Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 1168) (1905 12)

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Copyricut, 1878, By Brapte & ADAMS. ‘Ma, 68 Delaware Dick; THE YOUNG RANGER SPY; OR, ¥ Brother Against Brother. BY OLL COOMES, @U0ano0n oF “‘ VAGABOND Jou,” “ THE DUMB apy," “ KEEN ENB,” ETC., BIC CHAPTER I, ‘WING-OF-THE-WIND. A sunpvep light shone from the windows of the ad stone church of Woodvale, that stood on the road to Princeton, It was nothing uncommon to see a light there on Bun nights; and to hear the voices of men and women ascending in erand song to Heaven; but this was on Fri ht, and at the hour of twelve, The found of voices was within; but they were net on in drayer and song, but in secret conclave. were pitched in-low, yet excited tones. A score of men stood around the altar, discussing the pro- gress of the Revolution, and rejoicing over the defeat of the American arms. They were Tories of the deepest dye; and had met in the old church to hold secret council—sacrilegi- mistrust their desi; of evil. Outside, along the road, in and out of the moonshine and shadows paced a sentinel with @ musket on his shoulder and 2 pistol in his belt. He moved as softly as a panther, with both eye and ear on the alert, for these were dangerous times. The church stood on the mar- gin of alitileclearing. Across 6 road nt, homes and hundreds of people. These © were representatives of ‘erent nationalities, but all were striving in common to Worldoalt worshiping tone or’ Wo! 0; ther at the Woodvale Teg R Decembernight. The “dines wes or The goon was in zenith. NEW YORK = » + » COWRA Wh RMON y AI SS at at! nt tet nC Nia. J. IVERS & Cco., Publishers, (JAMES SULLIVAN, Proprietor), 379 Pearl Street, New York, something coming down the road from the east. At least he thought he saw eT et thought it wasa horseman, But he bent his head and'listened and heard nothing. He made an ear-trumpet of his hand, and listened with the same result, He stood his musket on the ground and pressed his ear upon the muzzle with no better success. He again glanced up the road, satisfied now that he had been laboring under an optical delusion. .But as sure as his name was Jeduthan Wool, there was a horseman, or some- thing that closely resembled one, approaching along the’road. To be more certain, however, that the misty moonlight was playing no freak with his eyes,he rub- bed them with his knuckles, then took another look. And, good heavens! it was n0 delusion! There came a horseman without a doubt; but not a sound did the animal’s hoofs make upon the nard, frozen earth. Jeduthan Wool was superstiticus as a witch, and the absence of the sound of hoof-strokes, and the hantom-like appearance thrown around the oa y the spectral white moonbeams, filled him with a vague terror, , \ \ NRE, WARAD, AC. SS KS ili neal il PRICE 5 CENTS, 50c. a year. “Tt must be the ghost of some dead Patriot 2 haunt us,” the Tory thought, trembling with ear. The silent horseman approached with great ity. Jeduthan Wool beans fascinated with A meg e crouched in the shadows of the fence, and with dilated eyes and chattering teeth, watched the ob- ject of his fear float past him and turn in towanl the church, But he did not see that the horse's feet were muffled in great padded shoes of woolen ma oan inclosed the entire hoof, confined at the ock-joint, The men in the church intrusted their safety to their friend Wool; and to prevent any one looking ta they had hung curtains over the lower half of windows. But the horseman, who must have an- ticipated this blinding of the windows, was prepared for them, and riding upto one cf them, he stopped his horse, then ner to his feet stood up in the gad- dle and gazed over the curtain into the building. Cl he scanned each face assembled around the altar, A glance at each one would have satisfled but he heard a mas 5 in an excited tong and he could not resist the temptation to listen, a va, Oise cause és just,” he heard him say; “ but whether it is or not, we must fight for our king; burn for our 4 kill for our king; and, w it is not known that we are royalists, we can easily sound the sympathies of our bors, and when we find t a he rebels, let their homes, Na need te babes lives, y the penalty And ’’—here voice fell it wasinaudible to the listener, but in an excited w con: tinued: ** boys, true as there is a there’s a face at the window!" The next moment the ny of glass, against which the ai- lent horseman’s face had bees p was the conve point of a score of bullets. was shattered to atoms; while the deep, murderous roar of the muskets rolled from altar to entrance, floor to belfry, as if in search of an outlet to the open air, The bullets passed out at the window over the head of the horseman as he dropped as- tride of his horse and gallo away, silentas a shadow, ewil as a deer, Jeduthan Wool rallied from his stupor when he heard the boom of his friends’ , and trider from

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2 Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. | “Wore the Lord, who is you?” he asked, with | chattering teeth. “Friends, in pursuit of a horseman—see one go down the road just now?” demanded the Tory leader. **Yes, massa,” replied the trembling darkey; “ but he wa'n’t in the flesh—he war a spirit! He jist flip- ed by like nothin’. Massa Bodson, he’s gone over tell de Simpkinses, and de whole family’s on dar heads wid fear. Lor’! Lor'! but—” The Tories heard no more, but galloped on. Sud- denly a light before them litup the sky. It was in the vicinity of Rugby'’s house—he who was speak- ing when the unknown looked in at the church win- ow. As they approached the light, Rugby saw that bis barn was in flames. ‘* Forward, men!’’ he shouted. “ The fire-fiends are abroad—my barn is wrapt in eager home will follow,’’ and as if upbraided by a guilty con- science, his mind went back to the speech he was making in the church when he saw the face at the | window. Ten minutes’ ride brought them to Rugby’s prem- ises. Rugby drew rein in the light of his burning barn, dismounted and ran tothe house where all was terror. As he approached the, door a horseman floated alongside of him from the adjacenfshadows, and drawing rein, thrust a paper into Rugby’s hand. Rugby drew his heavy pistol, but, before he could | use it, the silent horseman, whose face was the same geen at the church window, dashed away, leaping his horse over the low picket fence in front of the | house and disappearing down the road. Rugby stood like a stone statue, and watched the silent and mysterious horseman disappear from view. Not aword had escaped his lips, not a sound had his horse’s hoofs produced, He opened the paper, and in the red glare of his burning barn he read: **T heard your speech in the Woodvale church, and I recognized every face there. Remember that eye for eye, and tooth for tooth shall be the motto of ‘* WiIna-or-THt-WInp,”’ An exclamation burst from Rugby’s lips, and his face grew pale. Boys,” he said to his ecpmpanions, who, at this juncture, came up, “it will be war to the knife be- tween rebels and royalists now, in the Stony river | valley. That horseman was that terrible ’ ou rebel scourge, Delaware Dick, the Spy, and Wing-of- the-Wind, the Ranger, as he is called. Men, mount your horses and ride him down!” The Tories once more took to the saddle and dash- ed away in pursuit of the young patriot. On down the road toward Trenton sped the Wing- of-ihe-Wind. Mile after mile.was traversed under the crisp No- vember night. In. and out of the moonlight and darkness flitted and flashed the young patriot, then his Tory pursu- ers. The road was in good condition, and Delaware Dick being familiar with every crook and turn, amused nimself by slacking the speed of his horse until the Tories were nearly in reach, then darting away and appearing, first in their rear, then in front, to the confusion and rage of the party. At length the broad expanse of the Delaware river burst from the woods before him. Ice had formed in athin border along the shores, and the middle earrent ran swift and cold. But, without amoment’s hesitation, the fearless young Whig rode into the river and swam his horse over to the Pennsylvania shore, where the Tories dare not follow. In his wet clothes the hardy youth galloped on through the chilly night. He had gone about five miles wheu the twinkling of a hundred camp-fires burst upon his view, only embraced that opportunity to cir cumvent the trooper, after he had found That the love of er Bot Bs tome of ee Vas hy heme This Pass rDwe- lis's head-quarters. I will pass rayself as a Tory and, “+4

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—— i i = seine foe, Pn ae tS STS 7 sh. % — unless some one should be about and identify me, the British will know no better.” He concealed the ay Jab ie Ne his person, stole out of the wood-house, found his horse, and mount- ing, galloped away. he trooper lay drunk until noon, when he crawled out of the wood-house, blear-eyed and sick. When he found that he had been robbed of his dispatch, he mistrusted something of the real truth, and at once started on his journey. A short ways from the Bland residence, he was vo feign by a band of par- tisan rangers, wearing scarlet wings wpon their hats. Delaware Dick rode hard in the direction of Corn- wallis’s army, ignorant of the fact that the enemy were then on the march down the river. About noon he met the advance guard, and, being halted, was soon made acquainted with the situation. He informed the guard that he was direct from Tren- ton, with dispatches for the commander; and so he was at once escorted into the presence of Cornwal- lis, who, with his generais, was riding some distance in advance of the main column of his army. Dick's heart beat wildly with fear when he found himself a spy in the enemy’scamp. The presence of several Tories filed him with uneasiness, through fear of detection. He introduced himself to. Cornwallis as Abel Day, a scout and spy in the employ of Colonel Rahl The general had heard of Abe Day incidentally, and as the youth told his story so straight, he had no grounds for mistrust. ‘+ Sir,” said the general, “* what badge you here?” “T have come with a dispatch from Colonel Rahl,” was Dick’s answer, and he presented the purloined paper to the general. . t this juncture, our hero caught sight of a face that sent a chill of fear through his heart. It was the face of a young British officer—one that he had never seen before; and yet he became convinced, by the light in his eyes and the half-triumphant smile is face, that the officer recognized him. me 4 ick expected nothing else than exposure, and at once made up his mind to act. according; but, to his surprise and relief, the F neon officer turned away. Goxnwallia read the dispatch, then said: ** Colonel Rabl is afraid of Washington, and wants reinforcements. You can say to him, Abel Day, that he need have no fears ef Washington or any other rebel.” “ He also expressed an ignorance of your move- ments, general, which makes him more Seareben- ive of anger,” remarked the young spy, with man- ifest: indifference, Cornwallis shot a quick, contemptuous glance at the youth, who omit winced under the look, “Pell Colonel Rabl that I do not make ny plans known to every straggler and royalist in the col- auies.”’ Here Dick met with a partial defeat that preclud- ed further questioning and observations. @ rode long in silence by the general's side, at the same Emme keeping a sharp watch on the young officer, whom he suspected of knowing him, Finally the general ordered his return to Trenton, and called upon the young Officer in. question and a fouple of oons to escort him beyond the ad- vance guards. pei The officer took a position at his side and they rode away, the two dragoons following behind. Dick’s heart almost ceased to beat. He felt as- sured that he was known to the officer, and how the interview was.to terminate he knew not, When alone upon the road the spell of silence was broken by the young officer, who, turning to the spy, said: “Young a rous J Dick's face per red and white by turns. *You see I know you, Delaware Dick,” he con- m do you know you are running a risk?” inued. “J thought so, at least,” answered our hero; ‘‘ but why did you not expose me?” : “T am under obligations to you, Dick,” he an- sawered. ** Por what?” ; F “TH tell you at another time, if we should ever meet again.’ Delaware Dick was completely astounded. Here was a bit of a mystery to ° The officer who gave his name and rank. as Cle- ment Fairmont, captain of dragoons, soon left our hero to pursue his way alone, and ponder over the mystery that stood between him and the ignoble death of a spy. ae ee vy tee to epee ct! Porgets 4 elaware in hopes of fin a good camping-ground, where he could wait until the ice bri the river for him to cross over. in pursuit of Washington. As the day wore away the sky became overcast with gray, eecy clouds, and a chill, damp wind from the north-west threatened a stormy December wight. This made the British gencral more anxious 4o go into camp early, and so he sent a party of cay- Ag uncer one Colonel Yon Baden to select a suit- able place somewhere in advance. - Von Baden had not gone over two miles when he was attacked by a band of partisan rangers that were encamped in a log cabin, which stood on the roadside on the margin of a deep, dense woods, A sharp engagement ensted, when superior numbers triump and the patriot rangers were driven off. Several of Von Baden’s men were killed and wound- ed, and one of the provincials was slain and left on the fleld of battle. The ba found upon the hat of the latter told that he belonged to that noted band of.Scarlet Wings, the followers of Delaware TO iia coming up went into camp in the : : possessio Nahe te aioe a oeaies Wings had Tosti emacepnet dat Delaware Dick. established his own quarters there. He found things quite comfortable in the deserted hut. The byilding was provided with an immense flre-place and wide- mouthed chimney, On the hearth a roaring fire was burning, and diffusing its warm glow throughout the whole room. The yawning fire-place was crammed with huge logs of hickory that crackled and roared with a peculiar, cheerful song. That the rebel band had intended to remain at the cabin during the night was evident from more than one fact: upon a rude table at one side were some smoking viands and a deck of cards, In one corner was a huge Ble of wood, that had been re- cently prepared for the night. In the bottom of the pile was an immense back-log that, in addition to the ae already in the fire, would have lasted a week, Cornwallis was much pleased with his prepared uarters, and at once made himself at home. He first, however, had the building searched from cel- lar to garret for lurking enemies; but finding the coast clear, he divested himself of his military trap- ping, which he hung upon the wall, and then ar- ranging his camp-chair, he seated himself before the cheery fire. After supper had been served throughout the camp, and darkness had set in, Cornwallis dispatch- ed an orderly to summon his generals to a brief council in the cabin. In half an hour the generals were all present, The wind rose, and, howling through the woods rattled the clap-boards on the roof of the cabin, and rumbled in the great chimney. The fire snapped and roared on the hearth, and the light danced and quivered over the staid and sober faces of the generals as they gazed into the crackling flame, Thoughts of the dear ones at home far beyond the sea were brought up in the minds of the officers, as they gathered arcund the hearth. Faces were con- ured up before their mental vision in thé dancing ames, “My lord,” said a subordinate, addressing Corn- walis, “I am of the opinion that a rigorous winter is setting in. That wind blows like it,” “T hope you are a false prophet, general,” re- plied Cornwallis, ‘for it would put an end to our victorious campaign, and give the enemy a chance to recruit his strength.” ‘Perhaps, in the present destitute condition of the American army, & severe winter would deci- mate its ranks more than our guns,” said an officer. “All but that,” replied a fellow-soldier; “them Americans can stand more hunger, fatigue, and de- feat than any peaple on the face of the earth,” “TH admit,” said Cormwallis, “that they haye fortitude and endurance; but nature is somewhat the same in all men, and that there is a point where these attributes of brave men cease to a virtue there is not a doubt. If we are to believe any of the reports that reach us through deserters, they can not hold out much longer... And now, what [ wish to say is.this: 1 have revised my plans of operation. I have determined to remain here until the Delaware freezes over, then cross into Pennsylvania, and at- tack Washington, If successful—and there is not a doubt but we will be—I shall march at once upon Philadelphia, where the rebel Congress is now sit- ting. With my forces divided up and posted at Trenton, Princeton, New Brunswick, and _ other points, I will be enabled to hold the J erseys against any uprising element. Infact, a corporal’s guard can maintain the peace here now. There jis nothing to be feared from Washington, for he has been com- pletely vanquished, I consider the revolt of the col- onies virtually at an end in the Jerseys; and the ex- pedition forming under Burgoyne in Canada, will soon . posses Lake Champlain and all the upper country. “Then it is to be understood that we remain here till the river eee nee lhe F “Yes; we are in uarters, and occupy a po- sition that will lea Washington to think we have gone into winter-quarters, Cornwallis’s plans were approved by his generals, and, after some regulations for the army been completed, the council broke up, and most of the generals sought their own quarters, Three, however, remained, and the deck of cards left by the patriots on the table suggesting a means of pastime, the four took their position around the table and began playing . Fora seat, two of the players rolled the ne ‘back-log’’ lying in the corner out into the middle of the floor, Over the cards and a bottle of rare old brandy pur- loined from a& pane cellar, the quartette the hours pleasantly. Ever and anon, the fire was replenished from the sa ply in the corner, This was kept up until all but the uge ‘‘back-log,” upon which the officers were seated, had been burned. Without, the cold wind still frolicked in wild glee. Huge, damp snow-drops filled the air. By ten o'clock, the whole camp was wrapt in si- lence and slumber. Only the weary pace of the cloaked. sentinels outside, and the merry ind nce of 7 Ce cong a head-quarters, broke the ush of the our, About midnight, the Shree generals took their de- parture for their own leaving the com- mander alone, - He wheeled his around before the fire, and, stretching out iis Jinks Gane reese ively into the fe embers. The , Martial bearing of his face told of the inner workings of the mind, That he was fighting over his bat- his victories, was evident from © eye and the smile of trium that, now and an, Bowe the austerity of lips... They carried a ague thoughts came up in his im, back fo Kngland,’ nd, in the quivering mass of fire before him, a thousant forms seemed gathering to do honor to the great conqueror. The fire burned low. Only a subdued light from the glaring coals, that the general’s capricious mmd had peopled with lords and ladies come to do him honor, pervaded the room. Shadows at length be- gan to gather like lurking assassins in the corners, and behind the tables and chairs, The thoughts of the general finally grew sl The effect ofthe brandy, the warm room, and the seductive silence began to draw him into the gentle ag 9 ofslumber, He fell into a drowsy stupor— & doze, The fire burned lower. The shadows deepened. The wind whistled around the cabin, and banged the boards on the roof. Still my lord slept on in his chair, Suddenly there was aslight noisein the room; but Cornwallis did not hear it. Had he been awake however, he would have seen a portion of the end of the huge back-log lying in the middle of the floor, pushed cautiously outward, revealing a black cavity within, And from the darkness of this cavity he would have seen a human face peer out—a face that was aglow with a wild and desperate look. It was a youthful face, and as the gray eyes swept the sur- rounding room and saw the general asleep in his chair, the lithe, active form of a man glided, like a worm from its chrysalis, out of the hollow * back- log.”’ Then rising to his feet, the fearless young stranger drew a pistol, and pointing it at the gene- ral’s heart, said, in a low tone: “Wake up, my lord, you are my prisoner.” And the British general, starting from his, sleep, found- himself face to face with the redoubtab young patriot, Delaware Dick! CHAPTER IIt. BEARDING THE BRITISH LION, “Srumncr, general, or by the love of liberty Iw send a bullet through your heart,” said our hero, & Cornwallis rose to his feet and faced his enemy ax. the dark, murderous tube leveled at his heart by; steady hand. There was a look in Delaware ok hime and meaning in his tone that seemed to transfix tk . reneral and hold him under a terrible fascinatior ‘Le started back with surprise and terror, his ¢yéu fixed upon the face of his enemy, as if held there by some diabolical enchantment, “Tve got the advantage of you, my lord,” com tinued the young spy, “and I intend to hold it. One word loud enough to attract the attention of the quent I shall take as & signal for me to fire. Your eath would be a great victory to the American eople at this time; but I don’t want to take It, un- — you force me to it as an only means to save my- Cornwallis gradually recovered his composure ag he became more fully cognizant of his situation, He recognized the face before him as that of the reputed British spy, Abel Day. He saw now he had been deceived bras oe partisan, But how had he gained admittance to the cabin? He ran his eyes around the room, He saw the great shell of a log on the floor, and its open end. It told the startling story—the young enemy had been concealed therein, The British general felt for his trusty sword), far- getting that it. hung upon the wall. But when he found he was unarmed, he inwardly cursed the fate that had kept them from throwing the great log w on the fire as ty had the rest of the pile of w He saw through the whole of the young spy’s game, Tt had been well played. The occupation of the cab in by the Scarlet Wings, the roaring fire on the hearth, the su ply, of fuel, including the big log in the corner—all had been arranged for the purpose of the apy WOrne. out his designs. His calculationg had n well made, for nothing but mere conjece ture could have led him to believe that the army would encamp there, Cornwallis did not know him’ self, an hour before he stopped, that this cabim would shelter him during the n ght, “Sir,” he finally said, thongh he spoke low, “vou are a rebel spy—your life will pay the forfeit.” “Tam Delaware Dick, my lord,” answered the une daunted young patriot, ‘‘brother of Prodigal Tom, the Tory Spy. Cornw shuddered inwardly. The name was familiar to him, and he knew that he confrontec a foe worthy of his own steel. The situation was a critical one to both the and the spy. At any moment a soldier or an officer was liable to enter the cabin, when, to Dick, escape would be out of the question; and at the same time he resolved, if discovered, that Cornwallis should die first. To the latter the situation was humiliating in the lish lord and general, a captive y, and that, too, in the very midst of his own army. To Dick’s last retort he said: “Put down that weapon, if you expect the least wet 34 oat I ask : are “Texpect none— none. my risoner. Atleast, you are in my power ror the tims ing. .If I die, you shall ia with me, I will never be taken alive. I swear the Most High, You have the power to save my life and your owm too,. I will not remove this pistol from your till you comply with my request.” A contemptuous sneer passed over the face of ‘the British He glanced toward his sword, with his eye he heabared the distance between him and the door, Th thing flattering in his situation, ae wind whistled, and the boards overhead rat: ang - Se Se”

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+h *“ My lord,” continued Delaware Wick, and his face assumed a more desperate and determined look “ overy moment I stand here increases my danger, it dosire to leave this cabin.”’ “Ah,” said the general, sarcastically, “you now propose to ask terms of me." eee “} shall ask that you pass me beyond your lines.” The general reflected, * You must think I am a cowardly poltroon,”’ he finally said. “IT think no such thing, my lord; but you can see exactly how we are situated, and you have either got bo a ed

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CS cena veneer CHAPTER V. PRODIGAL TOM APPEARS, For hours the old Indian sat silently smoking and nodding drowsily before the cheery glow of the fire. The wounded soldiers still rested easy under the relief he had given them, Meanwhile Captain Danton waited patiently for the return of his courier with an escort from Corn- wallis. His fears of the Scarlet Wings had been in- creased when he learned that the negro eow-boy had not returned with Pat from the field. He believed he had been sent away to raise the alarm, and bring succor to the relief of Delaware Dick. But. bot Hazen and Pat denied sending him away. They stated that fear of the soldiers kept him away. Thus the hours wore away, and as noon approach- ed a cup of coffee, some buttered rolls, fried ham and warm biscuits were placed upon a tray by the good Mrs. Hazen, who requested that the same be conveyed to Delaware Dick, as he had had no break- fast. Captain Danton, whose gallantry and human- ity added much to his reece 1 gore ag com- ied with her request, and wita the provision passed to the prison-room, Ina moment he returned with the tray and pro- vision untouched. His face wore a look of bitter disappointment, and his hands trembled. Why have you brought the food back?’ Mrs, Hazen asked. ‘* Because, my good woman, thereis no one in that zoom to éat it. Delaware Dick has escaped.” He put the tray down, and going out gave the alarm. In a moment the wildest excitement pre- vailed. Hazen and all of his servants were arreste for complicity in his escape. The old Indian doctor, still drowsing by the fire, was the only person that received the hews with in- Pra Lar uanene ck had esca vy wa : a hole through the floor of his prison and let himself down. ““Who knows but what the nigger that crept out of the cellar this morning and failed to return from the field was Delaware Dick himself?” asked a sol of the cellar, having cut er. me Impossible,” replied Danton; ‘‘he was a genuine BR eS y Fearch wag at once instituted for the escape/| pris- oner. The afternoon was passed in a vain tearch for him. In the meantime, Doctor Dave had stolen as silontly away as an Arab. His disapp?arance caused eonsiderable unfavorable comment among the troopers. Evening approached, and no word from cmp had yet been received. Danton resolved to ret m under cover of the night. He was already prearing to depart when a dozen horsemen drew up efore the door. They were Tories, and led by ta¢ notorious Prodigal Tom, brother of Delaware Dick. Danton and his men were rejoiced to meet the young Tory who, being in a hurry, 7-fused to dis- mount, but, in the gray of the wintev¢vening, helda short parameter th«the capéeda. They talked about and his escape. . “T could have told OOK captain,” said Tom, “that not but an iron or stone yaaa would hold Dela- ware Dick. I have known him from a child, and should I ever capture him, J. will keep a line of bayo- nets around him and watchfal eyes upon him, until I know he is ina yy of safety, which place, I am afraid, is not short of the grave.” “*T am satisfied he had assistance in getting from us,” said Danton, “I have Hazen and vants under arrest, accused of aiding him.”’ “They might have helped him,” replied Tom, “though I doubt it very much; and I would not do the Hazens violence on strength of my suspicions, were I in your place.” Pe ir some Laer ag co ag Prodigal Tom his band departed, going north. * Brother ost brother,” said Captain Danton, is T never heard two voices sound so near alike a toes of Delaware Dick's and Prodigal Tom's. I could not see Tom’s featurés in the dark, but if they resemble Dick’s as does his voice, one might easily be taken for the other.”’ f “Who knows but they are one and the same?” said @ soldier. “No one knows it; forsuch a thing is preposterous, But hark!” Even as he spoke, the report of firearms smote upon the ears of the ty. The sound came from north, and that al Tom was in trouble Danton had not a doubt, and in a moment he was moying at the head of his men to the assistance of his friends. As they were thundering down the road in the young star-light, a horseman, wrapped in a blanket, swept apast them like the wind. fe bid you see that, captain?’ asked a trooper. “T’'d been blind not to; and by the royal crown it was that old Indian doctor! Boys, there’s somet wrong about that Doctor Dave—he is in league wi Delaware Dick!” away is ser- CHAPTER VI. THE BATTLE OF TRENTON. GENERAL WASHINGTON waited with some impati- ence the return of Delaware Dick from the British camp. It was a, oe — of information rig the enemy's quarters made him uneasy and impa- tient, but fear of Dick’s safety. Hismenaround him did not fail to notice the feeling of unrest that agitat- ed his breast; but none of them know the real cause, for none of them knew that Delaware Dick, the Wing- of-the-Wind, was one of his most important spies. -On re, however, Dick returned, to the meral’s great relief and joy, after an absence of. fe days and nights. SS Delaware Dick. When alone with the young patriot in his private room, the comm r said: + Mi Well, Dick, I had about given you up as lost this ime. “Thave had some close figuring, general, since I left you,’’ Dick answered. ‘‘T have not only been in the enemy’s camp, but a prisoner in their hands, A party of troopers captured me at Ben Hazen’s house, and placed me in prison there; but. with the assist- ance of that mysterious ‘power behind the throne,’ was enabled ~ effect sosy Para. Dui, BRGucius since my departure I have learned that Colonel Rahi is stationed at Trenton with about fifteen hundred German troops, and he is in mortal fear of you, But Cornwallis sent him word that he need not fear you —that a corporal’s guard would hold you in check. This I learned, by acting as self-constituted courier from Rahl to Cornwallis.” ‘What is the strength and disposition of the rest of the British army under Cornwallis?” asked the’ general, “Some are at Princeton, some at New Brunswick, some at other points, and one {vision under his own immediate command. This li@ceived from his own li Anticipating his movements, I concealed my- self, with the assistance of my men, in a hollow *back-log,’ in a deserted cabin on the Trenton road. We had a pretty good idea that Cornwallis would en- camp at that point; and as the cabin was the only building in the vicinity, we felt satisfied the general would occupy it. To make it more attractive, we built a roaring fire on the hearth, taking care to put on a ‘back-log’ that would last a week. Then we laid in a big supply of wood, in the bottom of which, with ends cunningly blocked up, was placed the hol- low log in which I was ensconced, Sure enough, the army camped right there, and Cornwallis took pos- session of the cabin; and what surpassed my most uine hopes, he called a council that night. I heard it all,’ “Then you learned the course he will pursue?’ on the commander, his countenance beaming with oy. Ves: as soon as the Delaware freezes over he will cross into Pennsylvania, rout you and march upon Philadelphia. e has no doubt of his ability to do this, for he considers you vanquished.” “Let him remain over-confident,” said Washing- ton, “for self-assurance often begets defeat in time of war. I shall strike a blowuvexpected to him. To- morrow is Christmas-day—a great holiday to the German people—and as the Hessians stationed at Trenton have been assured that they have nothing to fear of me, they will doubtless give np to festivi- ties and merry-making, and finish up with a drunken carousal at night. Then will be my time to strike; and should we succeed in carrying the town, our vic- tory will be, in a measure, owing to you, my boy; for without the information you have given me, i would never have dared to undertake such a move- ment. But something has got to be done to remove the gloom and déspondency into which the public has fallen, eye to our late reverses. Dick, min h the country around Tren- are ton “T know it to perfection, general,” was the an- swer. “Here, then, isa map. Will you give me some in- formation regarding the country back of the town and along the river below it, say, for ten miles?” “With pleasure, general,’ and Delaware Dick gave the information in a clear, comprehensive manner. After some further conversation Washington dis- missed his young spy, aud sat down to complete his arrangements for the Christmas party at Trenton; and thus he spent most of the entire night. But he was astir early on the morning of the 25th, as were 30; for it had become known through- out the camp that an attack was to be made on the Hessians at Trenton, | Of the splendid achievement that followed on. the terribly cold night of December 25th, all our school histories tell us. It was a complete surprise to the British and their German emissaries—the advance of Cornwallis’s army holding Trenton, and Rahl, the commander, was among the prisoners taken, He was mortally wounded; and before retiring again to the Pennsylvania side of the river, Washington, ac- companied by Delaware Dick and two of his aids, ited the wounded man, When they entered the house and were admitted to the presence of the stricken coloyel, they found a surgeon and a young British officer in attendance upon him. -Washington saluted them, not as & conqueror, but as a generous and kind-hearted fellow-man. The young officer ad- vanced toward Dick, and, taking him by the hand, you. acquainted wi the soldiers said: € Good-evening, Richard Melinott!” Dick started at the words. It had bee: wany a day since he had heard his right name spoken; and it did, from the lips of a British officer it filled him with surprise. He fixed asearching look upon the officer’s face. He had seen the face before but could not recall the time and place when and where it was. “Sir, you have the advantage of me,” our hero re- lied. 2 “You have forgotten Captain Clement Fairmont, who escorted you beyond Cornwallis’s lines, the oth- ” coming, as day? on ENDE at all, captain!” exclaimed Dick, as a light of recognition flashed in-his eyes. ; Then the two withdrew into an adjoining’ room and conve ‘ ; “You have won & signal victory to-night, Dick,” Fairmont said. : “Tt was a glorious victory, captain,” returned our hero, enthusiastically. . “T presume your visit to our eam to do with it,” observed the king's had something Cet. — 5 in,” said Dick, eva- “Tt is a mystery to me, ca sively, ny, TO ever permitted me to leave your lines as you did, unless you have not the cause of your king at heart.” The young officer smiled. “Tam loyal to my king, Dick, as far as my heart will allow me to be,” he said, toying with the hilt of his sword, ‘But, Dick, I have known you some time, and why shouldn't I when you have won the heart of her to whom I am betrothed.” Dick started as though a cannon had been dig charged near his ear. His face colored, and a look slightly touched with scorn passed over it, “Captain Fairmont,” he exclaimed, * you speak in riddles.’’ Before the captain could answer, one of Washing- ton’s aids announced their readiness to depart from the house, and as Dick turned to‘the door, lairmont said, in an undertone full of strange meaning: “Never mind, Richard Melinott; I may soon de mand honorable satisfaction of op Dick’s face grew almost livid; but the presence @ Washington Dek brn him from replying to Fair mount as his feelings dictated. A parole was made out for Captain Fairmont, @ well as the rest of the officers captured; then Wash ington and his friends left the house and rejoined the army. CHAPTER VII. A ROGUE'S PLOT AND A PATRIOT'S REVENGE. ‘Bea parding, massa, but the young missus wish. es to see you.” Delaware Dick raised his eyes, A darkey, with hat in hand, stood by the roadside, in.front of a tall wooden building, known as the Hali-w Inn, It was rather a forbidding-looking lace, and Wing-of-the-Wind eyed the darkey with evident mistrust. He had always heard that the keeper of the Half-way Inn was a violent Tory, and thought it rather strange that he should be wanted there by hig wife. In fact, Dick had become a little suspicious, He had just escaped a very network of dangers, Having made a ofa at Melross farm with — he had kept it at imminent hazard, only to learn that Agnes was not Richard Melross's daughter but his niece, and that she was soon to return to land. He was.sick at heart over this separation; ond had been, too, unfortunate enough to lose in his hard run for life from British Bill’s gan, the little memorandum-book in which her new address wad written. It was riding slowly onward after his escape from Bill, and another race with a.squadron of dragoons, ine he was arrested by the sound of tho negro’s voice, “The young mistress?"’ the spy exclaimed. ‘‘ What does she want?” ‘Don’t know, massa; she jist come here little while ago, and seeing you come up the rona, told me to tell you dat she want to see you. I ¢on’t mean ole missus; I mean Miss Agnes Melross, I does, She in de house,” Without another word Delaware Dick dismounted, and, giving the reins to the darkey, approached the house. He felt satisfied that the black told the truth, although it seemed impossible for Agnes to have come to the inn since their parting at the Hawk's Nest, ’ He was admitted to the house by the innkeeper's wife, and, as he crossed the threshold, two men sprung from behind the door, and seizing him, pin- ioned his arms at his side, while a third man appears i roceeded to disarm him. “Caught at last, you infernal yo rebel!"’ tha innkeeper hissed.. “It was a clever thing that [ knew of your love for Miss Agnes Melross, and that there was a witness to your interview at the Hawk's. Nest. Tl give you free lodgings for a while, my fine fellow, He was at once conducted up a pair of stairs and into a small, gloomy ee from which there seemed no escape, save by the way he entered, “Stay in there, my Fay cavalier,” said Ben Dar ling, the innkeeper, * till I_can send word to Corn- wallis of your capture. He's offered a reward, £ understand, for your head, cold or hot,” “Just so,” thought our hero, as the heavy door closed upon him; “ but, in the first place, I was a fool for g entrapped, and I suppose I will have to take the consequences. Still, when that n mentioned Agnes’s name as he did, I couldn’t help but believe him,” Pondering over the matter, Dick glanced around the room. A bed in one corner and a long wooden bench constituted the supply of furniture, There was no window in the walls; but a small, square facing the 700d. twas hee oven sight tithes aquané: e . It was not over e ches square, f furnished the and was the only source of light room. Dick walked to this opening and out. The first thing his eye fell upon was the treacberou” darkey leading his horse into the stable across th’ road. He glanced down the b ope tate discov ered & eutring the inn, <A dri wearer, the prisoner saw Yr, , pe eh ah panels bore the English coat-of-arms and ‘figures of heraldry emblazoned upon ‘them. him that it belonged to some old Englishman, and, . no doubt, a royalist, who adhered to the ancieng ca: as a relic of the pristine glory of bis house with the devotion of an old friend. He kept hig eyes cies it, feeling almost certain that it bone some British general or royal colonial officer: bub

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- at a slow, swinging pee = from the atte ame! -- Mvely scuffle, . stranger smote the heavy oaken aw ay ar ‘in here, an Re Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. as it drew nearer, he was surprised to see that it contained only an oki man and a vailed woman. The carriage tweed in and stopped in front of the inn. The driver and footman both dismounted, and while the former was gence in watering the horses, the latter opened wide the carriage-door. The old mau got out, straightened his limbs, and be- gan pacing to and fro in front of the house. He was a fussy old gentleman, in knee-breeches, silken hose, and shoes with golden buckles, After parad- ing the length of the door-yard a time or two, he hopped into the carriage again. eanwhile the ost remained closely vailed, but as the driver mounted his ‘seat and touched up the horses, a gust of wind ress i Garces the carriage, and, throwing back the vail, revealed to the aston- ished gaze of Delaware Dick the lovely face of his betrothed, Agnes Mulross, gazing toward him from the carriage window. A cry rose to the young patriot’s lips, but before his topgue could give utterance to it, the carriage with, his darling Agnes passed from view down the Bick almost at heart, he was about to turn aside, when he happened to see a horseman 4 Lee age rection © Trenton, This held. ntion, and closely scan- ing the stranger, he tried to make out who he was. But in this he failed. He saw that the man was dressed in a citizen’s suit of home-spun; but, for all this, there was a military air about his deportment that convinced Dick that he was upon some official duty for either the patriot or royal cause. As he came nearer, Dick saw that he was going to stop ab the jun; aud had he been certain of the man's friendliness tothe cause of freedom, he would - ‘have warned him of danger, as he contd easily have made himself heard, Being ignorant, however, of his political sentiments, he remained stil; The mah rode up to the door of the Half-way Inn, dismount- ed, and, giving his horse into the charge of a man, ordered him watered and fed; then he entered the ouse. Dick saw no more, and turning from the window he seated himself upon the bench and gave way to , Taental reflections. He could hear the murmur of _ voices in the room below, and as they gradually w louder, and some of the words audible, he bent is ear and listened. He soon discovered that there “was a dierence of opinion between the host and his guest, and words that had at first seemed a with the animation of a friendly dispute, finally came pitched in tones of anger and rage, The epi thets of Tory and rebel were exchanged in the heat of fury end passion. Then followed the sounds of a blows and oaths resounded from cel- jar to garret. The rush and trample of feet, the crash and fall of furniture, and the yells of the com- batants and screams of a woman shook the house to its very foundation. j Dick knew that the stranger was a patriot and had beon entrapped like himself; and he fairly chafed in -spirit to think that he was powerless to aid hi sounds of the conflict lasted, however, but a few mo- ments when a ringing yeil from a dozen throats an- nounced the victory of the Tories. And presently the sduind of footsteps and fierce, angry voices were ‘ heard coming up the stairs, A key was inserted in turned the /prison-door and . The door was then pushed open and the man dragged into the room wer here; eu 1SteiGak big sabel;"” Rimnod thie 3 ‘e, you infernal i e inn- keeper, ‘ike face had tn pounded almost in- toa shapéless mass, ‘lay there till the devil, your master, comes after you.” Then the door was closed and locked upon them. Dick glanced at the form of the stranger. He saw that he was a man of powerful frame. Hisface was _sinoothly shaven, yet bore the marks and scars of many @ rough encounter, It was brown, almost, as an Indian’s, but wore the expression of a brave and fearless-character. re Turning, as the door closed bs ee him, the huge oor with his pon- derous fist, and ina tone as deep and thunderous as the roar of a lion, exclairaed: “Curse you, you Tory fiends! by all the saints, liv- and dead, I will tumble earth upside down but what I have revenge on you! I'll show you that Old unity is not a coward nor a suckling, if ten of ou did fet the best of bim in a hand-to-hand skrim- . Hurrah for Libe “Stranger,” said Delaware Dick, advancing and taking the man by the arm, ‘you are not alone in “IT am not, by the prophets of old,” he exclaimed, cotige green of rage and anger melting into a ty) neneee and astonishment. ‘‘It is so dark Iwas so infernal mad that I could see ng. .Who are you?” : ware Dick,’ — isang on Delaware ‘ pene t. fate, ee EN for Tr him, The. '“Ts there a British officer below?” asked Dick. * Yes, and seven or eight soldiers. “Isaw none when I entered. They must have come since I was put in here; and friend Sanguinity, their presence makes our situation a rather hopeless one.”’ “We're caged, that is true, Dick; but I swear b all the ‘saints, from the flood down to Plymout Rock, that the morning’s sun will find me dead, or else out of here, I'll tear the accursed log-pile down over my head, as Sampson did the temple. I'll smite them hip and thigh, The curse of Old Sanguin- ity shall fall upon them like a withering, blighting seourge.” The prisoners now proceeded to examine their situation. The room in which they found themselves was not large, though as firm and compactly built as if it had been intended expressly for a prison. Aside from the door and the little square hole in the wall, there was no other opening in the apartment; while from the loft floor to the roof, at the lowest side, it Was about twelve feet. The bar-room of the inn was directly under them, and thus the prisoners could hear the-clinking of glasses and the voices of the drinkers. : The hours dragged along, and finally darkness fell, Some coarse food and a pitcher of water were sent up to the prisoners. A guard was stationed at the head of the stairs; another was stationed outside in front of the house, and one out in the road. Thus guarded, Captain Carl Von Cocl!u felt that all necessary precaution had been taken to inzure them egainst surprise; and resting under this conviction, he and several of his men accepted an invitation to spend the evening with Ben Darling, the host, in celebrating the capture of Delaware Dick. They took possession of the bar-room. Derling brought up a supply of the best liquors in bis cellar, and then a. general indulgence prevailed until supper was announced, when Captain Von Coellu and ‘his men passed out into the dining-room, leaving their arms, their liquor and unfinished pipes lying upon the bar-room table, The meal spread was a sumptuous one compared with the rude fare of a soldier; and the Hessian cap- tain anc his men tarried long atthe board; but when the half-inebriated gourmands at last returned to the bar-room to finish their ‘pipes, they were not a little surprised to find that some one had“been tam- | pering with their effects. A full bottle of Madeira, the captain’s sword and a brace of fine pistols ha been spirited away. The guard stationed outside swore that mo one had even looked inside the bar- room since the party hac gene out to supper. The captain and his men, as wei as their host, were cer- tain that no one had entered the room from a back nor rise up from below, the absence of the articles seemed involved in no little mystery. Furious over the loss of his sword, the captain plunged out into the night, followed by his men with fixed bayonets, and began a close and thorough search of the premises. They shouted and swore furiously, and with 9s rauch incaution as though they “were miles from an enemy. To add to their indignation and rage, Old Sanguin- ity set up a series of mockin, yells and groans, which he Lae up until the drunken conten ad been pro- voked to a feeling of deadly violence. And turning ee he started toward the house, exclaiming: Ps accursed if I@on’t drink that rebel’s life- He disappeared in the bar-room. He was alone, and no one essayed to follow bim, The host and the soldiers kept up their search out- ns ior the big rebel prisoner his cries of derision up-stairs. inally those outside were startled by the dull re- port of a pistol and 4 frightful groan in the bar- room. They ali made’a rush for the house. The tallow-dip that had been left burniog in the | bar-room was now spluttering in its brazen sconce, and giving but a dim, flickering light. A thousand weird, fantastic ; ing on the floor and shaking their grotesque forms upon the wall. of his face; the protruding ton The smell of burnt : wder pervaded the room. A soldier, rushing’ f eadiong into the apartment, ran plump against something susperded from the ceiling. was @ buman form, qwaying: to and fro, A cry of agony burst from every soldier’s lips, for as he glanced up at the face, upon whicl: wes *rozen all the repulsive horrors of death, he recognized that of Captain Von Coeliu! © ——— , _, CHAPTER VIL. : THE BLOW OF AN UNSEEN HAND. CapraIn Von Cost was dead, The purplecolor ; the starting eye- balls, and the round builet-hole in his forehead, were evidence of a fact that was undeniable. The slip- noose of a small rope encircled his neck, the other end being made fast to a ercss-piece that had been _nailed to the underside of two of the joisis. He had been hung, and then shot by the hand of unknown enemies! ‘ The soldiers stood speechless with terror, gazing with distended eyes around them and upon the life- = « — before aE ace ra Seicbetuh-a ut, arousing at length, as from a fri¢htful dream the body of Captain Von’Coellu was cut down and a = in the ber re os ary ee * ange a a an vg a voice of the huge mer in the loft broke zen stillness. 7: 4 The soldiers, now headed by Ben Darling, began searching for the captain’s Ba And every room, save that in which Delaware Dick end Old Sanguini- ty were incarcerated—irom cellar to gurret, was ex- F Se: figures seemed writhing and postur-| amined but not one trace of an enemy could be ound. The body of Captain Van Coellu was laid out in a bed-room, and a soldier placed as a watcher by the corpse, 16 light was removed from the bar-room to the pacar wherein the host and bis royal friends now assembled. A restlessness, however, pervaded the Spirits of all, and some kept pacing in and out of the house continually. Suddenly those in the kitchen heard a stifled oan, and the fall of a body in the bar-room. A ook of horror convulsed every face, and, for a mo- ment, the astounded party stood silent and speech- less, Then Sergeant Eukers seized a light, and, fol- lowed by his men, entered. the bar-room, where, in the middle of the floor, they found a soldier lying dead, with his head cloven to the jaw. “Oh God!” burst from the innkeeper’s lips;_ ‘he’s been smitten down by that invisible hand! Men!— soldiers of the king!—you must leave here. You have brought the curse of God into my house. Go! before we are all slain.” ‘ A deep, sonorous. laugh snares mockingly upon their ears; and the voice of Old Sanguinity came down like a thunderbolt from above. _ “Go strangle that infernal bi jate,” cried Sergeant Eukers, anger, The next moment, the sergeant stood alone, His } men, led by the infuriated Ben Darling, rushed out | into the hall, and up the rickety stairs. Alone in the subdued light of the bed-chamber, the officer gazed around. He lifted his eyes, only to be- hold the face of a man in the ceiling—the face of an avenging spirit! Then there was a flash as of light- ning across the face of the darkness—a livid flash, } and a dull blow, and the sergeant fell dead. Then from the darkness above the form of a man descended. It was the form of Old Sanguinity; and, in a moment, Delaware Dick stood at his side. In the hand of the big rebel was a sword stained with bicsd—the sword of Captain Von Coéllu, that had disappeared from the table while the soldiers were at supper, The tnaunder of the soldiers at the door up-stairs that the prisoners had fastened on the inside, warn- ed the two daring patriots that their escape would soon be discovered, and turning, they opened the | door,.and plunged out into the night, sentinel rebel; let us retal- erce with rage and fell. “This way, Delaware Richard,” ordered the big | Pires leading the way across the road toward the stabte. oS fleeing from the scene of thelr night’s adventure. Wien Ben Darling and the soldiers forced their is into the prison-room, they were met with a ter- | rible disappointment, The rebels had escaped, and a broad plank in the floor being up told their way of egress! There was the identical bottle that had dis- ppeared from the tahis below, minus its contents. e bed bad been tumbled on to the floor, and the cord taken from the bedstead, A pisce of it, with a slip-noose at one end, and encircling the neck of | the bottle, told how the wine, the sword, and the tols had i a yi W been purloined from the table. Further vestigation revealed the startling fact that Captain Von Coelln had been hung with a piece of the same rope, . A noose had been dropped over his head while passing under the opening; then he had been drawn tip and shot, and before his friends could reach the room, the plank had been slipped back to its: place, and all *races of the source of his death concealed. The fury of the Hessians and the host of the Half- way Inn knew no bounds; and when they found that the sergeant, and the sentinel out in the road, had fallen victims to the patriots’ vengeance, they be- came transformed to madmen. : In the heat of their fury, a band of Tory parti- sans dashed up to the door of the Inn and dismount- | ed. The leader advanced to the door and without ceremony opened /it and entered. “Prodigal Tom! Prodigal Tom!” burst from half a dozen throats in tones of wild delight, “Prodigal Tom,” said Ben Darling, advancing to- ward the young Tory leader, ‘* why in heaven's name couldn’t you have come sooner?” = . ‘“ Why so, Ben Darling?” ; : “Your rebel brother, Delaware Dick, was & prison- er in my house not over two hours ago. So was a big rebel, calling himself Old Sanguinity, and, friend Tom, I am ashamed—’ “One word, friend Darling,” interrupted the par- tisan, “was this big rebel, of whom ey speak, dressed in citizen’s Clothing, and moun upon a large, bay steed?’ “ven so, Prodigal Tom,” answered mine host, ‘* And he escaped?” “With your brother, Delaware Dick,” face. : Do you roe who he Reb a : ‘Yes; and I am sorry, indeed, that he mace ved for ; 3 was ve notorious Virginia wagoner, General Dan | egan |” , : CHAPTER IX, © Sane PRODIGAL TOM AT HEAD-QUARTERS, ‘bt willingly y was just Tom and his men were entertained and courteously by the innkeeper, and breaking when their entertainment was suddenly ar- rested by the cry: Pes upon the road:” “To your saddles, men! to your saddles!” shouted Prodiga} Tom, rushing out j fis neon: ed tf ror: eS ee ~ ae Ina minute every man was in the saddle. ‘Prod : oi oe a * Sho i = — * s ee pe ee ne > a roeiggt em POSS SS Eee challenged them—a blow followed, and the soldier. | In a fow minutes more, they were mounted and , A | way, as they would have to pass through the kitchen | to do so; and since 10 one could descend from above, | A look of disappointment clouded Prodigal Tom's" *“'To arms! to arms! a body of provincial horse is — ¥ oq oes A PE cee a ax, ¢ ay | He! L

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dee ' gal Tom’s band numbered just twenty sabers, and as the body of proyincials approaching consisted of but ten men, the Tory felt certain of an easy victory. The enemy soon made their appearance rather in- cautiously from the woods north of the inn, and bofore they were aware of the proximity of foes, they received a volley from Prodigal Tom’s men. Singular as it may seem, however, not a patriot was fouched; and without as much as slacking their speed, they charged the Tories. A sharp and deadly atruggle ensued, and fora moment it seemed that victory would crown the efforts of the patriots; but the death/of their leader turned the tide, and those that were not slain were taken prisoners. This victory added new laurels to the fame of Prodigal Tom, and as the news of the conflict spread through the country, his name added new terrors to the peace of the patriots, Ben Darling’s inn now became converted into a nospitel for both patriot and Tory wounded, and the innkeeper and his wife were intrusted with their care. Fortunately for them, however, that old In- dian nomad, Doctor Dave, came along soon after the fight, and being called in by Prodigal Tom, rendered good surgical aid to the suffering men. Prodigal Tom left the inn shortly after the battle, and about noon reached the British army under Cornwallis. When presented to the general in his private apartment, the young Tory appeared as though half doubtful of the reception that would be given him. Nor was he altogether disappointed in the stern reticence of the man. Cornwallis, as he took the young partisan’s hand, gazed into the youth’s face with a look that manifested surprise; and he even seemed to recoil from him, as though an intuitive doubt had suddenly entered his mind. The young partisan, however, appeared calm in the august presence of the English general, and conducted himself in a very easy, yet formal man. ner, that seemed to relieve the stiff disciplinarian of his hesitation and reticent demeanor. “Prodigal Tom,” he said, in measured tones, “it affords me pleasure to meet you for the first time, though to me, afd in fact to your enemies, you are well known by reputation. The service you rendered Six Henry Clinton as a spy, is all the recommenda- tion I desire of your faithfulness to the crown, But when | first got a glimpse of your face, I could not help remarking to myself the resemblance you bore to your rebel brother, Delaware Dick.” ‘Then, you have met my brother Dick, general?” Tom said, - tiop upon his recollection. differenca, he answered: ** Yes, he came into our lines a few days before the capture of Trenton, bearing genuine ep tos from. Colonel Rahl. As no one recognized him, and his papers were genuine and his story plausible, there was not the shadow of a thing by Which to mistrust him of being a spy. Since that time, however, I have found that he was Delaware Dick, Washing- ton’s spy and'scout,”’ “How did you discover the fact, general?” asked Prodigal Tom. “By the merest accident,’’ was the evasive reply, that brought a faint smile to the sensual lips of the young Tory. “Dick is a wily rebel, my lord; and but for a rebel »etticoat he would be with us to-day.” “Tt is love, then, that made him a rebel?” *Yos, your excellency.”’ *Out of respect to you, Thomas, I should be sorry to »ver take him as a spy.” * He certainly knows the consequence, my lord; avi’ while 1 hold all the respect and love of a brother for him, I shall not flinch one iota from my duty to my king, nor- endeavor to prevent his capture and punishment asaspy. In fact, my lord, Iam here to make a statement of the partisan warfare that is going on outside, and to solicit of you sufficient force to drive the rebel element out of the country.” “My dear sir,” said the general, thoughtfully, “I cannot spare 2man, horse nor foot, now. Lam upon the eve of a great battle. I shall attack Washington soon, for his victory over Rahl has emboldened him to such a degree as to Induce him to recross into New Jersey and take a position near Trenton. After T have accomplished my present secigne ainst the enemy, I shall send out an adequate force to subdue the bands of rebel partisans, and compel the citizens to return to their ailegiance to the king.” “{ can afford to wait, my lord,’’ Prodigal Tom. re- pled, knitting his. beetling brows and dropping his _ to the ground, as if plunged in inomentary re- eetion, The young Tory leader was in private consultation with the general for an hour or two; and when he finally left his quarters and strolled out into the eamp, he found his men enjoying the hospitality of the British soldiers, He was received on every hand with marked respect, and as he sauntered leisurely along, he was finally approached by a young officer, who addressed a a ait “T beg your on, gal Tom, for my inter- ruption; but t could not resist the "teraptarion to speak to you.” Prodigal Tom started at sound of his voice, betray- ing no little surprise and sudden fear. The young oficer noticed his perturbation, and to relieve him, continued: “Sir, Lam Clement Fairmont, Captain of Dra- oOons, ‘Captain, I assure you it affords me pleasure to raake your acquaintance,” replied Tom. “T have known you for some time by reputation, Tom,” the captain said. ‘‘And my rebel brother, Delaware Dick, also, I dare say.” “Yes; [have met your brother, Delaware Dick,” he answered, a strange smile playing over his face, ‘*T presumé there are few officers of dragoons, or of partisan rangers who have not met Dick,"’ the young Tory replied; ‘“‘and some of them have met im to their sorrow, And while I regret that I have a brother engaged against my king, I must admit that he is a thorn in the British crown—one that should be removed ai all hazards.” Captain Fairmont gazed aparece into Tom’s eyes for full half a minute, then he said: “Tom, do you know where your family is?” “T know where they were last,” he answered, eva- ay. “They have not changed places for some time. I called upon your mother and sister, Geraldine, a few days ago, as I came down from New York.”’ “Indeed?” exclaimed Prodigal Tom, betraying pie hervousness. “T hope yon left them well, cap- in sh wee well, and praying for peace.” “May God protect them until thig war is over! Mother was very sorry whek the war, began, and for the sake of her boys has endeav to remain neu- tral; but Geraldine has always been like brother Dick, a confirmed little rebel.” “Yes, she hesitates not in expressing her feelin for the American cause,” said Fairmont; “and, Tom, I think a great deal as she does in regard to this war upon.the Colonies.” ‘Hal ha! ha!’ laughed Prodigal Tom, softly, arching his sullen brows as though a new light had burst upon his mind, “I see now, captain, what ails you. Geraldine Melinott has won your affections." ‘* Well,” replied Fairmont, elently confused, “I always thought this war was unjust; but having pur- chased a captain’s commission in the army, I was unfortunately sent here to America, I say unfortu- nately, though I don’t know that it has been wnfortu- nate to me, for had it been otherwise, I should never | have met Geraldine,” “Then you love her, capvain?’’ “1 will frankly admit I do, Prodigal Tom,” “Then don’t let her win you from your country and king, captain, or by heavens you will be un- worthy of her.” Tt know she is worthy of any living man, Tom, and her devotion to the colonies is that of a heroic woman. She speaks in strong praise of her brother Dick and his service to the colonies; but of you, Tom, she, and your mother, have never spoken.” “AY, they have denounced me as the prodigal son, Thear,” said Tom, bitterly. “Strong, indeed, must be my mother and sister’s Jove for thelr ee when it will turn them against me, But they will see that I am right.”’ Again Captain Fairmont fixed his eyes upon Prodi- gal.Tom’'s as though determined to penetrate his very thoughts, Ie was really a relief to Tom when the bray of a eee fi and the roll of drums calling to arms, resounded through the camp, diverting the attention of Fairmont from the secret that lay bu- ried in his heart. The alarm had been sounded on discovering the approach of a band of ‘provincial horse, which the picket had reported to be the advance of Washing- ton’s army. But the report was unfounded, and the enemy withdrew toward Trenton, without firing a n, aS soon as they’ came within sight of the Brit- ish army; Captain Fairmont and Prodigal Tom, at the head of their men, were dispatched in peers of them, But all they found was a vagabond Indian— old Doctor Dave—wandering toward. Trenton, CHAPTER X. A STRANGE MEETING. Somm twenty miles north of Princeton was a mag- nificent estate known as Fairmont Place. Its east- ern boundary was the Raritan river, along which its broad acres stretched for a league or two, A . tial residence adorned the place, surrounded by a beautiful. park that was diversified by drives and graveled walks, Large barns and out-holses stood adjacent; and long rows of neat little tenement-houses, half-hid- dep in a border of shrubbery stretching down the lane, added an appearance of thrift to the premises, Colonel Samuel Fairmont had emigrated to Amer- ica at an early day. He came as a scion of one of the best families of England, and with the future greatness of the colonies at heart, an the erec- tion of a home in the wilderness bordering on the Raritan. Having the advantage of some wealth, he soon had the foundation of a great fortune laid; and for nearly half a century, it continued to increase ally, Colonel Fairmont’s residence had not been alto- ether a private one. He served in some of the Tndien wars, and gained the distinction of a colonel. He afterward served as a colonial officer, and might have attained to distinction, had he not re- fused promotion in order to devote his entire time to the cultivation and improvement of his estate. Through all those years of residence in America among American people, he adhered strictly to his English customs and ideas; and when. the Revolu- tion began, many woudered upon which side Colonel Fairmont would throw his sympathies, since he was slow in expressing an opinion, In the course of time this became a question of great interest, for it was well known that his wealth would carry great influence whichever way he went, The old man—being now upward of seventy— was really placed between two fires, and in order to ee both, determined to maintain a strict neu- trality. : But that he held an unexpressed preference for one side or the other, there was not a doubt; and so, both royal and’ patriot spies were constantly on aueces . 2 « ; . the alert for some word or act that would betray his bheart’s sentiments. The colonel, however, was wily as a fox, and mistrusting the motives of these spies, finally came to regard every stranger as one poi into his cherished secrets. Notwithstanding his fact, however, the doors of Fairmont Place were always open to the /traveler—stranger or aor quaintance, royalist or rebel, A few evenings after the battle of Trenton, Col- onel Fairmont and a gentleman were seated in the oo library of Fairmont Place, enjoying a p sasant conversation, The colonel was unusually ospitable and communicative, for in the stranger he felt that he had a guest whose motive was in ne manner secret, The stranger was a young man, with a keen, gray eye, and a crop of sandy hair and whiskers; and while there was nothing attractive in his general ap- pearance, there was nothing calculated to engender mistrust; for, in those days, few traveled alone but what were suspected of some secret designs in séme shape or other. In the midst of their conversation, however, they were suddenly interrupted by a negro servant, who entered the room and announced a stranger at the door desiring lodging for the night, The old man’s placid countenance changed to a vexed look; but, after a moment’s hesitation, he ad: “Show him in,-till I see of what metal he is com- posed.” The traveler was usheted into the library, when the old man, rising from his seat, gave him a sharp, critical look, and then said: “Good-evening, sir; you travel late. It is after ten, sir.” “*T dare say it is,’’ replied the stranger, in a tone that had an agreeable ring to the old man’s ear; * but L was determined to reach Fairmont Place be- fore I stopped, for I have long been anxious to rest beneath its roof.” “Then you shall not disappointed, sir; take a seat, and I will see that pour horse is cared for and groomed, and that a bite of supper is prepared for , yourself. Whom have I the honor of addressing, sir?” ‘Marvin Elwood, of New York,” “Indeed?” exclaimed the old man, taking his hand; ‘twell, Mr, Elwood, I am pleased to meet you, Al- low me to introduee you to Mr. Roscommon, who is also a guest of mine to-night.” In cordial terms the two peroowledged the intro- duction, when all three became seated, Marvin Elwood could not have been over three- and-twenty years of age. He was a little below me- dium size, but rather prepossessing in form and fea- tures, He possessed a wealth of long dark hair, and ‘aset of flossy whiskers that gave him an additional look of manhood and force of character; while a oair of keen, bright eyes.shot their peers glances, ull of mesmeric power, into the oid man’s face an around the room in an indifferent and honest sort of a way that at once disarmed Fairmont of all doubts of his new guest. After passing the compliments of the day, Mr. El- wood was conducted to the dining-room, where an ample repast had been spread for him by a colored female servant. “A very agreeable gentleman, colonel,’ Roseom- mon said, when alone with his host, “ but rest assur- ed he is a deep one." ; i “T shall endeavor to draw him out when he re- turns,” replied Fairmont, “and see how hestands om the question of the day.”’ Elwood soon returned to. the library—Fairmont's favorite sitting-room—much refreshed by his repast, and seating himself, at once entered into conversa- tion. He talked easily, his sentences flowing smooth and unbroken; and to the surprise of his compan- ions, he made no effort to conceal his sympathies for the colonies, but. expressed himself in the strongest terms in favor of the revolt of the opp! essed people, This éxpression of feeling, Ccelonel Fairmont’ no- ticed, touched Roscommon unfavorably, He moved uneasily oy his chair, and after his feelings had be- come worked up to a_certain pitch, he replied in a manner poet to Elwood’s views. Colonel ‘Fairmont remained calm as a summer sky; but’ when he saw that an adverse feeling was rising between his guests, he broke the current of CoRvernntien by ordering in a bottle of Madeira and glasses. : This the guests did not hesitate to ake of; but instead of producing a salut effect, it only served to excite their brains, and increase their feeling against the cause which the other espoused. “You are endeavoring to evade solid facts, Mr, Elwood,’’ Roscommon at length protested; “ bat suppose we accept your own theory, I can’t see what moral power you rebels can be ret | ti to make one of you equal to three Britishf®oladiers.” ‘Well, this can be readily accounted for, We are fighting on our own grounds; weselect our own bat- tle-fields; our own way of fighting; and usually our own Be cs We never ~~ A ont 6 till we think we can ; So you can see the advantages we possess, As toone provincial being equal to three enemies, that has been fully demonstrated upon more than one occasion among the partisans.”’ “Name a single instance, will you Mr. Elwood?” Roscommon said, betraying some inward emotion. “The battle between British Bill’s and Delaware Dick’s forces yesterday. The latter with fifteen men whipped the former with forty or more,’ reptied Marvin Elwood, “Delaware Dick did nothing of the kind,” retorted Roscommon inatone that implied more than the disputes of a friendly argument. ' reiterated “T tell you he di Elw a tone unyiel@ing; igs abostutaly ’ that was fam and a Sn ca } RP OO IDE ie Noi tn) , = gb. -

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iy a, * itwas gradually unt @ young girl stood out in relief before : la Diek s —— mated KL whipped him and drove him out of the neighbor- _. “Sir, you would have me believe that British Bill ig an infernal coward, would you?” cried Roscom- mon, his eyes flashing pe * @, gentiemen,’’ cried Colonel Fairmont, “T th t this was to be a friendly matter, Don’t get off of balance, gentlemen, but take it cool.’”’ “Té was to have been a friendly discussion,’’ said Dive Ceumedu; and with that. courtesy due one gen- tlenan from another; bul this has not been observ- 6d by Mr. Elwood and I shall insist on satisfaction by way of an answer tomy question from him.” **You shall have it, sir,” coolly returned Elwood: “as to British Bill belng & coward at heart, I am un- able to say, positively; but he acted very much like a coward in his fight with Delaware Dick.” **Sir, this ig an insult that you shall answer for!” thundered Roscommon, tearing a wig from his head anda massof false whiskers from his face, ‘for J, Rubal Roscommon, am British Bill /’ and as he con- cluded he drew a pistol and cocked it. Sir,’ repli rvin Elwood with marvelous coolness, *‘ you shall have satisfaction to your heart’s content, for I, Marvin Elwood, am Delaware Dick!” and he, too, threw aside a discuise of hair and whis- Kers, at the same time drawing a pistol and cocking “My God, gentlemen!" exclaimed Samuel Fajr- mont, starting up, as two guests threw aside their disyuise, and drew their weapons, ‘I want no murder in my house)’ * But, colonel,” said the rebel spy, with provoking coolness, fixing a steady, determined look upon his ~ hated foe, “your amiable friend, British Bill, is wr- gent in his desire for satisfaction. “Pat ervvay your pistola, men,’* cried the old man, involuntarily pushing aside the ycung Tory leader's Weapon with one hand and Delaware Dick’s with the other; ‘there must be no bloodshed here, If you will fight, go out and fight as brave enemies fight, upon the fleld,” ; ““Colone| Fairmont!’ stormed the Tory partisan, his face flushed with liquor, his eyes flashing with fary, and his hand trembling with excitement; “no rebel, especially that outlawed traitor, shall insult me with impunity. Tis life is the reprisal I demand.” “You speak as though you were a host,” retorted Delaware Dick, with a contemptuous calmness, , Colovuel Fairmont watched like a hawk that neither ». Yaised his weapon against the other, for he most earnest} y desired to avert the horror of.a conflict, .__ & troid was between the young partisan foes. Upon it eat the glasses and bottle hal dranx to. each other’s health, “twill yer make you feel thet my power is that of p host, Delaware Dick,” was British Bill’s response. ‘You have bearded the lion in his den, sir, and since It is Colonel FPairmont’s request that no scene be enacted here, I shall respect his wish, and—” Tam nised that you have the least respect for any one,” interrupted his antagonist. “¥du will bo stijl more surprised before you get through with me, now mind.” Dick made no reply more than to recognize his words by a sneer that was more provoking than the bitterest retort would hove been. oe British Bill had risen to his feet, but Dick remain- ed seated, with his thoughts divided between the young Tory and Colonel Fairmont. Somewhere or other, he had seen the old man, but to save him he _ could not recall the time nor place. His face linger- ed in his memory like the face of ene seen ina vague dream that leaves its influence upon us, but keeps the main characters just beyond our mental reach, While revolving the matter in his mind, his rest- loss eyes suddenly caught a movement upon the wall behind the colonel and to the right of British Bill. A curtain of crimson satin was pushed slowly and noiselessly aside, revealing a large synere picture- frame of rosewood and niahogany thot had been set to the wall and elaborately finished off, I’rom this the face of George the Third looked down up- on him with we tb the tyrannical imbecility of that lish potentate. 6 sight of the picture settled one point in Dela- ware Dick’s mind: Colonel Samuel Fairmont was a loyal subject of the crown, But, why had he kept it ? nef he afraid that the exposition of the re would betray his sympathies? ' @ these questions were being entertained in our hero’s mind, he saw the portrait of King George disappear from the frame as if by magic; and in the kness behind the spot_where it had been, a white, ostly object appeared. At first there was no ble form to i > pit as it approached the frame ‘olded front bus of dark- ness surrounding it, and the fair and Sib A face of m, ware with an involuntary cry of pt ig for in the face of the young. girl, 4 ‘ogal ri was pes pnongh tohim now. Colonel Fair- xaont was the old -gentleman that had ont t sto -way Inn with A when he the Puliding x Bare Place is heart 4 ome of Agnes, AYe & boning of Joy, for it had been relieved of a heavy ace, b histle. "This he twirled’ betw: : id de-fige f Ir quite «minute, at the ‘was to have om which they | h peters lights above and brought chandelier and } be Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. Dick, however, soon regained his equanimity, and returned his adversary’s look with searching con- tempt. This so enraged the young Tory that he turned abruptly upon his heel, and advancing to the east door of the library, threw if open. Then he placed the whistle to his lips and blew a sharp blast mo it, that pierced keenly through the frosty night. Deleware Dick at once mistrusted the import of his enemy’s movements, and yet he betrayed only the coolest indifference. With a strange smile upon his face he rose to his feet, and crossing the floor, threw open the west door. E ae tramp of feet was heard near each door out- side. Colonel Fairmont started with a look of profound horror upon eyery lineament of his wrinkled face, while amazement became stampe.-ipon the features of British Bill's, e ‘My amiable Tory friend,” Delaware Dick said, while a grim smile 6 triumph played cvout his lips “the signal you gave was exactly the same tha i ven my men, incase necessity required it. Sir, you have called up the Scarlet Wings, as well as your Tory nighthawks.” ; Even as he spoke, a Scarlet Wing, with a drawn saber, entered ugh the west door of the library; Pree at the same instant, a Tory came in at the east oor, Then followed a scene of terror that sent Colonel Fairmont flying from the library. Scarlet Wing after Scarlet Wing, and Tory after Tory came filin into the room, and ‘* quickly forming in the ranks o war. y . ‘ CHAPTER XI, A DOUBLE CATASTROPHE. A conruicr in the library of Samuel Fairmont seemed inevitable, Delaware Dick and British Bill stood glaring at each other across the room with a fierce and deadly determination in their looks, Dick still maintained his usual composure, but his enemy fairly trembled with the intensity of his emotions. The followers of these two young partisans were yepe surprised at the situation of affairs, for they ad not the remotest idea of what was going on until they entered the library, Each part; ‘had come in response to the preconcerted signal of its leader. . It required but a few moments, however, for them to define the state of affairs and place themselves in a defensive position, . Both parties seemed to be actuated by the same Pere They hastily formed in lines up and down he great room. Guns and pistols were held in a position for instant use.“ Murmurs of deadly ven- eng and bitter animosity passed from lip to lip. full score of Tory partisans glared across the room into the faces of as many Patriots. At this juncture a footstep was heard approaching along the hall leading from the main building into the library, and the next moment Samuel Fairmont entered the room entirely recovered from his late panic. With remarkable coolness and ee effrontery, he adyanced to the table in the center o the room, and filling one of the goblets, held it aloft and exclaimed: “Here is success to you, my friends, adherents to the royal cause of King George,” and then he swal- lowed the liquor at a single gulp. t A shout from the lips of ihe Tories answered his words of cheer, for they gave the Tories renewed courage, Onthe other hand they smote heavily up- on the ears of the patriots, and filled the heart of Delaware Dick with a fecling akin to a adage 1h He was convinced now, beyond a single doubt, that Fairmont was a royalist; and he felt that an insur- mountable barrier was rising between him and his betrothed, Agnes Melross. But he had little time for reflection upon the matter. Scarcely had the old man to the suecegs of the Tories than the latter raised their weapons and fired upon the patri- ots. Our friends, however, were on ‘the alert, and an- ticipating this sudden movement of the foe, averted the volley of lead by dropping upon their knéeg,~ Not a patriot was touched, ‘and the next instant their weapons rung forth in deadly clash, and the battle became gencral aan ee . The Fairmont mansion now resounded with all the horrors of the battle-fleld; and the terrible din rolled and echoed from chamber to chamber, filling the inmates with speechless terror. The’ house shook under the clashing strokes of sabers, blows of clubbed muskets, and all of bodies; while the night without was convulsed with the horrible sounds, which, as they issued from the mapsion, be- came incorporated into one dreadful roart ~%t rolled away over field and woods. ‘ 5 The library soon became filled with thick jae ie ous smoke, through which ‘the lights of the chande- lier shone dim and ghostly, and through which the forms of the combatants surged and swayed like phantoms inthe gloaming, = It gi sap? strange, to the terrified auditors crouch- ing in adjacent parlor, that so oe shots could be fired and so many blows rtruck without some de- cisive result. Sudde the butt of ead in the hands of an infuriated Tory, struck the seene of horror. The floor was slippery with blood, in which. a score of patriots and Tories together lay- The conflict was renewed with increased fury. The flames rose higher and Pigher, communicating with the heavy curtains, and licking and lappin their flery tongues along the ceiling and w unt a holocaust seemed to threaten the lives of both patriot and Tory. The room became filled to suffocation with heat and smoke. It was moré than human nature could endure, and finally terminated the conflict and drove the combatants from tho room. They carried their wounded with them; but the dead were left to the devouring flames. Out in the open air the patriot rangers expected the struggle to be renewed; but the Tories disap- peared in the darkness, and were seen no more cht. Our friends, with their wounded: in charge, hastily retreated from the place. They moved down the road until they reached the timber, then turning ab- ruptly to the right, pushed on through the woods until they reached the point where they had left their horses. Here they halted to enumerate their loss and ascertain the extent of the injuries of the wounded, They found thet half of their number were missing and wounded. Among the missing was their fear- less young leader, Delaware Dick. A comrade had seen him fall in the heat of the contlict, under the. Le of a Tory musket; nor did he see him rise again, . A gloom of despondency and bitter sorrow settled upon the faces and in the hearts of the survivors of the little band of partisans, They knew that their beloved young leader was among the slain left in the burning house, and it was too late now to think of recovering the body from the flames. Already they could see the flames burst: from the mansion and shooting their long beams into the sky. The cur- rounding soon became lit up with a dazzling glare and from their covert in the forest, the patrio rangers could see the Fairmont mansion enveloped. in a mountain of ie pe fire, and could distinguish ae passing hurriedly to and fro about the grounds. The leadership of Delaware Dick’s band, or what was left of it, now devolved upon Lieutenant Banks, a young patriot, whose knowledge of the country, indomitable courage and fearless daring fully oak fied him to lead the Party. Though the little baud of partisans had suffered the loss of their beloved captain and nearly one half of their number, they did not lose all hope in the cause for which they were battling. On the con- trary, it roused the spirit within them, and hence- forth they resolved to devote their time and lives to the ‘execution of one ebject—the avenging of the biood of their fallen comrades, 7 The care of the wounded was the first duty de- volying upon them, and Lieutenant Banks had con- cluded to move them at once to the hut of an old woodman and true triot, who lived a few miles north; but before they could effect arrangements necessary for the removal of the suffering men, the fierce bark of a dog startled the little band. One of the pi seized his gun and peered into the gloom around him, — a el ain the bark of the dog emote upon their ears. The horses sniffed the air and pawed the ground un- e j Gs Bows,” whispered Banks, ‘“there’s something not just right about here!” “Ho dar, massa, don’t shoot, for I’se a friend to everybody,” came a voice from out the gloom. ‘Who ‘are yout” demanded Banks, seizing his isto. P “Tse ole Grind 21 is; and dat dog’s Box; de best dog for ’coon and *possum on de ribber,” and as the speaker thus explained, he advanced into the open- ing where our friends were awaiting him. s Welt sir, what are you doing here?” asked anks, ° ““T’se huntin’ you; dat is, if you’s dem pattyrots what Delumware Dick leads.” ~ sia h < Wei what do you want of us? Who sent you ere?” . ‘One ob your friends—didn’t ax his name; but he war wounded in bushes, whare ole Grindy find him. “Bless Heaven!” cried a youth, excitedly, ‘‘ per- haps it is Dick himself.” . Grindy tote him off into de woods and hide him whar de ornery Tories won't find him.” : “How does it come that you are a rebel, and yet the servant of old Fairmont?” ~~ “Wal, 1 said the old negro, scratching his woolly ere: “ole massa Fairmont alway tell his nigger t he’s pattyrot when paityrots am around, and as dey come de mostest times, ole Grindy got to Y & be a pattyrot at heart, like de.young missus. And now, if you'll jis’ take dem wounded folk down to whar I’se got dat other feller hid, I'l. jis’ bet a doub- loon dey don't suffer, and dat de Tories won't find dem, chile’s no slouch ob a doctor, and as I’se too ole and shaky to Sgnt in de ranks, I want to do sumfin in de cause of liberty,” There was something so honest, outspoken, and | noble in the old man’s words that the rangers at once became convinced of his sincerity of heart. To make sure, however, that the old man was not try- ing to deceive them, two of the pont were dispatch, with to where he claimed he had secured cne of their comrades; and that he of- | fended at their evident mistrust, Saas forecasted a dagirs to sreneets the condition of the quarters — eC He didn’t tell me what his name war; but ole. before consigning the wounded _ de fight, and crawled out into de | | ‘ therein. With his dog in the lead, the ol ed the way toward his hidden Hospital’ Her pak gh pope | utes they through the gloomy kabyrinths ef

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wee ras Sh ees 3 the woods, along the shuous windings of a dim path, and through mazes of tangled undergrowth, finally arriving at their destination in a place where the Re J veal Delaware Dick. | ascertain both his strength and position before I gloom, silence, and desolation impressed the rangers | with a vazue consciousness of being in the realms of grim Solitude. In a few minutes, however, they were on their way back to the command; and, on arriving there, ave the most satisfactory evidence of Old & rindy’s vVyaluy. BPAY VAL UYVAAEAOLY HALO Y AACE AL beeee Aad Uh Ve nogro's hidden retreat was not Delaware Dick, and the announcement of the fact crushed the ardent hope that the little band had dared to entertain of its being their leader. The rest of the wounded were at once removed to Grindy’s quarters, and left in the old man's charge; while Lieutenant Banks and his followers took to their saddles and rode away in the direction of Fair- mont Place. ; The location of the mansion was now indicated by a mighty pyramid of fire, which thrust its quiveri apex almost into the very dome of heaven, an spread its broad glare for miles over field and forest. When about a mile from the mansion the rangers drew rein, and dismounting, concealed their horses in the edge of the woods, and then crept along in the shadow. of a stone fencé toward the fire, As they drew near, they saw a body of mounted Tories and the king’s horse come down the road and stop in front of the burning house, This induced the pa- triots to be more cautious, and leaying the main command behind, Lieutenant Banks and two com- rades crept on until they could command a fair view of the crowd gathered about the glaring ruins. “By heavens!” were the first wo that burst from Banks's lips, “‘do you see that young officer standing near that grotto, north of the ruins? “Yes,” answered Perry Hammond; “he seems to be taking it cool as a cucumber.” % Re but don’t you recognize him, Perry?” asked anks, They were not over a hundred yards from the of- ficer in question; and for fully a minute Hammond studied form and features closely. ‘*T’ll admit,” he finally said, that there is some- thing familiar about his form, but then Ican't re- call—” : , Perry,” interrupted Banks, “it is Prodigal Tom, the Tory, and brother of our own Delaware Dick.” “Ah, indeed! Then it is the resemblance in form and movement between the brothers that struck me as being familiar. I wonder if the young Tory knows that the pore of his brother is being con- sumed in that awful fire?” ‘Perhaps he does, which accounts for his grave demeanor and silent attitude. Here and there, about the park, little groups of of- ficers and soldiers, men and womien, both black and white, were gathered together, gazing upon the ru- ins with faces that seemed ghastly in the light of the red flames. The black servants and white tenants of Fairmont Placé had all flocked to the scene of de- etruction. There was a horrible fascination in the awful flame that Oey could not resist, and before the roof of the mansion fell in, over a hundred per- sons were present. ; ; Banks and his companions studied each group and each face closely; and presently their eyes fell upon the form of a young girl who sat alone in tho park upon a rustic seat. Her face looked ghastly ta the lurid light, and her eyes were red and swoller with weeping. : This maiden was Agnes Melross, the betrothed wire of Delaware Dick; and while Banks had his eyes still upon her, he saw a negro youth emerge from the shadows behind her and touch her upon the shoulder. He saw the maiden start to her feet and asp the lad by the hand.as if eager for some intel- Rice from his lips; but when the lad shook his woolly head and pointed toward the burning man- sion, she cl d her hands to her brow, and sunk upon the * be negre lad lifted her tenderly from the cold und and placed her upon the seat, then drawing shaw! closer about her head and shoulders, he turned and walked sadly away. While this scene was being enacted, Banks saw shat Prodigal Tom was watching the maiden narrow- , and as soon as the black went away, the young Re turned and approached her. He stopped in front of hez, lifted his hat and spoke, The mindten started at sound of his voice; but at sight of his face, she suck back into her seat, more than ever overcome by her emotions of sorrow, “ CEAPTER XI. CORNWALLIS RECEIVES A VISITOR. SnHoRtTLY after the astounding news of the capture of the Hessians at Trenton had reached the ear of Lord Cornwallis, who was encamped near Princeton, he called his generals together in his private consul- tation room, and to them made known his inten- tion of marching against Washington at once. He hed learned through ‘his scouts that the American general had taken a position in the rear of Trenton, and was een “goa | himself there, evidently, with the intention of holding the place. “But, general,’ said one of his officers, ‘‘the sa- cious Washington would never have dared to con- mt your army had he not been assured of his own wer and ability to cope with you. I dare say he received reinforcements.” “Ay my lord,” added another, ‘reinforcements t if not in numbers. The defeat of Colonel Pat will encourage the Americans to fight like Spar- tans.” _ “Rut, generals,” said Cornwallis, ‘I propose to ; , | : ‘have gone. make a strike.” This settied all feelings that were of an adverse na- ture $e the general’s plans; and the council soon ad- journed. Scarcely had the last officer retired from the com- mander’s tent, when his prince of spies, Prodigal Tom, was announced; and the next moment the British general and the young Tory were closeted woe other, F'vom the lips of Prodigal Tom, Cornwallis learned, for the first time, the news of Delaware Dick's death at Fairmont Place, and, although it were glad tid- ings to his ears, he, out of respect for Tom’s feelings for his dead kinsman, manifested no outward emo- tions of joy. On the contrary, he expressed deep regret that one so promising as Delaware Dick should throw himself away in such an unholy cause, and be cut down in the prime and vigor of fsa * But,” said the general, finally changing the sub- ject, ‘I am glad you have come, Tom,” = tks hy so, my lord?” questioned ¢he by ory. ‘*T want to hear from Washington's army.’ ** Colonel Rah] heard from it once too of _a,my lord,” responded Tom, facetiously, a smile playing over his face. “T am not desirousof such news as that, Tom,” the commander replied; “it is of Washington's strength and position of his forces and batteries that I desire to know. If ican learn where his stron points are, that will enable me to aiiack his w points,” “Then you propose to attack Washington, m lord—but pardon my inquisitiveness. I have bee in Washington’s camp more than once, and 1 shail risk another venture there for the information you desire, Between this and morning, my lord, you may expect to hear from Trenton.’ Cornwallis had perfect confidence in Prodigal Tom’s superior ability as a spy, and after some in- structions regarding the information desired, he dispatched the youth upon his dangerous mis- sion. Starcely had the sr spy quitted the presence of the British eae before an old man, desiring to see the commander, appeared at head-quarters. As he was well-known to several of the soldiers, he had no trouble in gaining admission to the general's pre- sence, “Sir,” said the latter, “Iam informed that your name is Wesley Marble, that you are a royalist, that you have sons in the king’s army; now, what brings you here?” “The news, my lord, of Delaware Dick’s death in a fight. up on the Raritan.”’ “That is stale news; 1 have heard of his death be- fore now, Mr. Marble.” ‘* Ah, indeed!’ exclaimed the old Tory, thought- fully; “ abr Generns, it seems queer, doesn’t it, that brothers would array themselves against each other as Prodigal Tom and Delaware Dick have done?” “That is nothing uncommon; brothers are fighting brothers and sons Sgnting fathers in every battle. But I have never heard of Delaware Dick and Prodi- gal Tom meeting in conflict,” ‘Nor I, general; and oy here let me say this: I have known the Melinott any, for years, and in all these years I never knowed thar were two boys in that family. The only one I knowed anything about war Thomas R, Melinott, and if thar'd been two, I'd ‘a’ known it, for the Melinotts war our nighest neigh- bors.” Cornwallis looked searchingly into Wesley Mar- cr face, and, after some soul-reading, he re- ied: PN Have you seen Thomas R. Melinott since the war begun?” roe Ves: once or twice,” responded the old man. “Which of the two, Delaware Dick and Prodigal Tom, then, is Thomas R.?” ** Delaware Dick is the one I always knowed from a wee bit of a boy. “Then you have not seen Prodigal Tom, late- “Yes, sir; I've seen him, too,” “What's yeur opinion ot him?” Wesley Murble glanced quickly around the room as if to assure himself that no one was near him be- sides Cornwallis; then leaning across the table, he whispered something in the general's ear that caused the latter to start as though the words had been the sting of a serpent. “Wesley Marble!’’ he thundered, * what »-surance have you for this?” “ Just what I told you, my lord.” Cornwallis seemed amazed, and for a moment he remained silent and thoughtful; while the nervous twitching of his facial muscles betrayed his inward emotions. At jong he asked: ‘‘ Where is the Melinott family, Marble?” “You've got me now, general; after the old man was killed by British Bili’s Tory ranger, about a year ago, tha mother and the daughter, Geraldine, disappeared sree ee aS howe n the fase es Hey, and the g on nows where the yaless But, I’ve been thinkin’ the matter yf and over, and now I’ve come to the conclusion that the disappearance of the mother and daughter was made in eevee to conceal all positive proof of what *ve been telling you.’ : ‘A look of great uneasiness clouded the British of- ficer’s face. It was Lee J evident that he gave strong credence to the suspicions of Wesley Marble. “Mr, Marble,” he said, “I am going to impose 4 duty upon you: I want you to find, if possible, where the widow Melinott and her daughter Geral- dine are concealing themselves, and report to me at your earliest convenience, ter must be sounded to its depths. “I'll do my best, general,” the old Tory replied, and after some desul y conversation he went away, leaving Cornwallis in a fever of excitement. The general kept Marble’s secret to himself, for raore t one reason; but, d his efforts to ap- pear indifferent, those around him noticed that the old man’s visit had left him in a state ef unéasiness. Darkness finally settled over the camp, The cen- eral retired early; but he could not sleep. He lay awake through the entire night, eagerly waiting the return of Prodigal Tom. Mor came, byt the spy did not. Great fears for the y royalist’s safety were entertained, Concealing the emotions, that had troubled him so long, in the Hurry and bustle of breaking camp, Cornwallis appeared calm and collected, as was h wont on the éve of some great event; but not uastil he was moving with his army toward Trenton did he experience any relief at heart. e had decided not to poms his advance upon Washington in co uence of Prodigal Tom’s non- appearance; for, while the information sought by the spy would be of great advantage to him, it was too immaterial, in another sense, to cause delay. Still, he entertained a hope that rom would meet him before he reached Trenton; but in this he was disappointed, On arriving in the vicinity of Trenton, he found Washington pigs hry a strong ition, with a small river—a tribu to the Delaware—in his front. But Cornwallis felt so confident of his supe- rior strength, that he at once av an attack on the American lines, and attempted to cross the stream in face of a deadly fire. But in this be failed. ‘Tre galling fire of the American rifles forced him back, with a heavy loss. Again and again the attempt to cross the stream and carry the provincial works by ero oven renewed; but each time the british were re : ight at length put an end to the battle, when Cornwallis was enabled to ascertain the extent of his loss, which had been heavy. Success was despaired of by his army, until a heavy reinforcement arrived from New Brunswick, and inspired the defeated sol- diers with renewed courage, and strengthened their spirits for the morrow’s work. Under cover of darkness, the British planted sev- eral batteries in commanding positions, threw up a long line of ‘hreastworks and perfected other ar- rangements, which, all together, would give them a decided advantage over the position of the previous day. a I'll catch the fox to-morrow,” said Cornwallis, alluding to Washington. All through the night the American sentinels could fo seen pacing to and fro within the light of the camp-fires that burned brightly on the plains beyond ption creek, At length dawn ushered in the day, and when about to order an advance upon the enemies’ lines, Cornw discovered the American camp was de- serted—that Washington. had given them the slip, while keeping up the semblance of an oceupied camp through dhe ay Oe Where the erican army had gone, the British knew not; nor had they the remotest idea of the time it had broken camp, for the camp-fires burned bright- ly through the entire night. Cornwallis pally concluded that Washington must have fied back into Pennsylvania, and while discus- sing the expediency of following him, a strange sound burst upon the ears of the whole royal army, “Tt is thunder,” said the British commander. “ Nay, eneral,”” exclaimed one of his aids; ‘it does not thunder here in January. It is the roar of cannon, my lord. The Americans have eluded us and marched upon Princeton! .'To arms! To arms! We have been out-generaled. It is the sound of Washington's guns!’ CHAPTER XVI. HOW MATTERS STOOD AT FAIRMONT PLACE, SEVERAL days had passed since the conflict at Fairmont, Place. The death of Delaware Dick had reached the ears of most of the settlers along the Raritan and Delaware valleys; and while the news brought a sense of relief to the Tory element, it.cast i. gloom of sadness and regret over every patriot The little band of Searlet W , however, had not been destroyed, and under the Jeadership of Harry Banks, it kept up.a mortal] terror among the ‘Levics, The loss of their leader did not deprive the country of the usefulness af the rangers, Samuel Fairmont attributed the loss of his rei dence to the rebel rangers, the Scarlet Wings; a7id at once declared his intention of sacrificing all ?» possessed, if need be, in behalf of the royal cause in America. He did not leave his farm, but! at onea moved into the old, double“log-house that stood net the ruins of his mansion, and in which he hag tivcdk many years before the erection of his new residence, It was apy and commodious, and as most of the contents of the mansion had been saved from the fire, it was soon ed; and the colonel and his f. found themselves settled once more—com- fortably, if not elegantly, Z Since the night of conflict, Colonel Fairmont noticed that his grand-daughter, Agnes Melross, had undergone a material change in Ye which he could not attribute alone to the loss of their residence, Stfs was restless and uneasy. A vague anxiety seemed to ale her yery soul; while a ch ud of sadness setiled upon her brow and ealipsed the an- gelic light of her sweet, vivacious yo ear, “My child,” the old man said a ay; aon seated great dejec tion of spirit, “w ek taat you are so sad an¢ downhearted of iatey"

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eS ee ee —_ Ps a ee ee arnenaEEe edie al ee i ieee ren ees a ee oe ne ae rs ‘10 “ Are.these not times to try men’s souls, grand- father?” she replied, “Yes; but what have you, a girl—achild, tofear?” * As much as any girl, who has an old grandfather Hable to be killed at any time by the provincials,”’ “Provincials!"’ drawled the old man with all the bitter contempt he could throw into the word, and bis looks; “ Agnes, for mercy sake, don’t speak of those rebels in such mild terms, or I shall think your long visit at Melross farm has turned you into a lit- tle rebel. I know your uncle is a rebel at heart, as is nearly.every Scotch-Irishman in America. I hope, my child, Sie are not pining for associations you left behind on Stony Brook—associations that would be a dishonor to the name of the Fairmonts, of which my child, who was your mother, was a noble off- bpring. The escutcheon of our house was pointed out as one of the proudest and most honored of Eng- jand’s families; and I pray, my child, that you, who are the last direct descendant of my family, will en- deavor to perpetuate our name, Your cousin Clem- ent Fairmont, to whom you were betrothed in your childhood, according to the customs of old England’s first families, will certainly visit us soon. have not seen Clement, myself, since he was a boy of four; that was when I went back to England ona visit some sixteen years ago. But they say he isa royal youngster, handsome and gallant as a young knight. I know you will be pleased with him, Agnes; and, that he will make you a kind and loving hus- band. You are now seventeen and I am seventy. My days are about numbered; the sands of life run, and yet before I go, I want to see you settled in life, | You are old enough now to think for yourself, Agnes, and see the great propriety of what I most ayxiously desire for your good, and that of our family name.” Agnes appeared to listen intently to her grand- father’s words; but they nowise met with her happy = echt She had never seen the cousin to whom she had been betrothed in her babyhood, and inward- ly hoped that she never should, The image of her boy lover, Delaware Dick, was constantly before her; and down in the silent depths of her heart of hearts there slumbered a feeble ray of holy ligh which, in itself, was a beacon of hope reaching be- yond the selfish motives of her kinsman. * Grandpapa,”’ she finally said, ‘“ suppose I do not like Clement Fairmont?” “There is no danger but you will, if you fix your whole mind and heart upon the consummation of the one object.”’ ““T don’t like the manners of those young Eng- lishmen,ygrandpapa,”’ “Ab! you have become thoroughly Americanized my child,” replied the old man a little bitterly; “T | presume yon can see traits to admire in a young | uckskin, where all is gross vulgarity ina gallant | young KMnglishman, For illustration, you take Cap- tain William Walton, otherwise known as British | Bil, and Delaware Dick, and note the difference there was in them. The one is possessed of all the | courtesy and refinement of an English gentleman; | while the young rebel, peace be to his | coarse and illiterate.” “ British Bill's outward sppgarance is thal of a gallant young officer; but if Clement Fairmont’s character is no better than his, there will be no at- traction for me about him, It is not the form and blandishments* that make the man in my eyes, but the soul, the image of God.” “What have you against Captain Bill’s character. Agnes? Is it a crime to fight for one’s king and country, as heis doing? Were he that ata rebel Delaware Dick, whose dust mingles with the ashes of i gc home, then you might talk about charac- ar.” Agnes bit her quivering lips to keep down the re- | ba'lious emotions struggling for utterance. Her faco became flushed, and her eyes burned with an unusual luster, Her grandfather noticed her excite- ment, and continued: “Tsee, my child, that you are about three-fourths mbel, Tam sorry now that I ever permitted you to gv) over to your uncle's on the Stony. I know they an allrebels over there; and so you've become in- ocu'ated with that atmosphere.” Before Agnes could reply, the clatter of hoofs near the door arrested their attention, and the next mo- ment a horseman drew rein and dismounted in front A, house. A glance told them who it was—Brit- ashes, was The young, royal captain was received into the humble home of the Fairmonts, by a hearty welcome from the colonel, and a lady-like indifference by Ag- nes, At heart, the latter felt a loathing terror for e enemy who had struck at the life of him she loved; but being sed of the power of self-con- trol, she man to disguise her feelings. British Bill was a s anon of perfect manhood gh wnt but mo ed ad been found wanting that honor and principle which characterizes a brave and true soldier. He was insolent and abusive te the conquered, cruel and merciless to his prisoner's, ‘*My dear friends,” he said with affec ce, as he seated himself, “I am pleased—delighted to ow that you still have acomfortable home.” “Thank you, tain,” replied the old man, “but then it is somewht of a damper on Fairmont pride e be 9 Sead down to a level with the servants and enants.” ‘If we fare no worse, grandfather, we will have eagpped better than some,’”’ Agnes remarked. “You need have no fears of the Scarlet Win my friends,” ed the young partisan; «for they will not ven hereaways soonagain. If they should, I will be ready for them.” 7" the colonel; “I presume you’ are still encamped at the Cross Hol- ws.” ne Sh SE Ee Se ss Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. “Yes; and this morning was joined by the re- doubtable Prodigal Tom, and ten men, which makes my force now quite respectable.” ‘Prodigal Tom!” exclaimed the colonel, “they tell me he’s a rollicking young daredevil from the worl go. You must bring him down, captain; I merely spoke to him the night of the fire, and I pre- sume he thinks I was rather indifferent, but—”’ “He could have expected nothing else under the circumstances, colonal,” interrupted the officer with a rude indifference; ‘ brodigal om isa very sensible and considerate young soldier. Ihave but one fault to find with him.”’ ** What is that, captain?” *‘He resembles his brother, Delaware Dick, too much to make one altogether comfortable,” “Do so0 think so?’ replied the colonel; ‘well, now, I thought differently the other night when he stood revealed to me in the light of my burning | home. But then one’s features in such lights don’t look natural, I admit.” At mention of her lover’s name, es’s face col- oredin spite of herself; and to conceal her emotions, | which could have been nothing else than those of rief and sorrow, she arose, and walking to the win- ow, gazed out over the field and interminable stretch of woods beyond, her eyes swimming in a mist of tears, * Well,” British Bill said, ‘I will bring him down here some day, and you can have a fair look at the prodigal son... We may remain at Cross Hollows several days,” “Good! Good!” exclaimed thy old royalist, gush- | ing over with enthusiasm; ‘if you do remain, I want you to make Fairmont Place a kind of a ren- dezvyous, if our limited hospitality will in ony respect repay you for so doing. We ave indebted to you, captain, for what little we have left of our home.’ “Thank you, Mr. Fairmont; I shall endeavor to ge of your proffered hospitality with pleasure.” za rmont arose, and advancing toward the door, Said: ‘Excuse my presence a moment, captain; had almost forgotten to order your horse stabled and | groomed.” Before British Bill could enter a protest, in case he desired to do so, the old colonel glided out of the room, leaving Agnes to entertain their guest. This the maiden did reluctantly, although she art- fully concealed her aversion to the young Tory in an amiable conversation, Agnes had met Captain Walton frequently, and, in the meantime, noticed that his visits to 'airmont were being attended with unusual interest. And what surprised her most was, | the encouragement her grand-parent gave him, and | the adroit and skillfuk manner in which he always managed to bring them—Agnes and the captain— together. She would have thought nothing partic- ular of this, had the old man not been so firmly set upon her marrying & man she had never seen—her cousin, Clement Fairmont, The young folks discussed the general topics of the day in a very matter-of-fact way, and it was a great relief to Agnes when the colonel returned. By this time it was sunget, and the twang of a horn caused British Bill to start uneasily. . Rising, he advanced to the door and looked out. He saw ja couple of fogs running down toward the negro ser- vants’ cabia, ‘where a number of blacks were-gath- gre. in a little knot, oue with a tin horn in his nd. “Tt’s nothing, captain,” said Fairmont, noticin the officer’s uneasiness; “it’s only them confound niggers calling in their forces for a coon-hunt. I’ve got to put a ston to that night-rambling through the woods, or some niggers *ll come up missing.” British Bill returned to his seat, whil €8, po- litely excusing herself, left the parlor{ and passed into the kitchen, where Miss Kathleen O’Doon was busily engaged in the preparesion of supper, ‘Faith, Agnis, me darlint, and mees thought sure yees war niver coming,” the Celtic maid exclaimed, “We have company, and it was impossible for me to get away any sooner. British Bill is in the ‘par- lor, fs i da iene in alow, guarded tone. “Bad ‘cess to the ‘loping bla’g’ard!” exclaimed Kathleen, indignantly, for her sympathies were with her lover, who was a soldier under Washington. “Be very careful, Kathie,” whispered her young mistress, ‘*and don't let grandpapa find out that we are real patriots, or it will Be all our lives are worth,” “Och, choild! and it’s not the tongue of Kathleen O’Doon that will betray us.” “ Havewou the basket filled?” asked Aynes, as she suddenly caught ht of a black face peeping through a clump of lilac-bushes back of the house, “This long whoile, me darlint. There it is with cold chicken, nice. bread, cold meats, a bottle of poteen, and lots ave noice dainties.” WF see picked up the basket and out at the -door, approached the bushes where she had seen the blaek face. A gs ae lad was there to meet her; and to him she gave the basket withsome hastily de- livered instructions, Then turning, she re-entered the house; while the black boy crept around the park unperceived, and joined his friends in front of the cabin. The next minute the black ’coon-hunters were off for the scene of their nocturnal sports, een Walton took tea with the Fairmonts that eve ; and about dusk mounted his horse and started on his return to Cross Hollow. As he rode along his mind was busied with other thoughts than those of the war; his heart filled with other feelings than those of preapethy for the crown. They were thoughts and feeli at were burning their way in- to his very soul. He tried to dismiss them—throw them aside as he would some feousa vagaries; but he found that his heart failed to respond to the vo- | lition of the will—that it clung to its strangely com a emotions with unyielding frmness and devo jon. A face, the fair and lovely face of Agnes Melro rising up before his mental vision, told British Bil that he was in love with the young mistress of Fair- mont. It was his first love, yet it was a deep, burn- | ing and passionate love—a love that would bear no | triflmg—brook no rival. CHAPTER XVII. CAPTURE OF PRODIGAL TOM. Tre Scarlet Wings under Harry Banks disappeared from the vicinity of Fairmont Place a day or foro af. ter the loss of their leader, Delaware Dick. Being aware of the presence of British Bill and Prodiga: Tom in the a arity ee they felt that it would folly to contend with the consolidated forces of the two Tory leaders; so they turned their course south» ward and were making their way toward Princeton | when they were met by Major Dalrymple with a ; Small party of dragoons that Washington had dig | patched in pursuit of British Bill, It required no extra inducement to persuade the Searlet Wings to turn back, and, after a short con- ference, Harry Banks led the way in the direction of | Fairmont Place. On the following a they en- 1€ camped in the great forest bordering on the old colo- nel’s fine estate; and before another night bad set | in, Dalrymple had arranged a reconnoissance in the direction of Britich Bill's camp. The Scarlet Wings heartily accepted his proposed plans, and as soon as darkness had fully set in, Lieu- tenant Harry Banks and five of his band were ready to accompany the major and his party of ten select- edmen. They made their way on foot in the direc. | tion of Fairmont Place; and after an hour’s rapid marching they came to the end of the broad avenue or Jane leading by the house. | As the moon was shining brightly, flooding field | and forest with its mellow radiance, the major or- | dered a halt within the Lorder of shadows in order | to ascertain whether or not the way beyond was | clear, before venturing ont from cover of the woods, He and young Banks crept forward to a point where they could command a fair view of the open district, and with keen eyes searched the fields aud road be- fore them. They saw nothing whatever, but the imagined they could hear the faint stroke of hoofed- feet somewhere in the distance. The sound was so indistinct that they were inclined to doubt their own hearing at first; but by waiting they soon found it was no delusion. It grew plainer and plainer until there was no doubt of the point from whence it ema- nated; and pees y the outlines of a horseman were gradually unfolded from the depths of the dis- tanee, He was coming down the lane from the direction of Fairmont Place, and the two patriots saw tho flash of military trappings about him, and heard the jingle of a saber. drawing his pistol. “Ay, major!’ responded Lieutenant Banks, “it i mistake not, it is the notorleus Prodigal Tom.’ * Smoke of sacrifice!” exclaimed the major, * thea we must capture him at all hazards!” ‘‘Yes; but there he has stopped. Can he have seen us?” — ‘Impossible; but step back a little further into the shadows.”’ The horseman had stopped, sure enough, about fifty yarcs from them, and close by the side of an old tree that stood near the road. Butthe patriots watched every movement he made. They saw him lean over in the stirrups and put his hand into a bole in the side of the tree. When he withdrew it, they saw that it contained a paper, and knew at once that the tree was a secret post-office. where the young Tory received and delivered letters, Prodigal Tom, for the horseman was Tom, opened the note, intending to read it by moonlight, but be- sos he had scarcely read the date, a voice cried out: ‘Surrender! or by heavens, you shall die!” The paper dropped from his hand, so like a death- knell did the words fall upon hisears. He turned his eyes and to his horror saw a score of patriots emerge from the woods and advance toward him, with mus- kets on a level with his breast. ‘*Dismount, sir, and surrender,” again demanded Major Dalrymple, as, at the head of his men, he moved rapidly toward the motionless young Tory. “*T will do so, on condition that Iam treated as a prisoner of war,’’ the youth faid,. “Tt is not for you to make conditions, sir,”’ return- ed the major; “ nothing but an unconditional sur- render will be accepted.” **Oh, that indeed!” replied. Prodigal Tom, sarcas- bg ‘well, as you are Only about twenty azainst me, I presume I will have to accede to your impera- tive demand,” ; So saying, he dismounted and gave himself up, when he was at once conducted back to camp. Here he was disarmed and searched, and among the effects found upon his person, was a leether case containing two Sregiecincr instruments and two vials of liquids that puzzled the whole command, Even the erudite surgeon Eleazer Gwynpane, with all his medical and surgical lore, was unable to as- sign the liquids any place in the Materia Medica, or r the purpose to which the instruments could be applied in surgery. Both instruments were alike, sharp as needles at one end and hollow to the very point. They sug- gested the idea of a druggist’s drepping-tube, bat were too delicate to be used for that purpose. Upon Surgeon Gwynpane deciding t both in- struments and liquids were perfectly harmless, they were returned to their omen. ti & ‘It’s a British officer,” whispered Dalrymple, — 4 r, SFe Po Toes Ee

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ee eal —— = “« Steno ais Major Dalrymple knew that the prisoner had been considered a British SPF and that he had been known to pass the American lines in disguise; but whether he would be considered a spy, captured as he w became a question of doubt in the patriot camp, an to settle the matter, a courier was dispatched to Washington with news of his capture, and asking in- structions in the matter, It was noon the next day when the courier re- a from Morristown with this characteristic re- ply: , “Mason Homer Datrympie: You are hereby in- vested with full power and ge ig A to try Prodigal Tomas 2 British spy. If found guilty, he will not be executed, of course, without my approval. ‘“Grorne@k WASHINGTON. “ Morristown, Jan. —, 1777.” This reply was not altogether unexpected py Dal- rymple, and yet hs would gladly have evaded the duty that Toim’s capture devolved upon him, could he have done so honorably, , He regretted that the stern necessities of war required such duty of any man, He could face an enemy in battle, but his ver oul shrunk from the thought of taking a prisoner's ife. But what could he do, unless it was to refuse to do his duty? The law was inexorable, and Prodi- gal Tom must be placed on trial as a spy. The preliminaries wore soon arranged, and then the trial began; but we will not attempt to give the, whole proceedings which occupied two days. Suf- fice it to say that Prodigal Tom was found guilty and sentenced to be hung as a spy. The sentence was made out in writin care of a courier, to Washington for approving of the same. » the day ef Tom’s conviction, Doctor Dave, the Indian nomad, made his appearance in the patriot camp. and sent, in is signature e CHAPTER XVII. THE "COON-HUNTERS. We left Colonel Fairmont’s black servants, six in mumber, on their way to the ’coon-grounds in the valley of the Raritan. They were led by old Grindy, whom we have met before, and whose heart ‘was en- listed in the cause of freedom, *Coon-hunting was a favorite amusement of Fair- mont’s servants, and, although the sport was some- what out of season in January, they had spent nearly every night for the ,past two weeks in the woods. They pushed their way rapidly and silently through the forest until the ‘*‘ ap ae rng ” were reached when old Grindy, and the to whom Agnes had given the basket of provision, left the main party and pressed on into a deep valley, where the dark- ness and density of the woods rendered the black- ness of night intense. This however, proved no im- pecinent to the advance of the darkeys, and they antried on until their footsteps were arrested by a stone wall in which there was a door opening into an excavation in the steep hillside, This cavern had been dug there hie Fairmont’s blacks years before. It had been used by them asa sort of a rendezvous upon their hunting excursions. Over and around the place time had added its growth ' of shrubbery and vines until it was as completely ees from the view as it was possible for it to have een. Into ’Coon Cave, as the darkeys called the place, old Grindy led the way; then in the darkness of the retreat the sound of voices arose—voices whose tremulous tones denoted feebleness of strength. In a few minutes the old man and his young com- panion came out of the cave, closed the door behind them, and then crept softly away. Out in the forest they rejoined their comrades when all struck out in search of ’coon and "possum. They freed their dog from the leash to range the woods. As the party moved on, phantom-like through the darkness, an old owl scrambling out of a tree over- head, or the boom of ani rht-jar’s wing would startle them, ever and anon, with sudden fear and regret; for the sounds were ill-omens to them. “*Cussfound de luck,”’ growled old Grindy after an hour’s hunting in vain, ess as what til coon and ’possum has took his family and aes ad, *? “T jist knowed we’d not ‘find sone ng when I heard dem owls and dem ‘jars,’ ” said Joe Buckhorn; ‘when dey are out, de’coon and ’possum are in, dat am a scientific fact." “Dar! by geminly frost!” suddenly burst from old Grindy’s lips, ‘dat dog, Box, has treed sumfin now. Ki, yi! come ‘long, boys,” and away went the arty at the top of their speed, directing their course y the barking of the dog. ; On over hill and valley, through thieket and bram- ble—with the headlong impetuosity of wild men, they rushed, as though each one was trying to out- strip the other in a race to the dog. Old as he was, Grindy finally reached the animal ahead of his companions. . 4 Out of breath, almost, they all stopped to rest and isten. It struck old Grindy, at once, that the dog was acting unusually queer for an old ’coon-dog, and spoke of it to his pemnpasions, ‘*Nebby he’s got a 7 or painter treed, Grindy,"’ eae aman Mdat's nob a. 00d ‘possum. shoah’ Sumfin dat’s a m or n sheotin’—Lord! did you hear dat?” “Tt war sumfin dat led-like,”’ said Buckhorn. “JT sw’ar ii war a g , Grindy,”’ exclaimed an- other. “Go “long wid your foolishin’,”’ reproved the old darkey, “day ar’n’t no sich things as ghosteses, you black, suparstitchin’ nigger. But I tells you dar’s Delaware Dick. sumfin not right round heah, and I'se gwine to vesti- gation it dis mortal secrond.” He started slowly and carefully forward with his hands outstretched before him; and he had gone but a few paces when something swung against his finger-tips, but at once oscillated beyond his touch. He started with a sort of a vague shudder, reached out a little further and when the objeet swung back he seized it. It was a human body still warm and aquiver with life. It was suspended to a limb be- tween heaven and earth. P **T’se found it, boys!’’ exclaimed old Grindy, ‘ and it’s a man hangin’ toa Jimb. He's warm and jerky yit—’spects he’s not dead—give a boost here, and et’s ease him down.” They cut the rope and placed the body at full length upon the ground. Grindy felt his pulse, and found that it was not entirely gone; and without a moment's delay, the simplest remedy known to the darkeys was aé.once applied for the resuscitation of the feeble spark left in the body of the unknown, Nor were their kind, humane effortsin vain, Signs of returning consciousness were soon manifested; and as soon as the man was enabled to speak, though incoherently, Grindy said to his companions: “ Boys, [know he’s another patriot dat dem orner, Tories have tried to kill; but praise de Lord, dey'll t foolished ag’in, We mus’ ps tote him right off de ’Coon Cave, fo'thwith. reckon as what one snifter from dat bottle what de young missus send to de patriots will jis’ h’ist him right wp.” Old Grindy’s words were imperative; and as there Was no appeal from his decisions, he always had his way among his black friends. And in a few min- utes a rude litter had been constructed, the stranger placed upon it and the course of the 'coon-hunters shaped toward the hidden cavern, CHAPTER XIX. A STARTLING REVELATION. CapraIn Watton, aiias British Bill, continved in camp at Cross Hollows; though the captain, him- self, spent most of his time at lairmont Place within the sunshine of Agnes Melross’s lovely presence. One day when he fouttd old Samuel alone, he em- braced the opportunity of speaking to him of the matter that lay nearest his heart. “Colonel,” he said, ‘‘ you have doubtless wonder- ed why I have made Fairmont Place so many visits of late, have you not?” “ Well, really, captain, I haven't wondered much about it,’ responded the old man, “for I have a pretty good idea. In my grand-daughter, I know there is an attraction that would lure a King from his throne.”’ “You speak truthfully, colonel; but I have won- dered at your not penetrating a secret connected with my visits at Fairmont Place.” “ Bill—Captain Walton,” said the old man, stern- ly. « “I beg you will not attempt to win Agnes’s love. tis toon. 3 ows you much, but as I have told you before, sheis betrothed to her cousin Clement Fair- mont whom I have been expecting over from Eng- land the past year, to claim her in marriage. The Fairmonts’ fair name shall not perish with old Samuel. But, captain, why do you smile? Do you think me an old fool?—a heartless wretch?” ‘Not at all, colonel,’ answered British Bill, “but I'll soon tell you why—look at that letter,” and from a package that he had brought with him, he took a paper and passed it to Fairmont. The old man looked it over, Heat once recognized it being in his own hand-writing, and to his surprisé and astonishment, found it was the last letter he had written to Clement Fairmont of Darnly, Yorkshire, England. : A ery burst from the old man's lips, “How came you by this?” he asked. ‘Ha! ha! ha!” laughed the young royalist, “I came by it honorably, since Tam Clement Fairmont !"' ‘My Redeemer!” burst from the colonel’s lips, as he started to his feet, “can this be true, can it, I 8a » x It is a fact, grandfather,” replied the captain; “here are papers and documents sufficient to con- vince you of the fact. He produced a number of letters written by the Colonel himself, to Clement Fairmont within the past five years. He also produced some old family records reaching back over a period of thirty pore. They were arranged in chronological order, and some of the first the old colonel recognized, having assist- ed Clement’s father in writing them before he left England. ; It had been eighteen years since the old man had seen Clement Fairmont; and in that time he had grown from a child of a few years to manhood, Of course, he did not recognize him as he bore little re- semblance to the Fairmonts; but the letters and papers placed identity beyond a doubt, and spring- ing to his feet the colonel seized the captain’s hand and in tones full of the deepest emotions, weleomed him to Fairmont Place, And then after the excite- ment had subsided, he exclaimed: “ Boy, why have you kept your identity so secret?” “My object, you will approve of, I know, grand- father, Knowing that Agnes Melross was to marry aman she had never seen, I was afraid she would tale a dislike to meas that person, and_ profiting by the example of the Oriental PB isionycal King of Buch- aria, I resolved to gain her affections before I made myself known. efore leaving England, I pur- chased a commission of captain in the royal service, that I might be enabled to carry out my purpose without detection: and under the name of Captain Walton, British Bill, and so forth, have Tbeen known hergabouts: but there is my commission to Clement Fairmont poy!” exclaimed the old man, taking the paper and glancing over it with a smile of delight, 11 **yvou have taken a wise and judicious plan in bring- ing about the meeting between you and Agnes, and I think you have wen by it. I have beer afraid all along that you were winning Agnes’s affections; and felt anxious for your departure trom this vicinity on that account. My son, you have the Fairmont wide, foresight and courage. But how long has it een since you landed in America?” “Bight months ago I landed at New York, and set outin this direction, raising my little company of paneats as Icame. So you see, now, why I. have wag around Fairmont Place asI have,” ; ‘** Bravo! are lad; you aré worthy of the name of Fairmont, whose national pride and chiveltic de- votion can be traced back to the gallant knights of the Middie Ages; and—” At this juncture Agnes Melross. entered the room, unaware of British Bill's presence, ** Agnes, roy child,” the old man exclaimed before she had even time to speak, “TI have a happy sur. Shag for you. It has just been revealed to me that his gallant young captain is Clement Fairmont. my daughter, to Fairmont Place, hig Welcome him, future home.’ But Agnes did no such a thing, She was so thun- derstruck by*the unwelcome news that she turned deadly pale, and staggering, fell in a dead faint at the feet of British Bill. , “Poor child!” exclaimed the old colonel, “tho joyful news was too much Tor her sensitive nature,” A momentary excitement prevailed. Agnes was conveyed intoan adjoining chamber and placed up- on a bed; while old Mrs. Mairmont and Kathleen, the housekeeper, busied themselves in restoring her to consciousness. For a while the maiden’s life was despaired of, but no sooner were signs of returning consciousness mauifested, than the heartless old Samuel and his grandson returned to the sitting-room to make ar- rangements for the consummation of the latter’s marriage with Agnes. ‘Tt must not be delayed an hour longer than pos- sible, Clement,” the old man said. “T bave had a paces that Iam not long for this world; and want to sce the event, which must needs perpetu- ate the name of the Fairmonts, celebrated before I die. Suppose we set to-morrow evening for the wedding, my son. ‘That will be far enough off, 1am sure, for all arrangements. I will see Parson Find- ley, our neighbor, and secure his services for the occasion, Heis a dyed-in-the-wool Whig, but then he'll not hesitate to do anything in his line for a crown or two of silver,” British Bill madé no objection to the old man’s ar- rangements, Onthe contrary, they seemed to please him, for he readily acquiesced in every particular, When Agnes had rully recovered from her swoon, the captain was admitted to her presence, They held a long, and apparently happy, conversation, British Bill spoke oF the love he had entertained for her since he first saw her; and while she made no declaration of reciprocal affection, he felt as- sured that she loved him. They talked but little of their future, but when their interview ended, and the captain rose to leave, he eaid: “T shall now go back to camp, Agnes, and by to- morrow evening I nope to see you feeling as though you were supremely happy over the event that is to make us man and wife forever." Agnes colored slightly, and although she made no resistance to his kissing her brow, her heart grew sick with loathing scorn; and the face of Delaware Dick, to whom she had plighted her love, rose be- fore her mental vision, filling her soul with the most torturous emotions, CHAPTER XX. CORNWALLIS INTERVIEWS GRRALDINE MELINOTT,. Lorp CoRNWALLIS was both mortified and enraged when he discovered that General Washington had escaped from him at Trenton and marched upon Prineeton while he was resting in full confidence of a great and brilliant victory over the:rebel arms, In fact, the sudden and unexpected change in the situation, at once put him upon the defensive—tax- ing his utmoet ekijl and generalship to prevent his defeat turning into an inglorious Bore As soon as he had discovered Washington's move- ments, Cornwallis abandoned his own camp and marched rapidly toward New Brunswick, fearing lest the baggage and military stores collected there should fail into the hands of the vicorious enemy, He reached Princeton qone as Washington was Jeav- ing, and as the latter felt that he was in no condition to give battle, owing to two days and nights’ over- work, he crossed the river, destroyed the bridge, and moved rapidly away toward the upper regions of New Jersey, and finally encamped at Morristown. ere his suffering army sought rest and repose, and a respite from the arduous duty of the field to celebrate the victories of Trenton and Princeton, Cornwallis pushed on to New Brunswick, where he went into camp to await further orders from Sir Heury Clinton. He made his own head-quarters in the house of a citizen loyal to the crown, and here, on the day following his arrival, he assembled his generals in council. The latter were greatly depressed in AN by their recent losses, and threatened recovery of the Jerseys BF eee neton: and after all had freely expressed mselves on the subject, Cornwallis raid: **In my opinion, the victories of the rebels are all owing to the perfect and regular system of com- munications kept up between the two armies by their spies, of Whom Delaware Dick was the most notorious, And in this efficient branch of the ser- vice they have a decided cdvantage over us, The royal and rebel element in the eclonies are one ple; or, in other words, one family between whose members it is hard to discriminate, We have got te

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12 — a extend every favor to those of professed sympathy with the king; and this gives the enemy’s spies a iden opnortunity by the taking advantage of our ess. On the other hand, a friend of ours can geok no refuge in the American camp, even by the most perfidious and artful treachery. With the febets. a man must either be a soldier in their ranks, or else he is persecuted as 2 oe Therefore, our spice paye a dozen dangers to ri where the rebel spies have but one.”’ | Pe Prod al Tom, my lord, has been a successful @py,’’ said one of the generals. ‘Vor whom?” - : “Why, the king, of course,’’ answered the officer, surprised at Cornwallis’s question, At this juncture-an orderly entered and announced the presence of one Wesley Marble, who was desir- ous of seeing the commander. “Show him in at once,” said Cornwallis, eagerly, “T desire a private interview with him.” This was a hint for the officers to retire, and the next moment Wesley Marble, the Tory, was ushered into the general’s presence. ' “Well, Mr. Marble,”’ said the commandant, “I suppose you have been busy since we last met.’’ di general,” replied he’d men enough to whip a corporal’s guard.” ... “Of this, Mr. Marble, you can speak another time,’ said the British general, displeased at being reminded by every Tory of his late disastrous cam- paign; “but if you have anything to report con- peuming, ne Melinott family, I shall be pleased to hear it. : “T have a good report to make, general,” answer- ed the old Tory; “by tracing them up, I succeeded in finding the widow Melinott and her daughter, Ger- “ Ah, indeed!’ exclaimed the general, “Yes; and what is more, they are living in New ag ck, and upon this very street, three doors - south,” “Then one or both of them shall be summoned here at once,” said Cornwallis, and touching a bell oA A on the table at his side, an orderly immediately an- Sa swered the call. ; 7 Cae * Glaston,” the general said, addressing the order- |i ly, “I have a request to make of you, It is that you ap roceed to the residence of the widow Melinott three ise bad oors south on this street, and request the widow eS : and her daughter to call at my quarters without, de- “But, suppose they refuse to come, general,” said the orderly. : **Tmpress van their minds the {en porianice of their coming without delay, Tell them that I desire tosee them upon a matter of interest to them- selves.” - Gaston retired and at once proceeded to the resi- dence designated. He found the mother and aa daughter alone. The former was an elderly lady of PR Bee! some fifty orgie whose calm, composed features oat were indicative of patient suffering and silent forti- tude. 2 The daughter was not over eighteen, and possessed of a stately form and features that were wonderful in their beauty and power of expression. Her eyes ' were of a dark brown, and as they met those of the orderly, he felt that they were possessed of a necro- mantic power—the power of noble womanhood radi- ated from a pure and spotless soul. Aa i Glaston at once introduced himself, and to the elderly female, said: ‘*Madame, I am Pequested to say, that the pres- ence of yourself and daughter is required at the quar- aa ters of his excellency, Lord Cornwallis.” cali “ Por what?” asked Geraldine, with imperious dig- ‘ nity. - vet : ty I know not, more than that it is for something - ves,’ ¥ 4, ~ con rourselyes, “The mot a and ge eee exchanged glances, and point while the color faded from the face of the former. Spoon and fear seemed to seize upon her heart, the face of |} the other flushed crimson, her eyes flashed seorn, and |... her whole countenance assumed alook of disdain. “ Has Cornwallis come here to make war upon wo- ?” the young woman demanded, - Not at all, madame,” answered. the officer, po- 3 y. Boies Suppose, then, we ignore his sammons?”’ 5 Pe fe ‘advise see dice’to see him. It will save you < h ; ae the embarrassraent of having the general cali upon Re - other,” said Geraldine, “I will go alone to herself, Geraldine set out for the commandant’s hat wasdluer sccopapenied oy Orderly Glaston. In Ba) Ba B : liteness as though she had been one of the SG aes highest born Indies of tho realm; and as soon as she 2 Sei seai said: 3 + Melinott, it almost seems that I am ac- a ee a » c m, # - aj er, Paewave Dick, to whom you bear a remarkable ~““¥ou have heard, have you not, general, that my dine said. |. brother Dick was killed in the Raritan valley a few _ taygagor” ae Marble, “but not as busy as Washington has kept you. I didn’t think Coynwallis's presence...I fear him not, nor his de-_ ” | sentinels confro: Beadle’s HalfDime Library. Cotaldine was tekcn completely by surprise. A thunderbolt from the wintry sky would not havesur- and fixing a bat deep png look upon the face of the wily general, she said: ‘Who isit that presumes to know more of my fam- ily, than I do myself?” _ “One Wesley Marble,” replied Cornwallis. ‘* As vilea Tory as ever burned a Patriot home,” returned Geraldine, her eyes flashing with indigna- tion. one you do not deny his assertion, Miss Meli- nott?’ “I deny nothing—I make no concessions one way or another. You know who Delaware Dick was, and who Prodigal Tom is; and so let that_suffice.” “Very well, Miss Melinott,” the British general said, touching the bell at his side, in answer to which the orderly appeared, “this is all that I wished to see you about, You will please accept od kindest, wishes and regards foryour and your mother’s wel- Sete, Glaston, you will now escort Miss Melinott ome. Cornwallis accompanied her to the door and kindl bidding her good-day, returned to his table and sea ing hiiselt, took up a pen and hastily dashed off a note. Then he summoned Sergeant Loveridge, his special courier, to whom he gave the paper, saying: “Sergeant, [have a hard ride for you: take this dispatch, and ride with all speed to Fairmont Place, twenty-five miles south of here, and deliver it into the hands of Captain Walton, qias British Bill. Guard it with your life, and halt not until the camp of the partisan is reached.” “ General, your command shall be obeyed,” replied Sergeant Loveridge; and bowing himself out of the eneral’s presence, he mounted his horse and gal- fo ed away upon his mission. ut little did the thousands, who had heard the name of Delaware Dick and Prodigal Tom mentioned daily for the past yearin the valley of the Delaware, dream of the startling facts contained in the dispatch sent to British Bill, CHAPTER XXI. NOT APPROVED. As the courier, sent to obtain phn a 2 pe approy- al of Prodiga! Tom’s sentence as a Britis SPY: would be compelled to journey to Morristown where the general had taken up his geod. hg 2 he could not reasonably be expected back short of two days; and for fear of an attempt being made by the enemy to release the condemned man, Major Dalrymple, of the dragoons, and Lieutenant Banks, of the Scarlet Wings, moved their camp down to Clay's Point, a little village or settlement of. about a dozen log hou- ses, half of which were unoccupied. This placed them about six miles from British Bill’s camp, They took up their quarters in the deserted cabins; and as the people remaining in the village were all Patriots, the soldiers were Heepiienty entertained, Guards were posted. on all the roads and by-ways converging at that point; and every precaution tak- en to guard against surprise, And it was well that they did all this, for they had scarcely passed'a day in the village when British Bill came sweeping down from Fairmont Place like a whirlwind, and attempt- ed to earry every thing before them by storm. But they were promptly met by a deadly fire from the Patriots whom they had expected to take by sur- prise, but who really turned out to be the surprise arby. y A dozen of the enemy were unhorsed at the first fire, which terrible loss caused the Tories to check 7 | thor advance, when they were soon driven dack un- der cover of the woods, ae ; Feeling certain, however, 0” eir ability to dis- lodge the patriots, the enemy dismounted, and form- ing upon foot withln the forest, they charged upon the Americans again. . The latter were posted inva good position behind a garden-wall, and were enabled, to see the enemy the moment they issued fromthe woods and pour a de- structive fire into their ranks. Before half the dis- tance between the woods and fence had been tra- versed, British Bill fell aexiously wounded; This terminated the battle, and, with their wounded .ca tain, the Tories again withdrew into the w Here they, held a short consultation, when it was | decided t oe up the battle, and withdraw in the direction of Fairmont Place to await reinforcements. Ignorant of this decision, however, our friends ex- pected another attack the coming night, and so they mnadle paeeralr to meet_it. Prodigal Tom was sec ocked-in one of the strongest buildings, and a double guard placed over him. ‘When the sol- — lay down to rest, it was with their guns at their sides. ' Thus the first hours of night passed quietly away; a horseman, gallo ae aoe the direction of New Brunswick, was suddenly halted by a voice issuin from the shadows ng — roadside; and two patrio . ‘ Involuntarily the man drew up, and before he Py ver from ‘his surprise sufficiently to act, one of the sentinels seized his animal by the bits. while Got muzzle of a musket 1 to his breast, said; : i ena. ae ee as ount, sir Britisher, or you'll receive the con- tents of this gun.”’ **Oonfound your rebel skins,"’ began the nian; but atti promptly checked by the sentinel, who ex- med: “Not a word, or I'll splatter your brains all over the night.” “It’s strength that gives you courage,” said the man dismounting, and giving himself up; “but Pd have you know that Gershom ‘Loveridge is no cow- ard; nor is he a fool to contend with such odds.” “Of course not, Gershom,” replied one of bis captors. ‘‘ We observe you are a brave and sensible man, and, therefore, will march you up to head- quarters and introduce you to Major Dalrymple.” Having relieved the courier of his weapons they searched his pockets, his boots, and, in fact, eve place where any secret yeners ee, a be concealed; and the very t a ey looked, they found a folded paper. Holding it up to the moonlight, they were enabled to see it was superseribed to epee Wi alton. ithout attempting to read the note, the sentinels waited until the corporal of the guard came around and relieved them, when they proceeded at once to camp, and delivered the prisoner aud his dispatch over to Major Dalrymple. The latter was seated, in company with Harry Banks and several of the Scarlet Wings, before a roaring fire, in one of the cabins; and ante took the dispatch and turned to the light to read it, the door opened, and a man entered the room amid the mur- mur. of excited voices. Dalrymple turned to the new-comer, and, to his surprise, saw that it was the courier whom he had dispatched to Washington’s head-quarters for the ——— signature to Prodigal Tom’s death-sen- ce. nce. ‘““Why, Corporal Jarvis!” he exclaimed, ‘‘you have en us completely by surprise. not expecting you so soon.” : “T have had a long, hard ride of it through frosty nights and chilly winds,” replied the courier, seating himself beiore the cheery fire. “And you saw Washington, of course,” said Dal- rymple. ; v2 Yes; he is at Morristown, and will remain there otk the winter,” the corporal answered, with a provoking ease of manner, as if courting the inter- est centered in him, and, apparently, desirous of working his friends’ anxiety up to the highest. pitch of exc ent. He removed his gloves, and held his palms before the glowing fire. He warmed his feet, one at a time; yawned drowsily, then arose, liis hat cn uced a paper sat and from the req which he placed in Dalrympie’s hand. All knew what it was, and as the major unfolded the paper, his friends gathered around him almost breathless with suspense. . “Let us have order, now, soldiers,” exclaimed the etoaran 1 asm “and I will read Washington’s ap proyval. A dead silence, broken only by the roar of the fire on the hearth and the whistle of the wind outside, prevailed. In a deep, strong voice, the major read: “€he sentence of Frames Tom, as a British Spy, is not approved, You will, therefore, release the prisoner, Gxorex WAsHINGgON.” “Ay! - words of the Scarlet Wing soon became kindled into Major Da ny would take, and endeavored to quell it; but as well might he have attempted to check’ the onward rush of a torrent. Neyer before had his followers shown ‘such an utter disr /of commands; their very souls seemed filled with the spirit of re- bellious nature; and he knew that Washington’s own orders would be ignored, and the prisoner become the victim of an in ed mob. Insuch a case, the major knew that he would be held amenable for the and to avert such a calamity now became the great object of his mind. : ple saw at once the course the muti- ph ab there was no prospect of quelling the riot, he le out of his quarters toward in which Tom was confined, Arrived at t door, he imself known to the guard, who per- mitted him to pass into the prison. Ina few moments he came rushing out, and ex- “Man! what are you arding here?” ‘A prisoner—. Tom, of course,” was the answer. “You are not— on are quartine 05.60 house,” — said the major; my Prodigal Tom has oriLechey Has there is a hea at this door to- say you have not, for the back-door is So 4 - ‘ OR 2 age I ee ee 6 were , —

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_— open,” replied Dalrymple, dubiously; “and I am afraid the fury of the soldiers will lead them to acts di violence, when this becomes known.” “They will tear me to pieces—" begah the guard bul before he had finished, two score of soldiers, car- rying flaming torches, and headed by the Scarlet Wings, came rushing toward the cabin evidently bent upon destruction. -At the door of the cabin they were met by the guard, with fixed bayonet, and Major Dairymple. They were clamoring for the biood of the prisoner, but were calmly informed by at nye a pie the subject of their proposed disgrace ud escaped. A cry of dismay and baffled r: lip, and for a moment their bitter inc ation found expression in threats of vengeance and execrations. Major Dalrymple endeavored to explain to them how tho prisoner had escaped, and exonerate the guard from aN blame; but his words were answered with cries of derision, 1e guard now became the object of their fury, and the mob was closing in around him when 6 sharp, piercing whistle thrilled through tho chill, crispy air, and startled the Scarlet Wings as though the horn of Gabriel, itself, had suddenly announced the end of time. The whistle, though keen and sha upon the night with a muiar wavering intonation that would have been rd to imitate; and what called the attention of the Scarlet Wings so particu- larly was its being an exact imitation of Delaware Dick’s wonderful signal, which combined the whole code of the Scarlet Wings’ secret: communication, The infuriated mob became motionless, silent, The torches were held aloft—their flickering beams of light throwing a weird, death-like pallor over the three-score of fixed faces around. ‘* Harry,” said one of the Scarlet Wings to young Banks, ‘*that was Delaware Dick's signal as true as I ever heard it.” “My God!’’ exclaimed Banks, ‘ can it be possible that he is alive—that he escaped from—” Before he could finish, the veritable Delaware Dick, himself, in blood and flesh, appeared before him. Had the young patriot risen out of his grave to re- buke his followers for their unsoldierly conduct to- ward his brother, Prodigal Tom, they would not have been more completely overcome. They started back with wild astonishment and fear upon their @ escaped every , came forth faces, A low, pleasant laugh burst from the lips of Dela- ware Dic It broke the horrible that was causing his men to recoil before him; and then like @ wave they closed in around him, and shouts of joy pealed from their lips. For several minutes the wildest confusion reigned, and when it finally began to subside, Major Dalrym- le, with a torch in one hand and the dispatch taken m the British courier, Loveridge, in the other, mounted a stump and exclaimed: “One moment, felow-soldiers; I hold in my hand the dispatch taken from the enemy’s courier to- pigh and which I had forgotten until this moment, t throw some light on the appearance of Dela- tania Dick here; and the disappearance of Prodigal ‘om.,”’ A dead silence fell upon the party. In a clear, metallic voice the major read: “Oapram WitLiaAmM WALTON: Sm—you will lose no time in placing Prodigal Tom under arrest. I have- been convinced beyond a doubt that Delaware Dick and Prodigal Tom are one and the same person, however eit may appear to Aap whose conduct, sympat ies and power of eception must brand him the most infamous spy in the service of George Washi ; “Your obedient servant, etc., * Mas-Gen, CoRNWALLIS,”’ A cry of astonishment burst from every lip, and then followed a general rush of torches and men to- ward the spot where Delaware Dick stood; and the excited throng became as wild with enthusiasm and joy as it had been fierce with the spirit of rage and vengeance, CHAPTER XXII. THE SECRPY OF THAT LITTLE CASE, It was an hour before the excitement, occasioned by the return of Delaware Dick, asif from the grave, subsided in the camp at Clay’s Point. The let Wings had never entertained the faintest hope of their young leader being alive. They felt certain that he had fallon a m at the conflict in Samuel Fairmont’s library. However, when all had become uiet, and the Scarlet we with- Dick repaired to their quarters in one of the cabin's, Harry Banks “Dick, you don’t mean to say that there is any truth contained in that dispatch of Cornwallis, do ou?" * * Well, really, Harry, if there was any show of me "the pee ul in behalf of me ge ; bu since the whole has been exploded, I must confess the truth of Cornwallis’s ipa I am Prodigal “ Im possi Fleazar Gwynplane; “you don’t favor Prodigal —. more than the major there does a mud ‘ence. “Then you think Iam trying to shield my brother, Tom, do you, surgeon?”’ Pi mer ATG ell,” stammered the surgeon, “I did not say so,”’ “NO. but you thought 80; but the fact of it is, I never a brother, and whole secret lies right here,” and ware uced the very case of instruments end vials of liquids that found upon the person of Tom. ‘‘ Just about a Delaware Dick. tospend afew months hunting and fishing up among the northern waters of New York. While there, I became the guest of a young Indian chief, named | re m7 , Hu-ron-ah-wa, who treated me with all the civilities of a high-born gentleman. During my stay he re- vealed to me the secret of a great discovery that an old Indian doctor had made, That secret was a pro- cess, and a very simple one too, by which the human | features could be temporarily changed beyond re- | cognition by anintimate friend. The idea had been suggested to the old Indian doctor by the sting of a bee, which produced a swelling of the face of the one stung, and a change in his looks. Now, that parts like all progressive doctors, went to thinking, and—’ ‘““Hal ha! hal’ laughed Surgeon Gwynplane, facetiously, ‘‘ talk of progression in an Indian camp —that’s good.” “Well, at any rate,my dear Gwynplane, the old doctor was acquainted with the medical properties of every plant in the vegctable kingdom around him, and I daresay, some of our white doctors could take lessons of bim in both medicine and surgery.”’ “ An old root doctor—yes, yes; that’s old women’s aah ae pgs protested the surgeon—‘ old women and nerbs,”’ “Well, to continue,” ick went on, “there was a certain plant known to the old doctor, yielding a thin, watery 1 gat a drop of which injected under the skin would produce swelling without any out- ward signs of inflammation or any feeling of pain. And, strange to say, that swelling would last a month, unless reduced by a counter-irritant, This, of course, the old doctor had no difficulty in obtain- ing, in the juice of another plant. So much for the idea suggested by the sting of a bee, Hu-ron-ah-wa had the old doctor demonstrate his discovery while I was there. A young Indian girl, very pretty and shy, presented herself for the experiment to be tried upon. The doctor put a drop of the liquid in a hol- low, steel needle that he had made himself, and then inserted the point into the skin under the eyebrows, As the point was withdrawn, the liquid flowed out into the wound, and in a few minutes the delicately- penciled brows of the girl were heavy and beetling— giving her a downcast and sullen look. I would never have known her, had I not seen the operation performed. In the course of a few hours, another needle was filled with the counter-poison and the point inserted under the skin near the first wound, and—well, I was surprised. In ten minutes’ time that girl was herself again. All the swelling had disappeared, and there was no more trace of the operation left than a musketo bite would produce.” Surgeon Gwynplane looked reflectively into the fire, while the soldiers with bated breath listened to the young spy’s story, “When the war broke out,” continued Dick, “T resolved to serve my country to the best of my ability; and to act in a double capacity—as a spy to Washington and the British, with my sympathies, of course, on the patriot side. In order to do this I must needs. disguise myself, and happening to think of the old Indian doctor's discovery, I determined to see him and obtain the secret,. So I rode up to Hu- ron-ah-wa's | , and succeeded in obtaining from the old doctor these two vials of liquids. Then I went to New York and had a manufacturer of sur- cal instruments make me thése two hollow needles, turning home, I tested the matter thoroughly, By operating on my eyebrows, my cheeks, lips and nose, I chackaely ightened my mother and sister, They didn’t know me, nor would they believe it was I till 1 applied the counter-poison and reduced the swelling. Then they were astonished. I told them what I intended to do—that as Prodigal Tom, I in- tended to serve the enemy or British; and, as Dela- ware Dick, the patriots; and that I wished to:con- vey to the world that there were two Melinott boys, Tom and Dick. Of course, there were some of our neighbors that knew better, and in order to keep the matter away from positive proof as long as pomatiie, Thad my mother and sister move out of the Dela- ware valley and conceal themselves. Then I went to work; firstI raised my band of Scarlet Wings, and ot them into working order, and made a name— laware Dick, the Win -of-the-Wind, This much accomplished, I disguised my features by the - cess pare explained, and went over he a iho district in Pennsylvania, and by eppenenns: myse as Delaware Dick’s brother, raised and equipped a company of rangers and for this act I at once be- came known as Prodigal Tom by friends and foes.” “Then that explains why you were absent from us so often,” said a Scarlet Wing; “and why we could never draw Prodigal Tom into a fight; one man commanded the two battalions,” “Jt is singular we didn't mistrust something of the kind before,” added another, ‘‘for I now.begin to see what Dick meant when he spoke in riddles at different times, about ‘a power behind the throne,’ Ever since our company been organized, I have noticed that we have been constantly dogged by one strange reonage, and that ie the Indian vagabond, Doctor Dave, who has been hanging around camp hore for a week. Ishouldn’t wonder but that he is the Indian doctor who discovered the means of your ick, and that he has been pla between o- “ Delaware Dick and Proniead ‘om +0 as- siege aay your sores, frond t o your en Co! ae Diek S plied “ovaaieel . Washi m, my mother and sister, and the “power be the throne,” are the on sons, save the All-Seein Eye, that I know of, that knew aught of my secre time Cornwallis found it out. How he did penetrate the secret is a, mystery to mo, tho nt tell the itruth, I bave played the double vole longer than I had expected at frst, for I was afraid some 13 rr re of my old Tory neighbors would reveal the fact that I had no_brother Tom, and thereby lead to my ex- posure. But if I do say so myself, boys, I have ren- dered our cause some good service—so have you, my brave Scarlet Wings, and so has that mysterious friend whose name I cannot mention, But this, my friends, I hope is sufficient explanation as to my presence here alive; but had it not been for that dis- patch of Cornwallis’s, I should never have revealed one word of my cherished secret to you so long ag I could have made it useful to our country and cause, As to how I escaped from the cabin a few months ago, I shall not tell you now.”’ “What _is settled in my mind,” said Conrad, he who stood guard at the cabin door, “ that old Indian, Doctor Dave, whom some of the boys suggested be drummed out of camp, has not been lurking aroun here the last two days for nothing in his a feo eier, innocence, I daresay, he’s not to be found in camp now. But, Dick, how did you escape death at Pair. mont Place that memorable night of the conflict?” “Well, during the fight Iwas knocked senseless by a clubbed musket in the hands of a Tory. * I fell near the open door, and: when I come to again, J found myself in the woods. Two persons were by me: one was a negro servant of old Samuel Fair- mont, and the other was—that noble friend who hag been a guardian angel to me so often when death swe Hh neigiting the coipcrk to go abroad that Del ell, wis e abro hat Dela- ware Dick was dead, I Onachuded to remain in seclu. sion and so joined my band of Tory isans and went into camp with British Bill. Being located near Fairmont e, I had free admittance to the old man’s house where, come to think of it, dwelt another that knew that Delaware Dick was not slain . the night of the battle. That person was Agnes Melrose, Fairmont's lovely grand-daughter.” ‘Love, by Jupiter!’ exclaimed eon Gwyn- lane. ‘‘I knew it would end in this, You remem- r what I told ai boys, about that note found on the person of Prodigal Tom the night we captured him, don’t you? Didn’t I say it was some love affair? ney) ha! fool old Eleazer Gwynplane. M. D., will you CHAPTER XXIII. DEATH OF AN IMPOSTOR, On the day following British Bill's attack on Major Dalrymple at Ne oint, Samuel Fairmont was waited upon by a Tory who requested the old man's immediate presence at the quarters of Captain Wal- ton at Cross Hollows, As the coming evening was the time fixed for the marriage of Agnes with the captain, the colonel supposed he was wanted re- garding that affair; and without geri the soldier, he ordered out his carriage and at once drove vapidly to Cross Hollows. t was three hours or more before he returned, and when he did, his face bere the look of hopeless despair and sorrow, Agnes met him at the door, and clasping him by the arm to steady his tottering form, exclaimed: - Grandpers. what is the matter? Are you sick?” og God!” exe: ed “ old ppg re gc chair; “yes es. am. sic ‘e—of the whole world’an its” doce tion,” “What has ha Oh, dear! what has hap- pened, grandpapa?”’ ig Bill is dead, and I am glad of it,” was the et re mponen in Z yew 10llow see 9) , Agnes; “ that your kinsman i dead?" . **Kinsman!”’ hissed the old man; ‘he was no kins- manof mine, He was anim r, the black-heart- ed devil! He confessed all to me before he died.” his effects found that he was Captain Clement Tair- mont, who was.coming to our had been captured by the Americans at Princeton, but was on parole. As I had in confidence told British Bill all our fam ment to your whose coming was ex- pected—he resolved take advan of it, and ith t he followed him, évertook him and ba yon all ito the w d ef > is fe A " =e 5 i E : i / SFE t ay - i RES £ ¥] a EF 8

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j » though he doubted what she said, ' two words would have condemned him. ae: he fo oo -ad g . Heo i that rth ant with s feet, and clasping her arms about thé old man's neck, “it fills my soul with delight to hear you speak us,”” * Agnes,” said the old man, “why have you al- bg been such an ardent patriot?” trandpapa,’’ answered Agnes, her eyes be saming with the sou of love and joy, ‘it ‘is because I love a patriot soldier.” “T thought so all along, my child. But who is that patriot?” “ Delaware Dick.” “Delaware Dick?" cried the colonel, “Do you mean to tell me that you loved Delaware Dick?” “Yes, grandpapa; and I love him yet.” ‘* But he is dead, my child—both he and Clement ave dead,” “Grandpapa Fairmont,” returned the maiden, ang S through her tears, * I have a happy surprise or you **Ah, indeed, my child?” ng Yes; if you area sedan now, you must be re- joired to learn that Delaware Dick'i living.” ** Hoavens! what next?’ exclaimed the colonel. “What. uext? Why, grandpapa, . Clement Fair- mont is not dead either.’ **Oh,, Lord!’ burst from the old man’s lips, and, leaning forward, he gazed into Agnes’s face as ‘if this is true, how much somper would aon have kept it from me?” “ Not much | onger—I’d have told it in time to keep from. marrying tish Bill. Clement Fairmont is here now.’ As she spoke, the door leading into the adjoining room was opened, and a bag 4 man in the uniform of a British captain entered the room, followed by old Grindy, the darkey. bp th ous grandpapa,” said Agnes, ‘‘is Clement Pair- mon The pouns ot hae advanced, and, taking the "ld man’s hand, said: ** My dear old relative, it affords me pleasure to meet you at last. Samuel Fairmont burst into tears. In the pale yet handsome face of the young officer, he beheld he features of his own dead boy—the father of Clement; and in his voice there was that familiar sound, which carried him back to happier days. Intuition told him that this man was no im ostor; and after he had mastered his emotion, be ex- claimed: “Oh, my children! my children! what a day this has been to me.’ Fs ys oe yourself, randfather,” said Clement, “for all is now understood,” “Ah, my boy! tell me how it comes that you are here at this moment,” said the colonel; ‘tell me “Your faithful servant here brought me to the | ean hour orso ago, by direction of Agnes. Since the pvight that Bri'ish Bill attempted my ‘life I have | been concealed in a cavern near here, and taken care of by your negroes, who rescued me from _— ‘while coon-hunting.”” “*God bless their black skins!” exc ‘aimed the aol onel, joyfully, ‘‘each and all of them shall have a ———s of hisown. But, Clement, how long it been since you came to America?” “Nearly a year; and I should bave been here sooner, buf having purchased a captain’s commis- sion in the army before leaying home, I was placed ‘under Cornwillis and-kept at my post up to the time of my capture at Princeton. But, grandfather,I am going to resign my commissi on. believe this war on ie colonies is unjust.’ I have become a patriot m self, Clement, within the last hour, {have received les kindness and fa- vors from the aaa in America than the Ameri- randfather; ionniee ou Batrothal, ree nyselt ta myself to nett over in Valley.” Z rust’. as I expected,” exclaimed the old man; a put it’s all right, Clement, I shall not insist on ze tie wedding Agnes, for she, too, loves another— laware Dick,” “A brave and noble fellow is Delaware Dick, grandfather. I have known him nearly a year— recognized him when a’spy in camp, fre he fray iimn, and bis mother and sister that I would not be- im, and so I kept my word.” Ah} his mother and éister / did you make the latter no other promise?” the old man demanded, as the light drifted in upon bis mind. Yes,” the young man frankly. responded, Si prommined-to make her my wife.” th iat 80. Well, God’s will bedone. Let us rejoice “that it is even so,” said the old man, con- tentedly and with resignation. _ Toward the close of the da fon fe rumors. reached Fairmont Place that a body o cial troops ‘under Major Dalrymple and Delaware yDick was ap- proaching from the cast, ostensibly for the purpose of avtackin the forces under British Bill, encamped eee ollows; ted souet vores into camp about a ‘mile from the el's } Fairmont seemed delighted with the "Ss fy n, 2nd gs soon as ents io Die ‘fee Sven but about sunset the command | he place Lak PX Delaware Dick was taken completely by surpris by the tone of the invitation, and was a. little slow to accept through fear that a trap was being prepared for him; but when another note came, bearing the signature of Agnes Melross, repeating the invitation, then all doubt was set aside, and the young spy, Major Dalrymple and an escort of ten men rode down to Fairmont Place, where they were received in the most cordial manner big! the family. Samuel Fairmont seemed like a new man. In fact, the events of the past few days had wrought a great change in the oldman. He frankly admitted that his sympathy had been with the royalists, but was sono longer, He denounced the king au his mercenary hirelings that wors ravaging the coun- try without respect for friend or foe, and pledged his faith to the patriot cause. Never passed a happier 1 night under the colonel’s roof than that which was to have witnessed Agnes’s marriage to 4 man she detested, All present seemed to forget the bitter strife that was convulsing the nation, and the loss and sorrow it had inflicted upon them for the time being. Both old and young did their utmost to heal the wounds that had been in- tlicted upon the hearts of the Scarlet Wings by the hostile attitude of the colonel on the night of the conflict in the library. It was with regret, though many bright promises, that the guests took their departure for camp about midnight, Captain Clement Fairmont of his kinsman many weeks. tendered his résignation Asc authorities, andit being aéeepte he never returned to the British army nor British soil. But shortly after his release from er duty he repaired to New Brunswick and married Geraldine Melinott, Dick’s sister; and settling in the country beeame one of the most devoted and honored of American citi- zens Delaware Dick “served his country through the war with honor and distinction, and when peace was at length declared, he claimed the hand of the fair little Agnes in wedlock, receiving with it the best wis¥es and blessings of ‘the aged Samuel Fair- mont. And thus peace, love and happiness became the inheritance of our young friends, which lasted through life with therm. As to the * power behind the throne,” the myste- rious friend of whom Dick so oft n spoke, the young ranger-Spy’s lips forever remained sealed. probably out of respect for that unknown personage’s wish, But the Scarlet Wings became fully convinced, after iving the matter close attention, that the old In- ian, Doctor Dave, whose assistance had enabled Dick to play the double 70ie which we have recorded, and which is but an incident of the unwritten his | tory of the struggle for Independence, was that Silent Friend, remained at the home In the mean time he ~ to the proper THE END, Half-Dime Singer's Library 1 wads: Eamra! and 59 other Songs, 2 CapraIn Curr and 57 other Songs, 8 THe Garnszory’ Har and 62 other Songs. 4 Jounny Moracan and 60 other Songs. 5 Tun Strme You Wirs A FrarHer and 62 others, 6 GeorGEm THE CuaRMeER and 56 other Songs. ‘% Tar Bette or Rockaway and 52 other Songs. 8 Youna Funan. 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COMPLETE, and 17 other Songs Sold everywhere by Newsdealers, at five cents per copy, or sent post-paid, to any address; oat re= pratima ates Eegie ens BEADLE AND ADAMS, Puriisners,- eT Wittiau Stexer, New Your, Mie Restate A et ies oad Geta oh» eet Semi le erates bee SOM on aR te Mak SIS SI BE ey aed 2 Cee a et eae eed, os MeL CO BEADLE AND ADAMS’ STANDARD DIME PUBLICATIONS Speakers. Each volume ane 100 large pages, printed from clear, open type, comprising the best collec- tion of Dialogues, Dramas and Recitations. The Dime Speakers embrace twenty-four volumes, viz.: 1, American Speaker, 13, School Speaker. 2. National Speaker. 14, Tudicrous Speaker. 3. Patriotic Speaker. 15. Komikal Speaker. 4. Comic Speaker. 16. Youth’s Speaker. 5. Mocutionist. 17. Eloquent Speaker. 6. Humorous Speaker. 18, Hail Columbia Speak- 7. Standard Speaker. er, 8. Stump Speaker. 19. Serio-Comic Speaker, 9, z uvenile Speaker. 20. Select Speaker. 10, Spread-Eagle Speaker 21. Funny Speaker. ‘ D me Debater. 22. 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SPEAKERS. Dime Elocutionist, No. 5. \ SEC. I. Prrcipirs or Troe Enuncration.—Faults in Enunciation; How to Avoid Them, Special Rules and Observations, SEC. 1 Tur Art or Oratory. Sheridan's List of the Passions: Tranquillity, Cheerfulness, Mirth, Raillery, Buffoonery, Joy, Delight, Gravity, In- quiry, Attention, Modesty, Perplexity, Pity, Grief, Melancholy, Despair, Fear, Shame, Remorse, Courage, Boasting, Pride, Obstinacy, Authority, Commanding, Forbidding, Affirming, Denying, Difference, Agreeing, Exhorting, Judging, Approv- ing, Acquitting, Condemning, Teaching, Pardon- ing, Arguing, iemissing, Refusing, Granting, De- pendence, Veneration, Hope, Desire, Love, Re spect, Giving, Wonder, Admiration, Gratitude, Cu riosity, Persuasiov, Tempting, Promising, Affecta- tion, Sloth, Intoxication, Anger, ete. SEC. OT. Tar Component ELEMENTS OF Ay ORA rion.—Rules of Sg as applied to Words and Phrases, viz.: rity, Propriety, Precision. Asapplied to Sentences, viz.: Length of Sentence, . Olearness, Unity, Strength. ‘es of Speech; the Exordium, the Narration, the Proposition, the Confirmation, the Refutation, the Peroration. SEC. TV. Rerresenratirye EXERCISES IN PROSE AND Versu.—Transition; A Plea for the Ox; Falstaff’s Soliloquy on Honor; the Burial of Lincoln; the Call and Response; the Becues Charge; Histor of a Life; the Bugle; the Bells; Byron; Macbet — the Dagger; Hamlet's Soliloquy; Old Things; Look Upward; King William Rufus; the Eye; an Essa Onto Musik; Discoveries of Galileo. SEO. V. Oxsszrvations or Goop AuTHoRITIES. Dime Humorous Speaker, No. 6, A Sad Story, + Poetry Run Mad, A String of Onions, Right Names, ' A Tragic Story, Scientific Lectures, Cats, The Ager, Courtship, The Cockney, Debt The Codfish, Devils Fate of Sergeant Thin, Dow, Jr.'s Lectures, The Features’ Quarrel, BKgo and Ech Hamerican Voodchuck, °. Fashionable Women, The Harp of a ‘Thousand Fern Thistles, Strings, Good-Nature, The Last of the Sarpints, Gottlieb Klebeyergoss The March to Moscow, Schlackenlichter’s snake, Hosea Biglow’'s Opinions, How the Money Goes, Hun-ki-do-ri's Fourth of July Oratio The Mysterious Guest, 7. ae , © Sea- nt, .. The Secret, “i The Shoemaker. n \ If you Mean No, Say No, | The Useful Doctor, 3 Jo Bows on Leap Year, | The Waterf; 2 ‘Lay of the Henpecked, | To the Bachelors’ Union Lot Skinner’s Elegy. ue, United States Presidents, trimony, - Matr Ys Vagaries of Popping the Nothing oe De ee 1 ag rella, Old Grimes's Son, . What I Wouldn’t Be, Paddle Your Own Canoe, | Yankee Doodle Aladdin, Parody on “ Araby’s | Ze Moskeetare, Daughter,” | 1933, Dime Standard Speaker, No. 7. The World We Live In, | Jobn Burns, Gettysburg, Woman's Claims, No Sect in Heaven, Authors of our Liberty, | Miss Prude’s Tea-Party, 19] Conqueror, The Power of an Idea, : Ree Coe eritage, |The Beneficence of ‘the n Question, Yhe Alarum, -. P Suffrage, Aprtt 308, Pattie Auton, [UBlOm, Fhe Mechanic Dream of the Reveler," The Spirit of °61, . The Ends of Pet Nature and Navtre’s God | HowCyrus Laid the Cable | dpe Procions Here | rreedom the Watchword ‘The Modern Good, (Sun, | The Frettiest Hand, ne Trish Eleme ate 3 Ossian’s Address to the | Paradoxical, frain's Speech, Crisis of Our Nation, Bell_1777, | Little Jerry, the Miller, Ehristy's Speech, Duty ; oF Christian Pa- ag a 1777, The Blarney the ai er. uet Me Alone, a e Siudent of Bo Biigand-ler General, | ES Re eae | the Ladies Man, —_—_| The Broken Household, reft, : : i e Bible, — Yaion Squa e Speeches, ane Wicrebahig anh ‘The taler’ The Purse and the Sword Union, The Little Zouave ri The Unbeliever, My Country, - “ur Country's Call, Catholic Cathedr The Two Lives, True Moral Courage, Tne Story of an Oak Tree, | Th "Spent ? ral, The ‘True Scholar, What is War? _L-e-g On My Lez, A aa: Judges not Infallible, Butter. ‘Dime © aie Speaker, No, 4. beset tree f s ecessful Fe harap as ,- Kleveyergoss on: iis Wary | 4 ae Troe i a Teriesinne, (Crime, | ‘The Pin and Needle, Age Blunily Cons ered, pants rip to Richm’d, | Ireland.” The Modern Puritan. pf Karly Rising, ; ape era The People Always Con- | {mmortality of the Soul, p> The ‘Wasp and th» Bee, | The Mountebank, Music of Labor, __ [quer, | Qccupation, ‘tomie Grammuy, Yo. 1, | Compound Interest, Prussia and Austria, Heroism and Daring, — em Not & Sirota Mees Old Does ~ the Feet, Wishing, A Shot at the Decanter. . Ward’s Advit® Ma Bich nor te : nrfuz on Piasisios A “bays Satie, Dime Stump Speaker, No, 8. ROO and 1h , | cp : S ae Crockett to Office-seekers | _ J. M. Stubbs’ Views | The Limits to Happiness, appiness ; Who Is My Oppon on ig ee Ree Situation, x Good-nature a Blouming Hans Schwackheimer. on | Sermon from Hard-shell | ail-enders, (Baptist, The Value of Money, Meteoric Disquisition, ‘Woman’s Suffrage, . nee Life’s What You Make It, Where's My Money, 2 2 Permanency of States, Liberty of Speech, New England and Union, The Unseen Battlefield, Plea for the Republic, America, {Fallacy, “Right of Secession” a Life’s Sunset, Human Nature, Lawyers, Wrongs of the Indians, Appeal in behalf of Am, Miseries of War,[Liberty, A Lay Sermon, A Dream, ST TE NNN ET ti | Astronomical, The Moon, Duties of Amerioat Cit The Man, Temptations of Cities, Broken Resolutions, There is no Death, — Races, A Fruitful Discourse, A Frenchman’s Dinner, ; Unjust National Acqui’n The Amateur Coachman John Thompson's Dau'r House Cleanin It Is Not Your i asiviss. — Dime Juvenile Speaker, No. 9. A Boy’s Philosophy, Hoe Out Your Row, Six-Year-Old’s Protest, The Suicidal Cat, A Valediction, Popping Corn, The Editor, _ The Same, in rhyme, The Fairy Shoemaker, What Was Learned, Press On, - \ The Horse, The Snake in the Grass, Tale of the Tropics, Bromley’s Speech, The Same, second extract The Fisher's Child, Shakspearian Scholar, A Maiden’s Psalm of Life, A Mixture, * : Plea for Skates, Playing Ball, Ah, Why Live for Something. 7% Lay of the Hen-Peck The Outside Dog, Wolf and Lamb, Lion in Love, Frogs Asking for a King, Sick Lion, , Country and Town l..,e, |.N Man and Woman, Home, The Lotus-Planter, Little Things. A Baby’s Soliloquy, Repentance, ~ A Plea for Ig, i Night A ier Chris , igh er Christ Short Legs, ae Shrimps on Amusements, Fo Buster's Oration, tans Von Spiegel’s 4th, Josh Billings’s Advice, A Hard-shell Sermon, The Boots, The Squeezer, Noah and the Devil, A Lover's Luck Hifalutin Adolphus Digestion and Paradise, Distinction’s Disadvant- mith, ages, | Sut Lovengood, Se ee + ave ide, b tock of Notions | Josh Billings on Buzzer@ Speaking for the Sheriff, Il Trovatore, are? aking a Shweat, Kissing in the Streey Then and Now Scandalous, a Josh Billings's Lectuxng, Rightly Mixed, Doctor De Blister’s Ann’t, ‘The Office-seeker Consignments, . Old Bachelors, Dap Bryant's Sptech,-. sPthe winueMaln an Bryant's ¥ ’ The Niam A Colored View, Posple Will Talk, . Original Maud Muller, | Swackhamer’s B Nobody. Who Wouldn’t be Fire’ - Train of Circumstances, | Don't Depend on Paddan, Good Advice, o } Music of Labor, “4 The Itching Palm, ' The American Ensign, Debater and Chairman’s Guide No, 11 1.—DeBatina Soctery, 11,—CHAIRMAN'S GuIDE Its Office and Usefulnees, cuit eam ant Formation of, Assemblies, = = Constitution of, The Organization, = By-Laws of, Order of Business aa Rules of Government, idee torn eal Ars Local Rules of Order, The “ Question.” How f Local Rules of Debate, t : Subjects of Discussion, m.—How To DeBaTe. Why there are few good | cet 3 eee Prerequisites to Oratori- 1 The Logie of Debate, ane ee ee eae Me tat kuby par Seb S| imo wig’ ¥ How the Raven Becam/ Black, ‘ A Mother’s Work, The same, Who Rules, A Sheep Story, One Good Turn Deserves My Dream, [Another ain, PH Never Use Tobacce, A Mosaic, ; oe Old ii -rayer to Light, Little Jim, Angelina’s Lament, Johnny Shrimps on Booté Movgy, Choice of Hours Poor Richard's Sayings, Who Killed Tom Roper, Yothing to Do Honesty Best Policy, Heaven, : : Ho for the Fields, Fashion on the Brain, On Shanghais, A Smile, Casabianca Homoeopathic Soup, Kyes, PS ee a ey APE OT EAE TT Ms 3 [Come A Hundred Years The Madman and he Little Sermons, — Snuifies on Electricity, , The Two Cradles, The Ocea 1 Storm, + Do Thy Little—Do it Wet Little é Base-Ba [Fever Prescription for Spring Dime Spread-Eagle Svoecaker, No. 10. | Drum-head Sermons, Schnitzerl's Philosopeds “ Woman's Rights,’ Luke Lather, The Hog, Jack Spratt, New England Tragedy, Tee Ancient Bachelor, Jacob Whittile’s Speech, Jerks Prognosticates, A Word with Snooks, can be Treated, ; The “ Question.” How & be-Considered, "24 oF tat ets A Little Correspondent, , °

Page 16

BEADLE’S 4 Bepawoed igs ot ran of agen a E.L, Wheeler. 148 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. By Charles Morris, 294 Dynamite Dan, By T. C, Harbangh. 3 aton co By Jogepl B. Balger, JF. 45 Sharp Sam. By J. Alexander Patten, on W ‘, > x § 4 ery ine By Buffalo bid, (Hon. W.F, Cody.) 149 A hl ae of Gold, By Edward L. Wheeler. 295 Fearless } hil. By Edward Willett, o W ild-Morse Bunters. By Captain Mayne Reid and 50 Lance and Lasso, By Captain Frederick Whittaker, 296 Denver Doll’s Drift. By Edward L. Wheeigs, Capital, Frederick Whittaker. & Vagcabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. By Ol] Coomea, Leable number, 10-cents. Bill Biddon Trapper. By Wdward 8, Ellis, ¥y aukee, By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 1 : 4 peg Paul Perna ep By iy 21 The Frontier Angel. By Edward S, Ellie. 4 ei ee hon | Be He Heciongs, 810 The Barranca Woll, By Joseph £. Badger, Jr. 22 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe, By J. Lewis. | 474 Epon Dan By Frauk D.mont. 5 $11 The Roving Sport. By Edward Wilett. RB 7 o’ the Night; or, The Boy Spy of 16. By T. C, Harbaugh. #72 Theole bolt ‘Nem. By Harry St. George 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. By Maj. E. i, St. Vom 24 iMamond Dirk. By Colonel Pronitss Ingraham, 178 Pandy ii k's Rival. By Geoige Waldo Browne. - 5: Wis . oe Qo e Hoy Captain, By Roger Starbuck. eat Rab is skott, ive Bay Dédeér. “By Charles Morris 818 Cimarron Jack, By Frederick Dewey. Ht | y eta leaps "the Bop Gulten y r? fer Daaahe L. Wheeler. 175 Gantate: Aplbomiss By. Phitip S. Warne. y 814 The Myaterlous Marauder. ~) Col. P. t-grahamy y sulde, y Ones. > '" - a . yr ‘ - Bs Huifale Wen te Prrcool the Put Dy Eis Whovler, | HEB TREMOR Muna way, ly Levent HD pers USN. | $15 Ned, the Cabin Boy. By Jus Farrar 2 ne ©, By Captain Frederick, Whittaker, 178 Ola Solitary the Hermit ‘Trapper By Ol] Goomes. 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Cardof Arizona, By T. @, Harbaugh SO Roaring } alph Rockwood. By Harry St. George. 179 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner, By Charles Mortis 817 Peacoek Pete. By Lieutenant Alfred Thorne 61 nm; Knife, Prince of the Prairies.” By Oll Coomas. 180 The Sea Trailer. By Lientenant fh. D, Perry, U.S.N . gina ; 82 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian. By Edward L. Wheeler, 181 Wild Frank of Montana, By Edward L. Wheoler. 818 Kor-whoap, Ker-wheo! By Buckskin Sum. 88 The Ocean Bloodhound, By S. W. Pierce. Is2 Little HMurrleane, the Boy Captain.. By Oll Coomes, 819 The Black Rider. By Joseph E. Badger, Jn 84 Oregon Sol. by Captain J. F.C. Adams. 188 The Hidden Hand. By Charles Mocris 820 The Sea S§ f 85 Wild Fvany the Boy Claude Duval, By B, L, Wheeler, 18% The Boy Traflers. By Joseph E. Badeer, Jr © Sea Sorceress, By Jack Farragut. rt4 The tak Ole fe ay ag oy a Sree 185 Evil Eye King of the Cattle Thieves By Frank Dumont, S21 Deadweod Dick's Dozen, By Edward V. Wheeler, 35 Nol Wylde, Fodg “aerial 186 Gool Desmond. By Colonel Delle Sara. B22 Nemo, the Detective. _ By Edward Willett $3 Reet Tey ‘ae Boy Scout, | By: Tatas Jock: 187 Fred Halya 3, the Life Boat Boy, By Charles Morrie, > pace: ars b 89 Death-Face, the Detective. By Eiward L. Wheeler. 188 Ned Temple, the Border Hoy. By Tt Hacheush: 828 Arkansaw Jack. By Harry Hazard. Strat ang. hye 2g Oe Re Frm feos ape 189 Bob Reekett, the Cracksman. By Charles Morria. $24 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Hoy Detective. By Low Morris, Tho Phantom Mines. By Edward L, Wheeler. 190 Bondy Darke. | By Willian R. Byater.. 826 Kelley, Hickey & Company, the Sleuths of Pbitedelybiag ‘ek rilng, the Pouy Expross Rider, By Capt. Whittaker, 191 Bu e Billy, the Buliwhacker. By Capt. A. B. Taylor. By Edward 1. Wheeler, 44 Rat Rube, By Harry St. George. 826 The Ten Pards; or, The Terror of Take-Notice. By T. € 45 Ofd Avalanche, th; Groat Annihilator. By BE. L. Wheeler. 194 Buffalo Bilis B r/o 8-2 Uarbaugh. L , . y et. By Captain Taylor. = Bees, Ferrey she Gesnt Shot of sho Wi aves J. 5: Startanght 19% Deadwood Dick’s Dream. By kuward L, Wheeler. B27 Creeping Cat, the Caddo, By Buckskin Sam. 48 Black John, the Roui-Agent. By Joseph Ke Bagger, Jr. Li 4 Tite Gee, Deon Pee a Te een Cy 828 The Sky Detc aives. By Major Mickey Free. Px I mee Mis SOR Ee By dled Regt cpa 198 Arkansaw, thy Man with the Knife. By T. C. Harbaugh. 829 Red-Skin Tom. By Harry Hazard, Sa aioe) ve ie ag Pt vs as e, By A.C. Iron 199 Featherweight, By Edward Willett. $80 Little Quick-Shot,. By Edward L; Wheoler, B2 The White Buttalo. By C.E Lassie, «| 280, The Boy Bedouins, By Capt. Frederick’ Whittaker, 881 Black Nick, the Demon Rider. By Capt, Fred. Whiteetu 58 Jim Bin “Jr., theBey Phonix. By E.L. Wheeler. 201 The Black Hills Jexebel. By Edward 1, Wheeler. Fone op Reta A bth er lis ce ee, te, see ba Nod eames ee Wy ‘Meaeecr, By Cant 8G, Adee. 202 Freepect Pete, of tne Boy Brignde, By Ol! Coomes. 882 Frio Fred. By Buckskin Sam, $3 Deaodly-Ey« ihe th knant Ayer f By Buifalo Bill nic 208 The Boy Pards, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 8388 Brimstone Beb, gnd Wis Lightning Horse Quad 6&6 Nick rhitton P My B bi tain a of 7 AR i 204 Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit. By Col, Prontisg Ingraham. tette. By Major . St. Vrain. 7 Deadw hu 1 ne gag ple Wheel 205 Deadwoed Dick's Doom. By Edward L. Wheeler. u : Tee it owd Bik 's Eng sowss. 2 Bana ~ in ee aes 862 Deadwood Dick’s Claim, By Edward L, Whevtes, Milo Remer, the Animal King. By Cap ~Wa er. 8. W 250 The Midshipman Mutineer. By Col. P. Ingraham. 868 Little Tornado. Dy Philip S. Wame. 94 Mid 98 The Bey Minors. By EdwardS, Kills. The ua 108 9 ‘ioaee os ope an nen eee 251 pipat-hoase Lige. By Captein J, F. C. Adams, 884 Snap-Shot, the Boy Ranger. By Buckskin dam. 04 Deadwood Dick’s Device. By Kdward L, Wheeler. sr ing eng ad eran gee 865 Baltimore Ben. By A.P. Morris. Kiar t' i 6 : Eee ott Pee ts te eee bee 254 The Half Blood, By Edward S Ellis. 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. By T. C.Harsogh 107 One-Kyed Sim By James L. Bowen we 255 Captain Apollon. T. C. Harbaugh. 86% Wide-Awake Joe, By Charles Morris. 108 Durt : Dary, the Young Bear-Killer. By H. St. George 256 Young Kentuck. By we? er Mark Wil. 868 Yrcka Jim, the Gold-Gatherer. By E. k. Wheelc: 109 reed Prok ar Detective. By E. L. Wheeler, 257 Tho Lost Hunters. By Capt. J. F..C-Adaica, = 7 i Si : 110 The Black Steed of the aieaent: By J. L. Bowen 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven; By Edward L. Wheeler. 869 Shasta, the Gold King. By J. C. Cowdrick, 111 The Seu-Dovil. Ly Colone! Prentiss Ingrakam. [Sab eben ieee Oo 870 Breaker Ben, the Reef-Runner. By Roger Starbuek He Jnok fosio the Foing Speculstor. “By E. L, Wheeler, yd rene Foarnau he bc Pes i Aiken. se Kien t bas Teatne Boo Opec c oon e Youn eutha, By Charles Morris. > tn Ant Se a - foc rioen Sie eres 268 Deadwood Pick’s Divide. By Edward L. Wheeler. 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize. By Edward L. Wheeler. ey bey ir Dy Cll. Preation Fogvabans 264 The Floatine Feather. By Col, P, Ingraham, STB Little Fingos or, the Queer Pard. By Philip S We % Glit-Edged Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler ¥ 265 The Tiger Tamer. By Captain Fred, Whittaler. pleat wos or, 18% Wl Somers, the Boy Detective. By Charles Morris. 266 Killb'ar, the Guide, By Kosign Warren. 874 Gold-Dust Tom, By George H. Morse, 18 Pustens Sam j or, The King of the Plains. By J. E. Badger. reas ae romenin Detects, bit : ey Harter, Son 875 Chicta, the Creek, By Buckskin Sam. i © Branded inna. B Bey we “et 269 The Gold Ship. By Col. Prentiss f ham. 876 California Joe’s First Trail, By Capt. F, Whiitasyy Phi Havds ieee Boy. By Charles Morris. 270 Blizzard Ben. By mig gy Mark Wilton, ‘| 877 Bonodel, the Boy Rever. By Col. Prentiss Ingrehag owa Charley, the White Westangr. By T. C. Harbaugh. ti The dt Hunter, Kdward S, Hillis. 878 Nabob Ned. By Edward L. Wheeler. tea y, th Texan By George Gleason Minkskin Mike, By Ol! Coomes. 125 na Bui, Miner. By Edward L, Wheeler Ys q ag gee. BS Edward L. Whesler. 879 Larry, the Leveler. By Charles Morris, Pete. halos Mi . _| 2%4 Jo m. By Charloa Morr © Avalunche Alf, By Major E. L. St. Vrain. Tee Witt Vine, the low of the Road. By Frank, Dumont 275 Arizona Jack. By Buckskin Sam. pean Hy 3 128 The Young Privateor. By H. Cavendish, 276 Merle Monte’s Orpine. By Colene! Prentiss Ingraham. 881 Bandera Billy or, Frio Frank to the Front, By Bucky? 129 s od . 277 Den Poll. By Edward L. Wheeler, puaieten bara x Pho Three ‘Erappers, Dy Major Lew W. Carson. Gite Cask Mies a-King, of Kile. By RicasdL Wiles Bh Abe Wests Heien Brtierierie. . a Fate. By Cal. F 888 The Indian Plot. By Col, Prentice Ingraham. 280 Merle Montc’a F ate. Col. Prentisa In Boss ee ee eho 2 lacks. By EL, Wheeler. 281 euven Doll’« Victory. "py Edward L, Westen 884 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero, By Oli Coomer 2k2 Th Detective. By Fiward Willett. 885 Yreka Jim's Joker. By Edward L. Wheeler. in Paul By C. Danring Clark. BRS Indian Joe. By Major Lewis W, Carson, ao6 sichiatckuns tee TC ee ear 4 The 5ea M der. Col x Frantien Sngttaaes. aptata asa, the Spider. Hel a, tale aes Pee? zt +4 ecuran Doll's Dees By Raward L. Wheeler, 887 Warpath Will, the Boy Phantom, By Col. P. Ingtsh,.' Bs Edward L. Wheslen 226 Joch. the Hey Tenderfoot. By Capt, Mark Wilton, ane Sue wes ulige Lynch A By T. C. Harbaugh. @87 Hilly Biue-Kyes. By Colonel Prontivs fagraharm Little Oh-my. roe Bie nine oy Roe ‘Agent. ‘By Wa. Te Wheeler Sp a MC Boia A New Issue Every Tucedal _ ite oe ries Morris, 5 290 Little Foxfire, By Ol) Coomes. ‘She Wall-Dime Library is jer sale by all weeedencs.. ‘onthe 1 Coomes. 291 Turk, the Ferret, By Edward L, Wheeler. cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cers ensh. ¥ te Tork Bote Be Biete. | 298 Sancho Podre, By Major EL. St, Vrain. BEADLE AND ADAMS, ae or Star, toe boy Kaighi. By Ot! Coomes, (B98 Red Claw, the OneByed Trapper, By Captain Comabeck. 98 Willice Sire<t, Yow