight with more
pleasure, Frances, with your brother by my side."
“Oh! mention it not! you awaken terrible re-
flections."
“I will not mention it," returned her husband ;
** but I must now leave you. Tom Mason moved
off at a famous rate, and the fellow has no orders.
But the sooner I go, Frances, the sooner I will re-
The noise of a horseman was heard approaching
the house, with great speed, and Dunwoodie was
yet taking leave of his bride and her aunt, when an
officer was shown into the room by his own man.
The gentleman wore the dress of an aid-de-
camp, and the major at once knew him to form
part of the family of Washington.
“ Major Dunwoodie,” he said, after bowing
courteously to the ladies; "the commander-in-
chief has directed me to give you these orders."
He executed his mission, and pleading duty took
his leave immediately.
turn."


238
THE SPY.
Here, indeed !" cried the major, "is an unex-
pected turn in the whole affair; but I understand
it--Harper has got my letter, and already we feel
bis influence."
“Have you news affecting Henry ?” cried Fran-
ces, springing to his side.
6 Listen--and you shall judge."
9)
“SIR-Upon receipt of this, you will concen-
trate your squadron, so as to be in front of the
enemy's covering party to their foragers, by ten
o'clock to-morrow, on the heights of Croton;
where you will find a body of foot to support you.
The escape of the English spy has been reported
to me, but his arrest is unimportant, compared
with the duty I now give you.
You will, there-
fore, recal your men, if any are in pursuit, and én.
deavor to defeat the enemy forthwith.
Your's Respectfully,
GEORGE WASHINGTON."
• There, thank God," cried Dunwoodie,“ my
hands are washed of Henry's re-capture; I can
now move to my duty with honor."
“ And with prudence too, dear Peyton," said
Frances, with a face as pale as death; “remem-
ber, Dunwoodie, you leave behind you new claims
upon you caution and care.'
The youth dwelt on her lovely but pallid fea-
tures with rapture, and as he pressed her hand to
his heart, exclaimed
“But why this haste? I can reach Peekskill
before the troops have breakfasted, if I start some
hours hence. I am too old a soldier to be hasten-
ed or disconcerted."
" Nay! go at once," said Frances, in a hurried
voice, with a face whose bright tints would have
shamed a ruddy morn--"neglect not the orders


THE SPY
241
the hills in a due south direction. This movement
was made, the pedlar informed his companion, in
order to avoid the parties who constantly patroled
in the southern entrance of the Highlands, as well
as to shorten the distance by travelling in a straight
line. After reaching the summit of a very con-
siderable hill, Harvey seated himself by the side
of a little run, and opening the wallet that he
had slung where his pack was commonly suspend-
ed, invited his comrade to partake of the coarse
fare that it contained. Henry had kept pace
with the pedlar, more by the excitement natural
to his situation, than by the equality of his phy,
sical powers. The idea of any halt was unpleasant,
so long as there existed a possibility of the horse
getting below him in time to intercept their re-
treat through the Neutral Ground. He, therefore,
stated his apprehensions to his companion, and
urged his wish to proceed.
* Follow my example, Captain Wharton," said
the pedlar, commencing his frugal meal; “ If the
horse have started, it will be more than man can
do to head them; and if they have not, other work
is cut out for them, that will drive all thoughts of
you and me from their brains."
“You said yourself that two hours detention
was all important to us, and if we loiter here, of
what use will be the advantage that we may have
already obtained ?"
“ Them two hours are past, and Major Dun-
woodie thinks little of following two men, when
hundreds are waiting for him on the banks of the
river.”
“ Listen!” interrupted Henry ;“ there are horse
at this moment passing at the foot of the hill. I
hear them even laughing and talking to each other.
By heavens ! there is the voice of Dunwoodie him-
self, and he calls to his comrade in a manner that
Vol. 2
21


242
THE SPY.
77
shows but little uneasiness. One would think that
the situation of his friend would lower his spirits -
surely Frances could not have given him the let-
ter."
On hearing the first exclamation of the captain,
Birch arose from his seat, and approached cau-
tiously to the brow of the hill, taking care to keep
his body in the shade of the rocks, so as to be un-
seen at any distance, and earnestly reconnoitred the
passing group of horsemen. He continued listen-
ing, until their quick footsteps were no longer au-
dible, and then quietly returned to his seat, and
with incomparable coolness resumed his meal.
“ You have a long walk, and a tiresome one
before you, Captain Wharton ; you had better do
as I do-you was eager for food at the hut above
Fishkill but travelling seems to have worn down
your appetite."
“I thought myself safe then, but the informa-
tion of my sister fills me with uneasiness, and I
cannot eat."
66 You have less reason to be troubled now,
than at any time since the night before you was
taken, when
you
refused
my
advice and offer to
see you in safety,” returned the pedlar. “ Major
Dunwoodie is not a man to laugh and be gay,
when his friend is in difficulty. Come, then, and
eat, for no horse will be in our way, if we can
hold, our legs for four hours longer, and the sun
keeps behind the hills as long as common."
There was a composure in the pedlar's manner
that inspirited the youth, and having once deter-
mined to submit to Harvey's government, he suf
fered himself to be persuaded into a tolerable sup-
per, if the quantity be considered without any re-
ference to the quality. After completing their re-
past, the pedlar again resumed his journey.
Henry followed in blind submission to his will.


244
THE SPY.
" Then,” cried Henry, “let us join them, and
our danger is at once 'ended."
Softly, softly--Captain Wharton," said the
pedlar, drily; "you've once been in the midst of
three hundred of them, but there was a man who
could take you out ; see you not yon dark body on
the side of the opposite hill, jast above the corn-
stalks? These are the the rebelswaiting only for
day, to see who will be the master of the ground."
Nay, then,” exclaimed the fiery youth, “ I will
join the troops of my prince, and share their for-
tunes, be it good or be it bad.”
“ You forget that you fight with a halter around
your neck--no, no-I have promised one whom I
must not disappoint, to carry you safe in; and un-
less you forget what I have already done, and
what I have risked for you, Captain Wharton, you
will turn and follow me to Harlaem."
To this appeal, the youth felt unwillingly oblig-
ed to submit; and they continued their course
towards the city. It was not long before they
gained the banks of the Hudson. After search
ing for a short time under the shore, the pedlar
discovered a skiff, that, from his movements, ap-
peared to be an old acquaintance; and entering it
with his companion, he landed him on the south
side of the Croton. Here Birch declared they
were in safety ; for the royal troops held the con-
tinentals at bay, and the former were out in too
great strength for the light parties of the latter to
trust themselves below that river, on the immedi-
ate banks of the Hudson, from a dread of having
their retreat cut off.
Throughout the whole of this arduous flight,
the pedlar had manifested a coolness and presence
of mind that nothing appeared to disturb. All
his faculties seemed to be of more than usual per-
fection, and the infirmities of nature to have ne


THE SPY
245
dominion over him. Henry had followed him
like a child in leading-strings, and he now reap-
ed his reward, as he felt a bound of pleasure at
his heart, on hearing that he was relieved from
apprehension, and permitted to banish every doubt
of his security.
A steep and laborious ascent brought them from
the level of the tide-waters to the high lands, that
form, in this part of the river, the eastern banks of
the Hudson. " Retiring a little from the highway,
under the shelter of a thicket of cedars, the ped-
lar threw his form on a flat rock, and announced
to his companion, that the hour for rest and re-
freshment was at length arrived. The day was
now opened, and objects could be seen in the dis-
ince with distinctness. Beneath them lay the
Hudson, stretching to the south in a straight line
as far as the eye could reach. To the north, the
broken fragments of the Highlands threw upwards
their lofty heads, above the masses of fog that
bung over the water, and by which the course of
the river could be traced into the boson of the
hills, whose conical summits were grouping toge-
ther, one bcbind another, in that disorder which
might be supposed to succeed their mighty but
fruitless efforts to stop the progress of the flood.
Emerging from these confused piles, the river, as
if rejoicing at its release from the struggle, expand-
ed into a wide bay, which was ornainented by a
few fertile and low points that jutted humbly into
its broad basin. On the opposite, or western shore,
the rocks of Jersey were gathered in an array
that has obtained for them the name of the pali-
sadoes, elevating themselves for many hundred
feet, as if to protect the rich country in their rear
from the inroads of the conqueror; but, disdain-
ing surh an enemy, the river swept proudly by
their feet, and held its undeviating way to the
21*


246
THE SPY.
ocean. A-ray of the rising sun darted upon the
slight cloud that hung over the placid river, and
at once the whole scene was in motion, changing
and assuming new forms, and exhibiting fresh ob-
jects to the view in each successive moment. At
the daily rising of this great curtain of nature, at
the present time, scores of white sails and slug-
gish vessels are seen thickening on the water, with
that air of life which denotes the neighborhood to
the metropolis of a great and floarishing empire ;
but to Henry and the pedlar it displayed only the
square yards and lofty masts of a vessel of war,
riding at anchur a few miles below them. Before
the fog had begun to move, the tall spars were seen
above it and from one of them a long pendant was
feebly borne abroad in the current of night air,
that still quivered along the river ; but as the
smoke arose, the black hull, the crowded and
complicated mass of rigging, and the heavy yards
and booms, spreading their arms afar, were suc-
Oessively brought into view.
“ There, Captain Wharton," said the pedlar,
"there is a safe resting-place-for you America has
no arm that can reach you if once you gain the
deck of that ship. She is sent up to cover the
foragers, and support the troops; the rig'lar offi-
bers are over fond of the sound of cannon from
their shipping."
Without condescending to reply to the sarcasm
conveyed in this speech, or perhaps not noticing
it, Henry joyfully acquiesced in the proposal, and
it was accordingly arranged between them, that so
soon as they were refreshed he should endeavor
to get on board the vessel.
While busily occupied in the very indispensable
operation of breaking their fast, our adventurers
were startled with the sound of distant fire arms.
At first a few scattering shots were fired, which


THE SPY.
247
were succeeded by a long and animated roll of
musketry, and then quick and heavy volleys fol-
lowed each other.
“ Your prophecy is made good,” cried the Eng-
lish officer springing upon his feet.
“Our troops
and the rebels are at it. I would give six months'
pay to see the charge."
“Umph!" returned his companion, without
ceasing his meal; "they do very well to look at
from a distance, but I can't say but the company
of this bacon, cold as it is, is more to my taste just
now than a hot fire from the continentals."
“The discharges are heavy for so small a force;
but the fire seems irregular.”
“ The scattering guns are from the Connecticut
militia,” said Harvey, raising his head to listen ;
16 they rattle it off finely, and are no fools at a
mark. The volleys are the rig’lars, who, you
know, fire by word--as long as they can.
6. I like not the warmth of what
you call a scat.
tering fire," exclaimed the captain, moving about
with uneasiness ; “it is more like the roll of a
drum than the pop-gun shooting of skirmishers.”
“No--no-I said not skrimmagers," returned
the other, raising himself upon his knees, and
ceasing to eat; " so long as the'll stand, they are
too good for the best troops in the royal army.
Each man does his work as if fighting by the job;
and then they think, while they fight; and don't
send bullets among the clouds, that were meant to
kill men upon earth.”
“ You talk and look, sir, as if you wished them
success," cried Henry, sternly.
“I wish success to the good cause only, Captain
Wharton," returned the pedlar, suddenly change
in his air of exultation to an abstracted manner.
I thought you knew me too well, to be uncer
tain which party I favored."


248
THE SPY.
lar;
“Oh! you are reputed loyal, Mr. Birch," said
the youth with a little contempt;"but, by Hea-
vens! the volleys have ceased!"
They now both listened intently, for a little
while, during which the irregular reports became
less brisk, and suddenly heavy and repeated vol-
leys followed.
They've been at the baggonet,” said the ped-
“the rig’lars have tried the baggonet, and
have drove the rebels."
* Ay! Mr. Birch, the bayonet is the thing for
the British soldier, after all !” shouted Henry with
exultation. “They delight in the bayonet !"
“Well, to my notion,” said the pedlar, “ there's
but little delight to be taken in any such pokerish
thing. But I dare say the militia are of my mind,
for half of them don't carry the ugly things.--
Lord !--lord !--Captain, I wish you'd go with me
once into the rebel camp, and hear what lies the
men tell about Bunker Hill and Burg’yne ; you'd
think they loved the baggonet as much as they do
their dinner."
There was an inward chuckle, and singular air
of affected innocency about his companion while
speaking, that rather annoyed Henry, and he
deigned no reply to his remarks.
The firing now became desultory, occasionally
intermingled with heavy volleys. Both of the fu .
gitives were standing, listening with much anxiety,
when a man, armed with a musket, was seen steal-
ing towards them under the shelter of the cedar
bushes that partially covered the hill. Henry first
noticed this suspiciously looking stranger, and in-
stantly pointed him out to his companion. Birch
started, and certainly made an indication of sud-
den flight; but recollecting himself, he stood in
sullen silence until the stranger was within a few
yards of them--


250
THE SPY.
finally succeeded in making the officer, who com-
manded the party, credit his assertions, he was
able to rejoin his companions in arms in safety.
Before taking leave of Birch, the Captain handed
him his purse, which was tolerably well supplied
for the times; the pedlar received it, and watch-
ing an opportunity, he conveyed it unnoticed by
the skinner, to a part of his dress that was ingeni-
ously contrived to hold such treasures.
The boat pulled from the shore, and Birch turn-
ed on his heel, drawing a sigh of vast relief, and
shot up the hill with the enormous strides for
which he was famous. The skinner followed, and
each party pursued their common course, casting
frequent and suspicious glances at the other, but
both maintaining a most impenetrable silence.
Waggons were moving along the river road, and
occasional parties of horse were seen escorting
the fruits of their excursion towards the city.
As the pedlar had views of his own, he rather
avoided falling in with any of these patroles, than
sought their protection. But, after travelling for
a few miles on the immediate banks of the river,
during which, notwithstanding the repeated efforts
of the skinner to establish something like sociabi-
lity, he maintained a most determined silence,
keeping a firm hold of the gun, and a side glance
upon his associate, the pedlar suddenly struck into
the highway, with an intention of crossing the hills
towards Harlaem. At the moment that he gained
the path, a body of horse came over a little emi-
nence, and was upon him before he perceived
them. It was too late to retreat, and after taking a
view of the materials that composed this scouting
party, Birch rejoiced in the rencontre as a proba-
ble means of relieving him from his unwelcome
companion. They were some eighteen or twenty
men, who were mounted and equipped as dragoons,


THE SPY.
251
though neither their appearance nor manner de-
noted much of discipline. At their head rode a
heavy middle aged man, whose features expressed
as much of animal passion and as little of reason as
could well be imagined. He wore the dress of an
officer, but there was none of that neatness in his
attire, nor grace in his movements, that was usually
found about the gentlemen who bore the royal
commission. His Timbs were firm, but not pliable,
and he sat his horse with strength and confidence,
but his bridle hand would have been ridiculed by
the meanest rider in the Virginia regiment. As he
expected, this leader instantly hailed the pedlar,
in a voice by no means more conciliating than his
appearance.
** Hoy! my gentlemen-which way so fast ?"
he cried. " Has Washington sent you down as
spies?”
6 la am an innocent pedlar,” returned Harvey,
meekly, “and am going below to lay in a fresh
** And how do you expect to get below, my in-
nocent pedlar ? Do you think we hold the forts at
Kingsbridge to cover such peddling rascals as you,
in your goings in and comings out ?"
to I believe I hold a pass that will carry me
through,” said the pedlar, handing him a paper,
with an air of consummate indifference.
The officer, for such he was, read it, and gave a
look of extraordinary intelligence for the man, at
Harvey, when he had done.
Then turning fiercely to one or two of his men
who had officiously passed on and stopped the
way, he cried
Why do you stop the man-give way and let
him pass in peace; but who have we here? your
name is not on the paper.”
stock.'
66


252
THE SPY
“No, sir," said the skinner, lifting his hat with
humility ; “I have been a poor deluded man who
has been serving in the rebel army, but thank God,
I've lived to see the error of my ways, and am
now come to make reparation by enlisting under
the Lord's annointed."
66 Umph! a deserter--a skinner, I'll swear,
wanting to turn Cow-boy. In the last brush I had
with the scoundrels, I could hardly tell my own
men from the enemy. We are not over well sup-
plied with coats, and as for faces, the rascals
change sides so often, that you may as well count
their
faces for nothing; but trudge on, we will con-
trive to expend you before long.”
Ungracious as was this reception, if one could
judge of the skinner's feelings from his manner,
it nevertheless delighted him hugely. He moved
with alacrity towards the city, and really was so
happy to escape the brutal looks and frightful man-
rier of his interrogator, as to lose sight of all other
considerations. But the man who performed the
functions of orderly, in the irregular troop, rode up
to the side of his commander, and entered into a
close and apparently confidential discourse with
his principal. They spoke in whispers, and cast
frequent and searching glances at the skinner, until
the fellow began to think himself an object of more
than common attention. His satisfaction at this
distiction was somewhat heightened, at observing
a smile on the face of the captain, which, although
it might be thought grim, certainly denoted much
inward delight. This pantomime occupied the
time they were passing a hollow, and concluded
as they rose another hill. Here the captain and
his sergeant both dismounted, and ordered the
The warriors each took a pistol
from their holsters,a movement that excited no sus-
picion or alarm, as it was a precaution always ob-
party to halt.


THE SPY.
255
But the caution and experience of the refugee had
guarded against this escape.
" What did you with the horse you stole from
me, rascal ?” he cried, throwing out extraordinary
columns of smoke, as he waited for a reply.
“ He broke down in the chase," replied the
skinner quickly; " but I can tell you where one is
to be found, that is worth him and his sire."
“ Liar! I will help myself when I want one-
but
you had better call upon God for aid, as your
hour is short.” On concluding this consoling ad-
vice, he struck the barrel a violent blow with his
heavy foot, and the slender staves flew in every
direction, leaving the skinner whirling in the air.
As his hands were unconfined, he threw them
upwards, and held himself suspended by main
strength.
* Come, captain," he said coaxingly, a little
huskiness creeping into his voice, and his knees
beginning to shake with a slight tremor, “just end
the joke--'tis enough to make a laugh, and my
arms begin to tire-indeed I can't hold on much
longer."
“ Harkee, Mr. Pedlar," said the refugee, in a
voice that would not be denied, “I want not your
company. Through that door lies your road-
march! --offer to touch that dog, and you'll swing
in his place, if twenty Sir Henrys wanted your
services.” So saying, he retired to the road with
the sergeant, as the pedlar precipitately retreated
down the bank.
Birch went no farther than a bush that oppor-
tunely offered itself as a skreen to conceal his
person, while he yielded to an unconquerable de-
sire to witness the termination of this extraordina-
ry scene.
Left thus alone, the skinner began to throw
fearful glances around, to espy the hiding places


356
THE SPY.
But as
arms.
of his tormentors. For the first time, the horrie
idea seemed to shoot through his brain, that some-
thing serious was intended by the Cow-boy. He
called entreatingly to be released, and made rapid
and incoherent promises of important information,
mingled with affected pleasantry at their conceit
which he could hardly admit to himself could
mean any thing so dreadful as it seemed.
he heard the tread of the horses moving on their
course, and in vain looked around for human aid,
violent trembling seized his limbs, and his eyes
began to start from his head with terror, He
made a desperate effort to reach the beam, but
too much exhausted with his previous exertions he
caught the rope in his teeth, in a vain effort to se-
ver the cord, and ſell to the whole length of his
Here his cries were turned into sbrieks-
6 Help--cut the rope--Captain !--Birch !---good
pedlar--down with the Congress !--sergeant!- for
God's sake, help-Hurrah for the King Oh God!
Oh God !--mercy--mercy--mercy--"
As his voice became suppressed, one of his
hands endeavored to make its
way
between the
rope and his neck, and partially succeeded, but
the other fell quivering by his side. A convulsive
shuddering passed over his whole frame, and he
hung a hideous livid corse.
Birch continued gazing on this scene with a
kind of infatuation, and at its close he placed his
hands to his ears, rushing towards the highway ;
but still the cries for mercy rung through his brain,
and it was many weeks before his memory ceased
to dwell on the horrid event. The Cow-boys rode
steadily on their route, as if nothing had occurred,
and the body was left swinging in the wind, until
chance directed the footsteps of some stragglers to
the place.


THE SPY.
259
"So, sergeant,” continued the operator, after
pausing a moment while Lawton took the position
which we have described, "if you cut upwards,
the blow, by losing the additional momentum of
your weight, will be less destructive, and at the
same time effect the true purposes of war, that of
disabling your enemy."
“ Pooh! pooh! sargeant, dear,” said the wash-
erwoman, raising her head from her blanket;
66 where's the harm of taking a life jist in the way
of battle? Is it the rigʻlars who'll show favor, and
they fighting? Ask Captain Jack, there, if the
country could git the liberty, and the boys no strike
their might.--Pooh! I wouldn't have them dispa-
rage the whiskey so much."
• It is not to be expected, that an ignorant fe-
male like yourself, Mrs. Flanagan,” returned the
operator, with ineffable disdain,“ can comprehend
the distinctions of surgical science; neither are
you accomplished in the sword exercise; so that
dissertations upon the judicious use of that weapon
could avail you nothing, either in theory or prac-
“ It's but little I care, any way, for sich bother-
ments," said Betty, sinking her head under her
blanket again; “but fighting is no play, and a
body shouldn't be partic'lar how they strike, or
who they hit, so it's the inimy.'
“ Are we likely to have a warm day, Captain
Lawton ?” said the surgeon, turning from the
washerwoman with vast contempt.
56'Tis more than probable," replied the trooper,
in a voice that startled his companion; "these
militia seldom fail of making a bloody field, either
by their cowardice or their ignorance. And the
real soldier is made to suffer for their bad con-
tice."
duct.”
“ Are you ill, John ?" said the surgeon, passing


260
THE SPY.
his hand along the arm of the captain, until it in.
stinctively settled on his pulse; but the steady,
even beat announced neither bodily nor mental
malady.
“Sick at heart, Archibald, at the folly of our
rulers, in believing that battles are to be fought,
and victories won, by fellows, who handle a mus-
ket as they would a flail-lads who wink when
they pull a trigger, and form a line like a hoop-
pole. It is the dependance we place on these men
that spills the best blood of the country.”
The surgeon listened to his philippic with
amazement. It was not the matter but the man-
ner that surprised him. The trooper had uniform-
ly exhibited on the eve of battle, an animation
and eagerness to engage, that was directly at va-
riance with the admirable coolness of his manner
at other times. But now there was a despondency
in the tones of his voice, and a listlessness in his
air, that was entirely different. The operator hesi-
tated a moment to reflect in what manner he
could render this change of service, in furthering
his favorite system, and then continued
" It would be wise, John, to advise the colonel
to keep at long shot--a spent ball will disable"
“No!” exclaimed the trooper impatiently ; " let
the rascals singe their whiskers at the muzzles of
the British muskets-if they can be driven there;
but enough of them. Archibald, do you deem
that moon to be a world like this, and containing
creatures like ourselves ?”
Nothing more probable, dear John--we know
its size, and reasoning from analogy, may easily
conjecture its use. Whether or not its inhabitants
have attained that perfection in the sciences which
we have acquired, must depend greatly on the
state of its society, and in some measure upon
its
physical influences."


THE SPY.
261
"I care nothing about their learning, Archibald ;
but, 'tis a wonderful power that can create such
worids, and control them in their wanderings. I
know not why, but there is a feeling of melancho-
ly excited within me, as I gaze on that body of
light, shaded as it is by your fancied sea and land.
It seems to be the resting place of departed spi-
rits !!!
“ Take a drop, darling,” said Betty, raising her
head once more, and proffering her own bottle;
" 'tis the night damps that chills the blood--and
then the talk with the cursed militia is no good for
a fiery temper; take a drop darling, and yee'll
sleep 'till the morning. I fed Roanoke myself,
for I thought yee might need hard riding the mor-
row.'
“ 'Tis a glorious heaven to look upon,” conti-
nued the trooper, in the same tone, and utterly dis-
regarding the offer of Betty; "and 'tis a thousand
pities, that such worms as men, should let their
vile passions deface such goodly work."
"You speak the truth, dear John; there is room
for all to live and enjoy themselves in peace, if
each could be satisfied with his own. Still war has
its advantages-it particularly promotes the know-
ledge of surgery--and"
" There is a star," continued Lawton, still bent
on his own ideas, “struggling to glitter through a
few driving clouds; perhaps that too is a world,
and contains creatures endowed with reason like
ourselves; think you, that they know of war and
bloodshed ?"
“If I might be so bold,” said Sergeant Hollis-
ter, mechanically raising his hand to his cap,“ 'tis
mentioned in the good book, that the Lord made
the sun to stand still, while Joshua was charging
the enemy, in order do you see, sir, as I suppose,
that they might have day-light to turn their flank,


THE SPY
263
ricans had greatly the advantage, but in discipline
and equipments, the superiorit) was entirely with
their enemies.
The arrangements for the battle
were brief, and by the tiine that the sun had risen,
the militia moved forward to the attack.
The ground did not admit of the movements of
the horse, and the only duty that could be assign-
ed to the dragoons, was to watch the moment of
victory, and endeavor to improve the success to
the utmost. Lawton soon got his warriors into
the saddle, and leaving them to the charge of Hol-
lister, he rode himself along the line of foot, who
in varied dresses and imperfectly armed, were
formed in a shape that in some degree resembled
a martial array.
A scornful smile lowered around
the lip of the trooper, as he guided Roanoke
with a skilful hand through the windings of their
ranks, and as the word was given to march, he
turned the flank of the regiment, and followed
close in the rear. The Americans had to descend
into a little hollow and rise a bill on its opposite
side to approach the enemy. The descent was
made with tolerable steadiness, until near the foot of
the hill, when the royal troops advanced in a beau-
tiful line, with their flanks protected by the forma-
tion of the ground. The appearance of the Briush
drew a fire from the militia, which was given with
good effect, and for a moment staggered the re-
gulars. But they were rallied by their officers,
and threw in volley after volley, with great steadi-
For a short time the fire was warm and
destructive, until the English advanced with the
bayonet. This assault the militia had not suffi-
cient discipline to withstand. Their line wavered,
then paused, and finally broke into companies, and
fragments of companies, keeping up at the same
time a scattering and desultory fire.
ness.


264
THE SPY.
Lawton witnessed these operations in silence.
nor opened his mouth to speak, until the field was
covered with parties of the flying Americans.-
Then, indeed, he seemed stung with the disgrace
that was thus heaped upon the arms of his country.
Spurring Roanoke along the side of the hill, he
called to the fugitives in all the strength of his
powerful voice. He pointed to the enemy, and
assured his countrymen that they had mistaken
the way. There was such a mixture of indiffer-
ence and irony in his exhortations, that a few
paused in surprise-more joined them, until rous-
ed by the example of the trooper, and stimulated
by' their own spirits, they demanded to be lcd
against their foe once more.
“Come on then, my brave friends!” shouted
the trooper, turving his horse's head towards the
British line, one Hank of which was very near
him ; " Come on, and hold your fire until it will
scorch their eye-brows."
The men sprang forward, and followed his ex-
ample, neither giving nor receiving a fire, until
they had reached to within a very short distance
of the enemy.
An English Sergeant, who had
been concealed by a rock, enraged with the audaci .
ty of the officer who thus dared their arms, stept
from behind his cover, and advancing within a few
yards of the trooper, levelled his musket-
“ Fire, and you die !” cried Lawton, spurring
his charger, who sprung forward at the instant.
The action and the tone of his voice shook the
nerves of the Englishman, who drew his trigger
with an uncertain aim. Roanoke sprang with all
his feet from the earth, and, plunging, fell headlong
and lifeless at the feet of his destroyer. Lawton
kept his feet and stood face to face with his ene-
my, who presented his bayonet, and made a des-
perate thrust at the trooper's heart. The steel of


THE SPY.
265
their weapons emitted sparks of fire, and the baye
onet flew fifty feet in the air. At the next mo-
ment its owner lay a quivering corpse.
“Come on," shouted the trooper, as a body of
English appeared on the rock and threw in a close
fire; "come on," he repeated, and brandished
his sabre fiercely. His gigantic form fell back-
ward like a majestic pine that was yielding to the
axe, but still, as he slowly fell, he continued to
wield his sabre, and once more the deep tones of
his voice uttered, come on.”
The advancing Americans paused aghast, as they
witnessed the fate of their new leader, and then
turning, they left to the royal troops the victory:
It was neither the intention nor the policy of
the English commander to pursue his success, as
he well knew that strong parties of the Americans
would soon arrive ; accordingly, he only tarried to
collect bis wounded, and forming into a square, he
commenced his retreat towards their shipping.
Within twenty minutes of the fall of Lawton, the
ground was deserted by both English and Ameri-
cans.
When the inhabitants of the country were call-
ed upon to enter the field, they were necessarily
attended by such surgical advisers, as were furnish-
ed by the low state of the profession in the inte.
rior, at that day. Dr. Sitgreaves entertained quite
as profound a contempt for the medical attendants
of the militia, as the Captain did of the troops
themselves. He wandered, therefore, around the
field, casting many an expressive glance of disap-
probation at the slight operations that came under
his eye; but, when among the flying troops, he
found that his comrade and friend was no where
to be seen, he hastened back to the spot at which
Hollister was posted, to inquire if the trooper was
returned. Of course, the answer he received was
Vol. 2.
23


266
THE SPY
in the negative. Filled with a thousand aneasy
conjectures, the surgeon, without regarding, or in-
deed without at all reflecting, upon any dangers
that might lie in his way, strode over the ground
at an enormous rate, to the point where he knew
had been the final struggle. Once before, the sur-
geon had rescued his friend from death, in a simi-
lar situation, as he supposed, and he felt a secret
joy in his own conscious skill, as he perceived
Betty Flanagan seated on the ground, holding in
her lap the head of a man, whose size and dress
he knew belonged only to the trooper. As he ap-
proached the spot, the surgeon became alarmed
at the aspect of the washerwoman. Her little
black bonnet was thrown aside, and her hair,
which was already streaked with gray, hung around
her face in disorder.
" John! dear John," said the Doctor tenderly,
as he bent and laid his hand upon the senseless
wrist of the trooper, from which it recoiled with
an intuitive knowledge of his fate, “ John! dear
John, where are you hurt !--can I help you ?"
“ Yee talk to the senseless clay,” said Betty,
focking her body, and unconsciously playing with
the raven ringlets of the trooper's hair; "it's no
more will he hear, and it's but little will he mind
yee'r probes and yee'r med'cines. Och! hone-
och! honem and where will be the liberty now?
or who will there be to fight the battles, or gain
the day ?!!
“ John!" repeated the surgeon, still unwilling
to believe the evidence of his unerring senses;
6 dear John, speak to me-say what you will, that
you do but speak. Oh! God !” exclaimed the
surgeon, giving way to his emotions, “he is dead;
would that I had died with him!'
6. There is but little use in living and fighting
now,” said Betty; "both him and the baste!--


THE SPY.
267
sce, there is the poor cratur, and here is his mas-
ter. I fed the horse with my own hands the day ;
and the last male that he ate, was of my own
cooking. Och! hone-och! hone--that Captain
Jack should live to be killed by the rig’lars !"
“ John !--my dear John!" said the surgeon,
with convulsive sobs, “thy hour has come, and
many a more prudent man survives thee--but
none better, nor braver. Oh! John, thou wert
to me a kind friend, and very dear; it is unphilo-
sophical to grieve--but for thee, John, I must
weep, even in bitterness of heart !''
The Doctor buried his face in his hands, and
for several minutes sat yielding to an ungovernable
burst of sorrow; while the washerwoman gave
vent to her grief in words--moving her body in a
kind of writhing, and playing with different parts
of her favorite's dress with her fingers.
“And who'll there be to incourage the boys
now?” she said ; " oh! Captain Jack !--Captain
Jack ! yee was the sowl of the troop, and it
was but little we know'd of the danger, and yee
fighting. Och! he was no maly mouth'd, that
quarrelled wid a widowed woman for the matter
of a burn in the mate, or the want of a breakfast.
Taste a drop, darling, and it may be, 'twill revive
yee. Och! and he'll nivir taste agin—here's
the Doctor, honey, him yee used to blarney wid,
wapeing as if the poor sowl would die for
yee.
Och ! he's gonemhe's gone, and the liberty is
gone wid him."
A heavy and thundering sound of horses' feet
came rolling along the road which led near the
place where Lawton lay, and directly the whole
body of Virginians appeared, with Dunwoodie at
their head. The news of his Captain's fate had
reached him; for the instant that he noticed the
body, he halted the squadron, and dismounting,


268
THE SPY.
approached the spot. The countenance of Law-
ton was not in the least distorted, but the angry
frown which had lowered over his brow, during
the battle, was fixed even in death. His frame
was composed, and stretched as if in sleep. Dun-
voodie took hold of his hand, and gazed a mo-
ment in silence ;-his own dark eye began to flash,
and the paleness which had overspread his fea-
tures, was succeeded by a spot of deep red in
either cheek.
6 With his own sword will I avenge him!” he
cried, endeavoring to take the weapon from the
hand of Lawton-but the grasp resisted his utmost
strength. " It shall be buried with him :-Sit-
greaves, take care of our friend, while I revenge
his death."
The major hastened back to his charger, and
led the way in pursuit of the enemy.
While Dunwoodie had been thus engaged, the
body of Lawton lay in open view to the whole
squadron. He was an universal favorite, and the
sight inflamed the men to the utmost : neither of-
ficers nor soldiers possessed that coolness which
is necessary to ensure success to military opera-
tions, but they spurred ardently after their ene-
mies, burning with a single wish for vengeance.
The English were formed in a hollow square,
which contained their wounded, who were far from
numerous, and were marching steadily across a
very uneven country, as the dragoons approached.
The horse charged in column, and were led by
Dunwoodie, who, burning with revenge, thought
to ride through their ranks, and scatter them at a
blow; but the enemy knew their own safety too
well, and standing firm, received the charge on
the points of their bayonets. The horses of the
Virginians recoiled, and the rear rank of the foot
throwing in a close fire, the major, with a few of


THE SPY.
269
his men fell. The English continned their retreat
the moment they were extricated from their as-
sailants; and Dunwoodie, who was severely, but
not dangerously wounded, recalled his men from
further attempts, which in that stony country must
necessarily be fruitless.
A sad duty remained to be fulfilled :—the dra.
goons retired slowly through the hills, conveying
their wounded commander, and the body of Law-
ton. The latter they interred under the ramparts
of one of the Highland forts, and the former they
consigned to the tender care of his afflicted bride.
Many weeks were gone, before the Major was
restored to sufficient strength to be removed ; dur-
ing those weeks, how often did he bless the mo-
ment that gave him a right to the services of his
beautiful nurse! She hung around his couch with
fond attention ; administered with her own hands
every prescription of the indefatigable Sitgreaves;
and grew each hour in the affections and esteem
of her husband. An order from Washington soon
sent the troops into winter quarters, and permis-
sion was given to Dunwoodie to repair to his own
plantation, with the rank of Lieut. Colonel in or-
der to complete the restoration of his health. Capt.
Singleton made one of the party ; and the whole
family retired from the active scenes of the war,
to the ease and plenty of the major's own estate.
Before leaving Fishkill, however, letters were con-
veyed to them through an unknown hand, ac-
quainting them with Henry's safety and good
health ; and also that Colonel Wellmere had left
the continent for his native island, lowered in the
estimation of every honest man in the royal army.
It was a happy winter for Dunwoodie, and smiles
once more began to play around the lovely mouth
of Frances.
23*


THE SPY.
271
threaten the royal forces from that quarter also.
The preparations partook both of the nature of a
siege and a storm." But Sir Henry Clinton, in the
possession of intercepted letters from Washington,
rested securely within his lines, and cautiously
disregarded the solicitations of Cornwallis for suc-
cour.
It was at the close of a stormy day in the month
of September, that a large assemblage of officers
were collected near the door of a building, that
was situated in the heart of the American troops,
who held the Jerseys. The age, the dress, and
the dignity of deportment, of most of these warri-
ors, indicated them to be of high rank; but to one
in particular was paid a deference and obedience,
that announced him to be of the highest. His
dress was plain, but bore the usual military distinc-
tions of command. He was mounted on a noble
animal of a deep bay, and a group of young men,
in gayer attire, evidently awaited bis pleasure, and
did his bidding. Many a bat was lifted, as its
owner adressed this officer, and when he spoke, a
profound attention, exceeding the respect of mere
professional etiquette, was exhibited on every
countenance. At length the General raised his
own hat, and bowed gravely to all around him.-
The salute was returned, and the party dispersed
leaving the officer without a single attendant, ex-
cept bis body servants and one aid-de-camp. Dis-
mounting, he stepped back a few paces, and for a
moment, viewed the condition of his horse with
the eye of one who well understood the animal,
and then casting a brief but expressive glance at
his aid, he retired into the building, followed by
that gentleman.
On entering an apartment that was apparently
fitted for his reception, he took a seat, and conti-
nued for a long time in a thoughtful attitude, as


272
THE SPY.
13
one who was in the habit of communing much
with himself. During this silence, the aid-de-
camp stood in respectful expectation of his or-
ders. At length the General raised his eyes, and
spoke in low placid tones that seemed natural to
him.
" Has the man whom I wished to secarrived, sir?"
“ He waits the pleasure of your excellency:"
"I will receive him here, and alone, if you
please.”
The aid bowed and withdrew. In a few minutes
the door again opened, and a figure glided into the
apartment, and stood modestly at a distance from
the General, without speaking. His entrance was
unheard by the officer, who sat gazing in the fire,
deeply absorbed in his own meditations. Several
minutes passed, when he spoke to himself in an
under tone
66 To-morrow we must raise the curtain, and
expose our plans. May heaven prosper them."
A slight movement made by the stranger at the
sound of his voice, caught his ear, and he turned
his head and saw that he was not alone. He
pointed silently to the fire, towards which the
figure advanced, although the multitude of his gar-
ments, which seemed more calculated for disguise
than comfort, rendered its warmth unnecessary-
a second mild and courteous gesture motioned to
a vacant chair, but the stranger refused it with a
modest acknowledgment--another pause followed,
and continued for some time; at length the oflicer
arose and opening a desk that was laid upon the
table near which he sat, took from it a small but
apparently heavy bag.
* Harvey Birch," he said, turning to the stran-
ger, 6 the time has arrived when our connexion
must cease ; henceforth and forever we must be
strangers."


THE SPY.
275
3
66 tell
"But those may fail you; take enough to se-
cure a support to your age.
Remember your
risks and cares. I have told you, that the charac-
ters of men, who are much esteemed in life, de-
pend upon your secrecy; what pledge can I give
them of your fidelity ?"
“ Tell them,” said Birch, advancing, and un-
consciously resting one foot on the bag,
them that I would not take the gold."
The composed features of the officer relaxed
into a fine smile of benevolence, and he grasped
the hand of the pedlar firmly.
“Now, indeed, I know you; and although the
same reasons which have hitherto compelled me
to expose your valuable life, will still exist, and
prevent my openly asserting your character, in
private I can always be your friendfail not to
apply to me when in want or suffering, and so
long as God giveth to me, so long will I freely
share with a man who feels so nobly and acts so
well. If sickness or want should ever assail you,
and peace once more smile upon our efforts, seek
the gate of him whom you have often met as Har-
per, and he will not blush to acknowledge you in
his true character."
“ It is little that I need in this life,” said Har-
vey, the glow still mantling over his features.
“ So long as God gives me health and honest in-
dustry, I can never want in this happy country-
but to know that your excellency is my friend, is
a blessing that I prize more than all the gold of
England's treasury;'
The officer stood for a few moments in the atti-
tude of intense thought. He then drew to him
the desk, and wrote a few lines on a piece of
paper, and gave it to the pedlar as he addressed
him-
" That Providence destines this country to some


276
THE SPY.
as
great and glorious fate 1 must believe, while I
witness the patriotism that pervades the bosoms
of her lowest citizens. It must be dreadful to a
mind like yours to descend into the grave, branded
a foe to liberty ; but you already know the
lives that would be sacrificed should your real
character be revealed. It is impossible to do you
justice now, but I fearlessly entrust you with this
certificate-should we never meet again, it may
be serviceable to your children."
“ Children !” exclaimed the pedlar. "Can I
give to a family the infamy of my name !"
The officer gazed at the strong emotion he ex-
hibited with painful amazement, and made a
slight movement towards the gold; but it was
arrested by the proud expression of his compa-
nion's face. Harvey saw the intention, and shook
his head, as he continued more mildly, and with
an air of deep respect-
" It is, indeed, a treasure that your Excellency
gives me--it is safe too.—There are them living
who could
say,
that
my
life was nothing to me,
compared to your secrets. The paper that I told
you was lost, 1 swallowed when taken last by the
Virginians. It was the only time I ever deceived
your Excellency, and it shall be the last--yes,
this is, indeed a treasure to me-perhaps," he
continued with a melancholy smile, “it may
be
known aſter my death who was my friend, and if
it should not, there are none to grieve for me."
Remember,” said the officer, with strong emo-
tion, “ that in me you will always have a secret
friend; but openly I cannot know you."
“I know it--I know it,” said Birch; “I knew
it when I took the service. "Tis probably the last
time that I shall ever see your excellency. May
God pour down his choicest blessings on your
head." He paused, and moved towards the door.


284
THE SPY.
for his years, for the heart of the youth was warm
ed by his eulogium on a mother that he adored.
In a short time, they joined the regiment to which
the officers belonged, when the captain squeezing
the stranger's hand, earnestly begged that he
would make inquiries after him on the following
morning, and that he might see him in his own
tent. Here they separated.
Every thing in the American camp announced
an approaching struggle. At a distance of a few
miles the sound of cannon and musketry, was
heard above even the roar of the cataract. The
troops were soon in motion, and a movement made
to support that division of the army that was al-
ready engaged. Night had set in before the re-
serve and irregulars reached the foot of Lundy's
Lane, a road that diverged from the river and cross-
ed a conical eminence, at no great distance from
the Niagara highway. The summit of this bill
was crowned with the cannon of the British, and
in the flat beneath were the remnant of Scott's
gallant brigade, which had for a long time held an
unequal contest, with distinguished bravery. A
new line was interposed, and one column of the
Americans directed to charge up the hill, parallel
to the road. This column took the English in
flank, and, bayonetting their artillerists, gained
possession of the cannon. They were immediately
joined by their comrades and the enemy was
swept from the bill.
But large reinforcements
were joining the English general momentarily,
and their troops were too brave to rest easy un-
der the defeat. Repeated and bloody charges
were made to recover the guns, but in all they
were repulsed with slaughter.. During the last
of these struggles, the ardor of the youthful cap-
tain w..om we have mentioned, urged him to lead
his meu some distance in advance, to scatter a dar-


THE SPY
285
66
ing party of the enemy-he succeeded, but in
returning to the line missed his lieutenant from
the station that he ought to have occupied. Soon
after this repulse, which was the last, orders were
given to the shattered troops to return to the
camp. The British were no where to be seen,
and preparations were made to take in such of
the wounded as could be moved. At this moment
Wharton Dunwoodie, impelled by affection for
his friend, seized a lighted fuse, and taking two
of his men, went himself in quest of his body,
where he was supposed to have fallen. Mason
was found on the side of the hill, seated with
great composure, but unable to walk from a frac-
tured leg.
Dunwoodie saw and flew to the side
of his comrade, exclaiming-
“Ah! dear Tom, I knew I should find you the
nearest man to the enemy.”
Softly---softly-handle me tenderly," replied
the Lieuteuant; no, there is a brave fellow still
nearer than myself, and who he can be I know
not. He rushed out of our smoke near my pla-
toon, to make a prisoner or some such thing, but,
poor fellow, he never came back; there he lies
just over the hillock. I have spoken to him seve-
ral times, but I fancy he is past answering."
Dunwoodie went to the spot, and to his aston-
ishment beheld the aged stranger.
" It is the old man who knew my mother!"
cried the youth ; " for her sake he shall have
honorable burial--lift him, and let him be carried
in; his bones shall rest on native soil.”
The men approached to obey. He was lying
on his back, with his face exposed to the glaring
light of the fuse; his eyes were closed, as if in
slumber ;--his lips, sunken with years, were slight-
ly moved from their natural position, but it seem-
ed more like a smile than a convulsion, wbick


286
THE SPY.
was
caused the change. A soldier's musket lay near
him, where it had fallen from his grasp ; his hands
were both pressed upon his breast, and one of
them contained a substance that glittered like sil-
ver. Dunwoodie stooped, and removing the limbs,
perceived the place where the bullet had found a
passage to his heart. The subject of his last care
à tin box, through which the fatal lead had
gone; and the dying moments of the old man must
have passed in drawing it from his bosom. Dun-
woodie opened it, and found a paper, in which, to
his astonishment, he read the following:
“ Circumstances of political importance, which
involve the lives and fortunes of many, have hi-
therto kept secret what this paper now reveals.
Harvey Birch has for years been a faithful and un-
requited servant of his country. Though man does
not, may God reward him for his conduct.
4 GEORGE WASHINGTON.”
It was the spy OF THE NEUTRAL GROUND, who
had died as he lived, devoted to his country, and
a martyr to her liberties.
THE END


南
​


J'Freu
VOLCOLO nas Dot Deen, I
believe, as popular as the first work of Mr. Irving;
but that is because it is not his first work, and.be.
cause it tells of England, with which we are bet-
ter acquainted than with America - probably
Bracebridge Hall will be nked helter with you
thav even the Sketch Book. It is beautifully
written-obviously he has taken the Spectator
for his model, and his old knight is a montera Sır
Roger de Coverly-with variations. Lady Lilli
cralt is good and her dog admirable-ther Stovi
Gentleman-the Ion Yard—the Rookery---are all
exquisite paintings in the high finish of the Flem-
ish school--and the mad girl, and the chapter on
country gentlemen, have excellencies of another
and a higher order.
“ The laule of the book (Bracebridge Hall) 13
that the workmanship surpasses the work. There
is too such care and cost bestowed on peity ob-
jects. This is the fault of the Flemish school.-
Il is all natural--but all nature does not deserve
to be painted by a master's hand. The perring
on a board, and the dropsıcal woman and the
beggar boy, are five Flemish pictures, but we re-
gret that such talents were bestowed on such sab.
jects. I have seen a celebrated old woman's bead
by a Flemish painter, Denver, which actually
made ine shudder and disgusted me, I'rom being
too accurately taken off from reality-like a mask
taken from a dead face--fac simile without life.
" Thank you for the Spy. I cannot agree with
you in thinking it a flashy performance. We read
- it alond in our family, and pol withstanding many
peculiar faults of style and composition, and the
wparisome trick of describing every Greature s
looks and emphasis "every time they speak or
move, we found it higbly interesting, from des-
cribing manners and a state ot society that are
new to us,--and independently of this American
value, we think it a work of great genius. In the
Flewish style nothing in Washington Irving, or
even io Walter Scott, is more perfect nature than
the Irish follower of the Camp, Betty. I single
her out as an instance; because of her we can
best judge. She is one of the most faithful and
exquisite Irish characters I ever saw drawn; with
individual characteristic touches, and yet repre-
senting a whole class. The bumour, and wit, and
blander, and sagacity, and good nature, anu want
of moral principle, and abundance of moral feel.
ing, most happily blended together, so as to make
it genuine Irish. It has the rare merit of not being
the least exaggerated in humour and the dialect
is such as could not have been hit except by one
well acquainted with Irish characters.
« But independently of Betly, there is very
strong drawing of character and of human pature
in general, as well as of national character in this
work.The story I grant you is confused, and the
main interest turning upon the pedlar Spy injudi-
cious. No sympathy can be excited with nean.
ness, and there must be a degree of meannees ever
associated with the idea of a Spy Neither poe.
try nor prose can ever make a spy an heroic char.
acter. From Dolon in the lliad, lo Major Andre,
and from Major Andre to this siustrument of
Washington, it has been found impracticable to
raise a spy into a hero. Even the punishment of
hanging goes against all heroic stomachs-the
scaffold is a glorious thing, and may be brought
on the stage with safety-but would even Shake.
$


PS1417
S7
1822