THE
DUTC:- D OtINI]E
OF
THE  CATSKILLS;
OR,
THE TIMES.OF THE "BLOODY BRANDT."
BY
REV. DAVID MURDOCHI, D.D.
NEW YORK:
DERBY & JACKSON, 498 BROADWVAY.
1861.




ENTERIED according to Act of Congress, in the year 1860, by
DERBY & JACKSON,
In the Clcrk's Office of the District Comut of the United States, for the Southern
District of New York.
W. H. TINsoo, Stereotyper.                                   Guo. ROssELL & Co., Prinlters.




THE DISCOVERY.
LETTER of WESSEL SCHERMERHORN, to the excellent and senerable
ABRAHAM HAASBROUGH, Esq., New York.
HIGH PEAK, Aug. 12, 1860.
Iy MUCH'  RESPECTED UNCLE~
BY MY iMOTHER'S SIDE.
i WRITE this.from the highest point of land my feet ever have stood
upon. I am'now looking out upon the great valley of the Hudson,
and can see the spires of Poughkeepsie, the cupola of the Capitol
at Albany, the hills of Connecticut and Massachusetts. The White
and Green Mountains rise before me in noble grandeur;* all spreading out, so that it seems as if a great sheet were let down from
heaven; while the North River, like a silver ribbon, is running
through the' resplendent garniture. We of Holland descent have
cause of pride' in Hendrick Hudson the discoverer; and as I look
down, my heart beats with transport at the thought that MY ancestors have made all that land to become What I see, in fertility, richness and beauty. Chiefly my blood dances in my veins as I recall
the history of those noble acts performed on the scene that lies
before my view.
Knowing your great interest in all that refers to the past, I have,
since leaving the Bowery, been collecting the antiquities of this
region, especially such as may throw light upon the early history of
the colony, as far back as the settlement of New Amsterdam —a
mattel iii which I know you to be deeply interested, engaged as you
iii




IV                     THE DISCOVERY.
now are in forming a museum, that may in time rival that ofoPlymouth Rock or Hartford.
I send you several cases per the " Vrow " sloop, Captain Post, in
which are precious relics, valuable in your eyes: Primu.s. Dutch
tiles that were brought over in the ship "Gilded Beaver," March,
1660; a china milk-pot that stood on Gen. Schuyler's table when
the great Washington and his aid, Gen. Hamilton, sat at the same;
a looking-glass that the light-heeled Doclhter of Dom. Megapolenses
saw herself in before she ran away with Michael Goosen, the tailor.
Secrundus. A piece of the Duffel cloth, the knife, and a button from
the beaver that Aejie Hollenback got for interpreting between the
Governor who then was, and Pewack, Chief of the -Mohicand ers, at the
transfer of the land east of the Caulibergs, extending firom the Heilderbergs, north, near to Albany, down to the south of Siepos Creek,
which creek runs close to Kingston, which was ancient Esopus; also,
in a small box laid in lint that grew on old Dom. Schuaneman's farm,
you will find a ring once worn by Annie Bogart, sister's dochter to
Aneja Bogardus, that was second cousin to Anneka Janks, of blessed
memory; next you have the staff or cane with which Dom. Schaet
chastised the Lutheran dominie when he came off second best.
Tertius. And what you will value most of all is the ancient manuscript, inclosed in double sheepskin.  Its history is curious and
might mare the groundwork of a strange story itself. One of the
dominies of the region being inquisitive in his disposition, and fond
of tracing out all traditions of old Holland, found in an oaken,
worm-eaten chest, books bearing the name of Dom. de Rainde,
who had,- with other good men, been driven away from New York
when the British took the ancient edifice in William  street, and
made it a riding school. By looking into the records of the Collegiate Church, you will doubtless find the name and the history of
that Revolutionary worthy, up to the time he took refuge in Caatsbaan, the ancient stone church of which lies just at my feet, and
where I went last Sabbath, and heard the purest, and most eloquent




THE DISCOVERY.                        V
Dominie that now lives, of the old stock. Among those old volumes
_was this precious document found, and which I procured under the
solemn pledge of conveying it to the hands of those for whom it
was originally designed. Being proud to say that I have an uncle,
by my mother's side, in the Grand Consistory of the Collegiate
Church, the discoverer has intrusted the manuscript to my care, and
which I send to you in perfect confidence that justice will be done
to the venerable author by his no less venerable successors.
Here let me speak a word in behalf of the finder of this ancient
document, who is worthy of all gratitude for rescuing such a relic
from oblivion; and as you may be curious to know of him, I would
merely say to you, and through you to the Grand Consistory, that
he has not a drop of Holland blood in his body. When I ventured
to ask him how he took such an interest in our " LITTLE ZION " here
in North America, he rose to his feet, and with great fervor declared
that the "true dominic's blood runs in the spirit, not in the veins;
and that the sons of John Knox were, in dark days, nursed at the
breasts of old Leyden, and that they still retaifi the samre life in them,
instinctively finding out those of the same famnily."  Another reason
he said might be given for his own attachment to the Hollanders on
the west side of the Atlantic: his forefathers had been determined
free traders from the coast of Scotland to that of, Holland, sailing
past the custom-house independently, which some foolishly styled
smuggling; but whatever it was, "this son of Caledonia "-here he
struck his breast with force-" is a free man, and has a strong love
for all patriots in general, and a sincere admiration for his predecessor, DOMINIE SCOUNEMAN, in particular."
So far I tell, the secrets I keep till I see you.
Your loving nephew,
W. S.




Vi                    THE DISCOVERY.
CATSBAAN, Dec. 27, 1778.
To the Venerab.le Consistory of the Collegiate C/hurch of Xewa York.
To MY BELOVED BRETHEEN, GREETING:
Ever since the day I parted with you until now, I have
longed to hear of your affairs; hoping that this will find your bodies
in health, even as I know your souls prosper. Obliged, as I have
been, to part from you, and to take up my abode here, even as the
pelican in the wilderness, it grieves my heart sore, to think that my
presence cannot be with you to comfort you in the midst of that
cruel war which still environs you. Nevertheless, though you have
in the abundance of your liberality declared my beloved associate
and fellow laborer in the Gospel, the good and learned Dominie Riudolphus Ritzema, and myself, emeriti, i.e. amply providing for our
wants; which I understand to mean that our presence is henceforth to be dispensed with, in lieu of younger and smoother tongued
men who can use the modern speech of Sion to advantage, in the
new state of things, I am content. My share of public delights has
been given in times past; nor did I cease while going in and out
before you to cultivate the Humanities daily; so that I might do
honor and service to the learned Kerke of Holland planted here in
this desert land, not suffering any one to affirm that I was behind in
anything which might commend the doctrines of the Reformed
Churches, and that furthermore I might have within my own soul
a spring of pure delight, from which I might drink in my solitude,
and be satisfied, as the wise Solomon saith of the good man.
Prov. xiv., 14.
Happily for me, this power of drawing fiom myself remaineth
even unto old age. Could you but see me engaged in my regular
studies, writing out my weekly discourse which I never expect to
deliver orally; or reading out of the holy and learned Thos. Sherlocke, D.D., late Master of the Temple and Bishop of London, a
volume of whose works my late and beloved colleague, Dom. Ritzema has sent me from his exile in Kinderhook (his own copy, Ex




THE DISCOVERY.                      Vii
Dono Reverendi Doctoris Samuelis Johnson, Connecticut), a wonderful book from which I have been drawing nourishment. Truly
he is the Locke of Divinity, who anatomizes the whole system and
illustrates its component parts.
Besides those weightier matters, I have not neglected my duty to
my country: so I have been careful to record the passing events
of the present time. I have written a history. It is after the manner of an old painter of the mother country (you know Holland has
been famous for her artists); he sat down without plan, and putting
down the objects which first struck his eye, threw the sketch aside,
and found it next day to be a natural picture of the first order.
There will be historians in swarms who will give the outside of
this great struggle. I have written of the quieter scenes of life in
a disturbed state, and as it would not be safe to let the world know
now what I have written, I send it to your care, so that it may be
put into the strong box where we have hidden our records.
Some future antiquarian of sufficient enthusiasm  may give my
history to the world. One hundred years hence it will be read with
admiration. To your care I commit it.
~Never expecting to meet you again in the flesh, Voorts, broeders!
zijt blijde, de God nu des vredes zal den Satan haast onder uwe
voeten verpletteren. De genade van onzen I-leere Jezus Christus zij
met ulieden. Amen.
DoM. DE RAINDE.
POSTSCRIPT FROM MY LAST BED.-I have never found a safe hand
whereby to convey my history, and so I trust it to Him who kept- the
Book of the Law till Ezra found it. Kind finder send it thither.








CONTENTS.
PAGE
Introductory Letter giving an account of the Great Discovery,.   iii
Letter of Dominic de Rainde to the Consistory of the Collegiate
Church, New York, dated December, 1778,...vi
BOOK I.
GIVING AN ACCOUNT OF THE BLOODY BRANDT S DESCENT UPON THE
KAATSKILL VLAATS, OCTOBER, 1778, WITH OTHER MATTERS
KNOWN ONLY TO THE AUTHOR.
CHAPTER I.
Uncertainty,....            17
CHAPTER II.
Deep Doubt,... 2
CHAPTER III.
A Harvest Feast,                                                3
CHAPTER IV.
The Rescue,.46
CHAPTER V.
Doubting Castle-Giant Despair,,..     ~.  652
CHAPTER VI.
The Eyelids of the Morning,..8.  8
CHAPTER VII.
Revenge is Sweet,.'..                    66




X                          CONTENTS.
PAGE
CHAPTER VIII.
Wars and Rumors of Wars,...18
CHAPTER  IX.
The Depths of Satan,...   92
CHAPTER X.
The Perils of a Pilgrimage,..                                104
CHAPTER XI.
Samson carrying off the Gates of Gaza,..... 113
CHAPTER XII.
The Brave but Bloody Brandt,..                 127
CHAPTER XIII.
Blessed are the Pure in Heart,.....              147
CHAPTER XIV.
A Trial of Faith and Fortitude,.                             158
CHIAPTER XV.
The Spectral Looking-glass,..                        172
CHAPTER XVI.
Queen of the Mountain,...               187:BOOI II.
THE BURNING OF SOPUS AND. THE I1MMEDIATE CONSEQUENCES THEREOF.
CHAPTER I.
The Antediluvian Debate continued,.                           207
CHAPTER II.
Love Stronger than Death,..213
CHAPTER III.
The Sport of a Fool, casting Firebrands, Arrows and Death,. 224
CHAPTER IV.
More Dangers than a Battle,.... 233
CHAPTER V.
Darkness, Death and Deliverance,.. 253




CONTE;NTS.                          xi
PAGE
CHAPTER VI.
The Pleasures of Suspense,.                                 259
CHAPTER VII.
A Panther or a Catamount,. 270
CIHAPTER VIII.
Fun, Frolic and Folly, finished Soberly,'..          278
CHAPTER IX.
A Dutch Dominie at Home,.... 284
B O OKt III.
BURGOYNEIS FAILURE; BEING THE REVELATION OF SECRET CAUSES
UNNOTICED BY THE GREAT HISTORIANS OF THE TIME.
CHAPTER I.
A Prisoner in Disguise, before a Tribunal in Disguise,..  297
CHAPTER II.
A Masquerade,.                                              308
CHAPTER III.
A Wheel within a Wheel,...                                   316
CHAPTER IV.
Judgment and Mercy kissed,. 326
CHAPTER V.
The Marshalling and Marching of the Mighty to the Mountains,.. 335
B O O K IV.
THE FAILURE OF BRANDT; SHOWING THE STRENGTH OF INDIAN
AMBITION AND REVENGE, AND HOW THEY WERE FRUSTRATED.
CHAPTER I.
Hunting the Lion and his tawny Whelps,.                      351
CHAPTER II.
The Head in the Lion's Mouth-,.                  35'7




xii                        CONTENTS.
PAGO
CHAPTER III.
The African Court-Martial,.                  363
CHAPTER IV.
Revenge is Sweet,......   37
CHAPTER V.
The Restless Spirit,..,. 382
CHAPTER VI.
The Last Indian Battle on the River Hudson, 1760,.. 388
CHAPTER VII.
A Human Whirlpool,.                                          402
CHAPTER VIII.
The Wings of a Cherub,. 412
CHAPTER IX.
The Amphitheatre,....      423
CHAPTER X.
Fawn's Leap,.                                               4.....34
CHAPTER XI.
A Bridge of Gold for an Enemy's Retreat,.           439
CHAPTER XII.
Tears and Smiles,... 448
CHAPTER XIII.
The Immortal Soul,..                                            6. 4.6
CHAPTER XIV.
The Consummation devoutly to be wished,..               464




BOOK I.
GIVING AN ACCOUNT OF THE
BLOODY BRANDT'S DESCENT UPON THE KAATSKILL VLAATS,
O T Oa: wC 33 TR, 1 7' 7 8,
WITH OTHER MATTERS, KNOWN ONLY TO THE AUTHOR.








INTRODUCTION.
To read this book with profit to the reader, and with
justice to the author, it would be to the advantage of both,
were a survey to be taken of the region where the scene lies,
on which such great events have transpired. The place for
this will be that gorge in the mountain that lies half way between Elmira, Caatsban, and old IKaatskill.  There is,
when it is reached, a paved floor of stone. Through the
crevices therein grows up innumerable small pines, where the
bear and the deer find refuge, and the hunter lodges all night
for his prey. Go forward to the brink of the precipice, and
look out, where all New England stretches before you; then
look northward and southward, where the Knickerbockers
dwell.
On that spot where you stand the Indian and the Tory met
to hold their bloody conclaves. The mountain range was the
dividing line. The road from the settlements below, to Fort
N iagara, runs over the hills beneath you up to this point,
going through Unadilla and Scenedawa, by Queen Catharine's County, near Lake Ca-nun-da-saga.
From these crags the savage descended upon the peaceable
Boermen of the vlatts like a hungry cormorant, or a wolf on




xvi                INTRODUCTION.
the fold, sweeping the Whigs away to death or bondage.
Should the time ever arrive when these mountains will be
trod by civilized men, let them not forget that the privilege
of looking out from them in peace has been bought with the
blood of the patriot.




THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
CHAPTER I.
UNCERTAINTY.
C The great high an' low have but two prominent virtues-patience and courage."$HERLOCK.
IT was on an evening of October, 1778, that old Miartin
Schuyler, with his wife, the good Angelica, were sitting
musing in silence, interrupted only by the ticking of the old
clock in the corner, that had told the course of time to
generations before Martin himself had looked up on the sun,
moon or stars. So well had its present possessor become
acquainted with the solemn regular tick, tack, that his pulse
and his thoughts went in unison with the venerable tinmepiece. Slow or fast, he had come to regard the mysterious
machinery of his soul and body as parts of the same creature
within the mahogany case, so that whenever anything went
wrong with the one, the other was sure to be out of order.
The Dominie, who was the only doctor ill his parish, knew
this fact so well, that when he came on a spiritual or a bodily
visitation he was sure first to administer to the soul, then
leave some medicine for the stomach, and he as invariably
set about putting all right within the old clock-case.
This essential regulatoi of the venerable manfsion had given
warning through the day of a hectic pulse, which brought
on midnight before the natural time, making the old man
give an unusual start as the hammer struck twelve. He had
just finished his second pipe, and was pushing his finger and




THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
thumb into his bladder bag for a new supply when he found
time to say:' Anshela, vat's dat. de- Dominee said bout te spy in te
camp, an sai'ch out te men in te city?"
"sAwee," was the quiet answer of the vrow, for she perceived that her good man's mind was excited or disturbed,
and she wished to allay his troubles rather than increase
them; "te Dominee meant te king of the Jews finding te
men dat ver' gainst him."
"Ha! te Dominee, Schuneman, is a very cunning man,
and meant to give Jake Overpagh a hit wid his gad;- for I
saw dat he looked straight in te rascal's face, dat made him
bring down his impudent head like a shot duck."
Old M3artin chuckled at his own jest, and waited to hear
what his vrow iwould say to his conjecture.
But Angelica, with true woman's wit, knew that she was
on dangerous ground when her companion's peace had been
disturbed before, and she merely said: "Te Dominie drew
his bow at a venture, and it might pierce Jake between te
joints of te harness."
" I wish to te Lord," said the husband, with more haste than
usual, "dat I could speak to te skitimylink through old Peg
dere, and a hole would be made big enough to let te light in
dat would make him spy from te toder world rayther than
round Whig doors."
"Whish! whish!" said the anxious vrow, "stone walls
have ears; better, MIartin, to have a close mout' thanl an open
skull."
All this time, while this unusually long conversation w:as
going on, the one was preparing his pipe, and the other
lknitting quietly at the other side of the long chimney, in
w-llich smoldered the remains of what had been a proportionably large fire, now left to sink into red coals. All was quiet
in the other parts of the capacious dwelling; cattle and
negroes had alike'been cared for, and the hour for that
worthy pair to retire had nearly come.  Conversation
between the two was rather a luxury than a common indulgence.  Like the two buckets of their own deep well, when
the one was up, it was always left fill on the curb ready for
use, and the other was sunk into the profundity beneath, and
though it took some time to bring it up, it was fresh for
household service: it was always there when the traveller
came, and welcome for his horse or himself. The bucket
never came up empty.




UNCERTAINTY.                   19
The old Boerman gave a sudden start, as if something had
struck him.  Angelica saw that he was alarmed through
some cause without doors. She was well acquainted with
the habits of her husband, and knew all the circumstances of
the country sufficiently well to enter immediately into the
feeling of the occasion. He was not a man to be frightened
at a shadow, nor was she unprepared for the exigencies of
the*period. WVhen Martin, after cautiously looking up to
the window, rose slowly on his feet, and stepped to the stair
that went up to the chamber, lifting old Peg, as he passed,
from her resting-place on the wooden hooks fixed in the
joists over head, the careful vrow ceased even to breathe,
sitting as still on her stool as if she was stone; then, with an
equally cautious step, followed her husband up the steps, both
that she might aid him and obtain information, or give counsel.
The house was one of those heavy stone structures, that
seemed built more as towers of dcefence than as places for
comfort; the walls three feet thick, with small windows,
like ancient shot-holes, covered with heavy shutters, which,
in the windy seasons, slamned like the gates of a sepulchre,
and as dolefully loud.
Close by one of these in the dark, Martin stood peering
out, when Angelica joined her sight to his; and thinking
herself the first to perceive the cause of alarm, she whispered
too loud, " Vat's dat dlere, noo?"
Martin had seen it, but durst not breathe of it lest the ear
of some one would catch the sound; and, turning around, he
gave his good vrow a pinch on the arm, which was neither
love nor hate. Pointing with his finger, he directed Angelica's eye to some living thing moving between them and a
grey rock that stood but a short distance from the house;
and nearer to them another of the same kind of shadows.
Their blood ran quicker as that last object assured them
both that it was a human form. Danger was abroad! All
their negroes were asleep; no friendly person would be
prowling around a house at such an hour. Massacres had
been common; the Indians were on the hills, and the Tories
had marked old Martin for their prey.  His very name,
SCHUYLER, was enough to render him obnoxious to the whole
race. He loved his coiuntry, and had ventured to take the
side he felt was right; but he was a man, a husband, and a
father.
"The teeken vuur is blazing on the Kekute," whispered the
trembling wife, as she came from looking towards the east.




20                THlE DUTCH DOMINIE.,Martin's courage rose as he saw the acknowledged signal.
His friends were aware of danger being abroad; but here
was something which came under his immediate inspection.
Spies were around his house. Cool by nature, and rendered
cautious through long experience in the woods and on the
hills, neither animal nor Indian could double him, when once
upon the alert. His own cunning was his greatest danger.
He had fallen occasionally into his own trap; and trusted
more to the judgment of his family than he was willing to
confess.
"Where's Elsie?" he whispered to the wife. She was their
only child, and had, in the lack of sons, become the chief stay
of her parents in their declining years. Vigorous, prudent,
and prompt in all her actios, she was equal to any young
man in a case of emergency. It was therefore with some
mortification and sinking of the heart, that he heard the
mother say:
~"Elsie, O the Lamashee has gone to the husking at the
Bught.  Take Csesar wit thee; he is strong, andT faithful;
I'll go and waken him."
"Stay! stay! do not ruin us; dese blacks are sich cowardly
critters, I would as soon take one of the ox steers wid me
in the dark, I must go myself.'"
After he had said this, they came and sat down on the
same place where we found him beside the fire, and comnposedly smoked the pipe lie he had began to fill when he was
first disturbed.  This was his manner when his brain was
foggy; he saw his way best when the smoke whirled thickest
around him; and as he feared it might be some time before
he obtained more of this necessary of life, his first resolution
was to puff a supply. By the time he was through, his mind
was made up. Angelica had been anticifating the whole result; and while the smoke became slow and regular, she had
gathered up some olecakes and rusk, thrusting them into
his ample pockets; filling his horn with dry powder; counting out twenty bullets, and some buck-shot, which she deposited in the same place; brought a worsted cap of her own
working, which she drew upon his head well over his ears;.
which he pushed up in an instant; and doing all this without
a word, she sat down, bending her head forward on her
hands, seeming'to be in the act of silent prayer: which wvas
evidently understood by the musing Dutchman; for he
ceased to puff except in the most silent stream, that rose
more as incense than as indulgence. Not a word had been




UNCERTAINTY.                    21
uttered by them since they came. from the chanber above,
and the house had been made long sine proof against all
pieering eyes; so that M3artin only vwaited the proper time to
go out; but that could not be till he was sure that the marauders had gone from the dwelling.
The house, as we have hinted, was large and solid as all the
nmansions are, except,  here the New England leaven has
changed the taste of some rebellious youth, who was determined to ignore his Dutch origin.  Martin Schuyler was not
of that tribe.  His father had built one side of the house,
with the evident forethought, that his posterity to the fourth
and fifth generation should continue to add to it; and our
friend had done his share by raising wings larger than the
original body, which was distinguished from the rest by being
a few feet lower than the new sides.  So that the house resemblecl some old men we have seen, whose head had sunk
considerably beneath their shoulders, while their larger rear,
required all the room that could be spared to them. It was
literally so of Martin's dwelling built on a side hill, and so
strong itself; it was hard to say whether the hill or the house
was the most crowded. No matter, the high ground behind
served a good purpose in these times of public tumult, when
life and property were in such danger.  A cave had been
originally dug in the hill, to serve as a root-house: this
suggested the idea of a hiding-place, which had been carried
still further into the interior. Indeed so far, that. a passageway had been made sufficiently wide for a person to worm
his way to an opening on the south side of the house. Into
that receptacle, long since all the silver plate of Holland manufacture, all the milledoleors which- Martin had saved, the
China intended for Elsie, a castle of quilted work, indeed
everything that could be dispensed with out of the house;
so that surprise, was not to be so great if it did come at all,
upon such cautiois and cool heads. If there was aught neglected, it was more through too much care than too little.
As in the case of the house being burned or surrounded, and
they forced to flee, ready money was essential, so a round
hole had been dug in the meadow below, out of which a
piece  of turf was carefully taken, the earth removed,
and a pot of silver coin put in, all so well done, that Martin
declared at the end of his life, he could " never find' out the
place himself to this day."
A few pantomime signs were only passed between the two.
Angelica was preparing for retreat if necessary, and Martin




22                THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
for defence, when a slight noise was distinctly heard, as if
some one had missed a footing, and had put out a hand to recover himself. Neither of the two moved a muscle, but their
senses were now fully awakened to danger. "0, if Elsie
were only here," was the internal wish of the anxious man.
So rising slowly and quietly fiom his seat, he stepped into
the back part of the house, through a panel which served
as a door that opened at his touch. Angelica following to
receive and give counsel.
"Where is Elsie said you, Anshela?"'" Down in the Bught at a husking bee," was the quiet and
subdued reply; for the good wife and mother saw plainly
that her husband was troubled.  " Let me go out with'you;
four eyes are better than two; and you know that I have
both caution and courage to meet any danger, when you are
beside me."
"You speak like one of the foolish women, Anshela. I am
only going to watch, not to fight-if I can help it.  I shall
go to the top of the hill, and return in an hour, but if not,
send Elsie to meet me on the Sout Mountain."
"On the Sout Mountain;!" the careful wife exclaimed; "' why
not rather light the teeken vuur and gather our friends?"
"Vrow! Vrow!" whispered Martin with great vehemence,
before any friends could be here, our scalps would be reeking
in that savage Kiskataam's fingers, our grey hairs twisted together. No, I must watch the redskin and see what deviltry
he is up to, and trap him in his den.  Elsie is the only one
that can help me at this hour. Youl stay here quietly. There
are only two of them.  They are waiting till we sleep, and
then they will go to the flat rock and light their warning
fire. Ha! ha! cunning dogs. Martin is before you! Catch
a squirrel sleeping.  Thanks to Peet, for all that I know."
The farmer and the hunter chuckled at the thought of outwitting Kiskataam, the Wild-cat, upon his own ground, the
Kaatskills.
There was no more difficulty in bringing Angelica to agree
to the plan. She was well aware that her careful husband
possessed means of information which he kept to himself.
So with a few more olecakes, and some quiet blessings, and
prayers on his safety, she saw him crawl on his hands and
knees through the narrow passage leaving her to close all
up as quietly, and as closely as possible, without calling up
any of the negro men, who were all asleep in the lower part
of the house, in what is called the cellar kitchen.




UNCERTAINTY.                    23
Martin emerged from his underground journey like a rabbit that has found itself in the wide world, ready to return to
its burrow quickly should danger be near. I-Ie lay still for
at least five minutes, listening till he becalne familiarized with
the silence and the darkness around himl; when hle gradually
rose upright, standing so still that he seemed but one of' the
stumps of the field. Taking a wide circuit from his own
house, he sought a patch of wood through which there was
a cow path, guessing that the spies arounld himl would take
that on their way to their accustomed rendezvous. Nor was
he mistaken, for, after waiting patiently a full hour, be heard
footsteps distinctly, coming behind him.  He would have
been at a loss to tell whether it was man or animal, had lhe
not also heard a human voice, which became more audible,
but to himmore mysterious, the nearer as it approached.
Now it was the low guttural tones of an Indian; and again
it seemed something else; but neither Indian nor Dutch.
Here was something of which he had not dreamed. His
secret informant of yesterday had not hinted of any one but
Indian. Till nowv  he had been comparatively calm,  for his
experience had taught him that it was easier to circunvent
ten Indians, than one true and determined white man of experience.  But, judge of the still greater surprise of our
watcher, when he heard distinctly, the tones of the English
tongue; and that of a young woman. He started to his feet
with an alertness the reverse of his previous sluggishness.
Martin's acquaintance with the world of Albany, and of.Manhattan Island had been frequent, among his own near relatives, who'were of the first quality in the colony; enabling
him to judge at -nce of these tones, and of the distinct words
uttered; assuring him that this was a -woman of polished life
and language.  Why brought hither to these wild regions?
Hie lay down again, waiting for the persons to pass by; but
so near that he might obtain a perfect view of their forms,
and, if possible, guess into the mystery. As the Indian Kiskataam passed, carrying in his arms a young female, who was
beseeching him to tell her why he was taking her throuflgh
these woods. The heart of the honest Dutchman leaped to
his throat, as' he drew forward old Peg, with her muzzle almost touching the mean catiff that passed him; and but for
the one he shielded himself behind, an ounce of lead would
have decided his fate. - But he was allowed to pass, while the
name,  "Mother! oh, imy dear mother!" and another name,




24                THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
which Martin could not hear distinctly, rung in his ear, calling upon him for help.
"And help you shall have, my strange lamishee," said the
tender father. "  y own Elshie may be the next, and how
could I come back to Anshela, if I saw our own. daughter
dragged off in that way. The murderous savage that he is,
I have long determined to give him the contents of Peg; and
now is my time. No; now is his time; I will follow him
and watch my chance.  The dear lady, though she be of the
English blood, must be set free, though the blood of Kiskataam flows for it."
The really excited Boerman Was just about to rise, when
there passed by on the same path, but in far quieter motion,
another of the same race leading a dog by a bark string. At
the sight of the man and beast, Martin ground his teeth with
inward rage.
" Dunder and blitzen, were the Dominie here himself he
would zweert, I will say-duivil.  There is that duivil Shandaagan carrying off Rover, and here I must lie still and see
all."
They who knew all would have pardoned the good Dutchman; even his swearing, when they reflected on the mean
character of this second Indian, and the provocation he had
given to 3Martin before and now.  He was one of those offscourings of the race who proved false to all he pretended to
serve.  At this very time, he was pretending to be on the
side of the Whigs.  It was but the day before that he had
been to the Hoogenhuisen, and seemed to be on the most
fiiendly terms with all; yet, he had not said a word of this
coming adventure, of which he was surely aware; and this
decoying of the dog Rover away, was proof positive of
treachery.
"Ah," said the mortified MIartin to himself, " ever since
that time Elsie caused contempt on -his chieftainship, I have
seen his secret revenge working; and now he thinks he has
made himself sure, as the Dominie says,' de Heeve wil en
wiJ leven zullen zoo zullen wij dit of dat doen.'"
For these aggoravating mortifications he had this to make
amends, that Rover did not scent Lim out, when as he
passed the place his master lay hidden; but went, seemingly
as if aware, that both should bick their time. It was an
augury to him for good; and as he was now sure of their
destination, and had come upon their trail sufficiently, he was




UNCERTAINTY.                   25
in no haste to pursue, but made up his mind to go slowly on
and watch their motions; waiting for Elsie, who he was
certain would meet him at the appointed place in time for tilhe
execution of any plan he could, devise, which would set the
feeble captive at liberty, and rid the world, if possible, of
these two fiends, now bent on the destruction of the inhabitants of the region.
"They have gone to the pine orchard to prepare for that
hellish congregation that's coming.  Bloody wolves; they
have tasted blood at WVyoming, and now we are to expect no
better fate.  That hell-hound, Shandaagan, has known all as
well as myself, and his hunting around has been that he might
lay his traps all the more secret and sure.  The Hoegenhuisen will be among the first.  They did not try it to-night.
They have got other fish to fry. JI:aybe that is only bait
they are carrying;" and the hunter grinned a grim smile at
his own wit.
Taling a winding direction westwared, nMartin proceeded
with perfect confidence of finding the skulking place of the
party. iMeasuring his speed according to his knowledge of
the length of road he had to travel, he was in no hurry, as
any step he took was onI ground as familiar to his foot, as the
turnings of his own yard. IHis care was to keep sufficiently
far out of the way not to be heard by the Indians on the one
hand, and on the other to cautiously look around him, lest
he might stumble on some stragglers of the party. The
mystery of the English lady made him timorous. He had a
certain intuitive perception that trouble was to arise out of
that occurrence, to others, if not to himself. Crossing the
Kaaterskill stream a mile above the opening of the clove, he
left his own housdjto the south of him, and proceeded up the
side of the hill which lies to the south; when, after an hour's
ascending travel, he reached Puddingstone Hall, and sat
down upon a slanting rock, that seems to have been placed
there by some ancient Druid: for none but the beings who
raised Stonehenge on their nice balance, could now put that
stone on its slop)ing position. ~Martin had frequently, from
his boyhood, sat on the same stone at all hours of the clay,
and of the night, and wondered how it came there; and how
it hung there, and how long it had lain so; but now he had
other thoughts to occupy his mind; for just as truly as he
had conjectured, there wveie the very persons who had passed
him by, now on the fiat rock. The Indians were sitting before a bright burning fire; and near it was raised one of




26                THE DUTCH DOMINIE
those wigwams, which all who live in the woods know how
to raise in a twinkling of time. Still there was something
about the whole scene here, which made the careful hunter
feel insecure. That bower was more tastefully raised than
the red man ever did such work; and the building of the fire
was not after the fashion of that thoughtless race, but carefully made of dried wood, not found in the immediate neighborhood. The experienced eye of the unseeni observer could
discern other evidences of a superintendence which amazed
and stultified his senses.
"God in de hemelin verliclte mijne oogen!"  Martin
prayed in his own tongue for light to his eyes; then almost
out of breath in his anxiety, he said: " Oh, if Elshie were but
here now, she could explain the meaning of these things."
In the meantime, he was too wise a man, and had been in
too many different places, to let any chance. pass, without informing himself concerning the actual state of things. Being
on a height which overlooked all that was doing on the rock
below, it was easy to see all that was moving; and lest there
might be some prying eyes arouhd, he lay flat upon the face
of that leaning rock, with old Peg by his side, watching the
chances which might come up. After he had satisfied himself
that no being was in his own immediate neighborhood, he
took a different position in hope that new background might
discover some wandering shadow; but there were still the
same Indian faces; and that of the young pale-face, which
he could see plainly in the flickering glow of the fire as it
rose and fell. Never was a man more puzzled to account for
all these things. Here was a captive, and she could not be
a Whig's daughter, judging from her English accent and
foreign style of speech; and yet Kiskataamn was in the pay
of the king. Had he since thought of turning to the other
side, making this the price of his double treachery?
"' HEe shall not succeed," said the.excited Miartin, with a
vehemence which nearly cost him his life; for standing as he
did so near to the verge of the crag, he pushed with his feet
so hard that a loose rock gave way, falling to the bottom of
the precipice, over which, in the dark, he might have been
hurled to his destruction. The noise reverberating through
those wild hills in the night, roused up the beasts below fiom
their lairs, and the party above were evidently much alarmed;
for when MIlartin recovered himself, he saw that the two Indians were standing both upright like sentinels, ready for au
attack. However, soon discovering the seeming cause of the




DEEP DOUBT.                        27
interrupted  silence, they sank back to their usual somnolence.
Our white sentinel on the hill had made up his mind to a
plan, just as soon as he could obtain his expected help, which
he thought must be near at hand; and with that in view, he
took  the  most prominent point of Puddingstone  Hall,
where he stood like one of the black stumps of a tree, which
even an Indian could not distinguish him from inll the dark.
CHAPTER II.
DEEP DOUBT.
" Experience will show that as want of appetite supposes, and proceeds from some bodily
disease, so the apathy the stoics talk of as much supposes, or is accompanied with somewhat amiss in the moral character, in that which is the health of the mind." —BIsHoP
BUTLER.
MARTIN, though al most in agony for his daughter, never
took his eyes off the wigwam. A fluttering leaf or the movement of an animal might arrest his mind unconsciously, still
he never turned his thoughts on anything fixedly, so as to be
moved aside from  the object before him.  I-He was certain
now that the two Indians were only the instruments and outside actors in this drama, and his desire was increasing with
every beating of his pulse to see the hand behind the scenes;
so eager did he become, that he forgot that Elsie might arrive and not find him  in the appointed place.  He was
drawing  nearer and nearer all the time, fearful lest anything
might escape his notice.  He heard voices, but could not
discern, at the distance he stood away, what was said.  This
induced him to step onward, till he found himself so near
that he could distinctly perceive on one occasion the captive
sitting up, while the ruddy glow of the fire showed him sufficient of her countenance to satisfy him  that she was none
of the maidens of the colony around, but one of those that
he had seen riding out on the roads rotund Albany, who were
birds of passage, gay in plumage and full of life, never intending' -to make this land their home.  "Rcuddy, and of a
fir countenance," as the Dominie  would say, though IMUartin
inwardly thought " she has been stolen by this sinner, at Lhe




THE DUTCH DOMINIE,
bidding of those wicked profligates that follow these fair
doves as the hawks do their prey.")
"She is no child neither, as I am a Schuyler, and as Sgood
blood as ever came from Holland; a lady of at least nineteen
is she that walks out there before the fire, and she is talking
just now to the Indian. I wish I could but hear her once.
Yes, poor laimishie, you may well look out on that black
sky, made darker by the very fire now in your eyes, for woe
to thee, an unknown end is before thee."
With the true hunter spirit, the watcher was drawing
closer and closer, so as to have a perfect view and reach his
game in the best advantage. He could have brought down
one of those dark shadows that stood before him on the flat
rock with ease; the other he could meet singly without hesitation, but there were others here, and with white faces.
He was now so near that he could hear words indistinctly,
and might have pressed closer, in his eagerness, but at this
instant he was startled by something in his rear moving the
shrubs close to the ground. lie looked through the darkness, with the glare of thd fire in his eyes, seeing nothing till
he had time to recover from the effect of the light, and then
saw distinctly two small balls of fire, so near to one another
that he instantly felt that they must be the eyes of some
animal about to spring upon him. His first motion was to
lift Peg into her defensive position, but listening; with all his
senses awake, he soon heard-what he had frequently heard
before when he hunted on these mountains-the snuffing ofta
deer, attracted by the light, and thereby blinded to its own
danger. lMartin had been out on the little lakes near this very
place in his canoe, burning pitch-pine knots on the prow for
the very purpose of bringing the deer to him, and now one
comes when he would have preferred to have it anywhere
else. The pleasure and keenness of the hunter all but overcame his prudence, for his fingers tingled with the desire of
bringing those noble six-tined antlers to the ground; but
merely giving a side motion he alarmed the creature, so that
it ran past the place where the Indians lay. They both sprang
up with an alacrity little short of the deer himself, rushing
after him with an agility not surprising to one who knew
their habits and modes of life. Their natural love of sport,
and their appetite, made keen by a whole day's travel, caused
them to forget for the time the captive they had been watching over with so much assiduity all the night.
Martin felt that now was his time, and had already moved




DEEP DOUBT.                    29
a few steps forward to seize the trembling maiden, who was
herself in motion to rush, she knew not whither, when there
stepped out from the dark cover a new actor in the scene,
who placed himself before her, saying, with some excitement
in his voice and manner, bending at the same time on his
right knee, as he seized her hand: "Dearest Margaret, I have
fulfilled my promise made a year ago."
The lady drew her hand fiom the grasp of the intruder, as
if she had been stung by a snake, and darted to the other
side of the fire with the fleetness of the deer that had just
passed that way. At the same time she gave a scream which
echoed, and re'choed, among the rocks and hills, till it
seemed as if a hundred captive damsels were shrieking to
their friends for deliverance.  She would have rushed on, but
now the man, who had been put aside so easily, rushed with
an equal ardor, exclaiming: "For the love of God, Miss, do not go further or you will fall over the shelf and
be dashed to pieces.".
By this time he had hold of the exhausted girl, who gasped
out:.' 0, why did I not know that I was so near to liberty,
one leap and-and all would have been over. Let me go,
touch me not with that foul hand; and if you will not, tell
me why I am brought hither-for now I see who has been the
cause of this wicked treachery. Let me die."
"Miss MIargaret, you do me wrong, if you suppose that
you are here through any desire to injure you.  I mean the
best that m-an can do for woman; and if you be patient and
calm, you will hear it all."
"No, I will not listen to your false tongue;" and with
that she shook herself free of the hold of him who stood before the angry girl, as Martin had seen a strong dog, who,
having encountered a wild cat, is fain to stand off at a respectable distance, watching for a retreat. Abashed at the charge
of treachery, yet mad-at the epithet false; and afraid, lest
by some sudden movement the excited woman shotuld rush
into destruction, the man stood more like a culprit, than as
the director in some daring enterprise, which had doubtless
required great tact and decision to bring it to its present
crisis. Some new occurrence, it was evident,'might cisappoint him in his plans. He had succeeded in his end so far;
but he was utterly, at a loss to know what to do with the
p''izl r which he had played so high a part, up to this time,
Mairtin seeing this, was measuring the distance between himself and the traitor-for so he already regarded the man who




30                THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
was so named by the lady —that he might disable him and
then fall upon himl; but it was too late, for there were the
two Indians returning; and three against two, and one of
these only a feeble girl, was an unequal combat.
" Away from my sight, hateful wretch," was the exclamation of the enraged girl, once more uttered, as the man approached nearer to take hold of her hand; "Leave me to
these savages; their presence is more agreeable to my eyes
than the man who violates his honor as a gentleman, and his
duty as a soldier."
It was now the turn of the man to show excited passion.
The veins of his brow became swollen like cords, and his nostrils became wide as a war horse; when spurred to resistance;
but with great effort suppressing his feelings, he said with
trembling lips.
"My,y lady, urge me not to do what -we both shall eternally regret; remember you are in my power at this monment."
"I am in no man's power. God will not suffer the innocent
to be long without a deliverer.  He is at my right hand this
moment; I see him through the thick darkness."  And she
gazed so earnestly on the very spot where BMAartin stood, that
he felt the blood rushing through his veins, faster than it had
done for many years. So direct were her motions, that the
eyes of her captor for a moment were turned in the same
direction, as if in fear.
"I iiskataam, Kiskataam, I throw myself under your protection. I will pardon all you have done and said to me; I
will obtain you pardon and a reward friom my father, if you
only save me now fi'om the company of that traitorous man.
Clifford, I hold you in scorn; and the daughter of an English
solclier will bestow naught else on a coward who has betrayed
his friend, and would now spoil the peace of the family where
he has been nursed, and confided in from boyhood. Oh,
Bertram, why do you not come to me!'
With this effort, which was too much for her, the excited
lady sank clown helpless on the ground; presently she vas
lifted by her tormentor, as he would have lifted a child, and
placed on the bed of laurel which had been prepared for her.
As he laid her down, Mlartin saw that the man put out his
lips as if he could have imprinted a kiss on the pale brow, but
the weakened woman gained new  strength at this insult
offered to her modesty, and struck up her hand with such
force that the insulter stafggered back a step or two, while




DEEP DOUBT.                    31
the poor captive hid her face and sobbed like an infant, calling
out, " Oh, mother! mother! come to me."
The eyes of the inactive spectator melted at what met his
senses, and groaning in his spirit, he longed again for Elsie.
Then he set about imagining what would have been his own
feelings had it been his own daughter who was going through
such an ordeal as he now was witness to. 6H Ia!" said he to
himself, 1" I only wish that the hand which smote that rascallious cheek had been as heavy as Elshie's. He would feel it
warm now, and remember Pine Orchard to the end of his life.
But, there now, these savages are skinning that deer,
which fairly belonged to me; and which, if my heart tells
me true, they shall not live to eat. Three shots in Peg would
settle the question; but, unlike the Pegs of the Yankees,
mine, like Anshela, can speak but once at a time, and I am
slow at loading."9
Apart from the place where the bower and the fire were
built, the red men were busy skinning the deer which they
bad succeeded in killing; while the man who had appeared
so suddenly, stood as sentinel near the lady. There was great
nervousness displayed in his movements at times, and an uncertainty in his step, which could not be hidden from any observer. All at once he came fobrward to the side of the prostrate captive, calling out a full name which Martin did not
catch. " I have a plan, Margaret, that I will lay before you,
and choose."
1 Kiskataam! Kiskataam!" was again shrieked out by the
feeble prisoner, with a vehemence which brought to her that
sedate chieftain, who, like all of his race, was not easily thrown
from his self possession; "Indian, take me under your care.
Have pity on a poor helpless girl, take me back to the river,
I will find my way to the ship.  Good Kiskataam, you have
had young squaws of your own forced away by the Senecas,
and they were returned to you. You told me of them when
you sat beside me in the big canoe.  Take me back. The
red soldier will make you king of the Six Nations if you release his daughter."
The Indian rose to his full-height, showing more emotion
than common in his countenance and voice as he slowly said,
"Does the Panther have pity when he has the Fawn in his
mouth?'
There was evident bitterness in his words.  Why should
the Fawn seek pity from the Panther when the Lion has come
to her protection?




32                THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
"The F'awn, as you have been pleased to call mie, would
rather trust the Panther than the Wolf.  The Lion I would
trust.  Alas! that I should see any bearhing the emblem   of
the lion, becoming more cruel than the cowardly dog."'
This last was said in an undertone which evidently was intended for the one who took it up in anger, which shot friom
his eyes in flashes of revenge.
"' The Lion," continued the Indian, " would raise the Fawn
in his hall of greatness."
" And then give me over to be devoured by the wolves.
No, Indian, protect me or not, as you please; but hear me, I
would rather have my poor body destroyed by the meanest
reptile that lives in these wilds, than be possessed for an hour
by the Lucifer who has betrayed his friend."
The man, whom we shall henceforth call Clifford, had stood
with his arms folded during the conversation, wishing to be
regarded as calm, but this last stroke made him turn himself
aside as if he felt afraid of showing his feelings of growing
passion.
" Indian has a beautiful wigwam," said Kiskataam, when he
saw that the white man had moved out of earshot-"G Indian
built it for his squaw, that would come from the rising to the
setting sun.  Wigwam beside the clear lake Where the trees
grow  thick, and the leaves shine in the glittering light.
The Fawn would hide in the darkest spot. Kiskataam would.
bring the flowers of the cloves to deck her hair, and the
softest skins for her bed."
The astonished lady could scarcely believe but that the
whole was a dream, and her amazement was so great, that
she could not make any reply otherwise than by her looks,
which the quick perception of this other tormentor easily interpreted; whether he was sincere or not in his daring proposition will never be fully proven, but in the present instance turning his fawning tones into keen sarcasm he continued.:
"' Has not the Fawn said she wished to run upon the mountains, and along the streams that flow down their feet? Did
she not sigh to see the brooks, that blue eyes never looked
in.to until her own gazed therein, as she said the first squaw
did in the white man's parladise."
"Oh! distress me not with my romantic folly. All was
beautiful in fancy, but it is terrible in reality.  Sad is my
fate.- The victim of both the red and the white man."
"But the Fawn has not yet seen the place where the milk



DEEP DOUBT.                     33
white deer run tame, led by the young squaws to the wvigwam door. She has not fed the young eaglets fluttering in
their nest. There are bird-songs too in the fbrest that the Fawn
would love to hear. Soft skins of the bear and the beaver,
of the fox and the catamount, which Kiskatamn has tanned
with his own hand. On these would the Fawn sleep, and
dream; she would forget her troubles, and not be afraid of
the Wild Wolf any more."
The Indian began this long description in the uncertain
tones of half reproach, but ended in the soft mellow sounds
with which his race speak in their times of sadness or of entreaty.  Nature is imitated by them, and is successfiul at
times in evil.
"Kiskataam," said the enraged lady, " do you mean what
your words imply?   Ilave you  stolen  me  away  for
yourself or for another?  Come forward Clifford, and tell
me whether you mean me to be the wife of an English soldier or the squaw of an Indian chief? for it seems I must
choose between being in Howard Castle, or plant corn beside
the Susquehanna.  Clifford! Clifford!" and the rocks rang
with the sound of his name.  He was at her side in an instant.
"I was," said the lady, "a moment since ready to have
trusted the Indian rather than you.  I confide in none of
you. Your minion there seeks to preserve a separate suit of
his own. IIe is as mean as some white men are, and betrays
his friend by seeking to carry off the victim."
"By this time the two associates in guilt were confronting
each other, with those looks of hate which traitors put on
when found out. So long as each of these caitiffs could make
an instrument of his companion, in accomplishing a selfish end,
blandness and generousness were the features of their intercourse; but now the disguise had fallen, at least firom the Indian, and the man Clifford felt mortified at being made the
dupe of one he called a barbarian. -With his ears still ringing of treachery, chargec  upon him by one that senemed fullly
to know him, and who so de-fied him, he was in no mood to
take an insult from any third person. He was only too glad
to find one object on whoml to wreak his vengeeance.
"You Indian dog!'" was the first word he coaild utter
in quivering passion through his teeth. " How dare you come
between me and mine.  Have I not pledged my word of
honor to pay you?'~
Here Clifford stopped short suddenly. seein_ that the lady
2*




34                THlE DUTCH DOMINIE.
was watching the coming word. She felt that she had gained
a point in setting her two enenmies against each other.
WVhoever lost, she could be in no worse hands; so ro-using
herself up, she stood prepared for the smallest chance of
escape; and also, for knowing all that concerned herself:
But the suppressed sentence which would have revealed
something was lost; and the burst of passion ended as it began, with " Indian dog!"  Clifford was choked with rage.
"English fox hold his nose to the ground;" was the bitter
retort of Kiskataam. At the same moment he was handling
his tomahawk, which hung at his girdle, in rather a sinister
manner. Thle Englishman showed nothing of the coward, but
the sight seemed rather to swell him out to larger dimensions; and, without even yet discovering that he had any
weapons of defence about him, he stepped up nearer to the
red man, demanding the object of this showy of fight.
"Does the Indian chief seek war? Blood is sweet to the
Panther just now. Would he fondle the Fawn? would he
carry her to the beautiful lake away by the Susquehanna?"
All of this was uttered in that mingled bitterness of sarcasmn and anger which the English people know  so well
how to give to any enemly when they wish to provoke himn to
do a desperate act.
"The Panther loves to worry the Wolf,?, was the no less
determined reply of the Indian, who stood his ground with
equal courage to the other; and Martin, watching the result
with an almost breathless interest, bent over the whole scene,
without thinking for a moment that were his presence
known, it would turnl the anger of both these men upon himself. The lady, with an equal interest, forgot her captivity,
waiting for the crisis of the present hffair.
"The Panther would worry the WVolf-ha! and lick the
Fawn's blood at his leisure: a dainty meal! TIe must fight
first with long teeth.  The Wolf, as you would have me to
be, has got snapping jaws:" and with that the click of a
large pistol was heard in the hand of Clifford; nor was his
crest in the least degree, at this moment, like the wolf, but
terrible as a real soldier appears in the time of danger.
Kiskataamn  seemed undecided, but it was not the i-mdneision of fear, for lis eyes glanced fire, though not a nunscle
of' his face seemed to. move, except in that nervous rapidity
which is more like the streamr of electric fire that runs over
a cloud before the storm  breaks, making the beholder wait
timorously for the glancing lightning and the report, than




A HARVEST FEAST.                     35
anything in human action.  The true savage stood with
hand on the tomahawk, watching the eye of his opponent, and
wheeling ill a twinkling, he hurled the weapon in the direction of the lady, grazing her head, so that the knot which
held her hair, was cut asunder; but passing her, it lodged in
the tree against which Martin was leaning; and by which
he was watching the transaction so near to hill.
The occurrence was the doing of a moment. All, with the
exception of the actors, were confounded; and by the time
they had recovered from their surprise, an event was taking
place which diverted the attention from  the design of the
Indian.
CHAPTER III.
A  HARVEST FEAST.
"If Roger is my Joe, he kens himsel'
For sic a tale I never heard him tell,
lie glowers and sighs, and I can guess the cause,
But wha's obliged to guess his hums and haws,
When'er he likes to tell his mind mnair plain,
I'll tell him frankly, ne'ez' to do't again."
1AnMSAY'S PATIE AND ROGER.
ELSIE SCHUYLEr, was an only child, a rare thing among
the Holland Dutch, which rendered her more the companion
of her father than she would otherwise have been, had he
had sons to bring up and lean upon in his old age.  Of strong
will, clear mind, anc a pious spirit, her actions were prompt
andti fearless, as her father's were slow and uncertain.  With
his daughter beside him, BMartin seemed as if her soul stirred
and moved his body.  He thought immediately as she did,
*and with all his'strength he set to the fulfilling her desire.
Yet he never would have understood the man who would
have ventured to tell him  he had no mind of his own, 0nor
could Elsie have known any thing' of controlling the action of
her parent.
Int truth, even vwith her strong will, she had been all her
lihe under igreat moral restraint.  Her education would have
been regarded as deficient in New Yorkl; but such as it was,
the grancrend of all education was gainedl by her in prudent
self-control, rapidity of thought in times of emergency, and
fiarlessness of action when danger required it to be met. All




36                THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
of these essential elements were the result of training, which
had no plan in it,-but grew out of the nature and habit of
the worthy parents, who talught her the usual course of reading in the Bible and the learning of the real orthodox He idelbulgh Catechism.  Though she spoke the vernacular low
Duteh of the region where she lived, yet it was the ambition
of the parents that their daughter should also speak the
English tongue, and she was accordingly sent to a school
where the English Bible and other books were read. This,
as she grew up, was of immense advantage to her on account
of the intercourse she could have with other parts of the
colony, where more could be learned than on the sides of the
mountains. Elsie had every year since she was sixteen paid
an annual visit to her friends in Albany, and even New York;
for the Schuylers and the Van Cortlandcts were not too
proud to have their country.cousins visit them in the cities,
when they had such fine opportunities of returning these courtesies among the hills and the vales of the Kaa tskills.
It was in this school that the daughter of MlJartin Schuyler
was fitted for life in any home where Providence might
place her, though' it suited the plan of both father and
mother better, that some of the young farmers of the region
should come in, and be a son to them in their old age. There
were many qualities in Elsie which other circumstances would
have developed, and she had already acquired habits of
thought, of feeling, and of manners, which no-new trainino
could have possibly repressed. Her mind, and modes of
thinking and acting, could have been polished to a superior
power. She would have been more fascinating in her smile,
softer in her voice, have had a smoother rhythm in language,
have trod the soil with a daintier tread, and moved around
her father's house with less noise. But then the rocks and the
hills were rough on which she stepped, and the doors, the
painted floors, and the big jambs of those rooms, were not
after city patterns. It was rather the house of the Boerman
than the palace of the Stadtholder of Amsterdam, that MIartin had lived so long in, and where Elsie had been brought
up. She was a true-hearted young woman, who had neither
been allowed to waste-her existence in the seclusion of a
country life, where much ignorance and rudeness have so covered the genuine precious stone that its polish and. beauty
have never come out; nor had she been sent to theicity and
so ground down upon the wheel of fashion that not a streak
of truth remained either on face or person. The man of the




A HARVEST FEAST.                   37
world, possessedl of tact and having an ialsight of human
character, would have chosen her, like a learned lapidary,
as a precious stone capable of the highest lustre; andl had
Martin1 seen his Elsie in the big halls of the Van lRensselaers,
le would have wondered, after asking wThere that young
vrow came from, to hear that she was the gem of his own
mountain farm.
On the night of our history Elsie was down in the Bught-a
peculiar piece of land which lies in a bend, or "' bight" of the
river —where there was.a husking-bee, which brought all the
young people of the country together, fronm the West Camp
to the Van  Bergen patent.  Fun and frolic were in fill
force. In the laroge, sloped-roof barn sat groups of lads and
lassies, among bundles of corn-stalks, out of which they
were stripping' the yellow treasure, and throwing  it into
bushel baskets, which some old men were removing as fast
as they were filled.  This active business did not hinder
the tonuues of all fiom going, only as Dutch tongues can.
But it would have defied the most learned philologist that
ever studied at Babel, to have followed that modern confusion. It was not the numbers, though there must have been
a hundred, nor was it the harsh guttural uglis, that sounded
underneath, like the sougrhing of the wind in a storm; nor
was it the sharp shots which flew so that the blood rose to
the faces of some of both sexes, as red gleams pass between
travelling.clouds; but it was all three, and in  addition
there was what no community in the broad continent can
produce except on the North River, and only on the west side
running for fifty miles, viz., a mixture of French, Low
Dutch and German, so combined that it would have put
either Frenchmnan, Dutchman or German to utter confusion.
It seemed literally as if jaw bones were thrown across the
barn, till they struck against each other in the whirlwind
which lifted them into the air.
Still all was not uproar, and even that seeming confusion
had nothing' of the keen wiriness which other nations exhibit
in their frolics when a man knocks his neighbor down through
pure love of fun, when his over-good sweetness turns so
suddlenly into vinegar. Here and there among that busy
thlrong were small, quiet parties, who enjoyed themselves.
Hearts were drawmn nearer, and lips followed, as a matter of
course. Experience can sit anywhere,-feeling composed and
self-possessed, while the vulgar mind is sure to be attracted




38                THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
by the least sounod or sight which may occur outside of
themselves.' Ha! ha! Jerry, are you there?  Show your wrists to the
folks here. WMhat makes you look so red in the face, you
spalpeen?"
"What should make me show my wrists any more than
you an empty pocket.  Iexican pillars can save a Sabbathbreaker's conscience. Ha! who is red in the face now?"
These rude allusions were made by two rough-looking
youths to some recent piccadilloes in which they had been
both engaged, but-the one having money could pay the fine
imposed, while the other, being poor, had to stand three hours
in the stocks in front of the church door-a species of punishment which had been imported from the mother country, and
which was regarded as a great disgrace. Sabbath-breaking
is one of the crimes; no one is suffered to ride except to
church, only "It shall be lawful for the Post, or any other
person in his Majesty's service; or to bring a Physitian or
M:ydwife.1"  Such is the law of the colony.
"' Jerry had quite a crowd around him outside the kerke
door; more than the Dominie had inside.'"  This was put in
by a great laughing lout of a fellow, who made the rafters
ring with his own approval.
"' You had better look to yourself, Dirck Dietrick. There
are worse things than the jugges in these times," said the
goaded Jerry, who was in no mood to be tormented while
his wrists were glowing with the iron rings.  "There are
stone jugges, where some folks would be if they got their
OWIn.
" Don't be angry," was the mellowing response of Direk;
" for the Dominie said, after you went away, that lie believed
good came out of it. He preached all the better for your
example."'c Aye," said Jerry,' just as sonme folks would be better
whigges if a cowboy were tied at the koort-house door every
rmorning."
" Come, come, no more of dat," said old Tobials, the goo(d
Boerman, in whose barn they all sat; 1" we have no more of'
dat; come and eat de sheeps, and de bearen, and de chicklen,
and drink de ruin an.d de cider."
In a corner, away from the most roysterlig of the company, sat Elsie, along With a few  of the best class of yolunlg
persons. Both sexes regarded Elsie as a superio  plerso}.:




,A ITARVEST FEAST.                39
and were never too familiar in their approaches. Such as,
like herself, had relatives in the large towns, or who had improved themselves by the best company whom they could
find, were usually found near Martin Schuyler's daughter,
and were fond of quoting her as an authority. Among the
young men was Teunis Roe, who had, either by accident or
affinity of disposition, found himself side by side with Elsie
upon several occasions of public gatherings; and he had not
been an entire stranger at the Hoogenhuisen in former days.
indeed there was a time when old Egbert Roe and Mi4artiu
Schuyler -were sworn friends and brothers. But, oh! that
weary war! it had proved what they had often heard the
Dominie say: "' De vader zal tegen den zoon verdeeld zijn en
de zoon tagen den vader."
This was literally the case, for Teunis in his heart was
Whig, and his father was in his heart a Tory. It was the
son against the father, and the father against the son, and
both in the same house, sworn foes, but as yet in part secret.
For so long as Teunis had to remain at home he must keep
his principles to himself. His peculiar and hard case was
fully understood by Elsie, though not by Martin, and consequently the intimacy of the two families was broken up,
so fir that there was no longer any interchange of visits,
once so pleasant in the long winter nights, between the old
people; nor was there the same liberty felt by the young folks
themselves when they met. The actual position of Teunis
was fathomed easily by Elsie, but with tact and delicacy she
avoided all allusions to the public affairs of the country. She
never inquired after the reason of his absences, yet seemed
to expect him to embrace such occasions as the present for
meeting her, and talking over local matters, of which there
was always a sufficient stock on hand.
"' You were not at the wedding of Peggy Wolfin on Friday last," said Teunis, as he took up a large stalk of corn,
balancing it on his right thumb-nail, as if he cared but little
whether he husked any more that light or not. " You were
expected to stand as bride's-maid, and there was some disappointment yon may be sure."
These last words were uttered in a low tone, which the
heart, if inclined, is sure to, feel; and the damsel had not a
heart of stone.
"These are not times, you know, Teunis, for young girls
to go much alone, and my father had heard something which
made him more than usually afraid of my going out. Indeed,




40                THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
I am here just now more on my mother's leave than on his.
Do you not think these are hard times to marry?"
c" That depends, Elsie, upon whether both be of one mind; in
some things union is strength: and two sticks tied together
are stronger than the same two sticks taken separately."
Teunis here threw the ear of corn into the basket, just as
Elsie cast one in at the same place; and then laughing at the
conjunction, asked the maiden whether she would like to see
how the two lay in the basket, heads or thraws.
" 0, you may look if you please," said Elsie, half blushing;
" Nelly Schutt there, would take that to be as certain as the
good book, bult " —
" See, there they are lying side by side, as cozy as two kittens," said Teunis, as he held down the basket to the candle;
and to tell the truth, woman's curiosity, or something else,
inclined Elsie this time, as before, to look and laugh at the
folly of the sign.
"' There now," said Teunis, " is a quarrel getting up between
these onwijzen."
" Teunis, mind what the Dominie says: he that calleth his
brother fool-you know the rest."
" I know, Elsie; but what can you call that Dick Deidricht but a fool; hear how he is provoking Jerry to bring up
matters which should be kept out of our homes, and fiorm
these friendly gatherings.  I must go and keep them quiet."
And off lie moved; but before he had time to put in a
word, Tobias was giving out the bill of faare, in his own peculiar manner, which had the same happy influence upon
Dutch blood, that the smell of good dinners has upon hungry
dogs, and hungry princes or princesses; for animal nature
during a time of hunger is much the same in the quadruped
and the biped.
It would require more words than can be spared, to describe a supper among the honest Dutch on the Hudson River.
They must, have inherited their liking from their ancestors on
the Scheldt, and in the ILow Countries; where the sturdy
Boerman, after working in the deep bogs, came home to his
vrow and fed heartily and slept it off.  And, imnitating the
burgomaster of the place, on his great occasions, he too called
in his " Vrenden en de geburen en bringt het gemeste kalf
en stagt het; en laat ons eten en vrolijk zijn."'
The old Hollander was very orthodox, and in killing' the
fatted calf, and being in a vrolicke-(AnglicS, merry). FHb
was never hurt by a good supper.  He lay all the easier,




A IARVEST FEAST.                   41
like an old Roman on his couch, that the citadel was well
provisioned. It would be -an interesting history to tell all
that lay on the vast table, made of doors taken from their
hinges, and covered with linen sheets, on which lay piles of
meat in hug'e wooden dishes; not carefully selected, the one
animal from the other, but the bear and the cow were together, and the chicken and the rabbit were on the samue plate.
Equal hillocks of bread stood ready to be distributed by the
bustling fat hostess, who moved around as we have seen a
Dutch scow aimong other Clraft, coming square up against one
and another, till she succeeds in laying a portion equally as
large as Benjamin's share, before each guest.  She repeated
these acts of kindness to the end of the feast; every now and
again urging' them to partake; saying to one, " You don't
like our victuals, Jake."  "Take up the leg of that turkey
and senld it with the rest, Tim.'  " Now, Elsie, eat till you
burst; I wish you may."   " No ting like good victuals."'
She did not mean all she said, but she intended to do her
best at being hospitable; and being among her own'kind of
people, it was a satisfaction just to see her good natured look
as she surveyed the ample table, with her guests devouring
far more than all the worth of the labor they had performed;
but it would be so rich to tell afterward, that she had cooked
two more sheep, killed five more turkeys, and twenty more
chickens than dame Languendyck ever did. Besides, every
one had at least a yard of sausage put on his plate, a pound
of rolichie; cabbage and onion, apples and cider, all came on
just as if they had not eaten anything for a month.  Never
were a company more unfit, according to city notions, of
taking themnselves to the ball-room; but the spirit of these
folks was just rising. The plentiful draughts of cider and
brandy which were drank, without injury to the perpendicular position of the guests, helped to carry them through
the contra-dances, without being hindered by their abdominal
gravity. The barn floor, during the supper, had been cleared
by the negroes, who always worked with right good will
when there was to be-gezang en het geric —music and
actlncing; and even the good Dominie would stand at the
door and see his children vrolicke. All was full of glee and
merriment, and fairly on the way to a happy termination,
when old Fred, the head man of Tobias, camle rushing into
the liddle of the floor, his jaws chattering, and his face the
color of his grey head, screaming and acting as a lunatic may
be supposed to act, under a black skin and African featul.rcs.




42                 THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
Not a word could be got from him except the soundcl " Vuur
en sulfur-Gog en de MIagog.  Ingen barbareen."  These
words came out in the form of squeals and grunts, more than
like human speech.
Of course all amusement came to a close at this sudden
apparition, for while some declared that Fred had seen a
geest, others a spook, some had, with more presence of mind,
run to the door, and coming back announced the tidings,
more alarming than anything of the witching-kind, that the
vuur teeken on the Keekute was in a blaze. This was the
acknowledged beacon of warning, and was like the fiery cross
of tile Scottish clans, the gathered signal in approaching dclnger. The combustible malterial had been brought together
early in the summer, and was in fine fitness for the torch.
An onset was expected froim the west, as already referred to,
and now that the glare was reflected from the sky, the yells
of the Indians almnost sung already in the ears of the helpless
and the cowardly. What added to the anxiety and uneasiness of the occasion, many were known to be secretly friendly
to the savages, now near at hand, and were mingling with
the very persons whose lives would be sought out with as
much horror lnd fiendish delight as was usual on such occasions. All the company prepared to go; some to their holies,
and others to the general rendezvous.
Elsie, with thel'est, had risen in the moment of surprise,
and after looking to the KIeekute on the river-bank, she turned
her eyes to the west in search of the hill above HIoogenhuisen;
and there, too, rose up the great flame, like a fiery tongue
speaking to heaven for relief. Her heart smote her for being
in the midst ofl:pleasure at such a time; while without uttering a single word, except a low whisper to Teunis, who stood
waiting her will, though he had spoken not a word.
" De tijd is ncabij; lact ons vcanz hier gcaan, Teunis?"
"I am beside thee, Elsie, and am ready. 3Meet me at the
outside of the big poorte. I shall be there with the horses;"
and without a word more, he was off on his errand.
Elsie was soon out and mounted on her sheepskin saddle,
and was carefully adjusting her foot into the iron, preparing
for a sharp gallop, when, without looking up, she said in low,
but somewhat aoitat6d tone of voice, " Teunis, there is no
need of your protection just now. The road is good, the
night clear, and filly is sure-footecl.'
Had the young man been struck by some unseen hand, the
effect could not have stupefied hini more than these words,




A HARVEST FEAST.                  43
which he interpreted into something like a suspicion of his
honor. He had not recovered himself yet when Elsie continued:
" And now there is the less need of your plroteccion, for
upon my word there is Rover come out to meet me. Oh,
something bad must have happened. Hee has either been sent
hither by my mother, or his own instinct has brought him to
warn me beforehand; and without another word, in the
agitation of her spirit, she struck her pony a sharp stroke
with her whip. Teunis, true to his Dutch nature, while trying to open his mouth for an explanation, was left on the
road beside his impatient horse, who would hardly allow the
master time to mount on his back. But once there, he galloped after Elsie with the fury of passion aroused, and came
up easily to the leader before the end of the first. mile. Once
alongside of the eager damsel, he called out in nervous
earnestness:." Elsie! Elsie! why in such haste? I want you to tell me
if you "
"Be quick; Teunis," said the hurried girl, as she held in
the panting animal,'" for you see that doggie there running
before me is saying, as plainly as he can speak,'the Tories
have your old father by the throat, and the Indians swinging
your mother's scalp by the grey hair.' Oh, Teunis, do not
stop me just now."'
And with that, she struck her horse once more, giving him
rein, so that it was with difficulty that her follower coulcl
keep up with her, though well mounted himself, and holding
a capital bridle hand for a colonist and a dull Dutchman; as
all the Enolishmen were accustomed to speakl of every one
but fox-hunters who pretended to ride.
" The Tor1.ies are not so cruel as you take them to be, Elsie;
but tell me if you have any suspicion of tfny putting a straw
in the way of hurting "-he was going to say Elsie, but he
changed it to " any of the volke of IHoogenhuisen?"
"No Teunis, no, you would not with your own hand, I
know; I could pledge myself for you, but there are"" There are more Tories than Teunis Roe, you would say,
Elsie. I thank you for the confidence you place at least in
me, though you almost called me by a name I am not deserving of: But Tory or not, the hand that is raised ag-ainst
Elsie Schulyer is aimed against a heart not far from her."
"Thank you, thank you. That is all I can say just now;
I was going to say something about our not being seen to



4a4               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
gether at such meetings as we have come firom, but there is no
time for anything but action.  See how the sky is glowing
all around us; and, O mine Goden, why am I away firom the
side of my fader and my moder?"
By this time they had rode at least three miles, and in fif
teen minutes more they would see, from a small hill, what
was the state of things at Hoogenhuisen; for the fear all the
time in Elsie's mind was, that the mansion had been fired,
and that the blaze they saw reflected overhead was not the
signal, but the dwelling. This made her spare neither horse
nor herself; till finding that the faithful creature required a few
minutes to breathe, she slackened her pace, and began by
saying:
" You see, Tennis, that I am now near home, and it will
bring trouble on you, on us both, if we be seen together on
such a night as this. Let us part now. Part here till thli,
weary war be over; and then""And what then?" said the eager youth. "'Shall I come
back then to be rejected for my cowardice at this hour, in
leaving you in danger of being scalped, that. I might save
myself fiom disgrace at home?  No, Elsie; I am a man,
though I have not stood out for my country yet, as others
have done; and I have a man's heart that would not suffer a
hair of any woman's head to be hurt by those savages, could
I hinder it withiny hand.  Least of all would I stand back
and see a foul finger put on your fair skin; so help me
God!"
The tears started into Elsie's eyes at this burst of passion, so
gratifying to her kindly nature; and, struggling with herself,
she endeavored to give such a reply as might not betray her
real sentiments; though the more she repressed them, the
more they overcame her; so dashing forward at a rapid l)ace,
they stood lookingafrom the hill toward Hoogenhuisen, when
both at once exclaimed -" It is the teeken vuur! the teeken
vuur i!"
" God be thanked," said Elsie;" my poor parents are sife
yet, and my father on his waakt toren:  Now, Tennis, you
have conme as far as it is safe for you to be. When these
times are over, I will, think of this night."
She held out her hand as the parting signal. The hand
trembled, and all the more that Teunis held it longer than a
mere good night would r'equire. When he found words, he
said:
"Do not forbid me to come, before these dark days are




A HARVEST FEAST.                 45
over.  You know where my feelings are, where my desire
is at this moment."
Elsie interrupted him by saying, "This is no time for feeling, but for convictions; and where duty calls, the Dominie
says we should be: mine is now to be on the waakt toren
alongside of my father.  Go you where your conscience
points."
"M line is also on the watch-tower; and to-morrow, if I
have heard aright, shall decide the fate of more than one."
"Teunis, do not tell me of anything you have heard below, for I cannot tell you in confidence any of our concerns:
so God guide us both, and save the righteous cause."
And with these words she gave her impatient horse the
reins, and off she started, as if mounted on a deer, and was
out of sight in a moment, before her agitated companion had
time to recover himself.
However, Teunis, instead of obeying the mandate to go
back, slipped from his horse, tying him beneath a tree, a little
way distant from the road, and taking a near path to Hoogenhuisen, was at the door watching the movements of the inmates with great earnestness.  He had his fears that all was
not right.  He was well aware how much both Martin
and his fearless daughter were dreaded and hated by the
Tories; so he resolved to become their secret protector.
How far this was the result of feeling or conviction, he did
not stop to inquire.  It was enough that he had heard dark
hints, secret cabalings; and that he knew  the Indians
were on the hills, waiting the proper moment, when their
friends would give the signal. The teeken vuur, or signal fire,
showed that the Whigs were somewhat aware of their
danger; still it was with a beating heart as Elsie felt, that he
saw the dog Rover by the side of his mistress: all the superstition of his nature aided in making him afraid.  Nor were
his suspicions set at rest, as the sagacious animal passed him
again without recognition, going straight to the side of a
rock, and giving a slight but earnest whine, as if seeking for
something which he had lost in the dark. At that moment an
object glided like a ghost, through the barn-yard toward
a corner, where it remained in the stillest quiet, more as a
shadow seemed than a body moving. I-lad the moon been up
at the time, the watcher would have expected a mnan to have
followed, but neither sound was heard, nor form seen, though
the eyes of Teunis were fixed with painful interest upon the
place.




46                 THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
"Some one must be watching here as well as myself; I
must see the end of this; for it cannot be for good that any
one is here at this hour."  But then he thought within himself
of'hoNw MaIrtin Schuyleir would scowl were he to meet him
in his yard, at this hour of the night.  "I must see the end
of this.  Something is out of its place here, and my help
may be of' use to my fiiends; and if I prove myself to be a
friend indeed, I may get farther into a corner of the old
man's heart."
CHAPTER IV.
THIE IESCUE.
Th7e Clallenge: "How say ye to my soul, flee as a bird to your mountain?"
Tiee Answer: "' The Lord is in heaven."-PSALAIS.
IN the meantime Elsie had been seeking for her parents
all through the house, calling to them  in a low voice as she
went from room to room with a beatingf heart. Finding all
in silence, and the very bed of her mother empty and cold,
she was now certain that some enemy was abroad.  Carefully gliding, lest some spy might perceive her, she reached
the rear of the dwelling, where was the hiding-place, or, as
it was known in Dutch, the verborgenheid, which she enterecd
and found the anxious Angelica waiting for helr.
" I am afraid," said the anxious wife and mother, "dat
somewhat ill has taken place. De teeken vuur has been
blazing below at Overpaugh's all the nicht. De niggers heve
all crept into bed, and den Roover snuffles round de barn-yard
as if he kent mair dan he spok.")
Elsie did not give utterance to her own superstitious fears
about the dog, but turning aside her mother's thoughts firom
her present fanciful notions, she inquired into the reality.
Where was her father, and who could have kindled the
teeken vuur on their own hill?
Angelica only answered with groans, for of that she was
herself ignorant, and saw in the lighting of the signal certain
destruction.
"M iammy, lie you here and I will go to daddy. Somle
friend is at hand to aid, and more will be here soon. No
enemy would kLindle the teeken vmztr. Lie still and trust;."




THE RESCUE.                      47
The brave girl was giving encouragement when she needed
strength herself, for the dark night and the wild road were
sufficient to alarm an old soldier or an old hunter; but it is
questionable if either of them would have gone forth at mlidday with more cheerfulness than she went out under the stars,
since duty to her father demanded her presence.  Now she
thought, of how she had dismissed Teunis, whose compa-y
wroulcl have been a pleasure and a protection.  It was too
late to regret, so she set about the necessary apparel for such
a journey as she must take.  While engaged in this, her
ear caught sounds of retreating footsteps in the rear of
the house, and on moving to that part she felt sonmething fall at her feet.  Groping in the dark, her hand
touched a paper, which she knew must have been put there
by some one out of the family, so carrying it to the most
secluded corner of the house she lighted a candle and readc:
Fear whispers:
0 O night and shade,
How are ye joined with hell in triple knot,
Against the unarmed weakness of one virgin
Alone and helpless."
Courage calls:
"Virtue may be assailed,
But not enthralled:
Surprised, but never hurt."
"Strange man! Are you around, restless spirit?  Ifow
I wish that I either knew more or less about you than I do.
I tremble for myself when near you, and yet you fascinate
me with that eye at times; but, oh! it burns my cheek to
meet it.  Surely those eyes must be the furnaces of some
smoldering fire on the brain.  They have glowed so for a
month past that they seemed more like the air-holes in a
coal-pit, when the wind blows fierce at night, than the eyes
of a human being.  What terrible passion has made him now
like a wild beast, roaming all night and watching all day. He
could tell me something of what is going on, but I dare not
seek hlim, but guess.  There is danger, but I may go on nimy
errand. Why not speak it out?"
Crawling through a secret passag-e she reached the open
glround, where, cautiously looking round, she gave out -a
sound like chick-c —dee, chick —ca-ee, wrhen Rover came to her
side inl a fondling manner, which she returned gently. tIe
said, as plainly as he could: "I am at your service;" while




48                THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
she, putting down her hands to his head, seized his jaws between her fingers, pressing thelm so that, if possible, they camie
more closely together. The dumb aninial seemed to understand that he must be silent as well as speechless, for all through
that night not a sound escaped from him.
Elsie, swift as a deer, and now as fearless, urged her way
under the star-light. Rover ahead, trotting with his tail up
proudly, coming back now and then to receive the encouragement which his mistress never failed to bestow upon him,
passing her kind hand along his back; nor was it long before
she reached the place of appointment on the South Mountain. On the same large, slanting rock, where her father
had sat an hour before waiting for her, she leaned to rest
herself. Rover had left her at this point, and though she
called the secret chick-a-dee, she heard only the echo of her
own voice, but not the reply of her father. She expected that
Rover would in this way bring them together. Growing
impatient, she rose and took another position, where she saw
for the first time the fires which blazed red and clear. In
her present hig-h excitement all her motions, mental as well as
of body, were rapid, so that it did not occupy her long in com-.
prehending the whole, the moment she noticed the peculiar wigwams, and the different figures moving in the light. The bower
in the centre was as yet a mystery which her keen spirit was
not long in penetrating. She had come up close to the very
place where her father was watching so intently, when that
quarrel we have already recorded was commencing between
the chief Indian and the Englishman; and seeing a figure
standing between her and the light, she was not a moment
in deciding it to be the one she was seeking. Taking hold
of his arm, she whispered in his ear:
~ "Ben't vreest niet "-Be not afraid;-for M}fartin trembled
more than lie had done at any previous part of the night; but
soon recovering himself he felt doubly strong, and was -able,
with his daughter by his side, to withstand apy danger.
"Elshie, see you that poor crying lamishie," were his first
words, 1" in the hands, in the teeth of these wolven. A Tory's
doehter, maybe, but we must save her, with God's help."
"Patience, daddy, we must wait the right time." 1-Iere
the heroic girl sighed and wished now for the strong hand of
TeUnnis.
The quarrel between Clifford and Kiskaitaam was becomin
every moment fiercer and fiercer; exciting not only the captive in the wigwam, but also Mlartin' and his daughter, who,




THE RESCUE.                    49
in their eagerness, were unconsciously drawing nearer to the
scene of action, till they stood behind the tree that grew at
the very rear of the frail wigwam. They could have touched
the captive; but their attention was absorbed in the conflict.
Suddenly the Indian threw his tomahawk, aimed at the head
of the lady, but which struck into the pine trunk behind her.
Clifford, seizing him by the throat, gave Elsie time to say in
Martin's ear:
"I will take the lady to the North Mountain. Stay here
about till her enemies be turned the other way by you and
Rover;" and with that counsel, she darted into the bower of
bushes, and whispering, "Be not afraid, let us escape," and
putting her arm through that of the prisoner, they were out in
the darkness before the two combatants had risen to their feet.
Indeed, so intent were they on revenge, that every other passion was swallowed up; and even the object which had cost
them both such sleepless vigilance, was for the time forgotten. Rolling on the ground like fierce buffalo and panther,
their eyes sent out flashes of deadly hate. Now it was the
lithe muscle and the quick movements of the red man, that
was gaining the,ascendency; then it was the firm grip and
main strength of his enemy.  The natural cunning of the
savage enabled him to wriggle out of the hold which kept
himn down; but he was no sooner up than Clifford's knowledge
of the wrestler's art, placed him on his back.
"T Yield! you false villaiil,"7 were the first words of the
enraged Englishmban. He would have said traitor-but the
word, as it had been uttered that night, burned on his brain.
"Yield! and leave this region, or, by Heaven, I will toss
you over the precipice to the wolves;" and he shook his victim with a force that showed his power.  And it might have
ended as he threatened, had not the artful Shandaagau
yelled the whoop of his tribe; which, taking Clifford by surprise, caused him to raise his head, when he discovered that
his bird was either fallen or flown.  The war-whoop rang
again from both Indians, in the ears of the flying girls, causing
the blood of the late captive to curdle in her veins.
Clifford, when he saw that the lady was not standing where
he had seen her a few moments before, feared that the tomahawk of the savage had done its work, and he ran in to lift
her up; but not finding her, he rushed about like a madman,
foaming out all kinds of avowals. His oaths of fidelity froze
upon his tongue, and in a measure brought him to his senses,
when he found that the wily Indian was also out of sight,
3




50                THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
and might come upon the lost treasure by himself.  Tl1 the
present state of affiirs between them, no chance was left for
him to have a share of the booty, and this maddened him all
the more; but the sly Kiskataam, now sure of his revenge,
and cooler in blood, had already made up his mind and was
moving in a track of his own, which would have baffled the
intellect of a whole regiment of Englishmen, were they on the
hills pursuing him. N oiselessly he crawled among the tangled
brushwood, intending to take a wide circuit, when this innocent Fawn must be entrapped.  Her fear in the dark, her
ignorance of these regions, and her inexperience of all savage
life, rendered her escape, as he thought, impossible. He -was
transported in spirit-first, in being revenged on Clifford;
and next, in having the lady to himself.
6" She shall grind the Indian's corn. I will build her a wigwam by the Big Horn, on the island of the crooked Chemung. The squaws of the Great King will wonder after the
Fawn;" and he smiled in bitter hate. "Big soldier shall
whimper like a woman.",
HIere quietly the cunning savag8 leay down with his ear to
the ground, as he had often done on the war path.  As for
Clifford, who had by this time lost all track of' his company
whatever, he was running through the woods alone, like one
possessed of a devil. ShQuting loudly, he called the liamel of
the lady or of the Indians, as they came to his lips.
" A thousand pounds for the capture! I will swear to you,
Miiss M{argaret. I pledge my word as a man of honor; by
my sword as a soldier: only come back and you will be taken
to New.York or"       I- Eere again he would shout inl terror of himself. The meanest human being he ever saw would
have been hailed by the proud spirited man with a welcome,
in preference to wild nature, in all her magnificence. But he
was there alone, and had neither God nor mankind to commune with him.
As yet the two fugitives were out of the net of the fowler.
Elsie knew the mountain paths as well as her pursuers, and
had a place in her mind to which she was guiding her helpless charge. At the beginning, [argaret-the late captiveran witeh a speed that surprised Elsie; but it soon was seen
to be impossible bor her to proceed far without help; and that
of more aid than one of her sex could afford her. Thev bothl
sat down on a iallen tree, unable to articulate through their
exertion, when the sound of their pursuer's voice rose agcain on
their ear and seemed to be coming toward them; here ]Elsie




TIHE RESOUE.                   51
took hold of the lady's arm, and found, to her terror, that
she had fainted and was falling on the ground.  Now was
the time for the fearless heart to rise above all enemies.
Taking' the light creature in her arms, she lifted her up, and
was carrying her onward, when she heard the rustling of
the branches behind her.  Standing still as the stump she
leaned on, hoping that the enemy might miss her and pass on,
what was her astonishment when the woids of the Dominie's last Sunday's text were pronounced quietly and softly,
" Ik zal hesen gaen in de micht of de Lord "-I will go in the
strength of the Lord.
"' Oh, Teunis Roe!" were the words of the startled Elsie as
she fell against his manly breast. " You never were more welcome," she whispered, drawing herself back abruptly.
Tennis had found his way into the house of Martin, and by
calling out and knocking around, succeeded in bringing Angelica to him. In him she always had confidence, so that it
was not difficult to find out the destination of Elsie. He ran
with an eagerness which proved him to be in earnest. Yet
ha failed to reach the rendezvous in time to aid in the escape,
though from a short distance he saw father and daughter
counselling behind the tree. Afraid to meet the old Whig,
he stood back viewing the struggle on the rock, and the rescue of the lady, by Elsie. He then lost all track of them, and
but for the fainting of the lady could not have found them
at all.
Between these two guardians the late captive was carriedc
to a cave, known to the hunters of the mountains, where a
soft bed was spread for her, of the leaves which lay around
thick and dry, yielding a not unpleasant fragranlce to the
wearlied sleeper, who lay as yet unconcious of the safety of
her retreat. From her starting and muttering, it was evident that her dreams were of being pursued and of falling
into the hands of her persecutors.




a52                THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
CHAPTER V.
DOUBTING CASTLE-GIANT DESPAIR.
"'Then,' said Mr. Great Heart to Mr. Valiant for Truth,' thou hast worthily behaved
thyself; let me see thy sword:
"' Ha! it is a right good Jerusalem blade. It is; let me have one of these blades, with a
hand to wield it, and skill to use it, and I could veinture upon an angel of the high places
with it."'
OLD BUNYAN.
SHANDAAGAN had heard Elsie giving the sound of the
chick-a-dee, and immediately guessed the cause.  The stern
old Boerman of Hoogenhuisen was more dreaded than any
one else on the mountain-side; and this Indian had been all
the previous day skulking around the place as a spy; but
knowing the vigilant character of the daughter of the settler,
he readily concluded she was on the hills. When the chickl-cadee was heard he gave an involuntary ugh! for the mystery of Rover's leaving him in the early part of the night, was
solved to his dull mind. The Boerman was on the hills himself, and that accounted for the restlessness of the animal, and
his haste to get away.  As we have hinted, he was no
stranger about the farm-house.  From  his boyhood he had
been accustomed to stop there on his way to and from the east,
passing through Stony Clove, on the road to his native
lodge. Elsie had not only become an acquaintance, but also
an object of interest. She was of a nature to deal kindly with
all, but was sure to show her superior nature toward intruders; so that when the deceit of the Indians discovered itself
in anything, it met a rebuff, unpleasant to a malicious nature
like Shandaagan's.  It was, therefore, as much to gratify
himself as to serve Kiskataam, that he entered so heartily into
this enterprise. Revenge for sonme supposed insult put upon
him by  Martin, years ago, and a secret human liking that he
had for the company of Martin's daughter-of whom he was
afraid, but never could pass by-fascinated him whenever she
choose to keep him on his way. It was not love, it was not
hate: it was infatuation, or fascination, that brought him
wherever she was; though latterly she would have seen
one of the devil's imps sooner, of her own choice, than his
black shadow.
And if we can suppose one of these same imps as full of




DOUBTING CASTLE-GIANT DESPAIR.           53
malice as they are said to be, with three objects near him,
and he uncertain as to which he should venture upon first,
we can have some idea of this low Indian, with fear of his
chief, malice toward 1Martin, and his undefinable liking for
Elsie. The first of the three, at any time presented to his
senses, would have had the victory. In this state he was
wandering through the brush, sometimes creeping like the
snake; and then, as he thought upon his chances of success,
lie lifted his head high enough to look around. I-e was
well pleased to see the quarrel begin between the two leadels. It was to him a matter of delight; so much so, that
he inwardly hoped both would be killed, and then he would
make his own bargain with the captive. Watching the progress of the combat so intently, he forgot all other things,
nor was he aroused from his intentness till he heard the fearful alarm of the two combatants, now separated so strangely.
He soon understood the cause. The same sound had raised
up Martin to his full height, within a few rods before him,
and now revenge gained the mastery; for, coining softly
behind the Dutchman, who was intently watching the movements of the two captains, lest they should get upon the track
of Elsie and her charge, he had lifted Peg to her proper
position, when. he was seized by the strong arms of Shandaagan, and bound in an instant above the elbows, and thrown
upon his back, with the muzzle of his piece pointing to his
ear.
The astonished and grieved man gave a slight groan. A
thousand daggers passed into his body would have been less
felt than were the agonies of his spirit. His country, Elsie,
Angelica, and the poor captive Fawn, all came up before
him ere his own sad captivity was thought of. But he was
not devoid of that power of endurance which is found in noble
natures, allied to true courage, and in his own way he expressed it, " Uw wille geschiede " —thy will be done.
"The Hedgtehog is smooth and tied," was the significant
sneer of the Indian, as he gave a quiet chuckle in his throat,
wrhich indicated more pleasure than the loudest shout of triumph from a white man; "6 the Hledgehog must creep mast.))
This hint was accompanied by a touch of the muzzle of old
Peg, which lartin knew well was irresistible, no matter in
whose hands she was held. Her word was law.
"' Ti a-e do you mean me to go, you cowardly redskin?
Haave i not fed you? has not Anshela clothed you? and has
not Elsie picked the thorns out of your feet, when you




54               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
could not move? and now you ]bid me walk after you have
tied my arms with these deer-skin strings. Let me go about
my own business, and be off with you to your miserable hut
among the ice-beds.")
The red man never gave a sign to all this outburst, which
intimated the least feeling, except at the recollection of
Elsie's taking the thorns frtom his feet. He moved from
leaning on t}he one foot to the other, as if pain or pleasure
was seeking the topmost scale; all his reply was, " The HIedgehog must wait till Brandt comes."
This was the same as if the sentence of death had been
pronounced upon himn; for the name of that great 3Mohawk
had spread terror through the whole western country, from
the Hudson to Fort Niagara. The Duttchman groaned in
his spirit, and was troubled; but after a moment's prayer he
recovered himself, and whispered, "1 Ik hen bereid niet allen
gebonden te worden maar ook te sterven"-I am. ready
not only to be bound but also to die. His chief sorrow was
that he should be absent from his post, at this time when he
knew that so many were depending upon his vigilance in
lighting the teeken vuur-the watch-fire above his own dwelling; but to his great relief, as he chanced to pass along to
his appointed prison, he cast his eye down toward his home,
and saw that all was blazing; he would have clapped his
hands in rapture at the sight, but was quickly reminded
of his helpless condition by his not being able to bring them
together. He satisfied himself by quietly repeating in Dutch,
"1k word nu tot een plengoffered geofferred " —I am now
ready to be offered.
Martin was a pious man, and knew his Bible better than
any other book; quoting its sayings, always with much
point, when either sunk in distress or rapt in enthusiasm.
He felt stronger through seeing the watch-fire blazing, and
when he reached the stream, he bent down for a drink, for
which he seemed so grateful, that the Indian thought he
must have read some sign in the flame, which white men can
only understand.  Martin was repeating to himself what
gave him courage even now,'" Zyn nect Abana, en Pherphar, de revieren van Damascus, betters dan alle waterin
Israels.'"
It was evident to Martin that by the time they had gone a
short mile to the westward, that Shandaagan was wavering
in his purpose, and that some other object was beginning to
arrest his attention. Hoping, therefore, to turn this vacilla



DOUBTING CASTLE-GIANT DESPAIR.             55
tion to his own account, he tried to lead the wily savage into
conversation, so that if possible he might obtain a cue to his
intentions.
"The Wildcat has been a long journey with the Panther
since the sun rose.  W~ildcat must be tired and weary afoot,
going through briers and thorns. The Wildcat will soon
rest and wait for the great M3ohawk."
These different objects,were presented purposely to confuse
the mind of the Indian, for Martin understood his uncertain
character, and hoped to have his mind diverted from himself.
But revenge, for the present, was the ruling passion, and he
had his victim in his own hands. At the same time he felt
that he had made a great sacrifice in losing sight of Elsie
and the captive, and resolved to secure the father, trusting
to his hunter's skill to find out the daughter before morning,
through the help of Rover, who waS now trotting on before
them, to the great mortification of the prisoner, who seemed
to read the thoughts of his captor.; "~ The Hedgehog must lie down there till the second moon
rises;" said the logged Indian as, he pointed down to the
foot of the ravine, where Martin knew full well were the highest falls on the moluntain, over which he inwardly suspected
it was the Indian's inten-tion to cast him, where he would be
dashed in pieces. Roused by fear and indignation, lie determined to resist, and make at least one efibrt for his life.  He
was hesitating, as he felt the muzzle of his onlu gun
pressed against his back, when turning  suddenly, he seized
Peg, and would have wrenched her out of his captor's hands,
but for the bindings on.his arms. The struggle was unequal,
and lie had to yield. I-Is last chance was past. The wily
and cruel savage could not be caught again off his guard.
The prisoner still hoping, descended into the gorge, stepping
on to the rock over which the stream was pouring, and there
he felt it iwas but a step between him and death. Shandaagan
made his captive sit down on the rock, under a young sapling
that he had been surveying with his eye. I-Ie pointed the
gun to the breast of the Dutchman, in a threatening manner
not to be nrisunderstood.  Then bending the birch back
from the edge of the fall, he placed a stone upon it, just sufficient to keep it down. On the trunk of the tree he tied
tough thongs, cut from a gr een skin, which he, without warning, attached to the body of liartin.  A few moments completed his work.
"Shoot me, you false geveinsde " —hypocrite-was M3artin's




56                TIIE DUTCH DOMINIE.
fierce expression when the Xnanner in which he was bound
was plain to him.
The Indian had no such intention; but putting parched
corn within the reach of his victim to preserve him, alive till
some future timle, he proceeded to smoke the fragrant weed
of Virginia, sitting near enough to his prisoner that he might
inhale its influence, and thus tormenting himl as much as possible.
" Shandaagan,5" said Martin, in a tone of petition, and yet
of superiority, " unbind these strings, and tell me what you
want.  Is it AMilldoleors? You can have them. Come to
Hoogenhuisen when the sun rises."
The revengeful savage shook his head; he had made other
calculations. IHe loved a sweeter morsel. Lighting his pipe
again, he put it to the mouth of MIartin, who instinctively
began to puff away as if tile old clock stood ticking at his
elbow in the corner.
"The Wildcat will return;" was the brief reply of the
Indian, as he walked away, not deigning to look once behind
him. His thoughts had gone back to Mlartin's daughter, and
with Rover's help, he was sure of' finding her; and with her,
the English lady.  By these means he would secure both
the favor of Kiskataam and the reward of Clifford. He
could make a bargain with all for himself; more especially
as the onslaught of Brandt would furnish him with the
means of escape, should he become entangled.
We must leave Martin to his solitary reflection, as the Indian pursued his way.  He had put in one humbling petition
as his captor moved off:  "Shaudaagan will not hurt the
squaws at Hoogenhuisen?" He looked up for an answer, but
the bronze face of the redskin was imperturbably fixed.
"Let the Hedgehog sleep," was all he heard. The bitterest of the parting moment was to have Rover, when the
Indian drew him away, whine round him, and even lick-his
lips.  But a kick from the red man made him follow, leaving
the disconsolate master without a single earthly friehdc within call.  Death by falling over the precipice was certain, the
instant that the thongs were cut away; and they must be
cut asunder to let him go free.  HI-e had nothing before him
now but to wait for day, and hope for relief.
The Indian in the meantime pursued his return to the pine
orchard, where the capturing party would be waiting for his
report.  They knew that he had gone on the pursuit, and he
must say something. He determined to affect ignorance of




DOUBTING CASTLE-GIANT DESPAIR.             57
what he really knew concerning Elsie. He found Clifford alone;
so walking right to the camrnp, e cast a curious glance inito'
the bower as he passed, and just as he thought himself discovered by Clifford, his eyes dilated sufficiently to express
surprise at the place being vacant.  The'Englishliman was
standing out on the verge of the rock, as near to the edg'e as
it was possible for him to stand, as if he -watched the approach of something that was at hand.  lie gave a quick
start as Shandaagan came up to him, saying'
"They call you Wildcat; your steps are as soft and sly as
that animal's. Where have you been hunting all night?
Have you seen aught of our Fawn?"-he was going to say,
but he checked himself, and said: " Our friends friom above?
Anything of Brandt?"
"' The Dutchmen have kindled their fire on the hills;" and
pointing with his finger to the river, he said, "their fiery
tongues are crying back to the mountains."
" Oh, you mean to say that the whole country is alarmed;
well, I suppose that must be the case, from  all the signs of
fhe times. Have you met any of our scouts? or have you
seen the "And with that, he pointed with his finger to the empty
bower.
Shandaacgan shook his head, and said softly-for he wished
to keep in favor with Clifford, and yet elude his questions"Wildcat cannot catch Fawn."
4" No, but Wildcat could hunt for Fawn, and then," holdilg out a purse through which the coin glittered, he said
coaxingly, "that shall be the reward for bringing her in today or to-morrow."
This was just what the Indian was seeking-the commission
of search; and if Kiskataam would join the Englishman in the
wish,'he would begin immediately. He was listening with
eager ear for that wily chief, whom he knew could not be far
off; when, all at once, he appeared, as if he had risen out of
the ground. lie had heard the sinister tones of Clifford,
and soon saw  Vildclcat, and came to prevent a conspiracy
which he suspected already. He was sure that the Englishman could never find out his captives without help; and now
the only help he could finld was on hanld; his best way of
preventing a combination -against himself, was to enter into
the fellowship, and be one of the leaders. Hle could act for
himself none the less. He hoped to control the m-novements
and skill of his brother Indian, and thus leave the Englishman
3*




58                    THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
at fault.  So, assuming a bland look, he came forward as ii
nothing had happened to disturb the equanimity of the night;
sat down at the fire and prepared his pipe, pointing at the
same time to the slain cleer.  Shandaagan understood the
movement, and proceeded to cut off choice collops for their
breakfhst, which he put with care upon the red coals, now in
a fine condition for broiling that tender meat.  In half an
hour all the three were in the best possible temper of mind.
Clifford had a flask of brandy, which had the usual effect of
exhilarating the spirits, and drowning all care.
CHAPTER VI.THE EYELIDS OF THEl MORlNING.
" Within a savage cave beneath the mount,
Closed in the shades, the warriors passed the night
But when the sun from Heaven's eternal fount,
Thro' the brown forest shed his golden light,'Up, up!' at once they cried; and either knight
With rival zeal along the track of frost,
Began the ascent; when on their startled sifaht,
Whence they knew not, in various colors glowed
Their onward path, a fierce and frightful serpent crossed."
TAsso.
DAY had dawned upon the east, before the fugitive lady
and her deliverer had risen from their couch.  Tennis had
undertaken to watch while they slept, and faithfully did he
fulfill his trust; and though urged  by Elsie, in softer tones
than she would have given forth at another time, he remained
alert and vigilant still, by their side.' They all three stood
behind a jutting crag on a higher shoulder of the Kaatsbergs,
than that fiat rock on which the lady Margaret had been
rescued on the previous night.  She had already learned that
they were her fiiends.  Indeed, her confidence in them  was
entire on the instant they had found a resting-place, free from
alarm.  They had done all that any human  beings could have
done to quiet her agitation  and induce her to fall asleep.
She called them  her guardian angels, sent in answer to her
lnother's prayers; a.nd, though s511  started  in  her dreams
several times, still, as Teunnis reported, she seemed to  sleep
soundly for two hours, when she opened her eyes in surprise,
but not in alarm.




THE EYELIDS OF THE MORNING.               59
"Delightful vision I have had!" were her first words. "I was
onl board the ship once more, and my mother rocked me in
my little hammock, singing the old lullaby.'Hllsh, my
clear, lie still and-slumber.'  What do you think, Elsie, for so
you say I must call you, is that such a dream as forebodes
good?"'
"Yes, my lady, all dreams in \which a good Providence is
seen are of the right kind. Our Dominie tells us in his
preaching, that the angels are' allen geclienstige geesten, (dii
tot dienst uitgezonden worlden oni dergenen wil, die de zaligheid beernen zullen.' But I forget myself; you do not understand our tongue-it means that the anoels are servants to
the pure hearted, and no doubt but our Heavenly Father has
sent these holy spirits to your pillow, my dear lady, this
night."
" Call me Margaret if you will," said the pleased and
bright blue-eyed damsel, already recovering from the effects
of her horrid captivity.  " Tell me, if yon please, what your
parish priest says about those good things, f'or he must be a
good m1an, since you are so kind."
" Not our priest, Alriss Margaret, but our Dominiec-our
minister; it is true he is one of the good men, whom we love
to hear speak, and you would love him too, were he here just
now, looking out ol that rising light.  See where the dawn is
just peering out above those hills far out yonder. It is but a
narrow border, yet watch, and see how it will spread.
"Yes, I cannot help looking, and it reminds me of that
beautiful Psalm that says,'I will watch for thee, as they
who watch for the eyelids of the morning;' for see how like
that is to the opening lids of a child, when it looks up for its
mother.  But I wish I had not thought of the word mother
just now; as I look upon that scene, it seems as if it is selfishness not to forget everything else."
"This is no place for despair, fair lady," said Teunis, who
hesitatingly took part in the conversation.  " There are hundreds of good friends below who will risk their'lives for you.
ReSt must be taken here to-day, and I will go down to prepare the means of deliverance."
6 Thanks, o h, a thousand thanks to you, and a rich reward
awaits you.  t[y father wilt give up all Ile is worth for his
daughter. ~We are a happy family, when together.  But oh,
how miserable that cabin is at this moment."'
"Look up, my lady," said Teunis, for he was becoming
bolder, as he saw t*he sad state in which the poor exile was.




60                 THE DUTCH DO31INIE.
"Look up; see, there is hope for you. The dawn gets
brighter; now wait and watch till the sun springs out of his
bed.,"
" Glorious! glorious king' of clday rejoicing in the east!
never did I see thee before. No marvel, though the heathen
fell prone at sight of thee.  I shall not think of myself
here amidst such majesty. 1Not a cloud up there except
these twvo in the very zenith.  Sparkling golden studs growing pale; and that azure! was ever aught so pure over this
world before!"
Teunis, who felt a personal pride in the scene, and who
considered himself bound in honor to uphold its reputation
over all the world beside, stood ready to show off all the
great points of sublimity; and Elsie, equally interested, well
knew the features of beauty, so that between the two, the
English maiden was likely to be well instructed in mountain
panoramics.
"' See the sun, how he rises like a great captain, surmounted
by a helmet of gold," said the young man.  " Don't wink lest
you lose a single ray."
"O God!" said the enraptured girl, "what must THou be
thyself, since thy servant is so bright and beautiful?"
- Elsie was muttering to herself a Psalmi ii the Holland
tongue-Gy kept voor maels de ae'rade gegrondclet, ende de' keenelen zen tiwerkl uwer handen."'
" WVhat is that you sing?" said the lady,'" tell it to me in
English; it must be good for it makes your face shine."
"I am saying what you know to be true, perhaps, at this
hour more than you ever thought before.' Of old thou hast
laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the
work of thy hands.'  But, Miss Margaret, you must look below, as well as upward, if you would see all the sublimity
of this scene."
And with that the stranger looked down, exclaiming in
amazement, "The ocean, the sea, the sea!" An infinite mass
of vapor lay so thick upon the valley that it seemed more
like the rolling waves than a cloud of mist.  1 "Anld is it possible that we are not on the seashore. I-lark! I think I hear
the surge as it breaks against the rocks?  But no, we are on
the mountain, as I know full well from the journey of yesterday. Tell me if it be possible that people do live and lbreathe
down there in that awful gulf."
" Yes," was Elsie's reply;'" thousands are at this hour asleep.
No  marvel they should have heavy  dreams, compared




THlE EYELIDS OF THE MORNING.             61
with those we have had up here in this blue ether. See how
high the sun has bounded already on his journey; not a star
to be seen now. Yes, there is one, the blinzcencle mnorgenster."'
" You mean the morning star. lN:ay I take that as the
sign of deliverance?  I would not pray to that orb, but to
Him who said,'I am the bright and morning star.'  Be
thou that so to me, 0 Saviour of men;" and the poor, feeble
girl was again turning to thoughts of herself; when Teunis
called out to see how the whole earth was in motion below.
Grand and terrible was the scene; even these two natives,
-who had frequently looked on the like before, held their
breath when the huge masses divided and turned, as icebergs
are seen to sink and rise when some change takes place in
their weight.  Then, as if relieved from their anchorage,
they made a sudden plunge, which sent the waves far out to
the verge of the expanse. It would have been some relief
had there been the least noise, but the silence to the ear
when there was such agitation to the sight, rerinded one of
what we have read of the gulf which divides time from
eternity-neither life nor death.
" I have read somewhere of the North Seas," said the most
intelligent of the spectators, " of the hummocks of snow and
ice Swhich move through these death-like seas, and where the
sky is like living crystal. See that mountain there, rising up
as if giants were beneath it lifting it. -lave you not read,
young man, of the gods piling mountains?"
"I know nothing of such books," said Teunis. "There is
one passage that exactly expresses my mind, where it describes the clouds as the dust of the Almighty's feet."
" You are right," said Margaret; "no book can furnish us
with words fit to express our ideas of nature equal to the one
you quote from, and yet I have read in other pages descriptions which at this moment come up to the pictures passing
before up. See there, that moving tower, pursuing the one
still vaster that swells upward and onward. I can imagine the
great warriors of antiquity on it, roused up in their ancient
armor, bent upon a great expedition, obeying the voice of
the leader. But the trumpets are silent."
"T he sun is their only leader at this moment," said Teunis.
H6 T-e is drawing them. after him. Till he appeared all was
quiet, but you have observed that from the instant he showed
his face there has been a great andc general commotion.
"He is like a strong man," said Elsie, "~ going forth to run




62                  THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
his race;" for she was anxious to give as much moral influence to the conversation as might strengthen her new
friend for her day's work; and so pointing wTith her hand to
one of the figures which appeared on the clouds below,'she
asked of her companions if that did not "seem  like what
they had conceived of the angel who would put his foot upon
the sea and upon the land, lifting his hand to heaven?"'" Yes, and we standing up high, as we do now, seeing the
rising  dead.  These Ulisty shapes make me feel awlfl, even
at this moment.  Shall we be able," said l~iargaret, "to see
the dwellings in the valley when the mist is gone?  I almost
think these must be their shadows, grown huge, that ard
lifted up?"
These observations were disjointed and interjectional, followed by pauses which showed that the spectators were full
of thoughts that partook more of the spiritual than of the
earthly. It was reverie uttered at intervals; musings which
elevated the soul into that fellowship with spiritual existences, afterward to be remembered with calm delight.  The
sight recalled to the more highly educated of the three some
of those images which till then had lain sleeping in her
memory,'and half whispering, she repeated to herself those
fine lines of the greatest of uninspired sacred poets:
"There is a cave within the mount of God,
Fast by the throne, where light and darkness
In perpetual rounds lodge and dislodge
By turns, which make through heaven
Grateful vicissitude like day and night;
Light issues forth, and at the other door
Obsequious darkness enters; but now goes
Forth the morn' arrayed in gold empyreal."
"There! there! is the earth at last!" shouted out the enraptured Teunis. " I have never seen it as we see it now, but
I think on the sailor crying from the mast-head, land! land 1"
"I never see it'," said Elsie, "' but I think on the mornino
stars, shouting for joy when the dry land appeared at creation.
Is it not beautifiul, M3iss Ml'argaret?'"
"It is; but what is that we see, like a white line) passin.:
through the whole, as far as we can look, north and stiLth?"'"Let the lady find out herself without our help," s:il
Teunis; " watch and you will see;" and the younng Dutclhman, full of honest feeling, looked from the face of the eniwer
spectator to the object she gazed upon, and back again.




THE EYELIDS OF THE MORNING.              63
"The river! the river!" said the enraptured gazer.  "The
famous Hudson, where the Indian canoes once swam as lightly
as the swan, till the enterprising Hendrick Hudson came and
sailed up as far as Albany. He says he' saw very high imountains on the west of him, and very old men on the banks.' How
high we must be, for it seems but a narrow stream.  Alas! I
ought to know it well, after what I have endured near it since I
left the ship. The ship! yes, oh, the ship must be seen from this
height.. I think I see it lying close by the shore, there waiting'
for me. Look, dear Elsie, and tell me if that be not the broad
pennon of. St. George that we see yonder."
"I am afraid not," said the mountain girl. "There are
too many clouds floating there yet to allow us to see any vessel from this distance. See these shadows how they pass and
repass all along the river, so silently, and, I was going to say,
so solemnly. They always picture to my mind the valley of
death, where they say spirits are moving before the eyes of
the dying."
"It is, indeed," said 1Margaret, "a scene that might well
impress awe upon the superstitious.  A Greek could imagine
that riv.er to be the dark Styx, and these the ghosts of heloes
crossing in Charon's -boat. See how large everything seems,
and how far they move from  us whenever a larger cloud
comes over. I wish that veil would clear away. I long to
look down into the eyes of the sleepers."
"Lady Mlargaret," interrupted Teunis, "it is time for me
to leave. There is soon to- be bloody work below; and I
must be there to act my part. You will be as well taken care
of as if I were present."
This was said as a word of encouragement; for the speaker
perceived that fear was overcoming the unhappy girl, and
that his presence was becoming necessary to her comfort, as
she had not yet learned to confide in one of her own sex.
" The troubles below," continued he, "' will divert the attention of your pursuer from you.  After a few days, we will
find means of taking you to your friends - In the meantimle,
Elsie, keep away from the kekutes; for these wily redskins
can tell a woman from an owl in the dark; and give thern
but a glimpse of your bright hair, dangling in the sunshine,
ncld a bullet shall be sent to you that will bring' you clown.
Then, what shall I say to Martin Sbchuyler?"
"Oh, you can say that the Tories have run away with
Elsie,'" was the sly answer of the Boerman's daughter.  "Go,
as we planned it already, and be sure and bring some ole.




64                THE DUTCH[I DOMINIE.
cakes and cheese, and a bottle of milk; and-a word more,"
after he had gone a few steps, she running down the hill till
she came close up to him,." Go in and comnfort mallmmy, as
you pass. Tell her good news; the best you can frame.
And " -
" And what, dclearest Elsie?  One word m1ore, and let that
be HOPr. You know how some words put life into the feet
of the runner: and the Dominie says,' want wij zijn in hope
zalig geworden. l'"
" Yes, Teunis, 4we are saved by hope,' but that means for
another life. We have something else to think of than the
present world, in these sad times; but ii'-  And the damsel
paused, and sighed, and then lookinrg up, said, "' Go, Teunis,
and my prayers shall go with you."
" And your word, Elsie, is hope?"'
"IHope, then," said the modest maiden, as she returned
to her charge; feeling all the burden of her responsibility,
now that she was left alone with the feeble thing that she had
dared to rescue, as a bird out of the hand of the fowler.
Both of the young women felt lonely; and something like
terror crept over them as they were watching the movements
of their departing companion, which they could not long
discern, as it was not for the safety of either party that he
should let himself be seen from  above. So, Elsie, who was
the strongest in mind and in body, as well as larger in experience, turned the attention of her ward, as soon as possible,
to other objects than herself.  She had alleady got the key
to her n:lturlal character-a wrapt enthusiasm for nature —
and sl)e wisely used that for her own benefit.
" IHere we are, then, upon the high hills, and how small we
look to ourselves when we turn our thoughts upon our frail
forms. Do they have as high mountains in your country,
Mliss Margaret?"
"No, Elsie, we have not any lofty mountains," said her
sorrowful companion, who was making an effort to overcome
her feelings, as she guessed the kind design of her comforter.' The mountains of England are not so high as these, but I
have seen the Alps, which are much higher than these Icaatsbergs; and I am reminded by the scene of this morning, of
sinilar grandeur; and my thoughts run to friends who were
there with me, and I am afraidC that I shall make but a poor
follower of yours to-day. ]I have seen the day when I could
have wished myself an eagle, that I might perch on that
highest point; but now, I could crawl on the lowest part of




THE EYELIDS OF THE MORNING.             65
the ground.  Trouble humbles the proud heart, dearest
Elsie."
"Oh yes, lady. So I have heard our good Dominie say,
and he has been on those high mountains you speak of in his
youth. And sometimes in these days of trouble, he will brealcout in great raptures, and sing in the words of the good book,
so that we all feel quite strong, and ready for any trial. I
wish you could but understand Dutch."
" Say it to me, if you please; though I do not understand
it, your voice will direct my mind away from myself to the
Good Being, who only can deliver me now."'
" That is true, and the words are comforting, and always
cheer me, as you may be sustained if you could but understand them; but I will try and give you their meaning: 0
myne duve synde in de kloven der steenrotsen, in't verborgen, eener steiler plaetse toond my uwe stemme hooren want
uwe stemme is zoet en uwe gadaente is lieffelyk. Now, I
wish I could give you the English of that;'but it is about a
dove in the cloves of the mountains, in the secret places of
the stairs; and then it says" -
"Oh, I can tell you. the other part:'Let me see thy
face, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy
countenance is comely.'"
" There now; I have ofteni heard these beautiful words,"
said the stranger, "but never till now have I seen their
beauty, and their promise of deliverance to myself. Here
I am, a weak dove on these high hills, but I cannot fly.
Those who love me are far from me. O! God, let me see
thy face in these secret places. Let these mountains whereon
thy feet shall come, be as the stairs of thy palace, that I
may be delivered.'Surely, dear Elsie, these words were
sent to your lips by the Good Spirit, for me. Let me hear
more of them."
" We have spoken enough of these fine words, young lady,
it is time for us to do something to provide against coming
danger.9'  And with that, the two young women, like sisters,
moved on, where the strongest led the weakest by, the hand,
as a mother leads a child. So helpless was the late captive,
andcl so easily would she have been again ensnared, but for
the prudence and love of her guardian.




66                 THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
CHAPTER VII.
REVENGE IS SVlWEET.
A monster, huge and hideous, void of sight."-COWLEY.
TumI was a busy day for the young Dutchman.  Like all
his race, he was slow to move, but once under way, he was
like one of those arks to be seen on the Scheldt, which
nothing can stop in the current.  Now being wakened up,
his duty was becoming more evident.  The country stood
out in its size and importance more than ever; and, like
an arch into which they were just pressing the keystone, he
heard a cheerful call of Elsie, saying, the more you put on
me, the more can be borne.  lie grew stronger, and. more
decided at every'step; for his mind and conscience were alike
in action.'"I owe a debt of gratitude to my father;" there are
other persons in the world he would have said, but he remembered the uncertainty of his condition at the moment,
and he hesitated to say the words " Elsie and country."
" Country,"  thought he, "~what have I done to merit
a country; standing like a great goose, as I have been,
first on one foot, then on another, as I felt it hot or cold,
or was tired. I must stand on my two feet if I deserve the
name of a man; and the love of Elsie. She is not the gir'l to
favor a goose:" and the slow intellect of the meditator
smiled at his own wit.  Like all honest men, he was trying
to satisfy his conscience first, and then he hoped to pursue
his own interest the more successfully. That was after all
paramount.  His conscience was on the side of the country,
and it was all the easier for him to work in his new harness,
since his heart was there, because Elsie was also there; and it
only required a small force in addition, to place himself
wholly there. At the present moment he must work prudently; but he would do his duty, and not flinch to-day.
"I ought first to go to Hoogenhuisen and see how Anshela
gets on, for I am afraid all is not right there in the absence of
both Ilartin and Elsie; but then I have been so long' froto
home, they will suspect me in these suspicious days unless I
show my face; and daddy will miss Grey more than myself,
for it is past the time of his feeding him: and now, when I




REVENGE IS SWEET.                  6*7
think of it, the poor animal has stood all night tied to that
tree. There he is whinnying' just now that he hears my step."
By this time he had reached the foot of the hill, and waas
astride of his good nag, that was not unwilling; to receive
his burden.  Perhaps haIl the animal shown the least inclination to go up to IHoogenhuisen, where he had been so often, and
where he had been fed with many a good mess of oats, the
man would not have checked the rein; but he trotted freely
down the way to his own stable, the master saying to himself,
"well, go; I shall find out the state of things below, and be all
the better prepared to elude these redskins, whether led by
Brandt or lKCiskataam; for Brandt, after all, is at the bottom
of this game, though the mountain chief seems to be playingthe main part up here just now. The lady, in some mysterious way, has been taken by the Tories, for some Tory purpose. WNhy she should be of their own blood is more than
my dull head can see throuigh. Elsie says she can ulderstand the reason, but I cannot; and no matter. It is onr
duty to deliver her; be she of the Whig or of the Tory race,
I wvill fight on her side."
With such reflections in his mind, new to himself, and
therefore all the more oppressive to his breast, he came within sight of his home, that lay, like most of the houses of the
early settlers firom HIolland, in a hollow between two of the
low hills that lie at the foot of the Kaatsbergs.  The niountain stream ran through the meadow before the wealthy Boerman's door, surrounded as that was with trees of the forest,
which had never been cleared away; or had come up a second growth since his grandfather took up his abode there.
It was a rich farm, and had been one of those spots on which
the aborigines had raised their " maize, their beans, and their
pomlpkins."  Some of the ancient apple and plum trees,
which came from no one can tell where, were now yielding
their fruit to the hands of another race.
Teunis was met at the foot of the hill, a hhe was passing
through a bunch of' pines, by an old negro wench, whom
they all called mammy, who stood up in the road and stopped
him, by holding' up her finger in a warning attitude; which
he, in his present state of mind, was unable to despise;
thouo2h he did his best, by trying to pass her with a "Good
morningo, mammy; what brings you here so far from the pigs
and the chickelns, so early in the day."
" Mammy's chic'ns fly like de patriches, and me must follow dem."9




68               TTHE DUTCH DOMINIE.
"Well, have you found them, Dora?" said Teunis, affecting to understand her literally. "~ They must be clucks you
are seeking, or they could not cross the creek."
"L Nae, nae, duck neber flee to de mountains, chick'ns keep'bout de doors. Patriches run avay, and hide der eyes, den
tink nobody seed dem."
" Explain yourself, Dora," for the young man saw that she
was in earnest about something, and he was anxious for information which might unfold what he wanted to know.
Besides he knew that old Dora was faithful, and he needed
a confident friend in some one: so he at once said, " tell me
mammy, has any one been seeking after Teunis last night?"
"]Mammy had dark tream," and here the poor creature's
tears began to run.  " Teunis baby boy again; but Teuny ifall
over the vlat rock and got wings, den flew away to Hoogentuisen vere M3artin feed him wid wvhiggee corn."
"'Come Dora, none of that nonsense," said Teunis, ilnpatiently, " tell me what you are here for. I-Have you anything
to tell me about the Indians?"
At that word the old creature became as bright as an
old African cn can be, and opened her bag of secrets to Tennis,
so perfectly that he became fully aware of his clanger, and
before he left her, had made out, in his own mind, the plan
he should pursue immediately. The conversation was carried on in a low, quiet whisper, for at least ten minutes. At
parting she looked in his face, as if examining the lines of
feeling that might be traced there, and at the close of the investigation, she drew her own palm over her brow, saying,
"Look to de high peak ven de storm is past, de vind
sweeps de vet dust off, and the face is clear as de morning."
Teunis rode on, taking the hint by bringing his thoughts and
looks into proper subjection, before he met his' father, who
Dora told him had been asking after him twice since six
o'clock. In ten minutes more lie was in the barn attending
to some duties, which he knew belonged to his share of the
usual work, with as much earnestness as if nothing else was
in his mind. There his father-found him.  Whether he was
aware of his absence through the night or not, did not appear; but the moment he cane within sight of his son, the
working of his lips showed that an unusual agitation had
been moving him all that morning, and was now to be expressed.  The son feared that his own thoughts had become
known in some mysterious way, as they had been already
partially revealed to old Dora, as he found from more than




REVENGE IS SWEET.                 69
her dreams. There was some medium between her and the
mist on the mountain, which he could not trace, and from her
former character, he was still more inclined than ever to believe that she held communications with the geests * she had
so often fiightened them with when they were children. For
the fact was, that sometimes being overborne by the noise and
the rudeness of the youngsters, when they intruded upon the
kitchen, her own proper domain, she had to have recourse to,
the very means which white nurses have of stilling their noisy
brood, bringing the fetish on them, which was equally effectual with geest or witch, only that her goblin was of African
color, where she declared there was one so large, that he
could swallow an ox and three pigs for his supper, with as
many little white babies as could be found.  All of these
stories had their influence on Teunis-not yet abated entirely.
This morning had renewed his wonder; where the old wench
could have obtained her knowledge of him and of his very
thoughts when she had not seen him since the morning
before! When Jacobus Roe then stepped into the barn as
he did, his son Tennis was in some measure moved in feeling
through sympathy, and might by a more skillful or more sus:picious parent have been thrown off his guard.  Luckily for
him, the old man could only entertain one idea at a time, and
the idea now was the King and his cause. To sustain Toryisll
he was ready to sacrifice all he had in the world, timlily a:nd
farm; nor did he dreanm for a moment that he could come to
a loss, since Brandt had arrived to carry off the Whiggies.
After they were moved the whole country would be as quiet
as his pigs after the bieren-bears-were driven away, and
they lying down in their straw, well fed. The Whigs and the
bears were th-e same thing in a measure, to the old Boerman.
" Tennis, sonnee, I vant tee to run for me to te top ot"Here Tennis looked into his father's face ready to fri'ame an
excuse, or in some way to get rid of being hindered in what he
must do, whatever should be the consequence, to save Elsie
and her captive fiiend; but to his great relief, he found that
he might both run his father's errand, and serve his own
cause; for the father, going on slowly, said, with some hesitation and under his usual tone, "Tee must run to te top
of te clove and look sout' and nort', and stand allee day till
tee see smoke rising from Sopus, den come back vere ton
vill be vanted. Tak de sorrel mare wid tee, and do not spare
de spur nor de vipp, nor yourselv-."
* Ghosts.




TO                THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
This was'an extraordinary license on the part of old
Yaacob, who loved his horses with an affection that approached the human feeling, as near as it could comle. By
this token, the son saw that the crisis was drawing to a point;
and lest he should be laid under some definite obligation, he
hastened to fill the letter of the injunction, with an alacrity
that pleased the old man, so that the. smile of satisfaction came
up over his grim face, breaking after five minutes into words.
"Ha! deze jongeling * vill make de Whiggees run, I guess."
That lad wads the pride of his heart, and he hoped to see him
made a captain before long.
At the door of the kitchen, where Teunis had stopped on
a visit to old Dora's larder, he met his mother, who was under
as much emotion as her large frame would allow her to bear;
as she came forward she merely looked at him, whispering in
his ear, "geen huizisnecht accn twee heeren cdienen;" f and with
her heart full, she turned and left him in amazement. She
was no sooner out of sight than Dora waddled up, putting her
fingers to her lips, intending to impose silence on Tennis; a
state she could not remain in herself; for, with as much solemnity as she could put into her dark face, she said, as she
touched him, "3Miene kinder: dere be geesten vatching de,
tak dat;" and she thrust a smooth black stone into his bosom,
throwing a thong, made of a snake skin, which ran through
it, over his neck; mumbling something, seemingly a prayer,
as she went back to her work. This stone Tennis had seen
a few times before, on occasions when Dora was excited, as
she was just now; and he remembered once when he was a
boy, that going on a hunting excursion, when Dora thought
he must be in danger, that she did the same thing as now.
His leaving his paternal dwelling under all these circumstances, was calculated to waken up any dormant sensations
that might be sleeping in his breast. The double errand on
which he was bound, the responsibility laid upon him, his
own interests in the events of the day; and the parting he
had just made with those who loved him, together with the
hope of securing the approval and the love of one now dearer
to him than life, made him  solemn. But the words of his
mother were to him the heaviest sounds:  " No man can
serve two masters."  "MIother," said the honest youth to
himself, " yo  are right.  This shall be my last service to
King George; and if I guess right, it will not displease you,
that it should be so. I have long thought I knew where her
~ This young man.    f No servant can serve two masters.   $ Child.




REVENGE IS SWEET.                  71
heart was, and maybe she has heard me speak in my sleep;
for I have dreamed before this of shaking my head clear of
the English colors, when my father, honest man, was putting the flag over me."  With these reflections, he put spurs
to his horse, that felt the spirit of his rider and was off like
an arrow, up the hill. He was noticed by Dora, whom he
did not see; for there seemed to hang over the whole scene
a stillness, which, to the oppressed and superstitious mind of
the rider, was in the highest degree ominous.  Not a living
thing  could be seen; cattle were driven far into the woods;
horses were tied in some cave, and even the poultry were
caged in the bush. The houses seemed to be all deserted,
except where some old negro slave, and his ancient wench of
a wife, were left to keep a sort of watch over things of no
value. It was a lonely and melancholy ride; and to add to
Teunis's sense of the fearful, as he went on at full speed, he
saw, crossing his road at a little distance, one of those bears
which were numerous in these regions.  IHe moved slowly
till the horseman came near, when he sprung up a tree that
ovelrhung the path, looking down through the branches at the
intruder upon -his domlains, with a calin superiority which was
provoking to a hunter's spirit. But there was no time to
waste in parleying with Bruin; so, on the rider went, marking the tree with his eye; fbr he saw that the sweet tooth of
the aninmal would incline him to return there some other time,
when they might be on more equal terms.
Truth to tell, Teunis was less afraid of a bear than he wTas
of things that had neither shape nor sound. The tales of old
Dora had more influence upon him than the substantial objects
he had chased over the mountains; and as he rode at full
speed in the darkness of the forest, where, on his right hand,
he heard the dull sighing of the trees; and on the left, the
monotonous murniur and brattling noise of the stream, he remembered he was coming near to the "sp2ooks clen," which,
from his in~fancy, he had regarded as the abode of the unknown sprites of the hills. It was not without a feeling of
tremor that he slackened his horse's pace, that he mnight survey the scene, before he fairly entered into the mouth of the
demon, if there was such a being. He was a young lman,
above the average in intelligence; but that did not save himt
firom the usual fears of nortals, when engaged in earnest wolk,
as he was at that moment.  All that he had heard of the
place from Dora, and the other old blacks; together with the
tales which adventurous hunters had lately told, some in fear




z2               TTHE DUTCH DOMINIE.
and others in sport, came up to view at this instant. By this
time he found himself walking his horse slowly toward the
dreaded place, which lay at the foot of the hill, jLust where the
road he maust take turned off to the left. He knew that there
was a hut there, and a well, which was supplied from some
spring on the side of the hill. He was about to descend from
Sorrel, that he might allow her to quench her thirst, and then
slake his own lips, which he suddenly discovered were drying;
when to his great surprise and fear, he perceived smoke issuing
from an apefture in the roof of the rude cabin; and, as he
listened, he heard plainly the sound of a human voice.  His
first impulse was to remount Sorrel and ride back over the road
he came. But his horse was too thirsty to allow herself to be
deprived of the beverage so near at hand, and before the rider
had time to recover his bridle, the animal was at the brink of the
rude lot trough, out of which was running the purest crystal
water. Teunnis knew the place, for it was past it he had gone
when Dora first put the charm round his neck, to protect him
from the spooks; and whether through instinct, or because he
had faith in the old African's incantation, he suddenly thrust
his hand inito the place where the black pebble lay, and held
it as a weapon of defence. He had just time to dip his
own lips into the water and take one loncg dranught, when
he lifted his head and saw, to his horror, an object which, had
he seen before he drank of the spring, would have made him
fall to the ground.  But his nervousness departed with his
thirst; and what was of itself suffitent to encourage him, he
saw that Sorrel was not in the least afraid. Quick as tWlought,
he remembered what the Dorninie had said,' that the dumb
creatures are terrified for geesten, not for men, in whatever
garments they come. But when you ride in the dark, or on
a doubtful business, see that you be not wiser than the beast
you stride. God may put light before his eyes. AIind how
Balaam was rebuked for his iniquity, " wacnt Aet ju7ccdra gende
stomme dier sprekende met menschenstem heeft des profeten dwaashied verhinderd,"-or, as the English Bibles
have it, "the dumb ass, speaking with man's voice, forbade
the madness of the prophet."
"This is no angel then," said Tennis, " sent to hinder me,
for Sorrel is not afraid. I have heard that there was such a
creature here before, and now I know that he must be but
mortal."
The young farmer, though he had lived in simple seclusion,
was not unacquainted with those trials which show th? true




REVENGE IS SWEET.                73
character; and once put into a close corner, he soon regained
his natural courage of heart; and though it may tend to lower
him in the estimation, of soine, we must tell the truth, old
Dora's charm in his hand was not without its influence.
By the time these reflections had flown through the brain
of the youth, the figure we have alluded to came out into
the road where Teunis was to pass, if he went up the hill at
all. The'e was no other path. A deep ravine was at the
left, where a waterfall dashed on the rocks;: and on the
right there stood frowning a steep hill, overshadowed with
woods and bushes. Teunis mounted his horse, and was
gathering up the reins, that he might pass at a sudden, when
chance might offer itself; but he soon perceived that he had
to do with one who was more -than a match with him at
manceuvering.  The strife was now which would longest
remain silent. The two stood facing each other. He on the
road was a tall, bony man of great strength, which appeared
from the steady stand he took, without wincing or moving a
-muscle. He had on a cloak of bear-skins, and a cap made of
the skin of the common wildcat.  Under the cloak, which
was' worn close to the body, gathered in by a belt which had
once belonged to a soldier of his majesty, was hung a straight
sword, of about a cubit's length. Other weapons he had, as
the turning aside of his outer garment showed, though he did
not bring them forth for use; as he could readily have done
had occasion called.
Tennis, at length gathering courage from his sense of duty,
said in a respectful manner: " Would it please you to let me
pass; I am on important business, and have been detained
too long already."
"Have you been detained by me, Tennis Roe, from doing
the business of the cold-blooded Brandt?  One might think
that the smell of scalps was sweet to your nostrils, since you
want to be on the hill to tell him that it is now time for
him to descend like a hawk among Dora's chickens, when he
pounces on the best."
Tennis started at the allusions all through this sarcastic
speech, for it was delivered in that strain which has so grating
an effect upon the sensitive nature of an honest man, who
spurns at even an insinuation.
" I am none of Brandt's tools," said the man addressed,
with some spirit, "nor do I mean to serve his master; I have
other work upon my hands."
" Pray, who is Brandt's master?"9 said the singular being,
4




7X4               THE'DUTCH DOMINIE.
who evidently spoke more for the purpose of drawing out
his new acquaintance than because he wanted information.
"We have been taught that the Great i[Mohawk is a kincg
himself, and bows down to no man."
"The one that Brandt serves is his master, be it Satan or
St. George," was the tart reply of Teunis, for he was becoming bold and impatient. "Let me pass."  This time he did
not add "if it be your pleasure."
The other, not noticing the demand, proceeded to speak in
reply to the sound sentiment expressed of service;" You
are, then, neither a servant of Brandt, nor of St. George, nor
of his grim, majesty of the black regions. Whom may you
serve, then, young man?"
" Who is it that demands the information?" was the quick
response of Teunis. "I  have not come up here to be put
through my catechism."
"Well spoken, friend, and I like you all the better for your
chariness and spirit."  Hiere the speaker w;tLL the hairy
robe stood looking Teunis in the eye, for at least ten seconds,
till he succeeded in riveting him to his place, when he broke
the silence by saying, " The black stone in your hand, and the
serpent skin that binds it round your neck, seem fitter for
a man who is bound to the devil than to God.")
Teunis looked into his hand, and saw that it was the charml
of Dora he was grasping with such firmness; ashamed at
his being found out, and actually fearing that it was fiom the
devil, he took it from his neck, and flung it with all his force
into the gulf, where it hung suspended from the branch of
a sapling, far down.'" So you deem yourself free, young man, now; but know
this, that no one is his own master; and some are more
arrant slaves than Dora's children."9
" So you seem to think that I am in bondage with the rest.
It shall not be my fault if freedom be a stranger to any who
tread these mountains."'No doubt you are very much in earnest when your particular interest is at stake. A man's own feeling renders his
judgment very decided. Would you have been so fhr from
home had the liberty of the country only been in danger?
We do not always perceive our own bent."
At that instant Teunis felt not unlike Sorrel, with the bit
in her mouth, restless, and ready to spring at the first opening. Hie had been surveying the height of the hill, while the
stranger was feeling the pockets of his inner garments; and




REVENGE IS SWEET.                 l5
to do so found it necessary to unbuckle the girdle of his
cloak. Now was the time, and quick as thought the spur
gave Sorrel the hint, who took it willingly, and at one bound
was on the other side of the opposer, who was shoved to
the right with some violence, which both disturbed his intention and his temper for an instant. Wheeling around, Teunis
said,'"I beg your pardon, but I must not be hindered by
any one."  The discornfited man gave a scowl that brought
the blood quickly to the heart of the rider.
"Young man, it is well for you that I have a deeper
interest in you than you are aware -of, else your stolen
passage would not serve you. If I meant you. harm, it
matters but little whether I look at you from  the south
side or the north.  There are reasons of more moment
than merely holding this palaver with you, why I should
know you.".By the time he was done with these words, he
affected to look in the face of Teunis, who was standing up
in his stirrups, with his eyes staring on the man who was
addressing himll: who said with a cool, sarcastic voice: "' You
seem to be in no hurry now, that you have made such an
effort to pass me; are you shot, that you are speechless?
What do you see?"
"I see," said Teunis, " what makes me believe that you
are either better or worse than other mortals; and now I
have to beg of you to let me go on my proposed journey."
The strange man had put on his breast a small miniature
picture, and around it was a blue silken chain, which Teunis
recognized as one that he had himself bought in Albany, and
put over the neck of Elsie at their parting, a year ago.  He
could see, too, that the likeness was that of Elsie. The sight
blinded him and struck him dumb, and the only thing he
could say was to beg permission to leave.
" I see,"' said the strange mortal, "that we in part underderstand each other. Go! I have been watching your movements. I saw you hail the beams of the rising sun. Remember that he is a great discoverer of secrets.  He sends
his rays into bright eyes through tears; and more than three
can stand on a high cliff. Nothing hides but the valley,
or the grave under its clods. But blood will ooze out of
even the deepest pit; and the eyes of conscience, and of revenge, can see the stains, without sunlight."'
These words, at the close, were said with a bitterness
which froze the spirit of the listener; and as if to relieve
himself; he turned to the speaker and said: 1"Can I serve




76               TIlE DUTCH DOMINIE.
you in any way? Do you want anything? I cannot help
but pity you."' Want!  Have not I water there? sun enough when I
look up? and shall not I have earth enough when I lie down
to sleep my last sleep? Yes, but the earth would not be still
should I die before"    The rest of this sentence was in pantomime which no one could see and not comprehend that a
deadly purpose was in his soul.
Here, turning to Teunis, he said: " Swear;" and he held
out a large pistol, with the muzzle to himself-" swear," he
said firmly.
" And what am I to give oath concerning? for that is not a
matter of common import."
" ~Well, swear," said the wild man, for he was more in the
character now of a savage roused to the highest excitement,
than a being'of this reasonable world: "' swear that you will
not tell a word of what you have heard, nor describe a token
of what you have seen, till the sun has risen and set six
times."
As Teunis looked at the portrait that hung at the breast of
the one that was invoking him by. an oath, he hesitated; for
there were questions of deep interest to him, which he would
wish to have solved; and if he gave his oath, all inquiry was
shut up. He looked on the features again, that he. might be
sure, and then to the face of him who wore the gem, who
understood his wish, and said:
" I know what you would ask; you cannot know. She has
sworn; swear! I say," and he gave a shriek that was reverberated through the valley, as if a thousand demons were
responding to their leader. Tennis said no more, but following the words dictated to him, he swore to be silent till the
appointed time came.
" Now, go your way; you will have a friend while you are
faithful to the trust you have undertaken. Hear this, and be
quick. Brandt will descend before two suns set; but your
first business is above, forl the Indian hounds are scenting out
the footsteps of the feeble.  Go; but here, wait!" and he
seemed to take the same black stone that Teunis threw away
in his fury, fiom his pocket-how he took it from the tree
where it hung, Tennis never could guess-and put it over the
head of the rider as it was before. Then- taking it in his
own hand, he touched a part of it, whlen out sprung the nib
of a whistle, which he put to his mouth, and made the
air resound. Bidding Teunis do the same, he said curtly:




REVENGE IS SWEETo                 77
"When danger is too strong for you, let that be heard."
With that he turned, and the horseman sprang up the hill, as
if relieved from some force that pressed him to the ground,
so that he rode up the hill free.  IHe felt that the spell which
bound him was removed, and now his cir6ulation was become
so rapid, that wings seemed to be given to the animal he
rode. It was really so, that he found himself on the shoulder
of the mountain in half the time he was wont to take; but it
was at the expense of his horse's energy, for by the time his
mind had come to its balance, the creature was blowing like
a grampus, as Judge Abiel, who had sailed to the West
Indies, was accustomed to say of his oxen, his horses, or his
negroes, when driven above their strength.
" I have been in the hand of the Philistines," said Teunis to
himself. " Did ever any one see such a creature in the shape
of man! It is like the picture of the sailor left on the deserted island, with his nigger Friday.  Such a beard; not
much grey in it. He is not as old as he pretends. His eyes
are quite round, and his teeth all firm, and then he could
move when he chose.  I declare! he had all but the holdof
my bridle, -ihen I leaped past him. He would have thrown
us over the precipice, Sorrel but for your quickness;" and he
vainly stroked the neck of his friend in need.
With more caution, and at a slower pace, the young man
moved on, full of thought concerning the person he had left.
His seclusion, his knowledge of his own business, his acquaintance with Dora, and with the black stone he -was -wearing;
and above all, the mystery of the picture, were puzzles
which must remain unsolved for at least a week.  His oath
must seal his lips, and Elsie's silence could be accounted for,
since he had never heard a lisp of the spook in the glen from
her. Why be on such terms of intimacy with him?  She
was unlike all the girls in the country around. H-e had
heard Dora say that fetish had awakened up the sleeping
man of the mountain. Some trick in all this, connected with
the descent on Brandt. His underdress would point him out
as beino on the side of the King; but then would Elsie allow
anly of that side to possess an article of hers? Wars this after
all the old Rip Van Winkle that his grandmother used to tell
about? or the old Hendrick Hudson that the Indian Sachenm
keep a tradition of?  Thinking on in this desultory way, the
yejl B- tchlman fell almost into a sound sleep from the want
of his usual rest on the previous night.




'78                 THE DUTCHt DOMINIE.
CHAPTER VIII.
WA RS AND  RUfMORiS OF   V AITRS.
"There was whilom biy days of old,
A worthy knight as mene told;
Wifeless he was, Florent he hight:
I-Ie was a man that mochel might,
Of arms he was desirous,
Chivalrous and amorous,
And for the love of virgin thought
lIe rode the marches all about." —C-IucER.
TEUNIs in eager haste was soon on the crowTn of the hill;
the sun being now  about four hours higlh,. and for the first
tinze since he had loved Elsie, did he entertain the least hope
of success; but knowing well that he had no common heart
to reach, he was rousing himself to do his best for her and
for himself.  He determined to deserve success.
At full speed, and wenling his way through among the
trees, over a very rough road, in a manner which a woodman
only can do, he reached the verge of two small lakes, more in
size like the artificial ponds in an earl's pleasure-ground than
the head spring of a mill stream.  Clear as crystal, and cool
as in wintera s s the water, surrounded by trees that were
reflected from its glassy surface.  Now that the sun was high,
his rays showed the soft alluvial bottom, on which lay the
trunks of a former time, preserved from decay; nor did the
smallest wave ripple these tiny seas at the time our traveller
was gazing down where undisturbed fishes were sporting in
large schools.  These two little lakes, that seemed like the
eyes of the mountain, if we allow ourselves to believe, as MIiskataam told the Fvwn1 that thue Mlountain was once a monster, who devoured all the children of the red race, and that
the Great Spirit touched him, when he wras going down to
the salt lake to bathe, and here he remains.  I]is eyes are
open all the summer, but in winter they are covered with a
thick crust, and a heavy film.  Blut whether he sleeps or
wakes he sheds tears alwaTys, and they trickle down his lchecks
as may be seen.  The cunninlg chief laugihed under his red
skin at. his own wit of invention andc at the simplicity of the
English maiden for receiving such a tale.
Turning to the right from these lakes, Teunis sought out
the, bear's den; but'what was his horror, when he did not




WARS AND RUMORS OF WVARS.              79
find the objects of his search. At the moment he supposed
that they might be still lingering in the neighborhood, so he
set himself to find out their new hiding-place. He crawled
through the brush, carefully marking every point, to see if a
footprint had been left behind. He imagined he saw evidences of their presence, and he did at last in one spot, where
the ground was soft, see distinctly where they must have
been. Here he was careful that all should be obliterated, as
he was not sure that he would discover the signs of their
whereabouts. Hie knew that other eyes as well as his own
were prying into the ground, for he could plainly see here
and there a larger footprint, that was pointing after the
other. He wandered for at least an hour, but to no purpose,
and would have remained longer had not his horse, which
was tied outside of the bush, grown impatient, and was
neighing for his master. Tleunis having a tint of superstition
in his nature, regarded the call of the animal as the voice of
instinct, if not more directly the intimation of Providence,to return.
Great was the surprise, if not fear, of the anxious youth
when he emerged from the thicket, to see a man coming
toward him fiomn the side of the lake, tall and of a commanding presence. He was of about thirty-five years of age,
dressed in a half military garb, boots and buckskins, with
coat of blue cloth, made in t-he English fashion, having large
skirts which crame to the knee, and was made so that it might
be buttoned to the chin.  At present, however, it was open,
and showed a vest that was trimmed with gold lace, over.
which hufng- a cravat Qf the purest muslin, that evidently
had been but recently put on, and that with care. His
beaver was soft felt, but shaped into a smart negligence
which betokened the man of fashion, seeking to look at his
ease as he wished to feel. Teunis looked at the new corner
as if he desired him to be the first speaker. By his voice he
had made up his mind to judge, and he waited to hear; and
so he was standing at the side of the saddle when the other
approached.'" Is not your horse the first creature of the kind that ever
drank of these waters?" said the stranger, as if he wanted to
draw out the young Dutchman by an inldifierent topic. "' le
seems to be impatient to go. IHow far m-ay you be desirous
of travelling this watrn day?"
There were more questions here than one, which allowed
Teunis a choice, of which lhe felt glad, for he had no wish to




80                THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
reveal his business to a stranger, so he answered: "I have
seen greater creatures than horses here before, and where
one animal of four feet has been, others of the same number
may come without hurt."
1"1You would not say, because a cat could climb these
rocks, that a heavy-footed horse could follow up to the same
place?"
"I have seen some creatures as heavy as Sorrel who could
outrun cats, and climb the rocks as easily."
"You jest, young man; such animals as you describe could
not run up trees as cats can climb. You would have me
believe that a Dutchman can beat an Indian at a race as
easily as an Englishlman can fight a Yankee rebel."  This last
was said more by way of feeling the pulse of the native
American, and thereby finding out the sympathies he had
with the king or country, than because he wished to provoke
ill-nature. But Teunis had been schooled too long in selfrestraint to give way to his temper. HIe merely replied:
" Bears can climb as high as cats, and deer can run faster
than either. It is not weight,. but muscle and sinew which
make the difference."'
"And blood, young man," said the stranger, evidently
well pleased to escape out of the place he had put himself in,
without reflecting on where his ignorance of the mountains
would carry him.  "You are a native of these regions,
sir?"
This was said in the gentlemanly, yet cpmmanding tone
of one accustomed to receive a direct answer  "Have you
heard news from the river side this morning?"
"I am. a native of these hills," said Teunis, " and have
been sent to gather news, not to spread it. One of the first
duties a messenger performs is silence."
"That is a non-performance, as I judge. All the more
faithful you must be to your master, and on that very account
I should wish to engage you on a business of my own, if you
would take a reward of value."'You mean, I suppose," said Teunis, evading the object
of his interrogator, "that you would employ me to stir up
the game we have been speaking of; but let me assure you
that a good dog, or an Indian scout, would perform that dutNr
better than I could possibly do it. But I must be gone;" a)nd
with that he leaped into the saddle and was ready to hasten
away, where he had determined upon in his own mind durinog
the few moments he stood parleying with the stranger.




WARS AND ICUMORS OF WARS.              81
"No," said that gentleman, putting hand to the reins of
Sorrel, and gently holding theln. " The game I am after is
too tender to be caught in hunter fashion, but requires the
most careful handling  when caught."'
There was a lurking leer in the eye of Teunis's new
acquaintance which at once wakened suspicion in the mind
of the innocent listener, and all at once the light broke upon
his understanding concerning who this was. IHe almost betrayed himself, when he found that he was in the presence
of the much dreaded Clifford, but he soon became at rest
when he found that even he was as ignorant of the hidingplace of the young women as he was himself. Ite inwardly
resolved to divert attention away from all that side of the
mountain, where the chief danger lay of their being found out.
"What say you to my proposal, young man," continued
Clifford, " of being my aid for a day?"
" You mean to hunt deer?" said Teunis, affecting to take
him literally; " or rather the fawn, if I may judge from the
tender way in which you speak of them. No. I must go;
t-e king's business requires haste. Therle are Indians on
the hills now, who would serve you better, as I said before.
There is one coming this way now; and who can outrun
any fawn that was ever stolen fromr her dam."  By this time,
Kiskataamn was there close by; and Teunis, raising his voice,
called out, " Can the Sachemn find a fawn for the king's pale
face, here?"
This hit at random, struck both of these wily betrayers;
but was said in such a manner as neither the one nor the
other could resent it without discovering his own secret.
Nor durst they combine and demand an explanation of the
doubtful expression. It might be chance, or it might be directed to both. They wisely remained silent, and Teunis was
rewarded for the risk, by seeing that as yet the girls were
safe.
HIere Sorrel was restive under the hand of Clifford, and
would have sprung away at a bound, had not the Indian laid
his hand also upon the reins on the other side With a menacing look; pausing before he spoke, and with a meaning
which said, " refuse, and you are a dead man."  But by this
time, the rider had become excited, with his horse, and demanded why he " was hindered upon his journey, and that
too, by professed servants of the king."
" It is because we are the king's servants, that we stop
you in these troublesome times," said the white man.
4*




82                THE -DUTCH DOMINIE.
"Indian chief rules up here on his own hills," said Kiskataam, " Young Tory Wthig must go to the pine grove and
wait for Brandt; and not hunt up here now against law."
" Kiskataam," said Teunis, sharply, and with some haste,
6' does not mind the great Father's word always: but Indian
does not know law so well as pale face. Doe, buck or fawn,
or any sort of deer, can be hunted from August till January.
But, in the king's name, I demand a passage," he said to the
two men; who were still uncertain as to the figurative or the
literal meaning of his reference to the deer, doe, buck or
fawn; terms which they knew were in the law.
"' Since you claim to be on the king's business, young man,"
said Clifford, somewhat sternly, " you can, at least, show us
some missive from his majesty."
"What if I cannot?" said Tennis, with promptitude.
" Shall aly one dare to hinder me? You are a stranger here,
and this sachem is not in commrlission."
" Since you are so bold and brave, young man; let me tell
you, that both Kiskataam and myself believe, that under that
clownish face, more knowledge concerning a business of ours
is lurking than we are willing to let go along with yourself;
and, to come to the point at once, we demand your meaning
of the word F'awn!"
Even the Indian was surprised at the question, and fixed
his great mysterious eyes on the rider's face, which remained
as stolid as it was possible to be. To release himself and
gain time, he merely glazed the side of Sorrel with hisrowel,
who reared and sprung; so that lie freed himself from the
Indian's grasp, but not front the more experienced Clifford,
who suspected the Mlaneuvre, and reiterated the question in
fury, " What did you mean by using the word Fawn?"
" Sir," said Teunis, "-I see by the dress you wear, that I
am in the presence of one of the king's officers. I am now,
iuyself, on the king's business, and my own, and I refuse to
tell you aught but what I am forced to tell."
"You shall not get clear by that pretext, young man. I
see plainly, that by some means you are acquainted with my
secret, and you must either tell all you know of it or die."
And with that, he drew out a sword that was hidden under
his outside coat. "' It would be dangerous to allow a living
man to go away from us at this moment, with that in his
breast which must ruin our plan. What does Indian say?"
Kiskataam nodded assent, and swung his tomahawk around
his head, ready to strike. At this moment, the round black




WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS.                83
stone of Dora came to Tennis' mind; and, without thinking of
aught else than his self-preservation, he took it into his hand,
then pressing upon the hidden spring, the words of the fur-clad
stranger came to his mind, —-" Call when you are in danger."
He'blew with a force which startled the two men at lis
s:lddle, for they evidently expected some new development,
and lifted their arms  as if in defence, when the report of a
musket came, and then another, which struck the weapons
fi'om the hands of the interlopers; so that before they had
time to recover themselves, or their weapons, Sorr&l was rushing on between the two lakes, at a speed which defied all
pursuit.
Flying was more like the movement of the rider and his.
horse, than running. There was a path wide enough; and
which had been well travelled, as the ground showed, over
which Tennis rode, bending his head beneath the low branches,
and wheeling to the rig'lht or left, as he required. The-way
was becoming clearer; till suddenly he turned into a narrow
and rugged defile, that brought him down into the wide glen,
or clove thirough'which the Kaatersikill was heard ialling
fioml step to step, on its descent. On coming to the top of
one of those more prominent than the others, he was alarmed
by seeing Shandaagan, the grim  shadow of Kiskataam, of
whom we have spoken before, suddenly fall to the ground, as if
he had been struck by a club. Tennis knew that it could be
for no good that he was there, and while it would scarcely
serve his purpose to notice himn, still he must not be left in
his rear at this time, for he might do him injury; so, boldly
riding up to the spot where he saw him sink, he stopped;
and first spying out the place where the red manL lurked, like
a serpent in his way, to bite his horse's heels, he called out
as if he were speaking to the chief himself, and not to his aid:
"Kiskataam has come far since the new moon rose. - The
chief has got many king's heads in his belt."
The effect of this side speech was evident upon the sly
Indian, who was at a loss to persuade himself of what it
might mean, and with great caution he opened his eyes, when
Tennis, seeing that his trick took, gave one of those hearty
laughlls which are sure to disconcert. an Indian  wh-en he is
-buncl out, by a cunning lile his owTn. Shandaagan rose and
looked cautiously around,'when seeing no one but the -rider
and his horse, he gave a significant ugh! which might mean
either pleasure or displeasure.
"S Shandaagan sleeps early," said Teunis.' Hunting deer




84    -'rI-TE DUTCH DOSMINIE.
when the laurel is red requires clear eyes in moonlight."
This was said to throw the savage off his guard, and put him
at ease with himself, for it was too evident he was on the
same errand which eng'aged others, and now Teunis felt
at rest. None of them  had found the trail of Elsie and her
charge, though all were on the search.  He was in no hurry
to ride on, nor willing to say more than would serve his own
ends. So he waited the answer lie might receive.
"The deer hides in the bush all day," was at length the
reply of the red man,'"lnlc  scents the hunter in the wind.
Pale face has a call of his own that brings them to his pond."
Here he cast the pupils of his eyes quietly around, marking
the effect which his hint might have, as if he expected that it
would be understood.
Teunis answered in the same enigmzatical style. "Indian
has more traps than the pale face, and has bright eyes for a
night trail. When he has no moon he kindles his fire, and
gets scalps;" and with these words, pointing to the top of
one of the little hills, he was silent, but watching the face of
his companion for the moment, his heart beat with anger and
with some fear. "There now comes the great dog himself
with all his hounds of cruelty."
"; Brandt " was the name that the Indian muttered between
his teeth.
" Yes, Brandt, the mighty hunter before the Lord, come
to burn and murder. H-is dogs' tusks are sharpened at hellfire, and he and Kiskataam, and Clifford "-here he paused
before he spoke —" and Shandaagan will crunch the skulls of
all th.e fawns they can catch, but, by all the great spirits in
the universe, let them keep out of my way."
And with that furious speech Teunis rushed down the hill,
as if he were a fiery flying angel, sent to defend the veak
against the strong. He was now on the road to Hoogenhuisen,
where he hoped to find Elsie; though how she could have
got there was out of his calculation. Still, she possessed so
much self-reliance, courage and strength herself, he had full
confidence in her, but not in the power of her companion.
" She is a feeble-looking thing, that Mararrgaet, compared with
Elsie," said the young admirer of the Dutch built maiden;
"but there is wonderfull spirit in some of those trim  tight
limbs.  Those blood horses that the red-coat officers have
would do but little at the plough, driven by old Coese ansi held
in by Dad, with his dander up, among pine stumps; but then
put old Brown and Bet in one of these curricles, with their




WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS.              85
heavy hips, I am guessing they would be left behind. But
then Elsie is not so heavy as she looks along side of that
English miss. Put her beside Nelly Van Zant, or Peggy
Troumpour, and see them waddling through the barn-yard
after the cows: their weight and a three year old would about
balance the scales. I would match Elsie in triggness and
spirit with Sorrel here at a race, and for a step equal to Miss
Miargaret, with all her fine gracefulness and quick movements.
WCell, I am glad she is so nimble and strong; there is the
more chance of her escaping these red skins and that haughty
sinner of an Englishman. It is for no good he is there. I
wonder what he means by kidnapping his own flesh and
blood. One thing I am sure of, that I am in for some great
venture, and here I stake my life, fortune and honor on the
side of humanity, be that king or country.
With thoughts full of earnestness, he pursued his journey
till he arrived at the door of Martin Schuyler, with some
trepidationl.lest he should mneet the old farmer himself, of
whom he had of late a wholesome dread.  -Ie was studying
in his mind how he best should convince the stern Whig that
he was a true man and no spy, when he met Angelica herself, who was about the yard superintending the household
affairs, as he thought, when in reality she was giving orders
in the place of Martin himself. That worthy and careful
farmer had not returned, for a reason that we know of; but
as yet his good vrow was in the dark, nothing having been
heard from either him or from the daughter. Through the
day she had driven off the young and the old blacks to see
if they could find any trace of them, who always went a
little way from home, skulking among the woods and the
rocks, thinking of spooks and of Indians, and then lying
down in a safe place, where they were sure to go to sleep long
enough to allow them time to search all the places to which
they were sent, and return with no tidings but bad reports
of everything horrid. None were faithful and brave except
old Noll, who had been abroad before he came to Mlartin,
and knew something, priding himself on his "trabels among
the vild men of Batikoo, ven he was kidnapped by de Spanish."!Noll had been bought by Martin when in New York, and he
gave him the name the Yankee had given him on his passage,
fromi the resemblance he saw in the nose of the negro to that
feature in the face of a famous Puritan whom the people of
New England delight to honor.  Nor was the name unworthily nor unwittingly bestowed. Noll was a courageous




86                TIlE DUTCH DOMINIE.
old soul, and faithful to boot. So mnuch confidence had Mfartin in him, that he once hired him out on a voyage to the West
Indies, which was undertaken by Garret Abiel, who went
fiom the Bught T'with a load of cattle, and staves, andc other
produce, bringing back rum and molasses. The Elder declared
that Noll was the best hand le had on board, and could
mount the shrouds faster than Jake Van Orden, his chief mate.
Of old Noll many tales are told, but on the occasion of
1tartin's absence, he was all astray, and had just returned
before Teunis's arrival, with no news of his master and sad
news of the vuur teeken burning from every kekute from
Albany to Sopus.
"Did tou see de Meester on the Berg* any vere? Did ton go
to de Sout M3fountain, and to de Nort MAfountain?  Did tou see
any blood upon de vay?  Did tou see Elsie or de dog?-vat
did tou see?  Spak dis moment, Noll. O wee! O wee!"
All this time the careful wife was collecting together silver
spoons, chinaware, and other nice things known only in the
best houses of the colonists, who had canme from Holland, or
who still held intercourse with the mother land.  The chief'
of those things, in which, as a good wife, she prided herself,
had already been -put aside before that day, in anticipation of
such an onslaught, as it had been threatened many a time; but
the remainder was now gathered up with care.  When all
the young brood-children of Noll and 3linerva-were sent
out of the way, these faithful servants of the household, who
could alone be trusted, were bidden to gather up the bundles, and carefully stow them into the hidden corner, which
was not opened to any eyes, except to those who would
give up life sooner than reveal the secret.
" 0 wee! O wee!" caine ever from the lips and the heart
of the anxious Angelica. "Dere is de sucker kuppe  cldat
mammy gave me on my bruiloft I day, ven I was a young vroflicken lass, like Elsie. 0 wee! O wee! Vere is Elsie noo."
Noll, as if her name suggested another of a different age
and place, here chimed in with what she had seen on the
road, where he had bedn.
"Yah, vele, may the goede vrowe seek for Elsie. Dat ole
Torlry's kinder ~ was on de hill, running like de wile cat seeking Elsie."'
Angelica looked up, as if she had been struck a blow on
the temple, an'd almost gasped with eariestness, "' And vay
* Mountain.    f Sugar bowl.    4. Bridal.     Son.




WARS AND RUMORS. OF WARS.               87
do you call de Torry's sonne, Noll?  Answer, negur, for your
life."
"Noll cannot spak when goede vrowe scolds; Noll must
wait ande tink-Teunis Roe rode down de hill on de sorrel.
ande stop near de spring haf vay, ande speak to de sly Indian, Shandaagan —Noll looke from de doder side of de clove."
A thousand hopes and fears rushed through the anxious
mother's mind at this information.  She had always encouraged Tennis in the ifhce of all Martin's prejudices; but
here was something like holding communication with the
enemy. It was just in the midst of her cogitation that the
young man himself entered, and said, almost as soon as he
put his foot within door:
" Has Elsie come home, Anshela?  Tell me, if you would'
save my life?"'" Ande whar's Elsie? and whar's de Meester? dat I vant to
kenne," said the anxious wife and mother; "' dis de lange *
dai en me levent Teunis; all is goen to destruction; no a
wench vill do aught but cry, de Indians! and every negur
of dem hiden hinmself.1"
"- You have not seen Noll run, vrowe goode; yet Noll did
not run when the Spanish tooke him by de leg an tied dim;
and dis scalp vill be but poor glody;" and like all his race,
when he was not crying during excitement, he was sure to
laughl.
Angelica and Tennis had retired to another corner, where
they were in earnest consultation concerning what was to be
done; for now a crisis in the affairs of all had come, and it
must be met.  There was no 6ther way than to abandon all
the houses and the barns to the cruelty of the savages, who were
almost sure to wreak their vengeance on Martin's head and
property. Teunis gave Noll such advice as the old negro
would take from him; which was but little till the mistress of
the house backed it by her word. The cattle were driven off
to seek refuge on the hills.  All had been buried that could
1)e put in the ground; furniture was sent off to caves, and
under water-falls, and clothing distributed among neighboring friends, who were not likely to be exposed to the ravages
of the enemy. The most difficult matter was to dispose of
the negroes in such a way that they could be taken care of.
Like all animals, they clung to their first nest; and as some
of them were now nearly as old as Angelica herself, and
some she found when she came to 1-Hoogenhuisen to be mistress,
- Long.                  t Life.




88                THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
it was the most trying part of her duty to put them in a way
of securing themselves against injury. There was an old
house still standing down in a glen, in which they stowed
away lumber and useless tools, and things which Miartin
hated to burn: into that building Noll was to move all the
black family, and as the greatest part of them were his own
offspring, of two generations, he succeeded in collecting them
in a drove, and putting them under the direction of old Bet,
who managed amidst screams and cries of no uncommon
kind, to bring them safely to their house of refuge.
All this had to be done before Angelica could move; but
when all was accomplished she sat down beside the large
fire-place, where the greater part of her life had been spelt,
and though the worde O wee! O wee!-alas! alas!-were
frequently on her tongue, she did- not give herself up to
despair and to inefficiency.
In the meantime Teunis was out surveying the whole
ground, so that as much property might be secured as possible.
Returning toward the house after helping to drive off the
cattle and the hogs into the woods, he stood on a knoll,
from whence he surveyed the warning-fires, that rose all along
the river, and on the King's Ridge, like a string of lamps lit
for a festival, where was to be feasting and fiolicking.
Y' es," said Teunis, speaking to himself, "there will be
noise and commlotion soon. The ball is just opening, and
unless God interferes, many a hearth will be desolate. What
should I do? Humanity is the first duty. What does the
Dominie say?' Die vacicer of moecler lieekeeft boven mij is
mzijns niet waardig.'' He that loveth father or mother
more than me is not worthy of me.' Well, I love one more
than father or mother, and she is exposed to the wrath of a
cruel enemy. But would I venture my life and honor for
another girl in the Kaatsberg, or on the airth? and yet I
feel that I am but following out my conviction; only I have
been as undecided as my pistol is when it hangs fire. This
trouble has made me pick my flint. One thing I am sure is
right now-help Angelica in her trouble. The Dolninie again
must help me here for encouragement.' ]leenen te rinlezen
geeft alleenlijki eenen beker kotud wcater,' A cup of cold water
to one of these little ones, will ease my conscience, more in
my last moments than a sea of blood in the cause of King
George.'"
In the midst of these musings his eye was fixed on a small
fire that twinkled among the heavy trees that, grew on the




WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS.               89
opposite side of the gulf from were he stood. The secrecy
of the place, and the silence, convinced him that the time was
at hand for the threatened attack; and without further
delay he hastened back to warn Angelica of the danger. As
he turned to enter the door-yard, he saw between him and
the barn wall a figure moving hastily from him, and disappearing in the shade. This was no pleasant reflection, for he
was convinced that it must be some spy sent from the enemy,
-who was posted near; so he ran toward the place as lightly
as he could, and just succeeded in obtaining a glimpse of
Shandaagan, but that was all.  It was in vain to pursue him
further, so he hastened back to where he had left Angelica,
but it was with equal fear and surprise that he found all
empty. The fire burned on the hearth, and other things
were in the same condition as he had seen them an hour ago,
but all was silent.
He turned to go, after a vain search, satisfied that the
vrowe had retired to some hiding-place of which she knew
herself.  He was mounting the impatient Sorrel, when
Xngelica came to him, and with great tenderness and emotion took his hand.
" Teunis, tee vele be kind to Elsie. Martin vill yield. 0,
wee! 0, wee! dis may be our last meeting. My dochter!
my dochter!"
Here the feelings of the mother overpowered her.
"I cannot leave you," mother, he was going to say.
"Come up behind me here on Sorrel, and you will be put
safe down in any place where you wish to go;" for he knew
that he could not offer her a place of refuge even with his
mother, lest his father should find her there.
" SNay, nay, Teunie, I must wait here. -De wof zal met
het lam verkeeren ende luyopart by cden guiten bolk nedclerlegenz zal all doyven; and with that, she suddenly turned
from him and disappeared, where Teunis could not find out,
andl, as he rightly judged, she had sought the hiding-place,
and did not wish that even he should know the spot, he
rode off at full speed for the Baackouter, where his father
was expecting him with great impatience.
"The goode vrowe," said Tennis to himnself, " spoke a prophecy, and more than she intended, when she said the awolf
shall dwell with the lamb; for my fear is now, that that greedy
wolf; Kiskataam, willhave my lamb beside him before the morning, and the English kid will be at the mercy of that cruel
leopard, who evidently would lick her blood. But let me not




90                THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
despair; Elsie will go through where any other would stick
fast."
G-oingl on at as rapid a rate as the ground wouldcl allow
hil; fob' he had turned into one of those byways which ie
knew well, he came to a low marshy place, where the ground
was like a thick carpet; so soft that the shoes of his horse
made no noise. One reason why he chose it was, that h6
might avoid any scouts sent to spy the public road. All at
once his horse pricked up his ears; a certain warning, which
a cautious man never despises. Nor was it needless in this
instance, for both rider and horse were in a moment all
alive.  All eye and ear, Teunis looked round, and paused
that he might hear; and well it was that he did use all these
precautions, for just as he was about to put the spur into the
flanks of Sorrel, and escape out of the narrow defile, he heard
a low bark on his left, which assured him that some one was
close by. I-e wrheeled his horse round a rock, which stood
near, and there behind it was the Indian Shandclaagan, holding
the dcog, Rover, by a bark string, from which he was evidently trying to escape. He was holding the.dog's jaws
between his fingers to prevent his giving alarm. Teunis was
the first to speak, as a white man, however slow he be, is
always sure to do.
"Shandaangan is kind to Martin's dog.  The folks of
Hoogenhuisen want the dofg. They need all their friends.
The Indian always got milk and succotash at Martin's
house."
These words were cold thrusts to the wily Indian; and he
was at a loss whether to interpret them as the expression of
simple earnest, or intended sarcasm.  Had he been sure
concerning the yotng Dutchman's knowledge of recent facts,
he would have had some cue; or were he sure to which side
of the public contest he leaned, the difficulty would have been
less; but in doubt he yielded to the suggestion of giving up
the dog to the rightful owner, by putting him at the disposal
of TennisO.
" Indian knowvs 3Mlartin's dog, and dog loves Shandaag'an."
This was said as an excuse for his hIaving the property of
3Martin in his possession.
" Dog loves Shandaagan with a string," said Teunis, laughing, so that the other felt the rebuke, and let go his hold,
which Rover no sooner found out, than he leapt up in recognition of the new comer.  This so mortified the Indian, that
he betrayed some feeling, a-nd was ready to execute any con



WARS AND RUMORS OY WARS.                91
trary manceuvre, which might divert the'Dutchman from the
game he himself was endeavoring to entrap; for, as all may
guess, it was after Elsie and lher companion that he was
tracking; and the dog he hadlc been using to this end all the
mlorin(, since the timne he had succeeded in capturiing the
unfortunate Martin. Knowing, as he did, the political bias
of old Ja:cob Roe, he presumed that any information of the
movements of the king's party must interest the young
man.  So stepping up close to the saddle, as if he were confiding a secret to the rider, he almost whispered, as he
pointed his finger in the direction where Teunis had seen the
fire, and saidl
"'Brandt's braves slide down the mountain. The pine
trees shake with their feet."
Teunis started at this announcement, and checking up his
rein, he sat erect, ready to spring.  "Where is Brandt and
his men?" HIe was nearly saying verwerpelyk-reprobateswhen he bit his lip, which' the sly Indian did not see, or he
would not have replied as he did.
"'See! there they are now, and the young Dutchman is
wanted by King George's men."
" WVhere then are the rest of the king's servants? Where
is Kiskataaln? iWhy is Shan'daag'an not there instead of
lying here behind a stone, nursing a dog in a string?"
This cut to the quick, but the red man was on his guard,
and quietly walked off; saying something about'"watching
the fire on the rock." -He gave a careless whistle, intended
for the dlog, but the latter preferred liberty to a chain, and
ran barking and leaping up before Sorrel, who symppathized
with the spirit, by making up for the loss of time by his increased speed.
Down the mountain the three went, each one apparently
more eager than the others; but Rover was alwvays in the
van, with'curled tail; and as he turned occasionally around,
he seemed to say, " I know more of them you seek, than
you can ever know without my help." The thought of using
the ainmal in finding out his mistress grew before his mind,
till it became a settled thing with him, by the time he stlood
on the hill;that overlooked Baackouter, where his father's
house was; when all at once the question rose to his tongue:
~What stlould be done with Rover? They will ask me iwherle
I have been, and then as quick as one question is put, the
next will be-" -IHave you been at Martin's?" They all know
Rover, and my liking for his mistress; and she is a Whig,




92                  THE- DUTCH DOMINIE.
and as they will be.sure to abuse all Whigs, her father must
take the chief share. They will torment me till I break out
in a passion and declare myself. I will send the dog back.
He will find out his friends, and help to protect them.   He
tried to drive Rover back, but he ran all the faster; then
hiding himself, he would come up at full speed, and pass the
horse with a bound, as if proud of his feat.
" You must take your risk then, poor. dog, though I fear
if Dad sees you, there will be but little mercy shown to you,
Whig as you are."
CHAPTER IX.
TH]E DEPTHS OF SATAN.
"Do thou but threat, loud storms shall make reply,
And thunder echo to the trembling sky;
The drudging sun, from his old beaten way,
Shall at thy voice start, and misguide the day.
Heaven's gilded troops shall flutter here and there,
Mocking thy eldritch tones around the sphere."
COWLEY.
MUSING was new to this young man.  He had sat for
hours gazing into the fire, seeing droves of red deer and
swarms of wildcats running over the hills, but his mind went no
farther than the fire.  His ideas were all gathered from the
narrow  bounds of his nativity.  But here, on his horse, he
sat in silence, while his thoughts, new fledged, were floating
in an atmosphere of love.  Suddenly waking up, he rode
down hill at full speed, and in the twilight was, after the exciting events of the day, in a proper state of mind to become
superstitious. Still, being now in great haste, he left the
main road for a bridle path he knew  well, and which led
him through the bed of a spring stream that ran down to the
flats below.  The land lay high on both sides, and the little
light at this hour awsas almost entirely shut out.  On the side
of one of these little bills was a deep pit, which- tradition
said had been dugl by a crazy Gerlman, who hall conceived
the notion that some precious metal lay imbedded there.
From  the time of the discovery of the Hudson River, gold
seekers had been all over these mountains, and wondertfl
tales were rife of silver mines being found when sinking wells
and while hunting wolves.  Some one had shown Heindrick




THE DEPTHS OF SATAN.'93
Van Guilder a shining stone that he pronounced gold, and
this set him crazy that he might find out the bed where it'
came from. He bought the secret at a high price, and for
months, alone, day and night, was he found dig, dig, digging
still, in hopes of reaching the treasure. He had one answer
to all that found him out. ">What are you doing there,
Heindrick?"
"Het koningrijk der hemelen or dis het my graf."  He
would either have the kingdom of heaven or a grave.
A grave he did find, for one day some hunters, following
their dogs, came into this hollow, when, horrible to behold!
there stood, in his pit, Heindrick, with his spade in hand,
looking down into the ground. They called to him, but he
gave no reply. After a while, one more daring than the rest
ventured down, and found that the body was. stiff and
frozen. They laid him out as he was, covering him up with
the earth he had thrown out himself. Ever after, super.,
stition and natural fear combined to render this a haunted
place. A slight shiver came over the young Boerman as he
passed the place where the disappointed gold digger lay..It was said that groans and sighs had been heard coming
out of the pit, as if some weary man were expressing his sorrow over something lost; and these would continue till they
would be interrupted by shouts of contemnpt, as if the poor
wretch were taunted by those who had themselves known
what disappointed ambition was, and were now too eager to
have a companion in their misery. When these reports were
brought to the Dominie he generally smiled, whether in doubt
or belief no one could guess, but when Bromie Van Guisen.
told him that he saw a terrible thing in the moonlight, that
was the very shape of an ass, the good man could not restrain
telling him he was frightened at his own shadow.
Teunis this evening passed the pit almost expecting to see
something, at the close of a day in which he had seen so much
already. Sure enough, voices fell upon his ears. At first he
was determined to believe that they were in his imagination
only, but'his horse, pricking up his ears, proved to him that
the animal, through her instinct, felt herself to be on devilish
ground. What startled the young horseman still more, was
the flight of Rover, who had retreated homeward with a speed
which the man was just about imitating. As it was, he now
was brought to a stand-still condition, and listening, he heard
sounds not unfamiliar to his ears. It, was the tacm-tctrn-the
African drum-which the negroes used in all their jollifica



94               TiHE DUTCH DOMINTE.
tions. Its being beaten at that time, though evidently under
restraint and at intervals, intimated to the listener that something was going on in the nether regions.
"These are not spooks," said Tennis to himself,' that I
need be afiaid of. If they be entertaining old Heindrick Van
Guilder, he has better company than the country believes.
Let me find out these geestes."
With these reflections, he tied Sorrel to a tree and followed
the sounds, which became more distinct at every step.
Climbing up one of those steep ascents, found at the base of
the mountain, about one hundred feet, and proceeding hastily
in a southerly course, he saw lights shining from below on his
left hand.  On looking narrowly, he perceived that those
lights and sounds came alike from a deep defile that was
hidden by the trees and bushes, which grew thick on the
sides, and spread their branches so as to meet across, making
a dark, damp, though spacious apartment, far down from the
place where Tennis stood. He remembered the place, having
entered from below through a small, covered, natural entrance,
where the fox and the bear found a refuge during the gloomy
months of winter. It had in former times been a retreat for
the Indians. Ashes, cinders, pipes and arrow heads were
found here, together with their utensils for cooking fish.
The mill, in which solme ancient squaw had ground her corn
to meal, had been dug out from one of the recesses in that
rock, and stood as an ornament upon Garret Abiel's mantelshelf, left there, no doubt, as in a place of safety, till her return; but alas! the place that once knew her, now knows
neither her nor her race any more.
Their cave was occupied at the time Tennis gazed down,
by another race, whoml the great Alohicans, in the days of
Etau-o-quam, king of the  rivers, would have despised.
About sixty negroes of the jettest black, male and female,
were assembled around a rough stone furnace, about three
feet high, which looked like one of those ancient altars at
Baal, seen in the pictures of old Dutch Bibles. On the top
burned a bright fire, fed by pine cones, gathered near the
place. The heat and smoke were diffused around; finding
their wav up to where Tennis lay, looking down upon the
whole crew with curious amazement. They sat on their
haunches in a circle round the fire; a man and a womanl
alternately, all naked to the waist. Their elbows rested on
their knees, while they held out the palms of their hands, between their faces and the fire, as if to catch the heat and




THE DEPTHS OF SATAN.               95
turn aside the blaze. In this posture they chanted some outlandish words, which were varied by a chorus, which came
nearer to the squeaking of pigs than any sound the listener
ever heard. When his eyes were set so as to distinguish
objects and persons sufficiently plain, he perceived that the
company were all known to him, belonging as they did to the
families around. Miost of them were direct from Africa —some brought hither when young, but there were ruling
spirits among them who knew the difference between the
country of their birth, with its customs, and the one in which
they now lived.  First and seemingly highest in the seat of
honor was Cuffee, Abiel's chief man of all work. The Elder,
on his way back from Jamaica, where he had been with horses
and cattle, landed at New York, where he exchanged molasses and rum for a lively black fellow, who being able
bodied, and sometimes too able minded for the Dutch boys
of his own age, became quite an important personage in the
Bught, far and near. He always maintained that he was the
oldcest son of an African king; and one of the favorite entertainments of the fireside on winter nights, was to get Cuffee
to tell how hlie was kidnapped when he was onl his bridal tour
with Coomba. HI-e would say:
"' She was'm gran' sodger. Had great body guard ob
young febels, like herselb; all very hebby and very lubby;
hebby as massa's young steer, ebery one."
He made out a long story about breaking through a fence,
for a sacrifice that Fetish must have, for getting him such a
good wife; and how just when he had secured the finest
young maiden of the village, the men of the place came behind them, seizing him and others, putting a bamboo girdle
round him, to which they tied his hands clown to his side,
till he was put on board ship, and landed in King George's
dominions at New York.
" Served you right," the young lads would say, to provoke
him. "Good for you, Cuffy," the old vrows would cry, "to
be brought here where the good Dominie would make a
Christian of you, if you had not zeven duivels in tee; yaw,
zeventig maal-zeven maal duivels.1"
"Juggue man for me," he would answer with haste; and
sometimes with a stroke of paganism that startled his honest
hearers. All the authority of his master could not make hiln
enter the church door, nor bring him to sit patiently while
the good pastor catechized the other members of the household.




96               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
The other actors in this hidden drama-or whatever else it
was-did not yet appear, were Dora, and her son, a miserable hunchback of over twenty-five years of age, though
only about four feet in height. His breast protruded far out,
while his head sank down between his shoulders so that
when he walked it seemed to rise regularly up and down, as
if his spine struck, every step he took, upon a spring at the
root, that sent it back with a force which kept the upper
knob bob, bobbing, mnaking his height vary about four inches
at each step.  Nor was this all, for his eyes and ears
obeyed the downward and upward motion; almost meeting
when he stretched, and rolling off when he crouched. The
effect on the spectator was to keep him half way between
terror and laughter, every time the strange figure moved.
Along with these curious contortions, he had the unnatural
power of ventriloquism, which his mother had found out
early, and encouraged for her own purposes.  He had a
shrewdness that was remarkable; and most seen at the time
he was left to himself, for then the use of all language seemed
free. In his mother's presence he seemed but a part of herself, and understood every sign she gave, watching how he
might carry out her designs. This arose from her constantly
telling him that the Fetish god was in him; and so rare and
singular was the power of double speech, that the whites
around them hardly knew of it: and as to the blacks, they all
regarded Unga Golah as the mouth of the Fetish, and Dora
as the regular and true Priestess.
Tennis, however, was not altogether ignorant of these
things.  From daily intercourse with the blacks, and especially with the hunchback, who was nearly of his own age, he
had discovered this hidden power of speaking double. Recently, however, he had observed that Dora had checked
him, and that some strange notions had taken possession of
her brain. He had found her at home, and also in the bush,
training her oracle, by putting him through a kind of drilling
in the African language; as he or she would respond to it in
Dutch or English, or a gibberish of all three.
The influence which the black crone had over her ignorant
associates was sufficient to turn her head, and her son's with
her; and no one, knowing the barbarism from which they had
emerged so recently, need wonder at the rites of superstition
practised by them in secret, since the fear of a Great Supreme
was not lessened by their translation hither, even when it was
directed aright by instruction in the true faith.'




THE DEPTHS OF SATAN.                 97
What astonished Teunnis was the actual earnestness of the
whole band.  Accustomed as he had always been to the loud
and frivolous mirth of the blacks, he waited after their first
song and their dance hand in hand round something that
stood in the middle of the roulgh floor, with Dora and Unga
Golah by it, to hear them break out in a confused Babylon of
tongues, laughter, and shrieks; but no such noises followed.
I-Ie was then convinced that something serious was going on.
Surprise gave way to curiosity. HEe now remembered what
had been talked of some time since concerning the witchcraft
of Dora and Juggy-for by that name the hunchback was
known all over the reegion-and how Cuffee was seen to
plunge into the woods at certain times, said to be at the full
moon, till at last suspicion was aroused, that conspiracy was
going on ami-ong the slaves, when they were followed, and
watched by David Abiel, who reported something like the
very scene Teunis was now witnessing.
"Let me tell you," said the Elder to the Dominie, " that
strange doings are going on below Face outer.";But the common sense pastor hooted at it, and smoked
away at the other pipe.
The Elder, somewhat piqued, said: " Dominie, you don't
mean that our David is a teygncaar?2"
" Nay, nay, Elder, lie is no liar, but he may tell very large
truths. This cuppee of good  -iollands would be good stuff
were you to throw it into your water cask out there; but I
vow, I would rather have the water by itself, and another
cuppee-pure, though less of it."
W" Well, Dominie, you are a wise man, but I believe that
Cuffee is a red lhieden en doe tollenaar; and that Dora, fo;r all
you praise her and her kinderen, is niet else than a Tooverd." *
The Dominie laughed, saying':' Strange to find Cuffee a
heathen and a publican, in an elder's family; and believe me
that solme other folks are more of the witch kind than Dora."'
The truth was that Dora attended the kerke regularly, and
was on the outside all Christian. Naturally apt and cunning,
she had picked up many of the practices she saw, and used
them, the better to blind the white folks and carry on her
designs: thoulgh it would have been difficult to say what
these were, beyond the self-gratification of having others
afraid of her.
After chanting the song that Teunnis first heard, the circle' Witch.
5




98                THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
widened for the dance.  Half naked as they were, their
bodies glittering with oil and vinegar, so that the gloss might
remain, they stood out waiting for the sign which was given,
when Juggy threw some mixture into the fire, that sent up a
greenish blaze, like what salt and brimstone, when burned
with alcohol, will produce. Teunis stood aghast- when he beheld them  all with their green eves glancing, their white
jaws chattering, and their limbs going like the legs of large
toads in a putrid pond, when the sun is hot and the trees
shady.
To heighten the effect of her power, Dora poured upon
her hands some liquid, and proceeded to take up kome coals
of fire, tossing them unharmed fiom one halnd to the other,
and even putting out her tongue as if. she could e'at fire.
Teunis knew of her tricks in this, but her followers shouted
"Cgree, gree man," giving her sacred honors. Tiis was the
word by which the olld witch had often fiightened Tennis
when he was a child, but this was the first time he had seen
its meaning to be heathenish, and as connected with herself.
Ife had once heard her, when, in a rage, utter a mixture of
words, which he supposed to be a pagan curse, -when gree,
gree, was the burden of the rhyme; and Tom, the Dominie's manl, had often been heard to say, that Dora was a gree
gree priestess in Guinea.  These things were current, but
witch -was the hlghest title bestowed upon her among the
whites.
The dance over, there was a long, rough box produced
from a recess in the rocks, and laid dovwn with great care.
It was ornanmented with different colored cloths, not unlike
the quilts, or chair cushions, found in old houses of wealth,
where the ladies have time to be ornamental as well as useful.  On laying' the chest down on the ground, there ran
through the w hole circle the sound, Fetish! fetish! Teunis knew this word well from hearing Dora repeat it in her
prayer, in the same breath with lieeren, Goden, Fetish;
which he supposed was but the African word for God. He
now found the true meaning. This must be some kind of an
idol; and she was the acting priestess. Uncovering the box,
she moved round it in a beckoning gait, snapping her fingers,
which was the signal for the whole company to follow with
the same movement, and the same sound.
After this, all stood still, when the voice of Dora was
heard calling out Unga Golah; and the deformed imp came
foirward, crawling on his hands and knees, close up to the




THE DEPTHS OF SATAN.                 99
box, asking in a loud whisper, at the opening in the end of
the box, ill the African toniyue:'  Who shall be king of the colored regiment?'"
When an answer came as if out of the inside, loud enough
to be hea'dcl through the cave:'" Who should be captain but de King of Dahonley and de
Prince of Bungalore?"
Cuffee gave a start, so well feigned that it was considered
real, and as no one but the initiated understood the trick,
and these did not exceed three persons present, it was no
wonder that all ran back in fear, when Dora opened the box,
and out sprung a rattlesnake, with its fiery tongue protruded
froml its mouth. More horror still seized them, when the
hunchback, without the least hesitation, lifted the reptile in
his hands, twisting him  round his short neck, with the
open jaws of the snake before his face, so that the mouth of
the human monster Awas ready to speak in question or reply.
Walking back into the furthest recess of the cave, he steppedl
upon a shelf in the rock, when he put his lips out, and his
heclad at the highest, and calling in a loud voice:
"Who be captain of de black regiment for de great King
George?"
"Mongee Cuffee, prince of Dahomey."  This answer was
in an entirely different voice; and to those who saw the ugly
snake, how it writhed and turnedl, putting, out its tongue
fiercely, and many times, the reply evidently came fiom it;
for Juggy had covered his own mouth so that his lips never
moved. Besides, the voice was neither that of man nor woman, but a sound which any superstitious mind would interpret as a fiend's answer.
Teunis began to see through this trick and its object, and
was curious to ascertain, from actual observation, how far
Cunfee's mind accorded with the hint given.  It was evident
that all eyes were fixed on him, expecting some demonstration, when he rose, bowing  himself all the way up to the
place where the snake and his master stood, and asked:
" Vat vill de Fetish hab de King of Dahomey do first?"' Gib de big Elder'Biel into de han's ob de great Ingen
dis ni-ght."What deceived even Teunnis so far was the number of
times this was repeated.  It seemed as if it came out of the
rocks, behind and from above, again and ag'ain, ten times
over, assuring him -that, well as he klnew the cunning dwarf,
there was something' more in the power lihe possessed than a




100                TIHE DUTCH DOMINIE.
mere double voice.  Nor did he frully -understand it till
afterward, going into the same recess, he spoke a few words,
which were echoed and reechoed so often, that he became
startled lest he had wakened up the African gree gree of
his childish days.  By repeating, the secret was revealed,
and certainly it was well fitted for the cell of a necromancer;
more especially for such a one as Juggy, with his double
voice.
As the play went on, between the hunchback and the
snake, Cuffee assumed more boldness, becoming desirous of
having his future fortun& told.
" Fetish say dat Cuffee vill be big capden en king's black
army, dat is to be. Wat coat sail Cuffee wear?"
"1Red like de coal, and de color of de blood, when de
pigs squeal.   De coat sail glitter all de over wid silver, like
de pllaum-tree in de spring, when de birds sing small abobe doe
-windows."'
The great stout fellow stood out at full length, well satisfied that his timle was come to act; and so turning to the
rest, who were looking with perfect admiration, he addressed
them in what he intended should be a moving speech.
" Coloerd- bruders of de good Guinea blood, dat has run
like de Cauterskill Creek, through three generations.  Bruders, you'd'members de day when de sun rose before you, and
set when you'd put out de finger at him, till he would get
blood in de face.  No whip den make Cuffee jumb; no ox
waitin' for him chewing his cud; no milk den, but to drink it
all. All de earth beautiful as missis' gownde when she go
out to drink tea; and de trees sparkling like de britt'ns on
massa's Sunday coat.  De dolphins sport in de water like de
calves when de cow-bell tinkles in de woods, and Cuffee lying'
on de groundl, make believe in de sleep ancl dream.
"; All dat seek dese fine tings, meet Cuffee at Phcebe Hotel,
where de bounty will be paid downl in bright dollars, out of
de big chest dat lies in de back room, under de ole man's
bed, when de key is put into dis place by de big Indian, at
t-iw-elve in de middle of de night."
The secret was out-Teunis saw through the whole. The
Tories were at the bottom of a devilish plot, stirring up these
blacks to massacre their masters, and the reward was to be
the spoils. This cunning dog, remembering former times,
and having his vanity fed, was ready to do whatever came to
his hand. Ie had influence with others, and what he lacked
]Dora made up.  Laws had been passed against negroes




THE DEPTHS OF SATAN.                101
meeting by themselves, and many alarms had been raised in
Teunis' time.  He had heard of a great conspiracy during
the French war, when hundreds ran off to Canada; and
doubtless here was something of the same kind.' These
ignorant creatures were as likely to kill on the one side as
on the other. The mind of Teunis was made up to frustrate
this bloody attempt, and by the way of beginning the counter
plot, he resolved to disturb the horrid assemblage at this
present time.
As he was casting this about in his mind, Dora was preparing some new cantrap, and had cast fresh fuel with so-me
sickening stuff into the fire, which rose up to the place where
Teunis lay, making him sneeze so loud that it must have been
heard, only that they were all sneezing themselves in chorus.
WThen they became quiet, Cuffee was questioning the dwarf
more mi-nutely concerning his future prospects; and was
dancing in perfect rapture at the thought of havinlg gold lace
at his shoulders, and a cocked hat on his head, with a red and
white feather. The answer to all his demands came from
the alcove at the far end of the cave, where the box with the
mysterious snake had been carefully deposited. So perfect
were the sounds, that a stranger could not help being imposed upon. The attention of the whole company was thus
purposely diverted away from the doings of Dora, who was
engaged lookingc down to the ground, at a place where Teunis remelmbered there was a clear spring.  WVhen ready, she
called upon Cuffee, anid bade him look, and ask whatever he
pleased. I-le obeyed, when avoice camle up out of the water,
that mlade him start back with amazement. She called up
another of the company, but prompted him to the question,
which obtained the answer that the hunchback always gave
as out of the spring. Two of these will give the general
drift.
Up stepped a merry-looking fellow called Jerry;'and as
ho bent over the pure water hole that glittered in the torch
light, le called out:' W-hat sall Juggy make Jerry in de great army?"
"Jerry shall have de care of all de ruinl in de cellLar of (le
King George; and of de pie and olecakes for gibing to
odelrs."
Nothing could please this worthy better than this, as he
sbc',-,''!? the width of his inouth when lie rose.
iiero an old grey-headed, melrry-lookilng, man knelt down,
asking in a laughing tone:




102                THE DU'TCH DOMINIE.
"Shall C(se hbab a place in de gran' army?  Moder Dora,
bid Fetish speak."1   *
The answer came up: "'-MIemby C'esar play'pol de sackbut and harp, de psaltery and de organ of King Solomon."
Ciesar came away grumbling to himself, "i Noting said'bout de good fiddle and de bow."
True to their Ethiopian nature, their blood began to circulate freely, and their bodies became restless for motion;
Dora, to indulge them, brought them  together in a ring,
which ran around her and the dwarf in rapid motion. His
head rone and fell has that of a turtle, when excited by some
mischievous boy. Voices were heard all around encouraging
the mirth, as if coming'fTom the invisible world. A stroke
of humor came across the mind of Teunis at this instant, and
in that vein, following out his resolution of breaking  up the
assemblage, he took his powder-horn, which had been filled
fresh that morning, and making an opening with his knife
into the gin-flask, that he intended to have left with Elsie, but.
which was still nearly full, arnd putting the horn into the gin, he
prepared to set fire to the liquor; but how was that to effect
anything at the height he stood above them? A lucky thought
entered his bead; his stocking was worked with worsted
of the strong, firm kind, more like hempen string than soft
lamb's wool; the unravelling of one of these fronl the top was
but the work of a few minutes, and with the yarn he lowered
his vessel, now on fire, over the brink of the precipice. It
soon attracted the eyes of the revellers below by its bright
blue flame. With the exception of Dora, all regarded the
new luminary as a part of the ceremony, and waited with
open mouth, nose, and eyes for the next act. Not so the
prime mover, who became alarmed lest her own tricks had
called down the wrath of a greater than Fetish; and giving
a scream, too natural not to be felt as genuine fear, all were
ready to join in the chorus, when the fire reached the powder just when the flask touched the rock, on which the mysterious box stood, and the explosion came, calling forth echo
and reecho from  the inner chambers of the den, till it
seemed as if they would never cease. The shrieking and
yelling of sixty frightened wretches were not so easily set at
rest. Taking their cue from  their priesttess i;hey ran, she
following, or rather leading them toward the narrow entrance,
where they leaped over each other like cattle crowding a
gateway.
Teunis, in telling the Dominie afterward of the occurrence,




THE DEPTHS OF SATAN.                103
said that the most amazing thing of the whole to him was
the terror of Dora, after what he heard her say, and when he
saw the boldness of her actions.
"You needed not that case to explain to you what you
have often heard me say, that the wicked run when no man
pursueth; and then see how the witch of Endor was more
afraid than any of the company, when she saw the doings of
the Lord. But tell us," the Dominie asked, " how that imp
of Sathanas behaved?  I mean Juggy the Hunchlback.".
"He seemed the only self-possessed mortal of them all.
He, danced and leaped frantically, till he spied, after the
shloke passed away, that the sacred chest was shattered into
a thousand pieces, when he immediately, and in haste, crawled
on his hands and knees around the spot, calling out "Groote
draak —great dragon-aude slang, old serpent, IDuivel en
Satanas, Fetish-gree-gree;" all in Dutch, English, and African mixed up, till at last, finding what he wanted, the snake,
he held it in his hands, uttering some gibberish which he
intended for a lamentation. Finding that life was gone, and
that there was nothing' in the dead worm either for his fear
or his love, he threw it onl the ground, stamping on it with a
revengeful look and loud curses, ending the tragedy with a
fiendish laugh, which I, out of mischief, returned in the same
tone. It was now that the imp showed signs of fear; for
knowing within himself that this was not his own double, he
fled as fihst as his shuffling feet would allow himn, throwing,
as he passed the fire, a handful of the stuff into it which had
caused the green flame and the pungent smell which had
made us all sneeze. I left the mouth of the pit saying, I
believe this is the devil's snuff, and a proper place it is to expect to get it, for that is nothing else than the bottomless
pit."




104                 THE  DUTCf DOMINIE.
CHAPTER X.
TIRE PERILS OF A PILGRIMIAGE.
"Let not a torrent of impetuous zeal
Transpor; thee thus beyond the bounds of reason;
True fortitude is seen in great exploits
That justice warrants, and that wisdom guides;
All else is towering frenzy and distraction."
ADDISON'S Cato.
THE young Dutchman reached home that evening tired,
and full of a thousand reflections all new to him, and he had
already laid down a scheme for the next day, which, like
many such plans, was to be upset before he fell aslee.p.
IHe found the main room of the house filled with men, and
all sitting in dense darkness.  It was a secret conclave, such
as Tennis had witnessed before, when some event of moment
was expected.  The men spoke in whispers, and had by flthis
time nearly finished their discussion, and were about to take
action.  It appeared, from  gathered conversation afterward,
that the subject was of an offensive   d a lso o also of a defensive
character.  The Dominie, who was of a determined  and hot
temper in political things, toolk strong side against the Tories,
no mtlatter whether they were of the active or of the passive
kind. He had of late forced some of his people'to show their
hands, and had threatened to bring them  all out.  To obtain
ecclesiastical authority, and to bring the recusants and the
lukewarm to their senses, was the object of a journey he'had
taken that very day to Sopus, where he was to meet his
brother Domainies in their classis.  To get the start of the
reverend man, and prevent his severe discipline on his return,
which they of the king's party were sure to receive in its utmost severity, was the intention of the present gathering.
They had, after many a whiff and jabber, fixed upon their
plan, and were waiting for volunteers who would carry it
into execution.  As none but the oldclinen were admitted into
the counsel, it was difficult to see how their meeting' could
result in anytlhing practically beneficial.  The seizing of the
Dominie himself, along with the whole consistory, was a bold
stroke for a few dull-headed men.  But nothing short of this




TIIE PERILS OF A PILGRIMIAGE.           105
was their aim, and for this very purIpose Brandt wias called
east after his raid upon Wyvoming. His scouts lhad given warning of his approach, so that " now orl never "' was the word.
The chance wRas opportune, and yet there was a hesitation
with sonme on conscientious grounds, and with others on superstition. There was a fear that the scheme would f1ll
through lbr want of young men. The leader in their counsel
saw the deficiency, and regretting it, had, with adroitness,
broougiht in a fresh- supply of the genuine Virginia tobacco,
lighting his own pipe first, so that the nostrils of the company were soon regaled and demanded another pipe. It was
while they smoked this, slowly, that several young men came
in who had been sent for intentionally. Tennis entered along
-with them, as of right.
"Tee zal never get me nor rnyne sonne at trappin de
Dominie, like as we as  e o de great bieen in do pig-pen. He is
de servant of de Lord for gooden."'"There now," said Tim Samrip, "Dick is giving us tLe
Scripture about mlagistrates. Let us have it all through, and
then we shall have the very authority we want. Let every
soul be subject to the higher "_"No more of' dat, Tim; hey no I been in de consistory
two yearen, ende vas no de Dominie above us alle? ende vas
no I higher dan de justice?'"
"' But, Dick, we are all IKing George's men, and we are
sworn to serve him before saving the Domninie, though his
neck should stretch for it. He will not save ours. M3'y mind
is, send him  and his consistory off to NTiagtara by Brandt,
where they will learn hini i manners to the king, and cool his
hot blood inl that bicg water."'
"' Our Dominie serven de HI-eere ov heeven, ende nae mlan
may putten his hand upon his skin buldt en dey touchen.
mynne, sure as my name is Dick Burget."9
This unexpected explosion, in one supposed to be conlpletely on the timue side, was received in silence, and was
likely to break up the whole scheme unless some way could
be made for getting old Dick removed aside till the whole
was acted out, which would be in a few days. Amidst the
tlhick smoke little knots were consulting, with their heads
turned in to one another like sheep in a hot day tnder a
tree, concerning the best method of disposing of' this new
difficulty, when the matter was resumed by Dick Burget
again, who was willing to sacrifice every one of' the consistory
but the Dominie.  In this he found an ally in a neighbor




106                THE DUTCH DOMIINIE.
whose terrors were more fromn the influence of priestly power
than enlightened piety.
" I am wi  Dick," said Conrad 3Post;'" for de man wid'dat
tree-nooked hat can brin  de tullcelr andcle file clown on us."'" Yaw, yaw,  Conlrad,' put in Diclk; " here again de Scripture zays,' op wien hij valt, dien zal hij vermorzelen.' " 
"Away with your nonsense,"' said the mlan at the head of
this movement, who was losing all patience; "do you think
that if the [Dominie  were a stone, he could fall on you and
grind you to powder?  He would prefer blowing you utj  I
have a plan that will settle all trouble. Let us send Teunnis
Roe here off to Sopus, and hear how the Dominie speaks in
the Classis about the discipline; anid if his tone be peace and
moderation, I am for saving his black coat, and will stand by
Dick herle to the last. WThat say you?"
To this all agreed at once, and before Teunis had time to
oblject, he was inducted into the ofice of messenger or spy,
as friends or enemies might judge of him and of his actions.
/VWith true Dutch caution, the young man went to bed confused in mind, yet feeling that the sun-light would enable him
to determine his proper course, for as yet he still ranked with
the men who were signalling to BJrandt.
In the morning, before sunrise, his father was at his door,
rousing him and warning hinm of his ride. The youlg man
himself felt the responsibility of the office imposed upon him,
and in the wavering state of his mind, felt anythting but at
ease in the prospect of acting a double part. IHe lay a few
moments reflecting on how lie should act, when he remembered that Elsie whispered in his ear at parting: "G Be sure
and tell the Domlinie of the first signs of dlanger." Her warmi'
breath seemed yet to blow on his cheek, as he leaped from
his couch, saying, " and now Providence has put that in my
powver."
WVhen he descended fronm the chamber, he found that Dora
had his breakfast laid out for him, to which she had added her'
choicest dishes.  Evidently well pleased with somethiniig, her
elishli son was receiving tit-bits aside at the jambs where
he sat, swelling up and down as his chest fell or expanded.
r'eunis, remembering the scene of last evening, eyed them
askance, wondering in himself whether they were witches
enough to know the cause of their late Adispersion. They
gave no sign, so he concluded to watch the current of events.
E  "Upo1 whomsoever it shall fall it shall grind him to powder."




THE PERILS OF A PILGRIMAGE.           107
IHis horse was ready for him at the leaping-on-log, held by
his father, who stood beside a stranger, whose voice Teunis
recognizecl to be the same as led the discussion of the previons evening.
"You are sent, young man, on this duty because you can
be trusted.  All the instructions you require are to keep
yourself as much hidden from iDominie Schuneman as you
can, and bring a true report of his sayings back with you.
Your reward is a captaincy in his majesty's service: a prosperotis journey."
The sun had but streaked the hills of Connecticut, and
the horseman, gathering up his bridle, was fixing himself
firmly in the saddle, when his mother's voice called him to a
corner, where she stood weeping.  From her yesterday's
warning, he comprehended the nature of her fears; and
anticipating her, bent clown his head, while she kissed him
and blessed him, and he rode away through the dim woods.
Near to himn he heard a voice that spoke in the English
tongue, in answer to one on the opposite side of the road, in
Dutch. IHe slackened his pace to listen. Smiling, he soon
discovered that Unga was attempting a trick upon him,
which did not succeed. Fairly on his way, his good steed soon
carried him into old Sopus, where after stabling him, Teunis
went straight to the court-house door, where a crowd of people was assembled.
Determined to take no active part in anything, Teunis
went among the men with eyes and ears open. They were
of the class to which he himself belonged, and notwithstanding
that Sopus was so near to Kaaterskill Vlatts, there were but
few whom he knew intimately, and these were the kind who
possessed the pass-words and signs with which he was well
acquainted.  From even these, however, he was resolved to
keep away at present.
A debate was in progress to which the new comer gave
heed-the peculiar merits of several Dominies.  It was
Miyer and Doll of Ulster against New York and Jersey, and
the world to boot-old Jacobus Elting, of Vlattbush, on the
one side, and on the other a large broad Albanian, full
wigecd, dressed in smooth brown coat, who was boasting
over I)octor Dominie \Westerloo, the chief of their Sanhedrim.'6 "No doubt of it," was the slow retort of the other,'" after
the new fangled notions of the day; but the man that tells
his own consistory that their hearts are no whiter than their
own nig:,ers,  W-olo!d giQt bQ heard here in Sopus.  You must




108'THIE DUTCH DOM)NISE.
be mean dwaazan * to stand that; and then his advice to
throw off all allegia-ce to the old mother of Amstecrdam."
",There now1, you hlave set your tongue a-going, and we
will have the question of tlhe day discussed before we go in
-doors. Leave politics to thel  P rovincial Congress, and let the
doctrines of the Kerke be attended to, so that all be according to the canons."  This was spoken by a square-built man,
of sedate appearance, whose presence  was impressive, and
well placed. lie continued to say that'" the rational and
calm declaration of the altar, whence come the high obligations of practical righteousness, are more acceptable to the
Maker than all the zeal and' talk we have sometimes about
things which human nature cannot sta-nd."'
"A  wee! A wee!" said another, "to hear such things
said by men in the consistory-human nature never can stand
to hear the truth against itself:"
" Never mind," said Elder Van Vleck, 6" after these troubles are past, all these things are to be settled by the Donminies themselves. Let us help them through with their quarrel
this day, and we will, let the next day take care of itself.
There comes Colonel Haasbrouk and an eastern stranger
with him, if I may judge fiom his dress."
"Yes, judging friom his dress; but when did a Cbnnecticut mall step like that, and keep his head so firm on his
shoulders? As I live," said Jan F'reer, he is as like the
man that I took up to Van Lueguens as any man I have seen
since, and I have had my eyes open all the time."
".Nonsense, Jan, the man coming' is dressed in the colors
of the Connecticut Rangers, and has a commission, as you
may see from his buttons. There he is now handing his credentials to the colonel."' If I hear him speak I can tell; and it would be a good
test to put him to, just to ask him to count over fifteen and
saxpence; the dearest money ever I earned, since it cost me
four weeks in the common jail of Sopus, for helping a spy.
The more I look at him the surer I am. There he comes,
tacld good Santa Claus, I shall watch him this day."
By this time, the two new comers had arrived within earshIot, and were engaged in earnest conversation, which was
held lovfd enough fbr all to hear.
" I will tell you this, Captain W~hittesley, that our minister,
or Dominie, as we entitle him, is one of the best of men, and
the bravest of soldiers.")
* Fool.




THE PERILS OF A PILGRIMAGE.             109' Colonel, in these days the qualities you give him  are
possessed also by our parsons in New England, but it seems
to me that the learning needed in their holy calling cannot be
ripe."' This was evidently said nmore for the purpose of
keeping up the discourse, than out of any wish for an opinion;
for ail the time he either listened or spoke himself, he was
glancing his sharp blue eye in all directions.
"I can only speak for our Dominie Doll, that he has been
a most faithful student in ancient universities, and that he
never fails to speak like a Boanerges.  Lively in his spirits,
he is ever on the stretch for new fields of action; and now
that the wave of war has reached its height, le rides on it
as if it were his native element.",
" And I suppose," said the captain, "like priest, like
people."
Here Colonel Haasbrouk introduced his acquaintance by
name, and as one of the aids of his Excellency, here on publiec business.
I The discourse took a new turn. The stranger, who was
one of those easy moving men, who can turn the most trifling
matter into fbod for discoulse, soon led off by referring to
the gatherings he had seen of the militia on his way, and of
the excellent appearance they made.
" Yes," said our Albany fiiend, " they are good enough
for such a place as Sopus, or for suclh a county as Ulster, but
they cannot compare with our men, nor with your men in
the east."
This brouglht, as it it was intended, a rejoinder from  one
of the Soposonians, who declared himself ready with "' a colipany of Ulster nen to do what the Bunlker Hhill men did not
lo —keep the hill from the redcoats."
" Oh, yes," said the bantering' Albanian, " they have hard
heads, but soft places in them, that a ramrod would pass
throuc'li without touching a letter of the alphabet.'"
The Ulster menmber, somewhat piqued, pulled out a roll on
whiclh were inscribed the names of a whole company, signed by
themselves, and handing it to the iman called CaptainlWhittesiey, asked him to say if' " that was the siogn of ignorance."
I declare," said the stranger,' this is all in good writing
of hand and few proxies.  You must draw'back your insinuaiion, friend, and it is well. Their courage -vill be tried if I
am not mnistaken. These granaries placed he e, in case Schiuyletr should be forced to fall backl to Watexrvliet, must be
greatly needed."




110               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
While the stranger said this, he looked full in the face of
Jan. Freer, so piercingly that that worthy's tongue failed him
as he- was about to ask him if he -was not the iman who sailed
up to Saugerties with himr in the middle of the night, three
months since. But by the time the courage of Jan had returned, the conversation had taken an interesting turn.
" Do you apprehend," said Colonel Haasbrouk, " that the
enemy may pay us a visit on his way up; I find on my dispatches, hcaste."
"There are many rumors abroad," was the reply, given too
loosely for an orderly, "that the enemy has several points
of attack in his mind. The chief object is to form a junction
with the north; but GeneralVaughan is one of those soldiers
who love to take responsibility, and may be tempted out of
his way form the mere love of adventure. A little sport
with him is a great thing; and as the Provincial Congress
now sitting- here would aflford him such an opportunity, it
seems unlikely that he could resist the jest. Do you suppose
that your Congress would sit on were he to land his men
and a couple of guns?"
6' What if he does see them running off? MIy men will be
found here at their post," said the colonel; "' and we hope to
do our duty as good citizens and soldiers. The country will
be here, though Van Cortlandt and his congress do run,
which I am sure they never will."
"Nor will the Classis run," said an old man in a claycolored coat, which had seen some wear and tear, but was
still becoming to the wearer.  " The Domnities will be put to
their trumps, and I will venture my word for at least onehalf of them. Dominie Doll at the head of the good and
true, and there is Dominies Dirck and Schuneman, of the
Vtaatskills."
"HI-iow does it happen, my good sir, that you have two
congresses sitting in this old town of yours —an ecclesiastical
and a politieal?  Surely you have not thought on nnitilng
church and state, as in the old time?"  The New Englander
sneered a little as he said these words, as if he meant to say:
"' You are behind the age."'X We Hollanders,"' said Haasbrouk, " have skulls that arle
not so easily penetrated as a pumpkin "-here the colonel
cast a side glance at his guest —' and consequently iwe neither
give up our cherished notions so readily, nor receive new onsc:
so easily, as you eastern folks can."
C" I-Ia! ha! excellent, my dear sir; the inference you r.:~w




TIHE PERILS OF A PILGRIMAGE.           111
then is. that our Ylankee heads are soft. HI-a! ha! That is
good. We are even. But tell me what is all this commotion
among your clergy?  In every tavern and farmer's kitchen
I could hear of nothing but the coetus and conferentia.
Greek to me, indeed. Are these the passwords of a secret
society?"'
"'The words have a meaning to the men who use them,
but, so far as I know, they who make the most use of them
are neither better men nor better soldiers. A meaningless
jargQn. I pray the Lord to send us a real enem3y, so
that our pastors may become united about something.  If
Vaughan does nothing else, he may do that, and to some pulrpose. I see that my words are giving offence to my friend
here."
Things were taking too warm  a turn, when the stranger
adroitly proposed judging for himself by the assemblies called
together. H,, did this with so much grace and dignity that
he won the favorable opinion of all except the cautious and
the experienced in men and things.  It was evident that Jan
Freer had not laid aside his suispicions; and notwithstanding
that Colonel Haasbrouk had carefully perused his commission,
a lurking doubt still lingered in his mind every time he looked
at the stranger's face and heard his voice.
Strange as it may sound, our young friend, Teunnis Roe,
was one of the few who suspected the pretensions of the nman
called Whittesley; standing back in the crowd, he had time
to observe all his motions and listen to his voice, and though
the Kaatsberg youth had not exchanged a word with any one
there, he felt sure that he had seen this man before ifi a different character than he now assumed.  His acquaintance
with the underworkings of society gave him opportunities of
seeing much that durst not be spoken on thie housetops. The
mlan became a new object of interest to him, and for the moment he almost forgot the errand which had brought Ilim
hither.
To that he was soon recalled by one of the venerable men
who was there offering his selvices to the stranger as his guide
into the church where the reverend pastors were to meet,
having adjourned since the last evening for the purpose of
discussing the very point that Teunis was sent to hear and
report upon.
The feeling of suspicion, which was awakened in the minds
of a few at the first, fell upon a larger number by degrees,
until it spread among the more intelligent, so that by the




112                THE DUTCEI DOMINE.
time the Classis met for business there were no lack of watchers upon the stranger's steps.  His movenments were not the
least imnpeded  by those nods and winks which were interchanged by the company, but they rather seemed to give
him  dignity of look and a defiance of danger which held
every one in check. As his eye ran over the faces of the
crowd, it fixed a moment longer on Teunis than he was able
to bear comfortably. It was evident that, whoever he was, he'
recognized in the Kaatskillian's countenance sometiing of an
interesting nature to him, which he would have inquired after
in another and quieter place.
At this time the signal for meeting was given, and, wending toward the temple of God, were seen the venerable
men, whose life was one of self-denial and of honor.  Their
steadfast look and stately steppings impressed the spectators
with awe, making even the frivolous Jan Freer to speak
under his breath as they went past.
"Now, Captain WVhittesley," said Elder Swart, under
whose care the stranger had been put, " let us go, since you
wish to compare our Doiminies with yours in the east. They
say that you are greatly indebted to them  for that spirit
which the Yankees show in the good cause.g"
"'It is true, sir, that I have hcard many a rousing discourse from them upon the rights of nman, and the obligations
of kings being nursing fathers to the church instead of dashing her children against the stones; but a cow'ard may be in
a black coat as well as a blue."
"AAnd a hero in bands as well as wearing a sash at his
side,"' was Swart's quick retort, which brought the blood
sli]lt!ly to the cheek of the New Englander, who parriecd the
thrust gracefuilly byby saying-: "It requires all the manly
qualities of our common nature to gain the crown of honor
or the crown of gloryr.".
The assemblage soon dispersed, and as the form of the last
Dominie in the procession disappeared  within the church,
Teunis determined to hear and see all he could; but his first
object was to  obtain a private interview  with Dominie
Schuneman, and ful-ill his promise of warning.
Colonel Haasbroiuk called an officer to himll, jwhen he saw
no one watching near, and said in a low voice: "G See that
you follow that new comer everywhere through the whole
day, and into every place. See that he leaves not till he has
lly pass."
Colonel," said the astonished officer, "L he holds a permit




SAMSON CARRYING OFF TIlE GATES OF GAZA.    113
from  head-quarters, and how could that have been obtained
unless he be true and on the right side?"
"It matters not," said the colonel; "'if he bhas not worn a
red coat in the regulars, I never saw a man step so like one
in my life.  Had he said, I am a deserter and on your side, I
could have believed him  sooner than his mimicking the
Yankee."
CHAPTER XI.
SAM, SON CAR RYING OFF THE GATES OF GAZA.
"When gospel trumpeter, surrounded
With long eared rout, to battle sounded,
And pulpit, drum ecclesiastic,
Was beat with fist instead of a stick,
Then sir knight abandoned dwelling,
And out he rode a colonelling."
EIUDIBRs S.
THE Elder SNwart was a grave man, of homely presence,
but of more common  sense thais first appearances indicated.
He would remlain so silent and dull, when hearing an important subject, at times, that it was doubted wlhether he
understood any of the questions.  An hour a-fterward his acquaintances, from his relnarks, were surprised at the queries
he put. He was a profound admirer of the Refornmed Chlurch
of:Hollanid.  His body expanded largely as lie entered the
porch of the holy building with his new friend, looking' first
with reverence on the men, who had already begun their
business by an act of devotion, and then on WVhittesley, endeavoring to guess the effect which such a sight might have
onl one of the wise men of the east.  That singular man
looked on all without any apparent surprise; indeed, it
seemed to Swart that the Donminies, on looking toAZard the
pew wvhere he sat, were under some kind of fascination, as
tiley looked morne astonished than their new visitor.  Tennis,
who had ta:ken a seat in the next square pew to the Elder,
sat with lhis back ag)ainst the captaliin's, so that le could b1oth
see and lbear to ulreat adcantiage when lie chose to look in
tllhat direction, or listen to their words.
The Classis, constit1ted as it was of clergymen and their
elders, who were laylilen of note, s'tt by a huge oak table,




114                THIE DUTCI DOMINTIE
which served as altar, on which now lay a pile of papers,
under the care of a secretary. Above him, on a raised seat,
was the president, robed in faull clerical dress, with cloak and
bands. Beside him  stood a large gold-headed cane and a
three-cornered hat, somewhat the worse for wear. Hle was a
man of about sixty-five years, with a keen black eye, that
moved in his head-which scarcely ever turned-as if a set
of spring nerves were secretly kept in use, now that they
seemed needed for watchfulness over the company under him.
The others were less prominent till they spoke, when they
stood as high up in their boots, and some of them seemed to;
take pride in looking as keen as their leader. One of them,
on his feet, took occasion simply to remind his reverence in
the chair, that " we are all brethren."    Go on and speak
to the question," was the grave rejoinder.
The Elder and the NTew Engolalider sat down in a high,
square pew, which was sufficiently capacious to have held a
Dutch vrow and ten daughters, all Dutch built.  It Was
covered over with maroon cloth, and studded round with
brass-headed nails, which gave it quite a golden appearance.
The Plaattekill man whispered, This is Captain. Conrad
Elvendorp's pew —one of the new langled race rising up in
Sopus.
Whittesley's attention was directly turned to the business
in hand, which was evidently of an exciting character. The
speaker who was holding forth, was a tall, thin, pale man, of
a soft voice, YvTwhich went far into the eani, witl a nervous
power which made it tell upon the feelings more than on the
conviction.  lie sploke in deep. tones, which proved his
earnestness, and was nmore for moderation than for extreme
measures.  " That's the good Dominie Dieck Ro.omeyn, now
on his feet," 1lwhispered the Elder Swart. " Hie is always for
peace, and so far does he carry his wish, that he would sacrifice the state for the-church any day; but his heart is always
as clear as his tongue is smooth, and every one loves him. I
wish that Dominie Schuneman and he were carded through
one another, the- we would have a perfect Dominie, and a
complete 5Whipg. AWhen the captain had got his ear clear of'
the Elder's nmouth, he heard the voice of the speaker, thouggh
so soft that it filled the house, rising into warmth, and sparkling; with energy, so that even his opponents were listening
to the easy flow with a restrained delight.
"6 1 these days of trial," saidl the reverend speaker, "it
becconeth the servants of the Lord to throw oil upon the




SAMSON CARRYING OFF THE GATES OF GAZA.   115
troubled sater, instead of raising the tempest to hellish fury.
This poor Reformed Church is at this hour like the Ark of
Noah, high on the waters of the delug-e; anld but foir the
strong arlal of the g'reat pilot, who seemlls to be asleep in the
stern, we might despair; but we have a duty to performl as
the ministers of Christ, and not as captains of companies,
going forth with spear and buckler to fight in the open
field. We have Joshuas in great number; let us give ourselves to prayer and the word, standing like hMoses with our
hands lifted to heaven, and these Aarons and HIutis will
help us, if we only keep our own'passions in due control,
being baptized by the anointing which abideth. Oh I may soul
is melted into grief wThen I think of how some of my fellowambassadors have fallen off; who were ordained to this good
work by the laying on of hands by the venerable fathers of
that ancient mother in. Holland, whom we all love and revere.
Alas! alas i that the day should have arrived, foretold by the
prophet:'I am like a pelican in the wilderness.' She who has
fed her young ones here with her own blood, drawn from her
own breast, is now to be disregarded and thrust forever
aside. Do we not see but too plainly, that these unhappy
troubles are fast rending asunder the ties which bind us to the
mother church. Under the thin veil of patriotism there lieth
too manifestly the canker of licentiousness; and to the pleasant
cry of independence in the state, there is added the demand
to bind and loose, after our pown skill, and by our own power.
MIry voice is-' let the: potsherds of the earth strive w-ith the
potsherds thereof; but woe be to the man that striveth with
his BMaker'"
The speaker sat down in great emotion, hiding his i'lce in
his hands and literally sobbing aloud. The effect was visible
upon all the tender-hearted; and in other times than those,
when tears were of small account, the eloquence of that man
would have carried the day. But like the few drops which
fall just before the wind changes friom'south to north, these
pathetic symptoms were the turning of public sentiment on
that day.
1' They have been t+alking all of yesterday," said Elder
Sickles, who came into the same pew, "but they are now
beginning to warm up, and we shall soon see the lightning,
aind hear the loud thunder, after that shower of rain, with a few
tailstones.  For Dominie Frelinghuisen can hit hard though
his woor'ds melt as soon as they come down to the ground."'
" iYaw! he reminds me of' Stephen Zabriskie, that would




116                THIE DUTCI DOMINIE.
cut his nigger, Cruse, till he would bring the blood, and then
he would cry at the effects of his own whip-cord.  But thlere
rises Dominie Dirck Romeyn of Mombachus. HIear him, but
first look at him. How like he is to our dog Tig'er, when he
smells a fox, ready to spring before he has quite measured his
distance."
The eyes of the whole company wiTere directed to this person, who stood up tall, but so eager to begin, that he stooped
forward like a racer that has already started. His face A.as
neither pale nor bilious, but seenmed like one that had just
risen froml  his bed on an errand, which he deemed of vital
importance to the cause he had at heart.  His hair wavs cut
short to his head, and his dress, though snug, was put on
after a fashion of his own. He seemed nervous, but determined; and but for a nose of great length, through which he
blew off passion, as an eager horse blows iwhen restrained for
a few nmomnets, lie must have fainted -before he commenced.
"' Let me," were his first words, " throw a bomb-slfell into
the enemy's caimp.  We have covered up the truth too
long, and I am for tearing off the cover at  cnee. Speak of
peace and quiet at this moment, wnhen King George and his
bull-dogs are at our gates. Do you not hear them bark now,
andcl their teeth of iron which have crunched the skulls of
men, women and children, gaping wide that our flesh may be
torn?  And what do we see but.strong men. of God covered
with the panoply of heaven, crying like children for their
dear absent -mother over the sea, under the nanme of Peace.
NTo! my voice is now for wa.r, and the resolution before us,
which we are asked to pass in f.vor of hot defence, and if
need be, of hot pursuit, even unto death, is one that I shall
require my conisistory to pass as one man, else we part next
clay. It is thle only way to wean us firom our mother's breast,
that we be required as a Church, to do what our country has
done; live without all help, advice, authority or counsel from
Europe. Let those who have been born on that famous coltinent, or those who have drank of the milk of Leyden,
still snifter after the pap of a Holland cow; for mly palrt I
believe that the meadows of this new world yield as good
fodder as the bogs of those low  countries. I despise all
whini-o, w'ohen we should be fighting, with the swordl bathed
in heliven, -lwh-ere it can onlyT obtainl the temper fit ibr slaying
the foes of liberty and of religion. Let ime warn my brethren
who vacillate on this good cause, under the professed aippearance of keeping the peace, that the people are before them;




SAMSON CARRYING OFF THE GATES OF GAZA. -  117
and let theml neglect the opportunity now given of putting
their names to this patriotic resolution, and another chance
will not be afforded. Like the ancient Sibyl bringing her
books, the chances of obtaining them  decrease, and thus
enhance their value."
The speaker went on in this strain for a full hour, pouring
fbrth a torrent of eloquence, which made the coldest-hearted
rise to a pitch of enthusiasm which it would have been dan#erous to have impeded, or even turned aside, without using
the greatest wisdom and power. -When lie sat down, every
one thought the question settled; but the president, whose
strange black eyes had been wandering at the beginning of
the last speech, became so fixed toward its close, that it
seemed to all as if two coals of fire were glowing to a red
heat, and that sone secret bellows blew the fire into an
intense ardor, so that it became impossible to gaze upon
them. Quietly he gave a secret sign to some one to come
up to him, when he moved out of the chair, which was occupied by a substitute of less dimensions, but of equally solemn
gravity.
" Now we shall have the other side. A sound man is
Dominie Rysdick, but behind the times.  Hlie would have
this big continent bound by his cable to a Dutch scow."
" None of your sly hits, H-Tanchie Sickles. Y'ou would send
the world round like a teetotumn, and banish every good and
wholesome doctrine for the newest thing, if you only heard
it in the English tongue; but I should like to know if you
ever heard a good Dutch prayer answered in another speech
than Dutch."
"Oh, yes!" said the young Elder Sickles, "and I have
seen a Dutch water-finder get a spring with English hazel;
and I have seen a cut made with an English kni-ft healed by
keeping it warmi behind a Dutchman's fire-place; and a lanme
horse cured by whispering'Indian' in his ear; and oldAnikja on the hill can speak a burn away."
All of' this was said with a cunning look, and so sedately
that the Plaattekill Elder Swart did not'at first take the drift
of it; and before he had gathered up the sense, Dominie
Rysdick had begun, in a slow, swinging way, with his eyes
half shut, and his back half turned to the audience, as it'
entirely unconscious of any one being present. He was like
a man speaking in his sleep; or perhaps more like one that
talks into the next world, and feels quite sure that he will be
heard by those who can understand and appreciate what he




118               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
says. -When our friiends in the square pew had timlle to listen,
they heard the slow, hesitati lg voice of the speaker, like the
rough rulnbling o-f a stream  when it is diverted irom  its
course into a mill race, as if nature angrily resisted the hand
o-f man.
"I aim forced to rise out of my seat, where I supposed I
might take my rest till this question of years had been disposed of; but it seems that we are on the verge of destruction: there are men who will play with the whirlwind. 2i
few winters since, a reverend divine, now present, went up
the moluntain there on a jouiney of curiosity. I-e was not
satisfied with taking the plain road, but he must strike out a
path- of his own; and though he went as fhst as any sober
man should travel, he put himself in the eye of the wind, so
that he might have the pride of saying that he rode upon a
whirlwind —that he took it by the forelock. Alas for human
vanity! he was swept from.his fbet, and obliged to lie prone
on the cold ground, or take the chance of tumbling over the
precipices headlong, as somne would now fall."
With this quiet hint, and telling hit, at the rashness of
those who are not satisfied with taking the natural road to
their end, he was seemingly about to take his seat again, but
the current of his thoughts, like the stream, had now got
into the mill flune, and onward it began to run. He had
made a sensible lit at some of the rash men who were clear
for riding on a fiery steed of war; and while his secret design
might be to prevent giving aid to the firiends of the country,
his course showed a wish of keeping a passage behind through
which he might retreat in case of' the strongest being the
conqueror. Though born in the province,  his honors had
all come from abroad, with which he kept up a close intercourse, and was connected by narriage with soime of the
noble famnilies of England. Withal, he was a true lover of
his native land, and conscientiously believed that she had
prospered under the fostering care of the mother country,
and would prosper. But since there was no chance of resisting-the tide of publid sentiment now set in, his aim was to
turn the torrent aside. The little anecdote he told of the
reverend 1brother  was adroitly put in, to show the danger of
disturbing existing relations between the mother church and
the colonial daughter. The Dominiie to wbhonz he referred
was one of the fiercest Whigs of the Classis, and had been ar
open and determined advocate of independence from Holland.
All of this.was told to the stranger in an undertone, so that,




SAMSON CARRYING OFF THE GATES OF GAZA.   119
he understood the nature of the question, and the character of
the individuals who were debating it with so much unction.
"You will hear for yourself how Dominie Schunemman will
get out of that when he rises. Hie is a cunning man that is
now speaking, and maybe he thinks, now he has got the laugh
upon the Whig, that he will spoil the edge of his sword;
but wait and hear."
" I have seen;," said tkie Reverend Doctor Rysdick, continuing his harangue, and raisin{g his voice, " that there are some
men whose judgments are like the eyes which are full tn
youth, and others whose judgments are like the flattenecld eye
of riper years. As age advances, these change; youth takes
a narrower view —age sees at a distance. Those men who
look only at the present, and the nearest objects, see no danger beyond them. I am old, and know something of the fornmer times which I have seen; but lest it be said that I am
therefore all the less able to see the future, let me declare that
faith in the mlan of age is the second-sight by which he penetlrates the clouds; while the young iman of fleshly vision is satisfied with the figures which play upon the surface, and please
his fancy.  YVe cannot question, but appearances favor the
young and the ardent; but you know what the master sayeth:' Oordeelt niet naar bet aanzien.' Yes, judge righteous judlgment. Take in the whole history of the church, and of' the
people from whom we have sprung, and say if it be wise in us
to sever every bond, and let ourselves float away into the current of a noisy world, that would cry one day Ilosauanna!
and the nlext crucify him. We -are set for the lefeilce of
Zion, not to aid in the clamor of the passionate multitude.
Are there not a sufficiency of voices in the public streets to
shout sufficiently loud to wake the dead, but we lmust, in the
nmidst of our quiet and repose, cause our voice to be heard in
the street? Remember that the servant of the Lord Ilust not
strive: Niemandl die-in den krigj client wordt ingewikkeld
in de handelingen des leeftogts.*  We are soldiers, but the
war we are to wage is with the world, the flesh, aend the
devil. These few sheep in this wide wilderness Inust not be
left by me. I will retire to my hillside and wrap my cloak
around me, waiting for the storm; with these old eyes looking through the tempest, and this trembling voice calling to
the weary and to the wandering while life renmains; joyful
that the Chief Shepherdcl who called me to his fold still is the
* No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life.




120                THE DUTCOI DOMINIE.
same as he was when first I entered thy sacred walls, 0 Leyden! the Aima 2Mater of those who have long watched with
me here. Go away, my fellow-shepherds; leave me alone in
this bleak and dark world. Go, seek after the novelties and
the carnalities of time andcl- sense. Find the new existence
you dream of, but let me still have my early loves, and, if
you will, my early hates.' Chose you this day whom you
will serve,' but if I forget thee, 0 Vaderland, let my right
hand forget her cunning, and my tongue cleave to.the roof
of my mouth, if I count not thee above my chief joy.'
The aged and venerable man sat down, far from  being
overcome, but agitated as the old tree that moves in the wind
that rises wJith increasing force, making its strongest branches
wave aloft, while the trunk stands as firm as the rock on High
Peakl. He walked slowly and with dignity to his seat, which
was yielded up to him by his adsessor, who was blowing
his nose to hide his tea-rs of admiration rather than of grief.
There was a brief pause here which no one seemed inclined
to break iin upon immediately. The question: was upon the
duty which devolved upon the ministry in the present crisis
of the country, and it came up in the way oif resolution, recormlending all the Consistories to move in the patriotic
work of defending the Declaration of Independence with
their property and lives. Some, when first urged to this
open act, hesitated, as we have heard, but the popular feeling
had already gone far before them, and there were ministers
who took the van, willing to ride the whirlwind, as the last
speaker had said, in rather a sneering manner, considering
his dignity.
The efiects of the last speech beginning to subside, there
were several who rose to their feet at once, but the President's eye rested on a tall man of subdued  look and deimeanor, whose age seemed to be a few years over thirty,
though his ianner so grave -and this words so deliberate,
were at variance with his voice and figure, which showed hiil
to be rather below than above those years. He was dressed
like the others around, in clerical garb; but had he been niet
in a log cabin,' dressed in homespun, cut and made up by a
wandering tailor, he would have shown his breeding. as a
gentleman and his training to be a scholar. Perhaps a keen
eye would have discerned the theologian spread over alJ.
A slight buzz ran through the house at the sight of his
person, and at the prospect of hearing himr the Elder said to
Captain Whittesley: " Here is a man of some importance!"




SAMSON CAlRYING OFF THE GATES OF GAZA.   121
And accordingly he put his mouth to the ear of his cicerone,
and whispered -: " WVho is that?". "Dominie Livingstone," was the short reply. " I-He is now
living at the lanilor with Baron Livingstone. HIe has been
forced to leave New York. His church has been tinned into
a riding-school for the red-coats, and he has come up to help
us in this strait. Good man, he loves the church and the
country, but he is one of the peaceful men who are not willing to fight-unless we cannot help it. I hope he will not follow in the same rut with old Dominie Rysdick. But he belongs to the true Whig race. These Livingstones are all good
blood. But he has commllenced."
" I desire the peace of Jerusalem, and I love them that love
her peace," was his opening sentence; and he paused as if
engaged secretly in mental prayer for wisdom to speak the
right words. " You know that I am1 here an exile from my
dear people. Driven away from my home, with many who
love liberty more than life, the place of their birth is deserted,
so that with the weeping prophet, I may say of New York:' How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people? how
is she become as a widow, she that was great among the
nations and princess among the provinces?  How is she become tributary!' Nor is this the whole, M11r. President, but
the house of the Lord, where so many songs of praise have
risen from joyful hearts, and prayers been uttered by the lips
of the goodly servants of the Lord, is now a dunghill; a
place for the swearer and the infidel to tread upon; a scene
of revelry and riot. The eneiy has made it a place for his
horses and his soldiers to exercise in, and we are shut out of
our holy house.'Alas  for the day! for the day of the Lord
is at hand, and as a destruction firom the Almighty shall it
come. Is not the meat cut off before our eyes?  Yea, joy
and gladness from the house of our God?'"
The effect of this exordium was evident upon all the
hearers, not even excepting the members of the court, who,
from their pride and staid dignity, seemed unwilling to yield
to the pathetic in a day which requir.ed sternness; but they
were here overcome for a few moments, while the speaker
paused to recover himself, which he soon did.
" lMr. President," continued he, " there are two extremes
in the men of this day — those who look entirely to the past,
and would build on those foundations fabrics exactly as the
original buildings were; and there.are younger minds who
cry:' Raze it! raze it! and must have new foundations and
6




122               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
a new dwelling-place. I say let us build the new on the old
foundation, for the best reason in the world, that the old is
founded upon a rock, and is to be preferred to the sand "-and
he paused, looking round-" to that of Holland itself  The
time has come when preferences are to be made, and if the
wisdom of the present generation is perfect, then let them
burn all the books in Vandalic rage; and if the wisdom of
the former ages was complete, how comes it that we are reduced to the state we are in this hour?
" Our church, like our country, is an orphan, left of its
natural mother, Holland, and of its natural father, England,
so that nothing remains for her now but to say:'though father and mother forsake me the Lord will take me ulp.' Nor
has she been thrown off quite helpless and bare of all means;
on the contrary, with a good charter from heaven-a good
catechism from Holland-and a wide country all before us
where to choose, there is nothing to fear in looking forward,
nor anything to long for in looking back. Like the famed
Eneas, of whom we read in our dear old Leyden, we are sailing this day between Scylla and Charybdis. On the one side
I see my venerable fathers sailing, or wishing to take refuge
in the haven of ancient system, and on the other, my fellowbrethren are determined to launch away in their individual
ships, independent of the admiral. The one willrot in port,
and the other will be swamped in breakers. He ar my counsel
and sail between, and God will bear you to a fairer land than
the Great Trojan. Fathers, take heed that you restrain not
the spirit of this young church, feeling the impulses of a
generous pride, in being able to live in hope till better days
arrive; give them. the liberty of putting up more sail, instead
of bidding, or demanding, as you friom your age have a right
to do, that they should haul in and cast anchor, waiting for
day, instead of putting out boldly to sea, which is always
safest in a storm. And you, my young and brave fellowvsailors, remember that old heads on board, who have weathered storms before, are not burdensome but safeguards,
which we do well not to despise."
With this speech of moderation, the young doctor sat
down, leaving the reverend body to make the applicationnot difficult to do, after what had occupied the.Classis all the
morning. The question really was, whether the consistories
of the several churches should be called upon, to take an
active part in the defensive and offensive war, now waging,
in their capacity as a church court. These bodies in the old




SAMSON CAItRYING OFF THE GATES OF GAZA.   123
IHolland Church, as in all the Reformed churches, still took
active measures against criminal offenders, and had a power
of trial and of punishment, subject to appeal in the higher
court. But the final court to which the American branch
was subject had been Amsterdam, where was now the cour't
of appeal. One had been formed here, but from the natural
prejudices of the old Dominies, and the present state of the
country, it had not yet got into working order.  The
machinery had indeed been imported and put up, but it had
not been tried; nor were the legitimate engineers experienced
men. The danger, therefore, of giving power to single
churches-the same power of acting in cases which might be
construed into offences demanding discipline —might become
dangerous precedents, and yet to forbid them at the present
time might be construed as treasonable acts by the Provincial
Congress. Here was a dilemma, to a cautious man, of the
most puzzling nature. The men of Tory predilections chose
one horn, and the fiery WVhigs fearlessly took the bull by the
horns, and laughed at his stamping fury. They saw with
pleasure that the revolution in the State was the sure deliverance of the church from its ancient vassalage, and so they
pushed the necessity of every consistory having an ecclesiastical power over political offences, and thus cleansing the
camp of every Achan within it.
The last speech, coming as it did from Doctor Livingstonc,
who had already obtained great influence over the Colonial
church, both from his own personal character for piety, learning, great executive talent, and his connections with the
Whig family of that name, as well as for his own banishinent from New York, to which he had referred, made an
impression which was ominous of temporizing measures, such
as woulld have crippled the hands of the ardent friends of
the country. For it was well known that many influential
families were in constant communication with the Tories.
Those could be reached through the church, when they might
not be touchecl by the magistrates. At any rate, the warml
partisans were determined to try this lever upon the old
Dutch bodies of rich Boermen, such as Paulus Troumpier,
of Catsbaan, and Johannes Lasher, of Kinderhook; and
others that could be named. The disaffection had gone
down to the very core of society, and it was necessary that
it should be traced throughout, though that should be to the
splitting of the churches.
" Give the Consistories power to bring up their neighbors




124               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
who differ from them in matters of a political kind, and what
shall we see but one setting himself to watch another, so
that no one is safe in his shoes?  Have we not trouble
enough in the towns and in the country without taking the
same into our churches-setting father against the son, and
the son against the father? No; let us have at least one
peaceful place, to which we can turn in these days of turmoil
and war. Let the Sabbath bring all our people to one seat
on earth, as they must all appear before one Judgment. To
their own lMaster must each man stand or fall.'
This speech was uttered in great fury by a high Conservative minister of this conclave, who had stood out long for
conferring with old Holland in all religious matters, and who,
from his very stiffness of spirit, thought it impossible for acountry to exist as a Christian land unless it had a king.
"The Israelites had a king," said he, "and the church was
now a kingdom, modelled after the plan of the upper Kingdom: Take the title of king away, and you would spoil the
Book where the word occurs so frequently."  Besides all
these reasons, there were in his own parish some who
secretly acted with the king's men, and he naturally trembled
both for them and for himself.
During the time of this debate, the Elder Swart got so
much in earnest in listening, that he entirely forgot the presence of the man whom he had taken under his care, and
would have let him slip through his fingers had he been
Arnold himself. Others, however, were not inattentive to
the motions of the strange man; but his whole conduct was
to them a puzzle which they could not unravel. It was evident that he was not the man he pretended to be; and yet
the persons he was holding communication with were all of
the true side.'Salutations were exchanging between him and
some of the best Whigs, clerical and laical; and yet a Sort
of restraint was on these, which was felt more than accounted
for. One side of his character was decidedly suspiciousthe interest which the blacks had in him, and the whisperings held among themselves concerning him. In the nervous
state of some men possessed of slaves, the cause of this
might have been found, and there rested, had it not been for
the fact that one of the most active and turbulent fellows of
his race was seen to steal round to the back of the stranger,
and put something in his hand, leaving the house with the
samle caution with which he entered.
Whittesley, without appearing to notice these things,




SAMSON CARRYING OFF TtIE GATES OF GAZA.   125
inquired about a man who rose at that point in the debate,
which seemed to be turning against the liberal side. The
person referred to was a square-built man, of middle age or
over, weighed at least two hundred pounds, and was more
remarkable for force than polish. He was what the Dutch
call a -magtigen * man-strong-strong in lungs, strong in
arm, and strong in character; and withal full of wit; one of
the warmest-hearted souls in the -world, with the most ungracious mode of showing his goodness. When he rose there
was a general expectation of a scene.
He began with a text from the Dutch Bible, and indeed!
throughout he made more use of that translation than he did
of the English.
"; HTow happens it that this prejudiced Dutchman is on this
side of the question? What's his. general character?" asked
the mysterious stranger.
"' This is Dominie Schuneman, of the Kaatskills," was the
reply of the Elder. " A great admirer of the Low Countries,
ncld believes that the model of our new republic should be
found there. In fact, he declares that Jefferson has copied
the Declaration of Independence from those United States
of the Nederlands. I-e prides himself on looking backward
and forward. Some one said as much in the presence of his
nigger, Tom, who went to the kitchen, where he was heard
laughing with the rest, and saying:'D' real trut', lmassa hab
eene in de hole ob him's neck back; hem see bot ways ende
de all round.' But hark, the storm is up. Domlinie Schuneman for ever."
"Evenwel het vaste fondament Gods staat, hebbende dit
zegel: De Heere kent degened, die de zijinen zijn," were
the first words distinctly heard: [" The foundation of God
standeth sure, for the Lord knoweth them  who are his,"
was the translation whispered by the Elder.]  "We cannot
know everything, though we be Dominies; but we have,
from our position in society, more opportunities of feeling the
public pulse in the right place, than any justice on the bench.
W~e must let our lights shin so that all -may see the men who
are on the side of their country and of their God,'" said thle
earnest man, as he looked round on the lukewarml  and the
temporizing. "This is no time to hesitate; as that worthy
Scotchman, W/otherspoon, said truly,'the pear is ripe and
r'oit:lt,':lld it is too late to speak of going back, and I want
tile aulhority of this court to call before me the men who, like
* Mighty.




126               TIHE DUTCH DOMINIE.'the children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows,
turned back in the day of battle.' We have too many of these
deceitful friends, who come like wildcats round our dwellings
through the week, at night; and on the Sabbath day are found
purring softly in their pews.  I want the power to say to
Monus Diedricht or Bromie Layman, seize them there, and we
will try them on the spot. If you do not give us this authority,
by the Lord we will take it. You laughed incontinently at
the man who was ready to ride the whirlwind. The Rceverend Doctor, heavier in his jesting than Goliah with his
greaves of brass, could have told it more to his purpose, had
he been with this humble servant of the Lord on that day,
when the wind came like lightning through the gorge of the
mountain, carrying him forward as a feather is tossed in the
gale. Did the man laughed at hesitate? No;;but borne to the
verge of the precipice, he seized the top of a tall pine that God
had planted for him a hundred years before, where he swung
upon its topmost branches till he recovered his balance, and
found time to descend, and be sheltered under the shadow
of the great rock. The same man stands before you ready
to engage in a more perilous strife; to mount the wildest
horse that war can produce, and be in the van of the flying
cavalry. Who among you are willing to lead or follow?
Who shall go up to Ramoth Gilead to battle?  Cowards are
next to traitors, and when the Lord's will is not followed
out, Israel shall be smitten before the men of Ai."
During the time of this fierce call, the back of the orator
had been toward the place where Elder Swart and his companion sat; but in the course of his gesticulations he turned,
when his eye rested a moment on Whittesley's face, which
seemed to operate as a new impulse to his already highly excited spirit and manner. The strange captain gave a sign
which was understood by the enraptured man, for lifting his
voice higher than ever, he called:
" Hearken, O men of God, to the sounds which the demons
are already making on the sides of the mountains. I hear
even now the war-whoop of the savages, within sight of my
people.  My own Mary is calling upon our little ones to
come and hide themselves away. She sees the traitors arlound,
skulking, and rubbing their hands, saying,' Our day has
come;' and here I am, begging the privilege of defending
our hearths against the men in league with Brancdt and
Butler. The messenger who has brought me the report is
now in our midst. To your tents, 0 Israel!"




THE BRAVE BUT BLOODY BRANDT.               127
The effect of this speech on the whole congregation was
electrical, and moved the most phlegmatic Dutchman present,
so that it would have been dangerous for any one to attempt
resisting the influence. Persons had been seen during the
sederunt, coming in and putting missives into the hand of
the speaker, whictl now were understood to be reports from
the upper country; and as usual when a company of men rise
into an excited state, the call made to their patriotism, as well
as to their personal fears, roused them to enthusiasm. All rose
to their feet; the president was the last up, but as if the truth
had at length penetrated his skull, he lifted his hands, pronouncing the apostolic benediction in a slow, solemn voice,
every syllable of which was heard throughout the house,
when all left the place.
"Let us go and visit the other house," whispered the
strange captain.
"You mean the Provincial Congress?" said the Elder.
An inclination of the head was all the answer, and the
two went out together to the Court -louse, where that body
were then met.
Our Kaatsberg messenger had become so absorbed in
mind, while seeing and hearing, that he forgot his intention
of obtaining a private word with his own Dominie Schuneman, so that by the time he recovered from his surprise that
worthy was gone, and already far on his way homeward.
CHAPTER XII.
THE BRAVE BUT BLOODY BRIANDT.
"Hercules had tried his strength on Antsos often without success, till at last he saw
that frequently, as his enemy was thrown upon his mother earth, she threw him back
again; the hero at last lifted him up in his mighty arms, and squeezed him till he breathed
his last breath." —GECIAN MYTHEOLOGY.
DO3MINIE SCHUNETIAN Pound his horse ready for him  at
the, church door. The means of return had been provided
during the last hour by Dominie Doll, whose horse was furnished to Tom, the Kaatskill pastor's man, so that he might
go back with his master at fiull speed, while at the same
time the favorite nag of Sopus might be out of harm's way
in case any attack should be made upon the village, as rumor
went, and as the importance of the place invited.




128              TIEI DUTCH DOMINIE.
Off minister and man flew at full speed, only pausing at
every second mile, that the animals might take breath, when
Tom was plied with more questions than it would have taken
a day to answer in a calm timne.
"Tom, was the teeken vuur blazing last night on Round
Top?  Did you take in the VYa  Bergen apples, and put
the others into the cider press?  We must have our ciderbrandy made when we go back. Has Captain al Vechten
called out the sodgers?"
The last question was the one that touched Tom's fancy
with most vividness,'for he answered at once: "Yaw, yaw,
massa; dere vere tree vistles an a trum, endcl dey made sound
like de saltery of de King Jew's harp."
"Kinglu David, you mean, you blockhead. I-ow often have
I told the people about the kind of music they had in old
times, and tried to show you the way they held their instruments; but it is all one, blunder after blunder."
"' Lorra! Mfassa don't mean that Tom know no more den te
men who never crossed the big water like massa self'."
It was one of the Dominie's favorite boasts that he had been
to Holland as well as the best of them, and knew something.
Tomn used to. say the same thing, only he put the name of
Guinea always in. He considered himself a travelled gentleman of color, and as holding a place among his own class
equal to that which the Dominie held among his.brethren.
The spur was again at play, and away the two went at ifll
speed, Tom keeping his horse, as in duty bound, one length
behind his master; bor the animal he rode was not equal to
the other, but he was the lighter in weight and the best rider
of the two. The usual visits which were paid at other times
to the dwellers in Vlatt Bush and Catsbaan were dispensed
with on that day, though the memory of the good horse every
now and again prompted him to turn into the different barnyards where he had tasted the good fodder of the landlord.
A dig with the Dominie's heel was all the answer given, and
if the creature had any mental feeling at all, it must have
been surprised at the unusual self-denial of his rider, who
loved his friends so well that he never passed their door, nor
suffered one of them to pass his, without tasting the cup of
kindness in cider or good Santa Crux, while'the 1ithful steed
ate his coirn..
But this was no time for palavering, and on the two riders
rattled, bringing to their doors the inhabitants, black and
white, wondering at the haste of the Kaatskill Dolninie, who




THE BRAVE BUT BLOODY BRANDT.             129
was always a welcome visitor to the master, while Tom was
even more welcome to the servants. It was sorely against
the grain for the latter personage to pass by the house -of old
Bennie Languendyck, where a lively wench lived for whom
Tom had a sneaking liking, and within a mile of the house
he made up his mind to stop at all hazards. How this was
to be accomplished was the problem he set himself about to
solve. Hie trusted to his luck, which meant in his case the
effect of a certain charm which he tried at such times. He had
learned a Dutch rhyme, which sounded like a psalm to his
ear, and in some way he supposed there was virtue in it. If
it failed, he had bad luck; sometimes he succeeded, and then
he had good luck. Tom said his say, and then, like wiser
folks, he set about accomplishing his wish. He loosened his
saddle-girth as the first thing to be done, and giving his
master's horse a sly prick in the rump, the two started away
at double speed, when just as they were close by the garden
fence of his desired place he slipped down, saddle and all, as
if he had fallen, while his horse bounded forward, taking for
the barn-yard as a matter of course, into which the Dominie,
horse and all, followed as straight as an arrow.
All that Tom wanted was gained. lie wanted his supper,
and he did not care for any other wench preparing it but
Flora; and this was sure to be done. So, coming in limping,
and holding his hand on his hip, at the same time making so
many wry faces that it was difficult to restrain laughter,
thouogh all thought he was seriously hurt; and, indeed, he had
not escaped without a few bruises more than he had calculated
upon. Of course all was laid to the loosening of the girths,
and he chuckled within himself at the trick. Once off the
horse, the Dominie was easily persuaded to let his fiiend lead
the animal to the stable and. himself into the ample parlor,
where the best in the house always waited for him. This was
not his own parish, but he was as well known here as at
home, and loved the people nearly as well. Bennie Languendyck was one of the regular descendants of the Hugunenots,
full of piety and good will, which were written on his face
by the finger of God, and could not be misunderstood. I-[is
feelings were all, next to his God, for his country, acnd just as
soon as there could be a quiet moment he began to llake inquiries after the matters of the church, which were so intertwined with the affairs of the state that in speaking of the
one they fell into the other. Bennie had a great deal to
learn, and some things he could tell. The D)ominie was the6
d)*'




130               TIlE DUTCH DOMINIE.
very man he wanted most of all to see at that hour. He had
a reverence for his learning, his office and his piety, which
made him humble and glad at the same time, which the good
man was tile last in the world to take advantage of, though,
to tell the truth, a stranger would not have believed so of
him, judging from his gruffness* and decision. These traits
were the results of his intercourse with slaves and inferior
len, whomn he thought were more impressed in that way
than by a milder manner. But all knew him to be one of the
w-armlest-hearted men in the world, and they loved him as
much as they feared him.
"Te Dominie het been to tend Classis, and can tell vot vas
done to de Tories," said Bennie, in a half inquiring strain.
Yaw, and a set of Tories some of them are, who were
there, afraid of their own shadow or else of their own ease.
They stand in fear of man. We have Ahitophels in the camp,
and in the court of the Lord. But, Bennie, mark Dominie
Schuneman's words, he will root out the Tories firom  the
Iiilderburgs to the Kaatskills, if there be power in his Consistory."y
" Glad am I dat dere is one Dominie villing to do his duty,
ende much need is there of power and skill to do all dis. Has
de Dominie heard "-and the old Dutchmlan, lowering his voice
to a whisper, looked round the room as if afraid of an enemy
in his own house-" has de Dominie heard of de rising to be
among de placks?"
"Rising among the blacks!" repeated the confounded
minister, as he rose up from  his seat, looking' arotund the
room in his turn. " Who said the blacks were going to rise
at this time? That would be the Gibeo:ites turning traitors, after we have nursed them in the very-bosom  of our
families, giving us over into the hands of the Amorites.
Speak, Bennie, and tell me all about it, for am not I a father,
a Dominie, and a master myself. I will pursue,. will overtake,
I will divide the spoil; speak, I tell you."
" Dere is no need of haste, before de avondmaal * pe ready.
You kenne vat ve say,' empty stalls make biting horses,' endle
dere comes Flora to bid us set too."
She was a young jet black damsel, of about twenty years of
age, and was also one of the original Africans, imported in
large numbers before the Revolution; some of them  direct
from their native country, and others brought from the islands
Supper.




THE BRAVE BUT BLOODY BRANDT.           131
of the West Indies, in return for trade. Flora was a superior wench, had been apt to learn the manners and the
language of her master, and had become a favorite with all;
so much so, that she had an influence beyond her place.
"h Ia! Flora, are you there, with your white teeth and grley
eene?" said the Dominie. "I wonder who is to carry you off
from old Bennie. Are Tom and you not going to make it
up?  I guess now the reason why his saddle-girths gave
way. Come, see if 3QU cannot mlake it up; and then we
shall see what we can bargain for; I cannot part with Tom,
so you most come to the parsonage."
Flora, who was waiting her chance, pretending to place
the dishes till this speech was over, gave a sly look up, saying as she went toward the door, "Dese be no dimes for
marrying and gibing in marriage."
" She is a smart wench, Bennie, and if Tom and her can
draw up, I would be iwilling to hand you over two hundred
pounds for her."
"We will speak of dat again, I)Dominie; say away," and
the grace was asked with reverend deportment. The meal
vwas excellent. The earnest minister had been so engaged
since the morning, that he actually was not hullngry till he sat
clown and smelt the dish of new chickens, and saw the
white bread made of new wheat flower, with vegetables in
abundance. The victuals now began to disappear and there
was a lull. The good vrow slily poured out from a beautiful
china tea-pot, into cups of the same kind, the rare beverage,
tea, while the old mlan from a black, square bottle, which he
had hidden till now, filled a crystal goblet, placing it on the
opposite side from where the wife's tea was put. The Dominie
looking from one side to the other, gave one of his hearty
laughs, and tasting first the one and then the other, he
said:
"Ha! we have found out the thief that broke into the
storehouse at Sopus. Well, you are more deserving of grace
than King George, and I will not tell. But, Bennie, was
not that a sly thing of these mauraders to get in, and the
sentinel walking before the door with fixed bayonet?"
"Nay, nay, Donlinie; dem dat hides kenne vere to seek.
Ticklish times raises up ticklish men. Have you said yet
vot the Consistories are to do wid de Tories?"
"I am going home," said the Dominie, "' to summon every
Tory in the parish before us, and forbid every one of them
fiom taking sacrtamelnt, and then hand them over to the com



132               TIHE DUTCH DOMIINIE.
mittee for punishment; I shall spare not one of theml. I
will," and with that he lifted his great hand in the same way
as he would take his oath, " I will not spare my own brother
if he stands in the way of the country and her cause."
Just at this moment a young man entered, the son of Bennie Languendyck, with evident alarm upon his face, and said
he wished to-tell what he had just heard. After some length
of preface, it came to this —that a report had been spread
about of the negroes rising, and as he,knew that Flora and
Tom were in the secret, if there was anything in it, he had
stowed himself away, so that he could hear their conversation.
" Well, what did Tom say?" was the Donminie's quick
demand.
" What did Flora say?" was the demand of the master of
the house.
"Give me time," said the youth. "Tom was miaking love
to Flora, and she was making it a condition that he should
join the black regiment they are going to raise on King
George's side. She says she will get him made a captain. Tom
says he will think of it till the clay after to-morrow, when he
will come down and tell her. But Flora, who seems to know
a good deal more than she lets out, says the Indians are coming down to take the Dominie off to Niagara to-night, and
she is warning Tom against being in the way, lest he be shot
and his scalp taken."
"The duivel!" was the first words of the Dominie; and
then, correcting himself, he said: " Goa knows what will be
the end of all this, but I must face the evil and prepare
against it. It is according to the information which Tom
himself brought: Brandt is on the mountain, and I shall be
his first mark. But we shall see when it comes. I must go
and meet the Consistory at the Baackouter, on my way home.
There we can plan. Take you care of that wench, Flora, and
I will watch Tom. A man's foes are those of his own household. Peace be with you."
The minister and his man were soon at full speed again.
Tom had not a single pain, nor a wish except to get to the
stable and tell what he had' seen to his near associates.  E-Ie
was not ignorant of the purposed uprising, but, possessed of
more wit and cunning than the nmajority, he had heard all,
but committed himself to nothing. Hie even pretended to
Flora that she was the first to tell him. lie was full of his
own thoughts, and rode farther behiind his mlaster than usual,




THE BRAVE BUT BLOODY BRANDT.           133
as if to avoid being questioned on the state of things. The
master's mind was as full of thought as the servant's, so that
scarcely a word passed till they came near to the ford that
allowed them to cross the Kauterskill Creek, which at that
time was swollen, it being after a heavy rain. As they both
mounted up the banl, the hind feet of the Dominie's horse
slid back, which nearly unseated the rider, just as Tom came
up in time to give his master a helping hand, keeping him on
the saddle.
"That was well done, Tom: you might have pulled the
other way, and got me out of the road, sending me down
stream."
"Lor' forbid, massa!' was the first impulsive cry of the
slave. " Tom knows better who feeds him than touch a hair
of massa's head at any time."
" Oh, I did not mean you to take it so much in earnest as
that. One might suppose, from your speaking so, that you had
been told to do it;" and here he looked in the negro's face.
But Tom had recovered himself, and smiling said: " Lor',
massa, you look so, and talk so like red rooster when afrtaid
of de black cock."
This was touching the Dominie in his weakest place, for
fear was that which he never knew, and to speak of it when
there was actual danger was likely to make him angry.' Afraid, you scoundrel! who is afraid? Afriaid of what?
of Brandt, or of a whole black regiment with a Tom captain
at their head. All that I need to do is to lift my whip, and
they will run."
By this time he was holding his raw-hide over the nose of
Tom, who stood aghast, not so much at the threatening, as
at the words "black regiment," which had incautiously in his
passion passed the lips of the master. I-Ie had inten;ded to
keep that secret to himself till the time of revealing was properly come; and, feeling the prompting of his anger powerfnllly within him, he wheeled round and rode off, nor did he
stop till he was before the door of Monus Diedricht on the
1Baackouter, where he had appointed a meeting for catechizing
the children, and with the members of his Consistory. He
found that all were mat, so that with his accustomed diligence, and as if he had been in his study all clay, he proceeded with his religious duties, the same as in a time of peace.
An hour being occupied with devotional duties, he called
his counsellors together, who were grave men and well tried.
All were present but one, Martin Schuyler, and it was




134               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
agreed that something of great importance must havre kept
him at home.
"You see, Dominie, that the teeken vuur above his house
was to be the signal-fire for all the rest on the Cauliberg, and
sure enough it did blaze out from the Hoogenhuisen in a full
glow, and that was enough to keep him:'
"True; but he would have been here or sent word, unless
something else kept him. I am afraid that the Indians have
taken hold of him on the way down. Rumors have been rife
all day from our scouts, but nothing definite yet, though we
are expecting the news every moment."
This was said by one of the men of mark in the neighborhood, who was requested to remain and tell what he knew
of the state of affairs. His account was gloomy enough. All
day the Tories had been observed passing in and out of the
woods at well known places, where it was too likely some
secret plans were perfecting. No one could be found bold
enough to venture near the centre of the woods, which lay
between the mountain and the king's. road; and the most
they could judge by was the smoke which lay there in the
morning, showing that fire had been kept burning through
the night. Through some secret source, which no one could
trace, a report had come down toward evening of the Tories'
intention being to join that night and attack the Dominie's
house. To meet this, a company of men had gone over there
about an hour ago.
" Thank you, fiiends, for that; but what will the'Yfvrow do
without my help? I must go as soon as we get through here."
All gave a sly smile at the folminie's fear about the'Yfvrow,v who was well known as the ruler of that domicile,
and needed less of his help than he required of hers; still, he
always believed himself to have the mastery, which he had
in all other parts of his parish, except in the parsonage.
"Let us proceed to business;" and the usual formalities
were gone throughl, of a devotional cast. Afterward the
President stated the order he was determined to pursue in
all treasonable cases. Debar them he would from the sacramental table, and if they did not repent, hand them over to
the civil law. To all of this not a word of opposition was
offered, except by Elder Abiel, who was a man not to be put
down, even by the Dominie. He hated Tories as lie hated
the devil, and if he were sitting on the bench of justice,!,e
would go the length of roasting some of them airound here;
but as an elder, it was another thing.




THE BRAVE BUT BLOODY BRANDT.           135
"I have known Domlinies to change sides, and who knows
but our Dominic here may be killed in this war. And supposing we get one of the double-sided men, who are all king with
king's men, and all country with me, and he chooses to sit in
judgment on me as a WVhig, what shall I deserve?"
"Garret Abiel," said the Dominie, with earnestness,
"your faith is failing. Do you for a moment believe that
we are to lose the ground we have gained, if we be true
to ourselves, and stop these traitors, who are prowling
aboUt? our door all night, waiting for our carcasses? Tender
mercy at this hour is severity, and I call upon you to make
out a case of public scandal against Petrus Sax, Jacobus Roe
and Johannes Troumpier, and others to be named."
At this point in the proceedings, some one called over the
half door where they were assembled, " Garret Abiel, tous
vanted at hoime," and at the call the elder rose, putting the
pipe, that he had just filled for the fourth time, into the
cinders, giving a few whiffs to be sure of its kindling, and he
left, bidding the Dominie call on his way home, and he would
send David with him on the road home, as a convoy. Abiel's
house lay in the Vlatt, about half a mile from 31onus Diedrieht's, which was perched on the side-hill close by the mlilitary road, which went through Unadilla and  the lake
country, to Fort Niagara. The road to the Elder Abiel's,
from the place he was in, was uneven, and fenced on both
sides by alder bushes and small trees, which were left in the
meadows, and by the rail fences. Besides, it was necessary
for him to cross the creek before he could reach his own
door. 
It so happened, in the course of events, that Teunis Roe
was on his way toward the house of Garret Abiel. He had
returned during the evening from Sopus, whither he had
been sent; and having missed his own aim-telling the
Dominie of his danger —he was in no haste to return and
report anything to his prejudice. All he could do was to be
as near as possible to him, and avert from him the injury
intended.
His father met him with as much excited pleasure as it was
possible for him to display outwardly in his stiff, clumsy manner, and to all questions put concerning the Classis, he gave
evasive answers, which satisfied the old man, and made him
rub his hands in prospect of the captain's cap that waited f-r
his son Teunis; other means of information were not wanting concerning the sayings and the doings of that day; nor




136               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
had the movers in the plot, cf taking off the Consistory bodily,
waited for the result of those resolutions discussed at Sopus.
The temper of the stern Whig Dominie had been felt too
often before this, not to be dreaded now, whether he had the
authority of the church or was left to act without it. Either
he must be removed out of the way, or they must escape for
the present. Brandt's presence was now their only chance,
and already the train was all laid, waiting for the spark.
"~Noo Sonne," said the burly Boerman, "hev de glass
of de gin schnaaps, ande here is de plack for tee face. Tee
must be tee young Ingin," and he looked as if he were laughing, when not a sound came from his throat. Gin had been
plentifully drank all round, of which the old Tory had swallowed a good share.
Teunis was shocked at the disguise he saw the company in,
and his feelings revolted from the garments brought to him,
so that on the first impulse he said warmly, " Dad, I cannot
hide my face like the owl."
" Ende vat vor no like de oders? Tee vill v'cht alle de
betters," said the really astonished Jacob.
"Nae, nae," said the son, becoming  more decided, "if I
look like the devil I must fiel like him, and maybe I may
turn and blow brimstone on those who set me on fire.  Daddie, I will remain and be a man, and respect myself. In that
way will I do my duty, all the better to my God and to my
country, and to"
The cautious mother saw where all this was tending, so
stepping in between father and son, she whispered something
in the ear of the old man, which tickled him greatly, for
breaking out well pleased, he said:
"Goodt, goodt, sonne; den go down to de creek ende,
votch for de big' Whiggee Abiel, and see dat he off wid
Brandt once, Dominie or no Dominie."
Teunis, on reflection, saw that he might aid in the rescue
of the Dominie, should he be taken, all the better if lie put
on the disguise provided for him; and in the event of his
being taken, there would be at least one friend near, who
might aid him in his attempt to escape. Without any more
parleying, he endeavored to ascertain the exact state of
affairs, and started to the edge of the streanm over which
Elder Abiel must cross before he could reach his owvn door.
Then and there he hoped to obtain a quiet interview, and
reveal to him all he knew.
All at once he heard the very man he wavs waiting for,




THE BRAVE BUT BLOODY BRANDT.           137
shouting at the top of his voice, and swearing a little in
Dutch, at some one who was waylaying him.
"Take dat, Dunder-bush! more comin' before morning.
le! he! he!"
Tennis knew all the parties well. It was the Elder and
his slave Cuffee, that arch negro with whom Dora was in
compact, now carrying out the scheme which had either been
put into their hands by Satan or his imps. The whole of that
dark scene in the cave came up before the vision of the hidden sentinel, and in present circumstances the plot seemed
likely to be successfully carried out. The private and the
public enemies of Abiel had found in this black knave a fit
instrument, as they saw, of effecting their purpose. He possessed great shrewdness, with more fire than usually falls to
the share of his race. Certainly there was a deeper malice
in that bosom than was known, till the times showed him
up in his true colors. All the chastisements he had ever
received were treasured by him, lying at interest, which
he now determined to pay at a compound rate.:,
This now being the set night, and nine o'clock being the
hour when a clean sweep was to *be made of the whole
country, the Dominie with the rest, Cuffee was set to
watch the door, and keep all away but fridnds. But the
malicious slave, remembering his stripes and rejoicing in his
revenge, resolved to have a little fun, and do a little of the
punishment with his own hand; so he had the Elder Abiel
called out from the rest, that he might waylay him iin the dark.
" Tak dat vonce more'gain. Love cat-ende-nine-tails; he!
he! he! Domily fire all his cannons at him. No dead yet;
one heavy gad kill no ox so big."
"You black sinner, what do you mean?  I'll beat you
white,' and here the worthy master was groping round in
the dark for some stick or stone that he might defend himself
with, while Cuffee was dodging him in all directions, and dealing out such strokes as he thought fit; sometimes fiom
behind, and then on the side, all the while laughing his
"he! he! he!" so provoking, that the sound went further
into the old man's spirit than the gad went into his body. It
was just as the master was fairly worn out that Tennis stepped
in and gave the black a stroke on the temple, that laid him
fiat on the ground, but he was no more hurt than if he had
been a bull calf. Rising quickly up, he ran with all his power
from the place, and disappeared in a thicket.
Tennis, findinmg himself alongside of the very man he




138               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
wanted to see, thought of the two messages sent by him to
the Elder. One was to watch him lest he should escape from
the designs upon him; and the other to warn him so that he
might escape. I-Ie resolved to follow his heart, and warn him,
but how to begin, in'the present confused state of the old
Dutchman's brains, was a question of doubt. I-e had been so
completely thrown off his balance by the suddenness of the
call in the midst of his argument with the Dominie from fear
lest something serious had happened in his absence, and was so
hastily passing through the dark, that the stroke friom behind,
and the beating which followed from his own slave, was,
when a11 had passed over, a maze through \which he could not
see. When, therefore, the first man he lliet was no other
than the son of his mortal enemy, he was inclined to consider it but a part of the plot of which he had heard that
night for the first time.
"The devil take that son of his own! When I get hold
of him, I will make his flesh as raw as he made old Grey's
back in his last night's ride."  The negro had been out with
the Tories all the previous night, and rode one of his master's
horses almost to death.
1" Maybe," said Teunis, 1" I can explain to Uncle Garret the
cause of Cuffee's rebellion."
Before another word could be got in, the old man was up
in a rage and with his staff high in the air, was threatening
the speaker with the punishment he meant for the black.
" The rebel! Who speaks of rebellion here?  Who will
hint at rebellion to me, you mean Tory, and the son of a far
meaner Tory?"
But for the promise he had made to Elsie, this sudden
onslaught might have upset the good intentions of her lover,
but his real desire of warning the honest Boerman of danger
kept him calm and to his purpose; so, loosening himself fromn
the grasp made upon his throat, he quietly said:
"I did not mean you were a rebel, Elder-, but that Cuffee
was inleague against you, and rebels were in your own house."
"' You lie!" was the hot answer of the old man. "I do as
the Dominie advises, and asl he tells of Abraham, who Ccommanded his children and his servants after him. Mily house
is a well-ordered house, as my good whip this night will
testify."
By degrees, however, Teunis found the way to the angry
man's understanding; so that by the time he had reached his
own door, he had a tolerable notion of the state of things




THE BRAVE BUT BLOODY BRANDT.            139
and of what he must guard against. IHIad he but another
hour to collect his thoughts, clear his brain, smoke his two
accustomed pipes, and give Cuffee his promised chastisement,
it would have taken more strength than the Tories had mustered at that time to have overcome him, except by taking
him by surprise.  As it was, Cuffee had anticipated the
threatened attack, through hlis love of mischief, so that instead
of getting the whole Consistory-the Dominie with the restthey must be satisfied with the next important personage,
Garret Abiel. The rage of the Tories was uncontrollable
when they found themselves balked in part; and in all likelihood the country would be roused before they could accomplish anything. The negro had run to his employers, whom
he now regarded as his equals,-telling them, with great glee,
how he had "trashed de ole man so that he roared like de
black bull;" but instead of getting praise for his pranks, he
was near receiving thirty lashes, and would have been tied
up, only it was thought best to use him in carrying out their
plot.
Cuffee was ordered into the ring and told how he must act.
" You must go into the kitchen," said one of the disguised
figures in the group, "and sit within the big jambs, and be
there when the Elder comes in, and deny everything. You
will be scourged, and you deserve it; but if you do not submit to your master's whip, you must take one here forom us."
Cuffkee looked as a big, cowardly mastiff would when. he
fain would bite some one. Hle expected different treatment.
"Ma' ssa yet. Me thinks free man do as he pleases; king's
man free; and den ole Phcebe will tell all, let me lie as I like.
She'll tell de trut to shame de devil. Her mind and conshness truble her if her tongue go crooked. Her Christshan
words straight as hoe-handle."
"Cuffee," said I-Ielmers Ousterhout, who knew that the
nigger was more afraid of the fat wench than he was of even
his master, "hide the ladle and she cannot strike you."' I'll not gd in once again. I'm de son of King Quackledom myself, and de free as'll the best of them."
Here a tall, straight figure, who had stood silent in the
shadow of the rest, stepped forward and seized the Afiican
by the wool with his left hand, holding in his right a brig'ht,
glittering knife, with which he made three flourishes round
Cuffee's head, at the same time giving him a shake which
gave the black ague fits. At the close of this little pantomine, he was ready to do as he was bidden, and in lle




140               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
marched, just in time to take his seat close by the fire on the
floor, and feign to be fast asleep.
Once embarked in the plan, Cuffee was the very one to go
through with it, and he put on a face which almost deceived the
spectators, who had taken their places at the. kitchen window
to watch the progress of things. The fire just blazed, while
the other negroes were preparing for their several beds. A
few little elves, who had had an'early sleep, were playing,
naked as little pigs, on the floor. Luckily for Cuffee, Queen
Phoebe was down in the cellar, preparing for the morning's
repast. It was not long before she came up, when Cuffee
gave a start and a snort, as if he were wakened out of a
dream, then falling back again into the land of drowsiness.
Just then the door opened, and in stepped the master, whip
in hand; and an angry man was he, as he stood over Cuffee,
and roared:
" Strip, you black dog'! You sinner of Satan!-en de
groote draak oude slang —duivel en Satanas! Strip!"
The Elder, for want of words in English, had recourse to
the Bible, and heaped dragon, serpent, devil, satan, all in
one, on the head of the devoted Cuffee: but strip was the
word which went furthest into the ear of that worthy.
" What'll strip for now?  Had von flogging already,
to-day. No'll worked for so much, and no more."'
"Strip," said the angry master, his rage rising with his
efforts to restrain himself.' Your rebellion must be checked.
Ha! you are going to set up for yourself, King Quackledom,
and your subjects are to gather in the morning.. But it will
take all the black regiment together to save you just now,
for that stroke you gave me in the meadow. I knew your
he! he! he!  You son of the devil! You heathen! This
is what you learn of that Fetish cantrap that you have at
full moon, instead of learning your catechism."
"Lore blessy, massa, me been back all de way to Guinea
coast,'long side of King Quackledom, chewing monkey snout,
an' trinking spittle schnaps wid Prince Maskity till I fell
down on de floor. Phoebe knows, dere, herself; an' she tell
de trut always, Domilie, and'hole Consisry say a-nen."'
All of this was said in the utmost gravity by Cuffee, with
his back to the wall and his face fronting the hack door,
which he kept watching with the intensest interest, for
through that he expected his rescue. On his right hand
stood Phoebe, and on his left her daughter Peggy, who had
for the cunning, frolicsome fellow a hankering kindness; the




THE BRAVE BUT BLOODY BRANDT.           141
master stood in front. The small fry had all run like rats
into their holes, for well they knew that when the blood of
old Dunder Geest was up, he dealt his blows with great impartiality all round within his reach.
Peggy stood ready to declare anything, but Phcebe, who
was really what Cuffee had said, truthful; felt herself in a
tight place when her master demanded if she had seen the
black scoundrel fall on the floor.
"MAammy," said she, "black as Cuffee; massa vite as
Godde made him. If massa saw Cuff loll on de grass, me
seed him loll on de floor. Tat's all Phcebe say."
The Elder was beginning to get confused, and by way of
clearing his mind and regaining his quiet, he resolved on
giving a few lashes, for he knew that if Cuffee was not
guilty, he would be guilty before long, so it was as well to
make things sure, and give him payment befbrehand; but
ere he had time to lay on, the door opened as quietly as a
Dutch door will, when in stepped two of the disguised Indians; then Cuffee also stepped out and seized the whip, which
the master was flourishing round his head, -by way of giving
it forca and effect before laying it on.
The Elder, again taken all aback, looked as if coming out
of a dream, first at the new comners, and then at the impudent
slave. When he found his tongue, he threw himself back to
the wall, and ordered them out of his presence.
" You red sinners, as you only seem to be, get out of my
own huisen," and he flung them aside as if they had been
children, for he was still a man of great strength, and had
once been the most powerful man in the whole region. Six
feet three in his stockings, and shoulders a yard broad, he
stood straight as an Indian, with arms ending in fists that
weighed like a blacksmith's force-hammer.  " Get out of my
huisen, you scallowags; adderen gebroedsels, ye dressed up
geveinsden. Get out, before I lay you low with my hands!'
and springing forward, he felled Cuffee to the floor at a
stroke. Phoebe rushed in between the master and slave, or
he would have trod him down under his feet in a moment.
The brood of blacks, seeing their queen in the midst, screamed
and squealed like young bears when their den is rifled, while
the old leader roared at the full pitch of his voice for his
sons. " David! Egbert! Charlie! All of you come."
But it was useless crying. The house was surrounded by
mock and real Indians, headed by B]randt himself. When
Garret found out the actual state of things, he submitted




142               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
without another grumble, only that he made one more effort
at giving Curfee his due, and it was the most effectual of any
attempted by him.  As he was passing out of the door
between two guards, that ungrateful slave marched ahead in
mock dignity, shouldering the old man's whip, which had
done such good service on his own shoulders so frequently,
when the master seized the big, thick, heavy clasped Bible in
his large fist, and threw it with such force that it lighted on
Cuffee's skull, making him turn a sommerset before the whole
company, causing laughter that was heard up to ionus Diedricht's, so that they were deceived by it, and believed it to
be a frolic rather than a fight.
WVhen they gained the outside of the door, old Garret was
doubly mortified when he saw that his son was put alongside of hih, a prisoner. Brandt, who led the party, saw the
necessity of dispatch, for already the alarm was spreading
far and wide. The Dominie flew like a madman from house
to house, rousing the true Whigs from their beds, and sending
the young and eager after others, and appointing a rendezvous for all to meet, so as to make a stand and deliver the
men now kidnapped. But the leader of the marauders was
too good a general to linger till his enemies should muster
their forces, so he ordered a march.
The old and respected farmer who had sat all his life in
the midst of plenty, ruling his own house at a word, heard
the word march, with a strange kind of incredulity, and it
was truly pitiful to see his patient spirit yielding to the
necessity of the case. Ile was not without experience in
travelling, for he had seen Inore of the world than the mnajority of his class; having been several voyages to the West
Indies, with cattle and horses which he took on his own venture.  He built andc loaded a vessel in a bught of the river,
the first ever built on the stream, and returned with rich
profits, of rum, sugar, and negroes, all of which he was now
forced to leave. Still it was better with his experience than
it was with most of those around him, who never went to
Sopus or Albany but they first made their wills.
Garret was an older man than he had been, and his habits
were more fixed, so that ease was become agreeable; and
no wonder though his spirits for a time sank, as he went
up the side of the hill that overlooked his own rich domain,
with his son David by his side, nor that he gave vent
shortly to his grief:
"'And are we come to this? I have thought for a long




THE BRAVE BUT BLOODY BRANDT.           143
time that my head would lie in the valley there beside my
fathers, and my friends, but awee, awee! this is to be tlhe
end of all my patriotism.  Like King David, I am leaving'
my house. Well, David was a good man, and suffered worse
than I am suffering after all. His son did that, my slave
does this. He was forced to leave bareheaded and barefooted; I am not quite so badly off as that yet. Shimei went
up cursing him; well, I have my share of curses from these
Tories.  Curse on; the Lord hath let them. I say as that
better man said,'I will bear it all for God and my country!'"'
So, down-hearted, he went on; but a little incident occurred
which roused him out of his melancholy, and actually put
new life into him. He was going on cane in hand, with the
knapsack on his back, which the old vrow, though in tears,
had filled with her olecakes and rusks, and leaning in part
on the shoulder of David, his son, when that malicious Cuffee
came up before him, bowing with mock gravity, and took his
hat off his head, putting his own skull-cap on in its place, and
marching off as before, with the authority of King George's
mean. The Boerman waked up as out of a dream, watching
his time, and when Cuffee once more came around demanding
obedience to " de king of Quackledom," the hickory stick of
the aged prisoner laid the impudent fellow once nmore low,
and this time so effectually that the nose sprlalg blood. He
rose with the fall intention of resenting the stroke, when
Brandt came forward, and laying his hand on Abiel, simply
said, " MIohawk's prisoner," and ordered the negro to restore
the hat and take his own chapeau. The Elder had no more
trouble from any quarter; since he found himself under the
special protection of Brandt, who took such a partial liking
to his prisoner that he ever after showed him favor above
the rest. "The Indian," he would say, " loves to see a man,
though he be an enemy." *
Wearily and sadly did the prisoners mount up the hill,
mocked all the while by the iflse Indians, and pitied seemingly
by some of the real red men, who were acting as a diversion
in behalf of the two branches of the British army above and
below, so as to keep the men at home in self-defence. The
majority of the militia had gone, which will account for the
difficulty of raising a company that night, till it was too late.
The Dominie and his friends followed the party of marauders up the hill, and came upon them so near at one time in
* See Colonel Stone's Life of Brandt.




144               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
the dark, that Garret Abiel insisted upon firing in among
them, when the Dominie put his hand upon the young man's
shoulder, and said, "' What if you should shoot your father?"
There was, too much sense in it to risk a volley; and so
well aware were their enemies of this, that they placed their
prisoners where they were sure to receive the bullets if they
came.  "Let us go and gather a strong force of men, and
intercept them before they reach Unadilla. They will wait'for more prey on the mountain, and we shall watch their
motions.  It will be safest, for us to leave sentinels behind,
and have signals appointed, and by the day after' to-morrow,
we will be well ready; for I know the Indian is not yet satisifed with the booty he takes away, and will return to have
the rest.!Wte shall see. God will teach our hands to war
and our fingers to fight."  All being accustomed to regard
the Dominie's word as law, agreed; and having left their
watchers, and appointed signals, the main body returned.
Brandt and his prisoners having gained the Kauterskill
Clove, ascended the side of the hill due west, where, on a table
that runs some way north and south, they made a halt. The
old man having the rank of captain in the militia, was put upon
his parole, and allowed to range freely; and passing his word
-for his son, the same privilege was extended to him. So
confident were the Indians that he would keep his word, that
they lay down and slept with their feet to the fire, and their
arms stacked.  Toward morning, one of the prisoners came
close to the ear of the Elder, and whispered: "' Now is our
time; we can kill them and run."' The old man lifted his
head from the knapsack, and saw it was possible, but lie sankback, saying, " I will rather die than break my word."
Toward morning, just as the sun was up, all were ordered
to march.  Upon the eastern hills the light was shining
clear and beautiful, and the whole sky was purpled over
with the red glory of the coming clay. The spectators
interpreted the sight in accordance with their feelings. The
prisoners saw in it the promise of deliverance to themselves
and to their country; the Indians said the Great Spirit was
angry with the rebel; and the Tories, in their mean disguise,
were ashamed of their hypocrisy, as they looked in the face
of the man whom they knew was their superior, and who had
done nothing worthy of death or of bond.
When they gained the height of the South M:[ountain, the
whole company gazed down the river, when a redness was
seen upon the sky in that direction, dark and lurid, which




THE BRAVE BUT BLOODY BRANDT.           145
betokened something unnatural, being of an entirely different
hue from all around.
" Sopus is on fire!" was the burst which came from every
tongue. " The rebels are roasting!" was the fiendish shout
of the Tories, who, in their transport, threw aside all their
disguise in speech, leaping and huzzaing like men really possessed of the devil. They danced round the old Elder,
making all manner of faces at him whose nod had up to that
moment kept them  in check. "Vat does de Elder tink
now?" was the triumphant cry of an old neighbor's son,
whom the insulted man had befriended only the week
before. "Vat will the good cause do now? The great Provincial Congress could not keep the goot king's troops
out."
"' Sopus will rise out of its ashes more beautiful and richer
than ever," was the quiet reply of the old man, though the
tear was in his eye, as he sighed in spirit; but rousing up,
he uttered himself freely in the language of the -book he
loved. "-Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass
yourselves about with sparks; walk in the light of your fire,
and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall you have
of His hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow."
" Hear the old Whiggee prophesying," said one. " De old
nest is down at last," said another.' Te king's powder too
strong for Washington's guns," was a third cry. "Why
don't the Dominies turn the Heidelburg cannon at the
sodgers."  This was a climax, and brought the whole company down with laughter.
In this way the prisoners were insulted; but the chief of
these was content with muttering to himself,; and in the ear
of his fellows, such consolation as his religion gave him.
" Als hy ze doode zo Naegden z na hem ende keerden wider
ende zogren Godt vroeg ende gedachten dat Godt rotssten
was ende Godt de Alderhwojste haer verlosen.")
"What does the old oak say to the wind," inquired
Brandt of one of the attendants, to whom the Mohawk paid
more respect than the rest. "Does the heart of old oak
break at the sight of fire?"
" No, no, not at all," said the other; " he is taking comfort
at the sight, and would not yield, though you were to turn
him into the flame."
"Repeat his words in English, since he is talking to the
Great Spirit; the Mohawk can know his feelings. Christian
and Indian Spirit all one."
7




146               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.' Here is the translation of the big man's words:' When
he slew them, then they sought him, and they returned and
inquired early after God, and they remembered God was
their rock, and the High God their Redeemer.'"
"Ugh!" said the brave Indian. "King George should
bring his priests to fight these goot men, Mohawk find no
scalps here," and he walked off to a place by himself, followed
by his own braves, who, instead of hooting and yelling, as
the false troop did, stood looking down the great and
glorious valley upon the gloomy smoke, in the most stolid
composure, as if no tide of feeling flowed through their
veins; more like a part of the inanimate objects around them
than human beings. A Tory of the name of Sharpe came up
to Brandt, holding out a bottle to him, and loudly asking
" if he did not wish he were down there to get some scalps
from those snivelling Whigs."
"Indian does not love white man's blood;" and the
Mohawk turned away from the despicable wretch in disgust;
and when the latter laid his hand fiamiliarly on his shoulder,
he threw him off with a vengeance that made the main grow
pale enough in the face. Especially when the knife of the
red man glittered in his hand, and lie said significantly,'Scalps can be had nearer than down at Sopus."
Sharpe, who a moment before had been so well satisfied
with his own dear self and his transports, and who supposed
that all on the king's side must be made of the same coarse
materials, fell back with confounded surprise, till he saw that
Brandct wa;s in earnest, when he left ilm, muttering to himself; " These Ingins such a proud race, they should be taught
to respect good king's men in these times."
The sky, in the -meantime, grew redder and redder, and
looked as if the bolts of vengeance had shot up from hell
upon the devoted place. From where the spectators stood,
so high above the plain, it seemed as if the mouth of that
bottomless pit was belching forth flames, as every now and
again the different stores of powder and of rum blew up, and
blazed blue among the red and the black, with which the
conflagration was mingled.
" Dat is but von place," said one of the disguised Tories;
"dere vill be red fires, stringing like the gooldt beads on
Miammy Dorland's neck, all up de Nort River. Vat say you
to dat, Elder'Biel?"'" When they persecute you in one place, flee to another,
the good book says. Burn us out on the Vlatts, we will run




BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART.             147
to the mountains, like the first Christians."  This was said
in perfect calmness; for by this time the bitterness was past
in the old man's mind.
" Dutchmen fronm Holland cannot live on hills," said some
one by his side, who seemed to stand by himself, but who
was watching all, far and near, with a keen eye.  "They are
water-fowls, frogs rather, and live best in the marshes."
This was none else than Clifford, whom Teunis, who had
now joined the troop, at once recognized, though in his own
present disguise, he was not so easily distinguished as the
man so lately seen on horseback by the side of the little
lakes.
The l)ine orchard being the place of rendezvous, new
parties were coming in all the time, bringing more prisoners.
Teunis watched every fresh arrival with eager eye, till he
saw Kiskataam  and Shandaagan come fiom the northward
without any attendants; and he began to feel satisfied that
Elsie had eluded their search. The interview he witnessed
between these Indians and Clifford, convinced him still further
that the trail of the two fugitives had not been discovered.
The heart of the young Dutchman beat against his side with
gratitude to God, who had saved them. I-He resolvedl to
find his way during the day to Hoogenhuisen, and hunt for
himself.
CHAPTER  XIII.
BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART.
" These thoughts may startle well, but not astound
The virtuous mind, that ever walks attended
By a strong sided champion-conscience."
MILTON'S CO0IUS.
ELSIE and the younog lady liargaret have been too long
out of sight. We left them when Tennis did, on the side of
the North 5Mountain. He went below for the purpose of
obtaining information concerning Bran dt, and that he might
be of service to the friends of Elsie. The fact of this lady
having been ibrcibly carried away from those whose duty
and pleasure were to love and cherish her, was a mystecy
which must be unravelled before her frieedomt  could be




14-8              THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
obtained, and it lay heavily on his mind; but the occurrence may have been forgotten by us, while following after
that gang of land pirates, whose object was revenge, under
the color of patriotism.
But our narrative, like the marchings and counter-marchings of an army of observation, must go back as well as forward. It was so that Teunis Roe had to ride on his unexpected expedition. First to ioogenhuisen, then down the
mountain to the Vlatts below; up again on the outlook for
Brandt, when he turned again, at the impulse of his feelings,
in search of the two females he had left behind himn that
morning. Since they were missing he canme at once to the
conclusion, that Elsie, in whose prudence he had the utmost
confidence, had deemed it best to leave their retreat for some
place of greater safety. Hle was well aware of the different
ways by which one acquainted with these highlands might
succeed in getting safely down; and he felt quite sure that
this must be the case now.
But in all these conjectures he was mistaken. The events
of that morning were deeply interesting to both the captives;
for the two had become identified, and the absence of Teunis
was felt, even by Elsie, to be the cause of more anxiety than
she would have allowed to any one. They sat down on
a smooth place to break their fast upon the firagments which
Elsie had carried with her from the husking bee. Dame
Myers, according to her custom, had not only heaped up the
plate of her favorite with Benjamin's share, but had watched
so as to be sure that she ate enough, since they had plenty,
and more to cook. After feeding the maid of Hoogenhuisen
with what would have satisfied a hungry soldier at the close
of a day's march, or at its commencement, with nothing to
expect for week, one of these piles was thrown into Elsie's
apron, which, in her haste, was carried all night long in her
arm, so that when she unrolled the bundle, it showed krowlers, olecake, sausages and roleshees, lying all snugly together. To a nice and delicate stomach such a mess Illight not
be delicious; but with appetites sharpened by fasting and the
morning air of the mountains, there were no objections offered,
even by Margaret, who was heard often to declare that the
sweetest meal that she ever partook of was on a rock, three
thousand feet above the sea, in the dark grey of the morning,
with the Indians on her trail.
" If ever I return again to my native England," said Margaret, after she had broke her fast that morning, " I shall




BILESSED ARE THE'PURE IN HEAiRT.       149
have a breakfast, as near as it can be dressed, like this once
a year, on the top of Snowdon.  But we have no such
heights in old England as this. Oh, what a glorious panorama, now that the mist has all rolled away. But tell me,
Elsie, is that plain we look upon level down to the river
brink?  I thought, on coming up, we rose up over little hills
before we ascended this main giant. There do not seem to
I)e any inequalities whatever; but tell me, can that be the
great river that I have read of, and sailed upon so lately?
Now, from here it seems but like a silver ribbon, drawn
through a fawn velvet robe-so narrow. The Thames and
the Rhine are not to be compared to it. Not a vessel on its
bosom."
"You are mistaken, Mliss Clinton "-for by this time Margaret had informed Elsie who she was-"that stream  is
broad and deep, but the woods, the plains and the mountains
are all great, and you are judging the river in comparison
with these. They correspond with the continent we live
upon. l3Iy uncle says, that while he was in England he was
all the time trying to contract his views. You are obliged
to expand your powers of comparison. That was the way he
explained the difference of feeling to an English officer whom
he met up here once.'See those hills,' said he, pointing to
the Green Mountains.'They lie on the borders of Canada.
Opposite to you are the mountains of Connecticut; and
these on the right lie near the coast of NTew York.'"
"And who was that officer of England that came up here
with your uncle?" said MIargaret, "Gfor I thought none of
them ever had been so high up in this land."
" His name was Calderwood," said Elsie, " and he spends
his time in examining all the curious points of the region, and
explaining the causes of things to us."'
"Spends his time up here; and his name. It cannot possibly be the Calderwood that I know."
" Did I say spends his time?  I meant," said Elsie, " he
did spend his time. There was an evident hesitancy in the
communication of the maid of the mountain, which her compaildon was too quick not to observe, and too well bred to
pursue it; still the name lingered on her ear, and the passing
hint excited an interest more than other passing remarks had
done. Here Elsie gave a sudden start, as if she had seen
s I,.tbi:'  that awakened her horror. She stood on the
highest point at hand, scrutinizing a dark mote on the river,
which was plainly becoming more visible every moment.




1.50-             THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
The mountain nymph changed colors more rapidly than an
April sky, but was still silent.
"What attracts your eye so intently?" said Miarfgaret, at
the same time gazing down in the direction she saw her
friend looking; when, with equal rapidity, Iher countenance
grew  pale and red in an instant, as she exclaimned:  "A
ship! A ship! I have seen a ship before, at sea, but one
from such a height as this never before."
"Yes," said Elsie with some bitterness, " a king's ship,
where she has no business to be. Oh, if our people had but
a match for her, I could stand here and see her driven back
to the sea, and clap my hands at her."
"It would be a grand and awful sight to you; but to me,
my dear Elsie, how terrible, when I tell you that my father
and mother are on board. Oh, my dear parents, how I long
to be in your arms."
Here she stretched forth her arms, as a child does to
grasp the moon; and as vainly. It was indeed the Vulture,
that had, after the abduction of Margaret, remained near the
place where they first missed the Indian Kiskataam. On
this account the attack upon Sopus had been delayed twentyfour hours; while in the meantime the cruel kidnapper was
making his way where no ship could swim. This moment of
seeing the ship was, on that account, one of intense interest.
There she was, like a large bird of prey, hovering over her
victim.' She is well named the Vulture," said Elsie, "' which is a
kind of eagle, the Dominie tells us, that scents carrion far off.
There she spreads her wings, and before nioht her cruel
beak will be in the heart of some innocent Whigs, whose
only fault is, that they love their country and their liberty
better than they love King George."
"Have pity on me, dear Elsie, I am in your hands, and
you are kind to me, and I cannot be angry with you, thoulgh
you are severe; but no wonder though you both love your
people and love liberty, standing up here, feeling all the
rapture of this scene. BMy parents are in that ship, and my
brother' is there, and one very dear to me is there Awho
would shed his blood willingly for'me-all are suffering.
Oh, if they could but see me, as I do theLm at this moment."
"W VVell, I shall repress my feelings, Mdiss Clinton, for your
sake, and please to forgive me in my ardor, but remember
that this is the day Brandclt is expected to come from this
very mountain height, to join hands with the Tories below;




BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HFPAT.          151
and that ship is hovering there to help them. No wonder
my heart is glowing with anger, when I know that my father
is in danger, and all my friends exposed."
" Elsie! Elsie! forgive me, and cast me aside, for I'm not
deserving the trouble and tlie risk you run on my account.
Oh, God! what have I done that I should be sent here to
these wilds, and within sight of the happy heaven that I love
so well down there. There is a hawk sailing down; if I had
but his wings for a few minutes!-and yet I think myself far
above him in wisdom and in sentiment: yet ten minutes in
possession of his power would put me beyond all harm."
"' Lady Miargaret, you were on board of that ship, and all
the power of great England was pledged to defend you, so
long as that flagt waved, and yet you fell into the snare of
the fowler; you trusted a human arml and it failed you. Here
am I who have lived all my days in these wilds, and yet I
amn free. The hand that holds up that hawk, teaching him
to stretch out his wings toward the south, will carry you
carefully horne if it be his will, and if not, all the armies
and navies of King George combined cannot insure your
safety."
As is common in these high regions, clouds began to
gather round the tops of the peaks, enveloping everything in
mist, so that the river and the plain soon became invisible.
MIargaret was almost in despair at the thought of being cut
off from her home, which seemed so near, and could scarcely
refrain from crying aloud to -her mother, whom she knew
would be vainly gazing -upward in search of her. Elsie,
more prudent and in sober earnest, was trying to persuade
her weeping friend to come unnder some shelter before the
rain should commence.  The eager daughter would look
down where she knew her mother was; and long after all
was thick darkness, her eyes were vainly penetrating'the
cloud, that hung over the river. A sudden breeze springing
up, dispersed some of the misty layers, when the vessel was
seen rising up out of the water, huge, and seemingly removed
far off.
"She is leaving me, and I must be cut loose from all that I
love; O, Father! O, God! send me help in this hour of my
trouble."
Again all was cloudy. Elsie here took hold of the young
lady's arm, drawing her gently to the ground, beside herself,
while she pointed to the ledge of flat rock near them, where
the hated Indian stood, gazing in the same direction with




152               TIE DUTCH DOMINIE.
themselves; and evidently absorbed in the movements of
the ship, which his keener eye still saw through the thick
mist.
This was enough, the frantic voice of MASargaret Awias calmed
in an instant. Fear rushed through  her bosom like the
gust of wind that swept noisily through the gorges of the
mountain. Tame as an infant, she laid her head upon the
lap of her friend, where she rested and recovered her
strength. A cave that Elsie knew of, where she and her
cousin had once taken shelter during a storm, was the place
to which she determined to rem'ove, immediately after the
sun had passed his height.  In the meantime they lay
close to each other, near the spot where Teunis had left
them, still overlooking the grand valley of the Hudson. It
was a small place to lie easy in, but the fear of being seen,
by eyes which they knew were near and iatching every
movement, made them lie close.
Margaret, gradually recovering from the agitation caused
by the sight of the ship, was anx.iously watching the face of
her friend, to read fiom that, if possible, what her own fate
might be.
"Elsie," said the partially excited girl, " say something
good to me in your own language. Something that your
kind minister says-that Dominie you speak of. It must be
good, for it makes you so kind."
"' We might sleep one hour till the shower be past. When
the sun comes out after rain, it always makes me feel strong,"
said the Dutch girl; "and gratitude to the Creator makes
me still stronger."
" And I am stronger now that you are speaking. Tell me
what you have learned that is good for me to hear."
Elsie repeated in Dutch:
"' Ik zal in brede t' samen nederliggen ende slapen; want
gy o' Heese alien zult my doen zeker womeen.' The English
of that you no doubt kn'ow. I will both lay me down in
peace and sleep."
" Oh, yes," said Margaret; "'For thou Lord only maketh.me dwell in safety.' I have read that in the Psalter."
"Lie still, Miss Clinton," said Elsie, in a whisper, "for an
Indian has ears quicker than a white man, and a thick cloud,
I have heard, gives out strange sounds. I-ark! there are
voices not far off from us. Let us trust in God like Jacob
when he lay with a stone for his pillow, while troops of
angels were looking down on his face, keeping his eyelids




BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART.           153
quiet and his heart from beating too hard. HI-ush! There
they are again. I-ush!"
In this way they lay till all was quiet, whenl both fell asleep;
~Margaret dreaming of home. A ship sailed beautifully before her dreaming fancy, and the whole world was gay for
a moment, suddenly to be overcast the next. As for Elsie,
she was too well aware of the danger to allow herself to be
overcome by sleep so as to dream. She merely slumbered;
for all the time of this calm  she was planning in her mind
what would be the best way of escaping' out of the toils which
she was certain must be spread already around them. Prudence said, wait till night throws over you his thick cloud,
unless the present mist continues, when the chances may be
quite as good. Besides, she felt as if Tennis would return
again during the day, and perhaps bring aid with him,
when it would be best to iemain where she would be in the
way.
When Margaret awoke, the rain had blown past, and the
mqountain-tops were clear, while all below was in terrible
commotion. The storm had descended, and was then raging
in its fury. The two refugees felt refreshed, and exulted in
feeling at the sight; and, placing themselves in a narrow
cavity, which hid them on all sides and left the view to the
east still open, they sat down to contemplate the scene at
their feet, like the goddesses of the storm.
" Do the storms," said Marrgaret, "continue so much longer
below than they do up here?  I have always supposed that
there was more rain, winds and vapors on the hills than on
the plains."'There are sometimes great hurricanes up here when they
are safe below; but it seldom happens that any one has the
chance of seeing such a storm as that from this height. See
there, how the thunder is bursting out of that darkness.
Look-oh, look! how these lightnings break out on all sides.
Do you see that flash there, Mviss Clinton?"
"IReally, dear Elsie, that is majestic.  They seem like
serpents rolling themselves in the dust raised by an earthquake."
"Or rather, my lady, like what we read of Sinai, that sent
forth thunderings and lightnings and a thick cloud."
"Yes, Elsie, there it comes sailing along from the north,
like a great admiral ship.  How calm  and powerful his
advance! Now he comes more swiftly. The sight of the
conflict impels him  forward. Now he will speak. He is
7*I4




154                 THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
charged with fire and wrath.  Why, the whole Armada run
at his approach.")
"No," said Elsie, takilng up the enthusiastic language of the
proud girl of the Queen of thle Seas, " they are but playilng
round your admiral till they get a better place.  See how
they send their fires into his sides! Ali! how the Dominie
oul  sllout at thallt, and clap his hands, singing:'What
aileth thee, ye monuntlins, that ye skipped like rams and ye
little hills like lambs.' "'
"' Ah, I see mny great admiral has scattered; he is in fiagments.  I have heard my uncle say that great ships were not
always great victoi's."
L" That may be true: I know that great Goliath fell before
little David, and a great king that shall be nlameless may
learn that the battle is not to the strong.  Great clouds are
but the dust of the Almighty's feet."
" Let me repeat to you, Elsie, words that I learned in
school, that I never have seen pictured before my eyes till
this moment.  They describe a great battle in the heavens
between the good and the bad spirits:
"' In his right hand,
Grasping ten thousand thunders, which he sent
Before him, such as in their souls infixed
Plagues. O'er shields and helmed heads he rode;
Of thrones and mighty seraphim prostrate.
As if a herd
Of goats, or timorous flock together thronged,
Drove them before him, thunder-struck, pursued
With terrors and furies, to the bounds
And crystal wall of heaven.' "
"M3'y lady, that sounds grand, though I do not understand
it fully.  3Mly mind, you see, always runs to the words of our
Dominie when I see such a sight.  -When he describes the
last day, when seven thunders utter their' voices, and when I
see the clouds chasing each other as they do now, it puts me
in mind of what the good book says about'giving their
flocks to the thunderbolts.' "
"Well, Elsie, I confess that your old Dominie and his
book beats my 3ilton.  But here comes a new turn in this
divine panorama.  There, the scattered troops are wheeling
into squares, just as I have seen in Hyde Park on a review
day, when the several regiments moved to the rendezvous;
while the numberless spectators, like those broken masses
that remain in the distance, remind me how the crowd fringed




BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN -HEART.          155
the outside, impatiently watching the centre till it would
spread out again. Do you suppose that the army is about to
disperse to their quarters, and leave the heaven as clear as
it was this morning?"
Elsie replied to this question, that she thought rain would
descend in torrents upon the whole Hudson valley and this
she foretold truly. The different layers of vapor became one
great sheet, fastened to the sides of the mountains eastward,
where it lay as in silent rest for a short time, till it seemed
to move, internally giving out its abundant drops. Not a
shred of the river, nor a point of high ground were seen;
and yet the sun was shining above High Peak, and to the
west of where the two spectators stood, for it was now an
hour past meridian. Elsie was the first to speak, for she was
familiar with the scene, and could in a degree foretell what
might arise; while her companion was too much rapt in viewing the awful mystery beneath, to anticipate the coming
change.
" Look, Lady,largcaret! see in the south, how the rainbow
is forming. INow see again in the north."
"Glorious!" was the exclamation of the enraptured girl,
" if it forms all through as perfectly it will be worthy of the
Almighty hand that paints it. I have been on the side of
the Alps, but never beheld anything like this. Hush, dear
Elsie, do not speak, lest you mar its perfectioni by a breath."
All the sorrow she had ielt an hour ago was forgotten, and
lifting herself up, she whispered, " Oh, mother-Oh" —Bertram, she would have said-" could you but see that bow of
promise, you would hope as I do. You cannot see it, for the
rain is above you."
" That bow," said the proud Elsie, "' is over the land of the
rebel."
" No matter; if all the people of the country be like Teunis
and my own Elsie, I could kiss them in purest love;" and she
embraced her friend in tears and smiles together. " Alas! I
was thinking only of myself when you spoke just now, Elsie.
Poor worm that I am, when all around me ought to lift
me above, and give me a sense of the greatness of' Him who
has set his bow in the cloud, as the sign of His beauty.
Can you read signs, Elsie?"
"Let me try and read this,"' said the good girl, willing to
chase the gloom and despair away from the mind of her companion at a moment when so imuch depended on energetic
exertion. " There were thick clouds this morning; you began




156               TiHE DUTCH DOMINIE.
to climb these mountain heights in despair. The sun came
out and dispersed the gloom: Teunnis and I, like the stars,
have led you here to this place of refuge; your enemies are
still around you, muttering like the thunder beneath. Now
the bow of promise appears and you will be delivered from
all your f'ars."'
"Thank you, thank you, dearest fiiend; I should trust,
since you have been sent to me in this Awild region, like an
angel from heaven, where I had no right to expect any one
but an enemy at this time. But see, the bow has fallen flat
on the ground.'"
"' It is only the sackcloth cloud that is spreading out farther
to the east. We girls of the hills say that these bright colors
we see, are the eyes of good people below, shining through
to their friends in heaven; and that black parts cover
very wicked folks. The rays of the sun never get through
to them."
The ears of the English girl were not shut to this fancy of
her companion, but her eyes were the most awake lest she
might lose the smallest change in the wondrous bridge.
"There, it rises again," she exclaimed, "as it was before,
as if Michael and Ithuriel had stood at its opposite points,
raising it as an archway to the celestial city. I have read in
the Psalter soinething about lifting up the everlasting gates
that the King of Glory might enter in."
" Yes, Miss MIargaret,' and no grating sound on these
hinges. How rich the gilding, and the form how perfect.
Have you ever seen anything like that, near kings' palaces?"
" Oh, Elsie! but see: like all earthly grandeur it departs.
Already it gives way at the centre of' the curve.  Dimness
is now passing over the whole; what remains even now is
more in memory of what was, than in assurance of what is."
"True, Lady Margaret, every one walketh in a vain show.
That jewel is gone; so we must wait for that sight which is
seen in heaven."
"And are there rainbows in heaven, Elsie? Any gems 1as
resplendent as the one we have seen pass? Heaven shall
seem more glorious than ever it did, after what I have just
looked upon."
"Oh, yes, Miss Clinton, there is a rainbow there round
about the throne, in sight like unto emerald. Our Dominie
would tell us that these are figures of realities. The everlasting beauty of heaven, and the unfading splendor of its
riches; I have heard him preach about the rainbow, wvhlen




BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART.          157
he told us that Noah stood on a mountain, five times higher
up than High Peak, and saw a bow stretching over a plain
through which the river Euphrates runs."
"And what good did that do to his simple people. Our
parsons tell us what will be of practical good to us. What
the better were you, Elsie, on that account?"
" We were told by the good man that the bow was the
signature of God, put to the covenant he had made with
Noah; and that the bow in heaven was the sign of our salvation being fully secured."
" Ah, I see," said Margaret, " and the good you obtain, is
in believing that God is faithful to his covenant. That is
good; I will believe in the sign; I feel stronger when you
speak of that."
"There is other business for us, dear Miss Clinton-look
down there," said the watchful Elsie; and in the direction
where her finger pointed the eager eye of her companion was
turned, when she saw, to her horror, Clifford in close conversation with Shandaagan; and the chief Kiskataam was comIng up toward them. They were engaged scrutinizing closely
the ground, as if they had discovered some footprints. The
rupture between the Englishman and the Indian had been
apparently made up; and one thought filled them  both,
though it was plain that as yet they were all at fault. No
question but they were on the trail of the two fugitives; and
had they followed on in the direct line, it would have brought
them to the spot where they would have found the caveempty; for a few feet further, and the girls were prepared
to swing themselves over the face of the precipice, as
foxes do, when pursued by hunters. But the pursuers lost
track of their game at the point where they were seen. Elsie
had made, extempore, out of her under-dress, two pairs
of moccasins, which had no special form after a human foot,:.lcd they completely stultified the red man, who could not
decide the kind of animal to which it belonged.
What more particularly diverted their attention at this
critical moment, was the sound of Teunis' horse's hoofs
along the rocky path. The two Indians glided out of sight,
so as to elude suspicion, leaving Clifford to have an interview
with the young Boerman alone, which ended so as completely to change the whole front of the affair, and save the
two fugitives fiom making a desperate venture in another
direction.




158                THE DUTCH DOMINIE,
CHAPTER XIV.
A TRIAL OF FAITH AND FORTITUDE.
"Fifty thousand pannier loads of devils, with their tails chopped off by the rumps,
could not have made so diabolical a scream of it."-TRISTRlAM SHANDY.
NIGHT came gratefully to the fugitives, and Elsie had, in
her own mind, determined to get down into the valley, and
reach early some place of refuge. HIow to get through, when
enemies were around, so quickin eye and ear, was the question
that came up to her lips. Her knowledge of the Indian character, and her present acquaintance with the cause of Miss
Margaret's trouble, made her fully aware of the vigilance of
their enemies. Add to all, the threatened raid of the great
Mohawk Was near at hand; so that should they escape Clifford and his satellites, they were in great danger of falling
into the line of Brandt's party. In that case MIargaret
resolved  upon  giving up  at once, well persuaded that
the daughter of an English officer must be safer in Brandt's
hands than in Clifford's. But then, what must she, the
daughter of a Schuyler, expect, bat bondage.  No matter;
her first care was to get through the lines of Kiskataam,
whom she knew must be watching with the eye and the ear
of a catamount.
"Let me take one fill view of the stars from this high observatory, before we go back into the darkness. I may
never see the like again. What does your Dominie say of
them that does you good?  It will do me good to hear it."
" IHe says," said the honest Dutch girl, "that were the sun
always to shine, we would lose onle half of the glory of the
Ileavens; and that were we always prosperous, there would
be no star dust scattered over our path."
"I suppose he adds one thing more-that if there were no
death, theme could be no heaven.  Let us go: had I not been
stolen away, I would never have seen Elsie, nor these resp!endent scenes that have risen upon me this day from  earley
dawn till dewy eve."
At this instant Elsie almost shouted, and would hlav;e
clapped her hands, had not her friend, who now had leariuet
caution, prevented her, when, pointing to the sout!h lwalt',




A TRIAL OF FAITH AND FORTITUDE.         159
she said, "tile tecee vuur is lighted on the keekute.*  I
knew that Teunis was true to his word. It blazes, see, from
the back of that hill. Miy mother! we must find out' way
to her. The sky is all red above the hill. I gathered these
pitch knots myself, and helped my father to build the pile.
AMy heart and mlly hand shall go together."
"Then Tennis had not the promise of both this morning
when he left?"' inquired Mlargaret, willing to lead the nlind
of Elsie away froml sad thoughts, which, in her turn, she novw
suffered to intrude upon her usually vivacious spirit.
"'There are reasons, Lady Mlargaret, which you cannot
fully understand. I would not divide myself from my country's cause. iMy heart must not be put on neutral ground,
nor yet on the king's."'
-"King's men are more esteemed in London than other
men, and Teunis would be promoted there."
" May be," said Elsie, "but the blood tingles in our veins
here at the sight of freedom and of truth."
" I have wondered all this day, when I have heard you express your patriotism  so strongly, where youl could have
learned such sentiments. Have you mingled with others
than your own people?"
"' Mly dear Lady Mi[argaret, were you to sit one day under
the pulpit of Dominie Schuneman, you would not wonder any
more. Oh, I wish you could hear him, when he is rousing
up the minute men. How the fire flies out of his eyes when he
bids them bring back their shield, or be brought back on it."
" What makes you lock down there so earnestly, Elsie?"
as she saw the anxious girl gaze into the dark. "Tell me if
you see anything alarming?"
"Nothing, only I see the red skins are kindling a fire on
the flat rock, as a signal for their fellow-murderers below.
There will be hot work all around us before the morning.
Let us go, and trust to Him who takes care of the youngo
fawns up here over these mountains. lKiskataam has named
you the Fawn. Let us look above all man's power."
They set out upon their perilous journey, and as Elsie
knew that the narrow road which runs between the two
ponds was lmost likely to be watched, she at first determined
to go around; yet considering within herself, "IIf the Indian
suspects my presence, he will guess that I am more likely to
avdid such a trap, and fall into the other. It will be better
* "Look out" is the English; "keek oot " is the ScotCh.




160               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
for me to go forward and examine for myself."  So communicating her plan to her companion, she left her, with
instructions how she should proceed in the event of her being
kept from returning.' Go back," said the intrepid girl, " to where -we have
been all day. Stand on the place motionless, and wait. If
I am alive, help will find you before noon. Wait here till
you see the Ellwand "-those three stars up through that tree.
If I am not back then, do as I have bid you; and remember
you are a soldier's daughter, and Godl's arm is with you in
all places."
" But, dear Elsie, what if those cruel men keep you from
helping me? They are cruel enough to kill you."
"'They dare not.  I have power over them by myself,
which I could not have with you by my side. But if no one
comes to you, there is one who will help you at the foot of
the hill. Try and find your way down the road you saw
Teunis take. But do not fear."
With that, Elsie went on into the dark alone. While Margaret, with a palpitating heart, saw her depart, it seemed as
if the last link was broken which bound her to the world.
Elsie moved through the tangled underbrush with the utmost
caution and quiet. Accustomed to such journeys, she knew
no fear of aught except the danger of falling into the ambush
that might be laid for her.  The farther she went, the
slower was her progress, creeping rather than walking. Her
present aim was, if possible, to get a glimpse of the persons
who might be around the fire, and when she did get within
sight, Clifford was the only figure she could discern. This
assured her that the other two were out as scouts. Creeping
along to the westward, where the path is narrow, she judged
it to be the most likely spot for a sentinel to be placed; but
how to find it out, she stood utterly at a loss: when, turning to the left, close by the path on which she came down
upon her father's trail on the preceding evening, she went
up high enough to let a heavy stone fall in the direction
where Clifford stood, who, startled at the soundl, fired off his
gun, which in ten minutes brought in the other two. The
Englishman was evidently in the greatest consternation,
which rendered him nervous and made him act ridiculously,
which, to an Indian, is always an unpardonable offence.
They evidently treated the whole as the result of his own
* Yard-stick.




A TRIAL OF FAITH AND FORTITUDE.         161
imagination, and, with  characteristic coolness, stretched
themselves out before the fire preparatory to rest. This was
enough for the brave girl, so hastening back to her terrified
companion, she communicated the joyful intelligence of a
speedy deliverance.
Margarget was standing like a young roe that had heard
the shout of the hunters, and expected every moment to hear
their baying hounds in her thicket. So near was she to danger, that Kiskataam passed the other side of the rock where
she was, and might have stumbled over her had he taken the
other side; but she had escaped, and Elsie, kissing her, said:
"There shall not a hair of your head fall to the ground
without His permission. Brace up now, my lady, for we
have a long walk before us ere the clay dawivns. We must be
quickly into the clove."
"'My dear Elsie, I am firmer than you take me to be, and
can stand more fatigue than you suppose me capable off I
have been out with the chase before now, and you must know
that we English girls are great walkers."
"You will require all your strength, Miss Clinton, when
you come to make the comparison between those smooth
lawns you told me of, and these humpy roads. Lean upon
me, and be sure to notice when the rags get loose from your
shoes, for we must not leave a trace behind us for these
Indian dogs to scent us out."
They were now fairly on the way, and as Elsie determined
that the safest plan was the boldest, she led her companion
straight between the small lakes, passing close to the fire,
along the edge of the pines that grew in the crevices of the
rocks. Half carrying her charge, they crawled up the South
Mountain, slowly and carefully, lest they should loosen any
of the stones that lay anchored there, and so disturb the
quick ears that lay watching so near them. Once up, they
sat down to rest upon the big rock. The two maidens, like
two birds that have just made their escape, stood up on this
height and looked down, with a half contemptuous smile at
the superior skill with which they managed to outwit men
of suc)h reputed cunning.
Thus taking short journeys, and resting during' the intervals, they reached the gate of Hoogenhuisen, where the first
welcome that met Elsie was the leaping of Rover coming
out to meet them, who, though he had been carefully taught
not to bark aloud, could not restrain making a noise equally
significant and audible.




162               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
Angelica, the mother of the lost girl, was up, and seated
at a fire, which then was needed in the cold of that October
morning. Her pipe, which was always the first mouthful of
comfort she took on all occasions, was between her teeth;
while her eyes settled upon the growing blaze as if she could
read in that the fortunes of the nevw day.  On the entrance
of the daughter, she did not fly into an ecstasy of feeling, as
one of a more excitable race certainly would have dclone; for
besides being a true daughter of Holland, proverbial for
their phlegm and slowness of action, women in these days
have learned through hardship and danger, to possess their
souls in patience and quiet.  The Reformed Protestant
Dutch Church is equally Calvinistic with the New England
Puritan, and its doctrines are equally felt among the people,
operating upon them in producing that hardy endurance, as
essential in times of trouble, as gallantry and courage in an
onset of battle. Angelica was a, sincere believer in her
religion, and acted out her faith to the last.
In reply to the few questions put to her by.Elsie, she
quietly, but evidently in deep concern, stated that Martin had
been away two nights.  Teunis Roe had been up yesterday,
inquiring after things; he had left only in the darkening.
Some Indians had been seen prowling about.  Tories had
passed the house on the back road. These were the days
that old AiMartinus, her grandfather, had often foretold would
come.
Margaret had been left at the door by Elsie, till she prepared the way, and held a brief conversation with her
mother before telling her that she had a stranger with her
that had fallen into trouble. That was at any time enough
to awaken the sympathy of tle kind-hearted vrow. "Let her
come in, we will share what we have left with any poor
wanderer."
"My mother," said Elsie to her friend, "has just been
repeating one of her favorite texts, which gives her strength
in her old days:'The world passeth away, and the lusts
thereof; but he that doeth the will of God, shall abide for
ever.) "'"Mammy, here is a stranger needing rest and refugoe. I
have brought her to you, and you will be a mother to her."'
With that Elsie conducted her new friend up close to the
fire, that the two might see each other.
"Tee's welcome, sae lang's I'm here myself; nay one can
tell vat te morrow vill bring varth."




A TRIAL OF FAITH AND FORTITUDE.          163
" Where do you think is daddie? that you are sitting at
the fireside at this late hour, alone?"  Elsie had her doubts
all along that her father was entrappedl in some way; but
she hoped still that his absence mio;ht be voluntary.
"]Nefer sene hemine since tee was here dat nicht,"g said the
sad mother, as she blew out a double imouthful of the smoke
that she had been keeping in till the question was wholly
asked.
The answer was a thunder-stroke to the affectionate daughter,
but she was too good, and too wise a comforter, to suggest
more fears than were already preying upon the mind of the
anxious wife; so inwardly revolving the different views of
affairs, as they came up rapidly in her mind, she felt that the
best plan for the present was to rest till daylight, and then
act. So taking IMargaret by the hand, she led her up a back
stair to the chamber above.
" You muLst feel for the bed,. my dear lady; misery has no
choice. Lie down, but be ready to rise at a moment's call.
Never fear, for though you be surrounded, you will escape,
so long as I am by your side.
"Oh, Elsie, dear Elsie, I wish that I could lie down as
contented in spirit as that good woman, your mother, feels at
this moment. I now know why yon can be so forgiving
and so kind to mle, though my people are doing you sucle
injury. I-Hush! I want to hear your mother's voice praying,
though I cannot understand her words. You will interpret
them for me."
Anogelica, immediately below, was saying in her own language, " Looft den Heere myne ziele en all wat binnen in my
is zynen Hieligen name."
"What does your good mother say, Elsie? I love to hear
her voice."
The kind-hearted daughter, who was weeping to herself,
and wishing to hide her feelings from her companion, could
scarcely articulate an answer. " She is full of gratitude, Miss
Clinton, to think that I am spared to her, and the words you
heard her utter were,' Bless the Lord, oh, my soul, and all
that is within me, bless his holy name.9 Sleep, my Lady
Ml3argaret, for we must be up betimes, and work for liberty
and life; judging from all that I see on the earth and in the
sky."
Mlorning rose upon the world, in many parts as it had
done before; but these quiet regions, which knew no memotable change before, had a ne'w page added to their history.




164  THE DUTCH DOMINIE,
All over the mountains to the westward were seen pillars of
smoke, which plainly indicated the approach of the dreaded
Brandt, from the fields of blood on which he had been committing havoc. Elsie had risen from the side of the weary
fugitive, and was surveying the scene around, so as to determine the course of that day. She had some hope that Teunis
might come to her aid, for she saw herself completely surrounded.  Her heart for a moment misgave her. Had she
clone right in risking all for this stranger? Mlight she not be
sent, so that she would become a hostage, and so insure the
safety of her own people against Brandt. Would it not be
well to retain this lady?  " No, God forbid," was her impassioned cry.  " Providence has placed her under my care.
Neither parents nor enemies would approve of treachery; no,
nor the Dominie, nor my own heart. And now, that every
hour in the company.of this young ladylias made me more
in love with her, I will act out my feelings and my convictions and hope for the best."
As these reflections gave place to resolutions of good
intention, she felt stronger, and was ready to perform whatever duty came first to hand; nor was she long in finding
out work to do.  She stood up to her full height on a
jutting point of the rock, in the grey mist, and to a stranger
in these parts, who had never seen an object through a cloud,
she would have appeared of gigantic size. Her hair as yet
was untied, and hung over her shoulders; the loose dress
which she had on flew foriward in the wind, while her excited
feelings gave her an earnestness of manner which could not
be hid, even by the misty veil around her. Lifting up' her
arms to the Almighty, whom  she recognized alone, she
invoked I-is blessing on her and on her parents in that day
of trial.  "Send us a deliverer, 0 God; give me wisdom
and courage, power and patience to guide and be guided
through our perplexity and danger."
Turning her eyes downward, she plainly saw a strange
figure approaching the place where she stood. In the mist
it seemed also of gigantic size, but that did not deceive her,
accustomed as she was to judge by things around her; still
the man who drew near could not be an Indian, fiom his
walk; nor was he a native of these regions, as indicated by
his gait and dress. He did not bend forward, as all those
do who have climbed up hills front their infancy; and his
garments were worn with an air which showed that he
knew what was dignified and becoming, though he affected




A TRIAL OF FAITH AND FORTITUDE.        165
to despise both, from the loose way in which the long grey
cloak he had on was thrown around him. Elsie was not afraid
when she came to see who it was; for she knew the Hermit
of the Hollow, who, at that moment, was most welcome.
She of all the young women of the hills was his especial
favorite, and indeed the only one who met him heartily,
and not with pity. She had sat with him for hours, hearing his
tales of other countries; asking him questions which did not
intrude upon his own affairs; and anticipating his wants in
such a way as to impress him with a high regard for her
natural ability, which he took great pains to elicit and foster.
He was a many-sided man, and had to be studied carefully,
which all could not do, and were accordingly repulsed by
him, so as to make some believe him mad, others a fool, and
not a few that he was a spy upon the country, and in league
with the Indians. Elsie believed him to be sound in head
and in heart, except on one point, a burning revenge against
some object of his hatred, that haunted him night and day.
All her sagacity could never find out the direction to which
that passion pointed; so that she had come to suppose that
it was in his own imagination.
"I have been searching for you, Elspeth, and have found
you where other eyes, less kind than mine, might have seen
you. Do you know that these hills are crowded just now
with your enemies, and a ball could have brought down the
Maid of Hoogenhuisen without any one being able to tell
whence it came? How often have I told you to keep below
the rocks, instead of standing on them."
"There are times when fear should not interfere with
duty," said Elsie, " and this hour is one of them."
" I have waited for you two days. Have you lost confidence in me? Where is the token of my friendship and of
my power, that you neither brought it nor sent it to me?"
Elsie blushed at these words, which were intended as a
reproof, for something understood between them; but turning to her visitor, she told him that it was impossible for her
to have come. He must take her word without any explanation just now; but here was the token still safe, and now, if
he could help her, the time had come.
"Yesterday is past and gone; to-day there will be blood
and fire. For that you must'be ready. I have come to
warn. The enemies of your country and of your house are
near. You have just time to hide before they be on you.
Hear them now on their way to the Dog Pool, where Martin




166               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
is bound a prisoner. They will bring him round here, that
they may gloat their vengeance in seeing him lament over hlis
burning home. BLut, Elspeth, the day'of vengeance is at hand;
I saw nImy enemy in my sleep, writhing in agony; I could
have brought him -down with my gun this morning; blt no,
I shall wait a while yet, that the sweet morsel may become
sweeter. I am enjoying it in the prospect so much that I
am- sorry that the time is so near when I shall swallow it.
Like the wildcat that I saw yesterday, playing with the
rattlesnake, I will sport around him, mortify him, goad him
to death, and then smnite him."  Here the infuriated man
turned to the place where the gathering was, around the flat
rock; shook his closed hand, gave a wild shriek, and left the
place, for Elsie to reflect alone upon what she had seen and
heard from him.
Whatever opinion Elsie had of the rapture of vengeance
which this mysterious being indulged in at the close of this
interview, she understood the warning in a literal sense, and
made haste to take advantage of the time allotted to her.
Angelica was immediately informed of the necessity of the
case. The most valuable part of the property had already
been hidden away; china ornaments, and a full tea-set that
Skipper Van Vrankin brought home from the Indies as her
mother's marriage present. A silver teapot was rolled up in
a flannel undlershirt of MIartin's, that he might have something
clean and wiarm to put on if he lived. A satin gown that had
been but twice worn, and was carefully aired, spring and
fall, and kept for Elsie, when she married, was put into an
earthen pot, and sunk into the deep soil of the garden.  A
huge pile of bedding that had long stood in a corner, from
the floor to the ceiling, with other articles of warml clothing,
which hung on hooks and nails along the walls and on the
joists, so that scarcely a vacant spot could be seen; and
these were the special idols of Angelica's fancy. She kept
looking into that room, saying, " awee! awee!" wringing
her hands at the loss of thirty years' laboi-. No wonder
though the care-ful housewife should have for a moment given
way to sorrow, when she thought on all her plans being thus
blasted in a morning. Elsie reminded her mother of the
Dominie's text the last time they had been at the kerke of
Kaatskill,' wentelt 1iven wegh op den Hoeere en ver trourot
op him: hy zal't mnaken."
" Tell it to me in English,) said Margaret;  "I need it as
much as your mother."




A TRIAL OF FAITH AND FORTITUDE.          167
" I am telling her," said Elsie, " to commit her way unto
the Lorcl, and he shall bring it to pass."
All was business and haste below-stairs, while every now
and then Elsie went up to the highest part of the house, taking a survey of things around. The place from which she
anticipated the danger was above them. Down the Clove
road she was led to expect the band of ruffians, who were to
come with her fath'er a prisoner, and her main object now was
to be ready to receive them into an empty house, and her
mother with herself and Miss Clinton to be out of sight.
Dismissing all the negroes, not excepting old Noll, by telling
them that the Indians were coming, she took her mother by
the hand, and led her half forcibly up the hill at the back of the
house, where the secret retreat had been prepared for more
than two years; she opened the door, that was but a fissure in
the rocks, against which a stone lay, as if it had dropped
down by chance; she pointed to it silently, that her mother
and M[argaret might go in first, which they effected by
crawling on their hands and knees. Then following them,
she let fall before the entrance a heavy block of stone, that
had been prepared and balanced for this purpose so effectually, that it was both a natural and an artificial defence.
Loop-holes were prepared both for seeing and shooting
through; and from the position of the fortress the garrison
could overlook whatever was going on around the dwelling
below-on the back road which ran past it-between them
and the back door, which at this time was left wide open,
so as not to provoke assault.
The inside of the hiding-place was a natural cave, formed
by the percolating of the waters and the action of the frost
together; the latter loosening the rocks, and the former
carrying off the debris; so that, in the course of time, there
was, as is common in these lower shelves, a wide subterranean
passage-way,  which was kept a secret from  all except the
family. Like all such caves, there were roomy landingplaces, where a troop of men might lodge; as the Domninic said once, after pressing himself through the narrow
entrance: " The gate is strait, but David and' his men
might hide themselves from Saul and his forces; and let me
tell you, Martin, it may become to thee and Anshela, like the
cave of Engeddi."
Safely landed, and at comparative ease, the three hunted
women placed themselves so that they might see the outside
of the prison through the stone grating.  Nor -was Elsie




168               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
without the means.of. defence in case of requiring to defend
herself and friends. There lay beside her the long duck-gun,
well loaded with heavy slugs, and a pair of large horse-pistols, which her father had used in the cavalry when a young
mnan, in the old French war. Provisions enough to victual
a garrison for a month, and bedding sufficient for two generations.
The attack did not come that day, notwithstanding they
were so warned. However, it was kindly given, doubtless in
full knowledge of the enemies abroad. From their secret
refuge they saw the two Indians prowling around all that
day, and they had good reason to know that a watch was
set upon them through the night, yet they all three slept
and were rested, when the light streaked the crevices of
their rocky prison.
Soon were heard noises that increased every moment, till
ten men disguised in mock Indian garb appeared. Flannel
shirts to  their middle, notched round; short breeches,
joined to leggins of buff deer-skin. Roundl the waist they
wore a belt of raw-hide, in which were stuck such side-arms
as they carried. In the centre of this vanguard walked our'friend Martin Schuyler, looking as calm and as dignified as ever
he did when sitting in the Consistory of Kaatskill church. His
hands were cruelly and unnecessarily tied behind his back, and.
his large soft hat, which. had been first contemptuously
knocked down on his head, was, on his coming near to his
door, drawn as far back to his neck, that he might the better
witness his own disgrace and the destruction of his property.
They halted opposite the gate, and wheeling into the yard,
the captain ordered a full stop, drawing his sword, which he'
laid flat over the back of his prisoner.
"Now, you old Whig sinner," said the ruffian, "you see
that Konig George has got long enough arms to reach you
at last. The Dominie has made you believe dat you leeven in
de kloven der steen rotzen ende verborgen; but the nest
is not too high for Brandt's claws."
The man who said all this was one of the leaders, and one
of a better class. His speech showed that he felt malice as
much as loyalty, and that he only wanted the power to execute a wicked will.
"Tell us," cried out one coarser grained still, "where
the old vrowe has hidden away her milledoleors. We must
hear them clink, or by George and Saint-ne Claus, we will
hang her up for smoked meat."




A TRIAL OF FAI'I'H AND FORTITUDE.       169
"She is smoked already, Nick, and that long agto; ha! ha!
ha!" said a great ugly, toothless fellow, with a foot like an
elephant, who came stampinog round Martin, giving his nose
a pull that brought tears into his eyes, not from the pain
so much as the mortification of being the jest of such heathen. To the sudden surprise of all parties, the last insulter
received a back-handed stroke that made him reel around,
just as he was about seizing the two ears of the patient
Boerman. This arrested the attention of the whole company,
who had by this time come up, and were taken aback in
some degree at seeing quarrelling in their own ranks.'"Treason! treason!" shouted several voices at once.
"What is that for, Teunis Roe, that you strike your
friend?"
" I am a man," was the reply, " as I have always been, and
will not stand by and see a prisoner insulted by meaner men
whom he would not have set with the dogs of his flocks in the
days of his prosperity."'Blessings on the Indian," said Ang(relica, who had witrfessed this acting from her retreat, and almost cried out in
horror at the manner in which her venerable partner was
struck.
As for Elsie, another of the same acts would have brought
upon him the contents of the long gun, that lay with the
muzzle in rest; and the shot would have been sure. But the
gratification was even greater when she saw under the disguise one that was willing to expose himself to death on
behalf of her father; and the duck gun fell from her hand, as
if she had become helpless in an instant. Her eyes followed
that youthful, active form wherever it went; for it seemed
to her it was in every place where most needed, though all
his efforts could not save the impending doom that hung over
Hoogenhuisen. While he was watching over Martin, keeping
his head from further insult, the spark had been put to the
barn, and already the smoke was rising from the roof, shooting up like the breath of fiery serpents, fed by the fuel
beneath, that was reducing the whole of the precious produce
that had been gathered in with such industry and care by the
man who had to stand and look on the destruction of his labors.
The disguised defender turned away from the place he
could not save, planting himself in the door of the house, as
if he said, "He that enters here goes over my body. All
this destruction is useless and revengeful, and is not desired
by the king, nor yet by the commander of the forces, and
8




170              THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
must bring disgrace on those who are engaged in this day's
riot. Stand back, I say, as you value life and limb."
This resistance excited the suspicion of the villain Kiskataam, who had come on in the hope that he might fall in with
his victims; and seeing the position that Teunis took, he suspected that Elsie and her companion were hidden in some
part of the dwelling; so, stepping up, he confronted the
guardian of the threshold, saying, " The double-faced seeks
to hide the young she-cub."
"I do not know whom you call the young cub," was the
tart answer of the guardsman; " but if it be Martin Schuyler's
daughter, I have some interest in her welfare, and in the
welf]iare of all who go along with her; and we will go
together, unless the chief can hinder me."
With that, the man in disguise led the way through the
house that was so well known to him.
This was taking the red man where he did not want to go;
but since he saw that Teunis was bent upon a search, and fearing that he might lose his prey, he followed, from roomn to
room, until he came to one that was fastened within. The Indian was evidently sure of his object, and gave a sign which
brought Shandaagan to his side, when he began to show
marks of restiveness, and blood was in his eye. Teunis stood
at the door with pistol in hand, for he feared himself that the
young women might be inside of the room: with his back to
the door, he gave a shout, calling for the "Mohawk chief to
come up and receive two prisoners."
The cunning Kiskataam turned pale with mortification at
the defeat of his plan, for this was one of the main points of
his dread, being found out by Brandt as one engaged in
kidnapping from the camp of their friends. So, turning on
his heel, he left the house quicker than he had entered it.
Teunis, well pleased with his victory, and with his fortunate
discovery of the vulnerable part of the redskin, succeeded in
getting a peep within the room, and was satisfied in finding
it empty. Coming down, he found out that a fire had been
kindled on the roof, and that it was all in vain to expect to
save the house where so many men, worse than barbarians,
were bent upon its destruction. He found Kiskataam waiting
for him, who came up and said, in his low, guttural tones:
" The deer belongs to him that has first trapped it."
"Well," said Tennis, "it is mine, for I have been here
first."
Becoming again provoked at the defeat, he said bitterly:




A TRIAL OF FAITH AND FORTITUDE.         171
"Young [Boerman's tongue cuts like the north wind;" and,
leaping forward, he seenmed determined to examine some
part of the house himself, while, quick as thought, Teunis
shut the heavy half-door, so that the Indian fell against it,
rendering him ridiculous in the eyes of the others, who by
this time had become interested in the contest between the
white and the red man. All this time, Mlartin cast glances
of gratitude upon his young friend, whom he now discovered
to be Teunis, and was at no loss to guess his motive. Thanks
from the old Whig were grateful in the highest degree to the
Tory's son; but it would have added a thousand-fold to 1his
heartfelt joy had he known that his whole conduct was marked
by eyes that swain in tears of love and pleasure, almost inviting him to come and receive his reward while it was in the
fullest bloom.
The work of devastation proceeded. The flames rushed.
upward and onward; inviting materials, they were throwing
on to feed them; and the winds, like evil spirits, flew through
the notches of the hills, as if to concentrate their forces
where they could do the greatest injury, alongside of the incarnate fiends who aided them, howling and yelling as if they
*gave voice to the invisible troops of hell. The animals which
were not beaten down escaped, running, lowing, to the woods,
while the old team of horses, which Martin actually loved
next to his wife and daughter, screamed and shrieked as the
fire came round their stalls, adding fearfully to the din.
What made much amusement, and not a little trouble even
to the destroyers.themselves, was an army of well fattened
rats, who came through the yard around the feet of the men,
who stamped and slashed on all sides, killing many and
hurting' more. The Indians especially were alarmed, and
ran out of their way when they could, in a manner that
caused great funll to their allies, the mock red men. One of
these huge savages, to show contempt for both rats and Indian
courage, paid for his temerity, when, seizing two of these
grey-bearded captains, they caught his fingers in their teeth
and made him "roar like Garret Abiel's black bull, Smut."
This little episode, which was causing such sport below,
had like to have seriously affected the females confined
above, through these frightened creatures seeking a refuge
among the rocks. Led on by two ancient patriarchs, they
were making their way to the crevices in the tace of the hill,
and had they found the first hole, no power could have hindered; but Rover, who from ohe of the loopholes saw the




172                TIlE DUTCH DOMINIE.
state of things,. had his nature roused, so that seeking a passage in the opposite side he came round to the front just in
time to seize the leaders by the neck, choking them, as the
main army dispersed in other directions.  After doing this,
the faithful creature went up and licked the hands of his
master, who had still a kind word for his friend.
The word "forward" was given, and when Teunis was
congratulating himself that Elsie and the rest were escaped,
he saw a close council held between the two Indians and
Clifford, who now made his appearance on the stage for the
first time. He was ashamed to be seen, yet he could not
trust his instruments of cruelty even with the great promise
of hire; and he durst not tell the Mohawk chief the real facts
of the case; so that with a guilty purpose in his mind, a mortified pride to contend against, and the fear of exposure, he
now became the most miserable and restless of all the creatures around him. Teunis saw with some uneasiness, that
while Clifford and Kiskataam marched in the rear, the other
Indian, Shandaagan, was left behind. No doubt as a spy upon
the burning homestead, in expectation that the members of
Martin's family would return, and discover their retreat.
The young man had great confidence in the sagacity of Elsie,
but how could she baffle the cunning of three such knaves?
-4- ~-o —
CHAPTER XV.
THE SPECTRAL LOOKING-GLASS.
"Thrat the dead are seen no more," said Imlac, "I will not undertake to maintain
against the concurrent and unvaried testimony of all ages. That it is doubted by single cavillers can very little weaken the general evidence; and some who deny it with
their tongues, confess it with their fears."-JouNsoa's RASSELAS.
MARTIN SCIHUYLER was marched to the same camp' where
his friend Abiel had been carried the previous night. Two
of the Consistory, the friends met each other with calm
faces, and a single sigh. They were pious men, and true
patriots; so they bore up, as became their character, and all
the more bravely in the presence of their sworn enemies,
who looked at them with that grim smile which tries to hide
the real feeling at the'root of the soul, when success renders
the position taken insecure, upon which victory has placed




THE SPECTRAL LOOKING-GLASS.            173
them. What was to be done with these men; and how were
they themselves to come out from behind the false faces
which they were wearing?  "' What if these two good men
ever returned; and was not the prospect after all, that the
Whigs would triumph in the end?"
In the meantime it was evident, from the preparations
making, that it was the intention of the leaders to remain
some time in this encampment; probably because all the captives expected, had not been brought in; or that some
word from  the general had not arrived. It was noon by
this time and the Indians were busy with their meal, which
chiefly consisted of venison brought with them, and parched
corn gathered from the fields, through which they had
passed, where it stood in stacks, ready for drawing in when
the men had leisure. Apples they had in abulndance, wild
plums and other natural fruit. These they shared freely
with their white companions, bond and free. Liquor there
was none, except the pure water brought in gourds and
skins from the little lakes close by.
It was one of these dull drizzling days so common in those
high regions, when the fog becomes so thick that it might
be cut. Nothing could be seen outside of the rock, and to
such as knew the depth of the gulf beneath, it was a frightful consideration, that the thick darkness hid thousands of
living s6uls, happy beneath such a heavy cloud. M loral reflections, however, were not the kind that were now passing
through the minds of the men surrounding the different
fires, kindled for cooking and for warmth. They who were
around the craclding branches were more like a hunting
party than persons engaged in the serious business of war.
Smoking, eating, singing, jesting and telling stories were all
going on together; and a fill report of their conversation,
with a picture of the different groups, would furnish amusement and instruction for a week. Ever and anon, as another
prisoner was brought in, it produced a buzz of excitement,
which rose into madness on the part of the one side, or sank the
other into bitterness and cursing. But, on the whole, there
was, at the end of an hour, quietness and resignation. B3randt
kept the wild Tories in restraint; and the calm example of
the two old nmen prevented any outbreak of anger from the
Whigs.  Ilartin Schuyler felt that he was one of the class
-whTo m I0ht expect the hardest treatment. Placed as he had
beeil,n the outskirts of a wide camp, his position required
the utmost vigilance; and in absence of othlers, he had fre



174'THE DUJTCI DOMINIE.
quently to take arbitrary measures, which brought on him
the whole responsibility. That he now ntmust bearl; nor were
his judges the most impartial of his fellow-men. He saw
around him in disguise imany who ha'd suffered in their faalilies, and otherwise, through the course be hadl himnself pursued; but the current of events had thrown thIe chances no-w
into their hands. HIe must submit. Mercy he did not expect. The way in which his property hadc been destroyedc
that morning before his eyes was only the glaring light
which sho~wed him the way to his own personal ruin. IHe
thought but little of himself; and gladly wouldcl he have
suffered all they could have inflicted upon him, were hle sure
now that Anshela and his daughter were in a safe place.
But how could that be, when so inany were hunting after
them; and those hunters so wily, and )practised in the craft?
" I have seen," he said to himself,' the deer hide away in
the thicket for a short time, while the dogs were in pursuit;
but the monment the man arrived, he sawv at a glance what
all the instinct of the combined pack could not discover."
As for Teunis, he wandered, like a spirit ill at ease, from
fire to fire, listening eagerly to all that was said, so that he
might use the information he received as a guide for future
movements. His intention was to get a quiet interview with
Martin, so that he might unfold his plan to him, and obtain
his counsel; but there were eyes constantly following hill.
Clifford and Kiskataamn were seated at different points keeping
watch; still Teunis was a privileged person, and they durst
not interfere with his liberty without revealing their own
secrets.  By and by the young man became, bolder, and
felt more independence, and finding himself, after some
manceuvering, by the side of his old friend, his first desire
was to possess the confidence of Martin.
"I hope," said Teunis, " that you do not think me capable
of doing you any injury, or that I had any hand in what
happened at Hoogenhuisen this morning.'"
"They say that a man is known by the comnpany le keeps,
Teunie, my lad. But you have your own reasons for being
there and here."'
This was said in a softer tone than the young  man expected, and gave him courage to proceed.
"That is true, my fiiend, and the time will come when
you will justify my conduct. Be quite sure that nothing in
the world can bring me to hurt a hair of your head, or " —---
His heart failed him to say the rest.




THE SPECTRAL LOOKING-GLASS.           175
" Or that of Elsie, you were going to say. I believe you.
She is worthy of all the blood you can shed on her behalf,
Teunis; and there is old Anshela, her mother, who never
shut the door upon a dog, and always left it open for you."
The old man's eyes swam with tears at this, and he turned
round, as if he wished to see how High Peak was appearing
at that moment.
"I swear to protect them," said the young man, in a
whisper.
"We are noticed," said the senior, and pointed with his
finger to an opening in the clouds, saying, ldud enough to be
heard, " The wind is changing-there is a change of fortune,
too, coming in good time.":But for the cool and more constrained manner of the old
man, Teunis, in- the inward delirium of his real joy, would
have given vent to some expression which might have caused
him trouble. There was nothing he would not have dared
to do at that moment in defence of Martin and of his family.
His course was fixed, and the only consideration with him now
was, "How shall I best reach the end I am seeking-show
my true colors, and deliver Martin's family?"  Honor and
love had overwhelmed the ideas of life and fortune, and he
could have faced a whole tribe of mock or real Indians to
battle, were Elsie the object contended for.
"' We are watched," said Martin. "Let us part for the
present, and come to me when a chance presents itself."
At this point in their conference, a movement was observed
among the different groups, as if some object of interest had
arisen.  Agreeably to Martin's prediction, the wind rose
from the north, lifting up the black cloud that had hung like
a heavy sheet behind them, and was rolling it up as a scroll
is wound around, so that the sun was visibly coming out in
a clear sky west of the mountain. On the fiat rock were all
the persons already known to us, evidently arrested by some
object of great interest. Brandt, Clifford, and the Elder
Abiel, stood together on the verge of the cliff. Martin and
Teunis came up close to them, so that they formed part of
the same half circle. When their attention became properly
fixed, Teunis saw, for the first time, what he had frequently
heard the old hunters tell of, the geest wolk Loaren-the
spirit of the mist-seen only at rare times in these regions.
So far as he could judge, there were huge masses of vapor
passing in different strata, some of which were denser than
others. That which was nearest to them at that moment




1T76              TIE DUTCH DOMINIE.
was thin and transparent, reflecting all the objects which
stood between it and the light thrown upon it by the clearer
sky behind. In reality, it was a moving mirror, that slowly
passed as a panorama is unreeled before a company of
spectators. There was this difference between nature and
art: the faces and forms of the persons looking on were the
figures in the picture before them, taken instantly and held
up to them. Every one saw himself distinctly, and his nearest neighbor only less vividly drawn. The whole was more
like an artist's dream  than a reality. It seemed as if they
could have walked out and touched the picture, till a moment's reflection made them sensible that the whole was but
a shadow. Teunis gazed first on his own outline, then on
the tall, straight form  of the Indian, who stood immovable.
Behind the group of which he was one himself, he saw those
who had lain down on the laurel bed, and beside them,
several starting up in evident alarm; others -were rushing
forward, with curious and hasty looks of wonder at the
strange sight; and round the place, where hemlock branches
had been woven into tents, some of the Indians could he
seen stooping like Arabs when an alarm  has been given,
caused by the mirage when it has lifted the forms of an enemy
above the level of their plains. Be assured there was not an
uninterested spectator on the rock, for so rare was the
sight, that scarcely one of the whole had seen the wonder
before, and those who had heard of it were more inclined
to regard it as tlhe vision of a frightened imagination than a
fact.
Even the educated Englishman, Clifford, though affecting
through philosophy a superiority, could not help showing an
intense eagerness to see all to the close. He had read of the
like phenomena among the Alpine heights, and had a way of
explaining these to his own mind; but all his soul, for the
present, was absorbed in the one sense-sight.' Indeed, all
were more eager to see than to speak, except one man, a
Scotch highlander among the loyalists, who, knowing of these
sights in his own country, was anxious to tell of the famous
spaeman of Ben Cruachan, who was the seventh son of a
seventh daughter in Lochabar, who saw in the mists of the
hills the warning to Lochiel. Donald was almost out of the
body as the cloud went on, carrying his own shadow wvith it.
He swore a highland oath that he would give the best bit of
tombacht in his spleuchan, for one word of Luath McGregor,
just to tell what was going to take place.




T'IIE SPECTRAL LOOKIING-GLASS.          177
" How the man wi the second sight would stan' up there
afore hersel' the big chief rtrandt, and show himn whare he
should be kilt. Grat satishfaction it would be to himsel'."
The Mohawk was deeply absorbed. The sight was new
even to himn; born and living miainly on the flats to the north.
He looked on with a solemnity which amounted to dread, as
if he had really reached the spirit land, of which the traditions of his fathers spoke.  His whole tribe present rose to
their full length, expecting to behold the figures come out
into actual substance. Not accustomed to see themselves
reflected from artificial mirrors, they were ignorant of their
own forms. Gradually, as they began to comprehend the
true nature of the appearance, their fear gave way to a
silent admiration.
The faculties of the whole assemblage were awakened
to the intensest eagerness; their apprehensions of things
rapid, and their decisions unhesitating. Every one had come
to some conclusion, and had felt sentiments in harmony with
his opinions.  One thing was evident-all were under an
undefined feeling of superstition, as if that before them was a
writing on the wall, like what the profane king saw, ominous
of his own doom. The sheet cloud went slowly by, figure
after figure melted into thin air; and it was affecting to hear
each one tell, after, of how he felt an internal shiver, as he
saw his own body dissolving, before his eyes, into nothing.
There was hot one present who would not willingly have
avoided the conclusions but his fate was irrevocable. Into
the dark gulf he must plunge and be lost-forever.
In a short time the whole east was covered with the same
black cloud as before, while the white, thin vapor, which had
served as the -reflector, was wheeled roetnd to the south, and
settled against the sides of the hill, which rises blufIly a few
hundred feet higher than Flat Rock. There again, it became a
new speculum, andc of a far different nature from what it was
when in its former place. Instead of each individual spectator seeing himself, he saw his nearest neighbor, to the right
of him. The fact had an influence upon the events of that
day in a striking manner. Fear and superstition had given
place to curiosity; and, as a natural consequence in men of
their order, chiefly gathered together through a spirit of adventure, frolic and fun began to show in their ftees.  One.
trifler, who had been the most cowardly of the crew, gave a
caper in the air, which threw others into the same absurd
attitudes, till a hundred more were seen dancing round, and
8*




1'78               THE DUTCH DOMIINIE.
hallooing like madmen.  Solemnly and silently the figures in
the cloud mocked the fools outside.*
Those nmen, however, with wIThom. Teunis had stood all
through, were not inclined to act in that pantomimie.  They
were either engaged studying- the reasons of those things
before them, or quietly observing the movements, and waiting for the lesson which nature was teaching.  Cliflord was
inclined to rally the two old Dutchmen upon their sober
visages; and was asking of them  how his own face appeared
under that veil, when, as if struck by an invisible hand on the
heart, his countenaqnlce assumed an appearance of such strange
fear,.that it was plain, even in the mist, that some awfiul
change had come over hina; and as he giasped the arm of
the Elder Abiel, it seemed more like that of a drowning man
than the grip of a brave soldier. Teunis, who saw that his
face had become purple, and his eyes fixed in their sockets,
came up hurriedly to his side to support him fiom falling, as
hevwas evidently staggered; when, beingo on the same line of
vision with Clifford, he chanced to look oibrl sward, and obtained
a glance of a figure he was sure he ha:ld seen before, and
which was evidcntly that on which the eyc of' Clifford was
fixed.  It came fiomn a higher point than that on which they
stood, and as if from  a tree near by, where a fice gazed
through upon them. The figure was as if a man stood up,
clothed in shaggy vapor, with a beard of enormous length;
and though the expression of the countenance could not be defined, the gestures were of a threatening aspect. Teunis, more
self-possessed, looked and saw the figure of the hermit whom
he had seen lately, gliding away to the side of the cliff, below
which he disappeared by some way known to himself. The
Englishman, recovering from his surlprise, shook off the firiendly
hand of Teunnis, asking roughly, why he held him so firmly.
"Kindness," wvas the reply, " makes no choice of its subjects vwhen they are falling throug'h fear."9
"Who is afraid, young man?" and the hand of Clifford
instinctively was at his side.  " You need support yourself,
and you dream that all must be like you."'I have no cause," said Tennis, "of being afraid of hinm.
He never had any hanrm fiom me in his life.' I have heard
that those who injured him have reason to tremble."
By this time the countenance of Clifford was literally livid
* The Fata Morgana, seen so remarkably on the Straits of Messina, has
been observed on the Catskills to perfection. The vision, as described
in the text, was seen from the balcony of the Mountain House in 1845.




THE SPECTRAL LOOKING-GLASS.           179
with anger or terror, or a mingling of these passions; and he
would doubtless have done something dreadful at that moment, had not his companions interfered, apologizing for the
young man's ignorance of manners.  The Miohawk put
his arm through that of the Englishman, while Martin said,
-in a whisper: " Hot blood. Let us away till it cool."
None seemed to know the cause of this strange movement;
and in the rapid current of things of a marvellous nature,
none inquired minutely into them. Teunis felt some desire
to know, and passing over the cliff at the same place he had
seen the hermit go, he pursued after him, in hope of getting
an explanation.
In the meantime, nothing was talked of but the remarkable vision. The company were calmed down to soberness,
for a short time at least. Clifford, who had really, from
some cause known to him'self, been the most startled, now
affected the utmost lightness of spirit, and seemed anxious to
turn the conversation away from himself. Hle avoided all
his companions for a time as carefully as he had been ready
to meet them before; ashamed of a passion he had indulged.in without cause, he became talkative, and even sprightly,
with all around, jesting the Indian upon his solemn looks, and
the old Elder about his religion. That worthy man, more
direct and simple than men of the world, traced all he saw to
the GREAT CAUSE least understood. One of the younger men
was explaining the wonder by his grandmother's lookingglass, that she brought with her from Holland.
"'  aybe," said Paulus Wynkoop.  "But how can twae
put together make dem shine?"
s" You saw yon black cloud," said Jack Adams, who had
taught school in the tow-n, and knew some things; " it was
not all dark. Behind, it was light; that was the quicksilver.
The other cloud was the glass, and our faces were reflected
from that surface."
"Well, what do you say, Jack, to the other, where we
could not see ourselves, but our neighbors?",
"That," said Adams, "beats me; for I declare I saw one
face that I have not seen here this day; and I never saw
such a shape before, so that I am guessing there was more
in that cloud than the Dominie could tell about. I wonder
what he would have said to all these things!"
" Oh," said Martin, who was near, "he would have told us
about the openbaring * and the shifting scenery Johannes
* Apo'alypse.




180'1'TIE DUTCH DOITINIIE.
saw, when looking-glasses, brighter and greater than all these,
revolved round th6 heavens.".
" And he would have told us," said the ElIder Abiel,
C" about the angel that sat upon the cloud with the sickle in
his hand; and the other angel that cried,'zend uwe sikkel en
— for the time is come.'  That was a warning of things
expected."  -
" Surely," said Clifford, -" old man, you do not call those
things miracles, since they can be all excellently well explained, without calling in the help of the Creator?"'
" Surely,"  said the Elder, "you would not take the
Almighty's works out of his own hand; and may he not be
showing us what is going to happen?"
" Oh, I suppose our red friend, the great MIohawk, saw the
sires of his people in that cloud, too, at their council fires.
Was my brother studying the work of the Great Spirit?
Were you not afraid lest you should see the ghost of your
father, chief?"
The chief was displeased, and merely grunted out, "Pale
face grow paler at the ghost of his father."
Clifford understood this to be a direct thrust at a tender
place he was doing his utmost to guard.  He attempted to
laugh it oft; by saying, " If our fathers be reduced to such
substances, it would be folly to entertain fear of them here,
or hereafter."
"' And you should honor your father's name, my good sir,
if you would be honored yourself; you obeyed him in the
flesh."' "And you would add,'Why not in the spirit?'"
"Yes; why not in the spirit?" were the Elder's words.
"'I am more afraid of spirit, than I am of flesh, though I
scorn to tremble, as I have seen some at their own shadow."
This last was said unwittingly, but it convinced Clifford
that.it was dangerous for him to continue the subject; and
seeing Kiskataam  standing aside by himself, he went on,
walking slowly toward him, as if at ease in mind, while he was
really eager to know fiom. him what had becoine of Teunis,
who was now missed from the rock; for agreeably to a plan
laid down, that young man was to be tracked in every place.
That prudent youth had proceeded on the trail of the
mysterious being, man, or shadow, whose spectre had produced the effect of terror on the hardened Clifford, and wras
soon out of sight.
The main body, waiting upon the will of their -leades,




THE SPECTRAL LOOKING-GLASS.           181
were disposed, after the excitement of the appearance inl the
cloud, to find employment according to their fancy, and
were watching the rolling up of the misty curtain that hung
over the land below. The outline of the hills beyond, became, every moment more visible, till at length the view,
long and sweeping, attracted every eye, as if in expectation
of some object new and interesting, when a cry, " Tte ship!
the ship!" rose with a shout.
It was the Vulture in search of more prey, and like a creature possessed of instinct, she was sailing up the river. She
was hailed by the spectators as if sent for their special amusement. There was one great drawback to their sympathy:
the ship was too far off to allow the movements of the
sailors to be seen, or the voices of the spectators to be heard.
There was real pantomime in the ship. She represelted the
crew. The movements she made was the speech, that was
interpreted freely.  Nor was there any difficulty in uuderstanding her language, when first a flash came out from her
side, then blue smoke, that curled upward, followed by a report that echoed among the hills.
"King George is speaking," cried out an excited Tory,
" and the Baron Livingstone must answer. I-Ia! ha! Brave
Whig, you are put to your trumps at last."
" I wonder," said Hank Van Schaik, "; if he has not some
of Captain Kidd's doubloons in his coffer yet. The Vulture
would take a mess and be gone."
" Shame. upon you, Van, for thinking the king's officers
would be bribed by that old pirate's gold."' Ho, ho! is that all you know of these things? Why,
that old pirate, as you call him, had a good deal of the witch
about him, and might throw dust in the eyes of a captain of
the royal navy. He never hid money but he killed a big
nigger beside it; and as they say-be hid a good sum in the
baron's house, who knows but an army of blacks may come
out to meet the marines, should they venture to go on shoi'e?"'
"Venture! I guess they'll venture; and the king's folk
will search that old house for his own. I suppose you know
that Queen Bess had an interest in Captain Kidd's venture;
but old Livingstone took her part and his own.'The king
will havd his own again.' That's the old song. See, there,
they have cast anchor, and a boat is lowering, as I am a
living man.  Now we shall see fun. I wish to goodness I
had wings; if I would not put my foot on that roof before
five minutes' were gone."




182               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
Clifford, who carried a small spyglass, lifted it to his eye,
and surveyed the vessel's outline and movements. He then
offered it to the MBohawk chief; whose vision was of that
nature which sees far off, so that he did not require aid; but
handing it to the Elder, he looked, and saw that something
fearful nwas about to take place. All waited anxiously; nor
had they long to wait. A little cloud was observed to rise
above the ancient mansion, that grew in size every moment,
till there rose a shout of fiendish joy from the enemies of the
Whiigs, that made the welkin ring above them. Tears and
curses, not loud but deep, came from the other side at the
destruction which was now going on.
The blaze soon ascended through the black smoke, till
there was nothing seen but one vast sheet of red flame, that
shot up into the sky like a great tongue, invoking the
vengeance of heaven upon the perpetrators of this deed,
The spectators had been so lately the actors and the sufferers in a similar transaction, it seemed but the continuance
of the day's work; more especially, when it was recollected
that the Schnylers and thooLivingstones were not only fellow
Whigs, but related in the same family ties to each-other.
The king's ship on water was only carrying out the acts of
the king's servants on land. Accordingly, the Tories danced
and screamed, at the sight, holding out their hands like
children when they seek to be warmed at the fire they have
kindled themselves.
The sad prisoners were reminded anew of their sorrows,
and of the losses which their friends were undergoing, and
were fain to be silent under the jibes and the reproaches
continually thrown out, while the fire blazed before their eyes.
"Let us be patient,.Martin,"  said the good Elder; "all
this will be explained by and by., You remember that the
silver must be put through the fire before it can be known as
the good and pure."
" If I only was sure that Anshela and Elsie were in a
good, sure place, my mind would be at ease," said the really
tried man.
" See," said the Elder Abiel, " there is Tennis Roe, and he
seems as if he had some message for you, as he is now signing to you, not to Ine.,"
It wvas so, and fortunate it was for them both that they
could hold a consultation unobserved. So eager were their
guards upon the sight before them, that they had nearly fior.
gotten the prisoners; and Teunis was so sensible of tlis, thlatt




THE SPECT'iAL LOOKING-GLASS.          183
he hinted to MlIartin thie possibility of escaping. But that
could not be after the word of honor he had passed on that
day to Brandt.
The eager young man urged this till Martin grew angry,
and told him that if he had no better comfort to give him
than that, he might go; all he asked was help for his family;
if he could in his conscience give it when an opportunity
occurred.
"I think it is possible," was the reply of the humbled
youth, " if you confide in lmy honor, and tell me where is
your Binenkamerin.1"
Iad Teunis struck the old man on the face, it would have
caused far less surprise than asking him where his secret chaimbers were; first that he should suspect their existence, and
next that he, the son of his enemy, should inquire after them.
But checking himself, he merely replied:
"' You demand what even my best friend, the Elder there,
would not venture to know about; and you will have to give
me very good reasons indeed, young man, be-fore I answer
your question now, though I be a prisoner of Blrandt and of
your king."
Teunis hung his head, knowing that he had so far forfeited
the confidence of Martin, by asking him to violate his word
of honor; but the case was too urgent to stop short at this
point. IH-e had, as we saw, followed the Hermit down the
face of the cliff, unobserved by any one, during the time all
wei'e attracted to the vision on the cloud; and being swift
of foot, he soon cqmae up with the mysterious man, who
seemed aware of being followed, and suddenly turning, he
demanded whyr Teunnis tracked his steps.
"Pardon me," said the youth; "' but you told me to come
and get some information of"" Oh, yes. You come now when you cannot help it. Like
all the selfish race of mankind; very complacent and yielding
when difficulty appears,"
"I ask pardon again," said Teunis; "I am now ready to
follow your directions. If you know anything about them,
relieve my suspense, and tell me what I should do; and your
will is my law in this matter."
"' Others as well as yourself, young man, are interested in
knowing these things. Remember that selfishness is the bane
of life. A well becomes foul when only one draws fronm it."
" And yet the spring at your cabin door is always clear,"
was the prompt reply of the young inquirer.




184 ~THI-E DUTCH DOMINIE.
" That is more than can be said of the spring in every heart,
young man; and if I may judge, yours is not entirely pure in
the matter nearest to it. Did you see those shadows in the
mist?"
" Yes, and your face more strikingly than the others. Tell
me why that Englishman trembled before it?"
" Ask things you have a right to inquire after, but pry not
into my secrets," was the fierce answer of the man. "Know
this, that conscience is a great revealer of truth; and that
villain thinks, though he affects to believe in nothing, that he
saw a real spectre. You will see. But your business is of
another nature than nmine."
" I am anxious," said Teunis humbly, "' to know where I
may find Elsie Schuyler and her present companion."
" You do well young man in putting them together; and
the object of your affections first. I do not find fault and I
will help you in this; seek out the place which the Dutch
people call their Binenkamerin."
Having said this, he turned and moved away at a rapid
pace, cutting off all further colloquy. Teunis was here
brought to a complete siand, for well as he knew all the
apartments of Hoogenhuisen, he was entirely ignorant of the
secret places about it: nor would he venture to guess, nor
even now to search after, lest he might reveal, what he knew
should only be known to the tried friends of the family. As
the surest and most effectual method, he resolved to find out
the hiding'-place from 3Martin himself; and we have seen the
first'reception he met with fromn that wolthy.
Teunis, however, had gone too far to be beaten back; so
he persevered in his inquiries, after relating' an account of the
interview he had just had down in the glen below. Martin
listened throughout with deep interest, becoming deeper every
moment; when at the conclusion,of the narrative he said:
6" It is true that that man has had a wonderful influence over
Elsie's mnind, for some time past. She has spent whole days
in his cabin, and if any one knows of our hiding-place, besides the Domlinie, out of the family, it is likely he does. I
will trust you, since the case is desperate."
"I will swear," said Teunis rising froml his seat with great
fervor.
"Swear not at all young man," said Martin.'I will
trust you without an oath. You will stand at the back door
of Hoogenhuisen-but awee! awee! there is no door there
now," and the old man's eyes swam in tears, as he seized




THE SPECTRAL LOOKING-GLASS.           185
the hand of Teunis. " You will stand where we met this
morning and look straight southward, and you see a threecornered stone, half standing against the face of the hill;
there seek, lift the loose stones at your feet, and you will
see the rest. Go off now, while all these men are so eagoer
upon their sport, and come back when you have good news
to tell; I will know when I see you here that all is well."
After a sufficient time to prevent suspicion, Teunis left,
going by the way of the cliff, where the main body were still
standing looking down upon the ship and the burning house,
just to show himself. Ie spoke to those he knew best, passing by Clifford near enough, to let him look in his face, which
seemed hollower than when he saw it last. He tried to get
a glimpse of KIiskataam, and his shadow Shandaagan, but
not seeing them, he felt the necessity of being on the lookout
for them all the way to Hoogenhuisen, to which he bent his
steps hastily, reaching it before dark. Flrlom the directions
he had received, he found no difficulty in entering the hidingplace. le made his way into the back chamber; where he
i'ound traces of recent habitation; blankets and quilts lay
around, in places which had served as beds; and there stood
three stones, which had been used as seats. Hie had hopes
now of finding the fugitives, so crawling through a subterranean passage, calling now upon Anshela, then upon Elsie,
in a loud whisper all the way, as he went, without obtaining
an anwer, he concluded that they had made their escape to
some other place of refuge: and as he could not discover any
signs of a struggle he had hopes of their entire safety.  In a
corner where some straggling rays of light came through a
chink in the rock, he discovered a Bible that he had given to
Elsie on her birth-day; opening it he found. a mark pointing
to a passage which he interpreted as a message to himself.
It ran thus: " Return, return, O Shulamite, tlat we may look
upon thee. What will you see in the Shulamnite? As it were
a company of two armies." The tear filled the eyes of the
reader, as he saw how anxiously he bad been waited for, and
how lately they had been there looking for him. As he sat
musing, and chiding himself without reason, wondering in
what way he could serve these distressed femnales, he became
sensible that some living thing was moving a'ound on the
outside. Rlising up quietly and cautiously, he mInade his wtay
to the nearest opening, listening anxiously till all was quiet,
when he sprang to his feet, standing on the rear of- the
place, and then took a fapid glance all round him in search of




186               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
some one. In a few minutes, to his horror, who should appear
but his hated enemy Kiskataam. They faced each other with
a meaning look, as if each said to the other: " I know your
business here."  Teunis, as the most excited, and the most
honest, was the first to speak.
"Why does the chieftain of the mountain hunt after a
muskrat so keenly. Has Brandt sent spies after his allies?
6Brandt's allies," said the red man sarcastically, " have
not two faces; one for the day and another for the night."'
"Then Kiskataam is not one of them, for he has game of
his own?"
Teunis put this in the interrogative key, striking the ear of
the wily chief so that it rung again, throwing him off his
guard. He intended to insinuate treachery on the part of
Tennis; and the insinuation was given back with interest.
Rallying himself he muttered:
"' The true dog may hunt after the false fox."
" Then Kiskataam is Brandt's dog. The chief of the mountains has fallen when he has come on the 3Mohawk's errand.
The fox can double a mean dlo."
This dialogue could not have been long continued without
producing results of a serious nature; and as the young
Boerman was well armed, and withal a powerful man, it
would not have been safe in the Indian to have struck a
blow then.  Nor would it have served his purpose.  A
quarrel at that moment would have put the man out of the
way who was evidently seeking after the same object with
himself.  A little patience and watchfulness, and Teunis
would discover the retreat of the women. The mortified
chief walked off crestfallen, having been caught in his own
trap at eavesdropping. Not far off, Teunis perceived that he
was joined by Shandaagan, and though going with their
backs toward him, they were doubtless in mind determined to
turn and dog his steps.  His own resolution was to keep
watch on this spot during the night at least, in case, any bf1
the fugitives should return. In the morning he would be
guided by the course of events.




QUEEIN OF THE MOUNTAIN.                18T
CHAPTER XVI.
QUEEN OF TI-IE MAOUNTAIN.
"Be thine own home, and in thyself dwell;
Palace anywhere;
And seeing the snail which everywhere doth roam,
Carrying his own house still, still is at home,
Follow (for he is easy paced) this snail,
Be thine own palace, or the world's thy jail.'
DONNE.
ELSIE and her fellow-prisoners had, in some measure, recovered from the shock caused by the late attack on J-oogenhuisen. It would be folly to deny that the brave girl felt moire than
gratitude toward Teunnis, for the defence he had made, and
her mind was wanclderin( in that direction, when in order to
compose herself she sat down with the Bible before her eyes,
while in heart she was desiring human as well as divine help.
RPead what part she pleased, some honw or other the song of
Solomon would turn up. And there she found and marked
that verse which Teunis afterward found and read.  On
looking up from the page a moment, she perceived Aliss Clinton all drawn up, as if something was pressing upon her
breast like a nig'htmare, which she was struggTling to resist.
She ran immediately to the lady's side, and saw the cause,
which had almost an equal influence upon herself. Shandaagan
was prowling around among the smoking ruins, with his face
turned toward the very spot where they were hidden. Her
first thought was to lift the long gun that lay loaded at her
side, and finish his career; but prudence as much as hunanity restrained her.  She, however, took a look around the
apartment, determined to resist his entrance should he come
to discover it.  Nearer and nearer he came, as if he was examnining every inch of ground, and the extraordinary instinct
of the Indian appeared now to have the power of leading him
in the very direction where they were sitting.  He seemed
more like a dog smelling the ground than a man scrutinizing
it by reasoning faculties.  He was within twenty yards of the
place where she sat, and was still approaching.  A thought
struck her; she began to hiss like a serpent, in a low, slow
manner, till she saw the attention of the Indian arrested,
when she changed her place, and continued hissing till it




188               THE DUTCIH DOMINIEN
became near a whistle. Rover, who was half sleeping, rose
suddenly at this, and was about to reply in his own style,
when his mistress seized him by the paws, preventing what
must have discovered the whole nest. But the hissing and
the under growl were sufficient to awaken new thoughts in
the mind of her pursuer, for after laying his ear to the
ground, he rose, going quite over the spot where they were
looking through at him; so close indeed that the toes of his
moccasins were. fixed in the holes of their cell, as lhe climbed
to the top. A new danger now appeared. He might discover the door in the rear. Giving the dog in charge of her
mother, and setting Miss Clinton to watch the road, putting
a large pistol in her hand, which made Margaret look for the
moment like a soldier's daughter, Elsie started for the back
part of their citadel, to look out. Her courage was now risnmg equal to the occasion. Taking her long gun with her,
she crawled through between the rocks, all the time feeling
quite certain that some one was walking above. She paused
that she might listen, scarcely breathing, lest she herself
should be heard, when, to still her greater alarm, Rover, who
had made his escape from the easier grip of Anshela, was whining low at her side, while the old woman, fully aware of the
crisis, had followed after him to resume her hold. She had
entered the narrow passage after her daughter, but being
neither so supple nor so slim, she stuck in that place like a
Dutch scow in a canal lock, and could not go forward nor
back.  Never was poor girl in a more puzzling plight.
Her mother and Rover, herself and JIMiss Clinton, alike the
objects of her solicitude, while the foe was now within earshot; she could, in her desperation, have gone out and faced
a score of savages; but, luckily for all, the mother gave herself a good pull and got back into the main apartment, where
Margaret met Elsie with the information that the Indian had
returned to the front and was calling out for Rover. The two
animals had, no doubt, recognized each other in their own
way; but the brave girl, taking some rope, put a muzzle
on the clog, and fastened him to a chest to a chest till the danger would
pass.
Their tormenter left their sight after a brief space, and the
three prisoners had now time to breathe and congratulate
themselves on their narrow escape. Mliss Clinton wept in
perfect joy, and would have been content to remain there for
a month. Not so Elsie, who saw that the danger was not
past. "H e will return," she said, " and solve this mystery.




QUEEN OF THE MOUNTAIN.              189
HIe will bring Kiskataam with him, and they will burn us out
if they cannot bring us to yield up."
"I will die first in this spot, and sell my life dear too," said
Margaret. "' I will prove to them how a soldier's daughter
can defend herself when it comes to a battle. I fear death
less than being in the hands of either Clifford or his deceitful
servant. Go, Elsie, and leave me here to do as I am determined."
Elsie, who under. the power of excitement was equal to any
crisis, was above feeling the burden of her responsibility and
musing upon what might be the best plan, suffered broken
sentences to escape from her, such as, " Why does he not
come?  Oh, for one word of that dark man in the hollow.
Let us watch."'" And pray," said the pious Angelica, who was rocking
herself backward and forward as if that motion was essential
to her thought and consciousness. What she had always
trusted to was still with her, but in this new condition her
mind had not yet obtained its balance.'Vy does niet de
Dominie come? hem ay kaam in distress. Myne vader ende
myne moeder hebben my verlaten; maar de iHeere zal my
aannemeer."'
" What does your good mother say, Elsie? tell me that I
may share in her comfort and support."
" She says that though my father and my mother forsake
me yet the Lord will take me up."
"' All true, as I can feel this moment. We have all three
but one Father now. But look, Elsie, here. WVhat is that I
see moving there on the other side of the glen? It looks
like some animal, but it has stood so still that I think it must
be but a stone."
The mountain lass fixed her eye on the place, and after a
few moment's examination she withdrew her eyes, with a shudder, merely saying: " More trouble. The master devil is
there himself, as I supposed."
"Kiskataam  it is," said Miss Clinton, hiding her eyes in
her hand, as she cried: "Oh, God help me; help us all in
this hour of sorrow.  Thou beholdest all things below.
Look down, we beseech thee, and hear us calling out of the
depth of misery, and out of the jaws of this death which is
now ready to swallow us up. Save us, 0 Lord, or else we
perish."
Elsie stood amazed at the utterance of this prayer, and
seemed to regard her friend as one inspired, while the old




190              THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
mother whispered to herself, " She prays g'oodens te Dominie."  All the three became more composed and determined.
Their enemy stood looking steadfastly toward them, as if he
could see through the rocks; or it might be that he was surveying the fortress, before making a grand attack. To the
left was the other fiend, who had, by appointment no doubt,
met his master, with whom he was in consultation. The prisoners could guess his report, and judged too, probably, what
would be their next move.
" They have sunk to the ground," said 1Margaret, " as if
shot by an arrow; so noiselessly they fall."
" Yes," was the response of her companion, "some one has
appeared. Now God grant it may not be Teunis at this
moment, or he is a lost man, and we lost with him. If they
do the deed, revenge is my word;" and she grasped the gun
firmly in her hand, as if the work was begun.
Sure enough, Teunis did arrive on the ground, and was
watched eagerly from behind the tree, by those snaky eyes,
that moved unknown to him.
" They will shoot him from behind," said Angelica. "Let
me cry to him."'" No, mammy. No, they are only wanting to see where
he goes. We must try and divert their eyes from him to
something else. We must leave. Oh, for half an hour. He
will come straight in here, and they will follow hard on his
heels. Let us leave, and we can watch them from another,
point to more advantage. Once get us here, pent up, and
they will soon have their whole pack upon us. Mammy, go
out first. It is life or death. I will wait here and watch till
you get through. Push these quilts and skins before you.
Who knows where our next bed may be.
Now, Martin had so fixed the back entrance after a fashion of his own. He was his own blacksmith, as he was his
own mason and carpenter. He had run two bolts, with
lead, into a large flat stone, which lodged into eyes that
were bored into the rock. There it hung, so that it might
be lifted up to the roof, and when let down it appeared in its
natural place. It was a portcullis of a rude kind, but fully
answering the purpose of shutting out all, except those who
knew the secret. Elsie remained behind as long as she could, in
hopes of getting one word from Teunis, and revealing to him
her purpose of retreating; but she plainly saw that the spies
were within hearing, and might succeed in preventing the
escape of all the four by some cunning manceuvre, since




QrEEN OF T-IE MOUNTAIN.               191
Teunis was entirely ignorant of their presence. The two
things she wished for most, and feared most, came at one
moment. To flee was her only alternative; while there was
yet hope. She let down the strong barricade, and lay behind
it, to see and hear. She dreaded blood being spilt; and by
the way of comforting herself, she shook a little dry powder
into the lock of the duck gun, putting the muzzle through a
hole prepared for such a purpose. Here she lay, and saw all
we have already described, until it grew quite dark, when
thinking on the possibility of being slurrounded before the
morning, she left, without accomplishing her desire of speaking one word to Teunis.
With great effort Angelica found her way into the open
air, where she soon revived sufficiently to lift a burden of
bedding.  MIiss Clinton took her part, and Elsie more than
would cover herself, and taking now the lead of the march in
deep darkness, toward what was then called the Dog Pool,
since named " THuE FAWN'S LEAP," they reached it without
any interruption, except the obstacles which a rocky path
ahlways presents to tender feet.
The morning found the outcasts in a dejected state of mind,
and with weary bodies. Had an enemy comle upon them,
he would have met with but a feeble resistance.  Elsie soon
perceived that this state of things would of itself soon destroy her hopes and the lives of her companions, so she set
herself to work cheering them, and turning their minds away
from  themselves and their troubles.  Kulowiunig the place
she had chosen, and now  somewhat acquainted with her
ward, she began a plan of interesting her mind, by exciting
her natural enthusiasmn for mountain scenery.  She had formerly been sheltered there during a dreadful storm of hail;
and afterward, during a hot day in July, hlad sat under the
rock that hung over the little fall.  It lies in a narrow
ravine, below the rocks where the Kauterskill conies down,
and falls over the shelf into a basin a hundred feet still lower
down. The whole is surrounded with trees and shlrubs commonl to the region, and forms an amphitheatre of wildness and
beauty seldom surpassed. It is not so capacious as the falils
lying immediately back of Pine Orchard, but it has poiets
of interest which surpass even that famous spot. IIere, in
the soft sand, which is as dry as sand can be out of the sun
and never sprinkledl with spray or rain, -was the bed of MIBiss
Clinton, and in which she slept that night more soundly than
she had frequently done in Shrewsbury Castle.




1-92              THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
Elsie had made her own bed near that of 3Miss Clinton,
but owing to the load of her responsibility, her sleep did not
come till far in the morning. When she awoke and looked
around, the first object that caught her eye was her mother,
sitting at a newly kindled fire, with her cutty pipe in her
mouth, seemingly taking as much comfort as she had seen
her enjoying between the jambs of Hoogenhuisen, looking on
the china pictures of Joseph and his brethren. The young
English girl lay upon a large black bearskin, covered with a
thick comforter, still asleep. "Let her lie still and sleep on;
who knows when she may have another chance?" And with
that she began to mLake her own simple toilet, with a
rock for her table and a small pool for a mirror. nMargaret
soon opened her eyes, in evident alarm at the scene, when
rising on her elbow, her eyes fixed on ~er protectress, she
soon regained her composure.  After this, she cast one
despairing look upward, uttering the name of God and
mother.
" Elsie, dear Elsie," said the fond girl, " it was long before
I could fall asleep, and yet I am more afraid now in the daylight than I was when I looked up on the stars, which seemed
to me like the eyes of angels looking down on me. HI-ave
you ever imagined those stars to be holy beings hovering over
us?"
" Yes, my dear lady, I have often heard that good angels
attend upon the good always; but our Dominie says a good
conscience is the best guardian angel, and the surest sleepingdrops in the apothecary's store; and that a star in the breast
gives more true light than all the millions in the sky. You
know that I myself love to watch the stars, and last night I
looked up so long, that I fell asleep dreaming that I heard
their feet marching over the pure pavement above my head."
" Your Dominie must be a poet, or else he has read a hook
called' The Mask of Comus,' which I feel suits my case too
well. A lady lost her way, as I have mine, but she felt as I
should feel, and as your minister tells you is best.
"'These.thoughts may startle well, but not astound
The virtuous mind, that ever walks attended
By a strong-sided champion, conscience.'
"Did you hear the stream, how it murmured around our
camp, and then roared off in the distance?  It put me in
mind of a crowded theatre, just before the curtain rises, when




QUEEN OF THE MOUNTAIN.              193
the shout of applause succeeds the appearance of the
*favorite actor. I lay listening till it seemed to soften down
into the low crooning sound of rlmy old Scdttish nurse, when
she used to sing me to sleep on her bosom. That put me in
mind of home, and I cried myself to sleep."
"Rise, my lady," said the kind listener, perceiving the
necessity of action, " and let me dress you. The cold air
must be kept away, and here is my mother's oak-leaved quilt,
which I will put around you as the Indian squaws do their
blankets." And with that Elise threw the coverlet over the
shoulders of the delicate damsel, on whom the air of heaven
had scarcely ever blown rudely before in all her life-time.
Her tall and graceful form was not hidden in the particolored
shawl, and when her present lady's maid took the handkerchief
which a Dutch skipper had brought from India as a present
to her grandmother, tying it round the waist of Margaret,
she appeared in full dress, smiling and wondering what her
"' London friends would say were she to walk in among them
in this mask, fresh from the mountains. Lady Grantham
would hold up her hands and declare that nothing could be
more distingue and picturesque." -
"Do you see how that stream  leaps down among the
rocks?" was the quiet question of her kind companion, all the
time anxious to divert the thoughts of the stranger from herself and from her home. " Did you ever see a lighter foot
than that is, trusting to the air so confidently?"'"No, never; and yet I have seen airy creatures who
seemed more the creations of fancy than of reality. But how
beautifully the whole stream loses itself in the haze, which
covers it like a veil thinner than the purest gossamer."
"' And there, again, lIiss Clinton, see how it trips. away
down yonder below, coming out of its misty curtains fresh
and fair, like a child running to its mother's arms."
This was unfortunate, though kindly intended and finely
said, for the poor exile, taking up the thought, ran off in a
rhapsody of affection.
" Ah, my dear Elsie, why have you touched on that string,
to remind me of my jo'yful days, sending me back here to
my sorrow? My mother is down there, just where that little
stream is going to embrace the river. Why might I not
follow its course and find her? Tell me, could I not go,
keeping by its side? Would not I come to the river with
it, and find my way to the vessel? I can imagine it waiting
for me at this moment."
0~




194               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.'" You would find the rocks too hard for your tender feet,
my dear lady," were the kind words of the good Angelica,' and the windings and falls are more than you dream of."
" Oh, there seems to be nothing direct in this world.
How crooked has been my way these few days past! Why
might I not take a winding course with that stream, and
come out in the end all well?"
" Straight roads are not always the best. Our Dominie
scolds the path-masters every summer, because they will go
over a hill when going round it would be easier for their
cattle. Ask my mother, and she will give you Scripture for
it.")
"' Yaw," said the experienced old lady. " See de kinderen
of Ishrael ta'en by vays after de cloudy pillar afore dey got
to KIaunaan.7"
"This stream we are now watching," interfered Elsie, "is
dealt kindly by, for it is let down step by step, and in a far,
roundabout way.  You saw the two ponds that we lay
beside yesterday-no, the day before, I forget myself. They
form the fountain-head. About two miles below, the waters
take a far higher leap thani they do here. The further down
it goes, the fall is less and less, till it becomes as smooth as
your cheek, and as quiet as your old nurse's voice when she
found you fairly asleep in your cradle."
"M' in vat de Dominie says about dat, Elsie?"'
" Oh, he says that his young folk go off like the Kauterskill up here, and end like the quiet Kaatskill, in their old age
joining the great river rolling into the sea."
"And is this the only stream  in these hills?" was the
inquiry of AMiss Clinton, who now began to forget herself
and her troubles.  "If it be a solitary thing, it is flar from
showing the signs of sadness."
"This is not the only stream of the mountains hereabout,"
was the answer of Elsie, "for there is another spring head
not far off from this, but the stream runs in the opposite
direction. My father followed that when he was young.
He says it follows the backbone of the mountain, going down
into old Schoharie, then through the Mohawk country, joining that river till it meets the Hudson, and mingles with
these very waters we are now  looking at, after all that
wandering life."
"What a history you are telling me!" said Margaret,
pleased with the fancy which rose in her mind. "How like
to some histories I could tell myself."




QUEEN OF THE MOUNTAIN.               195
"I remember what you told me when we hid ourselves
beside the little lakes, and I am almost sorry I spokejust
now; but the truth will come out, Mliss Clinton.'"
"1Thatt is true, and was no fault of your honest heart. Bertrami and I were born near to each other. He went off to
the sea when he was a boy, and we met again after the separation, on the Hudson, where these two streams you speak
of are mingling in one great river."
" Come and heve somet'ing to eat," was the call of the
careful mother; "leiv aff t'ese sorrowful tales, lookin' into te
vater, shedding saut tears."
Upon a flat stone standing on the shelving rock that hung
over the fall, were placed bread, boiled eggs, and dried
venison.  A  cow, which came from the herd, gave them
milk; the whole made an excellent breakfast, of which they
partook heartily and gratefully. The mountain air gave them
a keen appetite, and at the close of the meal, Elsie took her
two hands and lifted up a cup of water, of which she drank
herself; then offering as much to her companion, they were
ready for whatever might betide.
"' Come now," said the mountain lass, "andc I will lead
you to my favorite walk.3' And with their arms around each
other, they went up the side of the glen toward the north.
Turning around to her mother, Elsie said: "Mammy, the
wildcats mew if anything happens."
"Yaw! yaw!" said the careful dame; "wildcats plenty
all over. But I will mind.."
" Are there enemies near us that you leave the signal with
the sentinel?  I had almost believed the danger to be a11
below, in that hollow, mysterious place we were in yesterday."
"You are too well acquainted with the customs of war,
Mliss Clinton, not to know- that safety lies in constantly
watching. But let us not talk of danger till we see it face
to face. Let us walk; and please not to turn around till I
tell you, for I want to point to what I think is worth seeing."'
When they had advanced about half a mile above the fall,
Elsie called, "' Now turn and look.")
The sight was so overwhelming that Margaret was for a
few minutes in speechless rapture. High Peak, that majestic
pyramid, stood out in bold relief against the southern sky,
surrounded by numerous hills, great and  small, among
which he rose like a kinog attended by his suite, who looked
up to his crown with awe and delight. The October sun had
I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-1




196               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
spread a mysterious haze over the whole scene, which
expanded rather than hid its greatness.
"What do you see there?" said the truly proud mountain
damsel; proud of her own region.
"~ My head is dizzy. Let me alone till I get over my
bewilderment, and be able to comprehend what is before me.
Oh! what a stage is there for superior beings to descend
upon, and see the actions of puny mortals! Elsie, have you
ever known any one to ascend that height?"
" Oh, yes; I have been up there myself more than once.
But it helps to humble one. I never feel myself so small as
when I stand on that eminence, and think what a mote am I.
And yet," was the pious thought of the rural maid, " I have
felt my soul expanding above it all, when I knew that I was
an immortal creature, redeemed by the Son of God."
"' That is like mounting from the foot of Jacob's ladder
to the top of it at a bound. I am down at the bottom yet.
When I was in the city of Rome, they took me into the great
church there called St. Peters; and, Elsie, do you know that
when some one beside me said that he felt himself so small
that he could sink, I said, presumptuous thing that I was,'MIy heart swells so that I fill. all this house.' You must
have felt up there as I did in Rome."
"Four times a year, Miss Clinton, do I come up to this
place, and look up; in June, when everything is in the
greenest lustre; in August, when all is so rich and full; in
October, when those various colors are painted' by the hand
of nature, and again in winter.":" Now I find out the cause of my confusion, Elsie: that
wondrous variety of' colors. This is what is called the fall
and Indian summer, when the foliage changes. It is a new
thing to my English eyes."
"And have you no fall in England-no Indian summer
there?" said the amazed girl, who had less idea of the difference of climate than her travelled compatnion. "Then I do
not think so much of your great island after all. No fall! no
Indian summer! What have you?"
"England is always green like your June, Elsie; but what
would they give there for one glimpse of that mountain, clad
in trees to the very crown, and every one of these trees in
different colors, from the richest purple to the brightest
yellow, and the whole robe intermingled with pale and deep
green. But tell me, what is that shrub covering all the
ground so dark in the red."




QUEEN OF THE MOUNTAIN.               197
"We call that the laurel, which is spread all over the
mountains, as you see beneath our feet. But look, here is
my favorite flower at this time of the year, the sumach. Let
me put it into your hair, for a feather; and tell me if ever
the queen of England had one so rich?"
" Bring me other two, and I will show you the Prince of
Wales' feather. There now, a soldier of the forty-second
regiment would fight with more ardor for his native hills,
than he does even now, with the blood *cockade in his
bonnet. Oh, what a deep and pure scarlet! Never, never
would they believe me, were I to tell of it just as I see it in
your hands." *
It was in this manner that Elsie led the enthusiastic girl to
forget her troubles. Romantic in disposition, and full of life,
the picturesque in nature and in costume captivated her
ardent heart, so that she forgot everything for the pleasure
of the present moment, light as the bird that leaped from
branch to branch. It required only the tact of producing
new objects of attraction, and she would have remained for
days among these hills, and been happy, and have made others
happy also in return. Dressed as Elsie had adorned her in
the colors of nature, with her clear, intellectual countenance,
she moved with the air of a princess; and had a stranger
come suddenly upon them, she would have been chosen as the
genius of the region, attended by rustic wisdom in her homely
garb.
" I have been thinking," said the elated captive girl, "of
how happy you must be, when there is no trouble below, on
a day like this, and our friend Teunis with you. For I am
all the more happy in the company of those I love best; and
you are of the same mind too, I am sure."
"Yes, there are davs which we remember always, when we
were too full of happiness. The heart, like a cup full of joy,
surges over the brim, and we share it with others. I have
had my share at all seasons. This time of the year is always
the finest to me, though not the grandest."
"When do you call the mountain in its grandest array? I
cannot imagine anything beyond what I am looking at just
now. I have seen VIo1unt Blanc, but there was nothing on
it save the awful whiteness, which blinds and awes the
spirit."'" liss Clinton, to my mind the sublimest scene of these
* So the English considered Coles' Mountain scenery.




198               TII'E DUTCH DOMINIE.
hills is to be seen in the white winter.  The loneliness
pleases me so, that I feel a reverence for High Peak, which I
never feel at another season. All is then so still, that I can
hear my heart beating. It is only at rare times that its real
grandeur appears. One day, a few years ago, in January I
was here. There had been a thaw and a heavy rain for a
whole day, which beat upon the snow without melting it,
making it so hard that it could be trodden upon by the foot
without sinking. Tnoward midnight the wind came around
suddenly to the northwest, and blew one of the coldest blasts
I ever knew. The rain continued, but it froze as it fell, so
that not a tree, nor a twig nor a leaf but hung in icicles,
clear as the crystal I have seen on my uncle's table at Albany. As soon as my father rose, he said,' now is the time
for chasing that mischievous paivnter that has troubled the
sheep so long. He will sink in the crust. Let us after him
with our snow-shoes.' A  company was gathered, Teunis
among them. Sleds filled with skins, guns and victuals, and
warm hearts. We landed here when the sun was at the highest. I had come up so far, just to take my favorite look and
return; but of all the sights that mortal eye ever beheld, it
seems to me still that that must have surpassed them. The
mountain was one lump of glass, not a dark spot on the
whole. The trees all hung in crystals. The hard snow,
fiozen and glittering to the very top. It was one diamhond,
perfectly reflecting the different colors of the rainbow.
I looked, but my eyes filled so with tears, that I turned
away, for I was ashamed to be seen weeping at what no one
else seemed tb care to look at but myself."
" Did no one enjoy the vision but you??t seems to me
that I see it now as you describe it."
"Not one," said Elsie, "cared about it after a moment
was passed; one girl of my own age declared that she would
rather get a look at the big kitchen fire.  And a goodhearted girl she was for all that. We must not judge other
people by their taste in these things." 
" No, Elsie," said Miss Clinton, "for we find that true love
does not always unite itself with refined taste. I have knpwn
some of the most sentimental men and women in the world,
who would not sacrifice a single gratification for the good
of others. But I know others who can enjoy all the beautifuill in nature and art, and they would this day lay down
their life for me. Here I am cut off from all, and not a friend
but one."




QUEEN OF THE MOUNTAIN.              199
Elsie, with great art, turned her thoughts away from this
melancholy theme, by saying:
"Miss Clinton, stand out there, and let-me tell you what I
have been planning. The IHermit that you have heard me
speak of, told me about the Queen of May in England. I
have been thinking that the Queen of October would be the
most suitable for our country, and I would like to have you
as our model."'" Well, dressame up as you please; it will put off care for
the day, and give me something to tell when I return to
London-that is, if I ever return. I feel for a moment now
that I might act Lady Hope in the pageant."
"My dear lady, you must be my queen, since I have
elected you. Let me gather the leaves and the branches
while you will use your skill in putting them together,
agreeable to your own fancy. Here is a piece of stick which
will serve as the stalk for your sceptre. You must twine it
around with the things I shall bring to you, and there is a
needle and thread. Now, you are better off than Mother
Eve, the Queen of Eden."
"; You seem, my friend and maid of honor, as I shall call
you, to use great familiarity here, in putting a queen to
work. But since it must be so, let me try. Tell me who is
this strange man who has informed you of old country
customs so well.  Is he a real hermit, or only some mock
anchorite that affects these strange ways, for some good end,
or in some whim of his own? I should like to see a real
recluse.";" I cannot tell you much about him; at least, I dare not.
He has been in this region.for more than a year; he came
here, no one can tell where from; and as he knows so much
about the world, we think he must have been a great traveller. The common people say he is a spook; and the place
he has chosen for his retreat favors the notion, for from the
earliest time it has always been thought that some ghost of
an old countryman frequented that spot. Some say that
Hlendrick Hudson comes back every year to play at bowls, up
in these hills, in honor of his finding out our famous river;
others, that Captain Kidd, the great pirate, hid some chests
of gold there, and killed a big negro on the spot. One old
money-hunter, called Fred  lartin, told a terrible tale of
his going at midnight, and digging under a tree.  The
secret of his success lay in his not uttering a single word,
whatever he should see, and the whole efforts of the ghosts




200               TVE DUTCH DOMINIE.
lay in forcing him to speak. He dug on till the hour of
twelve, when round him rose the crowd of imps, led on by
the big, black negro. On Fred worked till out of breath, he
lay down on his back to rest; one more shovelful, and he
would be at the chest; but over him whirled a large round
rock, like a millstone, that rose and fell at a great rate,
wheeling all the time. Speak he would not, and speak they
were determined he should.  Down the stone again came,
till he thought it touched the hair of his head, vhen forgetting
himself, he cried,' Off; you black duivel.' The words no sooner
left his mouth than all was pitch dark, and he was left there
lying till the morning. He declares till this day, if he could
only have held his peace, he would have been rich enough
by this time. So superstitious are the people, that many of
them think that the hermit is either Hendrick Hudson, or
the' spook' that guards the money-chest of Captain Kidd.'"
"But whom does Elsie think he is? He must be some
one worth speaking of, when you are so interested in him."
" I dare not say all I think of him, my lady. IHe takes up
the most of his time in reading and writing; he knows all
that is going on, which makes me think he must be in cnbmmunication with strange things and persons.  He wanders
every day to the top of the mountain, and sometimes comes
this way, looking always as if he expected some one firom the
west. At such times he is fearful to look upon."
" You are not afraid of him yourself since you have heard
his account of the MIay Queen?"
" No, Miss Clinton; he is always calm and quiet when I am
near to him. He tells me of things he has seen and of some
things he has done. He has been in battles, by land and sea.
But hush! I am speaking too loud; I sometimes think he knows
my very thoughts. Hark! there is Rover's bark. Hush! there
is the wildcat's mew, as sure as I live. Quick! let us to the
bed of the stream. My mother is afraid, and is calling us."
Here the mewing became more distinct, to which Elsie
answered by putting her hand to her mouth, giving out a
sound which imitated a young kitten, eager to reach its
mother. Lowering her own head, she signed to her companion to follow her example as they ran towardl the fall,
wvhere Angelica was waiting for them in the intensest anxiety.
Rover stood trembling by her side; then running up to Elsie,
he cowered down as if he had been chastised; every now and
then giving forth a short, quick bark, more through terror
than eagerness to be sent out on a hunt.




QUEEN OF THIE MOUNTAIN.             201
"Some wild animal," was the ready explanation of the
experienced girl, who having been so often out with her
father, had seen the dog tremble before when through instinct
he perceived an enemy near. To this the mother assented,
when she listened and heard a howl so fierce and deep, that
it almost made her blood to freeze in her veins. All the four
stood gazing down.the ravine, every sense quickened to the
utmost; while as howl after howl came up, nearer every tinme,
they felt the chills of death coming over them. After a time,
it seemed as if the yells were changed in their depth, and
that some power stronger than the animal, whatever it was,
held it in check. This was confirmed by the increasing boldness of the dog, which was seen in his running as far as the
verge of the shelf, and even putting his paws forward on a
tree that grew near the edge, then coming back, as if he
wished to encourage his friends. The cause of this alarm
must be explained in the next book.








BOOK II.
THE
BURNING OF SOPUS
AND
THE IMMEDIATE CONSEQUENCES THEREOF.
208








BOOK II.
Oun History, to be understood, must be suspended until
we gather up the other events which had already taken
place within two days past, and to which some allusion has
been made; therefore, our attention is directed to the town
of Sopus.
This town now stands third in rank among the towns
of the Province of New York.  If the historian has aught
of a prophet's eye, he would say, from all that he sees around
Sopus-her rich and enterprising population, her fine situation-that he believes the time will arrive, when many a fair
daughter rising up around her will do her honor, for the service she has done as a mother town of the olden time.
Here dwell the various races, which when mixed, produce
men of energy and spirit. The blood of the lively Huguenot
mingles in the sluggish stream of the phlegmatic Hollander,
making her people prompt and untiring, and her magistracy
grave and dignified as those of old Amsterdam. She has
Urown, it is true somewhat proud of her size, more especially
since the stores for the northern army were placed with her
for safe keeping. At the time of our history two of the
most important conventions of the land were in session-no
less than the Provincial Congress, and the first Synod of tbh
a20




206               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
Protestant Reformed Dutch church of North America. No
marvel that Sopus in matronly pride had swelled her skirts
to a city size, demanding homage of her neighbors.
Alas! how true it is that a high look goeth before a fall.
How frequently do those very marks of honor attract the
eye of the enemy. The star upon the soldier's breast glitters,
so that the marksman obtains the more certain aim.




CHAPTER I.
THE ANTEDILUVIAN DEBATE CONTINUED.
" By ceaseless action all that is subsists;
Winds from all quarters agitate the air
And fit the liquid element for use,
Else noxious; oceans, rivers, lakes and streams,
All feel the freshening impulse, and are cleansed
By restless undulation; even the oak
Thrives by the rude concussion of the storm.
A NEW ENGLISH POET.
THE stranger calling himself Captain Whittesley was attracting notice, and yet no one knew  why, since he had
shTown his papers to be regular and his bearing to be dignified.  Elder Swart, however, had as yet no suspicion. Too
simple-minded, he believed all men to be as they seemed, yet
he could not help being surprised at the effect of Whittesley's eye on some of the Dominies, and while on the way
from the church to the court-house hall he said:
"So you know something about our Dominies? I supposed
you to be ignorant of all our regions, and of all our private
concerns on the west side of the North River.  Have you
been in Ulster before?"
Just at this moment Jan Freer stepped up to the captain;
standing in the path before him, with the evident intention
of speaking to him; but the effect of Whittesley's eye on the
spirit of the rough Dutchman, was like that of a man on an
inhabitant of the forest; he all but fell, and allowed the captain to pass; while recovering himself, he stared after Whittesley with mouth open and twisted legs, that showed the
uncertainty of their owner's intentions.  He was wakened out
of his confusion by a full chorus of laughter that came from
the loungers standing on the tavern stoop opposite, where,
through the force of habit, he turned to go.
"What's the matter with you Jan? that you gape so
after the Yankee stranger?  You seem  as if a witch had
scalded you."
"The devil it is, or else the spy is come back again." And




208              THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
so he went on to tell the same story of getting the " fifteen
shillings and sixpence," and of its being the dearest money
he ever earned. He only wished he could hear him say that
and count it out to him as before, and he could tell more
than any of them knew.
Thus the suspicion grew, and while no man would have
dared to put his thoughts into words, there were few who
did not feel strangely as this man passed by them even on
the other side.  By this time it was known that he had
broken up the Classis in some way, and all felt curious to
know if he was about to do tle same to the Congress. Still
Elder Swart, who had taken Captain Whittesley under his
care, had no such suspicion in his mind.
Congress was met, and had'already pr6ceeded to business.
They were a set of grave and able men, composed of the best
and the wisest of. our State, and of whom any State might
well be'proud. Philip Van Cortlandt sat as President, while
round a plain deal table, covered with books and papers, sat
the Roosevelts, the Dunscombes, and the Morris's of New
York city; Cantine and Rhea of Ulster, with a host of men,
such as Adgate and L'Hommedieu, Brasher and Van Zandt,
and Wisner of Orange.
The point before the Congress was one that had been
discussed warmly on the preceding day, and would have
passed but for one of those artful manceuvres which public bodies see played before them, without the possibility
of hindrance. The freedom of all the slaves of the State was
seriously demanded, and even earnestly prayed for by many.
All the members from the city were in favor it, though it
cannot be said of them that their voices were raised through
an extra share of humanity, but because, having none or few
of their own, it would be no great loss to them; while the
members in the country, being sadly pressed for military duty,
required their blacks to remain and work for them at home.
That kind-hearted man from Suffolk, L'Hommedieu-, produced
his motion, which had lain on the table for weeks, and
would have been acted on before, had not that cautious man
from Ulster, Adam De Witt, seen that let but one member
be wanting, no quorumn would be left, so he slipped out of
doors, and the motion fell to the ground for that day.
The other side were now in full force, though not over
strong, and their orator was in the depth of his argument, as
the two men we have spoken of entered. It seemed to Elder
Swart as if two or more of the leaders gave a suldden start




THE ANTEDILUVIAN DEBATE CONTINUED.         209
as they caught a glimpse of his companion's countenance.
The orator on his legs evidently felt something like a cold
chill running down his spine, for he faltered in the midst of
his sentence; and after reading a resolution against the " expedieney of any measure which would liberate the slaves at
the present time," sat down confused.
At the close of this act, one member rose in great fervor,
arguing the humanity and the justice of a measure which
would "' set all free, since all were alike entitled to liberty;
and what more fit and proper time than the present day,
when struggling for it ourselves?"
The answer to this was plain, and regarded by the other
side as complete. " Let the negroes know as well how to use
their freedom as we do ours, and then shall they have their
rights. But what do we hear from all the counties but the
rumor of uprisings, under the impression that the day that
bondage is past, the property of their masters must be
divided; for how else can they be kept from starvation and
misery, unless we preserve them in life as we are doing today?"'And have not we heard," says another, "of the bounty
which the king offers for the thumb of every iDutchman,
brought to the sheriff by a black, if he can prove it to have
been that of his master, and he a Whig?"
While these cross-firings were going on, Elder Swart
observed that his new-made acquaintance was exchanging
signs and motions with persons present, such as he had seen
among members of the Masonic order, which excited his
attention so much, that he resolved to watch more closely;
for though he was but a blunt-looking man, the times had
developed his perceptive powers so fully, that somnolence
was no part of his real character, however it might appear. At the very moment his consciousness was awakened,
Governor Clinton entered the hall, walking right into the
centre, exchanging a few courtesies as he passed the different
chairs. Sitting down immediately opposite our two acquaintances, he lifted his eyes in a state of abstraction, as if intending to listen, not to see; but the instant he fastened his sight
on the man called Whittesley, it seemed as if a snake had
fascinated him. Nor did the other shrink from the scrutiny.
It was plain that the governor had the least power of eye:
for, as if by impulse, he stooped forward to the ear of Swart's
acquaintance, whispering: " Let us leave the hall for a moment."




210              THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
" No need of that," said the man addressed, who sat in the
most imperturbable coolness, while the governor shook with
a visible tremor, like what an animal shows when something
alarms it, though it may not move.
"' How far are they from us?" was the anxious inquiry of
the governor.
" At the elbow below," was all that the other said; and it
seemed as if his lips did not move as he spoke.
"Who are on board, and for what do they come?" said
tke state officer, quickly, " and what is the errand that brings
them?"
"What he wrote to you concerning, brings himself, for he
would trust no one else; and the love of adventure induced
- --- to steal on board, as she threatened in her letter to
your lady."
" My God," said the distressed governor, " what shall I
do? I could shoot him, after despising his bribe; but what
shall I do with that romantic fool! How shall I dispose of
her!"
"' She is already disposed of," was the cool answer.
"God be praised," broke in the governor again.'I can
turn him, off, but she would wile the partridge from the
hawk; and were she to come here, as she threatened last
sumumer, it would ruin me with my enemies; and yet I would
sooner die than see a hair of her head hurt. Where is she
gone? You say she is disposed of."')
" Stolen, and taken to the mountains,"' was the answer
that came from the strange man; for no one, looking at him,
could see that he spoke, unless they narrdwly watched his
mouth.
" Stolen, and taken to the mountains!  Stolen* and
taken to the mountains! Gracious heavens! what do you
mean? How do you know? Where have you been wandering?"
" Silence, your excellency. You are observed.  Carry
that to the president, and sit down in your own place."
The governor did as he was told, when very soon the president rose and said:
"Gentlemen of the Congress, we have other duties before
us than that which nolw takes up your attention. This nmiSsive informs me that the ship Vulture, under the command
of Gen. Vaughan, may be expected to put a body of troops
on shore, somewhere at the mouth of the Roundout for the
purpose of destroying the stores in this place, and dispersing




THE ANTEDILUVIAN DEBATE CONTINUED.        211
this convention of the free State of New York. What is
your pleasure in the premises?"
The commotion which arose after this announcement soon
gave place to a vigorous debate concerning the duty of the
Congress remaining in session till driven from the hall at the
point of the bayonet.
" Rlemain, surely let us remain in the place where our fellow-citizens have put us. It is for us, as the heads of the
people, to stand firm and show ourselves to be men of nerve.
Our blood may be the shower that will water the root of the
tree of liberty, and the pears it will bear in the future years
of the country's history will be richer, in flavor and more
nourishing than the tree of England, with even Lord Chatham in the topmnbst branch."
This was said by Colonel Pierre Van Cortlandt, who was
furious in his courage, and seemed to have in his mind more
than he chose to utter. The next who succeeded him was
less restrained, pointing evidently at the governor, casting
glances all the time at that side of the house where Elder
Sw/art and Captain Whittesley were sitting.
" Fight! Yes, let us fight," said Judge Cantine, who hacd
his own reason for being envious of the position which Clinton, the son of an Irishman, occupied over him, a native
Dutchman; "there is sometimes good reasons for mlaking a
man's cousin a general and another a governor. There is
much in a name. Putting such power into the hands of men
near of kin with the enemies of our country; more by reason
that cases of Madeira can find their way before kindly offers
of services are sent. Fight! yes rather lose our lives here
than our heads on the scaffold."
The governor, who heard all this and understood the
meaning of the insinuation, was waiting to meet these secret
thrusts by something that might tell more forcibly than
words; but the president, who perceived the storm that was
brewing, reminded the members that they had turned aside
from  the question before them into undignified personalities.
"  We have other work upon our hands this day," said he
with great dignity, i" than to fall below ourselves, by throwing out dark insinuations; which must tend to divide us,
when we ought to show an undivided front to the enemy.
You men of classical lore, can tell who it was among the
ancients, who finding a spy in his camp sent him back to his
master, after showing him all his strength, so that a good




212                THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
report might be rendered. How do you mean to meet the
enemy, should he be rash enough to land his forces on the
river bank?"
The business of the Congress was becoming so confused
toward the close of the President's short speech, that his advice all but fell unheeded upon ears listening to private
words. It was more of a mob debate than that of sober
statesmen. Those persons against whom the insinuations
were aimed, were hotly engaged with their assailants; and
among them Governor Clinton was the hottest. His
Milesian blood was up, and would have boiled over had not
Judge Cantine met. him as a man shaped out of Holland
clay may be supposed to receive the knuckles of an Irishman in a fury. How far the fray might have been carried,
history does not tell, but for the booming of a cannon from
the river side which informed the debaters that a common
enemy was at hand, which demanded both property and person. Here a calm and dignified member stood up, to whom all
gave heed the moment he opened his lips:
"President and Gentlemen: We are on the eve of another
struggle; and though it may sound strangely in your ears,
I rejoice at the prospect of blood being shed, and of fire
being kindled. You will agree with me when I read to you
what has been sent hither by a trusty and careful friend in
New York, written to me in cipher, with which you must be
satisfied through my interpretation.
"To THE HON. MORRIS:
"The messenger who gives this into your hand will explain it
fully. Vaughan goes in charge of an expedition to Albany, to fight as he
loves to fight. Sir Henry goes to bribe his cousin: Vaughan swears he
will burn the spot of blood out, if there be any cousin in this colony of
rebels."
With this the hitherto silent member sat down; while a
second cannon boomed thr,ough the air, which by this time
was becomimg so filled with voices out of doors, that little
could have been heard within, however inclined any one
might be for speech making. Besides, the constant going in
and coming out prevented the desire which the eager men
had of rising up against the treason they imagined they saw
in all from whom they differed. Another report, and they
separated in hot haste, for now they knew that the danger
was imminent. Since Vaughan and his soldiers were near
there was no time to lose.




LOVE STRONGER THAN DEATH.              213
In the meantime all the suspecting members had their eye
on Whittesley. Orders had been privately issued to watch
all the roads out of Sopus, and stop every one that might be
seen escaping from observation, and bring them before the
commanding officer, Colonel Hausbrouck, who, being a true
Dutchman, was loyal to that interest. But in the midst of
the personal commotion; some say of the fright, which the
approach of Vaughan occasioned in the Congress, Whittesley
found his way out; nor was it observed, till Elder Swart
started up from off his seat, asking where the Yankee captain had gone.
On the road to Plattekill, riding at full speed, a single
horseman was seen toward the dusk of the evening, but the
folks of!.Sopus had business of their own on hand; and the
strange captain was not thought of more that day, though
Jan Freer maintained till he died, that it was the same man
who had hired him in the night; and gave him fifteen shillings and saxpence for a sail.
CHAPTER II.
LOVE  STRONGER  THAN  DEATH.
" The rabbins write when any Jew
Did make to God or man a vow,
Which afterward he found untoward
Or stubborn to be kept, or too hard,
Any three other Jews of th' nation
Might free him from his obligation."
HUDIBRAS.
His majesty's ship, the Vulture-well named-was making
slow progress up the Hudson River on a special expedition
on behalf of the northern army. General Vaughan held a
carte blanche, on which he might inscribe what he saw fit,
-provided that the general cause was advanced.
As this voyage was regarded in New York in the light of
a pleasure trip for sport, more than as an expedition of a warlike character, there were numbers who sued for permission
to join it, so that they might witness with their own eyes
those romantic scenes spoken of and sung since the days of
Raleigh. They longed to visit those grand old woods where
the wild beasts lay, still undisturbed; and the red man, that




214               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
western Greek of lofty sentiment and of heroic deeds, so
captivating to the youthful mind.  All such persons as were
sick of the worn-oult forms of European society dlesired this
fiesh and new world. In this way the enthusiastic and loyal
soughlt the opportunity of a pleasure sail on board of this
powerful ship.
Sir Henry Clinton either sought or demanded a small cabin
for himself and ftmily on this occasion. He held also a carte
bltanche of another character. He deemed that he himself
was the sole keeper of his majesty's private seal; but a bird
hi the air will chirp into the ear of, an envious or ambitious
man, and Vaughan would play second to no one.  The king
had many friends who dwelt far inland. MIessages inust be
borne thither for their encouragement. Gifts from the crown
were to be scattered liberally. Every man must have his
price paid to him. Before tihat could be counted out the
man must be known.  George Clinton, governor of this new
State, was' well known to be related to Sir ITenry, and the
rebel might be bougllt, could the colonist be seen by himself.
All efforts had hitherto failed, though friendly exchanges of
word and deed had passed between them, such as gentlemen,
possessed of self-respect, always show even in timles of war.
Frequently, in a jocular vein, the knight had threatened to
pay the governor a flying visit, just to seewvhether his good
blood had all oozed out or not; while the colonist, with equal
good humor, replied that Sir Henry would find that he had
plenty of "blood left to show all his uajesty's servants that
he was still a man, though he had become a rebel."
These fiiendly banterings were accompanied, at times, by
substantial presents and tokens of good will, in the shape of
Cheshire cheeses, Burgundy and Port, landed from  New
York by some skiff that ran in under cover.of Fort Washington, where General Clinton, the rebel, kept his majesty's
forces at bay. These unloadings of good cheer were suffered
to pass unmolested, the carrier being none the wiser. Sly
surmises would occasionally be muttered, but with the exception of some envious Dutchmnan, who found fault with this
sucldden promotion of the Clintons, all was quiet. The Mrs.
Clinton of the country, sending one time to her ladyship of
the city a firkin of her own butter from the cow, with a po1t
of apple butter friom the orchard, wrote it would help 3Miss
Margaret's dry bread to slip down easier.
These several acts made Sir Henry come to the conclusion,
in his own mind, that perhaps his cousin George might be




LOVE STRONGER THAN DEATH.             215
won over to the right side. Could he but have a chance of
seeing him incog., whoocould tell what the result would be?
There had lately arrived a full pardon for all past offences,
and full power was held by himself to advance the colonists
who might be worth advancing, to any station. This George
Clinton was one of those very men, and, to tell the truth,
the worthy knight was so proud of him that he declared
boldly, had he been anything else than what he was, a true
rebel, he would have despised him as unworthy the name he
bore, and say he was no cousin of his.
These explanations are needed to account for the presence
of those persons whom we find on board of the Vulture sloop
of war. In the cabin were seated a deeply interested company, whose countenances denoted an ag6ny of mind and a
tenderness of feeling which were in singular contrast to the
objects presented on board of a war vessel. The-machinery
of death is hardly the place for those of a tearful cast; and
yet the lion and the lamb are never seen to lie down together
in any place so generally as where the soldier makes it his
horne. A sense of duty will triumph over the feelings of
humanity, so as to look on death and rapine without renzorse.
The main person in this group was a man over fifty years
of age, of deeply-lined countenance, showing determination
and firmness of purpose, though at the time we refer to, his
lips betrayed the yielding of the soldier to the nature of the
man. The quiverings of those lips were the only signs seen
of what was moving the strings of his heart. Something
more than great public events was the cause of that restlessness, and the fiery glances which shot forth from beneath his
bushy eyebrows showed that a crisis of some kind was near
at hand. Pacing the cabin floor with uneven steps, when
his back was turned he could be seen brushing away the tear,
lest his weakness should be betrayed to his friends; though
even with his face averted, his frame told the careful observer
that deep passion was working within.
A lady, soniewhat younger than he, but past the flower
of beauty, sat in a richly ornamented chair, in a still
more dejected state of mind than her lord.  Her hair,
brushed back and raised upon a frame of wire beneath,
according to the fashion of our times, showed a brow of more
masculine form than one loves to look at in a woman dwelling
at home. Not a wrinkle showed her former griefs, if she
ever had any, and all lines of care were alike absent friom her




216               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
whole face. She had seen only the sunshine of' life; at least
no cloud had rested long enough to leave its shadow. A
dress of fawn-colored velvet hung loosely upon her body,
clasped at the neck by a brilliant diamond, which corresponded to some smaller gems of the same water in her hair.
The robe was no stinted pattern, as the amplitude of its
folds showed, even when she sat; but when she rose, the
long train, which she managed so gracefully, indicated that
she had moved in a wider saloon than the narrow compass
to which she was now confined. Not so careful to restrain
her tears as her partner in grief, she was still far from showing a vulgar sorrow. Rising in one of her ecstasies, she took
hold of the gentleman's arm, and in the most beseeching and
touching manner embraced him before she said:
"Henry! my dear Clinton, let the young men have leave
to go in search of our beloved child! Let them go but for one
day. Alas, it may be too late already. Oh, my dear daughter! where are you at this moment? in the hands of that
cruel monster! I entreat you as a wife, a mother, your own
wife, to yield and suffer them-one of them, if not both-to
make the effort. You will reproach yourself forever afterward unless you give your consent now.
Sir Henry Clinton, for it was none else than that brave
man, who, for reasons of his own was here a passenger on
board the Vulture, allowed his lady to vent her grief and her
desire in words before he attempted to speak; then turning
around and looking calmly but decidedly into her face, he
said:
" Georgiana, you must not ask what it is impossible to
grant. We are but a few miles from that rebel's nest, and
Vaughan has resolved to burn them out, and how can he
spare two of his chief officers, when so much depends on
suddenness and promptitude? Do not urge it at this critical
moment. Duty is above all other considerations."
"Oh, my child! my child! and must I sacrifice thee at
the shrine of duty?  Oh, surely the God who gave thee to
us would look down with leniency upon a neglect -that would
save life and restore thee. Would that I could as easily
fall before my sovereign at this moment-as easily as I can
before my God, and my husband, and I am sure that the
parental feeling of the good king would yield at once, and
save even a whole city willingly, though they be rebels, for
the sake of saving that dear girl,that he put his hand upon
and said,'bless thee, child, for as thou art beautiful now,




LOVE STRONGER THAN DEATH.             217
what wilt thou be in womanhood?' Could he but see her,
and hear me! Oh, Clinton, yield, yield as you love me, and
would save yourself fiom bitter days!"
"Duty, dluty,") was the only answer the agitated father
gave, as he kindly led the'fainting lady to her seat, and
turned away toward the cabin door, which opened at that
moment, when there entered two young men dressed in the
different uniforms of the army and of the navy, to which they
severally belonged. They were about the same age, and of
the true English build of body; firm, stout, and yet lithe of
limb; full of animal energy and of great moral force. Though
evidently proud of their station, and ready to do bhttle in
behalf of their kiig, they were for the moment under the
same spell that held Sir Henry and his lady; one of the two
bore the family contour of face, and was recognized at once
as a son; while the other, of cdrker hue, and more athletic
form  even than his companion, unmistakably belonged to
some branch of the Clintons, of which there are many.
The one ran to his mother, who folded him in her arms, and
sobbing out, said: " Spare me, 0 God, one child, since the
otler has gone. Thy ways are mysterious. The one that
was truly the fawn for gentleness and grace, has fallen into
the jaws of the wolf; and the other, exposed to every danger,
is here. How long, thou knowest, 0 God!  0 my God!"
The son was silent on her bosom, but his eyelids swam in
moisture, as he was whispering some words in the ear of the
broken-hearted mother, who seemed to give little heed for
some minutes, till by and by she caught his meaning, whatever that was, and became as still as a child asleep, evidently
deeply absorbed in what he was communicating. He rose
up kissing, her cheek, which she returned with such transport,
that it appeared more like a farewell embrace than a simple
adieu.  There were intelligent glances passing between
mother and son, which a watchful observer would have
understood to mean a mutual understanding as they parted.
In the meantime, the companion of young Clinton, who
had just entered, was entreating his uncle to take the responsibility of allowing him to leave immediately on the search
after the captive lady, whom we may guess to be none else
than Miss MIargaret Clinton, the present ward of our young
Dutch maiden, Elsie Schuyler of Hoogenhuisen. The knight
was invulnerable to all entreaty, and even angry at the
urgency of the youth; though no doubt his anger was put on
to save himself from an open outburst of feeling.
10




218               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
" Urge me no more, Bertram, as you love me and would
serve your king. It would ill become even me, though I had
the power, to release you from the duty just now before you,
since it is mine to encourage merit and bravery, rather than
to screen a coward."'
"Uncle! Sir Henry, what do you mean?"' said the fiery
youth, at the sound of the word coward, almost forgetting
the distance between himself and the party addressed.
" I mean," said the knight, "' that my nephew's name must
never be associated with that of coward, even by the breath
of suspicion, to which it would be certainly liable if he should
be allowed to have his own way."
"God knows, and Sir Henry knows, that the dangers I
would encounter are tenfold more than those I would avoid,
and most willingly would we encounter both were time not
so precious; another day, and my d". He was going to
say my dear largaret, but checked himself by saying,
" cousin will be on the road to the valley of Ske-nuda-wa on
the Susquehanna, where that villain Kiskataam said his wigwam was still standing. Could I get within pistol-shot of him
that serpent eye of his would not fascinate another bird
from its twig, and that smooth, wily tongue would not tell
another Indian lie in the shape of a tale."
Silence prevailed in that small circle for some minutes,
and when it was broken, it was by the chief in self-reproaches
at his own former laxity of duty.
"If I had but refused that bewitching child her request, of
coming up this cursed fine river with us, there would have
been no trouble; but her voice has always been law to me on
all things where her love of nature and of the romantic are
so perfect. Her raptures as she surveyed this new country
and this river, that I hate to look at now, always charmed
me and made herself more beautiful; and by these very
means I have lost her altogether. I should have resisted her
to the last, and I am justly punished for my tenderness."'Clinton! Clinton!" said the lady, "' do not blame yourself nor the dear child, for the fault lies with me. I begged
on her behalf that she might see the dominions of those
Indian. kings that she admired; and that false-tongued
serpent told her so much of those mountains which we
now see in bold outline, that her imagination became fired
at the prospect, so that I really thought at the time, her
brain might become fevered, unless she were gratified with
the sight of them. That brilliant iancy has always been




LOVE STRONGER THAN DEATH.             219
to her a source of exquisite pleasure and pain.  7 Now I fear
that her death must follow. Ah, poor child! how I loved to
hear thee tell us of Switzerland, and of Scotland, and wish
that you could only see from the top of some high mountain
on the vale of the Hudson. Thou wilt look down, but it will
be as the poor fawn which is caught in the claws of the
eagle for prey, and taken to the cliff overhanging the gulf;
either to be devoured or dashed to pieces."
These lamentations from both the parents were more in
the form of a soliloquy than as addresed to others, for they
were all disinclined to hold conversation upon the subject;
and yet it was necessary that some counsel should be had
concerning future operations, after the attack should be
passed, which had been alleady determined upon. Sir Henry
was willing to hear propositions in prospect, but would not
venture anything at the present moment. He rather wished
to give the license, but after what he had said of duty, would
not propose it.
"I never could bear the hateful savage," said the knight,
with great bitterness; "and had my counsel been followed,
he would  have been dismissed firom  the service long
since. He always quailed iunder my eye since I ordered him
to leave head-quarters, where he was found in too close proximlity for any one but a friend, or a spy. I believed him to
be the man who carried the report of our planned attack upon
Fort Washington.9
" Yes, your Excellency," said Bertram, " it was your dislike to him that kindled his revenge, so that he has nursed
it ever since his last journey to the north and west, and he
found the chance too easily when he obtained the help and
the countenance of another."
"Of another!" all exclaimed at the same momrent. "Who
else, and why should any one have any design upon such a
pure being as Margaret?"9
" It may not be known to you," continued Bertram,," that
my cousin was urgently pressed to receive the addresses of
Colonel Clifford, previous to that unhappy affair between
him and his friend C,- which led first to the separation of
him from  his young and beautiful wife, and then to her
death, when C!   - vowed eternal revenge, which made you,
Sir Henry, deem it best to send Clifford to the north, under
the command of Burgoyne, who gave bin the charge of Fort
Niagara. I go over these Apoints for the purpose of lmaking
out what we used to call a hypothesis."'




220               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
"Well, Bertram, you are very long in coming to the
point; please reach your conclusion as quickly as possible.')' Kiskataam incidentally mentioned the name of Clifford,
as an officer he had seen, and when I innocently asked the
Indian if he knew  the commander of Fort Niagara, he
hesitated to answer, and then waived the reply, which I could
not account for in any other away than by his being under the
pay of Clifford, and he has come on here at this time, both to
gratify his revenge against Sir Henry and to do the wicked
work of his master."
"But Clifford," said Lady Clinton, " would not dare to
return to society again. He knows that the king would
never allow a man so lost to honor to see his face in the
army, or his name upon the list."
"My dear aunt," said Bertram, " men under the power
of a fierce passion, will rather lose their souls than go ungratified. Like a wild animal, Clifford thinks only upon the
object of his desire. Honor, peace, and future reward, here
or hereafter, are all thrown away for the time, so that his
mind may be bent on the one thing before him.  Hie is just
such a man."
Sir Henry, who sat in astonished silence during Bertram's
ricital of his suspicions, broke in here, by saying it was
utterly impossible that Clifford, or any man of the army,
could be so lost to honor and ingratitude as ever to act so
unworthy a part, after the responsibility which was taken by
myself, to remove him where the stigma would not be seen.
Besides, I had a letter from him lately, in which he expresses
himself in the most becoming manner.  See, there it is
at this moment. It refers to matters of a public nature
chiefly, but a postscript is added, in which his remembrances
of my kindness are made in the most delicate and appropriate manner."
" Please, sir, to say who it was that brought you that coinmunication," said Bertram, with great readiness. "If it was
the Indian my suspicions are confirmed."'
" It was the villain Kiskataam,"  said the sorrowful father,
now fairly infected with the same feeling with his nephew;
"and here, in further proof, he says, that business will call
him dolwn to the frontier, where the plan is being carried
out, along with the MIohawk chief, to remove some captives
from the rebel's country back to the Fort Niagara. HIle will
be happy to receive any commands firom  me, or from 3Miss
Margaret, either conrcerning the war or the romance of this




LOVE STRONGER THAN DEATH.             221
wonderful country, where nature plays on her harp equal to
herself."
" Yes," said Bertram, " the dishonored man is somewhere
up there, and is at this very hour watching the ship and
waiting for his prey. There is no time to lose, and since we
are not to be allowed -to leave to-night in search of Margaret,
I may as well,!n the presence of my aunt and of Clarence, lay
my own suit at your feet, and beg you to smile upon our
plighted faith."
"Bertram," said Sir HIenry, in amazement, " I have no
daughter, and if all you tell us be true, there will be but pain
remaining for you, and for us, increased by the consent you
would obtain in a moment, did I but know how to direct
you honorably."
"' Oh," said Bertram, "I ecould run over the mountains like
the deer, with the name of the loved one on my lips; and
hear me she would. Your consent would give me wings."
"' Hear me, then," said the grieved soldier. " Were my
daughter present, I would put your hands in one, and give
you my blessing. In the meantime, we must to duty, and
perhaps a flag of truce to my cousin George, the Ulster rebel,
may be effectual. We shall see."
The ship had turned the Elbow,* and was catching the wind
sufficiently, so that she might at any moment come to anchor.
A stiff breeze from the southwest was bringing her into the
Roundout Creek; where, under cover of the night, they
intended to land a body of men, who would march up to the
village of Sopus, burn and destroy it, and return immediately.
A company being detailed off, and put under the command
of a superior officer, who was to have Clarence Clinton as
his aid; Bertramn begged, and was allowed to go along as a
volunteer, he being a lieutenant in the naval service on board
of this same ship.
"Now, Georgiana, I would give a thousand pounds this
day, were you back in New York. This is no place for you,
though you be the wife of a soldier."  This was said by Sir
Henry, in a spirit that showed his mortification at being
caught in such a mean attack, which he would have been
glad enough to have read about, but to be so near as this,
would be to identify him with it. Besides, the loss of his
daughter affected him almost superstitiously; and lhe would
have couantermanded Vaughan's orders, if he durst have
* A point on the river.




222               TIHE DUTCH DOMINIE.
taken the responsibility. Lack of decision was ever his great
defect.
"' I could wish myself back in England, and you with me,"
saidcl the Lady Georgiana. " were we honorably out of this
murdierous war. I believe the judgment of the Almighty is
falling on us for the share we have had in robbing so many
hearthstones. O God, what right have we to complain of
thy justice, when we are engaged in the very act of destroying tile peace of a whole village."
" Georgiana, do have mercy upon me at this hour, if you
have none upon yourself. You know that this landing is entirely contrary to my mind. I feel that it must end against
us; and it will ruin the plan that I have been preparing for six
months past. You know what pains I have been at; indeed,
I may say we have had, to conciliate these colonial cousins
of ours, now all frustrated by this headstrong vanity of
Vaughan. Neever would I have given my consent to what
must break up all our chances of bringing over the very head
of this new State, and a general to boot. Curse Vaughan
for all this."  And'with that he went on deck, where he
found his son, rwho, with a restrained voice, asked his father's
blessing.
While together, Bertram and Clarence had formed a desperate plan, to which the mother was to be privy-to leave
immediately after the attack was completed, and have their
names appear among the missing, for which no one woucld be
responsible but themselves. They hoped to be able to justify
their conduct by their success. In the meantime, it was
necessary to inform Lady Georgiana, lest her heart would
break at the thought of their being dead, or prisoners among
the barbarous rebels. In the anxious and excited state of
the mother's mind, the scheme was listened to with delight;
and when parting, she exhorted her son to do his "dcuty
like a gallant man first, and then pursue the murderous
villain to the end of the earth; but bring me back my dear
childcl-your own sister, my son, and there is my blessing."'
"But what shall I say to your father, when lie finds you
have not come in with the rest? I must weep, and yet be
satisfied that you have gone on my errand."
" Sir Henry," said the youth,'" will bear up well till we
return, which cannot be more than a week at the most; alcl
if you see a fire on the mountain-that second highest peak
that we admired to day-at midnight, after forty-eight hours,
or twenty-four hours beyond that time, know that we are




LOVE STRONGER THAN DEAwTH.             223
safe, and have got trace of Miargaret; tell my father, and he
will revive."
" Go, then," said the mother, " but I tremble lest you be
lost in the mountains. Now I think of it, that rebel cousin
of your father's, in one of his letters, sent me this hair ring,
which his daughter worked for me. You see that it has
the initials of her name in the centre.  Should you get
into difficulty, take this, and here is a copy of the note I
sent to her, with my thanks. These will prove you to be
our son, and the blood relation of that same mock governor."
"c We will keep out of his way, for he may play Brutus,
and condemn us all the more surely that we are his kindred.
I have a more certain way of escape than that," said Clarence. " I have heard that same false KIiskataam tell of his
places of defence on the tops of these mountains. You saw
him  sitting with us a whole hour, and pointing along the
ridges, marking out distinctly the cloves, and telling us of
the roads which lead over the country, so that I can have but
little difficulty in tracing him, with some help from the inhabitants. One spot of great interest he told us of, and which
seemed to have attractions above the rest, even to him,
where two little lakes lie close to each other, on the sides of
these hills, fed from  the surrounding heights, looking like
twin sisters brimful of love, surging over their affections in
a stream that quietly steals through the trees till it dashes
over a high precipice a few miles below, then finds its way
to this river. I can follow that as my guide, and find him
safely lodged among his own thickets."
"Clarence, you are too like your sister in that romantic
spirit. She told me of these lakes, and of the tradition of
the Indians connected with them. She was in rapture at the
very prospect of seeing them, and of telling me the story on
their verge. It grieves me to the soul to recall her description as the false flatterer gave it to her. It may lead you
astray, as she has been decoyed; so depend not upon anything you have heard from him, but make sure, by taking
these tokens of private friendship to George Clinton. RIebel
as that governor is, he must be an honorable man, possessed of a warm heart. -He will not suffer you to be injured
should the dclay go against you."
With these parting words, more the suggestions of her
kind, maternal breast than the dictates of her cool judgment,
the mother and son separated in doubt.




2254               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
CHAPTER III.
THE SPORT OF A FOOL, CASTING FIREBRANIDS, ARROWS
AND DEATH.
"The tempest falls,
The weary winds sink breathless. But who knows
What fiercer tempest yet may shake this night."
THOMSON."
THEI Lady Clinton saw how a flise movement on her part
might bring disgrace on her liege lord's fair fame. Her
woman's wit perceived the grouhd of Vaughan's ill-advised
attack upon the unoffending people of Sopus, and its consequences upon Sir HIenry's mission. Vaughan would accomplish what he really intended-cutting off all ~hope of negotiation with the rebel governor. To counteract the certain
evil effects to her family, who might be brought to plead for
his help, was now her secret aim.
The two young men agreed upon their signals and on
wvhere they were to meet: two shrill whistles at brief intervals of time, an hour after midnight, unless. they met earlier,
should the attack be successfully made and over before
that tinme. Bertanam had possessed Clarence with the same
opinion he had formed himself, that Kiskataam was on his
way to Canada by the western route, and their only chance
of overtaking, him  was to start up the mountain at the
nearest point, and get beyond the rebel border, when, as
king's officers, they would pass free through the country
of the friendly tribes, who were the only inhabitants west of
the Kaatsbergs.  " We can get before them," said that
ardent youth,'for they must travel slowly for Margaret's
sake."
" But you said that you believed Clifford was in this
scheme, and will he not be ready to receive her with suft
ficient force toresist our attempt at rescue?'?
"Let us trust to chance for that; none but the brave
deserve the fair. A traitor is always a coward; and I am
persuaded that the arch hypocrite dare not show himself to
Margaret, the daughter of' his patron and friend, till the
romance is pressed out of her mind, through her captivity




A FOOL'S SPORT.                 225
and grief.' He then will appear as her delivering angel,
claiming her hand in gratitude."
" Your love, Bertram, has made your fancy creative; but
it is as well that -we be prepared for the worst.  Here let us
swear fealty on her behalf; living or dying, we are one."
" Agreed," said the other, as he took hold of his fiiend's
hand; " and whoever survives to-night, shall carry out the
plan to the end."
The order to march ran secretly along the line, when the
sense of duty swallowed up everything of individual interest.
rlhe sacking of a village or the changing of a guard was the
same to men under a rule of iron. The corps held their way,
guided by solme men of the country in the king's cause,
through a broken piece of land for about three miles firom
the river. The greatest caution was used; not a word above
a whisper was spoken, for the troops of king George had
learned well enough that it was dangerous to go hunting,
on these hunting-grounds, so far away from Windsor Castle.
The reputation of the Ulster militia for bravery had been
heard of ere this, and the party might be caught in their own
trap-a very common thing in those times. v
"'Are these Dutchmen as good at handling arms as the
Yankees?" whisperel Clarence to a private at his side,
whom he knew to be a native of the country, and who, at the
present time, acted as one of the guides. " Do you suppose,
they will fight? or do they know sufficient of this quarrel to
risk their lives against the king's troops?"
"' Fight!" said the other, "yes, and on principle, too, as I
am a livingr man. There is not one 6f them but knows their
rights, and their wrongs too, for that matter. Their Dominie
instructs them in all these affairs, and drills them into line,
Sunday and week day.'"
"And does something of the fighting too, you think, if I
may guess fiom your speech?"  This was said with a sly
sneer, which the young officer could not hide.
" The use of the sword is not despised by these Dominies;
and some of them go so far as to insist that the minister
should carry the ark before the army, as the priests did in
the old wars; and if you, sir, had looked as often as I have
into the large, black eyes of thle man who teaches the folks
where we are going, you would believe as I do.") rlhis was
said with so much warmth of feeling, that Clarence began to
suspect that he was speaking to a partisan of the country.'So then you know and rather respect this man you call
lowg)




226               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
the Dominie up here? how does it happen that we have you
here in our ranks?" said the officer, with some sharpness, as
he looked into the man's face to ascertain the effect it. might
have upon him.
"This cause, sir, like another we' readc of, has set father
against son, and son against father.'"  This was said with
feeling.- "It is enough," he continuedl,' that I, am now
under the king's flag, and sworn to be true. I can be this
without losing my reverence for the Donminie, or my love of
his flock. He will fight if he needs to take the field; and my
advice to you is, keep out of the range of his gun, if you
want to leave the field a living man."
"Ah, a good shot is he?" said the interrogator. " I love
the man that can shoot straight and fair on all sides, though
I should hate to be taken down by a priest. Jtow shall I
know him in the field?"
" iMy description," said the earnest young man, not minding the jests of his superior, "will not be required. HIe lets
his presence be heard and felt. I-e has little mercy upon a
Tory; and if I were to fall into his hands, he would do with
me as he did to a mean Cowboy, tie me to his horse's tail,
and ride me to death."
"And would you stand patiently to -be tied?"  said
Clarence, laughing quietly at the guide's solemnity. "HIe
must have great power over you, since he could not keep you
near him."
" That is a tale by itself, sir," said the private;:' but were
I to see his three-cornered hat there before miy face at this
moment, I would stand still and deliver arms; for then would
I be certain that his long Geneva bands would hang at his
breast, his white locks be streaming over his shoulder; and
my heart would cease to beat that instant."
"Certainly he must be a dangerous man, to be so near us
at this time, and'we depending on your guidance. I must
watch you, and treat you as they do horses that are led out
of a fire, throw a sack over your eyes; and then you will be
but a blind guide. But what makes you look so fixedly?
What do you hear? You cannot see anything in the dark?"'
" The old church drum is beating the alarun! There will
be fun in old Sopus before morning."
" Church drum!'" said Clarence, in laughing surprise.
"Do they call the people here to church by tuck of drum?
A well drilled flock they must me. His wardens, then, must
be captains and sergeants, and his clerk a bugler."'




A FOOL'S SPORT.                 227
By this time the invading force had reached a rising
ground, from which the village could be seen in dclaylight,
but was now only discernible by the twinkling tapers carried
unsteadily in all directions. To a lively imagination, like
that of Clarence's, they were like spirits disturbed in their
rest, and were now in the act of arousing their wards of the
human race against the approach of their enemy, that like a
huge vampire stood perched on that mound ready to descend
and destroy. Silence reigned through the company. The
officers consulted in whispers; all seemed to be 1vaiting for
the word to go forward; nor did they wait long, for two
dark figures, that rose at a signal, stood before the rest, and
were met by the chief in command, who soon returned and
gave the word c" forward!"
The orders were to burn the stores and the public buildings,
to spare the inoffensive inhabitants, and to kill only those
who offered resistance. They rushed down in double quick
time, and were soon on the streets of the place, which presented a spectacle of activity, showinog that some notice
had been given of their approach, and that the people were
moving their household stuff from their dwellings in all
directions. On a road over which Bertram passed with his
men, going to the north, were aiorses and oxen, drawing
rude carriages piled with household goods, and women with
their children, who were giving forth all the sounds of young
humanity when suddenly raised out of their nests. W\ith
round tables, of the time of King Arthur, were seen glittering escritoirs of imahoorany, brought from Holland. Clarence
stumbled upon an old vrow, who bore off a set of china,
while following her was a young darsel carrying a huge
antique looking-glass, that had reflected the face of her
grandmother whenl  a bride in the NecIerlands. A rude
soldier tossed, with his musket, a bundle out of the hand of
a full-bottomled matron, which turned out to be a silver teapot, and other plate of value; but his officer coming up, prevented the spoliation, so that she carried off her prize, which
became fi-om that moment the more valuable. Screams were
heard fiom the dwellings, caused through fear more than
hurt, while men were seen in the yards behind the houses
running to the rendezvous, where Colonel Haasbrouk was
nustering his men and preparing for the defence. Among
these people were found some of the most prominent in the
convention, and not a few of the reverend Domninies who had
figured that day in the ecclesiastical assembly, with their layj




228               THE DUTCII DOMINIE.
brethren by their side; though it is on record that the
majority of both Convocations took to their heels, and never
stopped till they reached the village of Hurley, where they
met next day, and sent out strong resolutions against the
audacious enemy who had dared to burn them out. A song
called "The Race to Hlurley"  is sung with great gusto
among the mischievous men of the place, who think it the
greatest sport that ever happened.
Time pressed upon the invaders, each one being furnished. with a torch dipped in tar, and his orders given
to burn only public stores; but the blood of the tiger
was up, and words could not restrain him, more especially when liquors in abundance were at hand. The heads
of casks were driven in at a stroke, which allowed the
soldier, always thirsty, to dip his mouth into the drink till
he became satisfied. Fire and alcohol gained the mastery,
and all the generals in King George's army, with himself at
their head, could not have stayed the havoc of a general
conflagration. The officers fought with their own men,
swearing as only soldiers can swear at such times; but what
does a drunken mercenary care for life or property when led
to their destruction according to the laws of cruel war. It
was not the soldiery, however, who wrought the chief damage
to the private citizens, but their own neighbors in disguise,
who, having grudges in their hearts of long standing, and
being made aware, secretly, of what was coming, under the
cloak of serving the good cause, gratified their own revenge
by lighting the houses and the barns of the Whigf population,
and thus effecting a destruction of property which would
have required an army of a thousand men in the same length
of time to have prevented or stayed.
In one half hour after commencing their ravages, the bugle
sounded a retreat. The deeds of fire and blood were done,
and these are seeds which must yield the most noxious fruits
in time to come. These blackened walls should be left, so
that the yet unborn child, when it comes of age, may ask, bow
came these monuments of a former period to be placed there?
And the answer shall be,'" There came upon us a band of
bloody assassins, worse than the wolves or the red men,
pouring their fury upon us, and we cursed their day."
It was but the work of half an hour, and though the bugle
sounded loud and shrill, it was no easy matter to gather up
the stragglers, who had dispersed for booty and other objects.
Such as were not insensible to danger flew to the gathering




A FOOLS8 SPORT.               229
spot, while the blaring notes told the militia, who were
coming in large numbers, that now was their time. The
blazing dwellings showed, to their watchful eyes, many of
their enemies, who were seen, some dancing like demons in
drunkenness, and others, skulking behind in the dark, equally
demoniac, while the sudden report of a gun, and the sharp
shriek which followed, declared the death of some other victimn of' this night's work. The English commander saw the
necessity of a rapid movement, as the danger of being surrounded was becoming every moment more imminent, and
it was therefore with wise precaution that he had left a party
behind to keep open his retreat; for already, on the road to
the river, Captain Henry Schoonmacker had assembled a
number of the true-hearted militia to intercept; and perhaps
he might have succeeded had not the Dominie come up at
that time and warned him, in true hunter's style, against
putting the catamount in a corner.
" Give a bridge of gold to a flying enemy," said the good
man, "else he will fight through and kill hip and. thigh. Let
us to the fences, and smite themn as the wise men of the east
did at Lexington-lie in ambush, as the kindereen of Israel
did before Ai."
The Dominie was obeyed as if he had been captain. The
men all lay down flat on their faces, but the reverend man himself and Schoonmacker who stood behind a tree, reconnoitering the approach of the enemy. The Dominie saw them the
the moment they rose on the high ground east of the village;
his fingers got uneasy, and his gun came to his eye; when
crack went the piece, which brought the word "1Halt" fonom
the English leader, who marked the point whence the flash
appeared. Captain Schoonmaker, mad at the Dominie, cried
out " Vat dat for? You've fired afore the. time carn once."
"I could not help it," said the enraged Dominie. "I heard
that Skitilink Yaacob Tenbroek laughing among them, and I
thought I might hit him; but now that they know we are
here, let us all give it to them. And with that the brave,
good inan roared out " fire," when a scattering volley made
the woods ring. No damage was done to the invaders; but
as it would be risking too much to pass by the defenders, a
party was detailed to dislodge them, a matter not perceived
by the eager watchers, who were prepared to take the soldiers
in flank; when, to their own great surprise, they were attacked with a fury in the rear, which made them tumble off
helter-skelter in all directions, leaving the main road clear,




230               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
down which the king's party passed at rapid pace, for well
they knew that time was worth more to them than gold. The
Whigs, though spread over the field for a short space, soon
came together, and pursuing along the skirts of the woods
and behind the walls gave out fiesh volleys, which did no
harm, as all was yet quite dark. These were returned at
short intervals, more fbr the purpose of frightening their
pursuers, and keeping them at bay, thaii in expectation of
doing execution. It was during one of these halts that Clarence perceived that Gabriel Smidct, the guide with whom he
had held the private confabulation on the way up, gave a start,
and then fell flat to the ground, which surprised his officer
very much, as he had shown more than common  bravery
all the night throughout, which made him ask:
" What do you see there that makes you fall back as if
you were shot?"
"' Do you see that black spot on the fence there, no bigger
than a crow?" said Smidt. "Look how it rises higher and
higher."
" Well, what of it?" said the other. " What if it be a
crow, a drop of lead will bring it down, even though it were
a witch. I could hardly believe that a man of your temper,
from what I have seen of you, would be frightened by a
scarecrow!"
"' Laugh as you please, that cocked hat, as I told you, has
made me more afraid than a dozen of rebels, at another time.
I feel at this moment as I used to do when I could not say
my Heidelburg."
" Pugh!" said an Englishman at his side, "is that all?
let me put a pill through it, and I will say my catechism all
the better after it is over."
"You shall not do it," said the Dutchman, " else you and I
are enemies forever. The image of my old mother is now before me, saying' Gaby, Gaby, min' de Dominie.' "'
But the Englishman had no such scruples, and before his
comrade had time to interfere, the firelock had spoken, and
to the astonishment of all, and the horror of Gabriel, the hat
stood up as brave as ever.
" Does not that prove," said Gabriel, "G what my good old
mother always said, that these ministers were black owls to
shoot at? I never saw the man yet that prospered after he
lifted his hand to smite one of them."
" Give me a good fat steak and I will venture the shot,"
was the unbelieving cockney's sneering reply.




A FOOL'S SPORT.                 231
" See," said Clarence, suddenly startled himself,'" all the
fence is lined wiith heads, and that as far as we can see. We
must dislodge that pertinacious crew  once more.  True
enoug h, taey sit like so many crows —ratheir ravens ready
to pick our bones. Not quite yet, boys."  The men were
ordered to lie flat on the ground till measures could be taken
to clig the rebels out, or find a way to the left, and give them
~a wide berth. This would have been the plan, only there
were vcri.ces heard in that very direction, so that appearances
showed that they were surrounded, and must fight their way
to the river, in the face of thousands. While waiting in council, Gahoriel Smidt crawled up to the fence, and climbing over,
he laid nold of that same cocked hat, which soon lost its terrors when he perceived that the whole was but a rufse to gain
time.'Ihe hats were all put on poles, and placed on the top of
the fence, so that from their regularity and number, they
seemed a company of men waiting with muskets ready to discharge their fire. Gabriel took the old hat, putting it on his
own head in real waggery, which nearly cost him his life; for
no sooner did they see it move, than twenty muskets were
fired at once, none of them taking effect; for there followed
the loud laugh of the discoverer, and as loud a curse at the
"' old deceiver"' for the trick he had put upon them, which
they regarded almost in the light of a defeat.
Notwithstanding all this levity, the leaders were far from
being at ease in their minds. It was plain that time was
gained by the country party by these tricks, and that was
loss to themselves; and it would have been fatal to the king's
troops, indeed, had there been proper discipline observed on
the other side. Instead of silence, they let their voices be
heard, so that the ship's company were made aware of the
danger, and sending up a few rockets, which were understood as telegraphic signs of warning by their friends ashore,
who paused till they heard the firing of the ship's guns, that
reached the field where the militia were in ambuscade, allowing a reinforcement to land and follow up the advantage.
Beset in front and rear, the Donmiic's party bad to make
way and allow the regular soldiers to pursue their course.
The reverend man was seen walking in front of the men,
exhorting them to keep steady and not to fire too soon.
"Yaw," said Captain Schoonmaker; "do as de Dominie
bids, not as he does. But dere now; hear dat;" and there
came a round ball whizzing through the air close by the rank.
Then a second, and then a shower of grape that fell like hail




232               THE DUTCII DOMINIE.
among the trees. The men, uneasy and seeing no enemy,
scattered, as the Dominie said to themrvwhen he got on the
other side of a knoll: " Cowardly creatures that you are!
fleeing like so many sheep."'
"Yaw! yaw!" said a staid-looking farmer, whom they
sometimes called Elder. " De shepherd vleeth in de front
of te flock vaster dan te rest."
"And where would you have a shepherd be but in the
front of his flock, as David always was?  Read the tenth
chapter of Johannes and hear:'Zoo gaat hij voor hen heen;
en de schapen volgen hem overmits zij zijne stem kenen.'"
" What is that he says?  Can't he speak so as we can all
understand him, instead of that jabber of chapters?"  This
was asked by a 1Yankee who had become mixed up with the
crowd. "What does that parson of yours mean? the inconsistent body that he is. He would face a cannon, and yet he
runs faster than the rest of us now."
"He says,'When he putteth forth his own sheep, he
goeth before them and the sheep follow him: for they know
his voice.'.He can give you Scripture for what he does."
" Yes, and if he were to run behind, he could give us the
same Scripture. I do not like those men that blow hot and
told with the same breath."
" You better keep a quiet sugh, my man, for you are now
among the Ulster Militia, and that is our Dominie.' Touch
him and you touch us. We are that man's sheep."
" And I suppose you call him the bell-wetherl, or the big
ram, rather, judging from his two horns. But now I remember, he left his hat with its horns on the stake beside the
fence, keeping his head safe."
"Vat's dat you say, you duivel snip?  If you blaspheme
de Dominie you must pay de fine;" and the Yankee found
himself seized by the collar. Two of his comrades took
offence at his freedom of speech, which brought the reverend
man himself to the spot, who soon settled the quarrel by a
sharp reprimand, which had its effect on all, diverting their
minds from the rather sheepish flight they were now taking
homeward to the burning village, after chasing their foes to
the ship.




MO:RE DANGERS THAN A BATTLE.              233
CHAPTER IV.
MO/RE DANGLERS THAN A BATTLE.
"A double victory thou must gain,
In this emprise the merit of success.
One battle lost, makes all thine efforts vain,
Makes glory slime, and luxury nakedness."
TAsso.
THE young Clintons were cousins-the one was brother
and the other lover to the lost Margaret, who had been
abducted from on board the Vulture, on her voyage up the
river, by Kiskataam.  Both the young men were sworn to
find out the young lady or perish in -the attempt.
Clarence, son of Sir Henry, being in the land service, and
fe{eling  greater responsibility than his cousin, was more
oppressed in spirit on leaving his command. IHe would be
reported among the missing, but his sense of honor was so
that a feather would have changed the balance between his
duty and his affection.  The feelings of his father and
the risk he ran of being dishonored, were far more, in his
esteem, than the dangers he feared of being in a hostile
region. As he mused, he recalled the promise he had made
to Bertram, and he became decided. WVhen he reached the
trysting place, it was surrounded by country people, who
had crowded behind the knoll to shelter themselves from the
ship's artillery; and nothing remained, therefore, for the
young soldier but to take to the fields, and trust to luck.
The flames of the burning village rose high, and by that inexplicable influence by which a fire at night attracts all
animals, man with the rest, he turned his face thither, hoping that chance would do something for him. Perhaps he
had something like an undefinable notion that he might fall
in with his father's cousin George, the governor, and obtain,
through his mother's name, and sign, a pass through the hostile ground, though his feelings aLd determination were to
pursue his own way, so as to get to the mountains before the
morning fully dawned. This was all he knew of the distance between the river and the high lands.
In walking along by himself he had time, and was in the
mood, for reflection.  He felt like a man who had been




234                THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
roused into passion, but who now becoming cool, inquires of
himself why he was so mad. " Is it," he asked, " like Christians to become incendiaries?  Can the king give the right
to trample upon life and domestic peace?  Were not theae
quiet people defending their homes andcl their altars?  No
wonder though the Almighty is angry with our family.
Why should I and the rest of the army not suffer?  I never
expect to see my sister in this world. A curse on this war."'
This soliloquy, expressed audibly, nearly cost him his life;
for tlhe sound of the human voice goes far in the fields at
night. Superstition is quick-eareld. The one who listened
at this witching hour was no coward, though equally as
uneasy in mind as Clarence. Gabriel Smidt, the guide of
the attacking party, had also taken through the fields after
convoying the king's troops to the ship, for a reson of his
own. lie recognized the voice and the gait of the young
Englishman. Withount more ado, he made himself knowni,
and while the recognition was awkward on both sides, men
like them, accustomed to sudden surprises, and in the habit
of watching against them, soon get over their feelings.
Their effort was to hide their real intentions.
"I have left something behind me in yon village that I
would not lose for a thousand pounds," said Clarence.
"There has been many a fine thing lost there this night,"
said the private, "and among others, some things lie there
which will never be gatheredl up."  On saying this, he cast
his eye sidewise, as if trying to scan the ihkce of his colnpanion, who, though he did not relish the jest, was in no
place to resent it; so tunrning the conversation on other matters of a more general kind, he said:
" From appearances, we must be a long mile yet from the
village."
" That depends," said the imperturbable Gabriel, "upon a
man's feelings. It is a longer way -for me now, when my
heart is heavy, than it was when I worked on these fields,
and went home with heavy heels, and a hungry belly; but
to you, who have just gained a victory, it ought to be a short
mile."
"If I reme. mber," retorted the young officer, Twith some
surprise at the turn the conversation was takingo, and with a
degree of alarm which made him finger his belt, " you had
some share in that victory; I saw you fighting and firing
with the best of us.  And now let me ask you, in the king's
name, why you are here?"




MORE DANGERS THAN A BATTLE.             235
" Ha, ha," said Gabriel, "we are both equal here, where
the king's word is no longer law; but lest you should be
tempted to do as my superior mio'ht do, and which I mig'h;lt
retaliate on you, though your inferior, I will open my mind
to you at once, and say what I know of your affairs, adlc
that I am under promise to help you in this enterprise."
" Who could have told you of our intentions?  There is
but one person besides in the world who knows about me
here. No matter, then, give me the countersign and we will
trust each other as far as we know what is in ourselves now,
till we become better acquainted."
" Agreed," said Gabriel; " and now let me take you around,
so that -we may avoid all scouts outside; for you must know
that I could go through these lanes blindfolded. But I have
a message for you from the lieutenant, who expects to meet
us near this stone barn."  The youlig sailor, in the ardor of
his feelings, had pushed for-ward after he found an opportunity at the river's edge of sending a token of his safety on
bMard the ship, informing Lady Clinton of their escape fiom
the dangers of the attack, and of their determination to pulrsue their premeditated plan. His eagerness carried him forward to the rendezvous before Clarence and his companion
had reached it, so that he had time to sit down and reflect
on the prospect before them. He was not long of hailing his
friends, who came up to him, and they immediately entered
upon a council of war. The two Englishmen gave themselves
up into the hands of Gabriel, as their only help for the present; though it must be confessed that confidence was not
lying very close to their hearts.
" My advice," said the prudent guidie, who soon discovered
their fears, " is to obtain the assistance of some one of the
secret service-men, of whom there are many in these parts
who knowr that snake of the mountains Kiskataam, and who
for a trifle will scotch him with great pleasure.  His haunts
are well known to these Tory blades, who keep their tongues
well in, and their knife in a sheath of hypocrisy till they get
the chance of snliting under the fifth rib."
"Well, can you undertake to' find the man you describe,
and make a bargain that will keep him honest?"
" Bless your soul, gentlemnen," said the guide, " my life is
not worth a cabbage head were it known that I am now
within a hundred paces of my mother's door-yard. Do you
see that light twinkling there between those two trees?
But you cannot see the.trees-trees of a patriarchal size are




236               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
before the door; and my good old mother, kind soul, is in the
old house behind them.: and "Here his voice grew thick and nature felt the desire to
overflow in tenderness. Tears came to the eyes of all the
three in sympathy, and yet an hour ago, they saw houses of
the same kind in flames, and the inmates shrieking and fleeing friom them in terror of their life.
"'-How comes it,"' said Clarence, "that you are here with
your head in the lion's mouth?  Some love affair, no doubt,
like other men of like passions."'i Affection, gentlemen, blazes the same in rich and poor;
and when it is pure and powerful, it will carry a man
through deeper floods than you have ever seen on sea, and
hotter flames than we have ever seen on land. I must leave
you now, so that I may meet the old woman in that house;
and then I shall die in peace, if she lay her hand once more
on my head, and ask over me a Dutch  blessing' vaart wel;'
I will send you a guide who is a Tory in his heart and a
Whig in his speech, follow his direction strictly.  I will
keep a secret watch over you, till you get into the Indian
country: of one thing be sure, that you do not trust the rascal with more of your secret than you can help."  With that
the unhappy man disappeared.
The two adventurers stood waiting and listening to the
sounds which came up fronm the burning buildings, that
cracked and fell, blazing up as if stirred by demons, who
shouted and screamed with devilish glee. All the evil spirits
had not left with the invaders, for the Wvicked grew wickeder
so fast that they scarcely knew themselves, so sudden and
terrible was the transformation wrought upon them in their
struggle. Dogs howled for their masters; and for the hearth
where they had been accustomed to lie; women were sobbing or shrieking' throughout the whole place, while huddled in corners were groups of old men and curious boys,
prophesying and listening to one another concerning the
evils that would yet follow this night's work. Vengeance
was deep and dark upon the faces of the old; and scudded
swiftly over those of the young, as a cloud sweeps over a
sunny field.
Clarence, who grew impatient, crept forward alone to the
window of a low, dark stone house, that stood close by the
road, where he saw what made him shrink back as if some
-one had struck him. It was used for the time as the hospital
of the place, where lay the wounded and the dying, in their




MORE DANGERS THAN A BATTLE.           237
blood and groaning with pain. The Dominie had returned
from the chase himself leaving the men to watch the movements of the ship, which left the village almost without inhabitants, except the aged and the decrepit. This was so far
favorable to our adventurers, keeping them fiom being discovered. The good man was now about his own peculiar
calling, ministering consolation to the dying and the bereaved. His exhortations were made up chiefly of Scripture
from the low Dutch, mixed with the vernacular of the region
which would have defied the most learned body in all Germany to have translated literally.
" Goden den is villing dat you zal die, Hanse, ande you
must be villing to go'; you have done your duty, Hanse, as
a free man dis nicht, ande if you zeek himme through Christus,
you are safe."
He then offered up one of the most fervent prayers that
ever the listeners heard. Accustomed as they had been to
the call-n, cold manner of. the English church; and occasionally
hearing some strolling Methodist, they were unprepared for
fervor united with spirit-stirring language, which bore meaning to the understanding as fully as it gave solemnity to the
manner. " He is a man of power," Gabriel would have said,
"whether he be in the sick-room, or on the battle field."
He could face Satan's hosts with as hearty good will as he
does the red-coats. He held as part of his creed, that both
belonged to the same army; and if any one had asked him
that night, what was the color of Apollyon's coat, he would
have said promptly, "' scarlet."
As he proceeded in his devotions he grew calmer, speaking
softer; and it was evident that his words had a most soothing influence upon the listeners. His language was now altogether in the Dutch tongue, as if he had forgotten all but
that, which he knew was the early speech of the man who
was dying, and who would recur to that in his last moments.
" Hoe dierbaer is uwe goeder tierenheit O Godt, dies de menschen kinderen onderl de schaduwe uwer vleugelen toevlugt
nemen."
" That is true," said some one who came imperceptibly to
the side of Clarence, who seemed touched with visible emotion, repeating in the English tongue what was pleasant to his
heart in the Dutch. " How excellent is thy loving kindness,
O, Lord! therefore do the sons of mnn put their trust under
the shadow of thy wings."  When the young officer turned
round to see the new comelr, he found his friend Gabriel




238               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
again by his side, sobbing as a child weeps when his heart is
nigh broken. It was real grief, and no one was d'sposed
there to turn it into ridicule. There was, however, in this
more than the mere sight of suffering humanity. The sight
of that good man, anointing a dying sinner through the divine influence; and by this act of piety, together with former
remembrances, good and bad, the services went farther into
his soul at that moment than the same ceremonies, gone
through at any other time, could possibly have done.
"Come away," said another person who had remained
hidden till now. " If you stay here any longer, your firiends
will fall into the hands of the Philistines. Hear how they
shout, as they come on to join their friends."
"This is the guide I spoke of,' said Gabriel.  " The sun
will soon be up and I must hide my face in some hole; but
how gladly would I change places with Hank Snyder in
there, to deserve that good man's blessing."
" Quick! out of this,'" said the new comer, " else you will
get his curse, and a horse-pistol shot to fasten it; see, he is
moving to the door."
The four had gathered under the shadow of a large mapletree, and were in close consultation concerning the future.
Clarence and Bertramn  were confounded at the minute knowledge which Gabriel had of them, and of their purpose, and
became quite passive in his hands. He entered at once into
their scheme, and gave directions in such a way as betokened
authority over the man addressed.
"You will take these men," said he, " by the quickest and
the shortest road to the mountain, through Kiskaatam's
country. There is an attack to be made upon the Boermen
of the Vlatts about this time, and Brandt is to lead it. Try
and get to his rendezvous, and put these gentlemen under
his care. They will tell their own story to him, and obtain
his assistance."
"What if we cannot get through in time to catch that
red-skin? The attack on the Whigs has been made already;
Doominie Schuneman had a dispatch yesterday saying that the
great MIohawk was on the South Mountain, and we have had
other word, that we can understand."  Here he gave three
snifters, which was a sign understood by Gabriel.
"Petrus Van Vliet," said Gabriel, with some haste, "- you
are to do the best, and no fun. These gentlemen are king's
officers and on the king's business, and that, the DIominie says,
requires haste; and let me tell you that it also requires honest




MORlE DANGERS TEHAN A BATTLE.           239
men. Remember that Geordie's whelps have arms longer
than Petrus Van Vliet's."  Here the speaker held up his
finger in a thr:eatening manner.
The other gave a grin, saying under his breath, and with
some emphasis: " George's bayonet is wearing shorter every
hour, and that fire has melted an inch of the point. But it is
tinle to put on these duds, so put off your buttons, boys."
This was something which neither of the two had thought
of. To be disguised and taken would lead to a dog's death.
To be taken in their own clothes would only cause imprisonment, and, at the worst, their being shot and honored as soldiers on duty. They hesitated.
But the new guide was inexorable, and Gabriel was silent;
so making a virtue of necessity, they laid aside their buff and
blue for the sheep's grey, the livery of the country. In fact,
though Petrus had kept the secret to himself, he had stripped
two of the men who were lying dead on the field, that he might
furnish these travelling dresses; and taking those cast off
from the two young men, he hid theni so that he might use
them, as he knew he could, profitably, on some other occasion, in deceiving the opposite party at the game of " give
and take."
As short a time as possible was consumned in these preparations, under the superintendence of Gabriel; and Petrus,
being one of those men who work for the highest pay, was
assured of leward according as his work was well done.
His eagerness at getting all that he could appropriate to himself was the key to his character.
"You may know your man," said Gabriel, when the other
stepped aside to lift a button that shone among the litter at
his feet, blowing.the dust out of its eye and putting it in his
pocket, all unconscious of doing any uncommon  thing.
"You will see that he has his price, so use him, by the grace
of high promises, till you see he is becoming greedy of gifts,
as well as of graces; and when it comes to the last and the
worst, see, there is a pair of' covenant keepers,' which you
will need sometime, perhaps; but always remember, as the
Dutch wives say,' Better fazle a fool as by vecht dem.'" 1
WVith this advice, he put a pair of pistols in each of their
hands, which, in addition to what arms they had already,
made thnem well defended. With that he bade them adieu.
They were now in the hands of the slippery Petrus, who
took them by a foot-path, which ranl along a stream, till he
came near to what evidently appeared, even in the grey of the




240              THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
morning, to be a graveyard. The dark stone monuments
were visible, while the silence which prevailed, in contrast to
what had in the early part of the night been experienced, was
heavy and oppressive to the hearts of those young men, who
were now set out upon an enterprise far more hazardous than
a pitched battle. There was not a whisper uttered by
either, and even Petrus was prudently silent; but coming to
the corner of a field, he abruptly seized Clarence by the arm,
and standing between the two, he whispered, as he pointed
with his finger to an object that moved slowly a few paces
from them, "See! see!"  They looked to the place, and
saw the figure of a man. "See! see!" and the covetous
hypocrite's teeth chattered as he tried to laugh off his fear.
"'Tis only the Dominie talking to the dead. He says himself that he stands between the living and the dead. He
does not know that we are here. But we must go faster
than at this pace."
This was said to keep his own courage up, for the truth
was, his knees had an ague fit, and had his two companions
not been firm and courageous men, they would not have kept
company long with him; but they seized him by the collar
and dragged him a mile, till he got over his fi'ight, when his
tongue began to loosen, and to boast of what they knew was
false, that he was a very bold and determined " dare devil."
A little occurrence took place a short distance further on,
which showed-that all three were but flesh and blood in
regard to true courage, and that in reality none of them had
more of that virtue than they needed.  A large black
dog came running toward them with a mixture of gladness
and fierceness which made his gestures strange to the three
men, and not understood till Petrus at last came out with
the secret, and with as much unconcern as if he had done a
meritorious deed. When the animal came near to them, he
began to smell the clothes which the two strangers had on,
and then to look up.in their faces with a strange, mysterious
fear, which made the blood run chill in their veins. After
acting thus he left them, barking fiercely, till he got to a
gate on the road, which he leaped over, when he set up a
howling most terrific.
"That is Tobias Snyder's dog Pompey," said Petrus;
"he knows his master's clothes. What wise creeturs these
dogs are, to know about dead men."
The wearers of the dead men's garments began to realize,
for the first time, the predicament they were in. All that




MIORE DANGERS TIIAN A BATTLE.           241
they had heard in their lifetime of the sagacity of the dog came
to their minds, together with the likelihood of being found
out and suspected of being the murderers of those iwho had
so recently worn them.  M' giurder will out," they said, smiling bitterly the one to the other. Perhaps, after all, there
was a grain of superstition at the core, pointing to the ghost
of the murdered man following the garb in which he was last
dressed. This incident impelled all the three forward with
increased speed, in the hope of making their way a few miles
further before the day dawned. The two strangers, in their
eagerness, outstripped their guide, and at one time they began
to suspect that he had given them the slip. Fear, however,
was impelling him as rapidly as his friends, for by this time
he learned he had to do with men of determined purlpose;
besides, he was also aware of the power which Gabriel
wielded over him behind the scenes. Tired all were, though
not caring for sleep; yet it was necessary for safety that they
should lie still for some time, and in some place near at hand.
To. this place Petrus was'taking them. Arriving at a low
stone house, built as if intended to last till the mountain near
it should waste away, he gave three knocks, and a fourth
small touch with his knuckle, when a large fat wench, of the
genuine Guinea breed, admitted them, without questioning
the new comers. Not so an old woman who put her head
out of a recess inclosed by doors, where she lay on her bed,
and cried out, with a sharpness that rose from impatience
and fear, joined -with old age:
"'Vat's de matter noo, dats ton here at dis time oo de
morning, ven oos vanted at Sopus? Te dog has been here
howling likle le wolf, and te old man down wid his gun
vatchinfg te Tories once. BIludten vay is here?" and with
that the old woman looked at the strangers with a scrutiny
that made them wish withlin themselves that they were either
on. the mountain or on the sea.
"Never mind, Dame Wynkoop," said the wily Petrus;
" twae Weegies on a message to the general at Albany from
the governor, keeping' out of the way of the konink's sogers."
This was said in the ear of the good lady, who received it
as it was intendced, lying down mmumbling something to herself in Dutch. " Oog omoog en tand om tand."'
"Yaw, yaw, granny," said the double-tongued listener;
" ve shall take more than an eye for an eye, or a tooth for a
tooth —we shall make theml stone blind, and knock all their
teeth down their throat,"
^11




242               THE DUTOCH DOMINIE.
While this dialogue was going on, the unwieldy African
wench was bustling about preparing breakfast for the fIimily,
and casting side glances all the while at the coat Be-3rtran
wore, t'll fairly overcome by her curiosity, s}he seized hold
of the lappel with the evident intention of giving it a more
narrow scrutiny. Petrus saw the difficulty, and coming up
slily, he slipped a bright silver dollar in her hand, saying in
her ear:
" Give us the high outside chamber, and keep the old vrow
quiet when the old man comes."
With a sly wink he lefts going up a hidden stairway, signalling his companions to follow. When he got there, and
had sat down to bread, milk, and imeat, which he found for
them, he said:
"Now you must rest as you can till the night comes on,
or sooner, as I see my way clear. In the mean time, you are
to pass for what I have represented you to be, good
Whigs going on business to Albany as soon as you are
rested.')
1" Surely," said Clarence, " we may go at any time of the
day through these wild regions without meeting any crowd
of people or any very cunning men."
" Wild regions! Do you call these cultivated farms wild
regions?" said the indignant Petrus. "The finest wheat in
the world grows here, and the apples of the garden of Eden
are springing out of the clefts of the rocks. And if you suppose that there are no people near, let me tell you that the
road is lined with houses like this all the way to Catsbaan,
and there, in the grand stone church, a garrison is lodged
just to nab the king's men in disguise, and strangers would
run some risk, I can assure you. They place about the same
value on them that they do on foxes and the like-twenty
shillings a head at the clerk's office."
" Then you would not make mauch by delivering us up,"
said. Bertram, looking slily into the face of' the half jocular
Petrus, who was enjoying his own joke till he saw that both
the gentlemen were looking to the state of their pistols.
" Judging firom that barking thing in your hand," said the
guide, " I might fill one grave more than you have filled
already, and lie dowxn without my fee. But let us all to bed.
Thle old wench has engragoed to walk  sentry, and I always
sleep with one eye shut and one ear open.")
Sleep they did, as soldiers and sailors sleep, with their
senses so quick that the smallest noise would have Awakened




MORE DANGERS THAN A BATTLE.            243
them. They dreamed over the events of the past day. The
dreanis of each partook of the special state of mind in which
he lay down. Clarence saw a procession of men-sometimes
it was Indians, then it was red-coated soldiers, then mixed
with others-moving around a graveyard, where were tall
figures with torches, standing in a circle; in the midst of it
was his sister, who clung to the man with the three-cornered
hat, who stood with a naked sword defending her from
Kiskataam.
Bertram's mind ran, in his dream, after a dog, who was,
always tearing at his coat, and baying in his ear like a wolf.
Somehow he found himself fleeing from him, and sitting on
a cliff that overhung the sea, with the ship Vulture below,
where stood the Lady Clinton, waving her handkerchief
to her daughter Mlargaret, who was clapping her hands
with joy at the whole scene. All of a sudden he fell down,
down, till he cried out in a fit of nightmare that awoke his
companion, who sprang to his feet thinking of danger.
There was cause for these confused images rising in the
minds of the sleepers, which they found out when they arose.
Within doors, and just below where they were lodged, and
all around the house, the greatest confusion prevailed, arising
from the return of the people from Sopus, bringing with
them  one of the family wlho had been' killed in the melee.
It was a fearful sound to any listener, but to those who had
so much cause to dread the vengeance of the country as the
followers of the king, it was horrifying. Curses both loud and
deep were uttered upon the Tories and on the soldiers,
miingled with the sobs of the women weeping for their dead.
The old lman's grief was affecting to both the young lmen,
who began to think on the effect which the news of their
being " missing " would have upon their fathers.
" I tought nmyself done wid te worlt, ende dat my kinderken would have a care ov me all mine liven, budt I maien go
to te ploegt, ende de harrow, ende te gun myself; nor lay
te gun down till te cruel Tory be druv out of de land. Oh,
mene kindren! mene kinderken woulden to Goden Ik deedr
for tee."
The old woman of the morning here put in her word,
" oog om oog tand om tand."
" Ah, the old beldame," said Bertram.  "You hear that.
She has that favorite word of vengeance in her heart. You
remember Petrus said that it meant'an eye for an eye, and a
tooth for a tooth.' Where is that rascal gone? surely he has




z244              THE DUTCII DOMIINIE.
not left us here in the hands of our enemies. See the crowd
round the house; keep back from the windows. We are
surrounded, by St. George!"
" Hush.k' said the other;' hark to that voice; I know it,
for I must have heard it in my sleep," and both put down
their ears to the floor, listening, when they discovered that
of the Dominie, who was comforting the mourners in this
hour. "They have died in a noble cause; the cause of
Goden and the country. They were good men that fell,
and your zoon was a good lad, and you will soon follow. The
cup that my father hath given. You know the rest, Fred,
and must be patient."
" Do you suppose his majesty could ever conquer a people
of such stern principles as these Calvinists? For my part, I
have always told my father that these New Englanders
resembled the Scotch that I lived among at Edinburgh, more
than they did the English. And the chaplain was sure to
chime in with his heretical Calvinists-Fatalists.' No,' my
father would say,'they have a will that conquers in spite of
faith. "
"I think it -will be the same here. When the Hudson
runs up the stream the king will conquer human nature that
has religion to help it."
At this part of' the play, Petrus came slipping in at the
door, when they beckoned him near, saying: "you have
brought us into the panther's den very soon, but here is the
cure Ibfor two at least," as a pistol's muzzle turned toward that
worthy's body in a threatening mnanner. But he, without
changing color, merely said:
"Yes, and it will depend upon how you behave yourselves
if you ever get outof it. You are suspicious of this place as
a trap, and so think of blood-letting, as if I had brought this
on you. But who killed the old mhn's son?  iDid I hurt
any one last night?"
" What have you to do with that? was it a part of the
bargain between us that you should deliver us into the hands
of the men who will take vengeance on us as murderers?
You must account for this, and that here on the spot."
" Hear me, and then kill me if you must; but I would die
with a clear conscience toward you at least, if I can. There
is only one way of escape for you, and that is by giving
yourselves up into the hands of these men; for they know
already that two of the king's troops are here."
"Give ourselves up!"' both almost shouted out. " No, by




MORE DANGERS THAN A BATTLE.            245
King George, we will fight till we die first. Here we are, up
in this citadel, well armed, and partially provisioned;" for as
Bertram said this, Petrus was swallowing the last morsel of
bread brought in the morning.
"All very fine, gentlemen," said the cool Dutchman, "all
fine with a hundred men in the house, and the door all
bored for balls; and look down to your feet, the board you
stand upon is the only thing between you and perdition; ha!
ha! thinner than the bottom of a ship."
The two confounded men looked in each other's faces, and
seriously began to think of taking revenge on the fellow
that had so entrapped them, as they still thought; but after A
close scrutiny of his conduct, other light came into their
minds. He could not possibly -have known all the circumstances, and his plan of giving them up had a clue to it
which must be left to the unfolding of the history as we proceed. In the imeantime the young Englishmen were in a
great rage, so that the guide began to think it was time for
hiim to escape.
" Let us sell our lives as dearly hs we can," said the one to
the other, " and send a ball through that fool's head."
"' Knave's heart, you mean," said Clarence; "for fool or
knave, he deserves it alike."
Before he had time to say another word, Petrus was gliding through a side door, behind where he had stood eating
their last morsel, as if he intended to strip the garrison before he starved it out. He left his two companions looking in
each other's faces, in the utmost consternation, and for the
first time they both obtained a glance at themselves in daylight.  They would have laughed outright had they not
remembered that one of themt had on the clothes of the dead
man whose corpse lay below. With feelings too bitter for
mirth, and in a condition too critical for hasty action, they
sat down to deliberate: first, barricading their temporary
fortress.  There beingf but one board between them and the
room below, they heard what was said easily; and as their
own fate was on the tapis, it was proper and honorable
elough in them to listen, when, as the proverb rulns, 1"they
did not hear a good word of themselves."
"Petrus Smith, stand up and tell whae the men be, up in
de 2geliedden. Put a guard on te window."
T; *,,v said at the very moment the thought had entered
into the minds of the prisoners-for they were now prisoners
-concerning a means of escape to the hills, when, to their




246               THE DUTCHI DO~MINIE.
exceeding vexation, the order was given to watch them;
and six men marched out in front of the window where they
stood, with weapons that would speak truth and death at
the same moment. It would have been folly to have attempted a sortie in the face of such a force, so they yielded
to their fate.
"' Petrus,"' continued the same person who gave the- commnand to watch, and in whom the prisoners above recognized
the voice of the Dominie,' give an account of thyself, and of
the company thee keeps. Who are these men thou hast
brought with thee into this house, and where are they
going?1"
The sly hypocrite saw that he was here in a tight place
himself, and that his character was suspected; so he found
that the best plan for him was to go back and take up what
he could substantiate.  So going through a long'-winded
story, he came- at last to say, that being like others at Sopus,
through the past dismal night, he was returning home just at
cock-crowing, when standing at the northwest corner of the
grave-yard, he found these two men inquiring the way to
Albany, as they hacl business with General Sch-Lyler; and as
they offered him a price'to show them the way, " what, was
I to refuse the men who were going to see such a good man,
and a friend to his country?" I-Ie came with theml so far, but
beginning to suspect that all was not right, he had brought
them  in here, and now he left themn to the care of the
Dominie, and of the Consistory.
This story sounded very like somnething got up for the
occasion, and was far fiom lmnaking an impression on the
assembly, especially when one of Petrus' neighbors stated,
that he had called at the door of the other at the time of the
alarm, and the answer was that he could not leave, and he
doubted whether he was out of his bed at cock-crowhng.
At this point, the Dominie said that "a broder could not
be condemned but by the mouth of two or three witnesses:
Petrus, thee was, thou sayest, at the nordwest corner of the
graveyard, at cock-crowing. Whlat cock nearest? What
did thou see at the time the cock crew, in heaven and on
earth? Answer all three questions at once."
" It was te Dominie's red cock that crewv; the red morn
rose just over the top of the red flame, and the Dominie
himself was standing beside the tombstone of old Yaakob
Elmendorf."
"Enough, enough!" said the honest Dominie. "I saw




MORE DANGERS THAN A BATTLE.             247
the three men turn round the corner, and go north, but did
not know that Petrus was there; I thought it Inust be some
omnzwevende, de afflcrapsel, but did not think that Petrus
was among them."'
"Domiinie, I am not vagabond nor offscouring, but an
honest man, and a vreedzaman in these wicked tines."
"Well, we can but' suspect you, not prove you guilty;
and as to your being a peacemaker, let me tell you they are
the best peacemnakers that are pure in heart; for you must
remember, my kinderns alle, that the wisdom from above
is eerste zuiver daara vreedzaamn-irst pure, then peaceable.
I thought, when I saw the three men, that it was some eenige
booze mannen ait de markboeven."'
" Who calls me a lewd fellow or one of the baser sort?"
said Petrus, with mock passion.
"Nay, nay," said another voice here, " budt tell us once,
Petrus, vy te give Dyaan tis silver milledoleor?"
This was a poser; but the ready sinner asked immediately
if he had not told Dyaan to waken him whenever Tobias
came home.
" Sartain sure," said the honest creature; " and no'd tell
de ole man that Petrus was up stair."  Here she sniggered
out a true African giggle of triumph, as she drew the bright
piece out of her capacious bosom, and threw it down on the
table before the Dominie, with a clear jingle that harmonized
with her words. "D 3ere, Domilie, tak it, my fingers burn,"
and she spit upon them  before she wiped them  on her
greasy side.
The careful pastor saw that trouble was brewing, and that
at a time when other thoughts than revenge should rise in
their hearts; so taking down the large Bible, he opened it
at the fifteenth Psalm, and commanding silence, he read and
commented. "Heere wie zal verkeeren in uwe tente? wie
zal woonen op den berg uwer Heiligheit.  Die oprechet
wandelt ende gerechtigheit werkt; ende die met zyn. Herte
de waarkiet spreekt."'"H ere is an English Bible," said Clarence to his companion; "let us see what the text is.'Lord, who shall
abide in thy tabernacle? who shall abide in thy holy place?
He that walketh uprightly and worketh righteousness, and
speaketh truth in his heart. Hearken to the exhortation.'"
"The parson suspects that the villain is telling a falsehood," said Bertram.  "'There is hope yet. Don't you
remember what the fellow Gabriel said,' Trust the Dominie




248               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
before any one else with your secret. Light breaks upon
us."
By this time the good man was in earnest prlayer, and as
there is always power where there is earnest pathos, even
where the language is foreign to our native tongue, the
hearts of these young men in their condition turned upward
as they listened to the singing tones of the stranger, amnidst
the deep silence below, except as it was broken by a sigh
and a sob which came from the afflicted father's and mother's
heart. By the tilme the devotion was over, all were mnelted
into another spirit.
"Whoever dreams in London," said Clarence,' of such
scenes being acted here among' these Dutch boors, in this
wild country?  There is more refinement and real power in
that service than in the Bishop of Exetfer's. It is like a chant
on an old organ."'And in an older cathedral too, you would say, looking
out on these fine old trees; on that,noble mountain, where,
to tell you the truth, my mind was running in search of
liberty all the time the prayer went forward, which, for
aught I knowv, might be for vengeance on our heads. I hadc
always heard that the Yankees were a canting set, and put
the curses of the Psalmist on their tongues when they spoke
of the king, and of his navy and army."
The door opened at this juncture at the call of Petrus, who
came to it, telling them that he was alone, and had brought
a message to them. from the Consistory.
" Consistory!" exclaimed the two prisoners in a breath;
" we have heard of the consistory of the Romish Church, but
we.took this to be a Protestant country; and what right
have they to demand our presence?  Is it a civil or a
spiritual court?"  To all of this, the wily Petrus was silent,
afraid lest he should be heard by the people below-stairs, and
not sure but that he might have a ball sent through his pate
by the outraged men he'stood before. Hle merely winked
and whispered ";patience," as he put his fingers to his lips,
turning' to lead tihe way as a cat turns and steps when an
enemy is about to dart upon her.
"No help for it,"2 said Bertram.  " We will know the
worst all the sooner."
They entered on this new stage with anything but feelings
of confidence. Already disgraced, at least degraded, they
were from  their real position in -society. Young officers
accustomed to walk in Britannia's lively, were in American




MORE DANGERS THAN A BATTLE.              249
homespun, worn yesterday by the youth whose corpse was
now laid out in Holland sheets. This was the first object
which met their eyes, and went further to their hearts than a
hundred balls would on the battle-field. The room  was
crowded with men, who looked daggers at the prisoners; but
all were under restraint, for in the centre of the room stood a
round table, at which sat nine men, who had the authority,
and who, fromn their gravity and honest faces, seemed worthy
of it. This was after the manner of the kerke of Holland.
The Dominie sat as president, and could not be mistaken
from the rest, who were all dressed in the common garb of
the country, while he wore a large black coat that came to
his heels, and over his capacioifs chest hung the true Geneva
bands. He was a digni-fied man, and would have commanded
respect anywhere.  The young men were prepared, after
what they had both heard from  Gabriel, to  yield him
reverence, though not obedience. The men near him were
his counsellors, though he seldom asked counsel. His word
wyas law with all, except with one Georlie Cockburn, a
shrewd Scotchman, who had found his way hither, first
as a teacher, and then as a surveyor; and so, by degrees,
like all of his countrymen, he climbed to the top of the
heap. Possessed naturally of the controversial spirit, he
stood up for his right to speak his mind, in spite of the
Dominie.
"The criminals have entered," said sole one, addressing
the president.
" No one can be criminal," said that worthy, " till he is
found guilty. Doth our law condemn any man before it
hears him and knows what he doeth?  Or, as our good Holland Dutch says:' Ordelt ook onze wet den niensch, ten zij
ze eerst van hem gehoord heeft, en verstat wat heij doet?'"
This was said with great tartness, and to gain. time, for
the president saw at a glance that that the young men were of a
superior class, though in disguise, so he asked in a dignifiedc
manner:
" Has any one here charges to table against any person or
persons, for burning Sopus, and killing Ik. ende his brother
i3ejnjae Snyder?  it is a case of Fama Clamosa."
" Wouldna it be as weel,"' said the Eldler Cockburn, who
took speech in hand here, "that we speeredl the names o'
the twva youngsters, before we gang any farder in this business?  In my kintra they aye put down the namne with three
or four aliases to the tail o't."




250                TIHE DUTCH DOMINIE.'Take down the names of the prisoners," said the president at this suggestion, as he turned sharply on Cockburn,
saying, " thee always art careful to instruct the Domlinie in his
duty."
"6 In many counsellors there is safety, you ken:," said the
Elder,6 "as Solomon the wise man said langsyne. YWhat is
yoUr name, callants?"' May we inquire," said Bertram, being the elder of the
two, "' by whose authority we are here placed as prisoners?"
"6 At the instance of Dominie Doll, Praeses of the Consistory of the Protestant Reformed Dutch Chmrch of Sopus,"
said the chief man, with some dignity; " and if you be not
ready to tell, we will try you finder the namlnes of John -Doe,
and Richard Roe, of London. Be you ready for trial?"
"We decline pleading before this court, if court it be,"
said Bertram, "and claim  our privilege as subjects of the
king of Great Britain."
"I told you so," said the president to the others who sat
near him. "' British subjects in disguise, and within the lines.
Make out the charge against spies and murderers, art and
part."
" You will surely grant us time," said Bertram, who saw
that he had made a grievous mistake, and who wanted leisure
to consider their future course. "' We may be able after a
day to bring' exculpatory proof in our defence."
"Proof!" said a little short, dumpy man, who rose as he
spoke.  " What need of more proof than this here patch on
the knee of these tubbs, that I put on with mly ownl fingers
on Benjae Snyder, the day before le left with his gun on his
shoulder.  That's as true as I learned the tailor trade with
Gideon Noble, of New Milford, Connecticut.  That's my say,
as Elihu, one of Job's friends, said, -when he spoke lest his
belly should burst like a new wine-bottle."
" Sit down, Eph Sly; you are one good witness, and here
is another," said a rollicking, red-faced man, with a sinister
twinkle in his eye.  " These are witnesses enouglh," and he
opened a bundle which contained the two coats of the yonng
officers, which Petrus had hidden away. It warls imposi.iblte
to see this and renmain unmoved.  The prisoners felt nil ti.he
shamle of' their present disguise, andl the colnmpany b'ol.:e out
in a p)erfect storm  of indignation, whicl was stoplped. onll by
the Dominie, who rose and pointed to the body of the dead
maln, saying solemnly, "We are in the presence of Death, a
greater kin"- t,han George III. Do the prisoners want any




MORE- DANGERS THAN A BATrTLE.           251
more proof?"' he added, looking toward them in some pity
for their condition.
It is impossible to say what would have been the effect of
following up the disposition of the conpany, had not Cockburn, whose clear mind saw the difficulty, and who determnined upon unravelling' it by cutting the knots asunder, and
by making a set speech of some lenoth,  which hle was rather
fond of doing. The sumn of it was, thlb  we shall be in danger of violating the place of the Safety Committee, by taking
this business in hand.  "I doubt," said he,'6if the matter
comes under our jurisdiction, for if thae mnen be spies, what
have we. to do with them?"
" Ende vat vill we do wid the men dressed in Benjae's and
Ik's coat?" was asked on all sides.
"Do what you like with them," said Cockburn, 1" only
don't bother the Kerke Session wi' them, nor wi' ony political
strife.  We can only tak notice of slips of the foot; moral
olfefices that deserve the cutty stool, or sic like."
WTVhile this speech was making, there was a little by-play
going on that interested some of the parties exceedingly.
The man. who had brought in the coats of the prisoners went
off into a corner, and beganl rifling the pockets, which was
not unobserved by the Dominie.  When he had got all out,
he called to the searcher just to hand all these things here, for
safe keeping. As they lay upon the table before the company, the eyes of the two officers were scanning their property which they had inadvertently left behind. There was
the locket which contained a miniature of Clarence's dear
mother; but what was mortif'ying to the very soul of Bertram, he remembered that on changing the coat, he had
slipped the ribbon which held the portrait of Margaret, and
now it lay before his eyes, and he could not obtain a glance
at it. Clarence was fixing his eyes upon the note which his
mother had thrust into his hand, just at parting, along with
a small parcel which lay there with the rest, andl marvelling
much in his mind what effect it would have on this reverend
man.  It was addressed to "Governor George Clinton, of
wvlhat was now called by many, the State of New York."
He remembered lookilng  over his mother's shoulder, and
laug'hingly asking if she supposed he was going to present
that as a letter of introduction to the rebel governor; but
she continued to write on, saying': " Dear cousin, this is my
son Clarence, and heie is the amulet you sent to MIvargaret,
as an evidence:"  At, that instant his father came to the




252                THE DUTCH DOMIXNE.
cabin, and hastily signing her name, she thrust the whole
into the hand of Clarence, who, with equal haste put them
into his breast pocket, where they were now found. A tear
trickled down the cheek of the affectionate youth, as he Sawv
the Dominie read the note, and examine behind his hand
the amulet.  A change came over his face, of a mysterious
kind, so that by tha time Cockburn was done with his speech,
the -president was prepared to accede to his motion; for
here was somethinc  which demanded time and reflection.
So saying something to himself; he called out: "The Consistory is adjourned till to-morrow, in tile Consistory room, at
ten o'clock. Take the prisoners where they came from, and
prepare for the funeral."
Some one, it was the Yankee tailor, who suggested that it
would do the prisoners great good to sit still and hear the
Dominie preach the fineral discourse; but the parson had
no wish to show off before them, and paid no attention to
Ephraim's words; so the two astonished men were left alo]ie,
with a guard walking before the window, one of whom they
thought they must have seen before to-clday.
The large barn floor had been cleared out for the company. Pipes and tobacco lay round oh trays which were
soon reeking, so that the doors sent out "smoke like a kiln
loggie," Cockburn said. Then came in bottles of cider
brandy, baskets of bread and cheese, followed by slices of
ham and pieces of sausage; sour krout and choice ruim, with
corresponding edibles, of which all partook with a hearty
good will. Prayer and exhortations were the accompaniment; not the main part of the occasion. It was a regular
feast, and almost a fight in one corner, and a frolic in another.
Liquor will bring out human nature whether at a marriage
or at a burial.  "When drink's in wit's out;" youngsters will
laugh at what is ludicrous, and the more solemn the'circumstances the more difficult to restrain their milth.  "It's all
bearin' a dry sorrow," was Cockburn's sage remark; rand he
went off in the determined spirit of one that hunts after an
argunment; no matter whether the game be larie0 or small
deer, a mouse or a be arb would have had equal attractions
for him at the time. Sometimes he might be seen hilngoin;
on the loop of the Dominie's waistcoat doing his best to retlson down his rising indignation at what he saw. "I'll tell
you, minister, it's ill bearin' a hungry grietf  They speak of
stuffin' a cold and starvin' a fever. I'm agreed this is a cold
time out in this bicg barn."




DARKNESS, DTEATIT1 AND DELIVERANCE.         253
"Yaw, yaw," said Zach dMyers; "but vat do you zay to
dat vetchten dere?"
And sure enough there were two of the mountain birds
pecking one another like hawks at the divi.dinog of a chicken.
LThe Dominic got his eye upon thenm,nd writhout saying' a
word, he Awalked up to the place, giving both a launge with
the heavy  lcnd of hlis cane, which set them off in opposite directions. Forming   themselves in a row, men, wolmen and
chlildren, the pastor i11 front of the coffin, the father and
mother of the young mnan immediately after it, all went to the
grave where a'prayer was offered, and then the people scattered.
CHAPTER V.
DARIKNESS, DEATH AND DELIVlERANCE.
" Take care of thine own heart, for there is not a more faithful monitor."-LORD
CKAME S.' He that trusteth to his own heart is a fool."-KrNG SOLOMON.
THE two young Englishmen during the time of the burial
feast, had a portion sent unto them of which they stood in
need. Though not dressed after the fashion of a French
cook, hunger nmade it savory and good to the taste.  Old
Dyaan had taken a great fancy to the prisoners, especially to
Clarence. Iler heart inelted for him when she saw the tear
trickling dcown his cheek at the sight of his mother's picture.
" It vas," she said, " So buvitul, and de ribbons ov de vool on
her head so yallo."
PetruLs came in telling them  to prepare for walking. It
seemed that the Dominie had taken Cockburn's words to
heart, for he had left orders to have the prisoners removed
to the care of Capt.ain LanguCendyck, whose company was
garrisonedl at Catsbaan church; and to that point the two
lisconsolate young mnen were moving by sundown. It was
not the fact of their being prisoners, nor yet the fear of
what might result from their separation, bult the hindrlance,
-which this delay thrllew in the way to prevent them firom overtaking the cruel Kiskataam, who was doubtless hastening on
with the oine whom they were now seeking after, with all their
heart and soul. They must give her up as lost, for as things




254                THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
appeared, they were lost themselves; and that without the
power of resistance or defence.. "I will fulfill my part of the bargain, for all that has happened," said Petrus in the ear of Bertram, as they came
down stairs;'"keep a quiet tongue in your head and don't
be blabbing of your loyalty everywhere, lest you get a lead
pill through your belly, belore you have time to return the
compliment."
Bertram scowled a dark frown, that said plainly enough,
" I will fulfill imy part of the bargain with yot at least, you
hypocrite, the first chance that comes up."  As they passed
through the door-yard, they saw little knots of men and
heard the jabbering' of Dutch, loud and confused enough to
make them believe in the confusion of tongues, had they ever
doubted the fact before.  As they could perceive, their own
case was the subject of discussion, and, however anxious they
might be to find out public opinion, there was no way of ascertaining it, except through the medium of their guard, and
with him in their present mood of mind, they were not
inclined to hold any communication. Their road lay along
the base of the mountain, on one of those steppes which
run almost nearly due north, and which are called Vlatts,
extending from half a mile to two miles in breadth, rich
anid deep in soil; havingc beautiful trout streams running from
different points toward the main river. The mountain
seemed close at hand, and the two prisoners, when rested and
in the open air, felt all the fire of youth as they saw how near
they were to the region of their hope. But they were
guarded too closely for them  to think of eseapicg in that
manner. After marching about four miles, they came to a
stone buildling, which they were told was a church, now
turned into a fibrt and garrisoned by the Ulster Miilitia. Here
they were to be kept till further orders arrived from the
governor. As they were gentlemen, Capt:lin Languendyck
said he would take their word of honor, and let thl-em range
at liberty. Both Bertram and Clarence were averse to s.
pledging themselves and set down like men ceterm-inedl tm )
make the most of their conditions, by taking a survey of t!lis
Singular outpost of defence. Surrouinding the buildilog \x-e
tents, and wagons writh oxen and a few horses.  Smlnolh K;2.'
rising  amon(g the trees at different places where cookiil?
and chatting were goi.ng on. Two old cannlon were fastenecl
to logs by ox chains, while about fifty muskets were staci Ied
before the door. An endless co!1it,'Qn  of pots and jansa




DARKNESS, DEATH) AND DELIVERANCE.        255
casks and benches, with other trumpery, were scattered in
indescribable confusion everywhere, and yet the eye of the
soldier could perceive that with at most ten minutes' notice,
the men would be on the lookout, north or south accordinag
as the alarm might be given. The inside of the venerable
building was the scene of similar confusion. All round the
sides of the walls were settles for beds, on which were sprenad
the heavy blankets and coverlets that the good wives ari(l
mothers of the men had furnished them in abundance fioli
their heaped piles at home. In the walls were driven hooks
on which hung armor and harness; with clothes and skins
from different animals, tanned and used for riding, or covering out of doors. The gallery overhead held the ammunition
and the more precious stuff, watched by a sentinel separate
from the rest; and the very desk in which the good man
had stood on the Sabbath, during many years, dispensing the
tbread of life, was now changed into a pantry where the
choice bits sent from home were kept ifrom the rats and
mice that had followed in their wake.:The two prisoners had the belfry allotted to them. The
orders were, that no communication should be held with
them. Everything seemed to bear the aspect of great caution and watchfulness on the part of their guard. Night
closed in upon them in the most disconsolate degree. Nor
did the solemn faces of the men, who made up the militia,
help them in conjecturing what might be their fate. There
were none of the noises which usually keep the sleepers in a
camp from  enjoying rest. A loud laugh would have been
grateful to their ears, had it only b6tokened carelessness on
the part of their guard; but there was just enough of motion
heard, to keep them aware that all were on the tqui vive, and
would do their duty to the death.
As night went on, and the silence grew more heavy, the
scene which they had passed through during the last twentyfour hours became more confused to their vision, while the
sounds of the insects that sang to each other grew fainlter
and fainter, till at last sleep sank upon their eyelids like a
precious balm distilled from a mother's hand; and the two
anxious men were, a moment afterward, as calm antd peacefufl as infants in their cradles, and would hlave likely remll:inled
so till the morning, had not a voice, which they had come to
know well by this time, said, "Young' men, get up; you hlave
other business than sleep before you;" and a hand shook them
both by the shoulder, while a small lamp showed them the




256               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
face of the Dominie, that they had met so often of late, and
knew now so well that they had become to regard him both
as their good and their evil genius.
Surprise was pictured on both their faces; but they were
too well trained to lose possession of themselves by a sudden
wakening; so starting to their feet, they waited fi.rther de.
velopment; for already they perceived that something  new
was on the tapis. There was not a sleeping nerve in their
body, by the time they stood upright.
"Sit down there," said the good man, "and give me an
honest account of your condition; and let me have nothing
but the truth."
Bertram saw that kindness and severity were struggling
in the face of their inquisitor, and taking advantage of the
position he allowed himself to be in, he began by telling
what was true; but what to a more experienced courtier
than the Dominie  was, would have sounded like flattery.
" WVe were toldcl," said Bertram, " to put ourselves on your
mercy, should we get into trouble; and to tell you all, and
if you will listen to me, I am willing to trust a man whom I
am now certain will not take advantage of our condition by
turning the information we give him against us."
You ng man," said the Dominie,' those who advised you
to trust yourself to me, did me no more than justice, for God
forbid that I should hurt one innocent hlair of your head:
nevertheless, had I seen you about this time last nilght, near
to Sopus, a ball would have gone through your pate, as sure
as there is one in that thing there at this moment;;" and
with that he fingered a horse pistol in a very carnal manner,
which showed that his cloth was no priotection to himself at
certain times; nor would he make it an excuse for silence,
when either his fiery tongue, or his tongue of fire should
speak.
"' There is an armistice between us now, young men; so
speak;;" and the clerical soldier put his piece up, and 3ertram  proceeded to give a full and detailed account of the
cause and the consequence of their apparently mad adventure.
"I find that you have spoken trut;l, and I am now," said
the Doiminie,' about to take upon me, what must subject
me to much mlisapprehension when it is discovered, and perhaps to the getting of my own skull cracked, but I must run
the risk, so follow me."'
The astonished prisoners were about to say a great




DARKNESS, DEATH, AND DELIVERANCE.        257
deal about honor, and gratitude, and reward, but all were
stopped by a motion to silence and quiet, as he led them
down,a way he could thread himself in the dark; for, after
blowing out the light, he took hold of Bertram's haund ehind him, telling Clarence to do the same by his comlpa:ion,
he led them out to the north of the church, where stood a
man holding a horse, who seemed to be expecting their
coming.
" Here is your guide," said the Dominie, " and he will tell
you the rest. IBe sure that you keep silent forever albout
this night, and whom  you have seen, and God Almighty
bless you, and make you successful in your race after that
rapscallion Kiskataam."  With these words he had vanished,
and they found themselves standing face to face with their
old friend Gabriel.
They almost forgot themselves in their surprise at the
meeting, but he being prepared for their astonishment, immediately whispered, "let us be off, out of earshot, lest we
have a ball sent after us."  Gabriel mounted the horse and
told them to keep one on each side by the stirrup-irons, as
hle knew the way. On they went in silence, increasing in
their speed as they were advancing out of the risk of the
sentinels' hearing; their hearts beating with joy both at
their escape, and at the prospect which they felt must now
be opening for them in attaining the end of their journey. It
was now an hour before midnight; and in the morning they
hoped to be on the side of the mountain, out of danger fronm
the rebel Wbhigs.
It was under the charge of their former guide that they
now were moving along through the darkness. The relation
in which he now stood to them was more of guardian than
of guide. The two young Englishmen, in that easy way by
which those accustomed to command become subject to superior law, or to circumstances beyond control, gave themselves up at once into the hands of their servant. They perceived he had sonie authority, and a deep interest in them;
but they were anuious to know all before they yielded up all.
On their way he intimated his desire to reveal to them the
exact state of t1hings iln wllhich he stood toward them. IHe
iwas in the employ of Lady Clinton. He held from. her a
secret message to the provincial governor, who had retired
with the Congress after the sack of Sopus to H-uley, which was
said to be defended by the Dominie and the old vrows of the
place.  Thither Gabriel hastened; sent in the sign which he




258               TIHE DUTCH DOMMINIE.
knew would call the governor out; and his own words will
but tell the rest.
"'When he saw me he lowered his voice to a whisper,
looking as liBoses did, before he killed the Egyptian: this
way and that way; and when he saw there was no man, he
aid,' Are you the man who sent me in this ring?' And I
said,' Yes, your excellency, a noble lady committed it to my
care.'
"'And for what purpose,' said the governor,'have you
brought it to me?'
"' A case of distress) sir, in which your help is demanded,' I
said promptly, looking up in his face, which by this time
showed all kinds of feelings.
"' What distress can there possibly be with them at this moment, when they have it all in their own way?  I am sure
they burned and harried the town, and got off with clean
heels to their ship without one life being lost or a prisoner
left behind. The distress is all on our side.'
"' Not so sure of that, your excellency. Two prisoners are
in the hands of the people of Vlatt Bush, and their lives are
in danger at this moment.'
"'They must be some persons of note when Lady Clinton interests herself so much as to send this token, which
was only to be sent on the last extremity.'
"'  They are none else, your excellency, than young men of
the family.'
"' Good God! and what can I do in their case?  J-Iow
could they be so foolish as to allow themselves to be taken
by our people; when they had the ball all in their own
hands?' 
" I then gave a full and fair account of the whole matter,
beginning at the robbing of the young lady, with your pursuit after the robber, and ended at the place where you
were lying yesterday. Never did I see a man thrown into
such distress of mind.' Come this way,' said he; and he
walked in the greatest agitation round the house~ till he got
me into a patch of wood, where he gave vomit to his feelings
in bursts of exclamation that would have soulnded well in Ireland.
Enthllusiastic little fool! She w rote me that I nmight look
out for her soime fine fall morning; and how the    can I
help these young madcaps after what has taken place? Blood
is thicker than water.  I wonder if the knight of the garter
would help plain George, were he now in the hands of his




THE PLEASURES OF SUSPENSE.             259
majesty's bulldogs. I rather think I might not be known as
belonging to any other family than Adam's.  I-Ta! things
change in this world. Let them take their course.  That
baIsket of deer-meat and turkeys was well enough; and the
basket filled with those bottles of cognac back again were all
well; but this is a new matter.  It would be as much as my
head is worth were Washington to hear of my interfering.
No, young man, take the ring back where you got it.'
"Here he held it out to me, looking at it all the time.
Then, aski-g me,'who knows of these young men?'  With
that I told the whole story, and mentioned the name of
Dominie Doll. The countenance of the governor brightened
up at this: a lucky thought was evidently finding its way
through his mind. Taking a leaf from his note-book, he proceeded to write, all the time swearing at the insolence of
these British Tories, who threw out their requests upon us
colonists, as if we were bound to listen and satisfy them, because we belonged once to the same national family.
"' Wait till I put my seal to this,' said he; for he evidently
wVas not ilclined to trust me.'Now, take that, and see
that these young fellows keep out of my road, for I will shoot
them as truly as my name is Clinton.'
"I took the letter to the Dominie, and you are here.
What next, gentlemen?"
CHAPTER VI.
THE PLEASURES OF SUSPENSE.
"Two ifs scarce make one possibility.
DRYDEN."
Our adventurers, left out in the darkness of midnight,
were in a more satisfied state than they had been during the
last twenty-four hours; yet it was such a condition as they
would not have chosen a week before, had they been offered
it, with a few thousand pounds to boot, so strangely does
the happiness of this life increase or diminish through comparison with other things.
The question now, what should be done? was one not
easily solved, where there ware different means of reaching
the end sought after. Brandt, the faithful ally of the king,
In~~~~~C1 CILIC~ UI  sV~ Ln




260               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
was in their immediate neighborhood, and by his help the
Indian I{iskataam might be overtaken and punished; but,
as there was unquestionably an abler mind in the plot of
abducting Margaret, it would be dangerous to let matters be
known in that camp immediately. Caution was necessary to
obtain the ear of the great Miohawk, who certainly would
listen more favorably to an officer, bearing the colmmission
of his majesty, than to men who had the appearance of
stragglers. By the time his mind mi)ght be assured, the
dense forest would hide the abducted lady. Doubts gathered
so thick upon the minds of both Bertram and Clarence, that
they voluntarily gave themselves into the hands of Gabriel as
captain.
" If you promote me to that place, then," said that worthy,' I command you, Mr. Clarence, to be off to Kaatskill, taking
this letter with you, to secure the assistance of the Dominie
of that place. If the mountains must be scoured, help is
necessary, so that the retreat to the west side may be cut off.
You see that fire burning on the face of the hill; there lies
Brandt and his men.  Let Kiskataam be prevented from
escaping, and we can boldly go to the Mohawk and demand
his aid in behalf of the king. We must trust to the current
of events, and as good Dominie Doll said,' leave the rest to
Providence.'"
" True," said Bertram, "for I am more adrift here than I
would be in an open boat at sea. My sailorship is all useless
on these mountain waves. Some wisdom higher than my
own is needed, and a power above king George must control
this rash adventure. Breakers are all ahead, and we on an
enemy's coast"'
"A stout heart will climb the steepest hill," said Clarence.
" Give the most difficult part to me; I am ready for it. I go
with a better conscience than I did to that dastardly burning, where we did not deserve to succeed. The people
are better than their betters.  What are our captain's
orders?"
"' Mount you this nag," was the word given.   lie will
carry you at least seven miles an hour. He belongs to old
Cornelius XWynkoop, as stiff a Whig as ever smoked a pipe.
-Ie loves his horses next to his wife; she says he thlinks more
of them than he does of her or the kinderen. If he supposed
at this hour that a king's man was putting his leg across his
back, he would rise out of his bed, dearly as he loves it; and
I believe out of his grave, if he were in it, with a thick stone




THE PLEASURES OF. SUSPENSE.          261
slab over it; I am not sure but he may, through some spook,
be able to tell this now, as well as he can tell where to find
water with a forked stick. So look out, sir. You will ride
along full twelve miles, till you come to another stone church,
not unlike the one you have just been in agoainst your will.
Ask for the Dominie's house, and give him  that missive.
Whatever he asks, tell him freely, and follow his advice."
By the end of these counsels, the young soldier was on
Charlie's back, a stout, bottle-bellied animal, with a small
head and a long tail, that he whisked. around through habit,
night and day, as a warning to the flies.
Gabriel, holding the impatient horse by the bit, gave
Clarence his last advice, by saying, " You must not linger
on the road till sunrise. This is the king's road to Albany
that you are now travelling; keep on it till you come to the
kerke; stand at the door looking east; you will see among
fiuit-trees, on a knoll, a stone house, covered with Holland
tiles; turn to that, and you will be sure to find the man you
seek-a strong-built man with a keen eye. Bid him a good
morning; then, as he answers, turn to the mountain, and ask
if the old vrow's nightcap be on yet. HIe will bid you mind
your own business till the old vrow has had her morning
meal, and said her morning prayers. Follow him in-doors;
put the letter in his hand on the way; sit down to the table,
as if you were one of the family; wait patiently till his
family have worshipped with huim. He will let his own
pleasLre be known sooner than if you press him."
" Well, that is plain speaking; I think I can remember
that. Let me see-the king's road-right on —sunrise   Oh,
yes, I know it all," said the rider.
" One word more, as the Dominie says, and to conclude.
M3eet us at noon the day after to-morrow at Kauterskill
Falls-mind the name, Kauterskill Falls-and there is a
whistle that will answer this one that we have."
Here both put their bone whistles to their mouths, and
made the midnight'air send out on all sides such a shrill
sound, that the dogs all around gave out loud barks; and
wild growlings were heard, not far o-fT, above their heads.
"WVe must be softer than we are now," said Gabriel.
" Go.,
And away the horseman went at a good round gallop; a
secret of Charlie's haste being, that he thought he was going
home to his crib, and becamle all the more eager the further
he went. "' At this rate," said Clar6lnce, " I will be at the end




262               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
of my journey long before sunrise. But in times like these,
who can foretell the adventures of a single night, within a
short journey of twelve miles, even on the king's road?"'
But our story, to be clear, must just now follow the course
of the two who were left behind. They having a shorter
distance to travel, and a more difficult path to tread, moved
slowly along.
" It is but a short hour past midnight," said Gabriel, " and
our part in this business is to search all tracks. For that,
we require daylight. What say you to a couple of hours'
sleep, and then we shall have time enough?"
"You may require it indeed, my friend, was Bertram's
answer in words, though his impatient heart said go on.
"We have had plenty of time to sleep, or eat, or chew the
bitter root of disappointment, in yon garret all day."' ell, if you are agreed," was the reply of the guide,
"we shall turn into Cornelius WVynkoop's barn. To tell the
plain truth, I am cowardly as well as sleepy. There is an
enemy in these parts not easily guarded against. Hunter as
I am, the painter and the wildcat, in the dark, are dangerous
critters, as the Yankees say."
" Is there much of that kind of game up in these regions?"
asked the young Englishman, who had seen some hlunting in
his day, in his own country, and also in the East Indies.
C" It would be good sport, to have a chase after these western
tigers. The panther of this continent I have been told is a
powerful animal. What of these wildcats?"
" Oh, there are swarms of them  all through these hills.
These mountains have their name from them; so many and
so large are they, that a single man finds himself in danger of
his life in attacklin  one of them."
" Ha! a man killed by a cat would make a great story for
a picture-book in Christmas time.  Since you are so skilled
in names, why do they call that church we were at the Catsbaan."'
"That means the cats' race-ground," said Gabriel, la ughing
at his own conceit.  " These people are half French, and bhav
mrany of their words. In the holidays the big boys and girls
for tenll miles round here meet, and have a regular hunt.
After scearling out fifty or a hundred of the screamers, they
set the dogs after them on this flat. And let me tell you it
is a scratching time when one of these creatures happens to
fasten on a dumpy fit Dutch girl, and the boys come round
for her rescue."




THIE PLEASURES OF SUSPENSE.            263
"That must be fun in a small way  but these painters as
you call them, must be the very thing to rouse the blood in
a- man's heart."
" You may meet him  soon enough, sir," was Gabriel's
answer, "for unless my ears deceive me there must be some
wild creature up there now, in South Peak; I hope it is far
off, but in the dark one cannot tell, and my counsel is that we
go at once into this fortress until the enemy be off, or we be
in a fitter condition to meet him."
For some time past they had been turning more to the
westward, and nearer to the mountain, as the dark shadow
against the sky showed. A large building which looked still
larger in the night time, rose plainly before the eye of Bertram, who was-at this time seized by the hand, and led
through the door, which yielded to the touch of his companion, as if he were the owner himself:  Gabriel led his fellowtraveller to a ladder, whispering in his ear, "follow me to
the yards;", a hint which the young sailor took at once, and
mounting, he found a softer hamlmock than any  in the
British navy. Gabriel was asleep in a few minutes, but the
feelings of his companion were too excited to enter easily
into the land of dreams; so he lay and mused, watching the
sounds which came from nature, even in these lonely wild
regions.
At length the old rooster of that true tIolland breed,
heavy behind and double combed before, gave out his first
trumpet sound, becoming louder as Gabriel snored responsively, and deeper at every crow. Bertram  became all the
time more impatient to be away, where the dangerous Whigs
would not venture near them. So giving the sleeper a dig
with his elbow, he succeeded in making him conscious of
where he was, and of what was required of himn.  A few
whispers earnestly blown into his ear, were enough to a man
accustomed to lie down in the midst of dangers. So keeping
quiet a few moments, just to recover his full balance, he started
up, sayino, "Remain here till I make a visit to Dame Wynkoop's cellar, where I am sure of getting somethiing good. to
eat." And before his companion had time to remonstrate with
him, he was off, and already down the ladder on his way.
Bertram followed so as to watch against surprise.  There
was no ground for fear.  Old Cornelils N,was in his soundest
sleep yet; and even had he been awakened lhe would not
have suspected an evil intruder, but would have sulpposed
it to be one of his dozen blacks moving along the floor.




264               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
Besides, Gabriel was as familiar with all as if he were going
over his mother's kitchen. All Dutch cellars are the same in
size and the same in arrangement. Butter pots and firkins on
the floor. A cider barrel in the corner, and a vinegar jug on a
shelf. He moved about among them  more easily than the
mistress of the house could: she being like a skipper navigating a scow in the Amsterdam canal without a pilot. The
pies, the cold-meat, and the bread all stood in a pantry on
the left hand; it was but the work of a moment for the
pirate to clear the whole away. Ile knew that the old wench
who ruled the lower regions would lay it all to that cussed
Ebo who came home hungry after one of his night rackets.
However, the cautious Gabriel walked as if onl eggs, reaching
the barn with his forage, and well pleased with his success.
" There is some of the staff of life," he said to his friend.
" You will need it before we get to the top of these hills, where
there are no loaves growing on hemblock branches, nor roasting pigs on bare rocks. I only wish that we had some of
old Kaarney's Holland gin now. lie used to keep a snug
grey beard in the corner of that cupboard. Confound lme
that I should have forgotten the value of drinking, as I
thought on the duty of eating.  It makes the staff limber as
well as stronger on the hills."
"You are a daring fellow to venture where a hungry wolf
would not."  This was said by Bertram  under his breath,
and between the good bites he was giving to the stolen provender which he saw but partially in the star-light. All cats
are grey in the dark, so all bread is white to a hungry maul.
Our two travellers, hearty in the stomach always, could have
(lone justice tAen to the haunch of a bear.
"What is that I hear gurgling down your throat?" said
Bertramn, laughing inwardly; "have you hold of the old
farmer's grey-beard after all?"
"Try it yourself," was the answer, and.a square bottle
about a gallon's size was held to the mouth of the thirsty
inquirer, who tasted, and then swallowed with right good
will. I-e found it strong cider brandy mixedc with juniper
berries; a most agreeable, but a heady drink.
" Hush!" said Gabriel, and he put his head over the loft,
for they had both mounted again to their former place of
rest. "Some one is coming in at the big gate.  I hear
the old wooden hinges squeak."  The two gourmands rose
to their feet to be ready for any eimergency; when the stable
door was opened with great caution; aind some  one, leading




THE PLEASURES OF SUSPENSE.           265
one horse, entered, and a second horse followed. The negro,
for his voice betrayed his origin, began to talk to them just
as he would to his fellows in the field:
"0Ole Black, you'd stop d.e snuffin; te be'bout Ebo's
business; see dat no stories be told but de big trut."
Then coming into the other stall he commenced in the
same way.
"i Brown, pdor Brown, been on de king's business, s'pose;
vere's de fellow  dat own dis saddle? vee will see in de
mornin' sun-light. He be gentleman dat spok dere to us at
Phcebe. Me know an English offisher by his neck, might
hab left a yallow Joegey ven he vent off to de Squire Burhause himself."'
At these sounds Gabriel pricked up his ears. " Something
has befallen him, I fear," he whispered in his companion's
ear. " The horse he rode has returlned with his mate."
"Who do you mean?" said Bertram, suspecting himself
that trouble had come to his friend.
" Why, the lieutenant, to be sure, Mr. Clarence-some difficulty. Hear him speak of the Squire Burhause. I have a
mind L:o make the splay-footed vagabond tell. We may be
able to remedy the evil."
Bertram saw the folly of this, and put his hand on the
other's mouth as a warning, while Gabriel, feeling the influence of the cider-brandy, and knowing the superstition of
the negro race, out of pure mischief, gave a squeak through
the fingers held on his mouth, which made the hostler call
out, s" Oh, Lorra, have marcy on poor nigger," and without
stopping a moment, he ran out slamming the doors after him,
and rousing up all the dogs in the house.
" We are long enough here," said the mischievous fellow
as soon as he got over his fit of laughter; " let us mlove before we get a few drops of old IKaarney's gun. There he is
lighting a candle now with a coal at his mouth;" and gathering up the fragments of their breakfast for future use, they
left their hiding-place with good heart and on nimble feet.
Before the heavy half-door of Cornelius WVynkoop was
opened to let him and his dog Gates out into the yard, the
two adventurers were well away on the road that leads to
the Clove. Having no cause to fear immediate danger, they
moved on at a moderate rate, discussing, as they went, the
events of the last twenty-four hours.
Gabriel had an uncommon flow of spirits for hitm. He had
been taciturn, aqmd dark in his speech and in his looks. He
12




266               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
had got a good draught of the inspiriting liquor; but that was
not the cause. IHe had paid a visit to his mother, and:now
he was beyond the reach of bodily danger,'Which he had
been in ever since he came up with the marauding party.
To wile away the time, as well as to gratify his curiosity,
Bertram led his guide to the discussion of his own affairs.
"I have no objections to the telling of it all," said the
countryman, "though it is a longer story than a stranger
would care to listen to, except for amusement.  You see, I
left old Sopus and my mother's house in a fit of ill-nature.
I cared no more for KIing George than I didcl for old Mat
Van Guisen; but I had taken a heart's hatred to some that
called themselves ~Whigs, and particularly to one purse-proud
old Jew, who had a lovely daughter; who loved me, but
durst not move in the shadow of my shape.  To get me
out of the way he mlade up his -mindc that I should go off
with Arnold to Canadla. I took the opposite' road, and have
been in all the places south of this, where fighting was to
be done; for I found there was more quiet for me in war
than in peace. I jumped at the chance of coming on this
expedition.  M'Iy love of adventure, my love of revenge, my
love of Nelly Labagh, and I may say it truly, the love of
my mother, all urged me on board the Vulture. Standing
as sentinel on deck, I soon discovered the aim of Kiskataam.
I had. long known the fellow to be a villain, and determined
first to watch, and then unfold his designs. VWe had met
before the war broke out, in Stony Clove, where he attemptedcl to steal my good gnun MIeg, when I chased him and
struck him down. So you see there was ill blood between
us; our glances of defiance said —another time. When lie slid.
overboard, carrying Miss Clinton with him, I was not there;
but of all on the ship I was the man to have headed a party
of pursuit; but you know it is not for us to offer advice to
our betters. But I did what I could afterward in an interview with Lady Clinton. I offeredcl my services and they
were accepted on condition that I should wait on your
pleasure after the Sopus business Iwas through. There lies
the secret of my knowledge of your intention, and of my
present interest in you. I own that I hate an Indian, and
that I will travel any time a thousand miles for the mere
pleasure of shooting one. Dirty abominable wretches! how
any young lady can sit and hear their soft cunning tongues
close to her ear, I cannot understand.  And blood-thirsty
devils! how gentlemen, like you, can fight with them, or




THE PLEASUtES OF' SUSPENSE.           267
employ them to fight for you, is amazing. I am ashamed of
having ever drawn a trigger under Kingr George when I
think that KIiskataam, and his like, have fingered the same
bounty.1"
" Have you seen your mother?" said Bertram, anxious to
turn the mind of the excited colonist away firom a theme
which burned on his own tongue. The effect of the question
was all that was expected, and more, for the Englishman was
almost sorry he had encroached into that sanctum of Gabriel's
bosom.
" Seen my mother! Yes, but I all but wish I had not
ventured over that holy threshold. Blessed woman, how she
gazed on me, drinking in my soul through her old dimn eyes,
that lighted up with the same love she had always felt for
me; prodigal as I have been. I had resolved to stand it
through, but how soon all broke down, when she said,' My
own Gaby!'  Well, I feel better that I went. Befobre, I could
have killed an army, now I would not hurt a fly."
"' Always excepting  an Indian," said Bertram, slily.
~':XVhere did you meet her?  Was it at home, in her own
house?"
"* You must remember, after I left you at the stile we were
standing at, that I walked softly on to the cottage window,
where I stood listening for a few minutes, when I heard the
well-know-n voice, low and soothing, as if she was comforting
some one. She spoke -as if it were to a child. But that is
her way to all sick people; so I did not expect to see a child;
and yet I was startled when I saw a man's head rise up from
the pillow and scream. I could stand at the door no longer;
so rushing in,'I flung' myself into her arms. She kissed me
quietly; but pointingl to the bed, said, in a whisper,  "Petrus
is sick." That was my brother, and as I feared, he had been
out in the attack, and was hurt in defending the hearthstone.
A cruel fellow of ours had struck him on the head with the
butt end of his gun, and now he was delirious. He recognized
me, and gave a wild shriek that froze the marrow within me.
Springing on the floor, he seized me by the stock on my neck,
twisting it till I became like a child in his hand. I could not
have resisted him, had he tried to kill me. My mother's
voice, however, served to make him release his grasp, as she
came between him and me.
"' i Is it here,' the mnaniac cried, or rather yelled,' that the
cursed Tory would dare to show his face; and in the colors
of the king?  IHa! ha! ha! Come to burn the house, and




268               THE DUTC1H1 DOMINIE.
his own mother in it? Look, see here where your bayonet
is sticking yet;' and he tore away the bandages from his head,
bloody as they were, and flung them  at me, they falling on
my face, so that the marks of blood were left all over me.
"Then exclaiming, as he looked at me,' You bloody-faced
traitor, you come home in your true colors. Take the bayonet out of the hole he put it in. Take it out, I tell you, till
I put it into him.'
"' At length, through loss of blood and fatigue, he became
weak and quieted down, so that he fainted. This gave me
some relief, when the good Dominie came in, to my great
shame and mortification. He has always had a power over
me more than any other man: not even the General himself
could command me 9s that man of peace can at this houtr,
when I come -near him. His surprise gave way, at seeing
me, to great indignation, and even reproaches at first, which
cut me to the heart. Then he would mellow down to a kindness, which was worse to bear; so that I stood really between
two fires, and durst not resent either side.
"' Oye vile boy! Yb Absalom, rebelling against parent
and country. O Gaby! Gaby! I am sure you did not find any
ground for your sinful conduct in the good Heidelburg
that I taught you. Sit down there, like a good lad, and
see if you can say it-Whart is thy only comfort in life and
death?
"Just as I was beginning to reply, my brother gave a
shriek that made us all start to our feet.' Send him to the
gallows, I'll be hangman.' "
"' Iear you that, Gaby?' said the Dominie, when the raving man had quieted down again.' That's a voice calling
upon God for judgment on your head; your brother has
spoken his last words, and you hear them yet ringing in your
ears.'
C" It was true; Petrus had sunk into the arms of death,
and I stood there, as I thought, his murdlerer. I felt.it that
it must be so, while the Dominie continued to pour out maledictions upon my poor head, till I sank on the floor.
"' 0 Dominie! Dominie! have pity —have mercy on my
poor misguided boy,' was the cry of my mother.'My
kind-hearted Petrus, my first-born, the image of his father
gone, and none left to me now, but this my poor wanderer;'
and here she fell into my arms, and cried only as a mother
can.
"'Gaby,' said the Dominie, after a few moment's pause,




THE PLEASURES OF SUSPENSE.            269'you are too long here, unless you be seeking the gallows.
As sure as there is a rope in Mark Snyder's barn, if he
catches you within the town of Sopus, you will have to swing
for it. Up, and be off with you.'
"After that I met him, and told him  all about you, and
succeeded in interesting him in your affairs. So that you are
here, and your friend away yonder."
" Wellj" said Bertram,'" he must have drank deep into the
spirit of his religion, when he can so help the outcast, and forgive such injuries as we put on his people. God grant that
the time may yet arrive, when I may do something that
will show I am still a man and a gentleman."
In this way the two went on slowly, till they reached to
the head of a narrow valley, up which the road ran, when they
came suddenlly upon HIoogenhuisen, still smoking and in ruins.
"What!" exclaimed they, both at once, " more misery from
war."
"O, God!)" said Bertram, "this solitary case makes us
feel more than if we walked through a sacked city. Domestic happiness in a single family we can understand, and feel a
sympathy with. How many happy hours have been spent
around that hearthstone!"
"Yes,"  said Gabriel, who was transported in grief.
" Happy hours indeed have been spent around the fireside of
Marltin Schuyler. I would not have believed, had I not seen
it, that any one could be so cruel as to level this home to the
ground. Black ruins! There is the kettle that old Anshela
kept as bright as a button, half melted. The cellar always
so well filled, now a chaos with charred barrels and broken
pottery, and "1
Gabriel's heart filled full at the sight; and mounting up
on the rock opposite, he sat down on a shelf to indulge his
grief mingled as that was with burning tears of remorselet us hope of repentance, in some degree. So long did he
seem inclined to sit, that Bertram found it necessary to remind him that the clay was advancing, and he knew best how
far they had to go, and what must be clone.
Gabriel said, "It is time we were gone; but these ruins
tell us that Brandt and his crew, and I am ashamed to say
our friends, are not far off, and are likely lurking about here.
Both parties may now be wcithin cry. Let us then," said the
g",i le, "'repare ourselves fobr friend or foe."
\icil that they both proceeded up the Clove road, Gabriel
intending to cross at a point opposite to the falls of the




270               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
I{auterskill, and there to lie in ambush till the appointed
time for action came. Somehow, both the young men had a
kind of presentiment, that the centre of attraction was there.
No doubt it arose from two ideas floating in their minds,
Margaret's well-known romantic spirit, and next the disposition of the Indian to seek some prominent scene in
nature, as a mark for himself. To that celebrated place they
now  eagerly bent their steps. Here an occutrrence took
place which interrupted their progress, and. but for their
courage and experience would have put a stop to their expedition forever.
CHAPTEPR VII.
A PANTHER On A CATAMOUINT.
"The brave,,None but the brave deserve the fair."
- DRYDEN.
GABRIEL, sunk in reverie over the ruins of Hoogenhuisen,
left the responsibility of the sentry-box to his compranion,
whose senses were growing keener every moment to the
sounds, and new objects rising arouncd him. He was sure that
some wild animal must be in the neighborhood; but not
caring to disturb his guide, he merely felt more awake, and
continued more watchful. The sounds were becoming louder
and louder, till at last one fearfull roar roused up Gabriel,
who exclaimed as he started to his feet: "A catamount!
run for that rock."  And they both sprang to one that was
near, and balanced on the hill side so nicely, that two mlen in
earnest, with a stout oaken lever could have turned it over, and
sent it rolling down the gorge into the stream. Here they
both ran, and on the lower side intrenched themselves,
waiting for their enemy, who being above thela on the side
hill, came down upon them with tremendous fury. Their
case seemted desperate, since all the advantage of superior
position was on the side of the animal. Retreat was now
impossible, and their fortress was inlsufficient should he
choose to besiege them by merely keeping' watch. But they
were not men to yield without a struggle. Bertram  had
seen the real tiger slain, when there was a host against him.




A PANTHER OR A CATAMIOUNT.             271
Gabriel was a hunter from his youth, but this was the first time
he had met the catanount, along with a single companion.
On the creature came, leaping from height to height, and
evidently bent upon taking his next spring to the top of their
defence, which bent over them slightly, and was only about
five feet high on the upper side.
"WTVe must fire together," said Bertram, naturally taking
the command, "if we would make sure, and then spring
up on the rock just as he leaps from it."
Gabriel, who had now forgotten all his grief, and thrown
aside all his Dutch sluggishness, replied: "Then, captain,
give him your shot in his burning eyes, while I aim for his
heart."
". Have your knife ready," was the quick answer of Bertram.
" Tighten your belt, captain," said Gabe, as he drew up
his own buckle one hole more, pulling his rough cap tight
over his ears, and looking where he might take hold of the
stones, in case he must spring to the top of the rock. The
sailor was not behind in'his preparations, and stood ready.
In the meantime the animal watched his foes, lashing his
tail firom  side to  side.  When, crouching, he gave his
threatened spring, landing fairly on the rock, where he
received the contents of two pistols, which only made, him
more furious with pain. He gave a roar that was heard as
high as the Dog's Pool, where Angelica sat smoking her pipe,
till she rose in her terror and mewed the wildcat's mew that
alarmed Elsie.
The two skillful men had retreated to each end of the
rock, so that their enemy's attention was divided and
puzzled.  Falling  down gracefully on his haunches, he
seemed to plan carefully his next attack, and Bertram must
be the object of it, for the faces of man and beast were
within four feet of each other. The man's eyes penetrating
so deeply into the animal's that they blinked under the power
of intellect.
"Keep close to the rock, and more to, your right," was
the cry of the other man; "he will leap soon; let it be as
far down as possible.,' And the warning was scarcely givenl
and taken, when, with another roar, the spring sent the catamount down so far that by the time he recovered hirnself,
the two men were on the upper side of the defence, wailing
for their foe. The advantage was now all on their side, and
the discomfited creature, as if ashamed, turned his head




272               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
away a moment, half inclined to retreat. It was then that
the bark of iRover from above attracted his notice, and
roused him to his feet, evidently with the determination of
renewing the attack, but with more caution, for taking a
circuit, he moved up the side of the ravine, as if to regain
his former vantage-ground.  The two men were debating
whether it would be best to allow him to conime on to their
rear; and like.all divided commnanlds, the council might have
proved fatal.
" You may stand here if you please," said Gabriel; "but
I am for that tree. I hate to have an enemy above me;"
and with that he sprung up and sat on a branch which overhung the very rock on which his companion was ensconced.
The animal, from this very motion made by his enemy, had
put himself into a rapid pace, and was ready again to take a
new spring as before.  Down he came cautiously, when
both fired, and their shots told; but, raging with pain, he
sprang upon the rock, over which Bertram slid, but only to
encounter his foe, which was in close quarters with him at
once. Out came Beitranm's sharp knife, which played havock
with the beast; still the result might have been doubtful,
had not Gabriel come down and finished the battle, by a ball
which lie planted in the ear, so well given that the catamount turned himself on his side, and gave his last gasp.
The two adventurers, wiping the sweat from their faces,
mingled as it was with blood, sat down on the rock, surveying their fallen enemy with pride and gratitude.
"A  panther," said Bertram, at length, "and nearly as
large as the Bengal tiger we shot at Bombay, in the East,
when there were fifty of us in at the death.  What powerful
limbs he has; and these horrible claws; see where he has
torn the flesh from my arm here."
" Not a panther, sir, as you may see by these black rings on
his tail. A catamount, if you please; but so far as the fierceness and the power of the creature goes, there is but little difference. The painter is sometimes seen in these mountains;
but of the difference, old Frederika Sax could discourse with
you a whole day, and not be tired then."' My poor carcass, Gabriel, my boy, would be quite as sore
after -the description as it is now. See how these holes bleed;
come, tear off a piece of my shirt here, and act the surgeon on
me, lest I bleed to death.'"
This being done after the most approved hunter's art, the
busy Gabriel commeiced immediately skinning the dead ani



A PANTHER OR A CATAiMOIUNT.            273
mal. To the question put, " Of what use is it? for you cannot
use the skin here, and you woulcl not burden yourself by carrying it Iaway."
Gabriel replied coolly: " You see, sir, it will serve two purposes, and more besides. It will prove good luck when we
show these claws, and obtain bounty when we fetch those
ears home.  They are good money anywhere while fresh;
and the man who has killed a catamount, as that tail will
show, is not to be despised on these mountains~ I-Ie will
respect himself, and others will respect him."
All these reasons were given while the process of denuding
the animal of his hide was going on. After it was done, the
operator took the skin on his arm, and climbed up a high
tree, where he stretched it out on the trunk, so that it might
dry without wvrinkles.
These events took place within a few miles of the Dog
Pool, where the three women; in whom we are interested, had
their hiding-place; but in these wild regions, a thousand men
3hoving singly through the thickets, would be like ships in
a dense mist at sea, within hail of each other, but in ignorance
of being near any one. A mile more to the westward would
have led the two men to the very spot on which their minds
were bent.
Weary and worn with the fatigue of their late contest,
they sat down on the verge of the ravine, and commenced
eating the fiagments of their supplies, which Gabriel had
carefully gathered up at the close of their morning meal in
the barn, draining at the same time the last drop of Hollands
from the square bottle.
" Squeeze the sides of it," said the humorous guide, as he
saw his companion holding up the vessel, so that the drops
fell into his mouth.  " There is more where that came firom,
though we are not likely to taste it till we earn it; and if
my ears don't betray me, we shall have more work of the
same kind before an hour passes. HI-ark!"
The attention of Bertramn was called to what his guide
was saying, when a roar went up through the Clove in the
mountain, which chilled his blood, and made him start to his
feet as if he had b-een shot.'r The mate of our dead enemy," wvas the answer to his
fears.'" She has found him out, and the skin is not so wxarm
as it was last winter. WVell, it sounds mournful, and there is
a sort of humanity in that scream."
"I declare," said the other, "I xvish that she could have




274               THE DlUTCH DOMINrE.
found the living body rather than the dead carcass; sorrow,
even in an animal, overcomes one. It is nature."
" Up," said the eager Gabriel, "G for there she comes at full
speed; let us to the top of the fill here, and have at least the
advantage of high ground.  Load as you run, and see that
the priming: be good. We will need all our -wits.1"
Doing as lie bade, he put Bertram up first; and walking
almost backward hilmself, he watched the shaking among the
bushes, looking out at the samle time for somle point which
migrht, in case of need, be a place of defence.  The old rock
was now in his mind, but for lack of that, he was resolving
to climb the first tree which afforded a favorable harbor;
and had communicated his plan to Bertram, when another
roar told them that the creature was upon their wake.  She
had scented their track and was hastening toward them.
" Spring to that pine-tree," was the cry of Gabriel, and at
the same time, he took to the one close by himself:   Vhen
nearly half way up, they looked back with more security to the
path up which they had come. Listening with great eagerness, their late experience told them that something was irritating the animal below them. She was giving forth low,
dull growls, like those heard by themselves just before their
late foe prepared to spring on them. In a moment more the
report of a well-loaded gun came up to them in fuIl volumle, accompanied by a yell which told that the ball had entered some vital part, though life was far from beingc extinct.
Before Bertram  had time to speak a word, he saw that
Gabriel had slipped down from his perch, and was already on
his way to the scene of action; and in duty bound he must
of course follow his captain. Like all men accustomed to
danger, the mere prospect of seeing fair play was enough to
entice them to the place.
Whllen Gabriel arrived, he saw at a glance how matters
stood: a single man was in close combat with an enraged
animal; and the beast had decidedly the best of it, for the
man lay on his back, and was grasping the throat of the catamount, her tongue pressed fromn her mouth, diseharging foam
mixed with blood on the prostrate nman's face, blinding himn
completely. So closely and stiffly were the combatants clasped
that neither could the man rise nor the beast extricate itself.
The two forelegs of the one were held down by the arms of
the other so near, that when the claws of the beast would have
been raised, the strength of the man. was put forth with such
vigor in pullingo the neck down, that all efforts were as yet




A PANTHER OR A CATAMOUNT.               275
vain with the fore feet; and by lifting his knees to the belly of
the beast, the hind paws were fixed in the ground below, so
that they did no injury.
Such a state of things could not have continued long, and
considering that the animal was severely wounded, it is probable that it would have yielded had his grim  captor
strength left like what he still showed, to hold out; but the
smnallest change might have liroved fatal where nothing remained  but the bare human nails, against such claws and
sinews.
"' Hold on," was the cry of Gabriel, the moment he came
near; " hold on, and I will put my pistol to her ear."
" To her heart, to her heart," shouted the man, "she will
choke me with blood."
Quick as thought Bertram took the opposite side of Gabriel, and putting his pistol to her heart, while Gabriel applied
his at nearly the same time, the great creature, with a scream
almost human, fell over on her side, leaving the imprisoned
man alone at full length.
"' Are you hurt?" was the first question put to the rescued
victim. Rising up, he shook himself, as if he were not sure
that he was the same man who had been lying under a cataniount a minute before.
"' I do not feel any way injured," was the answer of the
man, in the full mnock dress of an Indian; "but I think I
must be, after such a struggle. I forgot to thank you gentlemen, for your timely help.  3fy throat would now have
been in her vicious jaws but for you; for I could not have
held out three minutes more."
All this time the stranger was panting for breath, and trying to stand on his feet.  His face was covered with mud,
and streaked with slaver, so that it xwould have defied his
mother to have known him. Bertram had run and filled the
bottle with water, putting it into the hand of the stranger; Gabriel was at the same time wiping his face with his
handkerchief, used as a sponge. Both were doing all they
could to restore the rescued man to calmness, and his
strlength. After these necessary things were done, they sat
down to survey their fallen foe, and hear the account of the
beginning of this combat.
"It appears to me," said Gabriel, "1that notwithstanding your evident disguise, your voice and eyes are in my
memory, like some old tune that I have heard snatches of in
my your-g days.' am averse to ask you for a name in




276               THE DUTCH DOMLINIE.
these times, but our late battle has put us all three on one
side."
"And you might command me just now, since you are
two to one."
c1 Any man," said Bertram, " who can fight a catamount is
not to be despised even when laid on his back."
" I have recognized you fromlthe first moment you came
in my sight," said the stranger.  "You are Gabriel Smith,
and my name is Teunis Roe."
"H a!" said Gabriel,' who could have thought it; and yet
I might have known that the son of his father would be on
the side of the king; for I see that you are wearing one of
his liveries."
This did not sound very agreeable to the other, but he
merely replied,' I have heard that Gabriel Smith had on the
king's livery for a year past; how comes it that he has
doffed it in these hills which are all under his majesty's
power?""Reasons for all things, and you are the very man that can
help in this matter, Teunis Roe; and as I knew you before to
be honest, and now to be brave, I could wish to lay you
under a bond of honor. We would ask of you a favor."
"1 What you may command as a right, since I am indebted
to you for my life."
This led at once to a careful history of the reasons of
Gabriel being there with Bertram, a stranger, on these mountains, and it is easy to imagine the mutual surprise of all the
three, when the whole story which both parties told was
communicated. Bertram of course was the most astonished)
the most enraptured,- and the most affected with fear lest all
their labor should be lost.
" So near and yet we cannot find them! Oh, if we had but
a few days to ourselves, we could hunt them. One thing we
should be thankful for: she has escaped that villain IKiskataam."
"' He is now hunting for them, and perhaps before you are
aware of it, he will be at your back, aiming his gun at your
ear. It is time that we got under cover. I have seen that
snake this morning already, and I have not been able to leave
the camp once, but he has been at my heels. Let us go up
nearer to the Kauterskill Falls."
" Have you made up your mind as to which side you will
take when the Indians are carrying off the prisoners," said
Gabriel to the mock Indian: "for you know we can claim




A PANTHER OR A CATAMOUNT.             277
being on the same side with Brandt and carry off our prize
in the teeth of Kiskataam?'"
"That is if the man called Colonel Clifford do not succeed
in putting in a stronger claim and have a stronger hand in it
than two men like you, in the dress of the common colonists,
are likely/to have with the Mlohawk."
"Colonel Clifford!" both called out at once. "He here!
then our.cause is hopeless, unless we can obtain her by force
or stratagem; which do you suppose to be the most feasible?"
"When I was met by that fearful animal," said Teunis, " I
was on my way to consult a man of more wisdom than I
have myself; though till this morning, I was better able to
judge of hunting through these mountains than a stranger
possibly could be; but I now am at my wits' end, and ain
willing to be led by any one in this matter. Perhaps I ought
to have gone to him beforehand; still it may not be too late."'"Who is this person, Teunis, that you are now about to
counsel with, if I may ask, for if we are going to take the
same work in hand, it will be proper that we act together,
intelligently."
" Let me here,"' said Teunis,'" telli you candidly that my
life and happiness are alike bound up in the deliverance of
Elsie Schuyler, and if the young lady be the same'as I have
seen, your interests are mine; and so far you must trust my
word.  I have a plan which was in my mind before we
met. It can be carried out all the better by three. Hear
this, and tell me your mind. The party on the rock I believe
are waiting for more prisoners, whom they expect. Some
say it is the Dominie of Kaatskill. My own notion is, that
it is nobody else but your Lady Margaret; and to-morrow
there is to be a regular surrounding of the hills as far west
as possible; now if I can get up a party of surprise it will
either send Brandt off, when Elsie will come out of her hiding-plade, or it may become a rescuing party, should they
succeed in discovering the spot where I am quite sure she
keeps her charge."
"And what did you wish from the friend below?" said
the' over-cautious Gabriel.
"I wanted encouragement: for my judgment has become
scattered. Between this false dress, my fI;ther's wishes and
my own likings and dislikings, I am like a dog that has lost
its scent, ready to be whistled off by any straggler on the
road that will call him master."




278                THE DUTCII DOMINIE.
" Unless you have confidence in the man, do not go near
him.  Your plan is excellent, and for your encouragement
let me tell you," said Gabriel, " that one of our party is down
at the Dominic's at present, soliciting his advice aud aid."
"You mean a king's imana like yourself, in disguise?"
"Yes, the brother of the young lady, and he carries documents with hiM of such a kind as will insure his reception."
" And a warim reception it will be, as I am a living man.
Your friend's neck is not worth a bushel of beans in Dominie
Schunemnan's hands, unless it be on the authority of General
Washington himnself. It would not surprise me if he be hanging like a scarecrow to the first tree he finds outside of the
church."
" He would not dare to do such a thing in the king's dominions, and in the face of the authority he carries."
"Lily clear sir, you arean  Englishman, and very loyal, no
doubt; but our Dominie has more power in his parish than all
the Ikings in chrifstendom; but come, we have not a moment's
time to lose.'
CHAPTER VIII.
FUN, FROLIC AND FOLLY, FINISHED SOBERLY.' Socrates, the great moralist, was so famous for wit and humor, that the Athenians
gave him the name of The Droll. "-MODERN PLUTARCH.
CLARENCE CLINTON, after parting from Bertram and Gabriel, made quick progress on his faithful nag. There was good
cause for the animal's haste —his mate was on the same road
that night before him. Old Cornelius WVynkoop's negro
Ebo, was a dissolute fBllow of his race, spending three nights
in the week, besides Sunday, in some dissipation. He never
went far without a good horse, and though it might be to a
distance, he was sure to return before his master had shaken
the ashes out of his first pipe; Iaarneiy's negroes were fiee
livers, but were not the only set that lived a fi'ee life. Their
masters and their sons do all the marketing, and the providing, and the visiting, during the winter, upstairs, while
the blacks do the eating and the drinking down in the cellar
kitchen.  The frolicking is done by both'classes, at their




FUN, FROLIC AND FOLLY FINISHED SOBERLY.   2179
several haunts, near the villages, where might have been
seen a swing'ing sign-board with the words " Cakes and
Beer sold here," painted in the rudest shaped letters, as
if patterned after an African's jaws and heels. Somne crone
of the real ebony color keeps the house for a white man not
far off. Generally she is his own slave, of more than usual
shrewdness, who presides in full freedom for the night, while
he in the morning comes round from the big house for the
avails of the carousal.  There the negro dances, and the
rough weddings are held; and under the rose the sons of
the white men take great interest in these kiltocoys.
Ebo, Wynkoop's right-hand man, loved a horse, as all his
race do, and mounted on black or brown, he forgot everything for the time. H~ e treated the span impartially, taking
them always out time about. The horses were brothers, and
never parted from each other but they were glad to meet
again. This instinct led them always to run to the same
point when they could get free, and the wild Ebo had been
folund out before now in this very way, and traced to the very
place he was most averse at being found in.
As Clarence rode along in the middle of the night, to his
great surprise and sudden alarm, his horse set up a loud
neighilg and whinnying, which made all the fields around
vocal. At short intervals, these calls were responded to, by
others of the same kind, which increased in number and
loudness in proportion as he advanced. All at once he was
brought up standing at the door of a low cabin, where voices
and screams went up, as if a hundred witches were dinning
the air and performiing their eldritch rites. "Black spirits
and white, red spirits and grey," all seemed mingling together.
After gratifying his curiosity a moment by looking through
the low window, he prepared to go forward; but to his mortification his horse would not move a foot, but sent forth one
of his loudest neighs, that provoked the rider to vengeance,
which caused the animal to make all the more noise, till it at
last arrested the attention of the conmpany within for an instant. One of the dancers came to the window, and seeino'
nothing, called to the fiddler, " Cease, play up;" and the old
fellow within gave his bow a double stroke, that skirled on
the strings till the screams of the company came again in full1
force. Clarence descended and looked in more closely, intending to lead his horse past; and such a sight he never
beheld before. There were at least forty of the genuine




280               T:HE DUTCH DIOMINIE.
Guinea negroes, of purest jet, enjoying themselves in the
most outlandish sports. The dance was a cross between the
wild African jig and the low Dutch hornpipe.
The astonished Clarence looked on, not knowing what to
make of the scene. IHe had witnessed many wild outbreaks
in his lifetime, but never anything like this: not even in theatrical displays.
When they had fairly run themselves down, they fell on
the floor, rolling and screaming over each other, till they appeared actually like so many large black hogs, with a few
white ones among them, roused in their pen, when something has disturbed them. Gradually they slackened down to
a lowered key, but not less din. That was kept up in the
way we may suppose the cellars of Babel were found in some
night soon after the confusion of tongues took place; for not
a word could be distinctly distinguished till some one cried
out sangaree, and all rose, male and female, holding their
tongues still, and their mouths open, as if they had discovered
for the first time that they were choking, and could not
speak another word but sangaree, till they took a swallow.
e was during this pause in the state of affairs, that Black
and Brown gave each other an impatient neigh, that went to
the quick ear of all the delinquent negroes, who had horses
there. Some one who had been out of doors ran in with the
astonishing intelligence, crying, " Ebo! Robbin, your massa,
come; ole Kaarney at the door."
Quick as a flash, the black rogue ran to the door, and seeing the horse that Clarence held-he knew his shape and his
neigh in an instant-he prepared his back for the whip; but,
in the meantime, he would try some scheme; what, he could
not tell; but running up in the dark, to where Clarence stood,
he screamed out, "Massa, massa, forgive ma'passes, as Dominie says, in our Fader. lMe come down to Phoebe Cauterwalikin, bhut didn't mean to come; forgive me ma dets."
Clarence saw that he was under some mistake, and quietly
said so; asking Ebo if he would help him to take this skittish
animal past the door, for he was in a great haste to get on.
By this time Ebo had opened his eyes, and had seen his
error in regard to the man, but was still sure about the beast;
and suddenly changing his tone, he called out:
"lHa! Cowboy stolen massa hoss. Goot; the tief found
out dis time. Fox fal ente de trap himselv.   e! he! he!"
And his mirth returned with something additional to pay
for the fear he had incurred. All the company had felt the




FUN, FROLIC AND FOLLY, FINISHED SOBERLY.   281
alarm-for the negro is of the gregarious tribes, the moment
that one suffers, all the crowd suffer with him; and so let
one dance, and all join through complete sympathy. Quietness had reigned till Ebo called out, " Cowboy," when a shout
came out of the house, as the whole party, male and female,
surrounded the man and horse. Old Aunt Phcebe, side by
side with her grey fiddler, were there ready to seize the bridle
of Brown, and chase the thief away with the broomstick.
Clarence, in the midst of this black nation, found himself
in a complete hornet's nest and dilemma. To tell them who
he was would be folly, and to go back would be to frustrate
his whole plan. His first thought was to leave the horse in
the hands of those who claimed it, and go forward afoot. As
he proposed this, he soon found that Ebo was in as great a
quandary as himself; Old Kaarney would demand of him how
he happened to be there, to make the discovery, and he knew
that the bringing back of Brown would not save his own carcass
from the lash; so that between the doubt of the stranger
and the doubt of the negro, there was rising an uncertain
state of things. Old Phcebe, who was in reality the lealder
of the whole party, cut the knot in the right place, when shecalled out:
" Take'em to de Squire. To de Squire Burhause!"  To
this proposition all responded with the heartiest good will,
and as Clarence found out that the Squire was not far off, he
hoped to prove to his satisfaction that he was neither Cowboy nor horse thief. In the meantime, he felt a little mean at
the suspicion he necessarily lay under, and resolved to keep out
of the presence of a white'man if possible.
At the time when all were about to start for the Squire, a
young lithe negro came up, blowing and puffing with importance, saying, as his breath would allow him, " the bulls! the
black bulls!-Bob an' Peet."
Hooree! booree! was the sound that vent forth on all
sides. The young fellow had been sent off to drive two bulls,
that were kept at opposite sides of Judge Abiel's farm, into
the same lot, where they were sure to fight, with a force
and a fury which could not fail to be prodigiously interesting
to the blacks. With their characteristic thoughtlessness of
all but the present, nothing was worth lookingo at except the
expected sport. Ebo, however, took hold of Brown's bridle,
and led him down through the rail fence into the field, thinking, of course, that his late rider would follow, which he did
with apparent good will. The two mad creatures were corll



282                THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
ing toward each other fiom opposite sides of the field, foaming and pawing the ground as they drew near. They bent
their heads, then rushed together with all their fury, meeting
in the centre, when their skulls cracked, as if two rocks had
come to one place, flung by the hands of giants. Retirin.~
tailwise, they flew forward again with still greater force and
anger than before, continuing these repeated attacks, till the
one and then the other grew weak with the effort. When
fastening their horns, they pushed, as one of the ruling spirits
said, when asked
" Wvhat would de Domeley say, Tom?"
"' Dey push like the bulls of Bashan."
The great interest which Clarence took in the battle was
in the human blacks, whose excitement was beyond bounds
as the fun proceeded. Young and old, male and female, were
in one perpetual movement.  At every new  onset they
screamed and laughed, clapping their hands, holding by each
other, and then falling doewn, seeming more like persons possessed with harmless noisy spirits, than even black mortals.
Rising, they wrestled, falling down together with the most
frantic yells, in which there was no malice nor misery, but
outbursts of mere animal feeling, like what young colts and
even old horses will at times give out, when the harness is
slipped off in the field.. Ebo, who by this time had forgotten all about Black or Brown, and was seen in all parts of the
field kicking up his heels, turning the wildcat, with every
other conceivable and inconceivable antic movemlent, came
across old Phoebe, not seeming to know  the difference
between her great fat carcass and her daughter Jenny's, and
taking her around the waist with his arm, she gave him a
smllart stroke on the cheek, telling him not " to'sult the 3Missus of King's Road Hotel." Turning in his pain to old Coese,
he hugged him with right good will, who, nothing loth, hugged him  back again; till, getting loose fionom the strong arms
of the brute, he seized his bow in earnest, playing up what
he intended to be "Hail! Columbia," butot ending in'" Rule
Britannia;" a tune of mlore familiarity  with him in olden
times, and one that they all liked better froln its associations.
In the midst of this horse fun, Clarence stepped to the
rear, and leaving the horse tied to the fence, he took the road
afoot, plainly perceiving that he would reach his destination
sooner in this way than roundabout by the Squire's.
On the road he was overtaken, to his great mortification,




FUN% FROLIC AND FOLLY, FINISHED SOBERLY.   283
by three of the late friolickers, on horseback, and ordered to
stop, or be " shot through the small ob de back."
Perceiving that his retreat had been discovered, soon after
his secret movement had taken place, there was nothing left
for hint but to submit, in hope of escaping through the intervention of the Squire, to whom they said he must go for
stealing that horse. After parleying with the riders a few
minutes, their brains got puzzled by the question Clarence
put to the spokesman of the party:
"Where is the horse that any one saw me steal? Produce the animal."
Here was something they had not calculated upon, for the
fact in the case was, that Ebo had seized hold of the bridle,
and was by this time far on the way back to the stable where
he belonged: consequently no evidence of horse-stealing
being on the ground, the fellows felt themselves utterly at a
loss now when the prisoner was in their hands.
"' What duv Domilie Toml say to dis in de law before de
Squire?"
The person of whom this was asked scratched his woolly
~pate with great gravity, and said:
"' Dis be de true law; the body must be found vere de murder be."
By this time other actors had entered on the stage. A
company, consisting of at least sixty of rank and file, making
an attempt at looking like soldiers, led on by a large brawny
negro, who gave the word of command, " halt!" which took
place after a while, but not till the leader vociferated savagely, and struck at the company till they screamed, as the
colored race only can screamn when a frolic is going through.
Clarence all the while stood wondering what might be the
end of this, when a new actor appeared upon the stage, in
the person of a singularly dressed masque, that simply said,
" this is my prisoner. Be gone;" and taking Clarence by the
arm, led him off a short distance, saying at parting: " Keep
the main road and make haste, for the day dawns soon after
cock-crowin,-."




284                THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
CHIAPTER IX.
A DUTCH DOMINIE AT HOMTE.
"Thus to relieve the wretched was his pride,
And e'en his failings leaned to virtue's side;
But in his duty, prompt at every call,
He watched, and wept, and prayed alike for all."
GOLDSMITtH.
CLARENCE, walking on in the grey light, followed the wellbeaten road, thinking of what he had witnessed with surprise.
What chiefly affected him was the voice of the mysterious commander.  He had heard it before, but where was all out of
his mind.  The events of the past forty-eight hours, together
with the entire novelty of the scenery around him, were
enough to efface any sensible impression ever made upon his
memory; still the sound of the call, uttered in the dark
morning, by this stranger, haunted his imagination all the way
lie went; and had he lain down to sleep, he felt that the
sounds would still rinpg on in his ears. He had heard the chaplain say, when preaching on the words, " The voice is Jacob's
voice, but the hands are the hands of' Esau," that deceivers
can disguise themselves in all things but their voice.  Who
is this? Time may discover.
Day was beginning to dawn as our adventurer came in
sight of the stone church that stood in the centre of a neat
yard on the roadside.  A small village was scattered around
a mill. The murmur of a waterfall mingled with the dashing
sounds of the wheel. There also stood the smithy, and the
tavern, fashioned after those of the low countries in Europe.
The fields showed a better cultivation than Clarence expected in a new country.  He did not know that the whole
region was more than a century old. A plain of considerable
extent, running from the south as far north as the eye could
see, was well dotted with dwellings, surrounded by orchards
and barns; while the hills here and there had bare places on
their sides, showing.that improvement went on, promising
fine results in time.
Clarence came up to the door of the church, surveying
it with deep interest, as it reminded him much of what he had
seen in the Low Countries of Europe. It was built of stone.




A DUTCH DOMINIE AT HOME.            285
and covered with the same red tile so common in Holland.
Posts were placed all along the road, with rings in them, for
fastening teams; and a few sheds stood at the rear of the
church for such as had more care for their carriages than the
majority.  The small belfry rose out from the middle of the
square roof; and Clarence saw that a bell of some size hung
in it, which, no doubt, had been the gift of some pious Dutchman of the past, whose monument stood in the graveyard
near by. There the traveller went first, and read in the grey
of the morning, the names of the forefathers of the place,
showing that they mainly had been of true Holland origin,
with less of the Huguenot blood than he had seen in some
other places. Van Bergen, Van Kleek, Van Duesen, Van
Vechten were most numerous. What surprised Clarence
was the mixture of both English and Scotch, especially of the
latter, in a place so far remote from the thoroughfares of the
world.
"These Dutch," he muttered to himself, "I believe are
found everywhere except where hunger and starvation are
known; and there, too, are the highlanders from Scotland,
that hungry country. You cannot starve them out."
Here were Salisbury and Grant, McPherson and Newkirk, all met in this fine amphitheatre, surrounded with high
hills, that were washed yearly of their best soil to fatten
these lands below, and these, in time, became fit to support
an immense population, already flocking into it from so many
countries. Here, too, was the temple, where all worshipped
their Maker, blessing Him for the lands where their tents
were pitched in this life. There are the graves, where pious
friends come to shed a tear of grateful remembrance, and of
holy hope.
With such reflections, the candid young Englishman spent
the half hour that preceded the sunrise, when he was told to
expect a meeting with the greatest man of the place. Standing as he did, at the door of the church, he looked to the
east, and saw a stone house in the midst of a small orchard,
and the whole surroundings showed uncommon thrift and
neatness.
"That is the parson's house," said Clarence to himself,
"no doubt, and there is the man of God himself; the instructor, the guide, the friend, and the true patriot; I wonder if he be at all like the one I have just left! I marvel if
our clergymen in old England would fight and preach for
their country and their people, as these men are doing here!"




286                THE DUTCI-I DOMINIE.
The Dominie Schuneman, of Kaatskill, with whom we a1re
already somewhat acquainted, was walkling  slowly fiom his
house to his barn, surveying things to the right and left, that
he minlht have all put in order.  F'or having been al-sellt
on public business for his people, he had of course neglected
his own affairs, and as he lived more firom his farm than on a
salary, it was necessary for himn to watch on all sides.  Ciarence, in order to give the reverend gentleman time to mark
his presence, had walked deliberately across the way from
the church door; but as the parsonage stood on the highway
to the city of Albany, every passer by was seen, and scanned
carefully in those  times of excitement.  The Dominie
had seen the strangerl, and was watchilg his movements
with the "1 tail of his eye," as he continued to throw out
handfuls of Indian corn to his poultry, of which he had a
numerous flock, including a herd of turkeys, that would
have fed an army in a strait.
" Good morning," was the salutation of the stranger, to
which the pastor courteously responded by a slight touch of
the cap, that came close to his head, falling in flaps over the
ears, after the manner of John Calvin, as seen in pictures of
that great man. Indeed it was intended to pattern after that
of the Polemical Republicans, of whom  Dominie Schunneman was a profound admirer, bqually of his " five points,"
and his political creed.
Clarence, folding his arms, turned his fa-ce toward the
mountain, which was beginning to reflect the sun, and said,
as if he did not care for an answer, "I wonder if the old
vrow will doff her nightcap soon."
"Young stranger," was the quick reply of the poultry
feeder, "' it is not for such as you to dictate to her greatness
before breakfast."'
Clarence smiled assent, well pleased with the open sesacme
he had' applied with such success, at the first trial; and, as
if to ingratiate himself still further into the good graces of
the worthy before him, he continued to speak on.
"' lMother M'iountain is like all her sex, somewhat freakish
in her moods; such a firm bottom would promise more constancy of temper."
The answer to this was somewhat ambiguous, and warned
the young man against presuming too far, and so soon. I-is
intention was seen through, and was repelled in the outset;
lest there might be a setting back afterward, of an Lulple,sant nature.




A DUTCH DOMINIE AT HOME.             287' Whet an old vrow, young stranger, prepares for a stormy
journey, she takes off her nightcap at sunrise, and inexperience thinks all is fair weather; but wisdom knows, that in
her good nature at home, she allows her petticoats to hang
loose. When you see the top of the mountain clear, and the
clouds lying on the sides, look out for a passionate burst before night."
Here the philosopher dropped his weather-wise cap, and
calling out in a sharp, rough tone, " Tom! Tom! You vagcabond, come with me into the stable.'"  Looking, behind, Clarence saw the one he. called for, in rather a dubious aspect,
looking askance upon the stranger, as if he was more afraid
of him than of his master.
"What is the matter with you?  What makes you look
so drowsy? Ita, what is here! What makes Dick all over
in a muck of sweat? Who has had him out of the stable
in the night? Some black skin will pay for this before sundown.",
The negro turned up the white of his eyes toward Clarence, who now recognized one of the fiolickers of the preceding night —rather mlorning-and the one that seemed to
rival his old Inquisitor Ebo, in the cantraps of the "King's
Road Hotel."  They cast significant glances toward each
other.  Tomn evidently saying "a shut mouth catches no
flies. Let us be friends."'  The negro went about his business in anything but a comfortable mood, seeing a witness of
his folly in such famiiiar intercourse with his master; and at
the same time tim e he was planning in his mind.how he mlight be
able.to counteract the evil effects of anything against himself; by somlething equally disastrous to the stranger. Working hiimself into the firm belief that Clarence had already revealled all, he resolved to pay him back with interest.
Domllinie Schuneman, whose company we expect to keep
the greater part of the time through which this history extends, wvas a man of large and wide influence in his time. He
belonged to one of the oldest families that came frol Ilolland at an early day, and which had risen to some wealth and
a good position. Of their ancestors, he was one who would
not boast.  When his wife, who rather looked up to the
aristocracy, waulcl begin to trace back, he would cur'tly say:
"The less of that Mlaria, the better. My name is Schunneman; and you are Dutch enough to know that that is
skinner; another word for plain butcher. A Yankeee would
call it Skin-flint."




288               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
But the parents of our friend were able to send their son
back to the Vaderland, where, at Leyden, he obtained a
liberal education, and was ordained to the Gospel ministry,
which he had exercised with great fidelity in this place,
Kaatskill, since his return to his native country. His parish
extended from Caatsban to near Albany, taking in all the
mountain districts; so that he was as well known by the
public now, as any man in the province, and knew as well
what was goinog on in it, as if he were an officer of the State.
Trained in the Calvinistic theology, which renders men firm
in principle; drinking in the love of liberty for which Holland has been famous, and believing in the Presbyterian order of church government, which calls no man master, he
was prepared to pray and fight against the devil and the
king. His ardent temperament made him a fierce foe, and a
firm friend, while his superior learning raised him above all
the laymen in his region; and his office gave him a power
which he was not slack to use, on his own responsibility.
He was a fair representative of the majority of his class;
both in their good and doubtful qualities. The whole
colony of New York was in the hands of these Dominies,
~and it is praise enough to their memories, that that portion of the new States came out of that great struggle as
honorably as Massachusetts, whose speeches ring like the
bell of old South, in Boston, "Praise be to me! praise be
to me!"
Clarence taking the hint given him by Gabriel at parting,
followed the Dominie into the house, and when the breakfast was announced, sat down to the table as if he were one
of the family. A large platter of fricasseed chickens, mixed
with slices of pork, stood in the centre of the bountiful
board, surrounded by other dishes, heaped with cold meats of
different kinds. Venison and bear's meat, and hillocks of bread
and bowls of milk abounded. The' children swallowed gallons
of a kind of porridge called buttermilk pap; and all the grown
folks seemed greedy of something called apple butter. After
grace, said in Dutch, the master of the feast said, " Set to,
help yourselves, and your neighbors will like you the better," and suiting the action to the word, he planted his fork
in the leg of the fattest fowl, and transferred -it to his own
plate of wood, of which material were all the vessels at the
table. His guest understood the hint, and did justice to the
viands of which he really stood in want, not having tasted
anything since his imprisonment at Snyder's, except a piece




A DIUTCH DOMINIE AT HOME.            289
of apple pie, that fat Phcmbe had thrust into his fist as he
went down to see the bull-fight.
There was but little said during the meal, and that in a
language which Clarence could not fully understand. Still
he knew more than they gave him credit for. Having resided himself for some time in the Low Countries, he had
picked up enough of the language to enable him to follow
out the meaning of certain questions and answers given,
in the purer style, which an educated man always uses in
his family. The wife here was a large, gallant-looking woman, with a chin that defied all competition, and her speech
was with authority, not excepting the Dominie himselfi
She sat high like a queen; of finely rounded form. -Her
complexion was pure white and red, but her look was harder
than one would expect, in a place so remote from the public eye. It might be the times which made her severe; but
it struck Clarence that she was too masculine to be motherly,
and was more likely to be feared than loved by the people
of the parish. Her husband always addressed her under
the title'Yfvrow, which the stranger soon found was as much
her official name as Dominie was his, which she never failed
to give him,- fulfilling to the letter the spiritual injunction
and example of Sarah, who called Abraham Lord (Dominus). A  swarm of children were round the table-not
like olive plants, but more like Dutch cabbages, so round
in their bodies; and what struck Clarence as remarkable,
they all had the Latin terminations to their names, Johannes, Wilhelmus, Martinus.  If his ideas of the ancient
classics underwent a change, as he looked into the faces of
these young colonists, his opinions of the future race, taking
these young rebels as a sample, were, that they would yet
make a noise in the world.
Breakfast over, the householder, with the handle of his
knife, struck the cherry-table three times, when a large ebony
wench entered, placing a heavy clasped Bible before him;
when in marched such a drove of old and young negroes,
that it seemed more a market-house than a single faniily.
Where they found lodging and procured food, it was difficult
to guess. The whites present took possession of the seats, as
of right; while all the blacks squatted down on the floor,
becoming as still as midnight, while the father and the priest
read from the sacred book in English; for though it was the
Dutch translation, he gave it in the other tongue freely, as
he went along. He read the forty-sixth Psalm, and said, as
13




290               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
he closed the book,4 "this was the favorite portion of Luther,
in the times of his trouble. These are times of trouble in
which we live. We need the same comfort and defence.
Let us seek those from God. Hle then offered up fervent
petitions in the two languages spoken around him. There
was some comfort for all in what he said. Clarence observed
that the common cause of the country was not overlooked.
Defence against all enemies from within and from without;
nor was the "guest and the stranger " passed by, when the
wish was expressed that this "' youth of fair countenance and
of pleasant speech might be prospered on his way, if he had
an honest heart and an upright purpose."  After prayer,
there was a general rush for the door; the young fry, white
and black, alike eager to be off, and away from restraint;
while the older and the confidential lingered behind for a
word of recognition, or for orders concerning the duties of
the day before them. The Dominie was evidently a man of
large business, from the commands he issued and the questions he asked. Nor were these all about farming or parish
work; some referred to public business, but spoken in a low
tone, which told the guest that he had not yet obtain'ed the
confidence of the family, nor of its head.
The last who went to the door was Tom, who, knowing
that all was not right, wvaited behind, like a good soldier
defending his rear against his enemy.
"You were out at Phcebe's last night, you rascal, and
had Dick with you," was the pointed accusation of the
master.
"' Lor, massa, who toll you? Me covered up de big book,
and me tought it could no speak in de dark."
"I can see in the dark, you rapscallion, that you are.
Get your back bared. Ten stripes with the raw hide will
save Dick another race to Phzebe's.1"
Tom cast his jacket at once; at the same time turning
round on his master, saying, " Your spoolk see dis gentleman
here too at Aunt Phcebe's?"
Clarence, who had not been an unconcerned spectator of
the whole scene, became now an eager listener, since he
knew the cause of this present trouble better than he cared
about.
"What do you mean?" said the enraged master. "Do
you think such a gentleman as this seems to be, would stop
at such a bedlam as you have just come froml?"
There was a sharpness in the tone and a look of the eve in




A DUTCH DOMINIE AT RHOME.           291
the interrogator that made Clarence start, and which sent a
look of fury infto the eye of the culprit, who evidently wished
to involve the young man in the same trouble with himself;
so rising from his seat, he held out the letter which had been
given to him, and was stepping forward, when he was met
by the reverend gentleman half way, who, with great dignity
of manner, held out his hand, saying:
"You have some commands for me, I suppose, sir? Excuse
me while I dispose of this business;" and with that, he
informed the impudent Tom that he might look out for the
full payment of what was owing to him, before he went to
bed, unless something occurred that would make atonement
for the doings of last. night. " Look out." And taking the
whip he held in his hand, he gave it a swing, which made the
snapper spring, so that Tom made a pair of clean heels for
once in his life.
" Sit down, sir," said the good master.' I see that this
letter is fiom my worthy brotherl of Sopus. Dreadful times
these; wicked devils, these red-coats. Unprovoked outrage.
It. would give them no more than they deserve, if every one
engaged in that act were hung over these houses on a gridiron. Yesterday, too, setting that good man's house on fire.
Poor Martin Schuyler. Savages, all of them. Gentlemen!
Devils!"
All this sent forth in fierce objurgations, as he read the
letter, which, for aught Clarence knew, was telling the passionate Dominie how he had been engaged during the night
of the Sopus raid. From the interjectional sounds that came
out, it was plain that the Dominie was in no good mood.
He had more of the magistrate in his look than the minister
of religion. Rising, he said with severe authority, "'Your
business will require consideration; and as there are a great
many things to be done to-day, we will dispense with your
presence till we have more time."
With this, he opened the door, when they-were met in the
hall by one of his parishioners, inquiring if the Dominie
had made "up the salve for Aunt Nelly's foot." It was
handed to him in a small box. Clarence saw inscribed on it:
"To be well rubbed in; and this will cure with G(od's
blessing."
" A droll mixture," said the young Englishman. " This
man is a minister, master, magistrate, doctor, and if I may
judge by my being sent to him, he is captain of the Kaatskill
Whig militia. But I doubt very much if he serves me and




292              THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
my cause. Like his salve, I must be well rubbed; and the
cure will come with God's blessing-all chance. My notion
is, to bribe some one as a guide, and flee to the mountains,
trusting myself to Brandt, claiming his aid as an officer in
the king's service."
With these half-formed plans in his mind, he left the
presence of the Dominie, wandering he knew not whither,
but every now and then recurring to the idea of escaping to
the hills. But it was not long before he perceived that that
would be a difficult matter, for it did not seem to him that
he was for one moment out of the sight of Tom, or of some
one else that he had seen with Tom. At last the thought
darted across his mind, "I am watched. They suspect me,
and that vagabond is the spy."




IBTRGOYNE'S FAIL-URE;
BEING
THE  REVELATION' OF  SECRET  CAUSES
UNNOTICED BY THE GREAT HISTORIANS OF THE TIME.
298








BOOK III
THE real object of Vaughan's expedition to the north was,
if possible, to form a junction with Burgoyne, who was now
hard beset at Saratoga. All that was known of that daring
commander's movements at the south, made the king's friends
despair of his success. The communication between these two
extreme points of operation was entirely cut off; and he who
was willing to become the forlorn hope of the army, was
regarded by the one side as a spy and by the other as a hero.
Messenger after messenger was thus dispatched and caught,
and still another went for help as their fate still remained in
suspense, till it led in some instances to desperation. He
was ready at length for any deceit or scheme, bearing the
least semblance of feasibility. Once succeed in getting his
spies below Albany, With the river on one side and the
mountains on the other, and what was to hinder their communicating either with Brandt or with Vaughan in time to let
Sir Henry Clinton know  his position and obtain his aid.
Having recently come all the way from Canada, a journey
over the Kaatsbergs, keeping back by the Round Top,
seemed to him an easy thing: nor were there wanting gallant
men willing to undertake the risk, at the command of such a
chief. How far their judgment was well informed or how
well people of the country met these plans, must be left to
our history.
295








CHAPTER I.
A PRISONER IN DISGUISiE, BEFORE A TRIBUNAL IN DISGUISE.
L Boddikins, Master Page, though I be old and of the peace, if I see a sword out, my
fingers itch to make one; though we are justices and doctors and churchmen, Master
Page, we have some salt of our youth in us: we are the sons of women, Master
Page."-JUSTICE SHALLOW.
CLARENCE CLINTON, whom we left in a state of uncertainty,
politely bowed out of doors, and yet not at freedom, felt it
bard thus to submit. He fretted himself wishing a thousand
times that he had insisted on being taken up at once to the
camp of Brandt.  That being now impossible, he at length
resolved to follow the current of events. So, composing his
feelings as he best could, he set about diverting his mind by
observing what was new to him.
It was evident from the unusually large number of people
seen in so small a village, that something of importance was
about taking place. Following the current, he was landed
at the church door, where was a motley assemblage; such
as he never supposed existed in this Province. He always
knew  that in a colony, there must be br6ught together a
peculiar people, different from those of the mother country;
but he had not dreamed of meeting such a foreign looking
race, except in some country entirely different from old England. Looking at them merely on the outside, his impressions were partial; for he found a fairer representation of the
Saxon race, than he at first saw. Here the substratum was
indeed Dutch, as their speech proved, and also their dress.
Some New Englanders, lank and sharp in features, were
standing in the midst of little groups to whom  they were
*holding forth upon the affairs of the country at large,:and
others of them discussing some particular point of policy,
when direct reference was made to the late attack upon their
neighbors; and what was best to be done both for their defence and for vengeance.
What surprised Clarence most of all, was the mixture of
those naturally belonging to the country with both English
13'                           i




298               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
and Scottish born subjects of King George. This, which becamie to his inquiring mind matter of great interest, wras followed up; and he learned fiom different sources, that one reason of there being so many classes, arose firom the fact that after
the old French war the regiment of Scotch, which was disbanded at Albany, remained for the most part in the colony;
and that a conimpany of them, under Captain Salisbury, settled
on these fiats, retaining their habits and their dress: for in
the assemblage met that day, Clarence saw the Highland
philibeg, that garb of old Gaul, which is so picturesque in
the neighborhood of hills, and -ecalling all the romantic associations of the ancient class of Caledonia, he could imagine
himself near the Grampian hills.*
WVihile this gathering was to our adventurer the subject
alike of study and wonder, he noticed a face among them
like one that he had seen in a dream. He puzzled his mind
trying to recall some name that he might attach to it, but
in vain. HIe viewed it in every possible light in profile and
direct; and while in each fiesh light glimpses satisfied him
that he had known the man in some other place, he still was
at a loss to give him a locality in past history. Tall, thin
and wan inl his appearance, it was evident that he was not in
the spot to which he belonged.  His dress was buckskin
below and a small cloak thrown over his shoulders which
nearly hid a coat of homespun grey. He stood high in his
stout shoes, under a cap of bearskin; to which was added a
beard that seemed to be but a part of the same animal's fur,
cut from its neck. As his eye wandered around the crowd
as if searching for some one, it fastened at last on Clarence, so
searchingly that the young man found the blood rising to his
eyes; and he was about to go forward and demand an explanation, when he was called aside with. a slight tap on the shoulder
by one that he knew to be an officer in his majesty's service;
but who had been taken prisoner six months before in an attack upon Fort Washington. The greeting on both sides was
warnl but silent, for both saw at once the necessity of prudence.
Clinton," said the officer, " why in the name of all that is
good, are you here?':
"May I not ask of you the same thing?" said Clarence.
"You seem to be in the bear's den, and so near the mouth,
one mlight think escape was desirable."
"Oh," said the other, "I am here on my parole of honor
* The late Wi4helmus Schuneman, Esq., gave the author this description.




A PRISONER IN DISGUISE.              299
and must run my chances of exchange. There are ten of us
here among these boors.*
"Pray," said Clarence, " is that one of your set there with
the rough cap?  Look cautiously around, for he is watching
us, and his eves seem as if they would search me through.
I am sure he is an Englishman, and I am confident of having
seen him somewhere in my travels."
Ciarence's companion, by changing his place, fixed his eye
on the unknown, but declared that though he must know
thlat pale face well, yet he had never seen him before in
this region; and he could only conjecture that he must be
somnle one in disguise looking around him for sport, like
others present. This was said to draw out the stranger he
was talking to; but Clarence merely said he had business,
which he was afraid gentlemen on their parole durst not
undertake, saying at the same time, in a whisper, " we are
Mwatched, and must separate for the present."
" Well, we must of course; but," said the other, "I will
gather our fiiends together, and we will keep ourselves on the
alert lest anything befall you. Let MARGAnET be our word;"
and with that the two parted to different sides of the Assembly.
Clarence thought it best to mix with the colonists; and
stepping up to one who had the look of an Englishman,
though dressed in the fashion of the common people of the
country, he saluted him so that it became a sufficient introduction.
" Is something of importance about to be transacted here
to-day?"' was the young Englishman's first inquiry.
"Yes, sir," was the courteous reply.  " One of Burgoyne's
messengers has been caught on the road from Albany, on her
way to Sir Henry Clinton, whose vessel is now at the mouth
of the creek."
"It is a lady then?" said the inlquirer, with some perturbation of minld that almost betrayed him.
"It is a woman at any rate; as to her being a lady is
another thing. aWe are not accustomed to calling spies
ladies."  This was said with a sneer, not to be mistaken; and
for a hint from his new acquaintance.
"' She is to be tried," he continued, "just now before the
Consistory. She is a young wonman, and very beautiful;
above the common manners, and, perhaps, a lady. But here
comes the Dominie, who will worm  out her secret. You
* This is given on the same authority.




300               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
asked, I think, if this was a court to try such cases. No,
not in law, but though the Dominie be no squire himself, he
always sits on the bench; for he knows more than all the
squires between Sopus and Albany, and rules them by his
little finger, and a nod of his cocked hat.
Clarence had not asked for this information, for he understood it frown experience, and was prepared to hear sentiments
like these from one who spoke more like an Englishman than
a Dutchman, though he was evidently a colonist.
4 "I perceive that you are an Englishman," said Clarence,
" and are smiling at the power of this court to try a spy, as
you say the lady is?"
_No, sir, not English born. My father, after the fighting
at Lake George, in the French war, gave up his commission and received a large tract of land on which he settled,
along with his company. We are most of us the solrs of
those men. The Scotch are clannish, and so you perceive a
great many of that nation, though the greater part of them
were so loyal that they could not live where the king's
power did not extend, and have removed to Canada. Those
here now are most of them true to their country, though they
stiffly keep to their religion and their dress; eating oatmeal,
and living in houses on the earthen floor, where they drink
oceans of whisky, to' keep the cauld out of their banes.'"
" Ah!') said Clarence, "those men with the kilt and the
hose. A fine country for highlanders."
" Tell me here,"  said the colonist, w hod you are, as you
seem  to be an entire stranger?" a new thought having
entered his mind. He looked right into the eyes of Clarence
for an answer.
"I have a case before the reverend Consistory," was the
ready reply, "and I am waiting till they meet. Are not
those the members who have entered in at present?"  WVith
that Clarence went in with the rest, and took a seat in a
large square pew that was made to contain a whole family,
from the full bottomed vrow, clown to the round dumplinog
of the large dozen, common in those good old times, when
children were like pumpkins round about the house. His
new acquaintance, whose name he found was Salisbury, sat
next to him, and was all alive to the business of the occasion.
Suspicion of Clarence's business had induced him to take this
seat, as if he meant to watch  him.  Tor' was Clarence
unaware of the suspicion.
The Consistory was called to order by the Dominie, who




A PRISONER IN DISGUISE.             301
sat as president. He offered prayer longer than might be
necessary. Patriotic sentiments prevailed, the recent devastation was referred to, and the abduction of two members,
worthy of their place, was mourned over, and petitions
offered on their behalf  Sympathy for the distressed drew
out sobs and tears from the multitude, and a fierce sighing,
like a surging wind, ran through the whole house when the
good man, in the style of one that chants pathetically,
exclaimed, " Our country is desolate, our cities are burned
with fire, our land strangers devour, and is overthrown by
strangers, and the daughter of Zion is left like a cottage in
a vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucurnbers, as a
besieged city."
It seemed to the intruder that every eye in the congregation was turned to the place where he sat, so that he felt
a secret wish of sinking down into the ground out of sight.
It was truly the case that the Dominie had an earthly motive in this prayer. HIe took heaven by violence so that this
British soldier might carry back a good report.  This, said
the man of faith to himself, will do more to make our enemies quail than a discharge of artillery.
"'Call te prisoner," said the officer who sat beside the
reverend man that he might be benefited by his counsel.  It
was a semi-sacred, semi-civil court. Indeed, the squire was
one of the Consistory, as the pastor always took good care
that he should have his hand felt in all his parish. NIor did
this mongrel court appear so much out of character to
Clarence, who had seen the clergy of England sitting at
quarter sessions in their canonicals, trying the poacher and
the vagrant. The suspense of the stranger who had heard
of a woman being arrested, who was described as beautiful,
and of superior breeding, when he saw the prisoner brought
in, was great, but he was soon relieved fi-om his fears when
the lady, who was unknown to him, stepped forward freely,
and made her obeisance to the chief man on the bench. The
Dominie wore his three-cornered hat, a flowing wig of three
stories, newly powdered, and long white bands that lay upon
his capacious chest, so that he was an awful spectacle in the
eyes of his parishioners, and of the whole African population;
but the lady was nothing daunted by the sight.
" Who be you? Vat be your name? Endcle vere do you
come fraemi?" said Squire Van Bergen, who was a real peaceful common-sense looking man of fifty-five, or about that age.'You ought to know who I am, and should have some




302               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
knowledge of where I am from before you venture to inter.
rupt travellers on the king's road."
This was said by the lady with some tartness, as if she
really felt herself to be the injured party. She stopped short
in her speech, and watched the effect of her reply upon her
inquisitor; whose brains were confounded by the hardihood
of the woman whoml he expected would have soon sunk under the question he put to her. But the Donminie whispered
something in the ear of the legal functionary, when he again
woke up, saying:
"Mataam, de country vants vatching, ende you were travellin' py yourself, and you must tell vere you pe come frlaira;
ende veder you pe goin', elz ve vill put you in de close up
once."
There was meaning in these words; and though they were
said with one leg thrown over the other, and the arms resting on the knees, yet they were firmly said, and the prisoner
saw too well, that it would be vain attempting to carry these
men by storm.  So putting on her sweetest manner, she
said in the softest tones, " You surely do not suppose that a
lady could in any way endanger a country where there are
so many brave men to defend"it?" and with that she gave a
look around her, on the faces of the spectators, who were
really flattered by her allusions to their courage. The lady
showed to Clarence great moral energy; and she was evidently wound up to the highest pitch of excitement; and as
her eye for an instant rested on that of Clarence, he almost
forgot himself, and felt ready to throw prudence to the
winds, and plant himself by her side as her defender. He
was recalled to sense by the squire asking:
" AIataam, vere you de pearer of public dispatches dat you
must pe alone on de vay?')
"You do not mean," said the prisoner, "that the good
people in this Christian land, with such good men for their
pastors, are such savages that a lady cannot go alone where
she pleases?"
She said this looking straight into the Dominie's face, as if
he was the one to answer that question which involved his
calling and responsibility. Nor was she disappointed, for
that earnest man was only waiting for the chance of talking
up the case himself, since lie saw plainly that the worman. was
too much for his honest elder, the squire.
"There are savages in the land,"' said the Dominie, "b lut
they do the bloody work of their own master."'




A PRISONER IN DISGUISE.             303
"You mean," said she, artfully misconstruing his allusion,
"that I. have nothing to fear fiom the inhabitants of this
place."
" Nothing if your own intentions be good. We are more
afraid of serpents than we are of savages. There are both
around at this time."
" I have heasd, reverend sir, for so I esteem you, that the
fierce Mohawk has been near, but surely you do not perceive
in me any resemblance to that monster?"
"There are painted Jezebels, more cruel than Brandt,
madam. But we have no time to parley. Are you the bearer
of any message to our enemy now on the river? Answer if
you be, that we may get through with your business at once."
This was said with a sternness which could not be set
aside, and which had the ieffect of rousing up the feelings of
the assembly to a nervous intensity, so that a pin dropped
could have been heard as she answered:
" How should I be the bearer of a message in a country
watched by a thousand eyes at every step? If your gallantry be equal to your appearance as a gentleman and a
Christian minister, you will order my immediate release."
1" Madam," said the dignified man, as he rose in his seat,
" your evasion and your appeal to our chivalry will not avail
wvith us. Do you know aught of this cup?
At this, a silver cup of rare workmanship was produced,
and placed before the prisoner; when a slight shade of red
which showed her chagrin nlore than any shame, passed
over her fine but rather bold countenance; but recovering
herself; she said, " Supposing that I do know, you surely do
not expect me to say anything that would criminate myself."
". Dat's de law," said the squire, edging in a word; " budt
once vere did you hide dis cup last nicht before de lads found
tee?"
At this point in the investigation a young man stepped up
to the Dominie, whispering in his ear, and at the same time
putting a small parcel into his hand. This was immediately
produced, and turned out to be a large silver hunting watch,
with a silver face, to which a gold chain and seals ofseveral
kinds were attached. This rare timepiece excited universal
attention, and diverted the minds of the spectators friom the
lady. Clarence took occasion to mark the movements of her
lips and the corners of her mouth, which, notwithstanding
her resolute will, showed her mortification. She lifted a
wooden cup filled with water, that she had asked for soon
after she came in, and took a sip of it, and this she did the




304               THE DUTCH DOMiINIE.
whole time, showing that her coolness was more affected than
real.
"Stan' up, Hanchy," said the squire, " ende tak' your oat'
dat tee vill tell de trut', de whole trut' at de day of judgment."
" Vere did you find de vatch here once?" was the first
question.
"Near the place where we found the silver cup.'"
"G Ende de vere vas dat?"
" Where we found this woman.'"
" Ende vere did you find de voman?"
" I told you all about it this morning," said the great lo-Lt,
who did not understand the object for which he was brought
there. The Dominie, Who was provoked beyond all endurance, rose in his seat, storming at the witness in such a way
as would have driven all the brains out of ten dolts like him;
and ordered him to tell his story as he had told it to him that
morning. " And see that you stand on both your legs at
once, and keep your nose there from snifting like old Egbert
Bogardus' yellow mare in the spring grass."
His story was a long rigmarole, amounting to a few facts.
lie and another of the same squad had been out sparking,
when they overtook on their way home something that they
took at first sight to be a spool, sitting by the road-side. It
turned out to be this woman. She made inquiry after some
one, whom  the Dominie forbade him to name. They suspected her to be of the Tory side, from the person she inquireod after. Pretending to take her where she wished to
go, they took her to a genuine WVhig's house, and left her.
Thinking that she had fallen among her own class, she
directed them where they would find a small bundle, which,
instead of taking back to her, they put into the hand of the
squire, who in duty bolind consulted the chief man, and
hence this investigation.
" This," said the Dominie, " is a valuable timepiece.  I
see here marked on the inside of it a name that no one in
this colony, of the true blood, has any cause for loving —' BUGOYNE.1' 8
At the announcement of this name, which the Dominie
said was engraven on the inside of the case, a general buzz ran
through the house, which went further into the heart of
the. prisoner than anything that had occurred hitherto, as
she evidently feared that the crowd would take the law
* Such a timepiece, marked "' Burgoyne," and a cup, as here described,
came to light about twenty years ago.-D. M.




A PRISONER IN DISGUISE.            305
into their hands, and malke quick work with her at the duc'king tub; for the name of Burgoyne was as famous for loose
morals as for the owner's enmity to the colonists; and in a
place where a vile woman was a baser object than a vile
man, Jezebel would be as likely to suffer some penalty as
King Ahab.
Silence was shouted by the Dominie. "Have you no
manners, nor regard for law, that you look like a set of barbarians, about to eat a woman up alive?  A precious bite
you would have in your mouths, rolling it like a sweet morsel
under your tongue.  Dick Overbagh, you great gomeril,
take your seat."
Quiet being restored, the examination of the watch was
continued. The case was opened and shut twenty times, the
woman's eye following every movement. He stopped, shut
it up again, weighed it on his fingers, drawing the seals
through his hand, as if satisfied, and seemingly was about to
hand it back to the late possessor. Clarence had marked
her features during movements, and saw evidently her eagerness to be through with the whole.  When the Dominie
made as if he would hand it back to her, he perceived such a
sudden gleam of pleasure that he was sure it meant relief;
for he drew his hand back, saying, " We will give it one more
trial." Clarence really thought it cruel in the man to torture
her by this tantalizing movement, for the blood rushed suddenly to her heart, through this unexpected disappointment;
and she sat down, holding her hands so thather chin might
rest upon them, as if saying, " I will see the worst of it, and
defy you."
The Leyden student had not dug for Hebrew roots in vain.
To the search he went again, knowing now surely in his own
mind that something was here, and of value. He went over
the whole surface with his thumb nail, pressed upon every
place he suspected; when at last he did touch a spring, which
revealed a double case, within which there lay carefully a
small bit of paper, bearing the words:
"De spe decidere."
" Read this," he said, with a smile.  "What does this
mean?"
" Nay, nay, Dominie; that is for you to read and explain,
who are the only man of learning here." This seemed to be
said by all, for no one would have said less of a student from
Leyden, and a Dominie.




306               THE DUTCH ]DOM[tIE,
"' We have lost all hope.' God grant that it may be so,"
was the fervent saying of the reverend man, as he translated
the inscription on the secret missive.
"What is meant by that, Dominie??" was called out by
twenty voices at once.
" I think it means that Bur "-   Before he could return
an answer, a rush of men to the door bewildered the Dominie, and all around him, so that they did not, for a few nloments, know where they stood. So sudden and great was
the alarm, some thought one thing,. and some another, but it
was. evident that the greater part supposed that Brandt was
surrounding the house. The pastor here showed his true
courage. Raising his voice like a trumpet in the place
where he was sure to be heard with effect; he cried out:
" Shut the door, and bolt it there, Jack Pearce. Stand
firm. Salisbury, here, leap out of that window, and rouse
our friends. Now, men, stand to your arms. Here, Captain
Hallenbeck, take your place and muster your men."
The Dominie was first in war as in everything else; nor was
he behind in the true argument, for sitting down, he deliberately took out a pair of large horse pistols, and examined them
with the eye of one who knew how to use them. T. he whole
Consistory were equally well armed, while the men in the
seats were lifting up guns that were lying safe and innocently beneath their pews, and began shaking fresh powder
into their pans out of their hunting-horns with something of
the zest of' those who watch a deer lick.
"Look well to your flints," was the order from the desk;
" and when you see the first signal of danger, lie down till
we know where our enemy is standing. Spare your fire till
you mark your man. Some of you climb up to the belfry
and snap off the leaders."
Here the squire, who had. descended from the bench and
was sitting humbly on a lower seat, remarked loud enough
for the rest to hear:
"The Dominie might hev some pity on hinmself, ende
hide his head in eene koormaat."
"Nay, nay; the bullet has not been cast that will take me
down, squire; I have as much fat on my ribs as will hide a
dozen pigeons' eggs. Come up beside me here, and let us
remember how our two brethren of the Consistory are up in
the mountain there, prisoners of that heathen Brandt. Oh,
how I would like to tell him, and his Master George, that
sent him,'en met welke mate gij meet zal u wedergemeten




A PRISONER IN DISGUISE.             307
worden.' For the benefit of these who do not know our good
Dutch" —and here the speaker glanced toward the eyes of
Clarence-let me give it in English:' With what measure
you mete, it shall be measured unto you again.'"
By this time the cause of the uproar was made known.
A report was spreading through the crowd out of doors, of
Burgoyne's defeat at Saratoga; and as a multitude are never
too particular in trying the evidence of good or bad news,
they shouted so loud that the report was believed.
C Open the doors," cried the Dominie.'Three cheers for
General Gates! three times three for Washington! Now for
thanksgiving to the Captain of Salvation."
In ant instant that uproarious crowd were still as a Sabbath
assembly, bending their uncovered heads, and following the
voice of their spiritual guide, as he led them to the footstool
of the Great Deliverer. It was an impressive sight, only to
be seen oremarkable occasions, when the souls of earnest
men are wound up to the highest pitch to meet a danger,
and then suddenly to be thrown back within themselves, to
record' a deliverance. The prayer of that day seemed to
Clarence more like inspiration than anything he had ever
heard. All that passed had taken them so completely by
storm, that even he, from the other side, could not refrain
fr'om joining in the rapture.
After they began to recover themselves from their ecstasy,
one and another of them asked, "1 Where is the woman?"
"' Where is the prisoner?"  " Vere is de lady?" said the old
Squire; " I -putten down mien head at de Dominie's prayer,
and ven it over she vas avay."  Such was the tale they all
told.
"Jake Van Deuser, look after the prisoner," said the real
president of the day; "and now the Consistory is adjourned
till after dinner.>'
With that all left, evidently pleased with the doings
of the morning, but expecting still more before the day
was over. A signal from the leader of the day brought
Clarence to his side, when he was told to be on hand at the
hour appointed.
" As your case requires both secrecy and dispatch, you will
see that nothing comes from you, informing any one of our
meeting. An hour after noon, at the parsonage."
The emphasis put upon the word secrecy, told painfully on
the ear of the young man; but he had no resource left but to
stand it through to the end.




308               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
CHAPTER II.
A  A S QUE  A I) E.
"There is drollery under tile blackest face;
Has not a sackcloth cloud a silver lining?"
THE ELDER BURTON.
OUR young adventurer went out from the presence of the
Dominie, chewing the cud of bitterness. He felt ready for
anything that might open for him a way of escape. He was
becoming sure that the meshes of a plot were drawing around
him.
"This man," said he to himself, " parson or judge, is a fit
executioner for. that mock governor, who has handed me
over, through the other parson below; and I am fool enough
to wait here till he has time to put the rope arotind my
neck."
HIere he looked up to the mountain, and saw the smoke
that rose from the Indian's camp, where he was sure of being
well received; but how was he to make his escape without
exciting suspicion? In his quandary he began to whistle,
when a man passing him, whispered: " that air is ouit of date
in this region."  It was " God Save the King'," a tune that
had become treason on the west side of the Atlantic.  So
Clarence, the brave soldier, stopped his breath as if he had
been shot by the same air-pistol which was fired at Georlge
III. himself on his way to Parliament.
Strolling on, his eye was attracted to a strange-looking
dwarf, who moved before him in the manner of the China
images of the London tea-shops, steadily forward, yet shaking at every step, as if it must be the last before a fall. So
interested did his study of the creature before him become,
that his attention was completely riveted. We can guess
what his astonishment was, when on his right hand, first,
there rose a sharp whisper, "Follow him," then on the left
hand, a still sharper call, "' Follow him, he has something to
tell you."  Clarence could not help looking on both sides
for the speakers, but there were none on either. But led on
as he felt inclined, le stepped after the dwarf to a bridge;
when coming up over the right-hand guard, a voice dis



A MASQUERADE.                 309
tinctly said: " Captain Clinton!" Running to that side, the
amazed passenger looked, seeing nothing, nor any one. Persuaded, however, that there was a connection between the
invisible whisperer and this visible imp, he through curiosity
followed on till he came to a small tavern, standing by a mill,
surrounded by a few houses, built of red and yellow brick.
The inn had a low stoop, which ran along its front, on which
were forms for the lazy and the lame. A group of motley
gossip-mongers were all around, made up of white, black,
yellow, and other dingy colors. Dame Krouse kept the best
of "Hollands imported," as she said on her sign-board;
though her negro Tim, a great braggart, declared that he
was a " better brewer than the bogs of Dutch lan''duced."
The different groups of men were engaged when Clarence
came up to the tavern door, according to their tastes. The
grave and grey men were discussing the late trial, and others
were playing at quoits, and pitch the stone; while the boys
were running at tag and leap-frog.  It was a busy place
considering the size of the small hamlet. Somehow a report
had gone through the country, that an affair of moment demanded the presence of all who were able-bodied, and with
the instinct of animal nature, they came where the carcass
was. Sopus had been burned; Brandt was on the mountain; and Burgoyne had been captured, and something must
be done at home to prove their interest in the public weal;
even the young fry of the place were ranged under a captain
of their own size as soldiers, following the sound of an old
frying-pan, which a thick-set bare-headed negro, of the class
simpleton, was beating with a club, in imitation of a bass
drum.
Our adventurer stepped on to the piazza of the tavern,
and mixed with the men who were engaged in discussing the
affair of the church meeting. It was plain enough that a
difference of opinion existed outside the Consistory, notwithstanding the apparent acquiescence in-doors, concerning the
precognition of the woman's case, that morning; nor was
the Dominie without his share of censure. The public mind,
always severe at the time when treason is ripe, and when
fear has the ascendency, was loud against the woman who
carried such unmistakable evidence with her of being a spy,
and of holding communication between Burgoyne's army
and that of Clinton.
"Did na ye see the face o' the lirmmer when the minister
pult the question to her? she spoke up as bardy as you like.




310              THE DUTCH DOM7INIE.
Na, I thocht that the gude man himself was a wee bit
bewitched, else he would na been sae easily bamboozled wi'
the pawky quean."
This was said by a brawny Scotchman, who' held in
his hand a pewter cup, filled with the strongest kind of ciderbrandy, which he sucked up with a zest that showed his
experience.
"Such stuff as that is gude enough to wet one's wizzan in
this country, where you canna get better; but, man, if I had
but a coggie of Glenlivat, how it would mak' me ridge wi'
fainness. But anent, that action o' the minister's, he should
hae sent the jade to Albany."
"[Donald Grant, you are always finding fault with the
powers that be; and even the Dominic cannot escape your
rasping tongue."
This was said sharply by a small man, dressed in silver
grey, that fitted close to his body, and though worn bare,
was carefully brushed. His'look and his maaners bore evidence of his New England origin, and his pedantic speech
spoke him to be of the pedagogue order, a class of men that
have done much to leaven the west side of the Hudson with
the love of learning, and who had, notwithstanding the repugnance of the Dutch to all the Yankee brood, found their
way among them  as peddlers, pedagogues and singingmasters.
"Noo, maister," said Donald, " you would tell me that
men in authority should be respected, and my mither, aye said
that ministers were black craws, to shoot at; and there's
yoursel', for instance, in your schule, have a gude right to
use the taws in makin' your words be enforced, but if you
wranged miy callant there, I would lick your hide out here,
till you were black and blue. Noo, as the Dominie himsel'
says, you can mak' the application of this discourse at your
leisure."
"I amn not going to contend with you, Grant, when clublaw is the rule; but law is lawv, and must be obeyed. The
men that administer the law must be sustained, else where
are we going to but down-stream?-aInd for my part I do not
value a man more than a tenpenny whittler, who'does not
stand by the law. There now, something is going on among
that black generation. I must look after these imps of
Satan."'
"lMind, maister, I'll not let you interfere with a wee bit
fun, for I like it o'er weel mysel'. You are king in your




A MASQUERADE.                  311
ain dominion, but here you are nae matr than a common
mnan."
" Dat's true, Grant,"' said a rough-looking native, with as
many capes on his coat as there are plies on a tulip, and
whose whole exterior was homespun in a figurative and
literal sense; "budt de same ting cannot pe said ov de
Dominie, who is a great man every place he goes."
" Oh, you need na mak the man mair than mortel, Myndert
Overpaugh. Set him down on a rock, with a spoon in his
han', and he will find as little to sup as the smallest o' us all."
Grant was determined to find fault, and his spirit was up
after he had drank a second cup of the cider-brandy.
"That's a fact, Grant, the Dominie can brag well enough
on the bench yonder, when he has got all the congregation to
carry out his will; but I would like to see him  in the
woods alone, and see if he would be so strong as he pretends."
" Now," said Grant, "I will not let any man say a word
against the gude man in his absence, mair especially against
his courage. He is a stoure bodie, and there, nae later than
last Saturday nicht, that ne'er-do-well Bob Eltinge and his
-crony the smith, were determined to shoot the gude man,
between this and Coxsackie. They hid themselves behind a
tree in the woods, and lay wi' their guns ready primed; but
the minutfe that they saw the white o' the Dominie's een,
they fell down like shot do.ves, and let him pass. That proves,
Bromie, whatever you may say to the contraer, that nae
man should lift his han' against the Lord's anointed."'
By this time the party had entered the mill, and were
mounting to the loft, to which Clarence had ascended by the
rear, unquestioned. Sacks of grain lay around the large
apartment, and on these sat a crowd of different kinds of
people, who were enjoying greatly some sport going on at
the upper end of the gallery. Bags of the wheat had been
thrown together, so as to form a platform above the main
floor. On these were nine other sacks, which served as
seats, where were sitting as many blacks, dressed in their
masters' clothes, which they had borrowed without leave.
The middle seat had on it -one dressed in the true outer garb
of the Dominie. His cocked hat, but crushed in at the sides,
his coat, but rusty, and a large towel tied around the neck,
fell down over his breast, in square ends, to imitate the
Geneva bands. Four on the right, hand, and as many on the
left, represented the deacons and elders, while in the front




312               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
stood a young negro, dressed in woman's clothes. A faded
silk gown, with a high bonnet held up, so as to look like the
high knots of hair fashionable among high-born ladies.
" The black devils that they are," said the man of books.'What a faculty they have for imitation. Making fun they
are of serious things. I must teach them Connecticut manners;" and here he was about to act the part of select man,
when Grant spoke out:
" You'll do nae sic thing as stop the masqueraud. Let
them get their sport out. My certie, but they play it weel.
Noo be quiet."
The mock Dominie called out in tones meant as imitation
of the real voice:
" Dis Consist'ry come to order. Squia, perceed."
The man called the " Squia" had on spectacles like his
model, and pen and ink befobre him, as if prepared to take
notes.
" That's intended for mockery of the Consistory," said the
teacher, "and shows how the public mind is exercised upon
that trial of the woman. Hear the sham Squire, how he
questions thefemale laIcdy, that had the cup in her sack."
" I-Ia! but see how the black gipsy tosses her head there,
imitating the white limmer in the kirk, that we saw. IHer
curls swing finely. See how thae blackamoors jump at the
sicht. It's perfect pleasure to them. But, man, what a noise
they mak'. I could hear it. frae Cladich to Loch Awe on a
Halloween nicht."  Here Grant was getting disgusted with
the capers, and stepping forward himself into the midst of the
den, he lifted up a stout fellow by the nape of the neck and
the seat of his tubbs, and gave him a few slaps with his big
hand, that made music of a kind that brought order out of
confusion, as he said,' If we are to hae sport, let us have it,
and nae maer o' deviltry."
Here the president called out at the top of his voice,
"Silends! perceed to ful'der bis'ness."
"' Call in de oder prisoner," said the mock Squire. A
young, lithe negro was here brought forward, charged with
stealing a horse from;Nellius Wyncoop, being a spy, and as
guilty of forgery.
"What can be the meaning o' that?" said Grant.
"Naithing o' sic kind has' come up that the public kens
about."
" That is, you have not heard about it, you mean. Everything is not told to Donald Grant that happens in the court




A MASQUERADE.                    313
of justices, or it would not be a secret very long after he
got it."
" What do you mean with your jibes and your hints?"1
said Grant.  " If you don't tell ime all you ken about that
business, I'll serve you as I did that black dog there a minute
since."
And with that the rough Scotchman was about taking
the cross-grip, when the man of letters sputtered out, c" Let
me alone, and I'll tell you all I know; and listen yourself for
the conclusion of the whole matter."   Here a full account
was given in loud whispers of the appearance Clarence had
made that morning, and of the trial that was to come off that
afternoon.  "See that Tom there, the Dominie's chief man,
sitting in the middle. He has access to all his master's
secret drawers, and generally can tell beforehand what
disposal the reverend man intends to make of his cases,"
Clarence, who heard all the account given to Grant, looked
to the prisoner, and saw a fac-simile of himself in size and
dress, to the very patch on the knee, pointed out before.
There was no more fun in the play to him. A strange confusion of ideas was curdling up in his brain, like what he had
often experienced in a dream. He took hold of his own arm,
to be certain of his own identity. It seemed like phantasmagoria. He was recalled to his case by the mock Dominie
crying out:
"iMy freen and Bruder Doll nebber steal Nellius Wynkoop's horse. Me know nothink of dis letter; youd a spy,
to be hanged at te cart tail.'"
Here the masque at the bar, cried out, me no spy, but true
man, seeking my sistern.
1Here was such a clapping of hands and screeching, that it
seemed Bedlam let loose. All the dominoes on the sacks
joined in the fun, forgetful- of their mock dignity. Quiet being restored, the call was given to bring in the witnesses.
When Caese, the old fiddler, stepped forward, and gave a
rambling account of the frolic at Phlebe's Hotel, and of de
1alln who came and spoiled de dance, in de middle of de fine
tune, by de nigfgering of Nelly Wynkoop's horse.
"'Wat says de prisoner to dat?" was the president's demand.' O0 your reberence, me on de way to de mountains to seek
ma sister n."~'l s-e words became the password to sport, all through
the proceedings, and never failed to make the rafters ring
with the echoes of uproarious laughter.
14




314               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
" Please zur," said the black squire, in mock gravity, "vats
dat in de breast pocket? Constavel, help de prisoner to take
out dose putty tings."'
Here a stout fellow put his hand into the bosom of the
accused, who screamed out, " Don't take dese tings avway frob
me, dey are for ma sistern!"
"Treason! treason!" was shrieked out, as a pair of large
horse pistols were laid upon the table. Those who did not
klnow were actually taken by surprise, at the sight and
sound, while those who did know, believed that the case
which this foreshadowed was more serious than it had
hitherto seemed; and the cry of s" treason! treason! to the
gallows with the spy," rang longer and louder than mere
sport called for in a masquerade trial. Had Clarence been
seized at that instant, he would have felt less surprise than
he did at the faire  itself. Indeed, he half expected something to happen, and was preparing his thoughts for the
worst. Here was an evident thrust at him. His object was
known. He was regarded by the lowest grade here as either
knave or fool.  An attempt was making to excite public
opinion against him. "o Let me try and escape," he inwardly
said to himself.
The ftrce was about to proceed, when who should stalk in
but the great man himself, with a long whip, that he could use
at ten yards' distance. Making it crack at the snapper like
a pistol, there was such a scampering among white and black,
as might well have employed the pencil of lHogarth, who has
given us the Village School in an uproar.  Lolld natural
squeals came from all sides, as the scourge took effect upon
the hips of the retreating crew, who crowded out like a drove
of hogs through a narrow gate, making the hindermost suffer for the sins of the foremost, while the Dominie sung out:
"I'll learn youato make the venerable Consistorial Court of
the Protestant Reformed Dutch Church of Holland, in these
United States of America, now independent, the subject of
fun. You blasphemous crew that you are!  I never knew
where Pandemonium was before now. Yoil black imps, to
mount up to the clouds playing your cantraps. Take that."'
And here another, and another full swing of the stout pastor's
arm made the court and the audlience tulmble out in mixed
confusion, that soon exhausted the wrath of the avenger.
Coming upon the fellow that had played the part of the female spy, all dressed up in a full suit of the'Yfvro7,w's own
wardrobe, curls, high-heeled shoes and all, he roared out in




A MASQUERADE.                  315
loud laughter, that shook his big sides and stopped his whip
hand.
The.couple that stood beside Clarence had found their way
out first, being close by the door. Grant coming up at the
back of Clarence, gave him a hard clap with his open hand
on the back, thinking that he was one of themselves, and
saying:
" Frein', what do you think o' that kind of play actoring?
I beg your pauLrdon, I thought it was our neighbour Charlie
Forbes, the English officer. I never saw twa backs sae like.
But nae offence I hope," said the garrulous Scot, putting his
arm into that of Clarence, as if he had known him all the
days of his life.
"1 Maister," continued the talking man, " I was just speerin
at our frein' here, what he thought o' that fun in the loft
there."
" There is something about to go on here at the parsonage, that will explain all we have seen in that darkness
there," was the knowing reply of the pedagogue, who prided
himself on being acquainted with everything before it took
place.
"; Oh, aye," said Grant. "You mean that we have been
looking on the shadow, and that the substance is not far off."''" Or to speak more classically, we have been observing
comedy, and now for tragedy," was the pedantic language of
the man of letters.
"As to its being mair classical," said Grant, " I'm thinkin'
Norman McKenzie, the schoolmaster of Aberfeldy, would
say the scriptural figures were the maist classical of the two;
but that's neither here nor there, at present. I am ready to
argue that question wi you next Sabbath day, atween preaching; in the meantime, see if you can get me in to hear that
tragedy you speak of, since I have seen the comedy up in the
loft yonder."
Here the two followed the stream  of persons who were
making their way to the parsonage, with an evident earnestness, that showed their interest in what was about to take
"1 n n 




316               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
CHAPTER  III.
A WHEEL  WITHIN A WHEEL.
"So spake the seraph Abdiel, faithful found
Among the faithless, faithful only he."
MILTON.
CLARENCE, in no better mood of mind after what he had
witnessed, wandered away out of hearing, so that he might
consider what would be best for him to do, surrounded as he
was by suspicion.  The chief man here had his eye upon
him, the clowns squinted at him, and the common blacks
were making him their jest. Were he only certain of getting
away, he would run all risks of escaping to the mountains.
Where were these king's officers?  Their parole did not
prevent them from helping others, thougl; it bound them
by their honor to remain here till exchanged: "I shall seek
them out," said the almost desperate young man; "I have just
come fioom seeing my own shadow on the gallows-tree; I would
be a fool to run my neck into the noose after the plain warnings given in some mysterious way."
Continuing these reveries, his eye rested on the same strange
dwarf that he had followed into the loft. This time the singular creature made more attempt at arresting the notice of the
stranger youth, who now became interested in the motions
made to him. They had both got on the same bridge, when
the call "Captain Clinton," coming from  the right, drew
Clarence there to look with haste, and with some perturbation. Seeing no one, lie still remained intently fixed, with his
head bent over, when the voice was on the other side calling
"Captain Clinton, follow."
Clarence, thinking that some mischief was intended, hastily
ran forward seizing the dwarf, who merely looked up in the
face of the captain with a dull smile, that meant nothing
good or evil. Clarence was ashamed of himself when he
saw that he had been rough to a poor deformed negro, whose
face showed him to be an idiot. Dropping the arm he held,
he merely said to himself, " I wish I knew who calls me,"'
when the same voice on both sides called out:
" Follow him as a brave man may."




A WHEEL WITHIN A WHEEL.               317
Seeing that something was meant, he pointed to the dwarf,
who went on, Clarence in his wake. Turning suddenly round
as if going down to the creek to fish, for the dwarf carried
a hickory pole, which might serve him either for a fishing-rod
or a staff of defence, he led the way as Clarence fbllowed.
After walking, and sometimes crawling through a low piece of
ground covered with hazel bushes, they reachled a hut built of
mud, and thatched with straw, entirely different from anything
that Clarence had ever seen on this continent.  The walls
stood nearly four squares and rose a foot higher than a
common man's height, with here and there a stick of timber
set in to prevent the clay from' settling.  The roof rose
slanting to the ridge-pole, and after having been wattled with
willows was stuffed with oat straw, over which was laid a
covering of grassy turf, cut in squares from the meadow'.
Clarence thought upon the clachen of Cladich in the Scottish
highlands, where he had been with a detachment of his regiment, keeping the old adherents of the gallant Pretender in
check. There was the same "midden" before the door, the
kailyard at the end of the house, with the place for the crulammy cow at the back window. " This," said the English youth
to himself, "looks like the Scottish Highlands indeed."'
But his surprise was still greater, when, after his gufide
pointed to the low  door, which stood open, he was met
by an old man in the very "garb of the Gael."  The kilt
coming down to the knee, met below by the cross striped
hose, tight to the leg above the brawvz, having round tufts
which covered the buckles of the garters.  The shoes were
of the kind called brog'ues-wooden soles, and vamps of untanned leather. The upper palt of the man's dress had a mixture of the Scottish and the Dutch in them. The cloth of the
coat was woven loose like a coarse blanket, and stained with
the juice of the butternut, abundant in the region.  An old
soldier's stock was round the grin wearer's neck, and it only
required the eye of a soldier to observe, in the upright
form, the respectful bearing and the firm footing of the
stranger, one who had marched through many countries, and
was not to be startled, even now, by the sound of a trumpet.
HIe stood over five feet ten; but, from his strength of limb
and width of chest, he seemed to~be of shorter stature; and
though he evidently had put on his best attire, there was a
roughness in his appearance, which would have made the
tame citizen give hinm the path without further dispute.
On the entrance of Clarence, he put one hand by his side,




318               THE DUTOR DOMINIE.
and the other to his cap, which the young officer understood
at once.'Returning' the salutation with evident pleasure, as
he looked on the face of the stout old man, smiling, as he
said with surprise when he saw on the breast of him before
him a silver medal bearing the name of the wearer, and of
"PLASSY," and of " ABrAiHAAI PLAINS."'' Sergeant MacDonald, 71st regt., Glasgow Highlanders.
HIow is this that I meet one of the brave heroes who fought
and conquered with Wolfe on the Plains of Abraham?" was
the eager inquiry of Clarence,
" I am still a true subject of his Britannic lMajesty, and will
continue to wear his colors while this head stands higher
than the earth; and when in my grave, I have sworn my auld
son Oscar to come every Sunday morning, when he must lay
this medal aboon my heart, where it hangs now.  On the
fourth of June, his MIajesty's birth-day, they will fire a jeu
dejoie near my auld ear."
"Whist! whist!" was whispered from a corner on the
other side of the room, where sat anl old woman who was
busily engaged twisting a thread by a spindle, that hung
between her finger and her thumb, though evidently ill at
ease, as she listened to the outpouring of her husband's
loyalty.
"Janet," continued the old soldier, " is wearing her life out,'feared lest thae Whigs come in some day and put a string
round my neck; and sorry am I to say, there are some of the
ance gallant 71st that would help them. But, sit down, till
we hear the word, acdvance."'
Clarence took a seat on a stool which stood on three feet,
cut out of a rough block, which was the pattern of all the
stools in the place. The visitor had time to examine the hut,
and mark its resemblance to-what he supposed had never
crossed the Atlantic. The floor was the bare earth, hardened
by the feet of the tenants. Round the centre was all the
rude furniture, for there was the  fire-place, built of
rough stones, like an ancient altar for sacrifice.  It stood
about three feet high, and measured double that in breadth.
On the sides were the vessels for cooking, while over the
centre, where the fire burned, hung from a long chain the
pot in which the dinner for that day was simnmering, and
sending out an agreeable flavor. Clarence looked for the
chimney, but saw none. The smoke found its way upw'ard,
seeking the open air througSh those crevices which were left
by chance in the simple roof.




A WHEEL WITHIN A WHEEL.             319
"Come this way, he calls;" were the words of the old
highlander, and Clarence was pointed to a steep ladder in the
rear of the hut. The adventurer had gone too far to hesitate, so, mounting up, he found a door which opened at his
touch, swinging back again, so that he was shut completely in.
" By George, I'm caught again," were his first words, when
he looked round, him, seeing no one; but he had hardly uttered
the exclamation before another person entered from  the
opening1 below, who sprung forward seizing the hand already
stretched out, while both were speaking at once —' Clinton!
Crawford!" looking into each other's faces to be sure of not
being mistaken. Clarence, the most surprised, from being
wholly ignorant of the other being near, stood dumb, while
the other said:
" I knew you at a glance, whenever I set my eves upon
you. 3My fear was -that you, on r'ecognizing my face, would
betray yourself and me at one and the same time."
" Where did you see me to-day.? I have been but in one
place all this morning, and there you could not be without
my discovering your fair skin among a thousand of these
yellow boors.")
"By George, as you said, Clinton, it was my fair skin and
sweet voice that have carried me through that ordeal. I must
be a good looking lass when I could deceive that shrewd
parson, with his black keen eye, and yourself."
" Is it possible, Crawford, that you acted the lady in that
mongrel court, just now? Well, you have had a near escape
with your head in the lion's mouth, and still on your own
shoulders. We always in fun called you Lady Crawford,
but " —" No more of that, Clinton; you know well that it does
not sound too pleasantly to my ears. Nothing but the desperate condition of Blurgoyne and his brave fellows, could
have tempted me to this, and now that it has failed in part,
we must try and remedy the evil in the best way we can.
We want your counsel."
" My counsel," was the desponding reply of Clarence,
"L may be of some good to others, as theirs may be to me;
but the desperate state of my own affairs engrosses my soul
so much, that you could not get two connected ideas from
me, though this part of the globe were to sink and Burgoyne
with it.
"You astonish me," said Crawford, who was one of thoss
men of deep enthusiasm, whose countenance spoke more of




320               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
levity than of earnestness; "I supposed that honor and
glory, connected with your country; sat highest on the throne
of your breast."
"These sentiments," said Clarence, in more haste than he
intended, " are the supreme influences of my life; but after
passing through the scenes of this week already past, they
have been counteracted in a great degree by other sentiments
no less powerful."
" Pray what may these be that tell so strongly on Clinton's
mind?" was the rather bitter question of the other youth,
who was evidently galling under some inward source of pain.
"Humanity for mankind in general, andl affection for my
sister MIargaret in particular," said Clarence, with a firmness
which cooled his companion down to something like patience.
"C Your sister! MBiss Clinton! What of her? It can't be
possible that the report going round here is true, that she
has been abducted from the ship, and that Colonel Clifford is
at the bottom of the treason?"
It was now the time for the other to express his astonishment, as to the way in which this rumor had got abroad,
and of what reliance was to be placed in it. After telling
and rehearsing all that was current, and which Crawford had
heard from different sources, it appeared that letters had
been dropped around the camp, at Saratoga, pointing eviaently to this very, event as about taking place. They were
written as from one of Clifford's intimate acquaintances;
describing the plan and the probable consequences. Clifford
and Burgoyne being bosom friends, and of a kindred feeling
in pursuits of an evil kind, the secret letter did not excite any
seriousness in the gay, lewd camp of the English general.
It was different with another communication, which reached
the camp of the commanding officer, no one knew how,
when a plan of march was laid dclown so distinctly, for any
bold adventurer, that it awakened in Crawford the desire of
accomplishing-what was absolutely essential, in order that
the northern army should be saved-a communication with
the army of the South, under Sir Henry Clinton. A map
which marked out two distinct routes was inclosed, giving
decided preference to the route over the mountains, when the
messenger would come under the protection of Brandt, who
was engaged to be there at this time; " and " —what sounded
strangely and suspiciously to Burgoyne-" Colonel Clifford
would be on the mountain, along with the Great Mohawk, to
lend his aid."9'




A WHEEL WITHIN A WHEEL.              321
"You have seen," said Crawfbrd, " how the most practicable of these routes has been closed against me, but I am
determined now to attempt the other. Our brother officers
here on parole have encouraged me, and I anm just waiting
for your counsel in this lmatter.  All the information sent to
the general by that unknown hand has been confirnmed since
I came here. To-day a stranger, who could not possibly
know me, has pointed out the dang'ers and the advantages of
the enterprise; that my mind is made up. Your account of
your sister, Miss Clinton's abduction, corroborates the whole,
making it, you perceive, to be your duty, fromn affection, to
join me."' And you would add," said Clarence, already half persuaded, " that honor and glory will go hand in hand. Before I
can say yes to your proposal, I must see my way out of this
confounded noose that I feel around my throat. I have
learned caution as well as some others, where so many eyes
are watching me."
"Why, my noble fellow," Crawford interposed warmly,
" if the hangman be so near, are you such a fbol as to wait till
he puts the hemp on in a workmanlike manner? Sergeant
MIcDonald below here has promised to guide me over the
hills by midnight. He would take another under his care for
the love of his'king and country."
These arguments sank deep into the lhind of the anxious
brother when he reflected upon the necessity of promptitude
in pursuit of his sister; and he all but said yes to the demand
made upon his energy, when there was a slight tap at their
door, which proved to be a call from Dame McDonald.for
the g'entlemen to " take pot luck for their dinner."
" I dare not venture below," said Crawford; " but, Clinton,
come back immediately after you have made the acquaintanceship of the gentlemen on parole. Some of them you know
already. They waste out life here, and you will do them
good in just showing your face among them."
Clarence descended the way he came up, and soon found
himself seated at a deal table without cloth, but white, being
evidently scoured for the occasion.  The old woman, dressed
in what was known as drugget, hal a clean toy on her head,
which bore the marks of a carefully put on cap, in which the
wearer was confident she looked well. The skirt of the gown
was drawn through the pocket-hole to prevent its dragging
on the floor, which, from its length of train, it would have
done. She did not sit down herself but served the company.
140




322                THE. DUTCH DOMINIE.
Wooden plates, hollowed out of basswood, were ranged
round the table; into these a ladleful of the broth, which
stood cooling in the tripod pot, was emptied; and the invitation given, "sit down, sir, and mak yourself at hoi me.
Janet has been busy preparing somze sheep's-head kail to put
me in mind 0o Kenmlore."
Clarence had seen, when he was standing by the fire, the
nose of some animal pushing itself up among' the vegetables
in the pot like a black hippopotamus among the reeds of the
Nile; but he did not expect to make his dinner of the mess.
HIowever, now like a good soldier, he sat down with a ready
appetite for whatever was coming, asking no questions.  To
his agreeable surprise, the soup was white as milk, though
the head-it might be of a ram ifrom its size-was there in a
large platter, on the centre, without the horns, and the wool
singed all off.  Garden stuffs of all kinds, known, and some
only known to Janet, had been boiled for two full hours,
with the head among them; so that it would have defied a
French cook to tell the prevailing flavor of what McDonald
called this dish of HOTCH POTCH.  Barley bread, unleavened,
baked upon a griddle, thin and tough as leather, was eaten to
this soup; when at the close Janet put down a square bottle
and a basket of oatmeal cakes along'side of a skim-milk
cheese; all of which were intended as a dessert. The sergeant lifted a small dish made of narrow pieces of wood of
different colors, hooped round, so that it seemed a Lilliputian
milk tub. Into that he poured the contents of the bottle,
drinking it off at a single draught, after he had, with great
solemnity, given the Ai'zng, God bless ]hie, as a toast.  Clarence had the same put before him: and so it went round the
table.  Tlhe. rest who were there seemled to be men who
merely listened and looked. When it came to Janet's turn to
drink, there was evidently something more expected of her
than a bare toast. Patting on the table a crystal goblet,
which, fiom  the manner of her unrolling it, she deemed
sacred, liquor was poured into it till it stood on the lip.
Taking an ego- in her hand, she broke it so that the yolk
spread through the contents of the glass. Through this compound she looked with a curious eye, as if expecting to see
something uncommon in the distance. Tasting of the mixture freely, she leaned her head on her knees, singing a Gaelic song, rocking herself, as she sang for a few minutes,
during which the company sat in the profoundest silence,
waiting on the. will of the`actor.. When she lifted her head,




A' WHEEL WITHIN A WHEEL.             323
it was to take the goblet again in her hand, which she shook
sharply, and gazing intently, she laid it down as if in fear at
first; but lifting it up, one of those dark smiles came across
her wrinlled features, which recalls to the traveller's mind a
gleam of sunshine on a Scottish sky.
Tell us what you see,'wife, and let us go," said the sergeant, evidently under the enchantment of the occasion.
"W e want the truth, Janet; but the journey must- be
taken, weal or woe. What does the Brownie say?"
Janet, in a moaning tone, sang,' Smoke, fury and blood
all the first."
" We are ready and prepared for them. You mean that
the end will be successful. Let us go; said McDonald, " and
see the gentlemen;" and with that he led the way through
the low door of the mud cabin, taking the path that led up
the side of the creek.
On the way Clarence learned from  McDonald that there
were several families like himself, who were living among
the farmers, and some had risen to be good landholders
themselves. The most of them, however, were imprudent,
and useless to the community, and to themselves. They
were divided like the country on the question of the present
war, and " you may," said the sergeant, " as weel break a
woodie wi' a windle strae as change a Hielan man, when lie
wants to gang either up or doon stream."
The two had arrived at the door of a large stone barn
that was snugly fenced round, and the yard swept and
orderly, showing that the hand of a soldier had been in use
here for some time. The door was opened by lIcDonald,
who entered, leading Clarence, hat in hand. The company,
as if expecting the visit, rose at once, and came forward with
the dignity and the fi'ankness of gentlemen and soldiers. The
welcome was hearty and full of feeling. Already all had been
made aware of the name and of the rank which belonged to
the visitor. Of the object in his mind no one knew anything,
nor was one of the ten gentlemen at liberty to ask him till he
might reveal'it himself. Of course they supposed public
business alone could induce any one to venture into such a
dangerous vicinity. Still as they had heard of overtures
being made to leading Whigs throughout, it did not sound
strange when one of them, with a knowing look, whispered,'" Sir Harry is cousin to the rebel General Clinton, and his
brother the governor, and the governor knows that these
Domipies are great men among the Dutch boors."




324               THE DUTCII DOMINIE.
And so the mission of Clarence Clinton was guessed at
without being sought out. The opportunity was now sought
after by all to make themselves agreeable, while the young
soldier, feeling sympathy for them as a brother officer, in the
same noble profession, put forth all his character in their
presence, with promises of aid whenever he would return to
head-quarters. Some of the number were old acquaintances,
and the greeting between them was cordial. The strangers
were no less pleased with a visit from one who was so sure
to report of their privations undergone on behalf of his
majesty. Hope of promotion revived as they looked to the
future.
Clarence cast his eye round the place where they were
met, and learned from them that though they chose to assemble here they were by no means confined to any location.
Some were lodged in the little village, and others in the
families of the farmers. For some days past they had been
engaged preparing for a hunting excursion to the mountains.
A pair of catamounts had been seen, and all who were
inclined had the chance of putting forth their energies.
"I see," said Clarence, "you have all the means provided,"' as he glanced round the place and saw the guns, the
lances, and the other articles of a huntsman's armory. "You
are allowed great freedom when these are put into your
possession, and time given. I hope you have ample range
and verge enough."
"' Of that, sir, we have nothing to complain. We have
been away twenty-fiour hours at a time, and have travelled to
the borders of civilization. Some of us on a journey of
pleasure, others on a tour of research, and I myself have
been to consult the wizard of the spook's den, as the people
called it when I went first. We are waiting for a message
from him to go on this hunting campaign. HIe promised to
send us a special warning, so that Awe might be there in
time; and if I am not mistaken, there comes the witch's imp
at this moment.
Clarence looked toward the entrance to which Captain
Willoughby pointed, who from his rank, as well as for his
superior intelligence, was regarded as chief; when he saw
the same misshappen dwarf move toward them, holding a
letter in his hand, which he gave to the officer who expected it.
" [That will do, Unga,") said the captain. "You may sit
down till I send you with my reply;" and:.the, creature.




A WHEEL WITHIN A WIHEEL.             325
stepped high and low as he moved to a settle near the wall
where he stretched himself on his back, with his cap over his
face.
"Just as I said," were WVilloughby's first words.'The
hunt comes off to-morrow, and if we wish to see it we must
join the party by sunrise at the Round Top, keeping round
by. But see here is a map of the region. Sergeant
M3'cDonald, see this and tell us if it be practicable. We must
not trust ourselves in the hand of a spaeman."2
The sergeant took the sketch, looking at it with the deepest interest, while all the gentlemen stood around him waiting for his verdict, which he gave briefly.
"' You maun tak to the west o' that round hill, then climb
the mountain as weel as you can, and when at the tap keep
west by south, till you come to a waterfall that lies at the
head of a deep glen, running to the east. The man that
drew that is the same as he who drew another I have seen
this morning."
_" What do you draw from both, my worthy sergeant?"
was the familiar question of the one in command.
Before an answer could be given, a voice, which seemed to
sound on the outside of the building, called out, "Clarence
Clinton!"  That gentleman looked suddenly in the direction,
all eyes turning in the same way, when the same voice, but
louder, called friom the other side:
" CGa2ttin. Clacrence Clinton, the Consistory of the Protestant P]eformecd Jutch  Church clenancc   your presence
at this mroment."
This, which was said slowly, excited some amusement
among the young men who ran out for the purpose of seizing
the impudent fool, who would so speak. But no one being
seen, a singular tremor came over men who would have stood
at another time in the face of death. Clarence, who had
seen enough of that court of late to despise it, in his present
condition took McDonald with him aside, making an appointment to meet him and Crawford in case he found it possible
to free himself of the presence of spies. To them he ascribed
the voices he had heard all that morning.
Bidding his brother officers a pleasant adieu, and a successful time on the mountain, he hastily left for the parsonage,
where that strange court was to be held, despising it in his
soul, and yet forced to appear.




326                THE DUTCH DO3MINIE.
CHAPTER IV.
JUDGAIENT AND IITERCY KISSED.
"Sir Roger informed me that Moll White was dead, and that about a month after her
death the wind was so very high that it biew down one of his barns.' But for my part,'
said the knight,'I do not think that the old woman had anything to do with it."'
ADDISON.
THE young Englishman entered the Dominie's house with
a thousand revolving feelings in his bosom. The ridicule
thrown upon his errand in the loft by those guissards had
more effect upon him than all the arguments of his friend
Crawford. In fact, the announcement of the meeting by that
mysterious voice, made him, brave as he was, and in a cause
which God must own as holy, step with less confidence
than before he left the parsonage.  The main entrance was
full, as were all the rooms.  Nothing of privacy seemed to
be here.  As Clarence pressed through, he was brushed
against by some who said, "Remember, a straight story."
He had got that advice before, and the words roused up his
energies, which had been sinking. He said to himself:
" I have friends, and will hold up my head in the midst
of all."
The inner door was opened by Tom, who was already at
his post, looking demture or roguish as the one side or
the other of the company would be best suited. lIe gave a
roguish leer on Clarence, that was met by one of fire, which
men accustomed to command are sure to have at disposal,
and which no real slave is ever able to meet without being
withered by it. The impudent fellow coweredl under the glance
of his superior at once, nor ever after looked him in the face.
" Mlassa Domilie in de C'nsistory.  Gen'lm'n please to sit
down till he be called for."
This was said to show the power of the master and to
impress the attendant Englishman with awe.
" Tell your master, sirrab," said Clarence, with sternness,
"that }iMr. Clarence Clinton is here and desires admittance
immecUiately."'
The effect of this command upon Tom, as well as upon all
those who were waiting, was quite evident. The negro came
back bowing his best salaam, saying:




JUDGMENT AND MERCY KISSED.             327
" MAassa Clary vill walk in."
The moment the door inside was shut, and Tom on the
outside, the rogue gave a wink to the spectators, which
nearly upset their gravity. This little bit of acting between
the false and the true was too interesting not to excite attention; and caused more than common anxiety concerning what
was going on. The dominoes in the loft, conducted as these
were known to be by the Dominie's private secretary, prepared
the minds of the public for a real case of treason; and the mnanner and the nanie of the stranger were gradually producing
that intensity of feeling which always follQws secrecy and.
hints; so that pretty loud murmuring was beginning to show
itself by those who were debarred admittance to the tribunal. The design of Tom was working out. He had vowed
revenge on Clarence for what he supposed him guilty ofinforming his master of his late peccadillo; and so he was
accomplishing the end.
The prisoner, for now he was so in reality, found the court
in session. He, by this time, was becoming acquainted with
Co'nsistorial forms of investifgation, and knew  already the
strong and the weak places, of which he was determined to
avail himself. There was the chief man in his canonicals in
the centre, and the same Anthony Van Bergen in the threefold capacity of elder, squire and clerk.
"Mr. Clarence I think your name is?" said the questioner.
" Clarence Clinton, at your service," was the answer. At
the same time he stepped forward, and half demanded the
authority of this court to put him through an investigation.
lie saw plainly that it was a mongrel court, which did not
differ much in his esteemi front the mockery in the mill.
For one moment his mind was so confused that he almost
imagined himself standing before the other cocked-hat on the
wheat-sack.
"You are charged here, sir, with stealing a horse from
Cornelius Wynkoop."
" I deny the charge," said the prisoner, with great warmth,
and almost starting forward to punish the insulter.
" Call the witnesses," was the cry of the Squire; when the
door opened, and in stepped the same old negro; telling
exactly the same story, though with less palaver.
"Vat says de prisoner to dat?" said the squire, glancing
aside to his chief.
"I say," was the reply, " that all the old man says is true;
but it does not show that I stole the animal. If the reverend




328               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
gentleman will look at the letter I put in his hand this
morning, from a worthy brother of his oWn, it will account
for what is here produced as evidence."
"MIy dear sir," said the Dominie, "I have reason to believe that the letter you produced to me is a forgery. I am
quite sure that my good -friend and brother, whose name is
here, never entered a barn at midnight, to take even the loan
of a horse, for-for " —he hesitated to say the other word, but
it come out " in short, for a spy. "
At this word the accused felt as if nature was giving way.
The scene in the mill was all present with him, but there
was no laughter here. These were earnest men, looking
cold and determined.
"' You be a spy," said the Squire, " and vill be thrown off
at de cart tail."
By this time the door was open. Tom had purposely
left it so, and a crowd gathered up olose to where the
accused young man stood, whose faces did not show any
sympathy with him. Remembering what he had been warned
against, and feeling that if the worst came upon him at the
last, he would suffer more in feeling afterward that he had
told untruth, than the fear of death could bring, he resolved
to give a full account of the whole, omitting only the fact
of his being at the Sopus burning.
He began by saying in a hesitating tone, for he actually felt
the influence of the farce still:  "I caine to these mountains
in search of my sister."  He continued giving a brief and
touching account of her romantic character, of how she had
been abducted, and of where he believed her to be, and concluded by saying, that if he must die in the manner threatened, he would die a true man, and no spy. For the moment,
they believed him to be under some hallucination, and they
were sensibly touched with  his  account.  The grave
Dominies' features were relaxed into uncertainty, while
Grant was wiping his eyes, as his eyes, as e said to the pedagogue the
"fule has made me greet."  Tom, who stood behind his
master's chair, and had fixed his mouth for the general guffaw at the usual watchword, hid his teeth, wondering that
"white fblks neber'joyed any funny ting at all."
When all had recovered themselves sufficiently for business, the Dominie said, "Young man, your story is too
unlikely to be believed anywhere; and even though we did
receive it as true, there are others to whom we are accountable who would laugh at our easy faith: in these times, when




JUDGMENT AND MERCY KISSED.            329
the namneyou give is so obnoxious through all this land
to-day."
These allusions moved the spirit of the young British
soldier, and raising himself up rather haughtily, he answered:
" If you are amenable, then, to higher authority, I prefer to
be tried by a regular court of the country."
This was unfortunate, since it insinuated the want of due
authority in the court where the present judge was always
the law, and sometimes the executor. Drawing himself out
of his large hair, he rose to his feet, saying with a force and a
loudness which might have suited the church where they
had been, that morning:
"Y' ou must understand, 3Sr. Clarence Clinton, this is not
the mill loft; nor is this Consistory of the Protestant Reformed Dutch Church of Holland, in these United States of
North America, a set of mountebanks, but has had its existence ever since the sitting of the Synod of Dort; and be it
known, that they have sufficient power to try you, or anyone else, of the king's slaves, that falls providentially into
their hands. A mongrel court indeed! You are thinking
of those blasphemous grinacers, who dared to mock me and
my court, almost before my face; some of them will have to
take forty stripes save one."
During this speech, every man, white and black, was quiet,
as a mouse. The sly fellow behind the chair looked down
and pretended to wipe his eyes.
Just at this point, when all seemed to be going against
the accused, to make the matter still worse for him, some one
suggested that the prisoner be searched for arms. Now
Clarence, remembering again the scene at the mill, saw that
he was lost indeed, and immediately produced his pistols,
laying them on the table before them, saying:
"' You may be sure, gentlemen, that no wise man on a
mission like what I say I am upon, would dispense with the
use of arms; and here they are, at the disposal of the legal
power.l'
"We have the legal and the moral authority together in
this house," said the president, with more than his usual
severity; "and as there is great doubt concerning you,
there is no help for us but to keep you in custody till these
doubts be cleared up."
Clarence bowed low; when some one at-his elbow whispered,
"produce your sealed packet."  This recalled to his mind
what he would then have forgotten, the letter he received




330               THE DYUTCH DOMINrE.
just as he mounted the horse. Putting his bland hastily in his
bosom, he took out a small package addressecl, " To those in
authority, given by the hand of Clarence C."
The Dominie cast his eye over the superscription, and
saying hastily, " I am-at least, we are the men here in
authority," and breaking the seal, he read to himself, all the
time changing color; looking first to the outside, then again
on the inside, while his eye every now and then was turned
on the face of the prisoner. At last he drew the Squire and
other two into a corner for consultation.
During all this time every one was still as death. Something real was now before their -eyes; and a clzou'ment was
about to take place as was evident friom the whole demeanor
of the chief men. Even Clarence was ignorant of the contents of the package, and was in as great a quandary as the
spectators. At last the court again took their seats, when
the Dominie, not being willing to trust his aid in this business, took up speech himself.' We have come to the conclusion, sir, that this is another
forgery, only it is of a more heinous nature than that already
committed by you. The other was only the name of an
obscure minister of the Gospel-as great a sin in the sight of
God as could be committed; but this, in addition, is a sin
against the highest authority in this State. The name of
George Clinton, the chief magistrate, in which he is purported to say,'allow the. bearer, Clarence Clinton, to pass
and repass unlmolested.'  Now our decision is, that you be
retained here till evidence can be produced from  headquarters of the genuineness of this document; or till you
give such security as will satisfy this court."
Clarence replied: "After what you have declared, no affirmation of mine will avail. Of the manner in which the
first letter was got I know something; but how the Governor of this State, as you call him, should have given me that
letter, I am ignorant; and as there is no one here who will
be security for a stranger lying under such charges as you
prefer, I must be resigned to my fate."
At this point of interest, a slight movement was observed
in one corner of the room; and after the Dominie had said,
"' Then you have no cautioner to give us," there stepped up to
the table by the side of Clarence, the tall bearded man he
had seen in the crowd that morning, dressed in a still more
fantastic manner; and throwing down a small card on thie
table, before which the Dominie sat, he demanded: " if that



JUDGMENT AND MERCY KISSED.             331
would be sufficient assurance for the accused."  The person
to whom  this was addressed, rose in a moment, gave a
glance at the paper, and as he handed it back, said, bowing
in the most respectfiul manner, " Your own word would be
enough;" and turning to Clarence, remarked,'you are at
liberty, sir."
Clarence, before whoim all this was acted, looked round
for the man who had changed the whole, from darkness to
light so suddenly; but he was gone, and turning to the chair
again, he said:
" Reverend sir, did I understand you aright?  Am I at
liberty?"
The president repeated his words in the most respectful
manner; leaving Clarence and the whole auditory in far
greater wonder than he did when he entered the mill, whip
in hand, to chastise those negro actors. IHe seemed to those
who knew him, as if he were the one who underwent the
scrutiny of a pair of eyes, more penetrating than his own;
an4 that toward the late prisoner he became obsequlious. A
kind of amazement held all in silence, waiting for something,
they knew not what, when a stir among the crowd at the
door attracted the eyes of the court. The children in the
yard below were screarming through fear, and even the inexperienced men grew a little ptale when a tall young man
entered dressed in the costume of the mock Indians of the
region. It was evident that he was meeting but a doubtful
reception. The men around were seen handling their hidden weapons, for all expected a tribe of Ilohawks certainly
to follow.
" No occasion for alarm," said the intruder. "I am a
messenger of peace and one of your own friends, thougoh for
the present obliged for good reasons to wear this disguise.
I am now on an errand of deliverance."  The president on
his feet answered:
" Teunis Roe, when we see the garb of the cruel Brandt
stained with blood, you can hardly expect that the man who
wears it should receive a friendly welcome."
"That is true, Dominie, but you preach yourself, judge
not according to appearance.' Saler to meet an angel in the
garment of Satan, than Satan in that of an angel of light, I
am alone. Hear me and then judge," said Teunis, for it was
our friend the young Boerman of the flats who spoke.
" You have given us a new rendering of that scripture,
and something like a new doctrine upon it; but see that you




332               THE DUTCI DOMINIE.
do not wrest it to your own destruction. But what have
you to say about that fire raising and midnight marauder;
that heathen and scalper that has torn up the nests of our
best folks, and left so many weeping and wailing below on
the Vlatts, while he, like the hawk, sits up there looking dowl:
into their yards."': Do not fear that I am not come to help the bloody crew,
so be at rest."
"Teunis," said the roused Dominie,'" we never knew fear.
"A good conscience is always brave."
" No one," said the youth, " ever questioned the Dominie's
courage; and it is for that reason I am here at the risk of
my life; and if you will hear my story you will not be long
sitting there on your soft chairs while your brethren of the
grand Consistory are up yonder chained to the rock."
"' Hearken to Teunis Roe," said the Dominie, striking his
large fist down on. the table with a force that made Tom
jump a foot high, and put all the rest into silence.
" My tale is soon told," said Teunis. "You know that
Elder Abiel, and Martin Schuyler are in the hands of the
Philistines; and Brandt says he is only waiting till he gets
a few more, and the Dominie himself; and then he will go off
with them to see the great falls of Ni-a-a-gaara."
"And by old St. Nicholas," said the brave soldier of
the cross and of the State, " I will meet the red sinner half
way, that he may see how the Lord will deliver me out of
the mouth of the bear, and out of the paw of the lion. Go on,
Teunie, and let us hear the rest of that fine tale. Here, Tom,
you blaspheming rascal, that mocked me behind my back,
bring me the tobacco pouch and pipes for us all."
In a short time every mouth was puffing out smoke till the
whole room was so thick with vapor, that " a piece of it,"
Clarence afterward wrote, "could have been cut out and sent
as a specimen of a Dutchman's breath."
The suim of Teunis' story was, that he was sent with a
message from the captives to the Consistory, desiring assistance. Showing how it was not only possible, but highly
probable, for a few men to surprise the Indians and the
Tories on the next day, as it was their intention to divide
off into companies, so that the whole woods and caves round
the region might be scoured for some prisoners that had escaped. In the course of the narrative which Teunis gave, it
leaked out that Elsie Schuyler was one of these fugitives, and
that along with her was a young lady, who had been taken




JUDGMENT AND MERCY KISSED.            333
to the mountains. No one could tell how. It would, nevertheless, be a great act of humanity, to save two such
young and beautiful girls from such a spoiling set of murderers, as these Indians were.
" O! yaw, yaw! Tennis, you have got a kindness for every
piece of humanity; and for all woman kind in general; but
for Elsie in a special degree. Well, no harm in that; I could
tell a tale myself, if the ".'Yfvrow' were here. Let that
pass, and tell us something more about that other young
girl: I see a pair of eyes ii that corner there looking at you
as if they would draw you into them. Here, Mr. Clarence,
or whatever else they call you, here is some corroborative
proof of your unlikely tale. What say you, neighbors, to a
young man going off to the mountains to seek his sister?"
and the Dominie laughed at the joke now, and all joined Tom
with the rest, turning the court-room into a house of mirth.
In the meantime, Clardnce had taken out Teunis by himself, making all the inquiries which affectionate earnestness
could suggest. For already he was persuaded, that it could
be none other than Margaret. The answers he received
went all to confirm him in the suspicion he had formed the
moment that Teunis had said there were two young women,
and one of them a stranger. It was something to know she
was out of the hands of the destroyer, but the dangers which
still surrounded her made him all the more eager to be off;
which he and Tennis were determined upon, whatever might
be the conclusion of the present reverend conclave.
The discussions now were informal, and turned upon the
best way Of accomplishing the desired object. As in all bodies
of men, there was a division of opinion. The Dominie headed
one side and old Mat Van Deusen the other. The latter had
objections to everything, and every plan. Ie appeared to
have no heart in the matter. Clarence made up his mind
that here was one of those secret friends of the king, who
inwardly wished Brandt to get off with his captives. Could
the young Englishman only have had the ear of the Dutchman a few minutes, he thoughts an argument might be produced, that wo-uld prove powerful and efficient. As things
appeared, nothing was likely to be done by such slow men;
and of divided counsel.
Silence prevailed, and even darkness blooded over the
place i scarcely a face could be distinctly seen, for the smoke
that rose from every mouth. All took the cue from the chief
man, and he was rapt up in his own thoughts; and might




334              THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
be following after some knotty text, or deep doctrine, while
his counsellors were quite as silent, and their countenances
more meaningless. But at this juncture the door was flung
wide open with haste, and in stepped Grant the Scotchman,
out of breath. His first words were:
" Minister, you and your session there, sit greatly at your
ease, when the work of treason is going on round you."
" What now, Hugh Grant," said the Dominie, taking the
long pipe from  his mouth, holding it ready for the blast.
"' We have seen you on fire before," and with that he continued on with his smoking.
W' eel, weel," said Grant, "maybe you'll lock the stable,
when the steed is stown; but I'll shake myself clear of the
sin at ony rate. I'm tauld that a' those offishers o' the king,
are awa' on a hunt to the tap o' Ben-I mean Roun' Tap,
and that that wild Tory sergeant McDonald, has gane with
them; taken a young lad dressed in the philabeg aboon the
knee; and it is thocht by the maist of folks to be nae one else
than her that was actin' the lady here before you this morning. She, or he is carrying dispatches to the sooth by that
way, since the road by the river is closed."
Before Grant was through, not a pipe but was held between the finger and the thumb of its owner. The president
had removed his, and was rolling up the tobacco bag with
care, evidently working himself up into a state of excitement,
before he would venture to express his determination. Even
old IMIat Van Deusen looked mad, at the course things were
taking; and was the first to say, " It is time for us to act."
The decision was becoming every moment more forcible,
though as yet nothing was spoken, or a movement from the
place where they sat. Clarence, all excitement and afraid
lest something might come out concerning his knowledge of
the real state of things, was planning within himself how he
might leave without incurring the suspicion of those, who
unquestionably knew more than was expressed.




MKARCHING TO THE ]MOUNTAINS.          335
CHAPTER V.
THE ~MARSHALLING AND ABIAtCHING OF THE MIGHTY TO TIHE
]MOUNTAINS.
"The more haste the less speed
Said the tailor to the long threed,"
SCOTTISH PROVERB.
DOAMINIE SCHUNE3MAN had a favorite maxim, which he
put into practice most faithfully, as Cecil said to Queen
Elizabeth, "Let us take time, that we may make the better
haste."  HIe made all sit down or stand quiet in their places,
and knowing' him well, they obeyed instinctively. He gave
the cast to his face which it always took just before he spoke.
They listened to what they knew was coming.
"tProvidence points us to duty. As Vader Abraham was
sent to the slaughter of the kings, who came upon the plain,
he brought back all the goods, and also again his brother
Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and much people.'Tonm, bring me the big Bible, till I read how David, that
good soldier and saint, did, when they came and told him that
the Amalekites had invaded the south, and smitten Ziglag,
and burned it with fire.' You will find it in the twentyninth chapter of the first book of Samuel."  And he read it
through with the coolest deliberation, greatly to the annoyance of the two impatient young men, who had no resource
but to wait patiently.
But after reading this long text, he commenced his exhortation. "Brethren, can we sit still, and our friends all in
the wolf's den? Good hunters all of you, fathers and sons.
Were a painter to come out, or a whole army of wildcats to
run down these hills, would not the whole congregationmen, women and kinderen-go off, even on a Sunday afternoon, to kill them; and theie now is that wolf Kiskataam,
and his cubs, fixing their teeth on the cheek of Elsie Schuyler-she that every young man in the parish would run off
his legs to get for a wife; alid there you are letting her fecht
it out herself. I say the youth that relieves her out of bondage shall have her."'
This was met by a cheer that made the stone house ring.




336               THE DUTCH DOMINE.
"Who will go up with me to Rammothgilead to battle?"
a' We will all go," was the answer; " only lead us out, and
we will follow the one that bears the ark."
" Oh, yes," said old Mat Van Deusen, slily, "put the
Dominie in the front. He is a good mark. They will be
sure to hit him."'
" Shame upon you, Mat," said the Dominie, shaking at the
deacon his big fist; "you ha[ve no more courage than your
black clog Morgan. You, a Christian soldier that I have
been exercising so long in the canons of the church! Ha!
ha! deacon, there is for you," and he shook Mlat by the
shoulder till he made his teeth chatter, when he declared
that it was through perfect fear.
" Now who is ready? Let us all to work," slid the pastor,
rising himself.
"I am ready," said Tom, lifting, up the clasped Bible,
when his master's back was turned, as if it were a stone to
fling at the head of an enemy, when the Dominie suddenly
wheeled to see the fun, which he perceived must be going on
behind him; the comical fellow jumped to the door at
three steps, saying to those near him, "0 lot'! forty stripes
for supper, and one spoonful less."
"' Mr. Clarence, this matter concerns you as much as any
of us; but I do not see how you can fight against the king's
servants conscientiously."  This was said in a whisper.
" Oh," said Clarence, "I will serve humanity and affection -first, and the king will receive his share afterward."
"Alas! alas! sir, these sentiments are sadly obrgotten in
these days of blood and rapine. Human nature is a miserable
piece of inconsistency. It turns out the widow and the
orphan into the wilderness, to die of nakedness and hunger,
or worse; and one of Eve's other daughters is reft away in
no worse manner, and we will fly through fire and water to
deliver that single one."
Clarence was left to muse over these true sayings, while
the Dominie called out after those around the house, who
seemed to wait upon his orders.
"Leftenant Grant and Captain Salisbury, drum up your
volunteers, and meet, all well armed, an hour hence, in the
church, with provisions in your' knapsacks for three days at
least; and see that your men be like Gideon's choice troops,
not greedy of drink."
A general dispersion of all here took place preparatory to
a march to the mountains that night. No one was more




IMARCHING TO THE MOUNTAINS.           337
active than old Mat Van Deusen, who gave his horse to a
young stripling at the gate, telling him to "ride along the
whole road to Coxsackie, and be back in time, after warning
every man, though.old Bet should fall in the ditch at the
close of the race, and you beside her."  In this way the different roads were resounding with horses' hoofs; and there
was not that day a heavy-bottomed Dutchman along the
Kaatskill fiats.  Once under way, they swept the air
like a well ballasted sloop, in a fair wind, through the
water.
Tennis and Clarence took to each other through common
troubles, so that before an hour had passed, they were sworn
friends, and bound to'do their utmost for the deliverance of
those who were dearer to them than life. Their fears were,
that the little army now mustering would be too late; and
every moment's delay Tendered them mlore impatient to be
off and up the mountain's side.
In a shorter time than Clarence could have thought it
possible for any but regular troops to have assembled, he saw
that the yard and road around the churcli were crowded
with men and horses, when out from the midst of them came
the Dominic's man, bowing and sniggering, as he said,
"'Massa Domilie'sire de compaly of de gentlemen in de
C'nsistry room."
Having gone through with his message, and walking back,
he sidled up to Tennis, saying:
" Massa Teunie hab on de Ingin cloades; come fiob Brandt's:fireplace, eh?"'
"I have been up there," was the dry reply of Teunis,
and I (am going back again. Has the nigger any message
to Cuff?"  This was intended to sound the fellow, whom
he suspected and intended to circumvent.
" Tomn vud like good deal to see Cuffee, ma goot frien'; de
great African king in his own lan'. 1He now valk beside de
great Ingin Mohawk king, andc, no more'fraid ob ole' Beal
and tick vip. Ha! ha! Cuffee dat licked de ole boy in de
dark."
" Now Tom, what would your master say if he heard that
you wanted to see Cuff? He would suspect that you wanted
to do the same thing to him; cudgel him and then sell him
to the Indians."
Tomn looked from under his cap to see if the land was all
clear, and thinking that he spoke only to the real kingsman,
he said under his breath:
lfi




238               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
" O lor! vont he roar yen de Mohawk skins him."
Tom walked off, leaving the two young men remarking to
each other, "Slavery, whatever may be said of it, has two
sides.  There are very few of these men in black skins,
who would rejoice at the captivity of their masters, but there
are some who would deliver them up. "- The Cuff he speaks
of, has just betrayed one of the best of men."
They entered among the secret friends, who were sitting
in council. The Dominie, as usual, took up the speech, and
addressed them saying: "We have sent f6r you both, that
we may have the benefit of your information, and of your experience. Teunis, we shall hear you on the first; and you,
sir, Clarence, on the second; and as you are both interested
in this matter personally, we have a pledge that you will be
sincere."
The young colonist told them all he knew of the numbers,
the intentions, and the plans of the party above. How many
real Indians there were, and how many disguised Tories.
" So far as I can guess, they have private instructions to remain on the flat rock, till they do all that can be done to
secure one prisoner of great importance, a young lady of
high note, who has made her escape, and is hidden away in
the clefts of the rocks. An officer of the British army is
there, and exercises a great influence over the Mohawk; so
that he seems to do just as he directs. How long this may
remain, no one can conjecture; but tomorrow is to be the
great and general hunt; what is called by the Indian a ring.
One is to start firom  the camp now fixed, and spread.three
miles wide, each man to be within hearing of two; one before and another behind. Then turning till all meet at the
Kauterskill Falls. If unsuccessful they are to spread again,
as wide, coming round to the dog-pool; then rest for
the day, and perhaps give up the chase. That is all I know.
MIly advice is- to track their circle and deliver their prisoners,
raising the alarm  so effectually, that they will retreat suddenly, and they will leave all they have got behind."'
Clarence, when asked, declined to answer, through delicacy, but really through inexperience in such modes of warfare. But he stated his willingness sincerely to follow any
leader who might be appointed in an expedition that would
deliver those two prisoners out of the hands of those cruel
foes.
" Captain Van Vechten, we will hear your opinion concerning the best way of delivering the birds out of the snare




MARCHING TO THE MOUNTAINS.             339
of the fowler." The president here addressed a stout, slowlooking man, who had n'ot said a word that any one heard
-that day. He opened his eyes like some one that is just
wakening out of a slumber; and instead of speaking he
rolled out his tongue in something of the same way that a
turtle puts out its head, when boys place a hot coal upon its
back, imoving its point from  side to side. All knew his
weakness, or perhaps his strength; for though he was slow
he was sure to act, and sure to speak to the point.
"We are going to the mountains you say, to fight the Indians. Let one half of our men be dressed in the disguise
that Teunis wears, so that our paiity will mix with Brandt's,
in the circle, and let the other half be a reserve to attack
their main camp, when we will find no difficulty in carrying
off the booty. That is all."
" Now, Grant, let us hear you," was the chiefs word to
that curious worthy; " see if you can keep that Scotch blood
of yours cool. I declare I have more trouble with these hasty
highlanders, than with all the rest of my parish."'This was said in a jocular vein, but the real intention
leaked through, and Grant understood these hints sufficiently
well to bridle his tongue in part.
"'Deed, minister, I own that I am a wee thought hasty,
when troubled wi' such a hot spur as Sandy McLeod, or
Billy Salisbury here; but mind you, that it's no the rattlin'
filly that gangs o'er the brae first, and that smooth water runs
deep, and the deil at the bottom o't sometimes. But minister though you be, I'll tell you this at ance, that neither I,
nor any one of my company will ever put on false faces, like
a set of silly hug-ma-na guissards; Jesuits, naething else;
wha would pretend to be friends in the morning, then turn
round before night and stick a gully-knife in a man's wame.
I'm for being -up and at it at ance, having a fair fecht and din
we't. A true Indian is a real gentleman, we' a brown face
o' his ain; but a man putting a feather iTn' his cap, and marking his cheeks wi' a bit o' burnt cork, and calling himself a
Mohawk chief, I despise him with a perfect scunner.1"
"What say ye, Willy Salisbury, man?"
The person addressed had a mischievous pleasure of tormenting the Scotchman, and though they were great friends,
and on all important occasions usually agreed, could not resist'
the temptation of saying in reply:
"Grant has a great distaste to the Indian dress, but
the Highlanders are only of the same breed of the wild




340               THE DUTCH DOIINIE.
men. Burgoyne called the BLnACK  WATCH, the  English
savages."
"Haud your tongue," said Grant, in his good-natured
fury,'" you Sassenach, if yo do not want me to put this whittle up to the heft in your buttock. The kilt, let me tell you,
as the minister said to me, is the garb of old Gaul, and that
was the pride of old Romle. When your forefathers came
doon to Scotland trying to enslave us, as they are trying to
put the collar on the neck o' this kintra, they had just to look
at the kilt, and aff they skilped as if a dirk was in their
doup."
"0, yes!" said the tormentor, " that was at the race of
Colloden; my father was there, and he declared that it was
the finest thing he ever saw.'
"Except," said Grant, in something  of hearty bitterness,
" the race o' Prestonpuins, where the English horsemen were
the first to bring the news to Embro that they were beaten
by these kilted men, armed wi' hooks an' scythes."
" I think you are even now," said the Dominie, who knew
Grant too Avell not to see that his blood was risinr.  "We
must come to business.'Let Captain Van Vechten have the
charge of his plan, as every one can carry out their own
sohemes best. Captain Salisbury, you will take charge of the
Pmain body, and let Grant have the reserve. We will start all
together an hour after sundown; goinog by the north side of
Round Top; and be sure that not a whisper of this be dropped
outside, for that wily snake has got his ears laid low to the
ground already, and might take us in a lone place before we
knew what was the matter. Let our Indian captain send his
single scouts in all directions, to prevent surprises. Our
rendezvous at an hour before sunrise, a mile above Hermit's
HIollov, on the side of the North Mountain."'
"Losh keel) us," said Grant, "he is nae doubt going doun
to see that Wartlocklbody in the glen. I- e is a fearless creature that Dominic, iminister of ours. That's the, way o' the
ministers in the highlans; they are acquaint with a' the
witches in the kintra side."
By this time the volunteers were all come in, mostly very
young men, and those past middle life, as the able-bodied of
the population were away in the army. A large draught
hatd been made but recently for the army of the north, to follow up the victory of Saratoga, now crowned with complete
success in the subjugation of Burgoyne.  Had it been a
hunting exclursion, they oa the ground  that day could not




MARCHING TO THE MOUNTAINS.            341
have entered into the frolic with more zest and spirit. All
present had been. out night after night many times before
this, chasing the bear and the panther. Scarcely a youth present but had killed some of the kinds comnmon in the region,
and was familiar with danger. Even the blacks, who are a
stout, athletic race, many of them the genuine " Guinea niggel," and all of them but one or two removes from the
original African, were eager for the frolic; and some of
them, for secret reasons, were jumping with joy.,
"Boys," the Dominie cried, at the full pitch of his voice,
"before we march let us seek the counsel of the Lord."  To
this no objection was expressed, either in word or by look.
The good man's heart was brimful of devotion, so that he
poured out his soul with all the fervency of a saint-now in
English and then in Dutch, and sometimes mixing the two
languages in the same sentence; all hearts were melted into
one stream. He alluded to the cloud that huno over the
tabernacle in the wilderness, and to the safe guidance which
the army of Israel.hacl when the ark was in the van. " And
now be not angry with us, 0 Lord, while we venture up
into the mount. Let it not prove to us as the mountains of
Gilboa did to Saul and Jonathan; for if thou goest not with
us we cannot go up in peace."  Breaking out into a transport, he forgot his English, or, perhaps, he meant to rouse
up the hearts of his sluggish people through the.tongue they
loved best,to hear; he prayed, " De lielykheit des 1-eeren
onzes Godts zy, ons en bevestigt gy het werk onzen handen
over ons; ja het werk onzer handen bevestigt dat."' Amen.
" Translate that last sentence to me," said Clarence; who
was entranced by the earnestness of the petitioner; " it must
be good, it was uttered with such spirit, and the effect of it
is seen all around. I am not without some of the influence
myself, though I am almost ignorant of the meaning."
" It is good," said Teunis; "but the Dominie has a handsome way of saying these things, which adds to their effect.
The words at the close were,'" Let the beauty of the Lord
our God be upon us, and establish thou the work of our hands
upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it."
" There comes the'Yfvrow! there comes the'YfxTrow!"
was sounded all through the company.' We will hear
something now."
c-):1 Ai- em to be in a hurry," was the salutation of Mat Van
Diusdi to the lady of the parsonage.  " You put me in mind
of the big East Indiaman that my father says he saw, heavy




342              THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
loaded, coming down the Scheldt, on her outward bound
voyafge."
"Hurry, indeed, as you say, Mat Van Deusen, when a
womlan's life is to be left exposed to savages, and worse men.
Dominie Schuneman, where are you going?" said the jolly'Yfvrow, " leaving me here in charge of a whole parish, white
and black, and "" These young darlings at your heels," was the filling up
which the husband gave to the sentence begun by the careful
wife. He knew that she would oppose his going, and had hidden it from her to the last moment; and now that he was all
ready he had no objections to her bidding him good-bye,
while all the family followed for the same purpose.
" Where are you going, Dominie?" she renewed her question, with a softer look. Her fine, full face glowed like a
morning sun, and her tall, rather heavy form, in the excitement of the moment, had life throughout the whole, which
gave it elasticity and motion, quick and graceful. The
Dominie stood entranced, but not in the least hesitating, as
she said energetically, "You will get your neck broken on
sonme of those night expeditions; you will not escape the lead
always that the wicked man has run for you. Can you not
leave such work to them that should do it, and mind the
business that properly belongs to you."
"'Yfvrow,'Yfvrow! my work is to do good for God and to
my country, as did the high priest of old, who buckled the
sword of Goliah on the patriotic David, and blessed him,
sending him forth to battle."
"Yaw, yaw! but he did not go himself, but stayed at
home, attending upon his work in the tabernacle."
"You have forgotten,'Yfvrow, that he went before, carrying the ark in the sight of the people."
"Dominie Schuneman," said the softened but proud wife,," we have not all been at Leyden, so I cannot argue with you
in that style; but affection pleads in me more powerfully
than learning."
As the tear glistened in the eye of the wife and the mother,
and there was not a mlan there who would have ventured to
call the Dominie a coward had he remained at home —but the
man of God was made of sterner stuff than to yield up at
such a juncture-he said:
"All that you say is true, Maria; but there are other
parents in the world besides us.  There is l;Martinus and
Anshela Schuyler crying after their dochter Elsie, the niece




MARCHING TO THE MOUNTAINS.            343
of our good friend the general; and she is away into captivity somewhere in the mountains: and what would we say
if our little dawty there was in the same place, and no one
willing to risk a gun-shot for her life."
The good'Yvfi'ow smiled, and looking through her tears,
asked if' he intended " to let all these men go off hungry to
the hills?"
In a few minutes all the servants of the house were seen out
on the road, loaded with all sorts of eatables and drinkables.
These were spread out on the horse blocks, on the pews inside the church, and even on the flat gravestones outside.
The parting meal was made up of ham ands eggs, sausages
and roliches. Breads of all kinds of flour, and cakes without
number; ole cake, Johlny cake, crawley cake, fritter cake, and
buckwheat cake; with more of Dutch names than would be
safe for any man to speak of.  Grant said "these Dutch
words always stretched his jaw so that he would as soon read
the tenth chapter of Nehemiah, when he was hungry, as try
to learn to speak them; unless," he added, " this wife o' the
minister should be my schule master; for verily she is a perfect Abigail, wi' her loaves and her wine, and her hundred
kinds o' cakes; but there is a kind she has na got yet, and
that was ait cake: and as for the Dominie himself, he aye believed that there must be some Scotch bluid in his veins, he
was sic a sensible bodv."
The good dame having got over her fears, went from place
to place, urging upon them all to eat; flinging cldown at the
same time a slice of rye bread on this place, and a piece of pork
on that; and not passing one by, unless she showed her kindness practically. A good word she had for all. When she
came to Teunis, she urged him to eat, and be sure and tell
Elsie that she would expect her to come down and spend
a week with her at the parsonahg'e, till the Hoogenhuisen was
built again.  Turning to Clarence, she put on the dignity
of a duchess, hoping he-would soon find his sister; and as
this was an easy route to return by, it would be good to
spend a night by the way after her fright. At the time she
was sayiing this to him, she was pouring' out a glass of her
best HIollmnds for his particular use.." You will find us, sir," she said, "plain, true hearted folk,
who know both how to treat a friend and a foe."
Clarence drank her health standing, with his hat in hand;
wishing that 1" never worse than the present might be seen by
him or his fiiends on any side.of the sea."




344               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
All were now ready to march agreeably to the order laid
down. The Dominie and about ten of the ancients of the
town were in the saddle. Tomi, that slippery dog, had charge
of what might be called a sumpter horse, since on its back
was a large -bag of all kinds of necessaries; and his master's
cloak, which the careful'Yfvrow had ordered to be strapped
behind, so that he might have it ready for immediate use.
Coming up close to his stirrup iron, she said:
" Now, Dominie, see that you take good care of yourself,
and tie this round your mouth to keep out the night air and
the cauld dews; and mind me and'the kinderen; as she
looked up in hbs face more softly than she would have
done an hour before.
"Get away with you, now, Mlaria,".as he held down his
head to her cheek; " you know that I am never cold; my
feet are always out of bed at night. My head, you tell me,
often is too hot; but you know, 3Maria, dearest, my heart is
never cold; and for you and the kinderen it is always glowing warm."
HIere the equally warm-hearted wife lifted her head a little
nearer to the saddle girths, as the good man said, in his usual
half jesting way, when he wished to be fanmiliar and fond:
"Indeed, wife, I think were I laid in the clay there, my
heart would throb back to you, were you to put your hand
on the turf."
A tear sparkled in the'Yfvrow's eye; and as the men had
moved off a little way, she embraced her lord most heartily;
as he rode away from her sight, saying, " the Lord be with
thee."




BOOK  IV.
THE FAILURE OF BRANDT;
SHOWING
THE STRENGTH OF INDIAN AMBITION AND REVENGE,
AND
HOW THEY WERE FRUSTRATED.
I e








BOOK IV.
THE Mohawk chief ostensibly sought to obtain a diversion
in favor of Burgoyne, but that was not his main design.
He was proud of being the hereditary king of the Six
Nations, cherishing the name and the fame of Hendrick,
who fought for that title with a forecast and a vigor worthy
of any ancient hero. The honor bestowed upon Hendrick by
Queen Anne, along with other Indian chiefs, had made him
mad after more honors; and as he had but one rival worthy
of the rank, he resolved to contend openly with E-tau-o-quarm
in his place on the Hudson, at the mouth of the Kaatskill,
which he had done twenty yeatrs before, coming off victoriously.
The tradition of that great event was cherished with veneration by the Mohawk nation, and induced them willingly,
to make the attack upon the same point now, in full confidence of gaining honor from their Great Father, over the
big waters, as heretofore. The vast West was at the command of some one, daring enough to seize the power, and who
so able and willing as Brandt? The impossibility of uniting
the king's armies of the North and the South, presented a
most favorable chance for cutting the rebels in two, and thus
leaving them like a serpent that lies on a path intercepting a,
march, to wriggle out life. To obtain joint possession of.847




348                    BOOK IV.
WVantonia-the island at the mouth of the Kaatskill —was the
purpose of the Mohawk. Diviced, the American patriots must
yield, or be greatly weakened by the forces brought against
them  at all points. To execute this scheme, Butler, the
notorious Englishman, and his brother, -had made themselves
favorites with the Indiantribes, from their sheer desire for blood
and rapine, resembling more the appetite of a panther than
the generous enmity of a civilized foe.  Willing to carry out
their hatred at all sacrifices, they gave up the honor of commanding, into the hands of the Mohawk, who, in return for
these honors, which gratified his ambition and his pride, lent
them his influence and his braves, who proved themselves
but too willing to follow wherever Butler led. Hence we
have the massacre Wyoming to record, which was to have
been followed, in due time, by similar attacks all along the
lines, till it would be impossible to raise men who would be
willing to follow Washington or Gates, leaving their districts open to the attack of these cruel assassins of women
and children.             "
This savage force, Which was becoming every day more
f9rmidable, had a wide territory on which to exercise their
designs undisturbed. No wise general in the present state
of the frontiers, would dare to venture an army into a dense
wilderness where no support could be obtained, and all
retreat cut off from their base of operations.  It seems to
be a maxim with military men, that the possessor of the
heights has the command of the country. A salutary fear
prevented all the officers in command front an attempt to
dislodge an enemy seemingly intrenched behind the strongest
wall nature herself could raise.
It was, therefore, all the more remarkable, that the at



BOOK Iv.                    349
tempt of the Dominie to drive Brandt and his allies back
from the verge of the precipice, should be undertaken by
one ignorant of such an old and unrepealed rule of war.
Perhaps the very ignorance -of a non-official man, possessed
of good common sense, may have been the very cause of his
seeming temerity.  Had any of the superior men at arms
come along and shaken their heads in doubt of success,
it is likely that the good Dominie Schuneman would have
hesitated; but havting  been many times after wolves
among these heights, he always found that if he could succeed in mounting up still higher, there was smiall cause of
fear, when the hunter was brave and well armed. The time
may come when this daring common sense shall take the
Iplace of that theoretical caution which lets  an enemy
remain undisturbed, provided he is in possession of a hillside. The historian, in faithfully narrating this first blow at
the barbarians on the mountains, may show to the high
authorities of the land, how the key to the vast and unknown 5West can be applied again successfully, in opening
that rocky barrier which shuts the whole world out, and yet
leaves the savage a means of escape.








CHAPTER I.
HUNTING THE LION AND HIS TAWNY WHELPS.
"As when some huntsman with a flying spear
From the blind thickets wounds a stately deer,
Down his cleft side, while fresh the blood distills,
He bounds aloft and scuds from hills to hills,
Till life's warm vapor issuing from the wound,
Wild mountain wolves the fainting beast surround."
Pope.
ALL being ready, the rude soldiers moved away under the
command of their several leaders, a motley and irregular
band, at sight of which the well trained and practised smiled.
They were like a fleet of Newcastle colliers putting to sea,
roaring, tugging, screaming at the full pitch of their lungs,
each one in the others' way. The man-of-war's man, fresh
from Portsmouth, would turn the quid in his mouth, drawing
up the wide trowsers, as he swore an oath at these landlubbers pretending to be jack tars. But after waiting a short
tile, he sees them all out to sea and on their vogage.
Every one of this straggling crew, had an individual mind,
and every one watched the movements of the Dominie, who
at length rode up with fury that he might take the lead in
the cavalcade.
" There he goes noo at last," said the impatient Grant,
"like another Abrauhaumn, going after the slaughter of the
kings; and literally true is it as the Scriptur says, wvi' his
armed servants, three hundred and auoghteen, pursuing them
even unto Dan."
"Do you think," said Salisburv,'" that he will bring back
his brother Lot and his goods and the women also."'" Nae saying, nae saying," was Grant's sincere answer, I"he
is a bauld creature that Doininie, and a stout body till the
barl'ain."
Teunis and Clarence were considered as independent volunteers, and went together with more thoughtfulness than
pervaded the company in general, who had not so much at
85l




352               THE DUTCH DOIQMIIE.
stake. Even the reverend leader joked; Tom whistled what
he durst not speak out, and until they got within the line of
the enemy, expressed their feelings as they deemed best.
After they reached tile foot of the mountain, they were
ordered to speak less and in a quieter tone. By and by the
Domninie told them their march must be in silence.
"Down in de belly, spose," Tom said he knew "'hem nigger did dat; could make himself tink two nigger in him at
once; one down cellar noder up stair."
"' Holl your peace, you scoundrel; now, when I think of it,
the forty stripes must come off soon, else we shall have the
mountain echoes resounding with your pig squealing."
" Lor' massa, me can't help telling Brandt w'ere massa am
if him gib forty save vone dis night; best'spense wid de
forty and gib de one."
" And a good one let it be then," said the Dominie, as he
unexpectedly struck over the shoulders of the unsuspecting
Tom; who roared out so lustily that there was some fear of
wakening up the wild human and bestial.
Clarence and Tennis had made up their minds to go forward and reconnoitre-the state of affairs; and there seemed
to be no immediate objections to that course. But Grant,
to whom they broke their mind, did not exactly relish the
movement on the part of two untried men, still wearing the
livery of the king. lie did not exactly suspect them of
treachery, but he deemed it best to be cautious. Hie said, as
if incidentally:
" You will run great risk, callants, only twa o' you among
so many Tory Indians. If they catch you they will roast
you like a red herring.1"
" We have planned all that, you see," said Teunis. "I have
got on their dress already, and I can easily get a disguise for
my friend here. We intend joining thein, so that we mnay
be near the girls, should their place of refuge be discovered."
"' IWull to cooper, gang to cooper,' as they say in Fife; but
I wouldna disguise my face for all the lasses that ever lilted
a strathspey. An Indian garb is a mean looking thing at the
best, and I cannot help suspecting the man that puts it on.
You maun just excuse me for sayin' what I do say."
Teunis, who did get flushed in the face at the insinuation,
put in here a word concerning his fidelity, and he was conning a speech in accordance with his fiery look, which would
certainly have produced trouble, as the hasty Scot only
wanted the chance of giving expression to his doubts, when




HUNTING THE LION AND HIS TAWNY WHELPS.   353
Clarence with great address, turned the mind of Grant into
his favorite theme by asking:
"Iow that valley clown below there would compare with
the scenery of Scotland. You have been up here, of course,
in the day time, and can judge."
Oh, aye, sir, I have been u!a here huutinu vix (I"t!~s
that are prisoners down in the toon; and to be honest, I
think the size of the country tak's away from the feeling of
pleasure I used to hae, when I looked down frae a Scottish
mountain."
" But does not that make the sublimity all the more, if
there be a sufficient variety of hill and dale, wood and water,
interspersed. And then, surely the forest rising up as this
does to the very top, must be more beautiful at all times of
the year than the bare furze on the Scottish mountains."
"Heather sir, heather is the word. There is music in the
very soond o' the word, and as to the sight, I have seen naething here that can stand a comparison with the bloom o' the
lheather. Oh no, sir; they have nae sangs about the woods
up here, nor the streams.  I never heard a lassie in this
whole land singing the sma'est lilt about the hills and burnies in all this lan'.  Ilan, if you gang up Ben Cruachan, or
down the dale o' Aberfeldy, you would think all nature
vocal."
" True, true; but then the Scotch are a singing race of people, and they have had such a noble history, it makes the
natives glad."
"That's a' true, and finely said," was the answer of the
flattered Scot, "frae you that's an Englishman; for nae
doubt, you hae been in Scotland, hunting in the Highlands.
If you have stood on the tap o' Ben Ledi, you have seen
another sight than what you will see the morn at sunrise
here; and you will see eneuch here to make your een glance,
I'll allow.'
"Keeping out of view the associations of the Scottish
scenery, where to your mind lies the difference between
them?" asked his new acquaintance, who was anxious to keep
the good opinion of Grant, who would be a formidable enemy
if enraged, or even were he to remain prejudiced, as he was
evidently against him and Teunis.
" I think, sir, that the chief difference between what we
see here, and that of a Scottish mountain and glen, with all
the rest that surround them, lies in the fact that you can take
in all Ben Lomond and the loch -below, with the islands




354               THE DUTCH' DOMINIE.
out, down to Dumbarton, and on to Tintock tap, at ae glance;
and it's all grand. But, here man, everything is on sic a great
scale, that I canna comprehend it.  Mly head gets so dizzy
that I f`eel as if a' my thoughts had turned into bumble bees.
Just this minute, as I'm looking down in the dark, my brain
is maer like a bike before it hives aff than anything else. Do
you no feel something like it yourself, sir?"
" I confess, G-rant, that my head is turned after all I have
seen and heard this day," said the young man, anxious to
keep the lieutenant from the subject of Teunis' departure,
as he perceived his new friend negotiating the matter with
the chiefs; " but if I may guess from what you say, there
must be a fine uncultivated field for the future poet in that
very greatness and mistiness, which meet in the far off
horizon, where the other mountain tops just peer through
the clouds. And that noble river, running through the centre
where the forests are ever living and movinyg."
" You are very eloquent on what you have never seen yet;
but even your description does not come up half to it; and as
you say yoursel', it will require some poet like Allan Ramsay
to sing about it. At any rate, it will be a lang while before
this can compare Wvi' the hills o' Caledonia. Daunie McGregor there will tell you, that the hill o' Kenmore, where the
Yerl of Breadalbane hasbhis house, is as like the Garden o'
Eden as this mountain is like that where Noah's ark rested
after the flood. Indeed, I doutna but the auld carle when
he looked frae his craw's nest out o'er the plains of Shinar, as
the folks here do, when they look out on that valley where
the sun shines noo, said that will be a bonny country when
it is a' peopled, and growing o'er wi' corn, and the river Hudson there speckled wi' sails. But man, whan that takes place,
we will a' be lying beneath the yird; and what the better
am I?"
Grant would, with a willing listener, as his present auditor
proved to be, have gone on till the morning in the same strain;
but Clarence, perceiving that Teunis had succeeded in con.
vincing the Dominie of the excellence of his plan, allowed
him to give his own report, and all the leaders were called
together, that there might be a proper understanding in the
iornilng.'" We must fix upon a signal" said the Dominie, " for we have
a wily serpent to deal with, and we cannot guard ourselves
too well. What shall the word be?"
" The sword of the Lord and of Schuneman," shouted out




HUNTING THE LION AND HIS TAWNY WHIELPS.   355
the enthusiastic Grant, as if he had made a discovery of perpetual motion and was afraid it might slip back down his
throat before he could give it out. " The sword of the Lord
and of Schuneman," he repeated, to be sure that he heard it
himself. They were about to give a cheer, but restraining
themselves said " Amen: so let it be."
And so the two young men left, careful to bid Grant the
most cordial good bye.
" Noo," said that worthy, after they were gone, " it's my
opinion that we have not shown muckle sense in that. What
would you say if the whole o' that telling of theirs was just a
scheme to get up here, where we canna help us? Ane of
them is a king's man, we are sure, and the other to my
mind is a great deal worse. Baith o' them are in disguise:
and a man who will put on a false face for ane thing will do
it for anither. It would not surprise me to fin' ourselves corbie's meat before the mornin'."
Some of the young men were so impressed with this speech
of, Grant, that they offered to ride forward and bring the two
scouts back. But this was overruled by the general opinion
of their honesty. Indeed, Grant himself did not believe all
he said, for he added:
" I took quite a liking to that chiel Clarence frae the first;
he tauld such a straught story, and for ane, I am ready to
fecht for him, and for his sister when it comes to blows."
Teunis, having Clarence in charge, felt all the responsibility
of a man, on whom the success of a great enterprise depends;
but so far from  sinking under the burden, that he grew
stronger, able to endure anything, or to accomplish the most
difficult undertaking.  He was casting about in his mind the
different ways which it might be best for him to pursue, when
quick as a flash he fixed on the most perilous-being none
else than that through which Elsie had led Mliss Clinton two
nights before this.
The two young men climbed a tree, so as to-get a full view.
The sky was lurid, and the din that rose from the camp of
Brandt and his allies was ominous of coming war.  This,
however, was a proof of unconsciousness concerning an enemy approaching.  Clarence looked down, with the eye
of a romantic youth) as well as of a soldier; and as he saw
the fires ranged in a half circle, cut by a deep, dark gulf at
the distance, he imagined a thousand things of which he had
read and dreamed of the red man.
Round each fire, men were seen moving like the black




356               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
spirits of pandemonium. The few days they had been there
had quieted the rude, and made the intelligent more reflective; still there were songs and coarse jests going on, which
made the woods ring with their noise.
"Is that high ground we see there on the south?" said
* Clarence, after a pause.
"Yes, sir," said Teunis, in a whisper, for he knew that
sentinels were near.  "Your soldierly eye is laying out the
battle for to-morrow, but the Mohawk has not left himself
without a way of retreat."
" Well for him,": said the other, now also under his breath,
"for, I declare, it makes my nerves tingle to see how easily
the whole might be surprised, and put to flight. But how I
should like to see all these dusky warriors, start up at the
sound of the trumpet."
" The war-whoop you mean, sir; but it makes the Dutch
blood in my veins curdle when I see these fiends, not soldiers,
hiding themselves till the time comes for them to shoot out
their fiery tongues."
"You are right, friend Teunis; as I look down, my memory
helps me to words that suit the scene before us well:'It was
a place for the habitations of carnal sinners. The winds, full
of stiffened voices, buffeted their souls, forever whirling them
away to and fro, dashing them, the one against the other.'
There is a crowd driven in a body like dark stars by a sulphureous blast."
Teunis, who never had heard of Dante, and was in no mood
for imaginary description, said in low tones, as if afraid the
A[ohawk might hear him, "You may distinguish Brandt's
tent by its standingin front of all the rest; can you see
figures moving?"
"I do," said the young scholarly soldier, replying in the
words of the same poet;''Tis hell, thick smoke carved into
images black, yet lustrous; shapes of dignity, they dwell
apart.)'
The two young men, descending from the tree, prepared
for the morrow. Already Clarence had determined on joining the army of the  Iohawk, as the surest way of keeping
the dishonorable Clifford in view. But before he could do
that effectually, he must change the dress he had on, and
obtain, if possible, one of those disguises which Tennis and
others had assumed. HIe communicated his purpose to his
companion, who, though he feared the result, saw in it a
boldness, which would, if anything, insure it success. At




THE HEAD IN THE LION'S MOUTH.            357
the worst he could reveal himself, and thus claim the protection of the ]i[ohawk.
"You may obtain this,"  said Teunis, when Clarence
inquired for the disguise, "for the king's clink. There are
plenty of such garments to be had down there."
"Well, go, and I will remain here for a time; my blood
boils and I need sleep to cool my brain; I shall lie down
here for an hour or two."
"Not there," said Teunis; "but come with me and you
shall have the bed that your sister and Elsie had on the night
I have told you of.")
"_None better than that where I can dream of her and of
home."
With that, Teunis led his companion to the place of repose
already described, which he spread with branches and a fur
robe he had at hand, and advised Clarence not to stir till the
word of the party was given before sunrise.
They parted with this understanding.
CHAPTER II.
THE HEAD IN THE LION'S M1OUTH.
"Honesty is current coin; uprightness is fine silver; probity, gold without alloy; but
integrity is gold, tried and purified."
OLD DIVINE.
Oul  young Dutchman, left once more alone to his own
thoughts, was feeling every moment more heavily upon him
the pressure of his responsibility. Everything appeared to
depend upon his prudence and his boldness.  The young
soldier he had just parted with trusted him; the two he had
seen in the morning at the falls, were waiting his return at
sunrise; to-morrow the Dominie had pledged himself on
Teunis's behalf; the mysterious being in the hollow was expecting a visit from  him at midnight; Martin, father of
Elsie, had begun to trust him; and above all these reasons, was
the consideration that Elsie herself had made his fidelity to this
good cause the price of her heart to him. Never did he
feel till this moment that so much depended 1upon his faithfulness and wisdom. Under all of these obligations he did not
stagger. His foot pressed the ground more firmly at every




3 58              THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
step, while he -moved cautiously, where he knew the sentinels were posted; couragceously going forward, lie resolved
at once to present himself at the cantp, and thus ascertain
for himself the exact state of things, and of the plan fob
to-lnorrow. Veering a little to the right, he heard voices,
which made him turn friom the path into the bushes, whe re
he lay down.  Putting his ear to the ground, he quietly
waited for the return of the party that he knew were near.
There were two of them, who came back slowly, like men
who had sauntered aside for free conversation.
"I will cover you from all blame, as your superior. Acting under me, you only fulfill his majesty's orders. - Have I
not shown you the letter of the general, to burn and take all
the prisonlers, and to do nothing by halves?"
" Milohawk is his own chief;" was the proud answer of the
other; " Indcia!s cannot see the mark of the goose's wing.
They love thle scalping-knife better. Braves cannot be tickled
with a feather."'
" Captain Brandt," was the hasty reply of the first speaker,
" does not doubt my honor."  There seemed as if there was
some handling of a sword-hilt here at this time. "Have not
I left my command at Fort Niagara, at the word of one of
your red race? I have met you here to aid in conducting
these prisoners back through the wilderness. Surely that is
evidence of my sincerity, and of my interest in the success of
this enterprise.  And now, just when it is about to be
crowned with complete success, you threaten to leave."
By this time the two men had become so much in earnest
in their conversation that they stood facing each other quite
opposite to the spot where Teunis lay quiet: for well he
knew that his life depended on his keeping in his breath.
Yet he trembled lest the beating of his pulse at the wrist
would disturb the dry leaves on which he lay.
" Clifford was a great soldier when he fought the Whigs
on the sand-fields of the Dutchmen. Clifford has all the
fort of Ni-a-a-ga-ra in his great hand; but the king's great
soldiers have soft hearts when pale squaws come between
their fiery eyes and the moon."
There was a sly irony in all this; all the more provoking
that it could not be met by an honorable blow.
"Cheeks that smile like the young morning, bring tears
into great eyes,"' was the still aggravating tone of the same
speaker. At last the other man broke out into fury unrestrained.




THE HEAD IN THE LION'9I MOUTH.         359
"I tell you what, brave M]ohawk, that pale squaw must
be mine, and if I can buy your help in bringing her into the
camp before you leave, there is nothing that the Great Kinog
has put into my hand which Brandt may not command."'
" The Mohawk cannot be bought with fair words; and if
he could, his braves are turning their faces to the north star,
where their squaws are husking corn, and their papooses
singing in their swings."
" Well, I must be content-and let you all go," was the infilriated answer. " But I remain till I gain my rewardcl. Good
God," said the speaker called Clifford, " am I to be baffled
by a sentimental miss, and that Dutch dumpling which Kiskatnani says has her in charge. No, I'11 scour these woods
till my toes are worn to stumps, or blistered as they have
been under a Bengal sun, before I yield to this piece of
painted flesh."
All this time the speaker was stamping with violent rage
on the ground as if he could bring up relief from the nether
regions. His comrade for the time was quietly standing till
the storm would vent itself; which, like all such gusts, was
soon over; and the man who was calling up spirits from the
vasty deep, gave it up by saying:
" I can at least control Kiskataam and his foil by the glittering metal."
*" Ugh!" was the short interjection of the Indian, " Kiskataam's good hunter for himself. A fawn will leap and play
well in his wigwam on the silver water of Ka-na-we-hol-a."'
The white man, at this home thrust, which he evidently
felt in the tenderest part, could not express himself, but
gave out that choking utterance which a man gives when
his breath fails him. " I know," said he at last, " that the
serpent has tried to crawl into my nest, and all my fear is
that he knows too well of the hiding-place where Miss
Clinton is kept; and that he only waits to weary us out.
But I will die first."
"' Miss Clinton! Miss Clinton," was echoed by the Mohawk. "Who is this fawn that the great soldier calls Miss
Clinton? The great Englishman called her Fawn."'" Who should she be but the papoose of that rank Whig
Clinton, one of the rebel generals? That is prize enough to
wait a week for;" and here he bent his mouth to the ear of
the Indian-the last word heard was ", ransom."
" The Mohawks do not make war on pale-faced squaws.
We leave when the next sun rises."




360               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
With that the two went on toward the camp; and as
Teunis followed he heard Clifford chiding his companion for
his tender heartedness. "Miohawk is a woman. I have a
stronger heart than any of you.  Delicate women whose
veils were never lifted to man, have begged from me and I
have turned away. The valley of the Ganges, wider than
the one below, groaning with misery, and putrid with death,.
did not move me. Under my windows I saw the river
iloogly rolling with corpses; the streets of Calcutta blocked
with the dying. The living not strong enough to scare
away the jackals nnd the vultures from the scarcely dead
bodies."
All of this was said to impress the MIohawk with the folly
of being tender hearted; to which he merely replied with
his significant " ug'h!" and
" Clifford is a great soldier; the Mohawk shall go after
the next clay is past."
" Go and be  ~" as he turned right round, leaving the
Mohawk to enter the camp alone, while he plunged into
the bushes aside, as if he wished to hide himself fomni the
Stars. Teunis only heard " curse him! curse her," repeated
till he lost the sound and the sight alike.
The listener justified himself in hearkening to what ought
to be counteracted if possible, more especially as he had
obtained valuable information for the risk he had run.  S6
making his way as quietly as he could, without appearing to
steal in, he found out his brother Anthony's tent, who was
there having a command.'When they parted in the morning
they had an understanding between them that Teunis should
make a call at home as he passed, just to see how things
" kaccc  on, and help for an hour or so."  Anthony was not
in the tent when his brother entered, so addressing one who
was always known by the shortest part of his name:
"You here yet Phill?  I feared that by this time you
would be all away to Niaagaara."'
" Nay, nay,?' said the other pettishly, " dat big soger, has
de ooren ov de Indian o'er near his mouth. Budt end vere
hast tou been, Teunie? bad talk here."
"What now, Phill?" said the new  comer, with wellfeigned astonishment. "Where is Broder Anthony?"'
That kind hearted youth who loved Teunis better than his
own life, and who felt all the anxiety of an earnest soul for
him, had been out watching for the wandcerer, so that he
might put him  on his guard. Comling merely into the tent




THE BEAD IN TIM LION'S MOUTH.         361
door, he gave a signal which brought Teunis out into the
dark, where they stood out of sight and hearing.
" Teunie," said Anthony, in a low husky voice, " thee had
best gae home and watch te old folks."
" What now?" said the no less anxious brother. " What
have I done that I cannot be with you at the great
hunt?"
"'We have not time," was the answer, "to speak of all.
Whispers have been going through the camp all day.
Awee! awee! for fayther, if the half of this be true, he
will shoot you though he die of grief grief afterward."
Teunis would have entered into his own defence warmly,
but the other stopped him, putting his arm  into that of
Teunis, leading himn round, so as to reach the higher point
at the south of the camp, where they had the opportunity
of seeing all that was going on below. Anthony told his
brother to watch the movements of two or three men whom
he pointed out.  The three figures Tennis soon discerned to
be Kiskataam, Shandaagan and Dan De-la-mater, a wellk:rown desperate fellow, who aspired to the hIand of Elsie
Schuyler, and was thus the decided enemy of Tennis.
" Can you guess what all that means?" was the question
put to the transfixed Teunnis. "They are searching the
tent; if you had been there till this time, your arms would
have been tied behind your back.  Or a ball through
somebody before that could have been done. Anthony,
I killed a catamount this morning, and I am not likely to
let any villain, as all these are, put a cord round my wrists
without a struggle."
"I have heard of two catamounts being killed, and am
proud that my brother had the power and the sklill to kill
one of these monsters; but mind you, Teunis, that there are
worse creatures than catamounts.1"
" True, as I see down there. But, Anthony, were as many
of these wild beasts to be collected, as there are men below,
they would sleep quieter and devour less; and I have been
thinking that an animal with a red coat is more savage than'
one with a dun-colored one. The feet of the human beast
are swifter to seek blood."
" Let that alone just now; you better leave before they
surround the camp, and rouse up these IMohawk duivels, and
you will find them to be a drove of catamounts. W~e are
going out to-morrow to hunt up two Whig women, and you
can guess who one of them is."
16




362               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
For that reason I must remain and protect her against
harm."
" You cannot aid her in the smallest mite. After what I
saw at the burning of Hoogenhuisen, I am sure that you will
be less able to stand the onset, when the flower of that
place is laid on the ground, and trampled upon by ruffians."
"I would send a ball through the man that dares to put a
fo ul finger on that flower of my heart."
1" Neither Dan Del-de-la-mater nor Shandaagan will keep
away the less that you look gloom at them. Two men and
an Indian for one woman, and she a Whig's dochter, must be
in these times too many for you."
The tear was rising in the eye of the anxious lover, so
that it glistened in the light of the bright fire, and trickled
down upon the hand of the kind-hearted Anthony so as to
startle him into earnestness.
" In the name *of God, Teunis Roe, go; they will get a
glimpse of that face in the light of the fire, and a ball will
come from some one of these pieces, that never errs. Your
eyes are glancing like a deer's at the river side, when pine
knots are blazing in the boat. You have shot them in the
eene yourself; go, I beseech you."
Almost overcome, Teunis began,' And you will be "" Oh, Teunis, I know what you would say; and I swear to
you, that Whig as Elsie is, and the real dochter of a true
Whig, that I will protect her with my life, for your sake.
Go, Teunie go, and mother's God be with you."
" Swear again, and I will go; swear that you will not let
them tie her, nor let Dan put one hand on her, and whisper
in her ear that you do all for the sake of your wandering
brother Teunie."  -
With that the down-hearted youth stepped over the face
of the cliff by a natural ladder that he had frequently used
before, and was no more in danger of missing his foot than
by that of his father's barn, so that he was soon out of
the reach of those sluith hounds who were already on his
track. A vain pursuit amidst those rugged rocks and fallen
trees.
Directing his steps northward to where the Dominic's
party was lodged, he fell now into their hands from necessity.
While the sympathies of his better nature were always with
the Whigs, it is doubtful if he would have declared so soon
for them, but from affection first, and now through necessity.
Treading his way, as a hunter only knows how, among loose




THE A:FRICAN COURT-MARTIAL.             363
rocks and underbrush, thick as an East Indian jungle, with not
a few of the dangers found in Bengal, from American tigers,
Tennis moved with his knife in one hand, and his horlse-pistol
in the other, looking on all sides for enemies. But he had
no choice but of escaping thus, nor had he any fear of being
waylaid, except as some cunning hunter fromn  above might
have descended from the opposite side of the rock, and was
lying in wait for his passing by. He disturbed not a few of
the wildcats of the place, as he knew fiom their hissing and
spitting sound, which would have been mistaken for serpents
by a less acute sense. His aim was now the spook's den, but
ere he could reach that he must come across the camp of the
Dominie, where he could not rest in security till the appointed
time for meeting the spook arrived.  So keeping the north
star in his eye, he moved on like the sailor, tacking as he
found a favorable breeze. Turning round a jutting rock,
avoiding some chasm, or leaping a fallen trunk, he never
once lost sight of the point of his attraction.
CHAPTER III,
THlE AFRICAN C6URT-MARTIAL.
"Commend me to Nature, spiced over by the hand of Art; the one provides hunger,
and the other sauce; so that between Nature and Art, you sit smacking your lips.'
OLD COOKERY BOOK.
Oun night walker, uncertain concerning the character of
the sounds he heard, dropped himself quietly and suddenly
to the ground, where he put his ear, hoping to be able to distinguish the voices which gave them forth.
"Some frolickers," said Teunis, "who have found the
camp above too quiet. Maybe some Indians on an independent excursion. Both must be avoided by me to-night.
I can neither join the one, nor be seen by the other. Ha!"
said the listener,'"these are niggers; what can they be at
here, and at this time of night?  But why need I wonder,
they are just like all vermin; they follow the white man,
and mock his ways. Why not?  They have as good a right
to their fun and fight as we have to ours."
Climbing up on the point of a jutting rock, he saw:a fire




364              THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
kindled in a hollow place, which he knew must be near to the
cloven rock, where he had himself often rested, and which
was a standing mark to all. Many a cup of good Holland
had been drunk there by the hunting parties, who were sure
to gather round it after their surroundings, and at night to
make it their pillow before a rousing fire. The Dominie,
after one of those frolics, which had gone to excess, came
down on the sinners in a thundering discourse, in which he
called this the steen cdes aanstoots —the stone of stumbling;
and by that it was known among his folks, till one day the
good man himself came across a party handing the cuppe
round, and seeing him coming they obtained one of pure water
running through the rock, and gave it to him. He tasted it,
drinking it off with a loud smack.of his lips, at the last saying, " Deszen Mozusst eenrots!" and it is called Moses Rock
unto this day.
Cautiously Tennis crept forward till he was near enough to
distinguish the shrill tenor of the negro, with the deeper bass
of some white men; then a loud chorus of laughter, which
went from the giggle to the guffaw. Determined to find out
who these roysterers were, he sought as close a standing
place as he could find, without being seen himself. Keeping
well up to the westward, he came down, almdst crawling, as
if swimming on his back, feet foremost, to the side of the
rock, which he had between him and the assemblage below.
Rising up, he looked over and saw such a scene as gipsy life
can only present.  A  large fire burning brightly in the
centre, sent out a heat which made the party turn round
as brown hams hung on a spit would turn were they possessed
of feeling, and waiting for a regular roasting all over,! and
through to the bone. Here were all colors, from the jet black,
glistening with sweat, to the bronze, that changed as the fancy
was tickled, on to the whity-brown of those called white
people.
Teunis knew  them  all as the slaves belonging to the
farmers of the district; chiefly the same ones he had seen in
the den two nights ago, attending their superstitious orgies.
Cuffee, the African king, as he maintained himself to be;
Crese, with his fiddle; Jerry of Kaatsban; and Tom, the
Dominie's man. These were usually the leaders in all mischief around, and though very stringent laws existed in the
colonies concerning slaves meeting after nightfall, they were
easily eluded by such cunning fellows, who, like thieves,
knew more of the laws than the average of justices. Strong




THE AFRICAN COURT-MARTIAL.           365
in mind naturally, and not degraded yet by long bondage,
experience had made them  acute in matters where their
enjoyments were in danger, or their gratifications curtaliled.
To Teunis they now seemed to be engaged holding a
court, whether in mockery or in earnest, he had some
difficulty in determininig. Cuffee was the presiding spirit, as
he usually was in all affairs of the kind. His sincere belief,
or his assumption, gave him airs which be was not slow to
put on, and being of a robust person, and possessed of great
shrewdness, he generally enforced the law by physical
force.
Tom was the only one who disputed his authority, and
this he did, first, -because the king was a heathen; and
second, he himself being a Christian, should "hab cauthorities;"
and thircd, the Dominie's man affected a little of the Doninie
himself: From his place and puffed up pride, he had begun
to assume it, and latterly he really believed he had had a call'
to preach.
At the time Tennis discovered these blacks, Cuffee was
acting as judge, trying a young negro, whom the secret spectator at once knew; and he soon saw that this was not mere
sport, but that Cuffee and his followers, presuming upon their
relation to the big Indian, were acting for King George, in
due legal form, which, to one who was a mere spectator,
might have afforded amusement; but to Teunis, who had
now wakened up to the danger of his own playmate, was
no joking matter. He determined to watch and prevent
mischief
Tom acted as public prosecutor, and Jerry, the slave of
Cornelius Wynkoop, was to defend the accused.
" Constable, cry de court," said the judge, with great
gravity, when old Caesar stepped forward in front of the
raised bench, and mumbled over, "oh yeez, oh yeez," and
left the rest in an unknown tongue.
A ludicrous imitation of a white man's trial here followed,
which would defy the. pen or pencil of genius to portray in
its true colors. What was of more importance& to our
liero the scenes were indicative to him of how the public
mind was beginning to regard his own present position.
Leendert, who was the son of Dora, and of the same age
with himself, had, like all negroes brought up side by
s;: witl> a master's son, walked in the steps of Teunis, till
it hadl become his own nature to do whatever his young
master did. HIe was showing signs of disloyalty now, and




366               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
those of his grade had detected his tendencies. In the
trial he was passing through, TeUnis saw his own self foreshadowed.
A charge was formally made of leaving the service of
King George, and taking part with the "revels."  A jury
was chosen, and exact specifications laid down to be proven.
In all of which Teunis heard but his own case repeated.
The pleadings on both sides were ludicrous indeed, but it
seemed that the actors were in earnest.
"Bring in de prisoner guilty of treason," said the mock
judge, "and den shoot him."
Teunis was here about to take part, and prevent what
appeared to be the actual intention of the cool rascal, whose
words seemed as positively. spoken as if he were sitting in an
Albany court, among his white peers; when suddenly, out
of the darkness behind, old Dora emerged, to the great terror
of all, iincluding the chief actor himself. Rising, he made a
low bow, saying:
~ King Cuffee glad to see Queen Dora wid the Gree
Gree.2'
Dora paid no attention to the salaam made to her presence,
but turning her eye into a clear crystal cup she held in her
hand, she muttered some words of incantation; then lifting
her face to the judge, said in her most solemn style:
"  King Gongalloo hang on de gallows dree."
Cuffee had already ordered the prisoner's arms to be
unloosed; and then he called out:
" Court'journed till abter suppa."
"''MAen, so let it be," said Tom, who was man of all work
at home and abroad.
A long pole, laid from two branches, sustained two pots of
the biggest size in use, which were simmering over a fire
of hot coals, filled to the brim. The acting cook, a fullbodied wench, was looking in now and then, stirring the
contents, and scenting the savory steam that entered even
Teunis' nostrils, making his mouth to water; for he had
not eaten a warrm supper since the nighlit of W'obias- Iyers'
husking-bee.  Besides being really hungry, le knew well
enough that the purveyors of this feast had found the best in
the land. He forgot the- robbing of hen-roosts, and nearly
in his eagerness for food, yielded up his prudence. It was
evidently in the mind of Cuffee, that young Massa Tenuis had
been guilty of double-dealing, and would be punished when
C;Alught. With all these willing hands about him, a larger




THE AFRICAN COURT-MARTIAL.            367
prize than Leendert would be acceptable.  There were,
besides, some persons present, whose backs were toward him,
and as yet he had not heard their voices above a common
tone.
The festival table was the ground, raised as if a ditch had
been dug round a knoll, into which the feet might be stowed
away, and the edge of the bank used as seats. Many of them
chose the flat places, squatting down on whatever was below
them.  There were at least fifty or sixty persons of the
black population, with at least a dozen young whites-sons
of the farmers, whose low tastes led them to seek such frolics,
where the animal propensities could be gratified unrestrained.
One individual kept himself hidden, notwithstanding that he
lay on the grouncd, just below where Teunis was perched on
the branch above. The spy in the tree had his fears that
it might be known to the groundling that some one was in
the loft.
The supper dishes were large sugar troughs, usually left in
the woods for the spring opening, now washed clean in the
water near by, and convenient for the revellers. Into these
the contents of the boilers were poured-meat and potatoes in
heaps. In the centre stood a monstrous dish of fricasseed
chickens, mixed with sausages. The fowls "'greed vell wid
von anoder," Dido said, " cldat had been fechten cocks in de
mornin'.."
"An de duck swim in de gravy veil as in de pond wid de
oder unda deal vings," was the intended wit of old C(sar,
who gave some extra scrapes upon his fiddle, as he saw his
favorite dish.
But the attraction of the take were two full trenchers of
what is known as souse; a well-grown pig's flesh, fat, and
corn-fed, cut up into small pieces and stewed, all together,
till it became soft and rich. Dido was in her glory when she
saw that come up, slightly browned in the skin and tender
to the touch.
"Dere a mess for de king, and de Dominie besides might
say grace as long as turkey's neck dat runs to him's tail behind."
And to hungry men, seldom has a finer repast been
spread. All sat round as they chose. Forks there were in
plenty. A twig cut from the bush beside them, with a stump
fo, handle, and the bark peeled,-was equal to the best silver
in the governor's basket of plate. That stuck in at random,
never failed to bring up the game that gratified the eater.




368               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
Bread came out from corners as white as Dame Dyce could
produce to her New York company., in her fine stone mansion, by the Kaatskill creek; and to clrown all, there mwas cold
slaugh, and hot slaugh, which was forked into their mouths
as if' they were stowingl away heaps of ilanuire into a deep
cellar way.
" Ho! ho! hoho!" roared out Cuffee, as he fished out a huge
piece which he saw would be his last bit from that platter,
"me got de gobla crop; dat goes for to hollo orda!"
"He! he! l e!" responded one of the young wenches;
"King Cuffee got de goose's throat. Goose make good
squia."
HIere the faithful Phcebe produced her liquor jug, well
filled with strong waters of some kind, that had the usual
effect upon human brains.  All kinds of frolicking commenced, and some of a nature that could not be described
without defiling my page. Savage nature came out in its nlost
loathsome forms, such as we read of in histories of paganism
at its feasts.  Looking down upon them, Teunis saw the
rolling and tumbling as if it had been the wriggling of black
snakes, in a round pit.
During the noise, our night-walker had climbed to the
outmost part of the branch. He was eager upon finding out
who was lying beneath him on the ground, and had just succeeded to his horror, when Cuffee cried out:
" Now for de trile of de Ingen Shandaagan, for falling in'd
love widl Martin's Elshie-Clerk will read de law."
HIere Tomn, who had heard it many times, gravely repeated the colonial statute: "De durd Sessions of de fif Assembly Queen Anne. Be it'nacted by de Gobernor, Council, and Assembly, in case any slave or Ingen, kiss, or marry,
or court free man's daughter "Here the Indian, who took all this more in earnest than
was intended, and who had worked himself up, under the influence of love, liquor, and mortification, rose just under the
nose of Teunis, and gave the war-whoop of his triber so lustily, and so long, with his face turned toward the mountain,
that the echoes of his voice returned as if a thousand demlons
had responded to him. Every man, white and black, started
to his feet and fled as if the Mohawks had come into their
midst with gleaming tomnahawks. Nor was the commotlion
abated by Teunis, who, eager to see the whole from his perch,
had gone so far forward on the branch that it swunlg, so that
he lost his balance and dropped right among them, frolting;




THE AFRICAN COURT-MARTIAL.             369
the infuriated Indian, who became cool in a moment, when he
saw the very man he cared less to see than any other, before
him, as if demancling satistaction for the injury with which
he had just been charged.
"  gh," said the red man, as a grim smile crossed his face,
"the young bear can climb trees for sweet apples."
" And sometimes he gets sour apples for his pains," was
the tart answer of the excited Teunis.  The fact alluded to
in the mock charge of this black court, was evidently understood by those eavesdroppers at home and abroad. He had
suspected all along that the intention of Kiskataam, was to
remove the young English lady to the West, and the reward
of Shandaanan was to be his own beloved. Putting all he
knew in one, he was persuaded within himself, that the
hiding-place of the young woman was known to these wily
men. But there was no time to settle that question to-night,
so turning away from his enemy, he stepped up to the souse
dish, and putting a fresh fork into the mess, he proceeded to
eat a hearty supper from the abundant fragments which
remained. By the time he was through, the leading spirits of
the late scene had disappeared, afrtaid of being informed upon.
They knew the law well, and Tomn in his mock fun had reminded them that
"It sall no' be lawful for more as tree niggers to meet
together in von place,'cept at kirk4 door on Sunday, upon
de penalty of been whipt upon de naked back, wid forta
lashes by de public whipper, Yankee Dorlan, the horsedoctor."
The fear of this was constantly before the eyes of the
slaves, and even Cuffee did not care to be seen by a man of
Teunis' character. Tom, however, came back, assuming to
be loyal, and willing to excuse himself for being present with
a crew of black rebels.
" The Dominie  would look wild to see you here, Tom,"
-said Teunis.
"And vilder to see us two," said Tom, as he winked a
sly wink. "VE vatched dem;" putting weight on the plural word WTE.
16*"




370               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
CHAPTER IV.
R E VE  N G E  IS S V E ET.
"Come, dainty witch; see, there's my palm;
Read if you can; I dare to hear.
Witch.-Yet the hand trembles, and feels
Clammy, like the wall of a shut up tomb."
ALLAN RAMSAY.
TEUNIS and.Tom made their way to the camp, where
Grant kept guard. Among the first questions asked of the
brawny Scotchman was, " where's the Dominie?'"
" He's gane doun the glen to that warlock bodie. They
are baith ow're weel acquaint with the diel. He is, nae
doot, sitten atween them."
"Has he been long away?" was the next question put.
" Oh, yes; but when twa sic meet, nae sayin' when they
will part: but for mysel', I would as sune hae a crack with
auld Sawney as we' ane o' his bairns."
" Oh!" said a new comer, whom Teunnis had not seen in
the party that day, 1" you are mistaken, Grant; the hermit
is not one of your Scotch witches, but a respectable spook as
can be found in a Christian land, where it takes all kinds of
people to make the right kind of a world."
" May be, sir," said the Scotchmlan, who turned to Teunis
and asked with evident feeling, " where did you leave that
fine Englisher, Clarence? has he heard ony thing o' his sister? his heart was sae in his mouth when he spoke about
her that I began to suspect she might be a bit tenderer than
a sister.  There is nae accounting for such things.  Bluid is
aye thicker than water."
"I am goihlg down the hill, Mr. Grant," said Tennis; "and
T would hint to you that there are Indians about, who have
e:ais that hear a great way off; andl their noses can smell
tobacco smoke a mile away; and you can see the fires of
Brandt's party are not much beyond that distance."
"' You are quite richt, sir, and I maun awa roun' all the out-'
posts and see after things. I have heard my father, honest
man, say, that when he was out in the forty-five, that he smelt
King George's poother frae Loch Awe to Fort George. Good




REVENGE IS SWEET.                371
nicht with you; I'll see you in the mornin', and we'll hae a
crack aboot these things."
" A beautiful night it is, Grant; but it may be an awful
morning," said Teunis, his mind running in a mournful direction.
1" Yes, man, that is a bonny sky. It is grand to stand up
here and view that crown in the heavens. It sends me awa
back again, where I herded sheep on the braes of Balquidder;
when I used to watch these very stars, as they gaed round
like clock-work, tellen me the.time o' night.  M3ill, hoo happy I been sometimes rolled in my plaid; and thinkin' wl;hiles
on the great Creator, and whiles on Susy McLaren.  Poor
thing, she was ta'en awa fra me, far aboon those stars; and
I am here this very night, on ither kind o' hills, herden
Indians; kittle kind of sheep, and no' a lamb among them,
if we leave out that puir-lad's sister."
" Yes," said Teunis, touched with this fit of tenderness on
the side of Grant; "there is another besides her that I am
interested in; and she is not mny sister."
*" Aye, man, I suspected as much as that; I'm an aulder
man than you, but my heart is no altogether so cauld but I
can feel for you, when I think on Susy McLaren. There's my
han', Teunie, and depend on't, if Hughie Grant can help you
or yours out o' trouble, he'll do it wi' right gude pleasure.
Nhoo, awa wi' you to the glen."
Teunis left, nor was he long in reaching the foot of the hill,
which he had travelled frequently; and he went now with
more confidence because of his appointment with the mysterious being: still, putting his hand into his bosom, he
pulled out the black pebble stone; touching the spring, so that
he might be ready should danger come in his way. In spite
of his convictions, his feelings dwelt on the superstitious at
the time; and as he drew nearer to the door, the quicker his
heart beat in his breast.
"I would not consult this witch of a creature were the
Dominie not near me," he said to himself. " I must, however, wait till the two part from each other."
He came up to the door of the shanty and saw the flickering light betiween the crevices of the logs, that had been laid
up of old, by some trapper or trader, who had built them
for shelter while he gathered his peltries from the Indians
during a winter's hunting and trading campaign. It served
now another purpose, and long had had the reputation of'
being the GEEST HOUSEN.  Teunis, knowing that a window




372               THE DUTCI-I DOMINIE.
was open at the rear, stepped cautiously round, that he might
first ascertain the state of things within.  Putting his ear to
the opening, which was covered by the skin of some animal,
he heard voices in earnest conversation.  There was a small
slit which allowed hirm to see or hear, but not at the same moment of time. IHis first eto-frt at seeing was to obtain a perfect look of the cabin; so, fixing his eye on the fire, which
had been newly supplied with pine knots and cones, he
watched till the blaze broke throlngh, when he savw three sides
of the den.' Two of these were covered with skins of different kinds of animals, inhabitants of the region; some of them
undressed; but the most of them tanned after the Indian manner of preparing furs. These served as clothing for the person
of the inhabitant out of doors, and for the bed of the restless
solitary at night. Guns and pistols of different patterns, with
other hunting apparatus, were suspended on deer's antlers,
which were the hooks for all th'ngs that were hung up.
Above the place where the couch was made, a naked sword
gleamed as if alive when new fuel sent forth flame.  The
scabbard depended on another hook hard by, and was ornamented with some precious metal. Besides those necessary
articles of furniture, there were things of whtich the observer
could not see the use so easily. A large paper globe was suspended from  the roof, covered with figures of beasts and
birds, serpents and men.  On the wall on the left side, were
pictures, which, so far as Teunis could distinguish, were more
of demoniacal than of human shape.
These observations were made at a glance, for the  mind
of the slow Dutchman was now excited to the highest pitch,
and comprehended in a minute what an hour could not have
unfolded to him at another time. As we cmay suppose, it was
the living human figures which chiefly arrested his attention.
There were two men, one on each side of the fire. The Dominis he knew, and only observed that he was in his most
dignified posture.  If possible, more so than when he sat in
the President's'chair in the Consistory.  I-le had never
seen him before with a face in which intelligence and goodness struggled so much for the ascendency. His usual humor
lay hidden away in the deep lines that surrounded his eyes,
and his mouth; and yet while he sat gravely, like a'man who
was conscious of his place and power, he yielded a deference
to the man before him, which Teunis had never hitherto seen
him do. But this was the first superior he had ever seen in
the presence of the gesatest man on the Kaatskills. The other




REVENGE IS SWEET.                 373
man was of tall and upright carriage, with a head like one
that was actustomed to command. His face closely shaven,
and neck bare, he seemed mor e like one sitting in a city mansion, than the rough unshaven creature that interrupted him
on his way two days ago. The obeisance given him by the
Dominie-woho    called no man master-showed him to be of
some distinction.  Perlhaps a messenger from the Provincial
authorities, proffering help; or, after all, he might indeed be a
real wizard able to change his appearance like Satan himself.
At that instant a change from one position to another gave
Tennis a chance of seeing him more clo~sely, when he almost
called out "that is none else than Captain Whittesley
that caused so much commotion in Sopus, the other day.1"
Teunis had read in the Arabian Nights' entertainment, of persons going through such transformations, but he had ever
believed it to be but a fable; and he almost trembled when
he remembered how Granny  -Ioffiman had said, with her
long skinny finger lifted up, " Teunie, Teunie, never looken
on ole duivel wid hisn young face."
-it was while Tennis was conning over this warning, that
the object of his scrutiny turned his eyes in the direction of
the place where he was standing so intently, that the hidden
spectator's blood ran chill. Rising from his seat by the fire,
he took down his pistols, and coming directly to the window
where Teunis stood, he thrust his hand so quickly that the
looker in had just time to squat on the ground, and let the
inmate fire over his head, one pistol after another, followed
by a similar discharge of guns, that it seemed as if the cloves
and the gulf were sending back their reverberations which
increased in loudness as the several pieces were fired off.
The state of Teunis's nervous system made him believe that
the artillery he heard must be something more than earthly;
and had he been threatened with a muzzle at his ear, he
would have sunk dead on the ground, so feeble w ere his
knees when he attempted to rise. Recovering from his fear,
he heard the voices again within, and ventured to look once
more.  This time the skill was left a little aside, so that h!
could hear and see at the same time.  The stranger was xeloading the pieces, bestowing great care upon the manner as
well as upon the matter in hand.
" You are very precise and attentive to these Boanerges.
Do you suppose that they will- speak their thunder any louder,
or with more effect," said the Dominie, who was evidently




374               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
asking not for information, for he knew as well as others, but
because le. was leading a conversation.
" Reverendissimno Domino, know you not that a little more
or a little less powder would either fail to carry, or scatter
the shot without doing the execution; I am confident that
Leyden taught you that loud thunder is not lightning."
" True sir, but I find that thunder frightens more people
than the lightning; and when you have more powder in the
flask than shot in the pouch, what is -to be done but let fly,
and you may chance to hit."
" Thrown away, Reverendissimo Domino, know this, that
a little more or less would fail, as I said; so look here, this
thimbleful is worth more than a hornful.  Your piece may
chance to kick you over in the-I beg pardon-pulpit. I
give you this illustration fiom Leyden."
"You would say," said the reverend expounder, " that
short sermons, short prayers, spoken cool and quiet, to saint
and sinner are best. But tell me if you ever in the heat of
battle thought on the thimbleful. Nature is then above all
rules." 
"'Reverendissimo Domino, nature in war, work or worship, is but wisdom, requiring the true expression, whether
it is to be given by Captain or Doctor Theologi. Be in ear.
nest. The heart, your reverence; the heart in the right place,
and then fire away wisely."
" Old Cromwell's advice,' trust in Providence, and keep
your powder dry.' Just as I said, honorable captain,
nature is above'all rules; and a few grains of powder more
or less is not thought of.  Thimblefuls in the heat of battle,
sounds like folly."
" Ah! but Reverendissimo Domino, we measure the powder
before the battle begins," was the deliberate words of the
man loading the piece; who as deliberately took out a few
grains from the thimbleful.
" As we soldiers of King Immanuel should do," was the
quiet reply of the reverend man, " I accept the good advice.
V'have seen many a good sermon lost, by scattering the
points: just as I did myself in a flock of pigeons when my
piece was overloaded. To drop figure, I see that you are in
earnest there, preparing for battle. If so, please to inform
me, captain.'
" Remember," was the quick reply of the other, " that you
are not at liberty to use that title here nor elsewhere above




REVENGE IS SWEET.               375
your breath. After to-morrow I hope to throw aside all disguise, but I must first have revenge. The face of a dying
mortal follows me everywhere, crying revenge! For that
have I yielded up king, country and rank. Thanks to the
Almighty, he has heard my prayer, and brought my enemy
close to me. Now hear me, O God, again, and let him not
elude my hand —the hand of justice-a second time, as he did
once befbre."
These last words were uttered with exceeding bitterness
and while the loading went on. There was a deep deterniiation expressed as the wadding was rammed in, that seemed
to say: " now let it belch forth fire and blood." There was a
pause in the conversation here as if the operator was afraid
to trust his feelings in words, and the Dominie was too prudent to attempt making way for the torrent that he saw lay
behind. W.hen he spoke, it was cautiously; but venturing,
he said:
"Revenge, my dear sir, is a fiery demon; and I have marvelled if that be not the reason why he deals so much in
powder and ball."
" Reverendissimo Domino, there you are wrong again. A
pistol is a gentleman, and a musket is a hero. If they fall
into malicious hands the fault is with the demon that uses
them. It is the stiletto and the poison bowl that act the
coward. That pistol in my hands is the executioner of justice; and all I want is to have such a good judge as yourself
to see that justice is (lone without malice. It shall be dealt
out as the Almighty apportions it to the sinner, when he
sends down his thunderbolts: God's firearms have no malice
in-their execution."
"Noble sir, hear what that God says' vengeance is mine.'
It is too sweet a morsel, the heathen said, for a mortal man.
The sinner should be dealt with according to his sin; but we
must wait God's time."
" Reverendissimo ministro verbi Dei.' He that sheddeth
man's blood by man shall his blood be shed.' Wait God's
time! 0 Heaven! have I not waited thy time, and thanks
to thy great name, it has now come. You will say this yourself, Reverendissimo Domino, when I have rehearsed miny history of wrongs in your ear, and nay vows."
" Most honorable sir, you have hinted these things to me
before; and I am anxious to be able to vindicate your honor,
when you are gone, for you say that you must go."
" When my duty is performed, and that will be when my




3s6              THE DUTCH DOMIINIE.
vow is fulfilled. But mark, Reverendisimo Domino, how that
Providence, in which you believe, and which I am now
forced to believe in, has brought the sinner to the place of
his end."
" But have I not heard something of a decoy being used
to bring on here him that you call your enemy? If so, then
more than Providence has had a hand in the matter."
"Ha! and that has been revealed too; some minds, and
those of the greatest number, are sieves, letting all through
them. The red race have as open mouths as their neighbors.
But tell me, reverend sir, if Providence does not use all sorts
of instrumentalities?"
"' Yes, and he also controls them, when he sees that they
would go too far; I have seen a fool set a mill going, and he
could not stop it; and I once saw one open the sluice out of
sport, when the water broke through with a force that swept
him away. It is a dangerous thing, this helping Providence."
" It is having a good course yet; to-morrow will decide the
whole well, and you will say Amen."
"God grant that it may; but unless the man who holds
the strings of the puppet-show, understand the machine well,
he may bring up the wrong figure, at the wrong time, and
spoil the whole game. A wiser one than he must direct."
" Reverendissimo Domino, be patient and you will see this
special Providence here, as you would say, now: did you
know all that your God has put into my hand, you would
yourself urge me on to make my mark in the right time and
place. I must execute justice! Woe be to me if I fulfill not
this mission. I see the sword at this moment; I have seen it
every night for the last year, as I lay on that skin, suspended
over his head: and hear me, by the God of justice, I will have
revenge."
"'Perhaps you will succeed," the Dominie here interposed
" but does it accord with our notions of right, and propriety
that the injured should become both judge and executioner."
This argument, which went farther than the roused reasoner wished, goaded him, so that he almost screamed out in
madness: L' No man may come between me and my victim.
I am appointed of heaven. 1 have prayed, planned, dreamed
of this hour, and tracked him like a sleuth hound; how I
have lain on that bed thinking of nothing else, till I fell
asleep, and the morning found me dreaming that I had him
by the throat. I have bought the service of menials and




REEENGE IS SWEET.               377
flattered the vanity of fools; made myself appear to the vulgar a simpleton, a wizard, everything, that I might see this
day, and now to let him  go into the hands of those who
will deal daintily with him, calling it justice, lawful justice.
Ha! ha! ha!"
Here the speaker rose from his seat like a maniac, smiting
his hands on his forehead, and laughing again, till the echoes
out of doors mocked the hoarse sounds within.
During a pause in this transport, the Dominie put in a few
words, saying: "Then you have not a high opinion of Sir
Henry's sense of justice."
" Why should I have a high notion of his honor? This
man was my bosom friend; I took him into the sanctuary of
my heart, and of my home. He betrayed me; defiled her
soul, which was as pure as the driven snow which I have
seen coming into my hut here. Yet she died in my arms,
praying to me for my forgiveness. Freely did I pardon her,;
but I swore on my knees, with her still warm hand in mine,
apd her eyelids unclosed, that the villain who had caused
this should have the full punishment. That oath is recorded
in heaven, and was carried thither by her whom the villain
had ruined. But where is the law on nman's statute book to
punish the guilty seducer?  Can any tribunal restore to me
my pure Augusta, or give me back my peace of mind; my
home; my joyous heart! W/here is the equivalent on earth!
Miten taunted me by pointing me to the code of honor.
Honor with Satan! honor with the man who had already
violated all honor!  But still I offered him the justice of a
soldier, and of a gentleman. He sneered at me. When I
appealed to that same Sir Henry, he affected to feel for me,
but he had his favorite removed, where I could not find him.
He promoted hint instead of disgracing him, and then I swore
that they all should know and feel my justice."
"And yet you know that mercy is the darling attribute of
God," was the quiet insinuation of the good man present, anxious to allay the passion of the agitated solitary, who was
hiding his face a minute, till waking up he said:' I know all that, and it is well for the Almighty, who carl
allow himself to wait, since time is nothing with him; he has
eternity to operate in, but we mortals must be quick when
the time comes.
" And yet," said the reverend visitor, " you have been very
patient in your purpose, and have taken a long time."
"Yes," and this was said with a deep sigh, as if it involved




378               THE DUTCH DOMMNIE.
a confession of guilt.  I left my own colors, burning with
revenge, threw myself into the ranks of you rebels, whose
cause was nothing to me, as compared with my own; the
authority of Washington, which you saw to-day, I purchased
by pertinacity of purpose. I left the world, came here, when
I found that this hut lay near to the road which leads to the
west. I bought the service of Kiskataam, who has decoyed
the villain hither.  I bought the same Kiskataam that he
might carry off another, that shall be nameless. The black,
the white, you are all now helping to develop my plot."
"' And is this the secret," said the astonished pastor, " of
the Hermit's residence in this wild region? his walks by
night, and of his journeyings and disguises by day?  For
this he has made up with the Jew and Christian, the deist,
and the pagan. His mixing with witches and saints; his influence over the old men, and the young maidens; all, that
he may be ievenged on one that has injured him! Verily I
shall be humbled after this, when I think of the zeal of revenge-revenge on one man."
" On two men, holy parson: the one that did the injury,
and the one who sheltered the sinner. Both shall see what
you Calvinists call a special Providence. God has aided me
in my pursuit. What say you?"
" I could believe all you say," said the caln auditor, smiling, " were it an unbiased interpreter that preached it; but
our wishes make us partial commentators, and hence law has
been established as the moderator between the offender and
the offended."'
" As the colonies should wait for the king's law, and not
have recourse to arms," was the quick retort of the recluse.
"' Most honorable captain, the people waited till the law
was lost sight of in despotic tyranny; and we fell back upon
our natural rights."
" You help me, reverend sir; I waited till I saw there was
no law for me, and I have now fallen back on my rights as a
man, and it is not possible for you to overlook the advantage
that is thus thrown into:my hand.
i' own," said the Dominie, "you make out a good case
for yourself, and on that very account, I am the more suspicious of the end in view. We are apt to be well pleased
with our own creations, and call them the work of God when
it suits us.
" But Reverendissimo Domino, hear. There are on the flat
rock above us a band of marauders, and they have in their




REVENGE IS SWEET.                37 9
hands some of your own friends. They are waiting for
others. That noble-heartedl girl, Elsie, is one of them, and
the daughter of Clinton is the other. You heard the story
to-day; now tell nle did I bring that young lady here? IHave
I detained Brandt so long that the brother has had time to
come and help in the rescue? If this will teach Clinton that
he ought to have done justice to me, that the hand of God
has followed him, and found him in his own family, so that
the very man who injured my honor, is the destroyer of his
own peace, shall not the punishment of the double-dyed yillain lead to the deliverance of your friends, to the restoration
of the innocent girls, and to the fulfillment of my vow, and
be a warning to the guilty ever afterward?"
"Amen," was the hearty response of the vanquished
Dominie, whose feelings were all the time on the side of the
speaker. Pipes and tobacco were now produced, where
amidst the thick fumes of smoke, the theologian was eager
to resume the argument on special Providence in the abstract.
His antagonist fought shy, not from any inability, as was
evident, but he was now too much in earnest to attend to
a mere display of intellectual gladiatorship.,
" I am pleased, sir, to see that our discussions held before,
have had some effect upon your belief, and that those vile
Arminian doctrines are abandoned."
"Venerable sir," was the half jocular reply of the other,' I am too young a convert to be congratulated on my conversion. You have just now warned me against allowing
my wishes to control my faith."
"Yes, honorable captain, but you have too much philosophy, and logical acumen, not to perceive the force of that
canon of the national Synod of the Reformed Church, held
at Dordrecht, not ""Oh, yes, reverend sir, that was a great convention; I have
it now before my mind. You lent me the book, and I have
profited by it; but you will not refuse a cup of this good
liquor, for dry argument ought to have the throat well
moistened, else we are apt to stick too long at the hard
points."
During these passes of intellectual debate, the stranger
had put his hand into his capacious coat pocket, and produced a square bottle, which he shook kindly, before he
poured out part of its contents into a wooden cup; holding
it out to the Dominie, as he made those remarks, in a quiet,
pleasant manner. The minister, without stopping his dis



380.              THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
course, took the offered beverage, and with his pipe reeking
in his left hand, he lifted the cup half way to his mouth,
looking in the face of his entertainer, continuing to say:
"That canon is as I have said to you before "1
"Yes, sir, drink;" interrupted the other. "I know it
all by heart, I have been, as you shall hear, a most diligent
catechumen.' As God himself is most wise, unchangeable,
omniscient, and omnipotent, so the election made by him can
neither be interrupted nor changed, recalled nor annulled;
neither can the elect be cast away, nor their number diminished.' That is the article. What think you of the liquor?"
"Honorable sir, that came out of Elder Abiel's cellar. I
was there on the night he returned from  Janmaica. He
took home a barrel of the same kind; which, somehow, has run dry very quick. I have always blamed that
scoundrel Tom. But, concerning that canon-correctly repeated, verbatim; and what is better, you have expressed
your belief in it."
" Reverendissimo D)omino, your good health, and success to
our enterprise. Your amen lingers in my ear yet, like rich
music. But do you not think that the authority of that
Synod of Dort, was greatly impaired in its force by the strong
minority in favor of Arminius?"
"There was a majority on the right side," said the
Dominie, warmly, as he emptied the second cup, "and
there was Calvin, a host in himself."
"So, reverend sir, you test truth by numbers; and the
quality of the man that heads them. Where would it lie
now with you on one side, and your humble servant on the
other?"
Solomon declares that in a multitude of counsellors,
there is safety."
"Then, Reverenclissimo Domino, the heathen and the
papists are safe,"
" Honorable sir, you know that the staff of an army is
the smallest part, yet they fight the battle."
"Just as King George -wanted to rule by his staff, and the
many wouldunot allow it."
The Dominie was getting warm inside and out; when
his teaser said to him, 6' here is a subject that concerns us
more just now than the Heidelburg catechism. "
A large skin was spread on the wall, the fur inside. The
unknown captain began to chalk out a plan upon the surface,
explaining as he went along the combinations necessary for




REVENGE IS SWEET.               381
future operations. These were too intricate for Teunis to
comprehend. What he could gather was enough to convince him that the Dominie and the hermit did not agree.
"Your plan, noble captain, is.all made with ple overwhelming thought in your mind-the punishment of your
personal enemy; we cannot sacrifice the good of the whole
bor that single point, however intensely you may feel concerning your end. Your scheme has too much of' theatrical
trick and plot about it to prove in all points successful
You are desirous that your enemy be made to bite the
dust in the eyes of an audience, whose very presence shall
humble him. We have public good in view, even though
your intended victim should escape the fate he justly deserves
at your hands."
The Dominie's auditor was calmed by a thrust which had
se much reason in it, but persisted in saying that the arrangement of the several parties was complete, that it could not
possibly fail of both humbling the guilty and effecting the
public good.
" You may be disappointed in what you expect. Let me
say what I think.  You have woven your net with such
exceeding great skill that I am now afraid that the boldness
of the Mohawk and the desperate villainy of the English
colonel will break it; when you may find that the wise
have been caught in their own craftiness. You have heard
our plan of attack, noble captain, and if you can take part in
either division we can make room for you."
At this point in the discussion, the captain, as he was
called,-stepped forward and wrote with his;chalk some figures
Teunis could not at his distance decipher, but which made
the Dominie start, and then give a glance round. This
brought the conversation gradually to a close, as if intended
to deceive some one within earshot.
" When do you expect the hermit holme.?" was the casual
questioa of the Dominie. "He keeps late hours in these
regions."'All hours, reverend sir, are alike to him; and as he
would not relish more company than suits him, we had better
march up hill to tie camp."
This Teunis only regarded as a ruse, for he saw the glance
and the look which was cast. at the window, and that he
might not be caught eavesdropping, he slipped back into the
darkness for a few minutes, intending to oall at the door as
soon as prudence would permit.




382               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
CHAPTER V.
THE RESTLESS SPIRIT.
"Is not this it in which my lord drinketh? Wherein indeed he divineth. And the cup
was found in Benjamin's sack."
GENESIS.
TEUNIS wandered down the hollow for at least forty rods.
He sought to cool his brain, which was burning with what
he had witnessed, and he wished to collect' his thoughts
before he ventured into the presence of the man of whom
the whole country were in wonder concerning. As he
turned his face back toward the cabin door, he was suddenly
seized fiom  behind by two men, who proved to be the
Indians Kiskataam and his follower, who had been seeking
for this chance since he was in his brother Anthonv's tent.
One of them closed upon his arms, while the other put a hopple
round his ankle, thus preventing him from resisting or running. A cloth bound over his mouth prevented his call
for.help. By signs not to be mistaken he was directed to
pass the hermit's door; when Teunis perceived that fear of
the inmate held his captors in check. All at once the words
of the recluse came into his mind, "In trouble sound this
whistle."  Suddenly drawing his hand out of the bandage,
he seized the pebble, and gave a shrill call, that made the
wilds resound. The Indians, surprised, found the terrible
man before their face ere they were aware of it, with old
Dora and the dwarf in the rear. Torches of pitch pine
showed the state of affairs to the relief of the captive. The
captors, finding themselves so unexpectedly caught, fled,
leaving their prisoner in the hands of his deliverers. Great
was the joy of old Dora over her favorite white boy, and the
virtue of the black pebble, and as they entered within the
abode of mystery, many a strange motion was made by the
black enchantress before the wizard.     -
Teunis, when he recovered himself, was in the presence of
the man whom he had seen before. The man with the long
beard, the high cap, the robe of figured blue, the bent body,
with a staff in his hand of at least seven feet in length. The
captain, with whom the Doominie had been debating, was not
there. A superstitious feeling swelled through the young
man's breast like the tide at ifull moon. His first impulse
was to run after the Dominie and the captain, but that was




THE RESTLESS SPIRIT.              383
impossible with Dora there at the door, and the dwarf at
her side, while the hermit sat before thle ruddy fire, stroking
his beard and pointing Teunis to a seat.
"Dora may go on her errand," said the grim man, " and
let her be sure that she leaves one of these sets of garments
at the bear's cave, and the other at the south side of the big
falls."
The old creature -came forward at that, and laid down the
crystal cup which Teunis had seen ill her hand before, on
the tripod in the centre of the room; she was careful'to
have it stand immediately beneath a lamp which hung from
the roof, and Teunis just observed for the first time that the
lamp was the same in size, in pattern, as well as material,
with the mysterious cup.- 
" Teunis Roe," said the Solitary soon after the door was
shut, "you are in trouble; you are seeking those you cannot
find. Your mind is divided, and how can any one obtain
what his thoughts are not fixed upon!  What seek you
here at this hour of the night, when the very ravens, the
Wild-cats, and the panthers are all in beds, and no one prowling round but the tigers of humanity?"'If I may venture to speak," said the young man,
trembling from head to foot at first, but gradually recovering himself, "the man who asks of me what I am seeking,
knows more of my affairs than I do myself; and so I askl at
once where is Elsie Schuyler? Is she in bondage?"
"These are questions which every one has not the right to
put; nor have all the. right to intrude upon the privacy of
that noble hearted damsel. I may not answer ill words.
Look into that cup. Lift it in your hand; it is the cup of
the famous Begu of Moorshedabad that he called Alinagore, the gate of' God; and his spirit is ever present when
the like minded gaze within its sacred walls.",
Teunis, sincerely afraid that he was dealing with the devil,
and yet anxious to have an answer to his question, felt a
wavering in his mind at first, but his reverence for the necromancer had diminished somewhat since he saw that Dora
and he had some participation in the same things. Had he
known less of Dora, he would have had more fear of the
recluse, but having been behind the scenes with her in part,
he had but a partial hold on his imagination. Still, to make
himself safe against all the power of the evil one, he said the
Creed secretly to himself, with the grace before meat in mistake for another prayer he was inwardly gathering up. The




388:              THE DUTCH DOMVIINEo
sides and bottom of the cup were bright and shining, and
seemed, or really did, send forth the pictures of living beings,
who were seen moving around in the midst of scenes wild
and beautiful. The gazer looked till his head swam in confusion, eagerly looking, yet not distinctly comprehending the
objects before him.  He was about to return the goblet
when a side glance at one of the figures discovered to him
the well-known outline of Elsie; and then of Angelica's profile, and even Rover came before him at last; with another
form, he could not distinguish sufficiently plain. The natural scene in which they were grouped was familiar to his eye;
but the more doors unlocked in the halls of his memory,
the more confused he became. This was all the more tormenting, for it seemed that Elsie looked right into his face,
and was holding up her hand in an imploring attitude.
"For the love of God,"' said Teunis in a transport of
passion, "tell me where that place is, that I may run and
help her for whom I would give my life at any moment. I
see that she is in danger, and every instant is worth a world
to me."
" Shake the gate of God, and it will open if your spirit
be in harmony with truth and justice; we know already
that love is in the ascendant; but it is the symmetrical soul
alone which anoels admire, and for whom they will unfold the
doors of paradise."
During this brief homily the cup-bearer had shaken it, and
was gazing intently down into the bottom where he saw
figures of men in crowds, as if fiercely contending. Figures
which he could have taken to be those of persons whom he
knew and feared; but all was so dark and interesting to him
that he durst not define too closely, though he could not help
catching glimmering hints. He was satisfied that the imysterious man before him knew more than he did himself; and that
the shadows he was showing him were intended to excite in
him feelings of curiosity, which maddened him rather than
gratified his desire.
" You mock me, whatever you be, wizard, witch or spook,"
said Teunis, flinging down the goblet with a ring that
startled himself more than it did the necromancer. "You
show me that Elsie Schuyler is in danger and leave me in
the dark. No good man could be so cruel."
" Shake the cup not in wrath, for anger never gained
heart, hand or heaven," said the gloomy recluse, half smiling
at the violence of the youth.




THE RESTLESS SPIRIT.             385
TeunLs, looked again, and after patience he saw a gay
group surrounding a pair equally gay. All was sunshine.
In the distance was a church, where offerings of praise went
up from the assembly, and to the right was a ship in full sail
with streamers flying in the wind; the grandeur of nature,
spread out before the eye seemed to be hallowed with the
incense of heaven. The scene on the opposite side was one
of death and of blood. But scarcely had the curious gazer
looked understandingly on the pictures than the hunting
watch of the hermit struck oNE, and then, as if by real magic,
the divining cup was dark and meaningless.
Teunis started at the sight of vacancy, and shook the goblet furiously in the hope of restoring the vision.
" Only three times, young man, and never after the short
hour. The spirit has returned to his place."
"'Good sir," said Teunis, now anxious to see more, "let
me but finish the vision. I have come for counsel, and must
know the place I am standing upon, before I can act."
"You must act, young man, without knowing all things.
We have but glimpses of realities in this world. Faith must
guide us through darkness.  You have seen enough to warn
you of duty. Heaven leaves us no choice of duties. There
is danger near the one you love. Be on the alert, and the
time to act is at hand.  There is blood on the road to life.
To-morrow at iioon, by the Dog Pool, and let your new
friends be with you, for we shall have a sacrifice there, sending up a fragrance and a smoke that shall be seen from the
bay of Manhattan to the shores of Erie."
With these words, the strange man held out a cup of the
good Santa Cruz, which Teunis might have shrunk fiom receiving from the hand of a wizard, had he not lately heard
its praises given, and its pith proved by the man whose
word he had never once questioned; so without a scruple he
drank the whole. lie left the cabin in much the same kind
of feeling which a somnambulist has when he rises out of bed
into dense darkness, and yet knows the way he means to
take. He mounted up the hill, thinking of what he had seen
and heard, and scarcely knew where he was till he stumbled
upon the sentinel, who demanded fiercely, "Who goes there?"
Ie was too young a soldier not to be surprised; so his tongue
hung fire, for he had forgotten the countersign, when another voice roared out, "Fire, you careless idiot, at once."
This roused the intruder's intellect, who stammered, more
dead than alive, "The Sword of Gideon and of Schuneman,"
17




386               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
" Ha! ho! that's enough, my dainty callant;" for it was
Grant the Scotchman that spoke. "You have na learned
your carritch o'er weel. But we'll forgive you this time. It
would na been gude for you had a ball been put through
your wame, this cauld night, just because Schunaman's name
was na found in the Book o' Judges. But where the deil
hae you been a' this time? You've had a lang claver with
that warlock in the house. It brings me in min' of Saul consulting with the witch of Endor, before the battle on the
mountains of Gilboa. I hope maer luck may come of it. It's
no canny, laddie, and I'm sorry that the minister should
show you sic an example. But gang awa, and lie down on
your bed, you are quite dazed, I see. There is my plaid, take
it and row it round you. It is a wee wet, you feel; but that's
the way we do in the HIighlands-dip it in a spring, wring
it out, and it will keep the cauld keen wind firae penetrating
your banes. Mair especially as I fin' from your breath that
you have got a gude dram. A kind witch or ghaist he
maun be; I wish he would come up this way.  Now there
you may lie like King Charlie himself when he -was chased
like a partrick on the mountains."
Teunis was too tired to resist the attention of the kind
Gael, and he slept almost before his head fell on his moss
pillow, so that before his nurse left him he was heard snoring
soundly. Turning awiay, Grant said to himself, "Ou aye
puir chiel', his head doon, his house is theekit."
Silence reigned over all the hills. Every voice was stilled.
Man and beast were alike gone to rest. Already, the early
frosts had silenced the insect tribes, and the two carcases slain
that morning, had attracted the prowling races to the southward of the two camps. A distant growl or yell might be
heard as if quarrelling for a dainty bit, or a summons firom a
new arrival to prepare for a surrender.  Mlan had lain down
to recruit his weary body, and regain more energy of passion,
now exhausted by the toil, the suspense, the anxiety, or the
frolic of the previous day.
One only acted the part of sentinel-general, and. seemed to
move like a ghost in unrest, as he went from cliff to cliff;
through hollows and brakes, as if these were as familiar to
him as his native home. It was the strange and gloomy
recluse who had in his time paced the banks of the Thames,
and the banks of the Seine. HIe had fought under Clive in
Bengal, and had traversed the jungle where the R-oogley
rolled on its yellow sands. And now lie had become familiar




THE RESTLESS SPIRr.                387
with scenes of a more rugged and impressive character, in
harmony with his desperate nature, made more intense from
the passion of revenge, which he had nursed in secret discipline, for two whole years. He found relief in these lonely
wilds during the midnight hours, till every tree and spring
had become an acquaintance, whose company he had courted
with ardent affection.  One great overwhelming passion
glowed within his spirit; and but for the prospect of gaining
gratification, his brain must have burned out all his reason,
and his heart become crisped like the foliage of the trees, when
the heavens are brass, and the hills iron.
On this night it was impossible for him to sleep; and could
any eye but a spirit's have followed him, he might be seen
walking in his close fur helmet, a leather doublet tight to his
body, with breeches and boots of the same material, while in
a broad belt round his waist were hiding those weapons
which he ever had with him, though the only visible arm of
defence was the long hickory pole, shod with sharp steel at
the point, but containing in the head a strong dagger, which
started from its place by the touch of a spring at the middle,
rendering what seemed but a peaceful hermit's staff, on a sudden a lance, fit for the hand of a knight-errant. From his
cell to the north of the Dominie's camp, he traversed slowly,
till he came in the rear of Brandt's forces, taking a narrow and
perfect view of the whole from the South Miountain. Passing
down the streams and trails, where only the wild beast runs,
he came to the main falls, and gave a passing glance at the
pool, where were hidden the objects of that search, on which
were so many minds at that instant intent and dreaming.
Before daylight he returned, saying in brief soliloquy, " how
easy it would be'for me to deliver those captives by the road
I have taken myself, and the words of that honest man still
echo in my ear.' It is dangerous to help Providence.'  He
would say nothing should take the place of positive duty.
Relieve now, and trust the rest.  But the punishment must
be measured out in the presence of all.  The report must be
carried back, where it will tell.. Sir Henry Clinton must be
made to see that he has but narrowly escaped the vengeance
lie has proudly invoked. Yes, said the excited exile, striking
his staff on the rock, it shall be heard of in the army, that the
villain has been made to bite the dust. And in London too,
shall it be said that the heir of Brantwood had power left to
punish his enemies though they hide themselves in the lair of
the panther."




388               THE DUTCH DOMTNIE.
Returning to his cabin, he threw himself on the skins which
lay on the settle, that served for seat and for bed. His voice
died away in prayer that God might give his hand strength
for justice, and bitterly weeping, he cried,'" thou pure Spirit,
whose bosom was soiled by the slimy serpent, thou who heard
my vow of vengeance, come and behold justice meted out for
thy dishonor."
CHAPTER VI.
THE LAST INDIAN BATTLE ON THE RIVER HIUDSON, 1760.*
"And Cush begat Nimrod: he was a mighty hunter before the Lord."
BIBLE.
TIIE fretfulness of Brandt with his braves was becoming
every hour more apparent. The hope of succeeding in diverting the colonists from watching the passage between
the north and south was almost fled. But the pride of the
Mohawk was mortified when he thought of retreating  back
into the wilds, where he knew that he must be buried in obscurity. Could he only get a foothold on the Great iRver,
making the mountain his base, he might be of some importance in the eye of the great king of England.
Upon this weakness of the Indian, Clifford was directing
all his skill, holding out the hope before him of being able,
after a few days, to descend and make  a lodgment on those
very islands which they could distinguish from their camp at
the mouth of the Kaatskill Creek. Not that he deemed such
an attempt wise, or likely to be successful, but anything
which might detain the Iohawk here for a few days longer
was deemed by him to be lawful.
The little army pf red and painted men were preparing for
the grand hunt that was to come off that day; and while the
braves were so engaged the leaders stood out upon the verge
of the cliff, watching the mist as it rolled away at the sight
of the sun.
" I have heard," said Clifford, as if incidentally, "' of a great
battle being fought for the kingship of the Six Nations, on
those two islands below these, between your ancestor Hend* Colonel Stone refers to this battle, and quotes from a manuscript
history by one Smith of Schoharie.




THE LAST INDIAN BATTLE ON THE HUDSON.    389
rick and Etau-o-quam, the Mohican; does the great 1Mohawk
hear me?"
" Thayendanegea was there," replied the chief proudly,
"with King iHendrick, when no bigger than an eagle's
height. There this wound was made: the first time blood
came at the point of a spear."
At this, the chief made his shoulder bare, that the wound
might appear. Clifford was gaining his end without an effort,
and as if casually, said.
" Some of you old Dutchmen must remember that battle;
it is not over twenty years since."
Several spoke here at once, saying that they were present
as spectators; but all allowed the Elder Abiel had the most
to do with it, being acquainted well with the Mohican chiefs.'Well,"' said Clifford, " we have an hour to spare, let us
hear the account; I am sure it must please the Mohawk
chief-the present king of the Six Nations to listen to a white
man telling of the bravery of Hendrick, who fought for the
crown, which Brandt now wears so nobly. It would be a
pity to leave those beautiful islands down there in the hands
of the rebels, when another battle would secure them to the
rightful owner."
The Elder Abiel, thus pressed into the service, could not
escape from the task of narrating what he had seen. The
subject was familiar to him; and as his audience were evidently all interested, he began as follows:
THE ELDER ABIEL'S STORY.
"The ground of that war between the Mohawks and the
Mohicans, was the crown of the Six Nations. Hendrick had
been in England and felt that the title went a great way
there. So had Etau-o-quam, but he was of a more exalted
mind, in religion and was less ambitious of distinction. IIHe
was stirred up, however, by his son Newabina and by the
people of New England, who wished to cripple the power of
Sir William Johnson in the West. Hindering Hendrick they
hindered Johnson; so they secretly set the one chief against
the other. There had been much manceuvering all over, of
which we heard a little.' The chief village of the 3Mohicans was down there.
There r-e remains of it still to be seen, but it was once a
tivinigl iJlace, the centre of a large population. Etau-o-quam
had his wigwam on the Haup-pee-naus, a high bluff at the




390               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
angle of the creek. H-  e was an old man, very lofty and
proud of having seen Queen Anne, who gave him1 and some
other chiefs royal robes.  Dorninie Schuneman says the
whole account is in a book called the Spectator. Colonel
Clifford no doubt has read it?"   -
"Yes," said the soldier, growing sincerely interested, I
remember seeing th.e Indian IKings at Drury Lane Theatre,
just as Addison describes them. Go on."
"The first notice which we had of the coming war was
through one Drake, who was-on a trading excursion; as he
pretended, but who really came hither from  Stockbridge
with a message from these wise men of the east, to the great
chief Etau-o-quam.
" That chief had gone out leaning upon the arm of his son,
Newabina; himself a noble specimen of the red man.
Dressed in the regalia he had received in London: he felt a
presentiment of his end being near and he longed todlook
once more upon the lofty mountains.  RIising to his full
height, he held out his hands, as if to embrace the towering
height. Knowing every change which High Peak puts'on,
he perceived that a new aspect was assumed, indicative to
him of a change for himself.
"' The sun sets amidst the mist,' said he.'There is blood
mingling with the streams; I hear the music of war, I must
fall with my mantle around me. Let me be gathered into
Asinath, the tomb of my fathers. But first must I drink of
the spring that runs close by their graves. Thereof I drank
in youth; to that I ran first, on returning from the house of
the great queen. I shall come from the hunting-grounds of
the west to drink of that clear fountain.'
"It was on returning from this sacred pilgrimage, that the
man Drake met him; putting into his hand a small package,
which was not opened then, and though the curious trader
felt anxious to draw the chief into conversation, he got no reply, which somewhat annoyed the inquisitor. Falling in, however, with an old acquaintance, who hlad come hither from
Ulster, the travelling  merchant found good quarters with
Johannes Du Bois,* where he was sitting quietly after supper,
telling what he knew, that he mlight get knowledge back with
interest; or as he said himself, he put a littleriater into the
pmnp so that he might pump all he wanted out of the cistern.
John Du Bois, a son of the one mentioned, who died at the advanced
age of 93, had a distinct recollection of this battle, and described it vividly.




THE LAST INDIAN BATTLE ON THE HUDSON.    391
"' I guess, Mr. Du Bois,' said the trader,'you can read
Ingen?'
" The Dutchman, who was a man of silence and was at that
time enjoying his pipe, merely nodded his head.
"'WVell,' continued Drake,'tell me the meaning of a
muskrat darting at an otter?'
"D Du Bois here took his pipe from his mouth and sprang
to his feet with a leap that startled the peddler up to the same
position, where they stood facing each other, before either
found a tongue. Du Bois spoke first.
"' Where have you seen that sight?'
"' I did not say I saw it, I only asked what it meant.' For
his conscience told him he had been guilty of violating the
trust put in his honor.
"'You will know what that means before long, if I be a
true prophet. The great Mohawk has sent his challenge, or
else our chief here has got word of the coming he has been expecting for a month past. The muskrat is the Mohawk's totems
and the other is for the river chief. You can read the rest.'
"'Or, as a Philadelphia lawyer would say, their signrmanual.
But do you suppose that old chief will fight?'
"' Do you think he will die,' said Du Bois,'He will fight
as sure as death; and(there, I declare they are singing the
war-song now. Nay, see how the fires are burning all over
the country.'
"'Yaw! yaw!' said Gertrude, the wife of Du Bois,'there,
the lights are blazing on the Hau-pee-naus.' She said this as she
lifted her babe in her arms, running in terror to the door, that
she might hear as well as see: She called as she looked back:
"' They are singing psalms to their God. Their squaws are
loudest."
"' R ather to the devil,' said Drake, whose puritanic blood
rose at the thought of these red-skins and their cruelty.
"The house of Du Bois was on the banks of the stream
that comes down from these little lakes, and was situated about
half a mile from its mouth. It was a strongly built. stone structure, after the Huguenot fashion, one large room with chanmbers overhead. It could be turned into a fort in time of
need; but before Du Bois would determine on his course, he
deemed it best to take a quiet survey of the calmp. Accordingly he walked out along with Drake, who was no
coward, though a peddler. They climbed up a hill, that
stood between the house and the Hau-pee-naus, where they
saw the beacon burning all along the base of the mountain.




392               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
Du Bois understood the warning, and made up his mind it
would be best >'to move his family inland, and turned back
with that intent'
"' Gitty,' said he,' is a brave creature, but there is no saying what these bloody beings might do when their wrath is up.''  I guess,' said Drake,'II now understand the meaning
of those dark hints that Priest WVheelock threw out about
wars and rumors 6f war, last Sunday.'
"There was but little sleep for any of us,"' continued the
Elder Abiel, "in that region all that night. We on the Vlatts
soon heard the yells of the roused warriors, and though the
3Mohicans were our friends, an Indian in a rag'e is a very unpleasa-nt companion. I started in the middle of the night, and
took my stand on that kekute from which you see the smoke
rising now, where I met a number of my acquaintances, and
we looked down on the red circle, where the old chief stood in
the midst, dressed as I have told you. He was dancing as a
young chieftain mingles in the crowd. All night there was a
ceaseless stream of their squaws and papooses passing on to
Castilberg, Where it was supposed the weaker portion of th.e
population would be *Afe. Still these were not unarmed, nor
unprepared, for Etau-o-quamn himself was there in command.
While on the outside of their villaoe, to the south, a strong
party were secreted under the comnmand of the chief! Newabina, and a third division was on the little island at the mouth
of the creek. It was in a measure to be a pitched battle, and
scouts were sent out by both armies as early as the twilight,
with orders to penetrate as far as possible, and divine their
modes of attack and of defence. Those of the Mlohican did
not require to go far till they met the Mohawk fleet, on its
way down, making for the larger island out in the river, where
they all disembarked. However, this was for the purpose of
deceiving the enemy on the main land.  Hendrick had received accounts from his spies, of how the foe was posted,
and determined to surprise him in all his three points. In
this he showed a lack of that wisdom  he had learned when
afterward at Saratoga. When Sir William.Johnson was bent
upon dividing his forces, Henclrick, his Indian ally, took three
sticks, giving one after another to the Englishman, bidding
hiim break them; and taking' three more, he handed them to
him at once, and asked of him to do the same thing. The
symbol was understood and the advice taken with success.
Hendrick had learned something of the art of war in this
little battle, where he nearly lost all by dividing his forces.




THE LAST INDIAN BATTLE ON THE HUDSON.    393
"A heavy fog lay upon the river all night, which prevented
the attack from taking place as early as was the MIohawk's
intention; still he sent out one party firom the upper end of
Ussaman Island,* who were to follow a smlall stream on the
west side of the river that comes down through the rising
ground which you see So the north of the Kaatskill Creek,
about two miles distant up the river. Scouts had already,
through the dark, crawled oirward one before the other, at
certain distances, so as to be heard by one another through
signs preconcerted; so that the whole devoted camp was enencircled, and the ground fully understood before morning
dawned. Every ear in the beleaguered fort was awake, and
scarcely a whisper was heard, for all waited for the onset. It
did come upon all three forts at once. Hendrick sailing down
the east side of the river early in the fog, led his main body
from a few miles below, up through the woods, where they
lay coiled like so many serpents on the ground, till they heard
the  war-cry firom Castilberg, when up the great chief Hend-:ick started, giving the whoop to his braves, then rushed upon
the camp of Newabina, which was there to meet the onset
with a vigor and a spirit which made the Mlohawk fall back
crest-fallen for a time. But for -the renown anrd power of
their leader, all would have been lost. As it was, they had
to take to the trees and the gullies, where they crouched, and
watched the movements of their enemy, whose spirit being
flushed with the success of their defence, were more than
ready to expose themselves to the eyes of the marksmen on
the other side, andl- consequently lost several of their best
warriors through extra zeal and courage.
" The attack on Castilberg was simultaneous with that on
the Eiau-pee-naus village by Hendrick, whose intention was
to surround the island, where he supposed the main body of
the Mohicans were lodged, and thus cut off their retreat, so
that they would be entirely massacred; for little Abraham,
HIendrick's brother, was hovering around the island Wantona with a fleet of canoes, ready at a signal from the land, to
enter upon his part of the battle. W~e have seen how the
attack upon Newabina's force was repulsed, and that upon
the castle did not come off any better. The old chief Etauo-quam, took the command, and felt the blood of his youth rise
to fury. Like -the old war-horse that the good book tells us
about, his neck was clothed with thunder. He smelled-the
* Now Rodgers.-D. M.
17t:




394               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
battle afar off; and said Ha-ha. Rushing from the gateway
of the fortress, he shouted his war-cry, so clear and strong,
that his people below who heard it regarded it as the sure
omen of victory. His scarlet robe still on him, but bound
round his. loins with a bearskin belt, and his crown tied
under his chin, lie swung his famous tomahawk, till he fixed
his aim, then flung it with a force and a skill into the skull
ot' the leader of the assailants, which felled himn at once to
the ground. Rushing forward on the prostrate foe, he had
his hair at once in his hand, and his scalping-knife at its
dread work, so that he succeeded in tearing the trophy from
the head of his enemy, but was struck down himself by a
blow that laid him on the ground, fiom which he was borne
off by his people, and placed within the fort, upon his bed of
skins. His example had its effect upon all, friend and foe.
The Mohawks were beaten back as far as the mill which'stands there to the east of Castilberg, where they took refuge. The force in the castle was not strong enough to
storm them, nor was it intended that this party should act
except on the defensive.  They returned to watch over the
old king of the rivers,.who had evidently struck his last
blow. Body and soul were alike yielding up, and preparing
himself for his departure to the hunting-grounds of his
fathers, he sent a message to Newabina, commanding  his
presence when Hendrick was repulsed.
" That brave chief was restraining his own followers, and at
the same time watching the movements of the Mohawk. He
had most to fear from the pent-up ardor of his braves, who
were eager to rush out and! become the assailants; but he
satisfied them by encouraging individual prowess, while the
main body were spectators of the fierce play. If a MIohawk
was seen to skip from tree to tree, coining all the time
nearer, Newabina would encourage some volunteer to rush
over the defence around his camp, and scalp the skulking
enemy. An instance of this kind kept the two parties at
I)ay for a time. One of Hendrick's braves was observed by
the'lohican chief himself to hide behind a large oak; and
fi'om that to take aim, so truly, that his shots told upon several of the best men of the army. The patience of Newabina
Ewas exhausted, and without any'previous sign he rushed
with such unexpected fury upon the hiding 3Mohawk, that he
nearly stumbled over the foe; when with one blow of his
battle-axe he prostrated him to the ground. With his fingerl twisted in the hair of his enemy, he was preparing to




THE LAST INDIAN BATTLE ON THE HUDSON.    U95
finish his work, when the' keen eye of Hendrick saw the
advantage, who was soon on his way to take the combat
on himself; but being heavy and stiffer than he had been, he
measured his distance so that his tomahawk fell short of its
mark, and quivered in the oak behind where the Mohican
stood with the drippYing scalp in his left hand, and his knife
in the other, ready to plunge it into his great enemy, when
he came up. Prudence restrained both of these wily chiefs
from single combat. The crisis had not yet come.
"Like all Indian battles where they were so evenly matched,
this combat continued for several hours, and but few lives
were lost. Defeated in their cunning at surprisal, the AMohawks fell back. So far as the battle had gone, the Mohicans
were the victors. Aware of the approach of the MIohawks,
they had been ranged in fine order in the form of a half moon,
behind an intricate brush fence, which had been in use before
this in a former contest, and had then proved its worth.:They had improved it, and made it impenetrable to half naked
Smen. Every attempt at breaking through only hurt the
assailants, and just at the time when Hendrick's braves were
becoming discouraged, he received word of the failure on
Castilberg, which made him decide at once on a retreat; as,
in proportion to his loss, would be the gain of his enemy.
Trembling every moment lest he should be attacked in his
flank by the forces of the hill, he retired by degrees, fighting all the way. I-is retreat was masterly of its kind, and
new  to his pursuers, so that they were puzzled; losing
ground rather than gaining new laurels, Ihendrick put his
men that bore fire-arms into three files, running parallel to
each other, when they moved backward, but as the two outside ranks discharged their pieces they ran, leaving the
middle rank to defend, as long as possible, when they also
fired, running immediately andipassing their fellows, who by
this time had loaded, and were ready for defending, firing and
running, so that b3y the time they had reached the place
where their canoes lay off in the river, the Mohicans had not
come up, nor did they see what was going on of the embarkation till the last file were leaping into the water, up to
their middle, and swimming out to their companions, leaving
their pursuers shouting defiance, and yet feeling that it was
but a partial victory.
1" Little Abraham's attempt upon the island Wantona * was
* The present Catskill landing is aimall island connected with the mainland
by an artificial neck. The whole point was covered Gwith sycamore trees.




396               THE DUTCH DI)OMINIE.
not more successful than the other two attacks. Indeed, -from
the first it was more a feint than intended to be serious; though
from the natural fury of the Indian character, it became soon
too bloody to stop at the command of a leader less than
Hendrick himself. Having strict orders not to leave their
canoes at the risk of losing them —since upon them lay the
safety of the whole expedition, in case of a defeat on the
niain land-this third division did not venture far into the
sycamore woods, which served so well as a means of defence to the party lodged within; still, some of the more
venturous rushed over that boundary, and were cut off
from the main body, falling into the hands of the Mi~ohicans,
who were hidden: among the bushes, lying flat upon their
faces till they saw their chance. Abrahaml drew his braves
off without attempting a rescue, which he saw was vain,
and had the mortification of seeing a few of his best men
killed before his eyes with horrible cruelty.  Retiring immediately to the Ussanman island, he sent down the canoes to
aid his brother in his retreat.
" Newabina, considering the battle over, ran immediately to
Castilberg, where the old king, Etau-o-quam, was lying ready
for his son, and looking forward to the hunting-grounds of his
fathers. He found him content. The fierce MIohawk, his only
rival, had been beaten back; and now, contrary to his expressed wish of the previous day, he commanded that his regalia, regarded by him with so much pride, should be taken off
from hlim, and his son put into the kingship, while his eyes
were yet clear to behold him. Over forty years had he worn it.
From the time he had received it in London from the Great
Queen over the big waters, he had worn it -on all festive occasions, whether in war or in peace. ITe made Newabina kneel
at his couch; putting his withered hand across his brow
thrice, he took the feathery crown and put it on the head of
the elected king, giving him at the same time the silvermounted tomahawk: the symbols of power to rule, and of
power to execute.':' Bidding him walk three times before
him through the tent, he called him once more near, when
hle muttered something like an invocation; then, laying
himself back, he never spoke more. On the same eveninug, just as the sun was bidding the world adiet, the mountaills and the sky, resplendent with the radiance of his beams,
they laid the old chief in his last bed at the foot of that hill.
Any one will tell you, should you venture there, where the:Indians' graves are made. From that Castilberg his graveis




THE LAST INDIAN BATTLE ON THE HUDSON.    397
seen with this mountain stream placidly winding round it: the
Hau-pee-naus lies to the south a little way; while the great
river over which he reigned so long, still winds on with majestic flow. I have stood on that rising ground at sunset,
looking to the mountains above, on which there lay palaces,
castles, islands, and smooth blue lakes, of spiritual beauty;
and have at times envied the men who imagined those near.
glories to be the grounds and the streams to which Etau-oGuam had gone, the last king of the rivers.'N ewabina, dressed in the royal attire of his sire, came
down among his people, who received him with shouts, for
they deemed that his crown was fairly won; but the chief,
the moment he stood on the ilau-pee-naus, and looked out
upon the water, perceived that hi new honor ivas not to be
retained without a struggle. TheIcrafty Mohawk had a plan
from the first, which he intended to put in force, but which
he kept to himself. In the meantime he was seen strengthening his camp on one of those -small fields where the Mohicans had from time immemorial raised the fragrant weed.*
Be affected no secrecy of his intention to remain and watch
his chance for another onslaught; and though he saw his
enemy on the east shore and on the west side reconnoitering
his camp, he made no attempt at driving them away. As
night, came on, the death song' for the fallenI braves rangf out
over the waters, and was echoed from the shores, sometimes
in low, plaintive tones, and at intervals with wild shrieks,which
made the blood curdle in the veins of those of us who were
listening upon Overpaugh's kekute; that, you see, as I said
llready, smoking there at thih moment.
I "But from that we went down to the high land that overlooks the river, where a band of us stood at night. The two
islands seemed in the dark like two terrible creatures glaring
upon each other with their thousand eyes; as if looking into
the hearts they'wished to penetrate. Yells of defiance went
forth amidst the songs of lamentation, while from Castilberg
was heard a more mournful solnd, as the women shrieked
over the grave of the departed sachem. i We were becoming every hour more numerous, and had foirmed ourselves into
a band of defence in case of any murderous attack from the
3Iohawks, should they prove victorioius. Their blood up, any
scalp would become valuable. W~e chose Du Bois as our captain, and were drilling under his command, while we were
* Ussaman-tobacco.




398               THE DUTCH DOMIINIE.
marking the movements of both parties below on the two
islands.
"All night the spies of both sides were busy around. Fearlessly did they venture within the rival camps; crawling like
snakes along the ground, after rising on the banks as otters
lift their backs, letting the water drip from  their sides;
when, after having  obtained  all they wanted,. creeping
back, they would dash into the stream  with as loud a
plunge as they could make, giving a laugh of triumph as
they swam into the current; or of contempt, at the negligence of their foes. One of these daring devils was caught
on the shallows, and though he fought like a panther, now
holding on -as with a grip of steel, and then slipping out of
their hands as an eel escapes, he was finally conquered, and
condemned upon the spot to a cruel death. By some mutual
sign of their own, the MTohawks were made aware of the fate
of their brave spy; for, standing abreast on the banks of
their own island, they. saw the fire kindling that was intended
for his torture. It was on a little knoll upon the verge of the
creek, which could be seen from all-the -camps: from Castilberg, Hau-pee-naus, Wantona, Ussanman, and our hill we sawthe tragedy, and heard the shouts of cruel victory that rang
around us from the AMohicans; while the companions of the
wretched victim sang his death song aloud and clear, so that
his spirit entered the halls of his fathers by the music that he
had loved best all his life.
"This last occurrence inspirited the followers of Newabina
so highly, that he resolved to attack the Mohawks instead of
waiting for Hendrick on the next day. He kept his counsel
to himself till the last moment, confiding only in his palefaced friend Du Bois, who endeavored to dissuade him from
it by every argument he could bring.
" The attack was what Hendrick anticipated. He kept his
fires burning, tied his blankets to the trees, spreading them
so as to surround his camop, making the whole outside to
have the appearance of a secure and comfortable sleeping
ground. He seemed careless; letting the spies of his enemy
come as near as they pleased, so that they might bear aiwviy
reports of the state of things as they appeared fiom the outside. Newabina made a voyage lilmself to the islands, so as
to make all sure, and came back satisfied that the Mohawks
had gone to sleep.
" We all stood upon the hill, ignorant of what was to hanppen next; only that we were warned by Du Bois againlst {i,



THE LAST INDIAN BATTLE ON THE HUDSON.         399
banding for the night.  We were all hunters, and ready to
figlit for our hearthstones, with as good heart as we ever
hunted a hungry wolf.  Quietly we sat on the hill, saying
little.  The peddler in our midst talking as if he did all the
work. He dilated on the causes and the consequence of this
battle, with the same assurance as he would have discussed a
yard of serge.
"' These Mohawks are a wicked set, and will just do whatever Colonel Johnson tells them to.  If lie has bid them kill
off the white folks here, be sure of their doing it.'' Why should Colonel Jansen do dat ting?' said one old farmer of more benevolence than knowledge of the world.
"'Just that he may rule the colonies,' was the peddler's
answer,' and Parson Wheelock says that all men should make
laws for themselves. That kings were made for the people, and
not the people for the kings. - That's no treason.  Johnson
is the critter of King George, and Hendrick is the critter of
Johnson.'                                            N
"'Ende vay is de Mohican de creature of?' said the old
Boerrnan.
1"' IWhy,' said the peddler,' everybody in Connecticut
knows that the old- Sachem was on the side of the people,
and we expectithat the young capt'n will cast his braves into
the scales against the crew that want to rule the colonies.
What do you say to that, Mlister Du Bois?'
" The person addressed had disappeared from our company, and was in close counsel with Newabina.'H endrick
has one eye open.  He sees'the otter in the rivers. The
muskrat will dart upon him in the dark,' was the warning of
the Dutchman.
"'The Elk is afraid of the water after the sun is dowfn,'
said the Indian to his careful counseller, with some bitterness
in his speech, and as if reproachfully.
"Du Bois felt hurt, and replied,'I have no fear of doing
what I promised; but the pale-face has his eyes without
blood, and can see clear. Can the brave chief see now?' and
with that he threw a bandana silk handkerchief over the red
man's face.  Taking it off, he said,' we will meet on the
island as I said.'
1"lThis referred to a diversion which some of the boldest
of us intended to make in behalf of their neighbors, the lIohicans, at the upper end of the island, when the fight would
be at the-hottest, just sufficient to alarm  the Mohawks, and
give their enemies a better chance.' I have seen," said our




400               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
captain to us,' that a sudden start was better than a delib.
erate volley.'
"- Hendrick did sleep with one eye open; for he knew all that
was going on. His spies were intelligent and penetrated the
design of their enemy in time to warn him of their approach.
Crawling out of his camp, he and his braves lay among
the bushes outside, scarcely breathing, with their weapons
ready. Newabina came on, quietly at every step, till within
a few yards of the place, when they rushed, yelling their
war whoop, striking through the screen upon the ground
where they supposed the Mohawks lay.  lNot a sound met
their ear, but a silence which stunned them more than if a
thousand voices had responded, since they expected such
a meeting. As with one consent they ceased themselves,
looking round for an enemy, when all at once the hidden
foes started up, firing and hurling their weapons so truly
from the dark where they stood, upon those within the fence,
whose faces were plainly seen in the light that blazed; so
that every shot and stroke told fearfully, bringing down a
Mohican.
" -lendrick saw that now was his.time, and springing from
his hiding-place, he hurled his heavy weapon of war in the direction of his foe, so that it sank into his left shoulder. A monent more and the Mohican confronted him. The tomahawk
of Newabina whizzed through the air, but it was a random
blow, and missed its aim.  His eyes were filled with the
light, of the fire, and could not discern Objects in the dark
around them. It was the same with the whole of that devoted
band. They were shot down like deer, that come to the
waters in the night. - When they came out they could not see
where to run.
" The two chiefs stood facing each other. The Mohawk had
a sound body but it was old and stiff. The Mohican had the
advantage in years, but now he was disabled, so that they
might be called equal. They measured each other with the
look of fierce revenge. Knife in hand, they were about rushing at one another, when the party under Du Bois landed,
causing great alarm to the Mohawks, who were wholly in the
dark concerning the new enemies, their numbers, or their
-plans; only they felt certain it could be no friiends of theirs.
We had no other, wish but to prevent further effusion of
blood, and had loaded with blank cartridge; but our volley
told sufficiently to produce the greatest confusion. The preserving of their boats was their first cave; and these little




THE LAST INDIAN BATTLE ON THE HUDSON.    401
Abraham immediately put out into the river, where he waited
for the fugitives, who, leaping in their terror into the water,
swam toward the fleet, upsetting some of the canoes in their
haste. By this time the'Iohicans were recovering from their
fright, having discoveredftheir new strength, and were returning in great force and spirit, when there was no foe to encounter. Onae after another of the Mohawks had retteated
through the bushes, and all being aware of the place where
their fleet was moored, had run in that direction.  Some of
them, however, missed their way, swimming to the different
snores, and either made their escape by running homeward
or hid in the brakes, till they found a chance.  One poor
wretch was taken a few miles on his way, and brought back
to suffer all the cruelty which a red man can inflict so skillfully. Though I saw it, I have no wish to describe it. An
Indian is a fiend when he becomes an enemy.
" Hendrick, taken equally with surprise, hesitated to venture
upon Newabina sufficiently long to allow his foe to spring
forward on him, but he met his match in that large and
strong warrior. They clasped one another so firmly that
their weapons were harmless. Rolling over one another it
was difficult to guess which would have proved victorious.
One that knew them both, would have decided for the MIohican, but since his wound he had lost blood, and was
becoming all the time weaker. One turn more in this state
and his right arm fell helpless by his side. His time had
seemingly come, for his enemy was above him. The knife
was at his neck, when Du Bois sprang forward and arrested
the hand. / Hendrick rose to his feet as if to meet a new foe,
when Drake, with a comical air, called out, " I arrest you in
the name of King George for disturbing the peace of this
Province."  The Mohawk scowled one of his black frowns;
and seeing Newabina helpless, he turned and took to the
canoe that waited for huirt, and left the field, in which he
had gained few laurels, though he had succeeded in rendering his way to the kingship certain to himself and to his
successors.
"The young king of the rivers was buried in the same robe
in which his father had arrayed him. They took nothing
offfirom him. He reigned but a single day; and that was
the last of that noble race who wore a crown."
The Elder Abiel lhaving finished his narrative, turned to
see the preparations for the hunting of the fugitives, and
perceived that all was ready. A small party were to remain




402                THE DUTCH DOMIINIE.
keeping sentry over the prisoners already collected, himself
with the rest. He sighed as he gazed back upon the plain
below.
Brandt, well pleased with the history given of his ancestor,
smiled as he said:
"Big Boerman's tongue straight as a hawk's bill: goes to
many sides, but picks the real bird from the branch it was
pointed to at the first."
Clifford saw that the Mohawk aimed at the islands and
would continue in sight of them while he had hope of gaining, a footing there. He felt satisfied with his little plot of
having the history of Hendrick told over by a white man.
The pride of Brandt was excited, and so was that of all the
Mohawks present.  At any  moment they would  have
descended at once, sparing none in their effort at maintaining the name and the fame of their nation. Their chief
brought the whole band around him, making one of those
nervous speeches to them, pointing down to the river, which
at the close was followed by a war song and a dance that
made the blood of even the tamest white man there tingle
with emotion. A word of Brandt's, and death to all.
The band of men formed round -into a solid circle, having the chief in the centre, then untwined itself by two
threads that went off at almost opposite points, turning
gradually westward.
CHAPTER VII.
A HUMAN WHILP O O L.
"Het beest, dat gij gezien hebt, was en is neit; en het zal opkomen unit den afground
en ten verderve gaan."-O0PENBARING.
Tracnslated thus from the Dutch:
"The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit
and go into perdition." —RVELATION.
TEUNIrs rose that morning, and without bidding any one
good bye went directly in search of Clarence Clinton, whom
he left to sleep in the bear's den. Surprised and alarmed at
finding the cave empty, he made the best of his way to the
point of meeting with the other two young men at the




A HUMAN, WHIRLPOOL.               403
Kaaterskill Falls. His knowledge of the route soon brought
him to the place of rendezvous, but he saw nothing of them.
When he arrived at the falls where he had left Bertram and
Gabriel, he had lost all hope of finding Clarence. Bertram
was clear for going at once and claiming the protection
of Brandt, and to this Teunis was acceding, when Gabriel,
more cool by nature, and less interested in feeling, threw in
objections which caused the other two to hesitate, As captain, elected by themselves, he had the right to command, aid
he was worthy of the place.
"You cannot," he said, "think calmly on this subject.
Were Peggy Troumpier where any of your joes is, my mind
would not be in a fit state for planning, whatever it might
be for fighting in the right time."
Bertram  as well as Gabriel, had been putting on their
Indian garments, found by them when they wakened that
morning. Some friend was watching over them in the dark,
and this gave them all three new courage. Beside the tree
where these were laid, lay a paper containing something
which Bertram soon discovered to be in Latin, but which he
would have preferred much more if it had been in common
English.
"This fairy, or brownie, as the Scotch would call their good
fiiends, surely thought we must have dictionaries on trees
when he left this for us.  Here it is:'I eclia autem die
clamor factus est:  Ecce sponsus venit: exite in occursem
ejus.''And at midclcay there was a cry -made, behold the
bridegroom cometh: go ye forth to meet him.' "
"Is that a correct translation, you Bible-reading men?"
said Gabriel.'" All but one word, I should think," said Teunis, who perceived the meaning of all this; guessing from what he saw
through the night where these things came from. "You
have put the word nidcday in for micnight."'
"Let me see," said the lieutenant: "it is midday here
underlined, and is intended to be so. Let us note this. Let
noon be our countersign and look out for the midday.
After hearing a full report from Teunis, they made up
their minds to remain at the place where they were, as the most
likely to serve their purpose. If the marauders succeeded in
recapturing Margagaret, they would bring their victim here, as
the first place of gathering; so the three took positions wheire
they would see, and be themselves hidden. The solitude, to
minds like theirs under the most painful suspense, was as




404               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
much as they could bear. The ever running water below,
and the constant fall from above, affecting the two senses,
hearing and sight, with the same monotonous din; and the
same succession of airy siry spirits coming constantly through the
narrow passage, and then leaping over into the cloud ibrmed
by their predecessors, produced a strange loneliness in their
watching. And yet as no man feels himself alone if a child
be playing around him, so these men when they saw that
playful stream tripping down to the brink and then stepping off with ease, felt that they had communion with the spirit
of the region. Thrown back into the recesses of their own
nature, they fell into that dreamy reverie which the soul of
the thoughtful loves to cherish at times, and with profit.
"This is more than I bargained for," was the expression
of Bertram, "when I left in the good ship Vulture.  I expected to see a wild country along the shores of the river,
but not to see nature in her wildest dress. I wonder if that
Elsie, whom you describe as possessed of such good sense,
Mr. Teunnis, would have romance enough in her soul to take
Miss Clinton to see this precious gem of these mountains."
"Miss Clinton," said Gabriel, "by the time she got this
length, would have something else to think of. If she be a
woman like the rest of them, streams of water fell over her
cheeks."
"You are likely speaking the truth, so far my captain, but
there are some souls which never lose their sense of the
beautiful and the grand, and Margaret Clinton is one of that
kind: were she on the way to eternal exile, that silvery gossamer would, at least. for a moment, relieve her painful feelings."
" Maybe," said the plain matter of fact Gabriel. "First
impressions are always the most effective, and I own that
my lady Margaret is the very one to see wonders, where I
would not see aught but common things. I have been here
when I felt the influence of the scene more than at present."
"Still, captain, you cannot help admiring the grandeur of
the whole amphitheatre, as your eye ranges round in search of
some single object on which to rest till you fix it on that watery
spirit which sparings from the shelving platform into the capacious hall beneath. Indeed, when I look again, I can imagine
so many winged spirits sent forth from the Father of Spirits,
meeting again below, as in airy sport; first in that dark mysterious gulf, from which they recoil as from a place of punishment, to rise where the sunbeams light upon them,




A HUMAN WHIRLPOOL.                405
forming the whole into a glorious crown fit for the heads of
seraphim."." You forget the possibility of Miss Clinton being hidden
in that place down there, which you would compare to the
mouth of the pit."
"I have imagined that to be possible," said Bertram,
"and I am sailor enough to descend into the hold, or into
the sea itself, for pearls such as she."
"That language is too deep, and too high for a common
Dutchman like your captain.  Perhaps Teunis, who I see is
in a brown study, may answer you according to that kind of
folly; but I will tell you what I once saw here. It was in
the winter. A fine hunting morning, the snow all crusted
over, so that it could bear man or beast. A little flurry had
fallen during the night; just enough for the fox to leave his
mark behind him. We had a hard run, but we earthed him,
near the foot of the hill over there. As the work for that
day was over, and we were on the lookout for anything in
which we might pass the time, we followed the advice of old'Frederick Saxe, the bear-hunter, and went down to see the
falls frozen. This produced much sport with the young
folks, who were inclined to poke fun at the old hunter. But
knowing him to be a man of original expressions, I led the
way that we might see a wonder. We came up from that
deep gully below there, and arrived suddenly upon the sight
of an object before which we all stood for a few minutes
speechless, quite at a loss to understand its nature. They had
all but myself been here before, and exclaimed,' what is that?
It has grown since I was here in the summer.' It was a high
tower reaching from the bottom, up to the tip of that rock
you see jutting out there, pure white, intermingled with glittering crystals. The stillness of the grave was around us.
Some one whispered in my ear,' the year is dead and that is
its monument, raised by the frost king.' Imagine just now
that not a sound is reaching your ear-all that din -stopped,
and the murmuring altogether lulled, so that you could hear
the beating of your own heart against your ribs."
" You don't mean to say," was Bertram's interested interruption, " that the stream was all gone? That might be in the
summer, but the winter's freezing does not dry up the whole."
" No," continued the other, " the water ran- as before,
up there; but was neither seen, nor heard after it left the
ledge."
" That's a very droll story you tell, Mr. Captain, and may be




406               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
good enough for the marines; but an old salt as I am, has
spun too many yarns to believe that the water would not
fall in the winter as it this moment, making din enough to
deafen the old, or young bear-hunter."' Wait till you hear the whole. Suppose that from the
place we are now sitting, over to the other side of that
amphitheatre, as you call it, a round thick tower were built of
glass, hollow in the centre, rising up and up, till it came to
that shelf from which the water now runs; where would
the drops go?"
"Why through the glass tower of course," was Bertram's
quick expression; " but what has your comparison to do with
your description?"
"Everything, Mr. Lieutenant, for there would be no murmuring sound of water as there is now; nor thundering roar
as I have heard after a heavy storm, when that stream so
small, and so tame, sprung like an angry beast till it cleared
the whole platform, and fell into the outer basin yonder, two
hundred and twenty feet."
"' Yes, captain, but your enthusiasm has made you forget
your glass tower, which, as you describe, must have been a
large bottle, bottomless; taking in the whole stream at the
neck, and letting it run down its sides, so that it passed
through below."
"Just so, and better told than I could tell it. It was full
eighty feet in diameter at the base, and one hundred and
eighty feet high, pure as snow, till it rose to the neck, when
it became clear as rock crystal with the whole stream
entering, and passing through it, plainly to the observer."
" Certainly, that was a wonderful object, and equal to any
of the peaks of frost that I have ever seen or heard of. Does
it rise so every winter?"
" No, sir; old Fred said that he had hunted among the
hills forty years, and had seen it only complete once before.
A half bottle may be frequently seen, like what comes after
a drunken frolic, but the perfect full-blown vessel, out of
nature's glass-house, comes but once in a lifetime."
"I hope you had something warm to drink, captain, for
cold water coming through a bottle of frost, may be good in
a hot summer day, but in the months of February and
March, it is another thing."
" We had plenty of the hot stuff, sir; and it was dearly
paid for too, with broken heads and bones nearly cracked.
A little more and I would not be here to tell the tale."




A HUMAN WHIRLPOOL.                407
-' Let us hear that yarn with the rest, for after what you
have told, I am ready to believe anything."
"As you please," said Gabriel, with perfect nonchalcnce.
"After we had freely. drank of Santa Cruz rum, our brains
began to swim, and some of us did not know whether we
stood upon our heads or our heels. I was ready for anything,
either to scale the tower from below, or slide down from
above. They laughed at me till my pride was touched, and
through recklessness I began to climb.  The rough sides of
the gigantic thing allowed me a footing, so that I did get
upon one of the turrets, twenty feet from the ground, where
I stood looking round me. The sight had not lost anything
from my strange position.  All round under these rocks
were huge pillars of ice, formed by the water which had
searched through between the seams."
"I  have seen the like," interrupted Bertram, " in salt mines,
and in deep caverns, where statlagmites, built in the course.
of ages, rise to the hich roofs, as if chiselled by the hand of
art. Go on, captain, I beg pardon."
GNo, sir, thank you, I wanted just such a description to
help me through. At the time I stood there, it appeared
more like a crystal theatre of display, and I have since frequently wished that lights of a sufficient size and number,
could have been introduced for the sake of showing the effect
of illumination in such a place."
"Oh, you must read when you can," said Bertram, who
could not restrain his speech to the end of the description,
"the account of the Empress of Russia's ice palace. You
will see that the thing you wish has been tried with full success, lately, and after you have got through with that, turn
to the' Arabian Nights,' and you will see the power of Aladdin's lamp."
" VWell, sir, there I stood on the turret, admiring my own
daring as much as the wonders around me, when Jim Crapsar, that imp of Satan, thoughtlessly cried out,'Three
cheers for Gabe.' The three cheers were never given; one
was enough. Such a commotion has never been listened to
by me, though I have been where a few cannons were let off
at my ear, as you know. It seemed as if that single cheer
would never stop.  Crack, crack, crack, went off the pillars, all round falling in pieces as big as a cannon, and others
like the trunk of a tree; as to the small lumps they
were like a shower of grape-shot, mixed with forty pounders. It sounded and appeared more like the last day than




408               TIHE DUTCH DOMINIE.
any battle I have been in. A company of more terrified
beings I have never looked at in actual danger, with no way
of retreat. It was begun in sport, but it closed in real earnest. As for myself I was really in the safest place, being in
the centre looking on the shower, and its consequences.
[But to this day, I feel the shaking of that mass beneath
me. If the three cheers had been given, down the whole
fabric would have come, and I, below the fragments, would
have been crushed."
" That indeed would have been a tale worth telling at a
hunter's fireside for ever after. Buried in an avalanche, and
swept away by the stream, when the spring floods came.
Not quite equal to the Alpine traveller who is lying now,
in just such a glen as this; nor will he be found till the last
great fire thaws him out. Anything more, Gabriel, about
that wonderful bottle? one glass more, if you please."
"We left in double quick time, for a look at the bottle
from above.  It lost nothing in effect, but it was of another
character. I have looked up and down since, but mostly
when the sun shone bright in June. The day I refer to in
winter showed the different colors of the rainbow reflected.
It was in reality, a frozen rainbow."
" Ha! better than before, captain! I)o you not see one
now giving us the promise of a fortunate day?"
"W Vhen the sun shines out that will follow of course, and
you may go there to that step, and have it round your head
if yod choose such an ornament. -There are more wonders
here amidst the Kaatsbergs, than the king knows of."
"' True, Captain Gabriel, the king has not a bottle in all
his cellar like that which you held in your arms; and that is
one reason why his majesty wishes to- keep this fine country
of yours among his other treasures."
Teunis, somewhat piqued at the merriment of the young
Englishman, turned to him, saying: "The half of the wonders of this spot has not been told you. Come here in the
heat of summer, and after a fall of rain, you will, if you look
up from below, see an entire rainbow-a complete circle;
and though yon laugh, I will tell it, that I have seen my face
as distinctly in the centre, as I have ever seen it in the round
looking-glass that Madam D)yce has in her biggest west
room. What do you say to that, sir?"
"I say his majesty has not such a mirror in Windsor
Castle, and it is doubtful if he has it anywhere in his doininions, but here. I do not question what you say, you have




A HUMAN WHIRLPOOL.                409
seen; but I would require Sir Isaac  Newton to explain the
philosophy of it; and yet, when I remember the camera obscurea, I dare not doubt, though I must laugh a little at both
you colonists, holding up) the beauties of your country."
", Well, laugh away, but I have stood hours looking up
into that wonderful glass, where sometimes I would see a
single face, sometimes one other; then as the sun would
shine out differently through clouds, there would be faces all
around the circle, changing their position every moment
like a mystic wheel revolving, till the head below grew so
dizzy, that I have believed them to be faces looking down
upon me from the upper world, only they were not always
of the most pleasant kind.'
" Ah, this is the spot," said Gabriel, " I have heard of
when I was a lad, where they went to speak to the vapory
spook, and get their fortunes told; I wish I had come before
now."
" Gabriel," continued Teunis, " this is no laughing matter;
I have known some who laughed after they came on the
wrong side of their face."
" Hush! hush! low down," said Tennis, as he prostrated
himself to the ground,:" there are runners afoot, I hear their
voices calling to one another in the woods, and around us."
The three young men fell to the earth with their heads
toward the gorge; nor did they lie long in that position till
they discovered persons on the opposite side descending into
the bottom of the gulf. There were several; some of these
were in the garb of Indians, others were' dressed in the
common woollen cloth worn in that region, dyed with the juice
of the butternut, resembling brick-dust, as much as anything known out of Jersey.  They increased rapidly in
numbers as the circle grew smaller, according to appointment.
"Those persons in front are not real Indians," said Teunis,
" I know from their looking so much before them, as if they
were curiously investigating a piece of art. I warrant the
real Mohawk sees more than they do, out of the side of his
face, and from under his eyebrows."
" And I would take those in front to be entire strangers,
they look so astonished," was the remark of Gabriel. "I
did not expect to see any but the real hunters up here."
All this time Bertram was examining the different arrivals
with his pocket glass, and had the range of the party in
front. Something in the outline of one of them awakened a
18




410               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
dormant feeling-, in his soul, which made him keep that figure
close in view, till at last, he cried out, "Clarence! by
George, as I am a living man!" and he was about to rise
and halloo, when the man on each side of him held him
down, pointing to the numbers which were coming in from
the same side on which they lay watching.
"Take the glass and see," as he put the instrument into
the hand of the captain.
A long, earnest gaze, and Gabriel agreed that it resembled
Clarence. much in manner, but the dresses were all so much
alike, it was impossible to distinguish them individually.
" But turn your attention to what chiefly concerns you
both; do you see any females among.them?  Look into
every knot of persons, and watch all new comers."
1" Yes," said Teunis, " for if there be none with them, it is
time we were'off to the next rendezvous, the pool that I told
you of, and which we must reach by noon.  Behold at midday!"
"' You think that the cry is to come in that quartel then?"
was the sly question of Gabriel, who, being less interested in
his feelings was the more inclined to jest a little with his
companions. "Let us take matters coolly for the present,
and mark the motions of the our friends below. See how they
pour down like so many bloodhoiunds to the death. Their
hunt has made them eager for more prey."
The wide hollow now seemed alive with the crowd. At
that distance it was impossible to distinguish the parties, they
were so much alike. Some sat on the rocks, others hung on
the sides by branches and roots of trees, while a few of
the madcap race were chasing one another under the shelving
platform, and attempting to climb up the sides of the steep
rock, to the danger of their necks.  A  main body was
grouped into a circle, who stood as if waiting for orders.
Apart from these, and in deep conversation, were about twenty
individuals, whom Gabriel declared must be the commanders
of the expedition, engaged in counsel. He continued:
" What a difference between that little spot at this moment, and what it was when we rose this morning.  Then
God and nature reigned, now devils incarnate are before
" Yes," said Bertram, " could we only see your tower of
ice there in the centre, and boiling lava round it, and these
fiends lying rolling naked in the pit, tumbling fiom the cold
tower into the hot furnace, and"



A HUMAN WHIRLPOOL.                411
"Please to stop, sir; that's more than my nerves can stand;
it puts me in mind of our Dominie's description of the bottomless pit."
" Another, as great as your great man the Dominie, has
helped me to that description. While you were telling me
of those cheerings which shook icicles on you in showers, I
was reminded of how an Italian poet describes hell, where'naked spirits lay down, or huddled sat; trying to throw
from them the flakes of fire which came like snow. The devils
called out to other devils, thrusting the soul back into the
boiling pitch; and looking up, Dante saw them walking on a
mount of ice, their teeth chattering, and eyes locked up with
frozen tears."
"Enough of that horrible poet's words.  Down, dbwn
lower with your heads; we are observed," was Gabriel's quick
whisper, which his comrades obeyed by a sudden prostration
of the face to the turf.  "Rather quick to be successful,
friends.  There is a figure on the opposite side of the gulf,
standing so erect, and so still behind a tree, that I am at a loss
to know whether it be friend or foe.  Teunis, you look now.
The objects round here are all familiar to you."
Teunis did as he was commanded, when he saw the form
and face of the Hermit, plainly gazing down into the pit,
with the intenseness of one that watches from a tower, on the
movements of an enemy. As he did not turn his eye away
for an instant, Teunis whispered.
"Lift your heads slowly, and look. The hunters are preparing for a new start."It was as he said; orders had been given for mustering.
The whole body stood in two columns.  At the word of
command each moved off at a right angle from the other,
straight as an arrow, up the opposite sides of the ravine, and
as the one remaining at the head of several ranks stood still,
till the one who had just left was at least ten rods distant, it
took some time before the last two were gone. When these
were out of sight, the three young men looked where their
fellow watcher had stood, but he was gone also.
"The coast is clear now," said Gabriel, "and Teunis, you
must be our guide. My advice is to pass straight through that
circle, which these hunters are making.  It must be three
hours before they complete their search."
" Yes, and an hour more. Let us follow the stream as the.
safest and the nearest, though it be the roughest road in the
world; and who knows but we may find the timnid Favwn




412                 THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
and her protector in some of the caves formed by the eddying waters."
They descended carefully, looking at every step around
them, lest any spy might be left behind.  For well they all
knew that Brandt was a wily foe, not to be circumvented but
by superior wiles.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE WINGS OF A CHERUB.
" Chastity and truth? They are two of the pillars of the Temple."
"God's Temple? Why, then, are they heaved by the earthquake, rocked by the
floods, driven by the winds, and made to walk in the seven fold fiery furnace?"
" True; but they have never been rent, nor drowned, nor scorched in them all." —
OLD DIVINE.
THE hrnted fugitives, whose place of refuge was as yet undiscovered by their enemies, were making the best of their
condition under the ruling mind of Elsie.  The barking of
Rover, whose quick ear had heard the growl of the angry
catamount a mile off, had produced alarm in the minds of all
three; more especially as this was followed by the reports of
fire-arms and the shouts of men engaged in a combat.  Gradually as their fears subsided, they had time and opportunity
of considering the peril and security of their present position.
Elsie had reasons of her own for remaining where they had
already slept so soundly; and the confidence with which she
expressed herself had the effect of preserving the other two
fronm painful uneasiness.  Margaret, whose experience of the
world was more than Angelica's, felt as if Elsie must know
more of the means of escape than she expressed. Possessed
of an elastic spirit, she bounded up the moment the smallest
release was givein.
A trifling occurrence in itself here took place, which gave
variety and interest to their solitary condition. Rover, who
had suddenly disappeared without leave of absence, was
heard by the quick ear of Elsie to -give one of his pleased and
familiar barks, which he always gave to herself when he welcomled her home.  This would have occasioned no alarm;
but for her present circumstances, when she believed that
that sly snake of an Indian, Shandaagan, was in the hills,




THE WINGS OF A CHERUB.              413
seeking after them, and that Rover had always a hankering
fondness after the keen hunter. Hushing her companions to
silence, and pointing them to their bed as the securest and
most retired place of safety, she crawled off in the direction
from which she was most likely to perceive the cause of
alarm. Her surprise was increased by hearing the tinkling
of a small bell that she felt more than distinguished to be one
familiar to her ear. A moment more, and what was her
amazement to find her own pet lamb, which had been di'iven
away on the day of the conflagration to the hills, and now
had found his way high up in search of food. The quick ear of
Rover first discerned the tinkling of his playmate's music; and
at the instant their mistress discovered them, they were fondling each other in perfect animal rapture. The dog, by his
superior sagacity, was maneuvering so that he might bring
the lamb where he knew a welcome awaited him; and the innocent little fellow seemed to know that friends were near:
for he was following Rover, butting with his head, as if impatient of his gambols. Elsie stood up and gave the usual signal for Dickey's meal, when he rushed to her side with
meek confidence, bleating his wishes and his pleasure, as she
stroked him with her hand, and spoke Dutch: " Arme Lammzes/lie, schoone 2Lammeshie — Poor lamb, beautiful lamb.
This new arrival was hailed with delight, and especially by
the kind-hearted Angelica, who wept now when she spoke of
her poverty as so great that she was not able to give poor
Dickey his pan of milk. From that she naturally went 6ff in
a deep lamentation over the probable fate of Red and Brindle, and the mooly cow, wandering over the hills, with no
one to milk them.
This trifling occurrence served to pass the day, giving employment in part to the good Angelica, and even diverting the
mind of Marargaret from herself; so that befoi'e night camne on
she had almost recovered her buoyancy of spirit in the communion she found with nature; into which she entered rapturously, as every new  and fresh object rose before her.
HIer education had all tended to foster these sentiments within her, so that her mind was not untutored for any time, but
was prepared for all circumstances, and so trained, that the
present scenes rose up before her like dreams of the past rather
than like unfamiliar pictures requiring minute investigation.
" T I)elieve, Elsie," said the lofty-minded girl, " that I must
have lived here before in some time of my previous existence;
for everything I see is associated in my mind with some beauti



414               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
ful thing of the past. Elsie, did you ever think upon the life
we came from in the past?"'
"No, no, my dear Mliss Clinton, I have had enough to
think of in the present, and any spare thoughts are given to
the life to come. This is the first time I have ever heard of
a past life.)
" Excuse my foolish talking, Elsie. I have read about it
in some old book, and I sometimes dream of things which I
may have seen. Your standing just now, with your brown
October garments on, and your hand holding the lamb by
his string, is just as plain to me as if I had seen you a hundred times before, my shepherdess. I am not surprised at
all, as I would certainly be if something of the kind had not
happened.")
" If that be true, then," said Elsie, smiling, (" being a queen
is no new thing to you, for it sits well upon you. It would
not suit us girls in this land, who are putting the crowns of
majesty alongside of.witches' brooms, and other trinkets of
the kind. Let it be as you will. You are queen, and I
am your shepherdess, while this play lasts, which I hope
will not be long. We must go soon to our bed. Let us
gather all around, and speak of the good before we lie
down in our nest."
Night came with more pleasure than it had done for a
week past with Margaret. The scenes of danger were becoming common, and the presence of Elsie every moment
more endearing. So rapidly and earnestly had her thoughts
grasped the circumstances of her own case, and combined
them with those ot her companion, that they seemed as if
linked in one bond for life anid for death. She had known
her a long while, for all the time they had been together
they had lived in every sensation of their sentient nature,
and in every thought of their rational being. With pious
feelings ancl subdued affections, she lay down on the humble
couch prepared for her by the tender-hearted mother, who
saw the two young maidens laid beside each other as she
tucked in the warm coverlets around them, saying, in homely
phrase,  what Elsie had said to her:'Arme Latmmleshie, schoone Laimmeshie, de genade zij
met se."5
"What is that your good mother wishes for us? She is
always thinking of us more than of herself. My trust isg o
strong, when she is near me, I am confident her God hears
p) aer1.




THIE WINGS OF A CHERUB.             415
" She is calling us poor lambs, beautiful lambs, and saying
grace over us."
The leaves of autumn, dry and in abundance, formed their
soft bed, and sent forth a fragrant smell. Rover nestled in
cosily at their feet on one side, and Dickey lay doawn as
softly at the other.  The stream came down, murmuring
melancholy music above them, and was answered in the din
of the waterfall beneath. Lulled to sleep, they lay in more
composure than princesses, who, after a night of dissipation,
have musical instruments of all sorts played near their pillow. Our damsels, though hunted by wicked and barbarous
men, were not haunted by the spectres which glide around
the pillow of the evil conscience-never at ease, be it on a
bed of flint or a couch of roses.
Night passed without interruption of any kind. Pleasant
dreams even flitted through the brain of the hunted women.
They lay down under no absorbing sinful emotions, and
were therefore more calm in mind when sleep overtook them.
In the morning, when Margaret awoke and fdund that her
ever faithful Elsie was not beside her, she threw her arms
around as a child does in search of its nurse. So dependent
was she, that she felt more like an infant than the daughter
of a soldier, who had taught his children the necessity of
self-reliance upon all occasions. But these were new scenes
to the English girl, and there was not time yet, nor room
allowed, to give scope to the real character she possessed.
Turning round, she saw there was no one at her side, so sitting up, she called:
"Elsie, dear Elsie, where are you?  Come and tell me
that all is well. Oh! what shall become of me, now that
my only friiend is gone."
Angelica was also absent at that moment, but soon
returned, wringing her hands in a transport of anxiety lest
something terrible had befallen her daughter.
" Wat can I do for my dochter. Martin gone, my housen
burned, the cows ande sheeps, ande niggers, alle agone. Awee!
awee! Elshie, Elshie, vere are you dat you never come once."
It was now that the spirit of the deserted Margaret came
out in its true energy. Rousing herself up at the sound of
distress, she forgot her own troubles, and wrapping around
her the blanket she had worn as a mantle the previous day.
She bathed her glowing temples in the fresh running stream
as it passed clear over the rock. When fully equipped, she
ran back to the disconsolate mother, saying:




416               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
" I am going off to look for Elsie, and I will not return till
I find her. Sit down and watch till we come back."
The astonished Angelica awas startled by the ardor of
the delicate stranger, and looking up in her face, saw that
she was sincere in her resolution; but at the same time she
knew that the attempt must be vain, and certain to result in
the capture or death of one so feeble and inexperienced.
" Nay, nay," said the affectionate mother, " tee cannot do
any such ting as dat, we shall go down de clove road togeder and meet Elsie coming up. If she be in de hands of
de vile Shandaagan, we may help her, tree of us'gainst von;
but feeble ting dat tou be, vat can tee do?"
" O mother," said the excited girl, " have you not seen
how a pigeon will swell out and speak boldly in its own language when an enemy comes to its nest. Let us go."
As the two feeble creatures were about to start, they
knew not whither, they chanced to. look over the precipice,
when far down they saw two figures in the bed of the
stream; one of them could hardly be distinguished as human,
only that it stood erect, and was lifting up its arms to the
very point on which they themselves both stood. The
other figure Margaret soon perceived was Elsie, who had
already parted from her unknown companion and was on her
way back, with great haste, as if she saw the uneasiness
-which her absence was. causing. These things occurring at
the moment of their departure, made them pause sufficiently
long for their friend and protector to reach them in time to
set their minds at rest.
" Wat's dat down dere among de bushes?" was the earnest query of the mother to her daughter just as she put her
head above the ledge.
"Never mind mammy, here is a pipe and tobacco and
some fiesh dry punk for your tinder-box. The steel is in the
red pouch at your side."
A pipe and fresh tobacco were just what Angelica needed
at that instant, for collecting her scattered senses; and so
her mind was diverted from the vision that rose in the mist
of the glen, to the eyes of the amazed and disturbed woman.
Margaret would fain have continued the inquiry, but perceiving the unwillingness of her friend to enter upon the subject, she, with the tact of good breeding, set about helping
Elsie to spread out the meal that she had brought back with
her upon the flat stone, which had hitherto served them as a
table.




THE WINGS OF A CHERUB.              417
"What a fine breakfast you have brought us; beautiful
white bread and milk; warm milk just from the cow. What
I used to steal out and get in our daily at home in England.
Here I am  drinking it on the side of these. very mountains
that Hendrick Hudson saw when he came up the Great
River."
" Yaw mammy," said Elsie, addressing the old lady,  it is the
milk of old Blackie. I met her mooing on the side of the
hill, for some one to milk her, and when she saw me, you
would have cried to see how she ran to me."
The good Angelica was wiping her eyes at the account her
daughter gave her; but the prudent girl went on so rapidly,
that there was no room to ask questions, and it evidently appeared to the quick-eyed Margaret, that there were things
behind which the caterer did not wish to tell. HIer high spirits
and quick motions had a sympathetic effect upon the others,
so that by the time the mother's second pipe was over and the
repast partaken of, there was even cheerfulness felt and shown
by all. Rover had eaten up the crumbs and was watching a
chance to dip his tongue into the hole where Dickey's milk
was poured. Elsie was carefully gathering up the remains
of the meal and putting them away in case of a dearth of
food; while the reflecting M}argaret was lost in reverie as she
recalled the strange being she had seen that morning with
her guardian; of whom it was evident she must-remain in
ignorance for the present.  She however ventured to ask a
question, as they all sat looking down through the intervening glade.  "Is there no path down through the ravine
there," said she, deferentially, "'that we might follow and
come to the river where this water is now going? My dear
Elsie, it is surely better to risk some danger, than be pent up
here in this high fortification and perish. I have heard soldiers say, that it was a maxim in war, that to remain and never
show yourself was the sign of defeat, and sure to end in that
at last."
"' Ah, my lady," said Elsie, " you forget that the weak must
have walls of defence, and what the wildcats up here have
not in strength is given them in cunning and claws. Despair
never effects any noble purpose. Let us wait another day
up here in the sunshine, before we risk our lives down in the
dark valley."
" All that sounds very philosophical in words, but I would
be willing to veuture into the dark, and get my feet bruised
for the least chance of escape."




418              THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
"A hundred Indians are lying across that road at this mo.
ment," said Elsie, with her hand pointed downward, " and
every one of them has the scent of the Spanish blood-hound
that I have heard my uncle tell about. Do you think, Miss Clinton, that you could swim to an island, when the tide is sweeping everything out into the sea? could a hunted deer break
through a closing rank of men and dogs, watching for him
in the thicket? I saw one, a beautiful creature, chased by a
hundred hunters, and he took to the ice. The men and dogs
on the banks pursuing him, but he bounded forwvard at such
a speed, that I clapped my hands in perfect joy at the prospect of his escape, when a cunning hunter, who had lain
down in the bushes, lifted his gun and gave him a fatal
shot."
" You mean," said Margaret, with a sigh, " that I am a
hunted deer, and that there is no hope for my escape?"
"No hope for you down through that path; by and by
there may be. Go down at this moment, and you will be like
a fish going into a fyke."
" And what is a fyke?" said the interested young lady,
always wakened up by any new sound or scene.
"A net wide at one end like this clove, but closed at the
other, and narrow, so that the fish cannot turn."
" That gives me but little hope, my friend, my protector,
my adviser; but it seems after all, that you are not without
some hope. May be you would prefer me to mount the hill,
and seek a refuge on High Peak as you call it. I am ready to
go with you to any place."
" Come, Miss Clinton," said Elsie, anxious to divert the
mind of her ward from her present condition; let us go out
into the sunshine and finish that queen's robe we commenced
yesterday. I have some thread that we can use in binding
these leaves together, as 1Mother Eve did in her forlorn state.
We are better off than she was in the Garden of Eden."
" I am sure," said Miargaret, smiling at the conceit of her
friend, "she had not more brilliant colors than we have in
our paradise; though on the whole, I think her outward condition was a little better than ours to the feet."
"My lady, it is not the soft or hard walks which
mlake the difference. Let us make the most of our place,
and be the noblest of beings on the mountain."
In this way the two maidens passed the early part of that
day. Elsie made a crown of the laurel, and set in it three
feathers of sumach, which rendered it quite imperial.  The




THE WINGS OI' A CHERUB.              419
sceptre was a peeled staff, surrounded with red and yellow
leaves, tufted at the top with a deep purple knot. A wreath
made of the same material, several yards in length, which
wihen tied at the ends was thrown over the right shoulder,
and biased so as to come on the left side, where the sword
of state hung, made of shingle wood which they found floating down the stream. The lozenged, blanket variegated with
red and blue, had a hole cut in the centre, through which
Margaret's head went, and having also outlets for her arms,
it hung easily, not to say gracefully, upon her stately, aristocratic form; so that she really moved among these scenes
more like the queen of the mountain in October, than this
description would justify.
" Ha," said the enthusiastic lady, as she surveyed herself,
laughing so that her face seemed like the sun struggling
through the mists; " how the Duchess of AMourtelhome would
envy me,, were she to see me walking into the birthday masquerade. I will keep the pattern of this until I need it;"
and with that she gave a few steps in the fashion of majesty,
so that her companion laughed back, and with assumed obeisance bent the knee before her, while her queenship held out
her hand to be kissed.
They had not got over the novelty of this amusement
when they were attracted by a scream of eagles above them
in the clouds, that were slowly resting on the mountain tops,
where they sometimes lie for days like a fleecy turban round
the head of an East Indian King.
" See," said Elsie, who was the first to speak, though not
the first to perceive,' there is an eagle resting on that white
cloud. He is calling to his mate for he sees where he may
find her a dainty bit."
" Hush!" said Margaret, " let him rest there till I see him
a little more. His voice is that of true love. Let us listen.
How calmly he sits up there undisturbed; his head is above
the mist; and he only seeks glimpses of the earth. The
hand of the fowler cannot reach him. Like the warhorse of
Job, he mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted. He smelleth
the battle afar off.'
" Yes, Miss Clinton, he scents his dinner, and not very far off
either, if I may judge from the growling of a wolf that I hear
below us, with the quarrelling of other creatures. The shots
we heard yesterday left carcasses lying there, and both beasts
and birds soon find out the place."' I become terrified at your telling me these things as I




420               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
look below; but I feel strong looking up to that majestic
creature. Have you seen him ever before?"
"Oh, dclear lady, he has his home up there in High Peak,
from spring till the winter comes near, when his mate and
he, with the young ones which they have raised during the
summer, go away to some warmler climate. The Dominie
says they will not stop till they reach the Andes. They know.
the seasons better than any old man in the country; and can
find a dinner where the cunningest fox in the hills has hidden it. The Dominie preached us a fine sermon not long
since from the Dutch text,' wan alwaar' het doode ligehaam
zal zijn, daar zullen de arenden vergaderd worden.'  It is
about the carcass gathering the eagles. And it was. terrible
to hear the good man lifting up his hand, saying,' wherever
there is a carcass, there is a bird to tear it open.
Vengeance follows the guilty like instinct; cross the sea,
ascend the mountain, dive into the whirlpool, there is the
eagle hovering overt him ready to alight upon him. No
sooner is the wicked act performed than the fttal flap of the
wing follows. But I see you are up in the clouds just now,
and I must wait till you' come down."
" Oh, yes, excuse me, Elsie, for not listening to you. IHow
grandly he moves.  Like a ship far out at sea with sails
unfurled. I could trust myself on his wings, and be free.
He would lay me clown at my mother's side. What is that
you said about the Dominie and the eagle?"
"Doth the eagle mount at thy command, and make her
nest on high?  Fronm thence she seeketh her prey; and her
eyes behold afai' off." So Elsie quoted, adding: " the Dominie
says that'the Creator who gave power to the eagle can give
freedom to the country.'"
" Ah very true, dear Elsie, but the eagle has been the sign
of tyranny as frequently as of freedom; and he is a cruel,
bloody bird, though he be a true king up there, and everywhere. I wish from my soul I were on his wings. See he
narrows his circles, and there he seems to sit unmoved upon
the air."
" Wait, my Lady Marlgaret, and you will see him alighting
soon. His eye is fixed on some object below; and he will
dart down like an arrow upon it.'.Elsie was mistaken in her conjecture, for while the kingly
bird did come down it was to alight on a tree that stood on
the south side of the ravine, where he sat pluming himself
with evident pride, stretching out his high neck -over the




THEE WINGS OF A CHERUB.              421
precipice. The two spectators watched him for an hour till
their eyes grew tired. Miargaret's especially, melted into
tears at his movements, so natural, gracefuI, and at the same
time evincing such power.  Elsie, who had not the same
interest in the bird, made while she sat a wreath for herself,
and was in the act of throwing it over her head when a
scream from her mother, and a howl of distress from ]Rover,
made her run to the rescue; Margaret following with equal
speed. WVhen they arrived at the spot where Angelica was,
confusion spread on all sides, of what nature, neither of the
two damsels could tell. There was, the mother, the chief
figure, in the foreground, with Rover and Dickey at her right
and left, but the most confounding thing of the whole was
to see the eagle in front, striking and flapping his wings
with the utmost fury at all three; and but for the prompt
arrival of new forces, he must have come off the conqueror.
The history of the battle, when they came to tell it in
order, was this. The eagfle had seen from his eyrie, the lamb
pltying around the platform, and made up his mind to carry
him off captive; but like a cautious soldier, he determined on
stratagem rather than upon attack in face of the enemy; so
sitting down before the fortress, he resolved to bide his time.
At one spring, and as quietly as a cat, he descended, putting
his talons into Dickey's wool, and was in the act of lifting
him up,; when Rover, with true courage and self-sacrifice, ran
to the help of his playfellow, seizing the eagle by the wing,
and holding him to the ground. The brave bird, nothing
daunted, let go the lamb, and turned on the dog with beak
and talons, which made him yell, and try to get off in retreat, which the enemy had no mind to allow; still keeping at
him, since the woolly victim had fled. By this tine the
eagle deemed that dog-meat was better than none, so he
was in the act of lifting up poor Rover in the air when
Angelica arrived on the battle-ground; and seeing her favorite struggling to be free, she rushed forward, seizing Rover
by the tail. The eagle soon found that able as he was to lift
either of the two four-footed creatures, it was more than he
had bargained for, when a heavy Dutch vrow had taken forcible possession of the tail end of his prey. It was at this part
of the contest that Elsie arrived, who, finding that the weapons of the enemy were so sharp that they drew blood at every
stroke, made an effort to seize hinm at once by the neck, nwhich
she, by a dexterous turn, caught in her hand, choking him so
that his beak became helpless. Here BIargaret came on with




422              TTHE DUTCH DOMIINIE.
one of Angelica's thick quilted petticoats, which she threw
around him, while the old lady, with great presence of mind,
took the garters from her own legs, and bound those of the disdiscomfited bird of Jove, so that he became nearly as helpless
as one of her own gobblers, on his way to the Dominie's for
his Christmas dinner. Conquered, though still defiant, he lay
on his side, casting fiery glances at his vanquishers, who, fri'om
the fright and the battle, were in a state of great excitement.
"What shall we now do with him?" was the question
which came simultaneously from the conquerors. Aiargaret
was for setting him free at once, remembering her own imprisonment.
"'I cannot," said she in her enthusiasm, " see such a bold and
noble creature in chains. You may not have read of a great
man like your own Washington, but I must say it, of one who
delivered his country from vassalage, William Tell, who was
celebrated for his markmanship, so that he could sever an
apple with his arrow at a hundred paces' distance. When
out on his native hills, he saw an eagle wheeling in aerial
circles above his head. With the instinctive ambition of a
huntsman, he put the bolt upon the string, which all knew
would have brought the king of birds down to the earth, but
in a moment he let the weapon fall from his hand, shouting,'Liberty I liberty!'"
Angelica, who had none of that kind of sentiment in her
composition, was for chopping off his head at once, like any
common hawk's found in a barn-yard trap.
" Te wicked tief dat he is; noting betters serve him dan
drink and lap lamb's bloed; wid my mind izijn hoofd willende be gebragt in een' schotel like Johannes den Dooper."' Mammy, that is not like you. His head on a charger,
like that of John the Baptist! You may live through this
day, and see-the prophecy fulfilled-to the' woman was given
the two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the
wilderness, into her place where she was nourished for a
time from the face of the serpent.'  I could read that in
Dutch to you, mammy, for you believe the old Dutch is the
true language of Canlan. Let us teach the robber a lesson,
and keep him a short time, and make some sport with him."
" As the Philistines did with Samson," said iar.garet,
rather pettishly, because her will had not been carried out.
But Elsie, perceiving that he would serve to pass the time, lifted
him carefully, and mounting into the fork of a tree which
grew on the verge of the shelf, fastened hira there. Comingr




THEI A-MPHITHEATRE.                 423
down, she left him ruffling up his plumage, spreading his wings,
full six feet from tip to tip, while his head stood erect three
feet high; but the spring of his limbs was lost, and he sank
with noble pride a prisoner, still threatening defiance on his
keepers. Margaret was in raptures at the sight, and forgot
for the moment her sorrow, exclaiming as she clapped her
hands:
"What a tale to tell if I ever return to England, that I
helped to capture the king of birds."
" It is a good omen, my lady," was Elsie's response, "' that
you will conquer your hard fate.' The tyrant seeking to
devour the innocent lamb is overcome."
" Yaw, yaw," said Angelica, " ande de vecht ande prevailed not, neder was hims found any. more in den hemel."
"Many thanks to you both, my kind friends, for your
words of hope. God Almighty grant it may be so."
"' Yaw, yaw," said the pious mother, catching always at
good things; "de Domilie says dat Satan in Gabriel's wings
can be tumbled into des afgrons-dat is de bottomless pit,
by a worden of prayer."'
" You see, Miss Clinton, that the signs are favorable this
morning, and there is no need of your doing any rash act till
the hour of desperation arrives, and then it will be time
enough for us to do up to our ability."
CHAPTER IX.
THE AMPHITHEATRE.
"I've seen myself with these two eyes,
Far grander scenes than Cmsar saw in Rome,
Or championjoined in when the skies
Sent back the shouts upon him with the prize
I saw that scene, and felt that power-at home."
WESTERN TRAVELLER.
THEIR great exploit with the eagle furnished subjects of
sufficient interest to engage the minds of all three for a whole
day, and thus fill up the time which Elsie was so desirous of
occupying, so that the mind of her charge might for the present
be diverted from herself.  Margaret was the eagle's favored
one.  Neither Elsie nor her mother durst come near to  imr
without meeting his fiery glances, which. he sent out like




424               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
flame. The young enthusiast was enraptured; taking pleasure in feeding him, and even ventured to stroke down the
plumage of his neck. Climbing up on the tree beside him
became one of her new lessons in mountain gymnastics; so
that she came at length to swing on the branches that overhung the glen with delight rather than with fear.
The sun had by this time ascended nearly to the meridian,
when Elsie spread their table once more, and insisted upon
their partaking with her of a dinner she had kept for thbm,
in the basket, from the morning's repast.  There was broiled
chicken and roasted venison, with plenty of home-made
bread. The fnountain air and the hard fight had given them
a keen appetite, so that the meal was relished by all three
women and their three companions, dog, lamb, and eagleeach feeding her own charge. Elsie had one more surprise
for them; a small bottle of the purest port wine, which
cheered the hearts of all.
"One might believe, my dear Elsie, that the eagles of
Elijah have been supplying your basket this morning; and
if so, we have made an ungrateful return in capturing one of
our friends there."
" My dear lady, we cannot always tell how our commonest
blessings reach us; and it is best for us not to know all in
one day,"
"Eat as de Dominie says, asking none questions for de
stomach's sake, vat is set before tee."  Having said tliis, the
old mother looked round for Rover; but though she called
to him in her kindest and most pursuasive tone, he did not
answer. Elsie showed most excitement of the three; starting to her feet as if she waited for. some apparition. If so, it
was not certainly the one that came up; for on a sudden Rover came in sight, followed by that unworthy dog, Shandaagan, who took his stand upon a rocky point above the platform where they stood. The caitiff grinned a scornful smile,
as he tried to look into the faces of the disconcerted women,
who knew too well that he was but the shadow of another
whom they both hated and dreaded still more than himself.
As they feared, Kiskataam  came in sight a minute afterward, uttering his usual ugh! of grim gratification at the
success of his hunt.
Margaret gave a shudder of mingled fear and disgust, recalling in feeling, as in memory, the torments she had end ured
since she had been kidnapped from the ship.  After looking
aside, as if she expected yet another besides these two, siue




THE AMPHITHEATRE.                425
turned her back to the dizzy precipice, standing as near to it
as safety would allow; her face lighted up with a courage
and defiance which made the human tiger turn his eyes away,
conscious of his weakness in the presence of virtue. To relieve his growing embarrassment, he ventured to address the
young lady, more to keep his own courage up than in any.
hope of daunting her determination.
"Will the Fawn run now, or wait to be eaten up by the
big teeth of the red wolf? His feet are on the trail of the
we6k Fawn. He will be down in the length of ten arrows.
Let the Fawn run now with the Indian. He will carry her to
the big canoe down there, and put her beside the great
soldier and his squaw."
This artful speech, delivered in the softest tones, and with
his finger pointing down the clove to where the river is almost
seen, was well calculated to make an impression on a young
female, imprisoned among strange scenes, and trembling still
more in the prospect of being captured by one that she
hated with a perfect hatred. IHad any other man on earth
offered her the same convoy, she would have accepted of it;
but she had proved his hypocrisy already, and was not a
moment in deciding against the proffered help. Elsie, who
had been watching the movements of her countenance with
the keenest scrutiny, was prepared to thwart the sinister
purpose, had there been any wavering on the part of her ward.
But the hesitation, if any, was but for a moment; for the face
of the captive assumed the most ineffable. scorn, which the
-wily serpent interpreted without requiring verbal expression,
which provoked the savage more than a torrent of words.
These feeble women, even the simple Angelica, had put on a
calmness which confounded their enemy, and rendered him
almost mad; all the more because he expected to hear the
voice of Clifford in the rear every moment. Whatever, therefore, he had to do for himself, must be done quickly. Perceiving that Elsie was the prime mover of Mbiss Clinton's
action, he tried that string, gently at first, as if conscious of
the tenderness beneath. Knowing from past experience that
the least scratch of an unsheathed claw would bring upon
hini a storm, before which he must retire, he partly addressed both the young women, as he said, in his most
smiling way:
"The Boerman's young Wildcat will go with the Fawn.
Shandaagan is good Indian hunter."
Elsie had not the self-restraint of Miss Clinton. Having




426               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
always full freedom at home, her speech was ever the ready
utterance of her feelings and now that her contempt for the
mean red-skin was so deep, it was all she could say to bid
him"Go off to Stony Clove, where the squaws are lying
hungry beside their pappooses, whimpering for their doubletongued daddies."
A flash of savage passion crossed the face of the smooth
deceiver, when he leaped down on the step beneath, along
with his attendant, coming up close to the very spot where
the three females were standing, with their faces toward
their enemies. Elsie was all alert, and whispering to her
mother to keep an eye on one savage, she took the chief
to herself. In the front of Miss Clinton she kept Kiskataam
at bay. On the other hand, Shandaagan. was pressing forward
with the evident int intention of pushing the old lady aside, so
that he might aid his master in securing Elsie, who xwas the
one most to be dreaded. But Angelica had not stood so
long unprepared, for with a stone in her strong hand, she
struck the skull of the Indian such an unexpected blow that he
reeled, and all but fell. A moment more, and his tomahawk
would have done its work on her head, when Rover seized
the calf of his leg firom behind, giving it a bite which would
have made a white man scream; this gave the old lady a
chance with another stone to strike the hand that held the
weapon of death, when he let it fall just at her feet. She
picked it up so aptly that the coward sprang back, and
wreaked his vengeance by a kick on the dog's ribs, which
added to the music of the day.
In the meantime, the Indian chief was pressing hard upon
Elsie, whose courage was rising equal to the emergency, as
she prepared for the worst, though it was not the intention
of the wily foe to do more than frighten her into compliance,
since he could not wheedle them  into his charge. H- said
fiercely:
"'Does the Wildcat seek a lead nut through her brown
hair," as he pointed the muzzle of his gun in the direction of
the brave girl's breast, who, not in the least daunted, to the
evident surprise of the enemy, drew from her bosom, where
it lay concealed, a beautiful silver-mounted pistol, armed
with a small dagger, that flew out at the touch of a spring.
"Does the bloody Catamount want a ball through his falise
heart?  Let him come one step nearer and there are two
ready for him."




THIE AMPHITHEATRE.               427
Foiled alike in his attempt at flattering and frightening
these feeble women, he was put to his wit's end, and was
evidently intent upon something desperate, when, to his
increased mortification, the chief actor in this wicked drama
stepped suddenly upon the stage.  Standing upon the bank
that ran across the ravine at a higher point, Clifford looked
down upon the whole party with an interest and a hesitation
which a wicked man, still possessed of some honor, may be
supposed to have when he sees the victim of his desire, and
when his conscience tells him that he is sinking in his own
esteeni. He stood pausing and preparing himself, not unlike the eagle before it descended on the lamb, hating the act,
yet forced by insatiable appetite to devour. To none of- the
parties was the arrival of Clifford more unwelcome than to
to Kiskataam. I-is intentions had been, up to this moment,
to carry off Miss Clinton. He would have taken her back
into the wilderness if possible; but rather than not be
revenged on the Englishman, he would have set her down
safe in the ship from whence he abducted her. Sick of the
bargain he had made with the unprincipled rake, he had been
nursing his vengeance ever since their quarrel on the night
of his arrival; but now all his selfish schemes were blown
aside, and he must deliver up the prize to the one who had
bought him. Grinding his teeth with rage and disappointment, he had no alternative but to smother his wrath, and
seeim to yield, by showing an extra zeal for the master's
interest, so that even the simple Angelica said:
" ne Yuclas petray his maister for ane kiss."
" Miss Clinton, I have found you at last, and after an
eternity of anxiety," were the first words of the cold, passionate hypocrite. " You have the cunning of the fox with
the beauty of the fawn, so well do you hide, and so fleetly
and gracefilly do you move."
With these words, he bowed so like one paying deference
to beauty and innocence, that none save the most knowing
in the art of the spoiler could have guessed that aught lay
beneath the surifce but the purest stream of sincerity. To
his bow the lady gave no further heed than to look toward
him, watching his smallest motion.
"MIiss Clinton," said the artfiul villain,'coming nearer and
standing quite over the place where the others were
grouped, for all were waiting his motion; " you look in
that dress as if you were prepared to come with me to the
place where nature is exhibited on her greatest scale, and




428                THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
when I have you there, standing in the island that divides
the tumbling waters, a poet would call you the genius of
Niagara."
Margaret had been so absorbed in the events of the morning, up to this moment, that her fantastic attire was the least
of her thoughts, but being now reminded of that,, and casting a rapid glance over her person, a slight blush tinged her
cheek as she reflected on her folly in the midst of her distress, but this was no time to be affected by trifles; important realities called for action, and for endurance; now she
could neither be flattered noi frightened out of her chaste
dignity, by the man who had tried before this to fascinate her,
as the snake draws the helpless bird into his jaws.
" Miss Clinton," repeated the artful seducer, "you never
in the days of your greatest beauty, in the brilliant assemblies we have attended together, looked half so queenly as
now, standing amidst all that rugged grandeur around you,
and yourself so seemly in the trappings of that holy nature
you love so well.  Could you but see the great lakes of the
North and of the West, your spirit would expand to a
breadth which you are as yet'a stranger to."
" Defile not the pure air around you with such flattery.
Your breath is hateful to me; I hate the pure things you
put your praise upon; I have become tame, and tired of my
childish romance, since it has cost me so dearly already. My
liberty has been bartered for it, and before night falls, my
life may be the sacrifice. But, thank God, my virtue still
remains and"
"May not," interrupted the smooth sinner, "virtue and
love dwell together in a cottage, While romance would ride
out in company on play-days?  I remember some such sentiment sung, in a home we wot of. Our own Shenstone,
you know, sings:' I have found out a gift for my fair,
I'have found where the wood pigeons breed.'"
" No more!" said the impatient lady; "you have touched
the wrong chord; I will sing the real truth, as Shenstone
sung' "Tis his with mock passions to glow,'Tis his with smooth tales to unfold;
How her face is as white as the snow,
And her bosom be sure is as cold. "
With that he leaped down on to the same platform where




THE -AMPIHITHlEATRE.             429
the three fugitives and the two Indians were already standing. MIargaret stood in the centre, her autumnal crown on
her head, the wreath round her person, in a diagonal direction,
and her blanket robe bound at the waist by another wreath
of willow twigs, that confined it, so that she moved without
tripping on the skirts. As she saw Clifford approaching her,
sle exclaimed, with more force than could be expected of
her:
" Stand back wretched man; God has still provided me
-with a retreat, that I may escape from your hands."
" God himself cannot save you now, Miss Clinton. See on
either side of you my two faithful servants, the brave Indian
chief Kiskataam, and the cunning Shandaagan, and behind
you is the roaring fall. You see that that Providence you
speak of has delivered you into my hand. Surrender at will
is your true courage now, and you may make your own terms.
Mliargaret, in yielding to your fate, you conquer your conqueror.9'
With these half earnest words said in a serio-light manner, the bad man took a step nearer, partly bending himself
forward, taking off his cap as in deference to the presence of
a queen; while the whole group presented a picture worthy
of a painter's eye. It was well that a pause was taking
place, since it gave time for the working of those passions
within, which ever gain force as they are restrained, and the
time given allowed Elsie an opportunity of reflecting on the
critical position of her friend. Her bosom heaved, as the
veins of' her neck swelled, her whole frame expanded a
size which seemed above common, and yet there was a symmetry of proportion which filled the mind more than the
eye.
" Stand back, caitiff!" was the frantic exclamation of Miss
Clinton, to the still approaching Clifford. "Stand back! Soldier though you be, you are a coward in attacking women,
and I will not trust myself in your hand. I have at least
one chance of escape."
With this she sprung up into the tree at her back, climbing to the branch on which Aurelius stood, welcoming her
with his curved neck, and spreading wings as if he invited
her to her chariot; she sat out on the branch swinging
over the deep gulf, making the heads of all but herself
dizzy.
"For God's sake, Miss Clinton, do not tempt Providence




430               TIHE DUTCH DOMINIE.
in that way; come down and I swear by my honor, that
you may go where you please rather than have your blood
on my hands.:"
"' I will not trust a man whose cheek grows pale at the
siglht of death, and calling himself a soldier; first mocking
God, and the next moment invoking his name, then swearing
by an honor that has been tarnished by ingratitude and
violated friendship."
The blood came back to the face of Clifford at these
reproaches. I-Ie was mad, and knew not how to wreak his
vengeance, or on whom. He felt himself weak in the presence of such daring as he saw. Besides, the scene before
him, wild and romantic, had a charm which captivated his
cultivated, and experienced eye. Margaret was dressed in
her queenly robes, and unconscious of her beauty at the
moment. Her face flushed, her hair hanging loose on her
shoulders, she stood balancing herself on the branch with one
hand on the proud eagle's neck, and the other ready to
loosen the string that bound him to the tree. Clifford, at
the moment, would have given all he called his own to
have had the lady at his command, whose spirit so proudly
defied him.
"Clifford," she called out in transport, "you see that the
God you mocked has provided for me a way of escape; I am
not without a friend since I can rise on this noble creature's
wings."
"For the Iove of God, Mliss Clinton, do not think of trusting yourself thereon. I swear on my knee that you may do
as you please, only come down."
"I will trust the eagle before I will an ungrateful and dishonorable man misnamed soldier and unworthy of his flag.
I feel safe. I am not the first that has been thrust upon a
pinnacle, and who came down safe in angels' charge."
All this time the noble Aurelius was excited to the highest
degree, by the loud speaking and the gestures of the different parties. He felt the sympathy of human passion, in which
he joined so fiercely that he kept the soldier in check, by his
fluttering and his screaming. It would have been more than
a strong man durst have done to venture without arms near
to him.  Without measuring the full strength, skill and
rapidity of such an enemy, Clifford made a spring at the
eagle, hoping to bring him down, and thus cool the ardor of
his mistress, but before he could seize his' feet the proud




THE AMPHiTHEATRE.               431
creature, quick as thought, struck the intruder's cheek with
his beak below the eye, for which he aimed, and sent him
back with a force and a pain which brought both blood and
tears, as he stood the object of secret ridicule and contempt.
His rage and bad passions were now up, and pausing a moment so as to gather force, he said:
" Miss Clinton! I have no time to parley, and since you
will not yield yourself to me, your protector must pay the
penalty of insulting one of his nmajesty's servants."
With that he levelled his pistol with the intention of putting a ball through the bird's wing. Quick as a flash, Elsie
stepped forward, and struck the muzzle aside, when the shot
fell harmless in the gulf below. The hot-brained soldier,
now in a transport of fury, looked like a demon on the brave
Dutch girl, whom he had hardly noticed before, and who now
stood his glance unappalled, as he demanded, "Who dares
to interfere with my game?"
"' No soldier of King George shall insult the sign of my
country in my presence," was the prompt answer.
" Ah," said the mortified man,' and have we got a young
rebel Whig up here in the mountains, and beyond the lines
too; come bold chief, let us bind these rebellious arms and
carry her along with old Abiel and Schuyler to Fort
Niagara. She will serve as maid of honor to the queen
when there: I see she wears her livery already."
During the excitement of these few minutes, the three
men had closed round the beleagured women, and seemed
about to make the final charge. Angelica had another stone
prepared for her foe in one hand and the glittering tomahawk in the other. Elsie had her finger at the trigger of her
pistol and Margaret's courage was wound up to the highest
pitch, so that she seemed to court the chance of taking her
a6rial voyage rather than to fear it. If she had fear, it was
of that kind which would have made her blood circulate
more freely, as when stepping into the parachute of a balloon, in which she had perfect confidence. With eye and
hand firm, her dress carefully freed from the twigs of
the tree, she was ready for the final spring the instant her
enemy was within a yard of her person; when a voice
startled all as if it came out of the rocks:
"Clifford! coward! stand back and face your sworn
enemy."'
The apparition was not calculated to allay the sudden
alarm of the parties; though it was a human form that stood




432               THE DUTCH DOMIIIE.
before them and a human voice that spoke to them. It was
human, but dressed in bear-skins, with a high crowned hat of
the same material; the face, rough with hair, seemed as if
the same animal had provided the man with a beard firom his
jaws. Standing erect on the north side of the shelf, the figure confronted the three men, who stood waiting for the next
movement. The Indians fell back to- the.upper side, while
Clifford moved to the south extremity of the platform  confronting his new foe. The stream of water, shallow at the
time, ran between them; while the females standing with their
backs to the precipice, were about equal distance from the
two men, who were already eying- each other as malignant
enemies ever do, when suddenly brought face to face. As
soon as Clifford sufficiently recovered himself, he demanded
haughtily:
"Who dares to insult a king's officer on duty or to interfere with the king's business in any way? or what menial in
an idiot's garb has the temerity to call Colonel Clifford a
coward."
" IIis duty! the villain's duty! ha! ha, ha!"
The laugh froze the blood of even the stolid Indians, who
looked on as if they had been turned to stone. " Your duty
to employ a savage to decoy an enthusiastic, artless maiden
into your toils! The child of your best friend, the man who
defended your black name from eternal disgrace. Your
duty! to hunt after women as tigers are circled round!
Duty!" and the figure laughed again in scorn, until it seemed
as if the echoes were the responding of the fiends from the
pit of damnation. So voluble and full were the answers from
up the clove that Clifford, though accustomed to scenes of
danger, shrank from the voices that called upon his conscience to reply and defend himself against those superstitions which were unmanning him.
"Fool that I am," he burst out, " to be foiled of my purpose by a madman, spook, or wizard; I have heard of'you
before. This is too much, and a dose of powder and lead
must silence your gibberish.  See if you are witch enough
-to catch that in your skull cap."
And with that there was a flash and a report. The ball
pierced the high -hat of the strange being, bringing it to the
rock; and when the smoke passed away, the soldier was waiting to see the effect of his fire, when to his utter amazement
the rough robe of the figure had also dropped off, even to
his beard, and there, instead of a maniac, stood an officer of




THE AMPHITHEATRE.                 433
his majesty's 13th regiment of foot, in his undress, fully
armed and equipped for battle; all except that his head was
bare. Great beads of perspiration broke out on the brow of
Clifford, while his lower jaw fell as if smitten by death, and
his lips involuntarily muttered 6" Calderwood.1"' Thank you, Clifford, for that shot," were the first words
of the unveiled man.  " See, here is a better mark for you.
Aim at this star, won by your side on the banks of the
IHoogly. Aim at it, for it lies on the heart you have already
riven asunder.  Two full years ago, I warned you of the
coming day of vengeance. It has arrived.  There is a just
God in the heavens."
At this part of the action, going on in that lately solitary
chamber of nature, the different parties. who had been collecting from all sides, were arrivhlg, so as to surrotlnd the
little, but perfect water-fall.  The ledge of the rock served
as a stage on which the main actors stood, while all around,
at different points, were the spectators. Down the stream,
a.nd looking upward, were the mock Indians, gaping in astonishment. The Mohawks stood on the sides of the gulf like
statues of bronze, gazing on the marvellous scene. The
officers on parole who were in pursuit of game, came in from
above. While Cuffee and his crew were perched like crows
on the high trees outside of all. They were rooks in a gallery of nature.
The now unveiled and chief actor gave a glance of grim
satisfaction around him, saying, " One of us must die. Surely,
the brave Clifford, whose praises have been sung by the belles
of' St. James, will not show the white feather! You coward!
you seducer, you ingrate, can you not be provoked; can the
blood of the proud Clifford not start at the epithet coward!"
The petrified and quivering sinner at this leaped as if he
had been stung, and looking up, he cried with a husky voice,
"It shall never be said of Clifford that he feared death at the
hand of any man: I am ready."
The two combatants stood at the extremes of that stage;
the Indians on one side, and the women on the other, so that
the balls must pass between them.  Elsie grasped her pistol
tighter, for she hlad a terrible purpose in her mind, in the
event of one falllngi. M2aroaret bent forward front her seat,
so steadily, that her plumes did not quiver; but the pious
A,!'ic a hid her face in earnest prayer, as she thought of an
iumoital soul passing in blood to the presence of the Great
Judge. The red men dilated their eyes to the utmost, but
19




434                THE DUTCIH DOMINIEo
stood in an evident transport of'expectation that showed an
inward pleasure, whatever might be the result.
The deadly weapons were raised: a flash and a reportrand
a fall. It was the conscience-stricken Clifford.  Calderwood
ran forward with his sword drawn, for he feared the treachery
of the deceiver; but he soon found that it was needless, for
the ball had struck the right arm below the shoulder, shattering the bone.
" I bargained for nothing less than life," said the enraged
Calderwood.  Confess to be a liar or die.  The steel is at
your throat."
"Never! never!" was the bitter reply of the vanquished
but still unhumbled man. The foot of the victor was on his
breast, and the weapon ready for the last plunge, when it
was thrust aside by a powrfuil arm  from  behind.  It was
Brandt, attracted by the reports of the pistols, and just in
time to save the life of his companion in arms.
CHAPTER X.
FAWN'S LEAP.
"For my part I would rather kiss the lips I love, than dance with all the graces of
Greece, after bathing themselves in the spring of Parnassus. Flesh and blood for me,
with an angel in the inside."-STERNE'S TRAVELS.
WHILE the grand tragedy recorded in the last chapter was
acting, the spectators, as if spell-bound, stood waiting the
issue.  A  common feeling of horror and surprise pervaded
all. It was one of those seasons when the mind grasps
the whole at a glance, the daring, the danger and the sublimity of the position which the young la     ad taken, and
where she sat with such grace and majesty.  The other
figures in the foreground were ranged according to their
place.  But the fear entertained by all, lest the fatal leap
might be taken, overwhelmed every other emotion.
Every one was relieved and drew a deep breath when the
danger was past.  The villainous pursuer had fallen, and
they had time to follow out the doings of the rest. The
most prominent were four nien dressed in the assumed Indian




FAWN'S LEAP.                 435
garb: one of them without any previous warning, seized the
vile Kiskataam with a vigor and skill that nearly overcame
him at once. But that traitor was no common enemy. The
savage sawv that the cup of death was put to his lips and he
resolved to sell his life dear, and then enter the council hall
of his fathers in company.  So, measuring the gulf toward
which he was rolling in the death grip of Bertram, he determined to draw over the young Englishman with him if he
must fall himself. Seeing that the lady from her seat had
now recognized her lover, he gave a fiendish smile of delight
at the agony she was undergoing. It seemed impossible
to elude the fate which the Indian aimed at, and which Bertram in his eagerness to punish, did not see. Like a young
lion twisted around by a serpent, the sailor felt the coil about
his body, but with a sailor's skill, springing suddenly upon
his feet, he brought up the red man, who received as suddenly the grip and throw of a practised wrestler, bringing
him to the hard rock with a crash that made him feel as if
every bone in his body was broken: before he had time to
recover his scattered senses he was bound hand and foot, and
left lying on his back with a stoical indifference, waiting for
his fate, which he saw was now sealed.
During these fierce combats the minds of both Margaret
and Elsie were wrought up to the highest tension.  A
double beat of the heart indeed was felt by both as the four
young men leaped on the stage of action, disguised in their
Indian garb; _for then they really deemed their time had
come; but the quick eye of Elsie soon discovered that Teunis was present, and she knew instinctively that he had
brought firiends with him.
"Courage, my lady," was her piercing whisper, " deliveranoe has come at last; but let us stand still till the battle is
over and render help if we can."
And there they remained fixed till Kiskataam was
conquered.  Clarence had rushed forward to the tree on
which his now agitated sister stood, pale, as death.  The
blood ran to her heart, as she fell nearly fainting in her
brother's arms.  Teunis showed no sluggishness now, for,
leaping to the sicld of Elsie, he grasped her round the waist
as if afiraid of her being taken from him, imprinting a kiss
that was not unheard, amidst even that tumult, and which she
returned as warmly; but it was followed by as hard a slap of
the hand on the cheek of her lover which made it glow a
whlhole hour afterward.




436               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
"A pretty kindereen you are, Teunis, to leave twe helpless women folks upon the hills."
"Elshie! Elshie!" said the overwhelmed Angelica. " Ye
kenen nae dat de kind lad was liken to go out of himself on
de day dat he lost tee on de hill; sae hold ty peace, and be
tankfull for all our mlercies."
During this little byplay, which even in the times of the
greatest commotion will be played out, Bertram and Clarence were beniding over Margaret, who, soon recovering
from the shock of this sudden deliverance, opened her eyes,
fearfully looking into the face of Bertram, lest all might be a
deception. The latter dropped a few warm tears such as a
heroic heart will send forth when loge returns fond glances
as it did here. The kiss of affection was freely given to both
brother and lover.
The guilty Clifford sat where he saw the whole. WVrithing in his pride and remorse, wounded and defeated, he:.
turned himself away firom the sight, gnashing his teeth with
rage and pain like what we may suppose Satan to have felt
when he saw our first parents in the llidst of their happiness.
There was a lull in the tempest, and the late busy actors
were enjoying the benefit of the quiet, waiting for the command of some master; no one exactly knew whom, for as
yet they had been thrown together as by chance. An underhand movement there must have been, which had succeeded
it is true, but the very skillfulness of the operator had nearly
undone the whole. An hour sooner or later would have
changed the face of things. The dangerous experiment therefoie of allowing the cdnoiment to come out in a public display, was more worthy of a playwright than of a wise man,
who never waits for a better chance, when he has an almost
certain issue. The man who arranged the plot might have
delivered these fugitive women a day sooner, but having
ulterior views of revenge, he tempted that Providence, who,
notwithstanding his rash folly, crowned his scheme with success.
Calderwood, as he was now known to all, was in earnest
council with Brandt, whose mind was evidently yielding to
what was presented to him. A piece of parchment, such as
bears the commission of an officer in the army of Great
Britain, was held out to the MIohawk, while the other hand,
with earnest gesticulations, was pointing to the several parties
within sight, as if he were expounding to the mind of the




FAWN S LEAP.                  437
puzzled Indian some point of difficulty. All at once the face
of the red- man shot forth a fierc'e light. He saw that he had
been imposed upon, and coming forward to the place where
Ml]argaret sat, still arrayed in her queenly robes, he smiled
and looked from her to the eagle that perched above her on
the tree.  Gazing on the bird, he folded his arms, absorbed
in thought; then cast a glance at his own form, which a
reader of nature would have interpreted to mean, " We are
the true children of the Great Spirit."
"Does the Fawn wish her bird to cross the big water
when she goes to the green fields of the great Father
George'?" This was said evidently with the intention of
drawing out something else than a bare answer about the
eagle.
"No, Great Chief; the bird shall be set at liberty when I
go from here, if my will be law; I love England, and he
loves his mountain home.  He is screaming for his mate; I
have found," she was almost saying-mine; but stopping in
the midst of the sentence, she sprang again into the tree, and
bidding Elsie look, she loosened the string that bound the legs
of Aurelius, stroked his noble neck down with her hand, while
he returned her fondness by rising to his full height.  Feeling himself at liberty, he rose on his wings, as they spread at
their full length. For a moment he hung over the deep lin,
then slowly rising, he soared away to his mountain home.
As he ascended, and until he was nearly out of sight, not
a word was spoken by any one, when the MIohawk turned on
Mar garet the look of perfect approbation, saying:'The Fawn shall be Brandt's sister, for her love to his
brother, in setting him at liberty; she will wear this, and be
one of the Mohawk wise squaws." With that, as she descended,
he put a silver pin in her blanket robe, having a shell atattached to it. He moved back to where Calderwood waited
for him, and as he passed the place where Clifford sat, he
gave him one of those looks of contempt which only an Indian can put on.
"The tongue of the big warrior folds in two," said he.
"The Fawn is the kid of the king's Clinton."
By this time the true and the disguised Indians had come
in, and were lying all around, waiting the will of their chief.
The hunt was past, and had ended so entirely different from
the expectations of all, that their minds were in wonder at
what should next come up, when suddenly the chief Mohawk
started to his feet, and all his tribe seemed to have risen at




438               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
the same moment.  Their quick ears had discerned their
own war-whoop swelling over the hills and the glens, till it
reached them. Then came the repeated reports of fire-arms,
declaring that a skirmish was taking place not far off, which
demanded the presence of the leader.  Brandt,* without
further warning, shouted his war-cry, followed by the united
voices of his men around him, till the rocks and the dells
sent back the sounds doubled, and redoubled, as if the departed spirits of ten thousand warriors were raised from
their slumbers by the call, to repeat the music they loved so
well, once more amidst the scenes of former glory.
In a moment Brandt had cut the bark that bound Kiskataam's ankles and wrists; ordering him to his feet, he put
him under a guard of his own men, who drove him off before
them at full speed. Then pointing Clifford to the westward,
he said, or seemed to say, there is now your only chance of
escape; the bad man did not hesitate, for though fainting
through loss of blood, and suffering from the spiculve of,the bone in the flesh, he was forced into motion. Leaving
the former companions of his proud days more like a prisoner than a colonel of his majesty's troops, and the commander of Fort Niagara.  I-Ie had no alternative but to go,
for the looks of scorn and contempt that met him withered
his soul; yet still, with the proud step of the soldier, he
walked off with the Mohawk.
After the coast was clear, and none were left except the
Clintons and their attendants, they looked round on one
another, as if a feeling of forsakenness had come over them,
and that some one was expected to take the command.
6' Where is our captain, Gabriel?" was the cry of more
than one. That faithful follower had singled out, as the
special object of his vengeance, the mean caitiff, Shandaagan, whose fear had early in the fray got the mastery of
his desires. While the attention of the company were engaged by the conflict between the sailor and the chief, the
parasite minion slunk away behind the scenes, taking the bed
of the stream as his road of retreat. Gabriel, who perceived
his motions, and knew him of old, pursued after him in hot
haste. The Indian, who knew the path better than the pale
face, and who had not endured quite so much fatigue as the
other, was soon out of sight, leaving the crest-fallen Sopusonian without a laurel to carry away of this great victory.
" We are about moving,' said Bertram,  "and were beginning to fear that the cannibals had eaten you up.' Better




A BRIDGE OF GOLD FOR AN ENEMIYS RETREAT.  439
the end of a feast than the beginning of a fight.' You know
the glutton's proverb."
" Yes, sir, but not the maxim that rules you, judging from
the hearty good will with which you encountered that red
rascal. But hark! there is the Dominie and his congregated
troops, on the rear of the Mohawk. Gracious heaven, there
must be hot work there, if guns speak the truth to-day."
"'I am off," said Teunis, "to help the Dominie.  He
helped me and mine, and Martin Schuyler is one of the
captives."
" I will lose an arm in his defence," said Clarence. " Brave
soul that he is, with all his oddity."
"And I am with you," said Gabriel. "Let.the sailor
navigate the ship now. Carry your passengers to port,
Elsie will be your pilot; and let us all meet, if we can settle
this affair, at the Flat Rock, before sundown."
CHAPTER XI.
A BRIDGE OF GOLD FOR AN E]sNEMAY'S RETREAT.
"' A wolf peeping into a hut where a company were -regaling themselves with a joint of
mutton, exclaimed:'0 Lord; what a clamour these men would have raised had they
caught me at such a banquet.' "-3Esop.
THE plan adopted by the Dominie's party had been scrupulously carried out, and at the same time so secretly, that not
a rumor of their approach had reached the camp of the Mohawks. Their reverend leader had two objects in his mind:
Firstly, as he would have said himself, to prevent any communication between the North and the South through
Brandt's aid. It was reported that the lady spy was a young
man in woman's apparel, who had succeeded in making his
escape by the way of the Round Top. Every member of the
Consistory present said " he must be prevented."  "The he
jade," said the roused pastor; " we must skin her this time."
"Aye, aye, minister," said Grant; "skin for skin, as the
Scripture says; and fegs, sir, your name is Skinniman; but
it's no easy putten saut on a mouse's tail."
"WWe must keep the rascal from getting on board the ship:
and secondly, my brethren, deliverance of the captives. If




440               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
we can drive the savages back, well and good after that; let
us try."
There were some who insinuated concerning the officers on
parole, as if they were on a pretended hunt; but the Dominie would not allow a word to be spoken against their honor;
and when any one whispered suspicion of Clarence, the good
man got so angry that all were glad to hold their peace except Mat Van Deusen, who wanted to know more of those
" paper things that had such power."
As to Clarence, who did not appear till the close of the
chase, there was before him a daring course, which he did
not hesitate to pursue. He entered into the circle that morning, resolved to follow the chief robber, and either thwart
him or die. The attention of Clifford was early arrested to the
movements of his mysterious countryman. The experienced
soldierly air of the youth, who held his head up so firmly, and
the manner in which he stepped from stone to turf; put him on
the alert.  Perhaps the features of Clarence might recall an
image discovered by his conscience of late in his dreams:
a face which he was impelled to follow, though it spoke of
vengeance. Once he was upon the point of demanding of
Clarence who he was, and why he followed him, when some
call in the chase diverted him firom his present- aim. When
the hunters made their first stop, the two did not meet in the
bed of the cascade. During the second part of the chase,
Clarence was not so successful in keeping Clifford in view.
That wily sinner had more persons to watch than one.  The
two Indians, Kiskataarn and his foil, had made a sudden turn
around the corner of a rock, and being suspicious of treachery
during these two days past, Clifford followed them at full
speed, coming up to them just in time to take the captive out
of their hands, and to meet his own reward. When Clifford
and Clarence did meet, it was to scowl that fierce frown,
which proud men, whether victors or defeated, send out upon
each other, when 1late burns freely, but which passed over
Clarence's face the moment he saw his sister safely out of the
traitor's hands.
The division under Van Vechten fell back, so as to release
the captives taken off by force from the Vlatts, while that
under Salisbury drew away to the west, so as to intercept the
Mohawk on his retreat.  The moment he perceived the
treachery of Clifford, and found out that liiss Clinton, whom
they had been waiting for so long, was not the daughter of
the rebel Clinton, but of the great soldier, his men were




A BRIDGE OF GOLD FOR AN ENEMY'B RETREAT.  441
ordered to the west through Katrina Montour's country.
The red men, impatient of delay, were already on the road,
and their chief only remainling behind that his mind might be
fully satisfied, when the war-whoop of his tribe was sounded
with the nona-retreat.
Salisbury, who had posted his men on the side of a rising
ground, which looked to the southwest, lay down, quietly
waiting the van of the enemy. The orders were, "cdo not
rise till the party has passed at least half through; then take
him in the flank. Keep your ears open for the word."
The Dominie, who came up to this party, after surveying
their position, insisted that the space before them gave the
Indians too good a chance for keeping clear of the ambuscade, and that they would be discovered before the main
body came forward. "I am for giving the scoundrels a
bridge of gold to retreat by, but not quite so wide as that."
The reverend pastor was right.  Some impatient, undisciplined militia-man gave aloud call to a comrade just as the
Ijldians were turning the angle of the hill, when a pause was
ordered, and a wide sweep taken; skulking among the trees
and by the knolls, Salisbury ordered one volley, but the bullets fell short of the aim. The rest was a scattering fight,
with the exception of a show of battle; but when Brandt himself came up, the skirmish was a mere frolic. The moment
that chief appeared, the blood of the Dominie rose so that
it took all the force of the company to restrain him.
"Let me alone if you will not help. Don't you see the
heathen tiger there, -how he stalks before us, with as much
assurance as Goliath did with his greaves of brass and his
weaver's beam. Let me give him one stone at least, I tell you,
from the back of that tree on the other side of the valley. I
may bring him down and revenge the country for the blood
he has shed at Cherry Valley and WVyomning.'9
Y'Yes, but Dominie, he will send that tomahawk of his
through your skull before you load again; and you are too
heavy to run fast."  This was said by the captain, with a
sly wink to the rest.
" Stop there, you bloody pagan, till I get one shot at you,"
shouted out the earnest man; and with that he let fly, but
his mark had a tree between him and the muzzle before the
trigger was drawn. Well was it for him, for the aroused
minister was a good shot, and the ball sank into the trunk of
the tree.  Brandt, to show that he did not despise the black
coat and cocked hat, came out suddenly and returned the.
19'




442               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
fire, so that the bullet whizzed over the mark, but without
injury.
" Come out from  that, you skulking red-skinned murderer," the Dominie roared out.at the full pitch of his voice,
" and let me have as good a chance, and see if you ever
reach the Mlohawk flats again."
By this time the Indians had succeeded in finding their
way by the bed of the stream  that runs by the foot of the
hill, and it would have been folly to follow, more especially
as all the prisoners, with the exception of Elder Abiel and
his son, had been recaptured by the reserve under the command of Grant. That eccentric mortal, on the watch for a
chance to distinguish himself, came upon the enemy's rear at
the time of the surprise produced by the sudden appearance
of Salisbury, and carried off Martin Schuyler, with others, in
triumph. The guard set over the captives were some of
their disguised neighbors, who, justly dreading the wrath
which would come on them, now that their cause was lost
ran in double quick time away fiom vengeance.
" Tak care o' thae puir captives there," Grant roared out,
"a deel's dozen o' you; let the rest o' you follow me after
thae fause guissards, deceitful loons that they are. Were I
but within ten yards o' them, if I would na pepper their
doups for them —' Dredge their d rodem,' as mly granny,
honest woman, used to say."
All this time the big brawny fellow.was running at the
head of his party, uttering all kinds of speeches against the
heads and hearts of the renegades before him, till he got as
near to some of them as was safe for himself, he being actually alone, when there were half a dozen of the terrified false
faces turned upon him in desperation. For the time he forgot that a meain fox, when eartled in his hole, will snarl and
bite the largest mastiff. One figure, who turned out to be
the town tailor, wheeling round in terror, plunged a knife into
the fleshy part of the Scotchman's arm, and nearly succeeded
in giving Grant his last lesson.
"You miserable neer-do-weel," said Grant, "is that the
wasy you meet your neebors in the woods that have come
sae far, and at sic expense, to see you?"
So taking the frightened artist by the nape of the neck
and the seat of his breeches, he shook him with a force
which made his teeth chatter and his eyes to start out of
their sockets.
"Tak that, you limpin limb o' hungry humanity, and see




A BRIDGE OF GOLD FOR AN ENEMY'S RETREAT.  443
if you can learn to behave yoursel at hame instead of here,
shewen your campsie grey claith."  And with that he
renewed the shake, till the tailor, in an ague fit of horror that
made every hair stand on end, screamed out:
"M ercy, mercy, Hughie Grant; let me go, and I'll be as
true a Whig as ever breathed, all my life long.o"
"Mercy, indeed," said the other, "after you've tried to
put that whittle up to the heft in my brisket bane. You see
by that bluid rinnin there what your bodkin has done, you
Iause loon. I'll tear the garment aff you, as Ahijah did the
son o' Jeroboain, and send you hame to clip the tails aff
lice."
And with that he put his great fingers up to the throat of
the tailor, stripping him from head to heel of all his Indian
garb, then taking whatever steel was in the dress, he left him
to buckle on what was left of it, while he ran in search of
other renegades.
But it was every man for himself there on that day. The
place was favorable for hiding, and the few that were caught'were punished on the spot, if worth punishment, or suffered
to run out of the way, lest they should know them and be
obliged to notice who they were. Some followed in the trail
of Brandt, afraid to return.
On Grant's going back to his party, he met the Elder
Abiel, together with his son, walking westward at full speed,
as if retreating. The Scotchman, confounded at the sight,
came up to them, saying, in his broadest style of speech:
"'V Whare the warl are you gaun noo, rIm. Abiel?  One
might think you had got eneuch o' the hill, by this time, to
mlak' you turn your face the ither way."
"I am running after Brandt," said the old man, sorrowfully. " I am afraid I shall not get up to him. David, here,
will follow me, though he is not obliged to go. See if you
can get him to return back with you. We can be both ill
spared from home in these times."
"What does this mean?" the Scotchman cried out,
scarcely comprehending what he heard. " Are you gaen fey?
Tell me, Dauvit, for you seem to have some sense left."
Abiel's son, to whom this appeal was made, said, in a
grouty way, that the whole company had had the chance of
escaping that morning, had it not been for his father.
C "When I awakened," said he, " the M3ohawks were asleep
every man of them, their arms all stacked against a tree. I
whispered, now is our time, when dad just raised his head,




444              THE DUT'CH DOMINIE.
looking round, and, as he lay down, said he would not do
that for all King George's dominions. Some nice freak of
what he calls honor. For all that, where he goes I go,
though it should be to the gallows.'"
"David," said the Elder, "do not speak in that way, else
I will command you to return. Here is the Dominie coming,
I will leave it to him.":
That earnest leader of the Camp of Israel had, after his
own personal combat with the big Aiohawk, all but forced
Salisbury and his party back from  pursuing the enemy.
Though his own blood was so hot that he was ready to meet
Brandt, or anything else on the open field, he was too cautious
a man not to see the folly and the danger of attempting to intercept or pursue an Indian army, under such a leader, far
into the wilds. For with all this prudence, he had no small
idea of his own knowledge of military affairs, derived froom
an extensive reading in ancient and modern history, which he
was apt to quote a little too freely, and in the circumntances~of the times-laughably.
He was laying down the laws of war to Salisbury in his
loudest tones, with his usually violent gestures; the latter
impatiently listening to what he thought he knew better than
the reverend soldier. As they both came along side by side,
they were seen by the others who were waiting for them.
The Dominie, in no hurry now, riding as he was, a favorite
hobby, came on striding over the narrow bridle path-for he
was what jockeys call, a wide traveller-stopping every tenth
step, putting his broad body in the irritated captain's way,
who had been roblbed of a share in the laurels won.
"' You see, Billy, you were nearly cauglit in the woods like
Absalom: you and your men would have been cats' meat to
these savages. You see, Billy, when the Trojans and the
Greeks fought with each other, the one had the goddess of
wisdom, Minerva, on their side, and the other, Mars. Had I
gone with you, then it'would have had these two, and we
might, with God's help, as I always write on all my prescriptions, have prevailed. But, Billy, I could not do anything
without your arm; nor could you do without my counsel."
"G That may all be true, Dominie," said the person lectured;
" but when a man is taunted with cowardice, he is willing to
throw all on the chance of proving his courage."
"Poh! is it there where the pain lies? You are no coward
man, if that will please you; and that you have not had Ulysses by your side, is not your fault. You are Hector himseL




A BRIDGE OF GOLD FOR AN ENEMY S RETREAT.  445
only had you but chosen that narrow passage on this side
of where you planted your men, you could have riddled those
red skins, so that they would have fhllen like the soldiers of
Xerxes at the straits of Thermopylh; and we wvould have
hailed you like another Leonidas this day, bearing you back
on our shields in triumph. That would have been something
to be proud of. But what have we here?  My own honest
brother, Elder Abiel, once more free! God be praised, that
our war has not been in vain. We shall have a day of thanksgiving for this blessing, were it for nothing else.:My right
arm is restored to me.)
" Nae sae fast, minister," said Grant; " the Elder says that
he is on his way to Neaugra.  He's neither to haud nor
to bind, willy illy."
"What is the meaning of this?" was the really anxious
inquiry of the Dominie, who feared that the mind of his
friend had suffered in his captivity. " Surely you cannot be
so taken up with a heathen's company, that you should prefer
it to the fellowship of the saints."
The Elder only shook his head, for his heart was full.
David, his son, took it up by saying that his "father had
taken it into his head, that he was bound in honor to Brandt,
for some kindness he had shown to him, and he was now on
the road to offer himself up."
"Let us hear," was the alarmed Dominie's words, " what
is that point of honor that makes you so sensitive; for it must
be very clear and strong before I will consent to such a loss
as Garret Abiel. Our labor and our blood must not be thrown
away in vain."
Grant, who had been impatiently waiting for a chance to
put in a word, hastened here to say, " that's true, minister; I
am for carrying the Elder back. We are strong enough, a' hands
of us, and though we read in the second book of Samuel,
the twentieth chapter, and the aughteenth verse, if I'm na
mistaen, that they were wont to speak ii old times, saying'they will surely ask counsel of Abel,' and so they ended the
matter; I'm thinkin' it was na this Elder Abiel, for they were
not sae foolish as to put themsels into the hands of the Philistines."
The Dominie who stood perfectly confounded at the position of the Elder's affairs, looked Grant in the face all the
time he spoke, seemingly thinking on something else, and
not conscious of anything that was said by the Scot, at the




446               THE DUTCH DOMIINIE.
close drew a long breath, repeating his own wordls, " all our
labor in vain, and what a loss!"
" Yes, minister, I've just been reflecten," said Grant, " that
this wee fecht o' ours is waur to us than the battle o' the
Shirra muir was; whare a neebur o' my toon lost his faither
and his mither, and a gude braid swourd that was worth
them baith. What think you o' that?"
The good man smiled. In other circumstances he would
have laughed aloud; but turning to the Elder, he desired a
full account of his pledge given to the MIohawk; which when
he heard, he sighed and said:
"I am sorry; and I am rejoiced. We must part for the
present. Such honor is not seen but in the true-hearted; and
God shall reward it. Proud am I this day. Your example
will weigh heavier than the hills; and what is best of all, our
good Dutch Church is represented in you this day, and the
fame thereof will go far among the Gentiles even unto the
ends of the earth."
The Elder here held out his hand firmly, which the Dominie grasped, taking off his hat as all did, feeling that an act
of devotion was to follow; for the good pastor poured out
a most fervent prayer, ending with the apostolic benediction
in Dutch: -9e genacle onzes Ilee-ren Jesus Christus zij met
uwen geest! Amen."
"_ Now, David, see that you watch over your old father;
and watch every chance for escape. Don't fobrget your catechism, and the canons. There is a copy for you; have it all
on your tongue's end, when you come back; and you can
read the marriage service now and then, and I'll join Susy
Miyers and you together. Keep up a good spirit."
" Oh, yes," said Grant, who was always ready, "a stoot
heart to a stay brae; faint heart never gained fair lady."
The two companions parted here, the Abiels with a white
handkerchief on the top of a, pole as a flag of truce in case
of accidents on the way to the camp of the Indians, and the
Dominie to the Flat Rock, where all were gathering preparatory to their descent down the mountain side. Already the
chief persons were assembled, and waiting the decision of
some controlling powerl. Bertrain and Clarence, agreeably
to their intentions at the outset of their adventure, had
with the assistance of Gabriel kindled three fires, south of
the pine orchard, as the signal of success to the ship that
lay along the shore waiting. Just at the moment when the




'A BRIDGE OF GOLD FOR AN ENEMY S ]RETREAT.  447
Dominie had reached the verge of the cliff and looked toward the moon there came forth the reverberations of cannon thrice repeated, as answers to the flame that rose from
their fires. Then came up as many Roman candles burning
clear, and shooting out sparks brilliant as star dust. These
attracted the different classes to whom the sight of fireworks
was a new thing.
By and by, when all supposed these rejoicings over for the
time, lights of different colors were seen to spread from
prow to stern of the ship, till she seemed to stand- out upon
the darkened sky, a fiery image of some terrible being,
ready to mount on wings. They who were ignorant of how
all that was produced stood in amazement, not unmixed with
terror. The name of that vessel was one that created fear
all along the river; and recent occurrences had not served
to allay these fears. The Clintons, however, saw in that
brilliant object, the signal of joyful enthusiasm in which the,
whole ship's crew united as one man.
"I can hear," said Bertram, "their hearty cheers; I am
sure of it.  The voices of four hundred men can be heard
that short distance. There again."
"You imagine, Cousin Bertram," was Clarence's cooler
word. " You may as well say that you see them; but by
George I do see them crowding the deck. There, take the
glass and see for yourself."
" I see no men," said the sailor, who looked with a seaman's eye; " but there, I see our initials hung out in flauming characters, B. M. C."'
Thie other companies viewed the illuminated vessel with
different feelings, and it would not serve any good purpose
to record these in detail. The Dominie was impatient to
be gone, as the next day was the Sabbath, and he must be
at his post. As many as chose to encamp for the night, had
the opportunity, as the booths erected by Brandt's army
still stood, and the -embers still smoldered on the fire-places,
where they had been burning during the week.'B But for my part," said the stout-hearted minister, "I
would rather be in my own roost beside my careful hen,
than lie here under the stars high above my head, where the
hawk and the eagle have their nest so near me. Let poets
say what they please of such sublimities."
Grant as usual put his word in, saying: "Ane might suppose when they hear you preach, that the higher up and




448               THE DUTCH DOMMIE.
the nearer to that terrible crystal, the better for the health
o' the spirit. That's to say when you get into your taundrums."
"All true, Grant, and proper enough to be said at the
right time, but I hope," and here the good man's voice
quivered a little, " I hope I may die in my nest; I have no
fwish just at this mnoment to mount to heaven from this footstool.  You captains must lead the men home according to
your best wisdom. I shall leave my nag here for the use of
the young lady; I can get one at the bottom of the hill
fiom Hanshee Goetchius."
WVith this the Dominie left. Tom had been sent away an
hour before with orders to go straight to the parsonage, so
that all might be in readiness there for strangers. Another
messenger had been sent secretly to the ship so that nothing
remained but to finish what had so far made such good.
progress.
" Where did you leave your master, you cowardly scoundrel," was the first salutation of the anxious Yfvrow, " that
you have come skulking home like a fox that has lost its tail
in a trap?"
" Leab massa!" was Tom's astonished answer.  "Me
neber leab massa; hiam leab Tom shooting de big Indian and
King Cuffee. He! he! he!"
Whether it was Tom or the Dominie that shot Brandt,
she could not make out to this day; but this did not prevent
her ordering a couple of sheep, and fowls in proportion, to
be killed, so that she might be prepared for a company,
"like another Abigail," as Grant said.
CHAPTER  XII.
TEARS  AND  SMATILES.'The joy of grief."
OSSIAN.
TowARDs midnight, under the guidance of Teunis, the
whole party found their way to the parsonage. On the road,
old Martin, in the gratitude of his, heart, yielded to the plea




TEARS AND SMILES.                449
of the Tory's son; and Elsie, in the warmth of her long-cherished affection, consented to be a bride on the next day. " It
would," she said, "make Miss Clinton so happy before they
parted."
Agreeably to the command of the Dominie, the two maidens were put under the charge of the'Yfvrow, who, with
true maternal prudence, merely kissed them both, bidding
them good-night in the sleeping chamber to which she conveyed them. Their sleep was that of youth and health, after
undergoing perils on the heights, perils in depths, and perils
in the wilderness.  Weary and overcome with their exertion
of bodv and of mind, they had sunk into a deep. slumber,
which continued till the sun was far up in the heavens. Margaret dreamed all night of the dangers and of the deliverances
of the past week: the one class of images mingling so with
the other, it would have been difficult to have disentwined
them. A prominent figure in the foreground was an eagle
that grew in her sight large as a ship; its wings spreading out
till, they became sails, by which the vessel moved fleetly on
the waves, as she had seen a sea-gull playing in a storm. On
the head of the glorious creature was a brilliant jewel
that glowed like a crown of bright flame. All round the
points of the wings were lamps that hung like lambent fringes,
and were so soft, that though she had taken a seat between
these wings, the fire did not scorch her in the least, as the
eagle sailed down the broad river, with Bertram on one
side and Clarence on the other; guiding their ship as they
might a chariot of fire on the land, which went as she willed.
It was sometimes land, and then water. All at once the vessel, winged as it was, hung over the gulf below the Falls,
where they had found refuge. The spars seemed so fine, and
the hull so transparent, that the appearance was more magical
than real.  The ropes were threads of yellow light, and the
waving ensign, a sheet of red flame, as the ground, on which
were intermingled the lion of England among united stars.
At that instant, in her sleep, she heard a cry, and saw her
cruel enemy near her on the height above.  Here she leaped
into the airy ship, and sailed away above the clouds, when
the joyful sailors fired off their artillery, giving out cheers of
gladness and continued huzzas.
At this moment the enraptured maiden awoke; noT was it
all a dream. Some of the youthful crew outside, noisy in their
mirth, Sabbath though it was, were celebrating the events
which gave the. elder portion of the population such pleasure.




450               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
They had succeeded in firing off a small canon, which of
itself was a great feat, and worthy of their vocal music. The
two young women, recovering their scattered senses, looked
in each other's faces and smiled. Margaret calmly kissed
her friend, as tears filled the eyes of both —tears of gratitude
to God and of love for one another.
"We are here and safe," said Elsie; "let us thank
the Great Deliverer, and be ready for whatever else may
come."
"And next to him who has delivered me, I owe all to my
dear Elsie, who took her life in her hand for me, a stranger,
and the daughter of one who is the" -
" Say no more of that, Miss Clinton; there is a Providence
which overrules all these events; and now that they are
transpired, I would not have them in a different form than
they are at this moment, though it may sound strange to
you.1"
" Some good thing is about to happen then'to my own
Elsie."
"Yes, Miss Clinton, Teunnis will be mine. An event I
never expected to see; my father is reconciled to him, and I
am as happy as a young maiden can be. All has come out of
your captivity, so that I am as much released as you can be."
Here Elsie hid her face on Margaret's bosom.
"' That is your owa good heart speaking that has cheered
me so long: for it seems so long since we became known to
each other, that it sounds strange to me to hear my brother'
say we must be at the ship to-morrow."
"Yes," said the thoughtful Elsie; "you return to your
home, and I remain at mine; and our experience of trouble
will not be lost, if we both fill our places the better that we
have been at school up among the mountains. But, hark,
there is the horn of warning to rise. There is more to be
done this day than you have dreamed of; nor could you guess
though you were to try all day."
The countenance of Elsie, while it retained its usual quiet
soberness, was more cheerful than it had been for some time;
showing that pleasant thoughts were passing over the zenith
of her heaven; and yet there was no levity nor trifling in her
demeanor. Her conversation was as lively-more lively than
ever, but intermixed with sage maxims which she had
heard and stored up in the past; and while the experience
of the high-bred English maiden was gained in a fam' different school, yet the results to both at this. hour were not




TEARS AND SMILES.                451
unlike; showing that virtue is eternal and unchangeable; impressed upon the soul within, and not upon the body
without.
" But," continued Elsie, " you must not suppose that my
heart is any lighter, though I smile in youir face this morning: like the keystone of an arch, I am firmer and stronger
the heavier my responsibilities are becoming! Ha! but here
is something that will interest us."
With these words the country girl drew out into the middle of the floor a strong hairy trunk, studded with brass
nails, and bound with iron, such as English travellers take
with them to foreign countries. nMargaret soon expressed
her surprise; for it was. the very chest which she herself had
carefully packed with what she intended to wear on this
journey to Ulster.  Her wonderment was how it could possibly be on that floor, when she left.it last Sabbath morning
in her little cabin. Had she been told by her old Scotch
nurse that some kind fairy had brought it hither, she was
likely to have believed her. The truth must be told here.
Bertram had secretly made a journey to the ship during the
night; and this among other matters was a result of his interview with his uncle and aunt. The day was to be spent in
this inland village, where in gratitude to the good mall who
had aided them so efficiently, and in pure friendship for Elsie,
IMiss Clinton was to be allowed to remain. The dresses
which the chest contained were sent, so that she might appear worthy of her name and place in society. Other galments lay there folded, which were intended for the daughter of Martin Schuyler, who, as the relative of the noble man
at Albany, felt as dignified as a queen, and must be arrayed
that day " in as handsome a manner as becomes her standing.1" So the proud'Yfvrow said to her careful spouse before she went to bed that night.
The two damsels were soon into the mysteries of dressing.
Elsie had worn the gown she had on, the night she left
Hoogenhuisen, and  3Iargaret had not thought after being
caught in her parti-colored blanket, of changing it for
another. Once afterward at a masquerade in Fortheringame
Castle, England, did she appear as an Indian Queen. The
blanket was kept among the choicest treasures of her gay
wardrobe.
At the breakfast table both the visitors were welcomed
by their host and hostess; the lady giving them the
warm embrace of a mother, while the Dominie with dignity




452              TEIE DUTCH DOMINIE.
and paternal voice bade them welcome, handing them at the
same time to chairs by his side.
TMargaret felt the blood tingling through her veins as she
sat down reflecting that she was now in the presence of theman whom she had learned to respect, by what she had
heard of him. With all her experience of the world and of
different companies, she was not without anxiety as to the
result of this interview with one whose sentiments she knew
must be of a high order. Forethought was unnecessary here,
as all was done in decency and order.
" You have at least been fortunate in one thing, my lady:
in your late excursion in seeing our mountain at this season,
for it is the only object of interest we have to show a
stranger. We think it beyond all other hills."
"' I have been unfortunate, my dear sir, in not being in a fit
frame to enjoy it, as I would have done had fear not prevailed over my admiration; still I shall take impressions with
me so deep that they never can be worn out."
" Yes, my lady, in misfortune we receive such impressions.
Had you sailed over the highest peak in one of those newly
invented air boats,'that the French are trying, your voyage
would be sooner forgotten, than if you walked every step up
to High Peak."
" So moralists say,"was Margaret's reply. " Still a balloon
would have been welcomed yesterday morning, and could I
have made one I would have ventured in it."
" And fallen, lady, down the precipices where your crushed
body would have been lying now. God's ways are not our
ways, neither are his thoughts our thoughts, for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are his ways above all those
inventions that human wisdom would try..))
At this point Tom put down the large clasped book on
the table, while at his heels there came in the whole household of this holy patriarch, taking their seats according to
their rank. The ninety-second psalm was read, followed by
a brief exposition and a prayer, solemn, earnest and direct.
The household, the country and the church, were all remembered. What chiefly affected Margaret was the touching reference made to herself; showing that he who spoke for
them, knew all about her and felt for her as a kind father
does for a wandering child. As he rose in fervor he became
more pointed and his voice quivered as he supplicated, " Divine compassion on the head of her, who had been chased
like a young roe, among the hills, and who had been followed




TEARS AND SMILES.                453
after by a love strong as death. Now, O Lord! may her
eyes this day see Him who is fairer than the children of
men, who standeth behind our wall; who looketh at the windows, showing himself through the lattice, saying, G rise up
my love, my fair one and come away. For lo the winter is
past, the rain is over and gone: the flowers appear on the
earth, the time of singing of birds is come ancl the voice of
the turtle is heard in the land. Let this daughter of the
stranger, comely and delicate, be surrounded by the shepherds and.their flocks iii token of hero future peace; even as
the young lions have roared upon her yesterday; then shall
she be like the young roe upon the mountain of spices."
At the close of this prayer, made eloquent by the occasion
and the words of inspired devotion, every eye was suffused in
tears. The g.ood man himself went to look out at the window, and blew  his nose with a blast that would have
wakened a sleeping Samsom, in his cradle, but which was
not observed at this time, by any one, as they were too
much engaged like himself in hiding their feelings. Just at
that instant a drum was beat loud and furious, and with
something of an attempt at music which made liargaret
start up to her feet in some alarm. The Dominie smiled as
he said:
"Lady, I thought a soldier's daughter would not fear the
sound that calls to battle; but that is the warning of peace,
not of war. We have not got a bell yet, such as they have
in London and Amsterdam, so we take what we have, and
we never want. The drum does for both armies; the soldiers
of the cross and the defenders of the state. But here comes
the'Yfvrow with the call for breakfast."
They sat down to a breakfast similar to that of which Clarence partook; only ladies being present now, and one of
reputed high rank, the mistress of the house was ambitious
to do her best. Indeed, if there was any fault to be found; it
was the over-attention she bestowed on her chief guest;
which led her, sometimes, sharply to remind her spouse of his
duty and of even his behavior at table. There was great
abundance, too much-and it lay on as white a linen cloth
as ever was, spread. The dishes were of the finest china, and
the urn of silver; with corresponding plate of the heaviest
kind. Proud enough was the dignified housewife, when she
saw Margaret glancing quietly down into the saucer, at figures there drawn, and then holding up the tiny cup in her
delicate hand, admiring its shape and transparency.




454               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
"Take another cup, Miss Clinton, of the Bohea. It came
directly from China, in my uncle's ship, just ten years since.
My uncle was a great skipper in his day, and died very
TWEALTHY."
A heavy emphasis was laid on the word, and she rose in
her chair a few inches, though that was hardly needed, for
she would have' matched the Duchess of Walkinghame in
size, in dignity, and even in ease of manners, as Margaret
declared afterward.
" So you do drink tlte taxed tea after all,'Yfvrow," said
the Dominie, with a sly look to that end of the table.
" It is none of your affairs, Dominie Schuneman," retorted
his wife, good-naturedly. "We can keep our secrets as well
as the best Whig in the country, though we be not officered
by Dominies that scour the hills and woods shooting Indians,
and standing to be shot at like tied turkeys on a Christmas
day."
This little byplay was a quiet hit at the careless husband's
exposing himself to the fire of the Mohabwk chief, of which
she had heard, though he was keeping the whole a secret.
He did not feel any sting in the arrow shot, so smiling in
self-complacency, he rose, saying
"Elsie, my lameshie, you will be ready when I call you,
and do not tremble at the sound of your own name."
"I may tremble, Dominie, but be short, for you know
that we have had hard work to go through these few days
past."
"True, Elsie, lass," continued the pastor, "but the form
must be gone through religiously. The dochter of Martin
Schuyler must be an example to others."
At the appointed time, Bertram and Teunis Roe came to
the parsonage for the young ladies, who were dressed, and
waited upon one another with sisterly affection. The occasion, and the day, had brought the minds of all into delightful harmony and sober cheerfulness.
The Dominie, who went out after breakfast, did not return
for an hour, when he seemed a little flustered, which arrested
the eye of his careful wife, who immediately put the question:
"What has happened now?"
"Oh, nothing but that imp of Satanus and his belly
tongue. I believe he will make all my folks seek unto
familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep and mutter."
"Do you mean Unga?" said the quick-witted woman.




TEARS AND SMILES.               455
"Dominie, like priest like people. What wizard was seen
yesternight?"
The Dominie left her, looking at her with a warning eye.
After a little while he came out, ready to enter the sacred
place: his cocked hat on, with his Geneva bands hanging
low on his breast; except these, not a spot of white upon
him. Over all was his ample cloak, made of thick worsted
stuff, imported from -HIolland, and sold by Abram Van Est,
at Coenties Slip, Manhattan, now New York.
The'Yfvrow, who was herself superbly dressed, made her
spouse turn round till she examined him thrice over, continuing her critical investigations till he grew out of patience, and broke away from her hands in assumed fury.
" Nay, nay, Dominie, you must allow me to straighten
out that wrinkle in your coat-tail, careless man that you are.
Can you not lift it aside when you sit down?  It is the'Yfiow will get all the blame. Dame Brinkeroff will say,
"'Did you see the Dominie's hands? They were as yellow as a duck's foot.'
~'  Yaw, yaw,' Mammy Demond will squeal out;'and his
wig was mairs like tow on my rock than good hair.'"
"Never mind the clashing jades," said the well pleased
and happy Dominie. " I'll have them all before the Consistory for their slander. You're the best wife in the colony."
And with that he stole a kiss, as if in perfect exuberance of
pleasure.
~ "Fie, fie, Dominie! and before ladies, too," said the no
less happy wife, " and we going to the kerke. If old Mat
Van Deusen hears of this there will be some noise."
With that all marched out to the church. The Dominie,
as of right, led the way, having Miss Clinton on his arm.




456               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
CHAPTER XIII.
THE IMMS O R TAL SOUL.
"Pure religion, and undefiled before God and the Father."
ST. JAMES.
"I'm not in sportive humor.now; tell me, and daily not."
SHAKSPEARE.
IT was one of those beautiful sabbath mornings, which
occur at the close of the fall of the year, that resemble the
face of a devout matron, just before the winter of her life
commences; who, still conscious of the happy life she has
passed, surroundedby her children, who revel in the fruits
she has gathered for them, looks with devout gratitude to
God, as sensible also of worldly delight. The sunshine of
youth not only lingered round the hills, but rested richly on
the valley. The people were evidently at rest in their minds,
and as the clear cock-crow wakened the echoes, voices of
praise were prolonged so sweetly that they reverberated
from stream and knoll, till all sounded in blessed unison.
After the stirring events of the past week, a large congregation were assembling.  The majority came for worship,
but many to obtain the news of how the good cause was
prospering.' Where every one contributed his part, each
carried away a full account, to be told over at home, to those
Who could not come to the common gathering place.
The strangers present, guests of the Dominie, sat in his
large square pew, along with the'Yfvrow and her little flock.
As they looked up to the desk, and saw the pastor in his
full Geneva cloak and bands, admiration filled their minds.
Spreading out his hands, he said:
"The Lord bless you, and keep you; the Lord make his
face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you.  The Lord
lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace: Amen."'
He read the commandments in a slow, solemn voice; varying his tone as he went through each, so that the ear of his
auditors mig'ht receive the separate precept by itself; and
ponder upon it with prayer, and in meekness.
Here he sat down, when the clerk, who was placed in a
smaller pulpit below the high desk, rose and gave out a




THE IMMORTAL SOUL.              457
psalm, which he led in a tone between singing and chanting.
Horridly grating to refined ears; but the people were pleased
and paid to Zach Goetchius twenty shillings, and ten cheepens
of corn for serving as Presentor. Zach also read the lessons
from Scripture. The prayers were in part from a liturgy in
the Dutch language, and in part extemporaneous English;
which the transient worshippers supposed was in deference to
them, as well as for their edification.
The same might have been said of the sermon. It was intended by the preacher, when he began, to be in English, but
as he grew warm, he branched off into the vernacular tongue.
This more especially when he wished to give something very
terse or hitting, or which might be disagreeable to his new
auditors; for he wished them to carry away a good impression.
His side strokes were the spiciest. Bertram, who had been
in Holland, gave these afterward to his friends. He, moreover, declared that the style of speech was as pure as the
doctors of Leyden used.
The text which was pronounced in a clear deliberate voice,
had thee effect of quickening the ears of the assembly, who
leaned forward to catch every word; and from the stillness
which succeeded the announcement, as well as the curiosity
on their countenances, they seemaed to say, "What can the
Dominie have to say from that?"
"I knew a man in Christ, above fourteen years agowhether in the body I cannot tell; or whether out of the
body I cannot tell; God knoweth-such an one caught up to
the third heaven.and heard unspeakable
words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter."
He began, "I knew a man yesterday who was up on the
mountain, and as near to the third heaven as any man in this
region can be; and from Paul's experience, and that of this
other man, we deduce the sound doctrine that the GREAT
SPIRIT COMMUNICATES WITH THE SOUL OF HIS CREATURES,
THROUGH NATURE AND GRACE; AND CONSEQUENTLY YOU
HAVE SPIRITUAL AND IMMORTAL SOULS, AS WELL AS YOU HAVE
DECAYING BODIES.
"Keep that doctrine before your view, all through; for
though I will say a vast deal before I be done, it is all on this
foundation."
At this point the preacher went minutely into the history
and the meaning of his text; telling his hearers that it was a
page taken out of the private journal of Paul's autobiography:
"We could wish he had left more of the same kind; but we
20




458               THE DUTCH DOoMNIE.
shall see the other parts when we get to heaven.  It would
seem that fourteen years before this time, and twelve years
after he met the Lord by the way to Damascus, when the
Apostle was in the prime of life, and after having had large
experience of holy visions, he had this one, that transcended
them all in matchless glory; and which even he, great as he
was in the use of words, could not express."'
" Others as well as Paul have had visions. There was Ezekiel, who was caught away from the banks of Chebar by a
lock of his hair, and placed at the door of the temple of Jerusalem: there again was the Exile of Patmos; and with humility be it spoken, there was I myself on the mountain,
when I felt like one transported out of the body, as I looked
out upon the river, the woods, the fields, and the mountains
far off on all sides; so that though I have come to declare
my feelings before you, I find them to be unspeakable; at this
moment I am sincerely sorry that I have chosen this subject.
O Divine Spirit! thou who taught Paul to speak right words,
indite for thy feeble servant, and make his tongue like the
pen of a ready writer."
At the close of this introduction he paused, blowing his
nose, looking round, at the same time, to see that all were
in their places and quiet, and'then in a formal, pointed, and
emphatic manner, gave out his first point:
" God communicates with the human soul above nature,
and in an inconceivable way."
There followed this annunciation of his main point, a long
rambling talk, in which it was plainly seen to the initiated
in extempore speaking, that he was struggling through the
mist.
" I am not," said he, "a Paul, mind you; I am not supernaturally endowed. But, after all, Paul was human, and he
could have sympathized with me up there, as I am humbly
sure I could have felt with him further up. He had a sense
of the beautifully divine, as I have now of the divinely
beautiful. Such a speechless delight is in us all. We feel
more than we can comprehend; we understand more than
we can tell. When I was up on the side of the mountain, I
could not help looking down on the different men whom I
knew dwelt here below. I said, there is one, and he never
sees anything beyond his line fence. When he looks out on
the stream that runs through his farm, he wishes it were a mill
stream; another is always calculating on the loads of hay he
will cut from that meadow; one more sees a flock of shee




TIE IMMORTAL SOUL.               459
and it is of the wool and the mutton he is thinkiug. These men
are but a little way removed above the brutes they feed. If
I had them up here I would say,' Were God to give me the
power, brother Paulus, brother Johannus, brother Jacobus,
brother Petrus, receive thy sight, and be filled with the
Holy Geest.' And I am sure that I would enjoy the surprise which all of these brothers would show  when the
scales, made of milledoleors, of wheat, of flesh, and of blacks,
would fall firoom theiy eyes: and the glorious kiverlid would
be spread out, and their eyes made clear enough to see it,
with all its colors and patches of wood-with its border of
blue sky, and its centre of meadow-landl, through which the
silken stream runs so pure that it reminds one of the stream
that maketh glad the city of the Lord after a storm has
shaken the earth.
"Brethren," said the good man, now  becoming more
earnest, "your eyes must be unsealed if you would see with
the spirit, and see with the understanding also. You could
not penetrate the thick mist of a fall morning, but you could
believe that snugly resting under it there are happy homes,
and that above it there is clear sunshine. Roll away the
cloud, and all is beautiful and sublime. The beauty was there
all the time. So the spirit of faith can see the throne of God,
and the dwellings of the blessed, unchangeably the same in
their everlasting radiance.
" Some of you cannot understand these things. How can
you, having never seen them?  You are blinded by your
milledoleors, and your grain, and your blacks. But shall my
horse Dick, that was up there with me, and looked out snuf
fing at the fresh grass below, say that there was nothing down
there but grass, when your dog Watch wags his tail at the
sight of a hare? Or shall horse and dog say there is nothing
more than they see, when Paulus and the rest see the fine
farms in the Bught?  And how dare Jacobus and his
friends, who see nothing but farm-land, presume to say that
the gentleman sitting there in my pew did not see beauties
beneath. all these visible things? And, finally, shall the gentleman in my pew deny but I had a more penetrating view
of God below these fancied things, which made him leap with
rapture?  I am sure, after these things, you will allow that
St. Paul, even in the body, might hear sounds unspeakable
in the third heavens."
Here the venerable pastor paused, wiping his face with his
Indian bandana, of which he was a little vain, as one might




460               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
judge from the manner in which he spread it out, lifting it
softly in his big hand before he pushed it down into his
big pocket. By that time he was into the mysteries of
thought, and was launching out into the scriptural doctrine
of divine communications with the soul out of the body.
He quoted liberally from Scripture, placing himself on safe
ground.
"But, my brethren, do we not see, and feel, and guess at
things, after seeing a great sight like what I saw, even when
we cannot put the ends together? Fwe'nt out in my body
over a bridge that hung across the gulf, till I could not move
another step; and then I looked down till my eyes dazzled,
and then my spirit crossed still beyond, till even my spirit
sank, having no ground to stand upon. Who shall hold me
up? There must be an arch broken. Where is the power
to rebuild it? My imagination is away off —my dreams show
me a country I am afraid to enter when I am awake. I am,
while in my study, sometimes eager to see my Maker. I cry,
Oh, that I knew where I might find him. Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him. Why is all this?  I am a sinner; but there may
be in me some fragments of a broken sense, which, like
the pieces of the'Yfvrow's looking-glass that Betty let fall,
still showed bits of her black face. Like some great men
I have read of, she tried to join the parts, but after she
had d(lone her best, it was a fractured mirror, reflecting only
glimpses of light.  Who shall mend this broken spiritual glass? That glass of the'Yfvrow must be melted over
and renewed. God can renew the spirit of the mind. He
can build up the broken arch, over which the spirit can pass
safe and sound, so that the eye, not satisfied with seeing,
nor the ear with hearing, may behold the face of the NIaker,
and the man become fit to hold fellowship with Him. Oh,
ye men, put the milledoleors from off your eyes, your houses
and your lands, your orchards and your cider-presses, with
all: and ye vrows must get your spiritual looking-glasses
mended, and made bright as your silver, else you will never
see on the other side of' your milk-pans."
The faithful pastor found it necessary to make these
familiar illustrations of a very abstract subject, and it was
doubtful even then if he made it plain to the limited understanding of his regular hearers. But on this occasion he
knew that he had some of the elite before him, and he was
not unwilling to show them that he had learned something




THE IMMORTAL SOUL.              461
at Leyden. Still, some of the old women there could not
help saying, with admiration, "' What a wonderful man our
Dominie is!"
He went on: "' You know, brethren, there is a difference in
tastes; there is Tim has a taste for good eating, and there is
Egbert has a taste for a fine book, and there is Wilhelmus has
a taste for praying. ~When they told me that the cloud
at Pine Orchard showed the faces and the figures of those
who looked into it, I could not help thinking how differently
these three men would come from seeing it. The glutton
would start like a beast away from it and feed the next hour;
the man of mind would be fobr giving reasons from the nature
of things; but the good man and the true, would look
through all, and see that hand which turned the wheel behind. What of the three men-the glutton, the thinker and
the praying'soul? The first man is but an animal, the second
is a reasonable creature, but the last is a spiritual being allied to the Great Spirit.
To me, men and brethren, those sights and sounds are foretastes of the heavenly and of the divine. They are full of
meaning, eye hath not seen it, neither hath ear heard it.
It is not possible to utter it. They are unlike any other
blessedness here in this world. Yet they are not beyond
human experience as Paul testifies, as I can testify; and as
some of these old mothers there can assure you who are in
doubt. The mountain top, to the man whose vision is purified,
is another round in the ladder, down on which the angels
descend in their visits to us, and up which we may ascend
in our visits to them; hearken van nu aan zult gij den hemel
zien geopend, ende engelen Gods opklimmende en nederdalende op dem zoon des menschen. Oh, dear me! what am I
saying now? I forgot," said the fervent preacher, " but the
English is, Verily, verily I say unto you, hereafter ye shall see
heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending'upon the Son of Mlian." 
A fashionable congregation would have felt that time
enough had been spent, but these people were accustomed
to sit their full two and three hours patiently, sleeping or
looking through vacancy, to be roused up as their pastor got
up himselfi:'his day he was in the happiest mood, and having an appreciating audience he gave them full measure. He
drew,a ong breath, and gave out another main point which
he saidl was deduced from the preceding: that since the soul
could hold communication with the Maker either in the body




462               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
through nzature, or out of thze bocdy, through puare spirit it
followed THAT THE SOUL WAS ITSELF SPIRITUAL AND IMnMORTAL.
He dwelt at least ten minutes here in giving scriptural
proof of this, which could not fail having good effect on the
honest believers before him. But getting his eye on the
strangers again, he lalnched away upon the abstract, in what
he meant to be forcible eloquence. Slid he, " Listen to the
word of Paul in one place-' Father of Spirits.'We are his
children still; he begot our souls. Do you not feel that
you are his children? I felt it yesterday as I stood gazing
down into the deep profound, where I could see nothing,
save the unknown; and as I mused, I thought what if I
should step out into that space; where should I fall?  On
the bosom of my God, my Father!  ~We who have been at
sea, looking from the stern with eyes fixed on the vessel's
track till we lost ourselves, have felt it.  There never was a
horizon yet that we did not wish to fly beyond! What are
these longings but the conflicts kept up between the earthly
and the heavenly; what but the instincts of the child longing for the bosom, from which it has been rudely torn by
some foul tyrant —the returning fragments of a broken
dream of yore-the strains of a broken harp-string' recalled
to the ear of memory, where they have long lain disconnected through violence?"
Here the preacher entered with great force and unction
into the power, which the Gospel has, of healing this breach
between the child and the parent. "The first Adam lost his
place'and we in him, but the second Adam is the son of God
and we are renewed in him. The spiritual flame expired, is
now rekindled and burns as it is replenished from that fountain."
The discourse was drawing to a close, and the preacher,
like a strong racer, was gathering himself up ifor his final
spring. "G It is," said he, "fearfully true of many here that
they have had no interest in all'that I have said this day. I
can read it in your faces. HI-ad all of you been up beside me,
wvhere I felt myself rising as on eagle's wings, some here that
I wot of, would have said:'I wish I were in my own barn,
over a good roast turkey i' and one or tvwo here I see, are
thinking now of the pot of silver hidden in the garden. Oh,
you are a carnally-minded crew, and would not be happy
had you all these things at once. You need not smile ye
youngsters there; as for you, my young colts may serve as




THE IMMO:RTAL SOUL.                   463
examples of the uneasy restlessness of your hearts, when they
leap out of the clover into the sorrel.  Can you tell me the
cause of all this changeableness?  Your souls are spiritual,
and long for communion out of the body; and cannot be fed
on good dinners, nor grow on a thousand acres of the best
land in the world.
" You have been expecting something else here this morning. I want to show you that there is -another and a greatter
cause, than even our country's cause.  I saw when I commenced, that your ears were cocked up to hear of battles;
but there is a great battle to be fought by every one for himself; when the last enemy appears on the field, and by the"
way of preparing you to meet him  effectually, so as to come
off conqueror, I have lifted you up into the THIRD HEAVENS.
You expected me to tell you of the wonderful advantage we
have gained in the north, and I have been thinking,'want
wat baat het een mensch zoo hij de gehule wereld gewint,
en lijdt schade zijner zeile. Of wat zal een mensch geven, tot
lossing van zijne zeile.' You that understand English only
will-find it in Mathew  xvi., 26:'What shall it profit a
man if he gain the whole world and lose his soul.' My
heart is full of sorrow when I think on these things.  Let us
sing:
"Oh, were I like a feathered dove,
Soon would I stretch my wings,
And fly, and make a long remove,
From all these restless things.
"Let me to some wild desert go;
And find a peaceful home,
Where storms of malice never blow;
Temptations never come.".




464               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
CHAPTER  XIV.
" TIE CONSUMMATION DEVOUTLY TO BE WISHED.9
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter."
SOLOMON.
THIus the usual services were concluded, the congregation
preparing to make a rush for the door, and were standing up,
the men with hands on their hats, and the women adjusting
their trains, paying but little attention to the desk, expecting only the well-known words of benediction, when to the
amazement of all, young and old, the Dominie said in a firm,
clear voice:
"The congregation will be,seated while the solemn and
interesting ceremony of marriage is being performed. The
parties will stand up and present themselves before the
altar."
Here Teunis Roe and Elsie Schuyler took the specified
place. Bertram at the same time taking the place assigned
by custom to the groom's man, and Margaret that of the
bridesmaid. Martinus Schuyler moved slowly, out of the
Consistory's pew, to the side where his daughter stood; the
mother, attempting to do the same, was prevented through
her emotion, so that she merely leaned forward in her pew,
in the act of inward prayer.
All of these arrangements were completed before the
assembly had wakened out of their astonishment. When
they did perceive them; whispers might be heard among the
elder portions: " The Whig has yielded at last to the young
Tory."  The young men were hiding their mortification by
winks and smiles, while one louder than the others gave utterance to his feelings: " She was always a haughty heifer;
Tennis will have his own task in breaking her in."
Grant, who sat in the front of the gallery enjoying the
whole scene, for Teunis had become, afi;er what had lately
taken place, a great favorite with the Scot, here felt mad at
the ill-concealed envy he saw around him and had the greatest
difficulty in holding himself within due bounds, whispered
aloud:




C THE CONSUMMATION DEVOUTLY TO BE WISHED.)  465
"Sit doon, you haverils that you are. Do you no see true
love gettin' its reward?"
"A hemp neckcloth would be more like the young traitor's wizzen," some one here bitterly said.
"~ hist! wvhist! I tell you," said Grant; still louder, "or
I'll fling your yellow carcage over the laft there."
By this time the minister had opened at the place in his
book where the "form for the confirmation of marriage before the church " is contained, and began in a full, firm voice
to read. Being himself a great admirer of that ancient
liturgy, he believed that all his people must be, so he never
omitted aught of the good service. As he said in the morning so he showed at noon: " Martin Schuyler's daughter
must not be slighted."
The good man's heart was so full that it surged over, so
that there were no triflers there by the time he lifted his
hands over the newly married pair, giving them truly his
blessing.
Nevertheless that all, male and female, were affected even
to tears, Elsie's bridal attire did not escape the scrutiny of
those watery eyes.  Had it been such as they knew her to
possess, and that in which they had seen her before, there
would have been but little said; but since it was well known
that Hoogenhuisen was in ashes, it becamne at once a question with a hundred mothers and' maidens, " where have all
these fine silks and laces come from?"
That was a secret known but to the'Yfvrow. The moment
she became acquainted with the intentions of the young
people, her wits were set to work without even consulting
the bride herself, who had no other prospect than that of
appearing at the altar in very common attire.  Lizzie
Schuyler, the daughter of the general, and the affianced
spouse of the gallant Hamilton, being at the very time on a
visit to her aunt, at the IManor of Livingston, close by, was
the very person to supply all deficiencies. The hint was
enough for the busy'Yfvrow. A messenger brought back a
choice of dresses, such as would have decked a queen. Elsie
felt somewhat displeased at the officiousness of her wellmeaning hostess;but her present circumstances compelled
her to comply.  Of course all the parish were ignorant of
the good genii that had furnished these ornaments; but
they were none the less objects of marvel to every one
present, possessed or not possessed of the critical skill of the
milliner.
20*




466               THE DUTCH DOMINIE.
" An' vere did Anshela's dochter get all tese-fine tings,
budten?" said Peggy van Steenberg to a visitor then in the
country for her health, as some saidcl; others because New
York red-coats were too enticing; " vere did tese vain tings
kaam into dis lan'?7"'You up here in the country have not seen all the fine
things in the world, though you may have the highest mountains at your elbow," was the half-jesting reply of the New
York damrsel.
"Vy have'n ve grand tings? Is'n de'Yfvrow a great voman
once, an her uncle de Skipper?  Budt dere vas de gown
like sky, on de summer afternoon; beneat it, de vite petticoat, clean as dcle snow packed wid de rain yen de vrost
comes and make de glitter."
"Oh, Peggy, let me tell you, that is all the fashion now; a
celestial blue satin gown, and a white satin petticoat shows all
below. Did you not see how they were trimmed with stripes
of the same color up the edges?"
"Yaw, yaw; but de corsets vas vat myne eyes beheld;
yallow and crossed wid de blue stripes.  Budt do tell me all
about dere head. Awee! awee! how Elsie did look on
her."
" Oh," said the initiated lady, " the head-dress was a 19our
of gauze, made like a globe; and you saw how the hair was
curled, so that it fell in ringlets down each side of her neck."
"Awee! awee! vat a time it must tak'n for ou to tell it
so: now, vat about de neck?"
c" Oh, the neck! She had on her a thin gauze handkerchief,
that looks like the snow on a frosty morning. You saw that
it hung full, at the edges trimmed with the richest Brussels
lace."' Awee! awee!" was all that Peggy could say, in perfect
admiration; but whether at the wonderful dress or at the
wonderful eloquence of her companion, could not be distinctly known.  However, not being tired of what she
affected to deplore, she listened with increased admiration to
tihe city lady, who went on to tell her the meaning of those:l.ysteries which KMargaret had. on.
6"You saw that other lady. She is English, I know, from the
rose on her cheek and the blue in her eye. How beautifully
she rose up and stood. Your country lass has a fine figure,
no doubt; and the gown fitted her very well, only an inch
too tight all over; but, then, that other one is slender and
quick in her movements without seeming to know it."




"CTHE CONSUMMATION DEVOUTLY TO BE WISHED."  467
"Elshie Schuyler," said Peggy, "can stan' wid de best;
vrat of de oder one's gown?"
" Oh, that's what they call a perriot, made of grey Indian
tafieta. You saw it had dark stripes of the same color, with
two collars-the one yellow and the other white; both of
them trimmed with blue silk fringe."'
They went on in this way, and we must let them, and
return back to the church, which was not dismissed when
these two camle out.  At the close of the service alluded to,
a note was put into the hand of the Dominie, as he was about
to dismiss the people, which ran thus:
"' REV. SIR:
"I' f there be no impediment in the way, we wish to engage
your services at present, for the same purpose as our friends
now made happy by you.
-" BERTRAM CLINTON.
" P. S. —We prefer being married with a ring."
The good man' smiled assent, saying, with a cunning eye,
as he looked around:
"Another marriage service to be gone through; all who
are tired may now leave."
He knew very well that curiosity was at too high a pitch to
allow any one to go out, but hle sat down, more for the purpose of considering within himself than for anything else.
" Let the parties desirous of entering ihe holy state of
matrimony come forward."   Here Bertram and Margaret
stood up, with Teunis and Elsie on either side, supported by
Clarence.  At the same instant, and while the arrangements
-were going forward, there stepped up through the middle
aisle a man and woman, muffled in large cloaks, taking a place
behind the bridegroom and bride. The house had been so
crowded, no one had observed them till that moment, and all
were taken so with surprise that every pulse ceased.  The
Dominie anlmost stumnlbled at the beginning of the service.
HFowever, he proceeded as before, with the additional part
of the ring, which being out of the line of a Dutch minister, was
handled somewhat awkwardly by him; but remembering what
he had seen in England, he was not entirely ignorant.
The closing prayer was this time improvised. The good
man's heart was too full to follow any form, and throwing his
soul into his words, he uttered.bimself, so that tears fell from
t:Xecs unused to Aweeping,




468              THIE DUTCH')OMINltE.
"0 Lord God of our fathers, bless these parties, in their
basket and in their store, in their soul and in their body.
Make them a blessing to the church, to the world, and to
each other. May every thread of roughening earthliness be
disentwined from the connecting bond; so that between
themselves it may be soft as divine love, and yet strong and
inseverable as that which unites the saints to one Lord; in one
faith, in one baptism, and one marriage, till all four be presented, without spot or wrinkle, in the presence of God, at
the marriage supper of the Lamb in the New Jerusalem, where
love and righteousness only reign. Amen."
The AIMEN was responded to in a clear, full voice by the
stranger, who stood up behind the parties along with a
female muffled in a veil that fell low to her waist. The sound
of the Amen startled the whole house, not excepting the
Domninie himself; for it rung like the word of command,
heard at the head of a regiment. And by the time the audience had recovered friom their amazement, the new bride had
turned and flung herself into the open arms of the unknown
woman, merely saying BMOTHER: but so piercingly that it
thrilled through the soul, as if Nature herself spoke by human
lips. Margaret's transport was so great that all began to fear
for the effect of that joy.  The cup became suddenly full
and surged over, so that she became for the time unconscious of happiness or of grief.
The stranger, vigorous and resolute, in a moment lifted
the fragile creature, pale as a lily, in his arms, walking
through the aisle with a step that clanged on the floor, making every one hold his breath, till he reached the door, where
a vehicle stood ready, into which he put the unconscious
bride, mounting himself with a bound up to the seat, saying
at the same time, " drive briskly."  Two other wagons drove
away the rest of the party, including Teunis and Elsie. The
swooning and over happy Margaret soon recovered her joyous
smiling face, so that by the time they came in sight of the
river and the ship, she was weeping anew, in thought of parting from her dear deliverer. They took a warm embrace and
then another, waving adieus till the vessel was out of sight.
The explanation of these sudden transformations is easy
by him that understandeth. When Teunis told the'Yfvrow
of his good luck with Martin, and of their intentions for the
morning, that careful lady said:
" Who will be your bridesman? Do you think the youtng
lady would stand with Elsie?"




i' THE CONSUMMATION DEVOUTLY TO BE WISHED."7  469
There were difficulties unforeseen by the young Dutchman,
but his counsellor was equal to the occasion, so rising up she
said:
"Go your ways, and engage the young gentlei'man for
your side, I will see the other side supported."
This hint was taken by Teunis, who made Clarence his
friend. The thought darted through the young heroic brother's mind, "' Why not make both parties happy, so finishing what has been worked for so hard by Bertram?"'
It only required his earnest voice and warm heart, to plead
for his cousin, and the thing was done. He told the whole
story of Elsie's self-sacrificing devotion to Margaret, so that
nothing could be refused to her or to her friends.
I promised, said the knight to Bertram, on the eve of
that miserable attack, that if Margaret could berecovered,
their hands should be joined. I shall keep my word of
honor; only Georgiana we must go up in disguise. This
pass from  our cousin George Clinton, will carry us safely
through.
And as the Dominie said afterward, " he came, and saw,
and yielded."
A short time after the events recorded in the preceding
history had transpired, and before the wonder was entirely
past, the Dominie was sitting in his study when Tom entered,
followed by Unga, the deformed child of Dora. I-e stood
in the middle of the room puffing out his breath, while his
head rose up, and as it fell he drew in the surrounding air,
so that the spectator could imagine that he saw a swirl, like
a small whirlpool, around the strange creature.' What now, you limb of Sathanus," said the student of
Leyden, lifting up his eyes from a large Latin folio that he
was amusing himself with. " What news from the realms
of darkness?"
" Pleas youd reberence," said Tom in a very low manner,
"Unga hab someting frob de high'd legions to'municate
frob de prince ob de air an' powers."
"' Prince of the power of the air.' You fool, quote the
Scripture correctly and go out with you, for I see that you
want to know all about Unga's message, but begone."
Unga's head rose a few inches higher, and was followed
by an eldritch scream, out of doors, that made the minister's
man run to see what was the cause. In the meantime the
Dwarf put a package into the hand of the Dominie, sitting
down himself as if he were at home. The letter ran thus:




470              THE DUTCH )DOMINIIE.
"IREVER sNsDISSIMo DOMuINo: WVhen we last met in my
retreat,- we parted scarcely agreeing in our opinions concerning that particular Providence which you Calvinists believe
in. Occurrences which have lately taken place, have gone to
convince mre, whatever Calvin would say were he in your
place, that no plan ever is carried through agreeably to that
laid down by its architect. Were I going to preach to you,
as you have held forth to me, it would be from the words
of our immortal bard, a man, though you may not allow it,
equal to Calvin:'"' There's a Divinity that shapes our ends,
Rough hew them as we may.'
"I have been marking out my timber, and hewing it like
the great King Solomon in the wilderness, deeming all the
time that my fabric was coming to perfection, when to my
amazement I found that the tools I was using rose up against
me, and have carried out a purpose not of my own invention.
"' You have pronounced me to be a double-sided man; and
if appearances were to be your ground of judgment, I am
many sided; but in the face of all those signs, I have had one
ruling passion —REVENG:."
"I tell you now freely I sought to be revenged on Sir
Henry Clinton, because he favored my enemy; but my design on him was only a step toward the depth of my purpose
-the deep damnation of Clifford.
"I have lived these two years past for nothing else. I
found my way to the presence of Washington, obtained a
commission in the secret service, took up my quarters at the
foot of your mountain, on the lines between the contending
armies; assumed characters that were obnoxious to me; wizard, spook, hermit; anything that would further my fell purpose-REVENGE. All kinds of persons were taken into my
service; forgetful as I became, that every man and woman,
as well as I, had a mind of their own, and a purpose of their
own to carry out; which could not in all parts harmonize
with mine. Yet I went on planning, as if they were passive
instruments, molded after lly wisdom and for my ends.
" I found out my mnistake; that villain KIiskataam, whom I
employed to decoy Clifford here, by offering to.abduct the
knight's daughter, had vengeance of his own, that he sought
to visit on the head of Sir Henry Clinton; and. while carrying




4 THE OONSUMMATION DEVOUTLY TO BE WISHED.'  471
that out, another passion for her took possession of his bosom,
disappointing me of my expectations of retaining her under
my guardianship, as a punishment upon her father and future
surety for myself.
"Nor did I succeed better through my agent Elsie; one of
another and of a nobler nature. By degrees she was winning
upon my own affections, and I shall not now avow all that
was in my heart concerning her.  One thing I was certain
of for the time, when I found that Miss Clinton had fallen
into her hand, that all was at my disposal; but the highminded mountain maid was too direct- in her purpose to be
led into any labyrinth of mine. What you were pleased to
designate as' theatrical' could not be understood by her in
her exceeding truthfulness; and I was prevented from taking
possession of the person of Miss Clinton entirely through her
determination of purpose.  All came within an ace of an
utter failure. I have just escaped being caught in my own
craftiness, and the villain Clifford has only received a part
of his punishment.
" REVENGE burns still in my breast, and must till the vow
recorded in heaven be fulfilled. I am off, prowling like the
wolf, round Fort Niagara; and woe to mny victim, should he
leave that place of refuge. His blood only can cool this malignant fire that burns, burns for REVENGE.
" I am, Reverendissimo Domino,
" Your admirer,
" S. C.,
THE END.








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".Min Evans may well be called the Charlotte Bronte of America."-Troy Wigs.' We place BEULA' beside'John Halifax.' "-B-alfimore Adtvocae.
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"I have been greatly interested by this story of the Mobile heroine, and I am con
vinced that the story will produce a sympathetic impression on the public mind. There
is not a word in it, nor a phrase in it, that I have not meted and measured. Over and
above the method of telling the story, the story itself wins, commands, controls the
sympaties of the reader. This, I take it, is the highest test of excellence.".
From t7he Home,Journal.' Since the appearance of'Jane Eyre,' no volume has fallen from the pen of a lady
writer evincing more power and learning than the novel' Beulah,' and we do not hesitate to say that in the production of this volume, Miss Evans has achieved the highest
rank armong novelists of her sex in this country.".From th6e Nes York Eventing Post.
"She has, at any rate, established a rank among the best novelists of her sex whom
our country can boast, and we do not remember any work of fiction which has been
produced in this country for years, which is written with more power and is more full of
promise than'Beulah.' She has achieved a decided literary success, a success which
will at least be as cordially recognized at the North as at the South."
lFrom the Boston Post.
"'Beulah' is a book of great merit, and one which will bear critical and close inspeo
tion. * * * The volume is one deserving the attraction of the reading public. It
Is healthy in sentiment, pure in its influences, and grand in its treatment of great
Orai q uestioans. As a literary work,' Beulah' will rank with any issue of the day."
*N* The above will be sent by mail, post-paid, on receipt of prica
W. H Tesmor, Printet and Stereotpor, 43 & 45 Caentr Sty, N. Y