ill Rangers.“

The Shuy

 

 

 

 

 

THE SCHUYLKILL RANGERS;

08.

10 THE BRIDE OF VALLEY FORGE.

A STORY 01“ 1777.

BY THE AUTHOR OF “ QUINDARO," Em.

NEW YORK: ~
BEADLE AND ADAMS, PUBLISHERS,
1%.me STREET.

 

/

Inteer according to Act of Cameron. in the you mus. by

BEADLE AND COMPANY,
h a. clerk'l omen o! the District Court of the United sate: for 1.
Southern District of New York.

 

 

    

 

   

THE

SCHUYLKILL RANGERS.

 

CHAPTER I.
new m1: a'r VALLEY nonen.

In 1777 “ Liberty” was but a word, the full significance of
which had never been grasped. In ancient Rome the idea
assumed a form, perhaps, the nearest approach to the reality,
as since developed in America. Brutus, Cassius, Cases, and
like great men, were the pioneers of tl'eedom, but the “ God:
does" was not born until WASHINGTON was wedded to COLUM-
mA, and Hancock and Franklin, and Carroll of Carrollton,
and other noble patriots, had pledged “ their lives, their fortunel
and their sacred honor” for the support of their child.

But, as Herod sought to destroy the infant Redeemer, so
enemies without and foes within determined to kill the infant
goddess, fearing its future growth and greatness. But, the
pledge of its defenders was faithfully kept; blood was freely
shed ; suffering was borne without a murmur, and they
bought their reward.

Perhaps there was no period in the history of the American
revolution where the prospects of the patriots were so gloomy
as during the winter of ’77, when the army of Washington
was in camp at Valley Forge. This was a strong position.
upon the south bank of the Schuylkill river, about twenty'
miles above the city of Philadelphia, which city was then held
by the British forces under Lord Howe.

It was a heart-rending picture—~that of the patriot camp
The snow covered the ground to a great depth, and in plaeea
was so drifled that the roads were almost impassable. When-'
ever a- movement of any kind was made, the blood-marks wen
letl. behind, from the frozen, shoeless feet of the sufferers.
There was a great scarcity of clothing of every description, and

10 THE scrmvrixmr. RANGERS.
of blankets, and many a bitter night was passed in a sleepluu
manner, while the benumbed soldier crept closely to the camp«
fire. And provisions were equally scarce. Sickness prevailed
to a fearful extent; but, in spite of all this, those brave men
could not he turned aside from their purpose.

Many daring deeds had been performed along the line of
the Schuylkill and Delaware. Even the city itself had boom
visilctl by adventurous spirits, bent upon serving their cause
even '1‘ the halter was their reward.

It was the first of January. Around a pile of blazing logs
were seated a dozen men. It was some distance from the
main camp, and appeared to be a “ picket-post." Twilight
wasjnst merging into darkness. The soldiers were preparing
their supper. Their fare certainly was an unusual one. Upon

\

a large plank, which formed the table, was smoking half a -

dozen chickens, and a young “ shote” was roasting before the
fire. A half-dozen suspicious-looking bottles were upon the
extemporized table.

Prominent among those present were two females. One
of them was a young lady, apparently not more than seven-
teen or eighteen‘ years of age. Her dress bespoke a person of
the better class. The other was a woman who had passed
the meridian of life. From the strong resemblance between
the females, one would have at once decided them to be
mother and daughter. I

‘ The arrangements for the supper were now complete, and
one of the party exclaimed:

“Come, Mrs. Meredith, you and your daughter be seated.
Our New Year‘s feast is a glorious one, and more especially so,
as it is enlivened by the presence of those to whom we owe so
much."

“ b‘hr‘l we not wait until our friends join us i” asked the
lady who had been addressed as Mrs. Meredith. '

“ We will not have long to wait. The flavor of such a feast
has probably reached them in advance of the messengérw or
else he has been upon a double—quick all of the way."

“ And if he has, Itell you, Ned Barton, that such a pros-
pect would give a man courage to double-quick to Philadelphia
and back, in spite of the snow.” 'I . _ ;\ . v

“ You are right there, Harvey Osgood. But, 

    

 
   

’,.s——~._.__._...J§_ M». awn,” . . .

manomw. 11

may come. So sit down—sit down, and may it be a feast of
reason and a flow of soul, as well."

Another party, of at least a dozen men, came up at the
moment. They broke into a hearty cheer, and then com~
menced the feast.

“ But where is old Bearclaw i“ asked one of the party.

“Look here, chuckleyhead Dan, don't you call old Zeke
Hunter by that name again; because I won’t stand it."

“ You Won’t stand it. Then why do you call me names 7”

“Because you are always finding fault. with somebody.
Now, Dad Disbrow, I don‘t mean to impugn your character,
because you-are brave in a fight, and Washington puts great
trust in you. You got that‘ugly banging by the Britishers;
and, although it makes you look more like the old scratch
titan any thing white, yet we all honor you for it. But, don‘t
twit about- other folks being deformed. Here comes the
chief of the Schuylkill Rangers. All honor to Zeke the
brave l" ‘

The person addressed came forward, and was received with
a. hearty cheer.

“Thank ye—thank ye, friends,” he said, as he gazed around
him.

There was little remarkable about the appearance of Zeke
Hunter. He was but little above five feet in hight, and quite
thick-set. His hair was an iron gray, showing his age to be
about filly years. His dress was of very coarse material, and
like that worn by the common citizen of that date. But one
would have been struck by the fact, that when surrounded by
friends on all sides, eager to shake him by the hand, he always
extended his left arm, and never his right. The fact was, that
his right hand had been severed from his arm, and that, in its
place, was an iron hook, which he used as a substitute.
The hand had been shot away upon the spot where the first
American blood was spile—Lercingtan! But, as Zeke was
acting constantly in the capacity of scout, he never were the
continental uniform. It was on accolmt of this iron hand or
book, that some of the lads had dubbed him “ Bearelaw," but
it was always spoken more as a familiar title than as an in-
sulting nickname; for Zeke was an immense favorite with all,

and much valued by the Commander -in-chie£
\

 

 

12 THE SCHUYLKILL RANGERS.

Dan Disbrow, the person who had been reproved by Barton
for using that term, was also a man much respected by his
comrades and officers. But he was a surly fellow, and this
was his only bad trait. He would growl and fret at every
thing, but he didn’t want anybody else to do it. He had often
been seen to step into the hospitals and give his ration to some
wounded comrade, which he perhaps ought to have reserved
for his own use; and the best of this was the fact, that he al-
ways endeavored to conceal the act, or any act which would
reflect upon him like credit. He was good and kind, and as ten-
der-hearted as a woman, in spite of himself 1

Dan was badly disfigured. He had lost an eye; his jaw
had been broken by a shot, so that one side 'of it hung down,
giving him the appearance of gaping with half his mouth; and
there was a huge gash or scar across his cheek. He arose as
Zeke came up, and each greeted the other warmly.

“ Come, now,” cried a dozen voices, “tell us all about it,
Zeke." v

“ It’s the same old story," answered the continental ranger.
“ Captured a British foraging party, and so brought in a few
chickens and turkeys, and about fifty cattle; just enough to
give the boys their New Year's treat, which they have so well
earned. I only wish ’ern to enjoy it, and thank no one but
our patriotism for it 1"

“ Good 1 good l" cried the party.

“I say it ain’t good l” growled Dan, who seemed disposed
to resent his chiefs course in the matter.

“ What do you mean ‘8" asked one of the party, rather per-
emptorily. “ Can’t the chief do any thing to please you ll"

“ Where did you take that dozen fat fellows which I saw

on your shoulder an hour ago, as you were going toward;

camp l" asked Dan, of the one-hand ranger, without heeding
the question of the previous speaker.

“ Wal,lDan,” replied Zeke, “ ef it’ll do you any partqu
good to know, I'll tell you: I was a-takiu’ on lem down to
the General and his staff." '

“ And did Washington take ’em 1’”

“ I see what ye’re drivin at, Dan ; so I’ll satisfy ye. The
General thanked me for my thought of him, but told me to
take ’em up to the hospitals for the si ”

y
l
r
E
l
l
i
F
1

i

,

-_—__._

    

  

    

   
 

v‘——‘

I , flderable means, and was constantly doing something for the

A RARE run.- 13

“I knew that would he just what he would say! And
that’s just what we ought to do with ours, boys. Beef ain‘t
so good for sick folks as turkeys and chickens. 'I say it looks
Jed-rotted mean for us to be feasting here like kings, while
our General is denying himself."

“ But I tell you, Dun, that I did not take the turkeys up to
the hospitals, and the General and his oflicers are now having
a jolly time over them," persisted the ranger.

“ Look here, Zeke Hunter, don't you slander Washington,”
added Dan, somewhat in real anger. “ I am one of your men
for any thing that's got duty and fight in it, but I won’t hear even
my captain slander the leader of our armies.”

“Oh! don‘t be too cranky and I’ll tell ye all about it.
“ Well, the sick boys have all got fowls enough to last therii
two or three days, and the well ’uns in camp will have lots of
beef-soup, steaks, roasts and boils.”

“Where did they all come from ‘1’” asked a dozen eager
and excited men.

“Mrs. Meredith and her daughter, Laura, brought a large
number of them.”

Three rousing cheers were given, to whicthhe lady replied:

“ And, knowing that Mr. Hunter had captured as many
more, and that all the sick would be supplied, I thought it noth-
mg more than fair that those exposed on the bleak outer
picket-line, should, for once, enjoy a luxury. Since my son,
Frank, is here with you, of course I prefer to remain. You
have made this place very comfortable. This wall of brush
which surrounds us, breaks the wind, and the blazing tire ren-
ders it quite cozy. I shall greatly enjoy the day with you,
brave follows, with your permission."

Frank Meredith, a young man, or rather a boy, of nineteen,
was seated between his mother and sister. He had not par-
ticipated in the conversation, but appeared very much gratified
with the feast, and the presence of his friends. Frank hal er.-
tered the army at the commencement of hostilities, and had
been atrue and faithful soldier. But this was the first time
he had met his mother and sister since he left them for the
battle-field. Mrs. Meredith was a' widow, and resided in
Philadelphia, with her daughter Laura. She possessed con-

 

14 'mn scnurnxua. RANGERS.

fputriot soldiers. Since Howe had occupied the city, and
Washington had been at Valley Forge, she had smuggled
many articles through the lines, in the shape of medicines,
clothing and delicacies for the sick. It was not an msy matter
to do this, but Zeke had been her agent on most occasions.
and, so far, she had escaped detection, although not suspicion.

As the New Year approached, she had determined to see
her son, and that the “ boys” ‘should have a feast at Valley
Forge. The fair Laura had insisted upon accompanying her;
mother, no matter what might be the danger or exposure.
The cause of this determination on the part of the young lady
might be partially explained by a remark of Dan's, in reply
to a remark of Mrs. Meredith, that she preferred to remain at
the picket-post, because her son was present. Dan remarked,
in an undertone, sufficiently loud to be heard by the ladies:

“Yes; and I guess that pretty (laughter of yours prefers
to remain here, because somebody else is present.”

Laura blushed.

“Oh! you needn’t look so nbashed. Lieutenant Harvey
Osgood ain‘t the man for any one to be ashamed of,” added
Dan, while Osgood, in turn, showed signs of a lover‘s discom-
posure.

“ Come, come, Dan,” answered the lieutenant, “no personal
allusions, if you please.”

“ N 0? You know very well you like it."

“Mrs. Meredith,” continued Osgood, “ will you give us an
account of your adventure in coming hither? It must have
been a dangerous undertaking.”

“Certainly. It was fraught with some danger, and I have
no doubt but we have been detected. If so, it is likely I shall
not return to Philadelphia very soon. But I ought to be con
tent in a. camp where so many of our brave defenders remain
unmurmuringly.”

“ It will be but a sorry home, Mrs. Meredith. But why do
you think you have been discovered ‘3"

“I will explain. I resolved, two weeks since, to visit the
camp to-day, and I determined to bring food. I felt sure that
I had been watched, and that I could not secure either medi-
cines or blankets in future. This was confirmed when, upon
making application for some articles, I was refused, and

    

  

3.0

2:21

FEMALE STRATEGY. 15

bilowad to my home. Once under the ban of suspicion in that
city, wich is governed by a tyrant, the situation of an unpro«
tected person would be a trying one, at best. I half resolved
to seek protection at some distant farm-house, but fully resolved -
to visit this camp. And, also, that I would not come empty-
l:anded. So I started Mr. Hunter, who was then in the city,
across the Schuylkill, for the purchase of fowls. He worked
faithfully among the farmers, and, after a time, he had a
goodly number concealed beneath the snow, at a safe distance
from Philadelphia. This done, he rcttu‘ned to camp for a.
ConVeyanee.

“ I lelt the city with my daughter, for the purpose of joining
Mr. Hunter at the proper place, but I saw that we were fol-
lowed by a number of horsemen. They kept at a distance,
and were evideme endeavoring to aVoid observation. On my
arrival at the appointed place, I found Mr. Hunter and a dozen
horsemen oi” the patriot army. The packs were loaded, and
ready for a start. But the enemy were advancing upon us,
although our numbers were concealed from them by the wood. .
Herc Mr. llunter brought his strategy to bear, and will explain
for himself."

“ Go on, Zeke," cried his friends. “ Hurrah for the ranger l”

“ Wal, boys, you see, the fact of the matter is this: When
I saw the Britishers coming toward us, I knew we couldn’t
fight so many, and I was bound to save the chickens.”

“ Good for you 1"

“Don't interrupt me. Wal, I advised our boys to make
tracks, fast as possible, and then I started back to meet the
soldiers. I met them, and told a whopping big lie.”

“Ha! ha! You and your braves are equal to any occa-

(sionl What was your lie. captain ‘2"

“ I said that a hundred of Washington’s men were concealed
in the woods, and they believed it. They had seen me a great
deal in Philadelphia, and didn't have any suspicion of me,
because they thought I worked on old Bill Miller’s farm, just
over the river. They were about to return to the city, when
a red-coat rode up. He had been back in the country. He
sail that twenty of his fellows had a fine drove of cattle about
u mile back, and were bringing them into the city.

r “ ‘ Jehosaphst I’ says I, ‘ I‘ll bet thatfs just what them made

 

    

18 mm scnuvnxnm RANGERS.

are scoutin’ around here for. Jist keep yer eyes skinned,
Britishers, if yer don’t want the starvin’ Yankees arter ye like
a pack of wolves 1’

“ ‘ They will seize the cattle,’ said the British.

“ ‘ Why, there is twenty of you here,’ said I, ‘ and, with the
twenty that are with the drove, you ought to be able to lick a.
hundred hungry Yankees, as lean as rails, and as full 0!
splinters!

“ ‘ But,’ said the captain, ‘the men that are with the cattle
are only teamsters, and would run at the very sight of a rebel.’

“Wal, boys, a thought struck me. I wanted to get the
biggest part of the Britishers back in the city. But, I was
bound to have them‘cattle! I knew it would take them two
hours to get to head-quarters and back again, with reenforce-

ments, and so I made up my mind I’d have them cattle. And
'1 says I :
“‘Whatl The rebels have them cattle! No! not by a

darn sight, if you will trust to me. I don’t perpose to give
the Connecticut clam-caters an’ Massachusetts coddies a taste
0’ that drove.’

“ ‘ What do you mean?’ asked the Britishers.

“ ‘ I mean to have them cattle,’ says I, ‘ an’ don’t mean to
let the New England ragamnfilns fill their jackets with good
beet‘.’

“ ‘ How are you going to do it ?’ says he.

“‘ Jest as easy as settiu’ fire to a straw-stack} says I. ‘ You
just send one of your men like split back to the colonel, or
some other hossifer, and bring down men enough to lick them
fellers. I will go with you and meet the drove, and you can
turn them into my barn-yard till the soldiers come up. Per-
haps the Yankees won’t find them in the mean time.’ Wal,
you see, they was about to start 03‘ the messenger, when I
Jumped up, and says I:

“ ‘ Just look down there!
eusaes!’

“ ‘ Where i” asked the soldier. ‘ What do you see i”

“ ‘Down tew the river, forninst the city. Don’t you see r

“ ‘ I don't see anything,’ said the Britisher, with considerable
sharpness.

" 9 You didn‘t look quick enough. They’ve hid now. . Jest

J chosaphatl but they is hungry

    

t

man as A mane. 17
like wolves, sir, an’ as hungry lookin’ as an empty, meat‘
bar'l.’

“ ‘ Explain yourself, you clodhopper i’ shouted the Britisher,
fiercely, over me. ‘

“‘Wal,’ said I, ‘it‘ I didn’t see at least a dozen rebels
skulking along behind that snow-pile, then I hope King
George may spit me for a broil, or a stew, or a fry, or any
thing else that he likes.’

I “ ‘ Do you think there was a dozen?’ asked the Britishcr.

“‘ I couldn’t tell, exactly; but I shouldn’t wonder if there
was more. They’re always sneakin’ around, and the deuce
of it is, you never know where to find ’em—jest as in a trade,
when you think you‘ve got ’em, you haven’t got ’em, any
more‘n I got a jews-harp.’

“‘That’s /true,’ says he. ‘Boys, we must cut our way
through those fellows, or we will be taken prisoners. I'verfclt
all along that we should have to show fight on this cruise,
and now it's come, if we don’t escape.’

“They were about to start ofl‘. Of course, I knew there
wasn’t any body there to oppose them, but I wanted to get
’em scared, for I was bound to have them cattle! I knew the
drove-rs wouldn’t believe me, and turn the cattle, into Bill
Miller's yard. So I said to the officer, as he was about to
scoot, like a rabbit what smelled dog:

“ ‘But you must let one man go with me, or your drovers
won't believe what I say ’bout the cattle, and they‘ll, may be,
be all-fired fools enough to keep right on the road, until the
Yankees gobble ’em all up.’ "

“‘That’s true,‘ said the captain. And then he detailed a ‘
man to go with me, giving him orders to follow my bidding,
while the others started toward the city; Then I oif with my
.man, in double-quick, I tell ye. I soon met the drove, and,
in a few minutes, we got them all safe in the yard. They

. were a fine-looking lot, and then I made up my mind I would
have 'em, or bu’st my repetation for a ranger. I found out
that every one of ’em had been paid for with British gold,
and then I more I‘d have ’eml So I told the drovcrs all
about the hundred men, who Were concealed in the woods,
watching for them. My eyes, but the fellows were scared!
they trembled, and looked as pale as Polly Tompkins, when

 

18 THE SCHUYLKILI. RANGERS.

she got into a grave by mistake. I knew there was no time
to lose, if I was going to get them cattle, and so, all at once,
I jumped up, and run like a feller with wust kind 0’ colic,
crying out:

‘«‘ ‘ There they come—there they come!
soeerce t'

“ Wal, in about two shakes of a lamb‘s tail, they were all

her me, like 9. mice in the oat-bin, when the cat sticks his
head in the door.
with them—of course not! Their coat~tails cracked behind

'em like seed in a gourd. Jehosaphatl how they did scoot l”

“ Of course they did I" cried the party. “But what next ‘3”

“ Wal, I went just as straight as a flea gittin’ down a dog’s
hind leg, back to th" yard. 01d Miller got up his team in a
jitl'y. I tell you, boys, he's true blue. Then we loaded up
the chickens, turkeys and little pigs, which had been 1011
behind, 'ancl started for camp. I took charge of the cattle,
and, with the help of Mother Miller and her boy, succeeded
in getting the most of them here."

“ Well, you are a boss, Captain Hunter, an’ no mistake. I
knocks under to you,” said Dan. “But where is Miller, his
with and boy ?"

“ They are in camp, I s‘pose, ’kase it won’t do for ’em to
go home, jest yet."

“And it is all up with you, so far as your rangin’ into
Philadelphia any more is concerned.”

“ Why so ‘2” /

“Because the cheat Will be detected, and you would be
seized the first time the enemy lays hands onto you."

“ Yes, no doubt—when they lays hands onto me i"

“ Hark l" exclaimed Lieutenant Osgood, as he sprung to his
feet. “ Thereis a shot. Perhaps the red—coats have followed
. titer." '

“ They have I” yelled a voice close by the side of them.

“ Quick, men, we are surprised !" cried the lieutenant.

\ In an instant the party sprung for their guns. V But it was
no late. . The surprise was complete. Osgood, who Was the
officer in command of the picket in that direction, and was
responsible for their vigilance, felt the full force of the position
In!» which he had brought himself on account of that respon-

Make yourselves

But, Lord, I couldn’t begin to keep up,

  

   

    

"‘ l "A‘ .

 

 

  

unnun ARREST. ’ I."

dbihty, and was not inclined to yield readily. Yet, although
he fought bravely, it was of no avail. He was quickly felled
to the earth, senseless.

When he recovered, he judged, by the smoldering embers
and the position of the stars, that it must be near morning.
He was alone. He could only conjecture that his friends all
had been captured, as none were dead ne'ar him. Mrs. Mere-
dith and her daughter were nowhere to be found. All inquiry
in the camp failed to elicit any information with regard to:
them, or any of his comrades; He was compelled to report
particulars to head-quarters. It was with an aching heart
that he did so, for he knew that neglect of duty on the picket-
line was punishable with death. He gave the details. and was
placed under arrest. '

CHAPTER II.
UNDER ms BAN.

Tn]: situation of Lieutenant Osgood was a trying one, but not
until he had reflected upon it for some time, did he fully real-
ize it. His wound was not serious, having been given by a
blow from a musket, rendering him inscnsible for a time. He
had taken the responsibility of withdrawing all the guard to
the picket-post, for the pupose of participating in the feast. Their
“ best” was at least half a mile beyond the post-fire, and, had '

. they remained as they should have done according to military

law, the alarm would have been given at the approach of
the British soldiers, taken up by the “ post ” and spread from
thence to camp, and so all serious consequencas woald
have been avoided. But the British had never before ventured
so near Valley Forge, and he did not, for a moment, appre-
hend danger. While thus reflecting over the afi‘air, he was
waited upon by a file of soldiers, who conveyed him to head-
quarters. The Commander-in-chief was present. '

A flush overspread his face as the prisoner entered, which.
did not produce any very good impression in his favor; K6
one requested the prisoner to sit, and he remained standing.

   

  

    

 
 

Q m mum mam

while an awkward silence prevailed. At length it was brain
by one of the General’s stafl‘, asking: ‘

“ Lieutenant Harvey Osgood, were you officer of the outer
picket-guard, last night ‘2”

“ I was, major.”

“ Are you acquainted with the articles of war, concerning

«its duties of such a position '1’"
s “ I believe I am.”

“ Thoroughly ‘9”

“ I think so.” '

'“ Are you aware that it is death for a soldier to leave his
post when on picket duty, without being properly relieved ?”

“ I am."

“ Did you not call in every man, last night i”

“ I did."

“Had you any authority from one higher in rank than
yourself, to do it i”

“ I believe I had."

“ State by whom this authority was given.”

“ It was given by the Commander-in-chiefi?’

Washington had been rting his head upon a small table
over which he leaned. Upon hearing this assertion, he raised
himself and cast upon the prisoner a searching look, exclaiming :

“By me, sir i”

“ No, General; but by order of the Coqmander-in—chief
above us all," pointing upward, as he spoke.

“ What do you mean i”

“I will tell you, General. You know how we have all
suli‘ered for food during the past month. Yes, you know it
Well,.for you have shared that suffering. You know that yes-

!terday the boys, who have never before murmured, and have
been faithfiil in every thing, were driven, by the pangs of
hunger, to make an attack upon the commissary department,
and would have eaten, in an hour, that which was designed
to last another week, or until further supplies could be received.
’They were only prevented from doing so through the influence
of their officers. I only mention this to show you that, when
lb man, or men, are starving, they do, sometimes, forget them-
sdm. .

.J‘Jut hsl'ore the dusk of evening, yesterday, I prepared my

 

runs on AN mm arouses. s1

guard-relief of six men. The first relief entered upon their
duties at four o'clock. At six they were to be relieved, again
to go on post at ten, remaining until twelve, and again at four
remaining until six in the morning. For six long hours dur;
ing the bitter night, they must stand upon the bleak hill, shiv-
ering in the blast. They did not utter one word of complaint
as they left the comparatively comfortable shelter we had
found, and the blazing fire. But, I saw them shudder, and as
I gazed upon their‘pale faces and emaciated forms, their tatq
tered garments and almost shoeless feet, my heart bled for
them. I knew they were, hungry—very hungry, for I was so
myself

“ Well, General, they had not been gone half an hour, when
the food and the liquors, which Mrs. Meredith had so kindly
furnished us, were brought in. I don’t wonder that it almost
made'them mad, for I became nearly so myself. And when
I learned that we were not the only favored ones, I believe I
cried for joy. General, you know what the feeling is, when a
man is almost starving, to smell the savor of luxuries such as
we were blessed with last night. It did not. appear to me as
if I possibly could wait an hour, or even until the preparations
.for the feast were made. And then I thought of the poor
boys on guard. Why should they be compelled to wait?
They had but half an hour more to stand. They might be
relieved then and partake of the luxuries with us. I did not
apprehend the slightest danger at all, and certame not merely ‘
from the withdrawal of the outer line for a single half-hour.
These were thoughts which crossed my mind; but they were
only momentary, for I acted as my heart, and not my judg-
ment or strict military law might dictate, and I sent for the‘
boys to join us at the feast.”

“ But, you see the consequence of that breach of disci-
pline i”

“ I do; and most sincerely regret it.”

“ You know the penalty is death to you, and not the soldiers.
Although they were not properly relieved, yet it was by your
' order, and upon you must rest the responsibility." ' a

“ I am willing to» take it, General; It was a sight I never
can forget, when I saw those poor fellows seat themselm Q
thetaflawlth themking (owls, and thewinebebre-theu.

 

    

THE BCKUYLKILL RANGERS.

There were many tears of joy shed, and I couldn’t keep
back mine. If I am to die, I don’t know but I am fully re-
paid by the pleasure of that moment. My greatest grief will
be to find out that, through my thoughtlessness, harm has
come to any of my friends. Have you learned any thing of
them ?”

“Not one word. It was not known in camp that so un-
fortunate an event had transpired, until you reported it your-
self. It is likely the entire party were captured. But there
are other questions it becomes necessary to ask. Did you not
pass beyond‘the picket-line the day before yesterday ?"

“ I did, sir.”

. “ What was your motive in doing this ‘3"

“ It is one I can not explain."

“ Indeed ! That appears a little strange.”

. “An explanation would satisfy you; but, as the subject is
a delicate one, I prefer not to give it, lest I be thought fool-
ish."

‘ “ You met a horseman at that time, did you not?"

“ I did, sir.”

“ Was it not a British officer ‘2"

“Not that I am awnrc of. His dress was that of a com-
mon farmer."

“Did he address you?"

« Yes."

“ What did he say ‘2”

K " He made some inquiries about the camp."

,' “ What did you answer him i”

, “ I have forgotten. Certainly nothing that would have been
out of place, even if he had been a. British officer in disguise.”

“ Did you ‘not hand him a letter?”

“ No, sir; I did not hand him a letter."

“ Do you know this man i" The questioner pointed to s
cadsverous-looking person who was seated in one corner of
am on

.  do not," replied Osgood.
on certain.”

1 f He states that he was near you when you met the hone-
” onthe hill, and that he heard you plot for the betrayal of
the Diskxetezmtd .10 the enemy. and ghstan-gtve the person -

“I never before saw him, I

 

  

.8.
ill
as
If

1 u
r.

 

  

OTHER omens. 23
paper which contained the exact situation of our camp, and
other important information."

“ Who is this man ‘2” asked Osgood, indignation flashing in
his face.

“His name is Philip Johnson."

“ Then Philip Johnson is a. liar and a villain—the hired
tool of some designing scouudrel, either in or out of the

inrmy.‘

“ He is one of my scouts, and appears to be a faithful one.
I have not yet had reason to doubt his integrity or his loy-
alty."

“ But I tell you, General, he speaks falsely, and I beg, no
matter what my punishment‘mny be for neglect of duty, that
you will not believe me false to my country and my God.
Think of my past services, and tell me what act of mine
could cast even a shadow of suspicion upon my truth. But I
scorn to beg the question. I am so far above the aspersion
of treason as to be ashamed to think of it.”

“I have always considered you faithful, and hope yet to
find you so. But, will you explain why you went to the brow
ot' yonder hill ?"

“ I will. But first permit me to ask why this man did not
report the occurrence to you at once? It was the day before
yesterday that I met the stranger on the hill."

“Why did you delay your report, Mr. Johnson?” asked the
General.

The fellow, thus addressed, arose to his feet, made an awk-
ward salutc, and, after considerable hesitation, said:

" Ye see, Gin'ral, I didn’t think the feller was goin‘ to do the
thing up quite so quick, an’ I wanted to wait to git more
ag’in’ him.”

i “ It w as wrong. Well, lieutenant, now for your explanation.” '

“ General, 'you shall have it. I don’t know that I need
to blush at my reason. There resides in Philadelphia. one
whom I love. She is my ntlianccd wife. And if I can not
see her—such were my feelings before she came here—I can‘
at least look upon the city she makes her home. So I have-
lrequently been to the top of that bill, for, from that point 1
gm see the spires of Philadelphia. It affords me a kind of
pdnfectkm to do so." _, -,

 

  

  

    

84 THE scnuvnxrm. moans.

" Have you been to the city recently '1’”
, “ I have not."

, “ But Mr. Johnson affirms that he saw you there, and that
you were in conversation with our enemies."

“ Were those enemies male or female 1’” asked Osgood.

“ Which were they, Johnson ?”

“ Both," was his reply.

“ Why did you not report the fact at once, Johnson i” asked
Osgood. .

“ I only recognized you day before yesterday as being the
same man,” answered Johnson.

“ Lieutenant Osgood, you received permission to be absent
from camp on two difi‘erent occasions. How long at each of
these stated times were you away ‘2"

“ The first, one day and night; the second, two days and
nights.” )

“ Did you visit Philadelphia on either of these occasions i"

“ I did not. It was my purpose to do so if possible, butI
found it too great a venture to attempt to cross the river.”

“Where did you remain during that absence i”

“Every night at the house of William Miller, a truer man
than whom never lived. He is in camp now, or at least was
last night, and can verify my words.”

“ What was your motive in visiting Philadelphia?"

“ To visit one whom I love and by whom I am loved—the
daughter of a Mrs. Meredith. Is it likely that Laura Mere-
dith would love a traitor? You know what the mother has
done for our poor boys. And is it likely that I would select
the night that they were with me for the surrendering of my
guard? But I will speak no- more upon that subject. To
argue upon it would be to admit, upon my part, the possibility
of a doubt. I have no tears that any who know me will think
me disloyul. As for the punishment for my neglect, I will
meet it like a man, and yet I regret that it is necessary to in-
flict any. First, because my poor, bleeding country will lose
one who is true in heaut, and she neeos eVery arm; and, in the
second place, I would like to put forth every effort to find
those who have captured our friends.”

“ Lieutenant, you have the sympathy of all present, and I
do not think you are a traitor or that you intentionally did a

 

MEN m BUCKBAM. 25
wrong. You may still consider yourself under arrest, but
you can go to your ownquarters ; there shall be no restraint
upon you.” ,

Osgood returned to his tent with a heavy heart. He did
non fear being deemed a traitor; neither had be any great
anxiety with regard to the result of his trial for ncglect of
duty. But he sufl‘ered the most intenselagony when.he re-
viewed the situation of his friends. If Mrs. Meredith was in
the hands of the British, she would undoubtedly be tried and
condemned as a spy; or, at least she would be charged with
giving “ aid and comfort to the enemy.”

He determined to await with patience the hour of his re-
lease; then to ascertain theisituation of his friends, and to
make every effort for their benefit. One comfort presented it-
self. The rangers were absent, and if they had not been cap-

tured, would probably bring in information of the captives;
or, if they were prisoners, their enemies never could hold such
spirits long in bond, and they doubtless would, ere many days,
“ turn up " with good news.

CHAPTER III.
m cumm’s PROGRAMME.

A PARTY of two hundred British dragoons were detailed to
cross the Schuylkill and attack the supposed Yankee hundred,
and to bring in the drove of cattle. It was important that
this should be done, for Howe was in no very pleasant situa-
tion with regard to supplies, and the cattle were choice beeves
which the British comissariat had long been looking for.

The soldiers advanced cautiously, expecting every moment
to receive a volley of Yankee lead. At length they saw the
panic—stricken teamsters, who came tearing through the snow
toward them. Of course a halt was made. As the frightened
men came up, the commander of the cavalry asked :

“ What is the matter, men ?”

V “ Why, captain,” replied one of the party, trembling, “ the"!
neat least five hundred of them." ‘ ‘ 7

 

TEE SCHUYLKILL RANGERS.

“ Five hundred of whom ?"

“The Yankees, you know."

“ Where?”

“About a mile back on the hill, if they am’t after us now.‘

“Did you see them i”

“ No, but—"

“ Who saw the rebels ?” cried the captain, in a rage.

The frightened skedaddlers began to look one upon the other.
as if each expected his fellow to speak. But all were silent.

“ Who saw any of the Yankee troops l’" yelled the captain,
now thoroughly in a rage.

“ The one who gave the alarm was the man who came back
in company with me, for the purpose of turning the cattle into
his bamyard until assistance would arrive.”

These words were spoken by the soldier who had been de-
tached from the first small squad to accompany Zeke, while
the others returned to Philadelphia. for help.

“ What was the name of the fellow," demanded the captain.

“He called himself Miller, I think. At all events, when the
cattle were turned into the yard, he spoke of the place as MI
farm.”

“ Was he an old, white-haired man i”

“No; his hair was a. kind of rough, iron-gray. He had
lost a hand, and in its place was an iron hook.”

“ I have seen that fellow in the city,” said the captain, “and
I believe he is a Yankee spy. You have been deceived, and
have, coward-like, deserted your charge. I do not believe
there is a rebel this side of the Valley. Has any one here
seen even one P”

The commander of the squad who had followed Mrs. Mere-
dith and her daughter, replied:

“Yes, captain,I saw some half-dozen in the edge of the
woods yonder, and then the man with the iron hand came
dashing forward, and informed me that at least a hundred
rebels were awaiting us in ambush.”

“ A trick—a. Yankee trick i” cried the captain.
believe there were ten men to oppose you.”

“ Why should the fellow have so reported ?"

“To frighten you, and prevent pursuit. You have been
egregioust fooled. Can’t you see the trick f”

“ I do not

 
   

    

v.“

   

I A BIT OF METAPHYSICB. 2?

The officer addressed was mortified at this impeachment of
his sagacity, and winced under the imputation; but he was a
subordinate, and satisfied himself with a frown and a sigh, in‘
dicative of a wish that he was not a subordinate, for a few
moments at least.

The superior drove his spurs into the sides of the animal he
was riding, and, with an angry growl, exclaimed:

“ Follow me, all you who are not. cowards l”

What an effect that word “ cowar ” will have upon the sol-
dier. Call him any thing else and he may forgive you, and
forget the appellation, but coward, neverl Tell him that he
speaks falsely, and he will reply that it is a matter of opinion,
and that you may be the falsificr. Tell him that he is a fool,
and he will answer that he is “holding the mirror up to na-
ture.” Call him a scoundrel, and he will ask how he could be
otherwise in your company. Say that he is a traitor, and he
will reply that if men differ in opinion, it is a point to be de
cided by a disinterested party which is the traitor. But calls
him a coward, and you are at once called upon' to defend your-
self if he can meet you as an equal.

But are not all men cowards, according to the general ac-
ceptation of the term? That is, all men of intellect—all
thinking men. Is it cowardice to feel fear? The “king of
the forest” will avoid mankind, unless the pangs of hunger
cause him to do otherwise. Here, then, is fear, and the lion is
a coward, until there is a cause for courage, sufllciently great to
enable him to overcome his cowardice.

The gorilla, the fierce man-beast—the true monarch of the
forest, inhabiting the most dense jungles of Africa, the most
savage brute yet discovered, has, on more than one occasion,
exhibited fear, for he has fled at the approach of man! The
howlings of this creature, when under the influence of fear,
are far more terrific than that of the lion, and yet, it is said,
he will snap the barrel of a rifle as easily as a humar. being
Would a pipe-stem.

Take the faithful and even violent watch-dog. If you pur-
sue him with a whip or stone when distant from his home and
master, he will escape quickly as possible. But, go where he
ls guarding, and has a rigid to guard, take with you both whip

a

r‘

 

 

    

\

TEE SCKUYLKILL RANGERS.

and stone, make the attack, and you will find that the far is
reversed. ‘ The necessity renders the animal bold and the man
a coward, for he fears. '

So we place mun upon the battle-field. Here comes the m-
ussily.’ , '

Nor is this all. There are many other reasons which make
the soldier brave. If he’ be a true man he has a persona‘.
pride—a home, a national, a state, and a local pride, which are
great incentives to action. Perhaps the personal and the home
pride is the strongest. It is right that it. should be, for upon
each home and individual rests the honor of city, town, state,
or nationnand when the honor of the first is preserved, the
others are safe.

But it would not be saying too much to affirm that no think-

' ing man ever went into battle without feeling fear. Death is

before him, and as the immortal bard says:

“Who would fardels hear.
To grunt and sweat under a weary life
But that the dread of something after death—
Thut undiscovered countr . from whose bourn
No trawler rcturns—puzz es the will,
And makes us rather heur those ills we have,
Than fly to others that we know not of?
Thus conscience does make cowards'o! us ML".

But it is not alone the fear of death’. The oflicer feels the
responsibilities resting upon him, and fears for himself, his
abilities, his success. The soldier, with his mind free from
this, thinks more of home, and fears for those around its
circle.

It is indeed a study, to note the actions of men, as they are
approaching the foe and the deadly strife. Fear then is al-
ways evident. Not upon all feces, or even on the majority,
perhaps upon not one in a thousand, for many have the power
totally to conceal their emotions. Still, fear can be detected,
and that in the eyes, in the manner, in the actoins of those
who have fought bravely in many a battle, and would do the
same again. Its presence can be noted by the restlessness of
the eyes, the working of the lips or the fingers, the twitching
of the muscles, or an unusual rcstivencss; and often by a
flushed or a pale thee. And it may not be supposed that such
feel more fear, than those who appear more calm. It is trans
dly‘ only the difi'erenee in the temperaments of the men.

. , V .i t

r

 

A...__a

  

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man

aka
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are
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acasnmronrr. 8!

And_ytt, when the battle begins, he must not be a coward.
The musketry may belch forth one unbroken, ceaseless crash,
comrades may be falling around him, the zipl zip! Zip! of
the minié constantly ringing in his ears, the fierce yell of the
charging party. echoing across the open space, the gleam of
the bayonets, as seen through the almost blinding smoke, and
the dull, red sheet of flame issuing from the cannon’s mouth,
all. must be braved, and man become, by necessity, almost a
fiend incarnate. g

Perhaps there is no situation during a battle, more trying,
‘han that of a “ battery going into position."

The commanding General deems it important to gain and
hold a certain elevated position. The enemy have also strug-
gled for the same point, hoping to be able to “ enfilnde” their
foes, and so they send two or three batteries of six guns each,
to accomplish it. But both parties are not equal. A dozen
guns reach the desired point, and “ go into battery " ready for
tire. The enemy may be concealed, and from the mask, open
with half a dozen guns. The contest is equal. Six pieces on
each side. But now the foe opens with half a dozen more. '
Of course another battery must be brought up It is sent for,
and goes forward with a gallop to the spot. As it nears the
place, every available gun of the enemy would be directed
from other points, on it, the object being to prevent the possi-
bility of the men getting the guns ready for use, either by kill-
ing or disabling the cannoneers and horses, or creating a panic
among them.

And yet the men must be firm as the horses are wheeled,
facing to the rear, and the muzzles of the pieces thus brought
to the front, the cannoneers “ unlimbering" and the gunners
“ sighting." During this time, the ground may be torn up by
the shrieking, bursting shells, the air rendered almost black
with the smoke, the dirt and flying missiles, or perhaps a
caisson has exploded, scattering death in every direction, and
yet the soldier nmst stand firm, or he is a coward.

Let the reader fancy that a hundred claps of thunder break
over and just above his head, and that the vivid, blinding
lightning-flashes have stricken the building in wchh he in
sitting. Then, that, simultaneous with this report, the timbers,
brick, ceiling, etc., are torn and broken into ten thousmd

 

  

30 THE sCImYLKILL moans.

n-agments, and come rattling about his ears, and he can draw

a faint picture of “ going into position under fire.” ‘

Another thing worth mentioning.

“ No. 1 " cannoneer handles the “ sponge-staff and rammer-
stop.” Upon one end of this “ staff” is the “ sponge,” which
must be kept net and inserted into the piece aiier each dis.
charge, for the purpose of extinguishing any particles of fire
left in the gun. Upon the other end of the staff is the stop-
head, for the purpose of ramming the cartridge home, into the
“ chamber," after “ N0. 2” has inserted it into the muzzre of
the piece. And the life of “No. 1" depends upon the cool-
ness of “No. 3,” whose duty it is, during the process of load-
ing, to stop the cent of the gun, by means of a pad which he
wears upon his thumb. He must not permit the slightest
particle of air to enter, or there is almost certain to be a pre-
mature discharge, and in not one case out of a thousand does
“ No. 1" escape death or injury, in this event.*

And yet “No. 3” must stand firm, even though a shell
come flying within an inch of his brain. If he “dip” the
head, he must not remove the thumb. He must be cool as
when sitting at his own fireside, or he is likely to be dubbed
“ a coward.”

Perhaps there are no soldiers in the world, if we except
those of the present war and the French, who would resent it
sooner, if the term coward was applied to them, than the well
disciplined British soldier. Courage is his religion, and the
medals that ornament his breast are crowns of glory to him.

And so it was in the days of ’76, notwithstanding the
sprinkling of arrogance and ruflianism mixed with the army.

Thus the soldiers felt, when commanded by the British
ofllcer to follow him. Each turned the head of his horse to-
ward the Miller farm, where the cattle had been left, and
where the Yankees were supposed to be quartered. _It was
not an easy matter for the advancing party to make their way

' A member of the 6th R. I. Battery (ltandol h's) at the battle of Kelley’s
Ford, which occurred in November, 1863, be both arms blown 011', from
a premature discharge of the piece upon which he was acting as cannoneer
No. 1. lie died almost instantly. 1N0. 3, who was stopplugthe vent, had
his thusz shattered in pieces. t is supposed that, in the rapidity of thing
he had not been stringently careful, and admitted air. - ,'

 

  
  

  
   

 

  

draw.

mer-
hich

at
it
ll

 
 

 

TOO LATE. 81

through the deep snow-drifts, but, at length, they came in
sight of the dwelling and ham. There were no signs of life
around, and the commander said :

“ I’ll wager a hundred pounds that the rebels are concealed
yonder, quietly awaiting our approach, and that they think to
capture us." '

“ What do you propose doing ?” asked another. '

“ Send forward a scout. Here, sergeant, reconnoiter those
\remises.” [

The person so addressed started forward to do as directed.
The time thus wasted had highly favored the Americans, in
their attempt to get the cattle into their oWn camp.

At length the sergeant returned.

“ Is there a rebel in sight ?" asked the commander.

“ Not one,” was the reply. “ And, more than that, the
cattle have been taken from the yard, and there is a well-beaten
track in the direction of Valley Forge, showing them to have
gene that way."

“ Forward I” yelled the infuriated commander.

The party soon reached the barn, and found matters as they
had been reported.

“ This path is well beaten," exclaimed the commander, as
he pointed to the packed snow which evidently had been the
direction taken by the drove. “ We can ride rapidly in pursuit,
and, as their progress must be slow, we can overtake, and not
only regain possession of the cattle, but capture the rebels.
Forward 1" A

The horsemen dashed ahead at a rapid rate, and the chagrin
of the commander was great as mile after mile was passed,
and there were no signs of the pursued. But, at length, their
sight was greeted by the wished-for prize, and a yell broke
from the cavaliymen. But the commander instantly ruined
up his horse, ordering a halt, exclaiming:

“ It is no use. There are the picket-fires, and it is to'> rate
to regain possession of the cattle. If we advance any further,
they will observe our approach, and we shall have a swarm
of starving rebels down upon us.”

Still the ofllccr hesitated, and his subordinate asked :
“What do you intend doing, Captain Blaisdell Y”
“ I will inform you when I know myself. In the first place,

 

  

\

82 rm: scncnmu. RANGERS;

answer me. Did not the widow Meredith and her daughter

leave the city early this morning?”

“ Yes, both." ,

“And you were detailed to follow them and watch their
actions ‘1’" ‘

“ Yes, sir, and did follow, as I was ordered.”

“ In what direction did they go ‘2”

“Toward Valley Forge."

“That woman is a spy, and must be secured," exclaimed
llinisdell, biting his lips, and then he muttered something in-
audible. I

“You have met her, have you not, captain ?” asked the
subordinate.

“Yes, on several occasions.”

“And her daughter, Laura, I believe you know ‘1"

“ Yes," replied the captain, and a frown flitted over Ins face.

“She rejected you, captain, I know. So you are an interi
sested party in her escape." This was said as between two
friends, not in the hearing of the troopers.

“ Yes, Lieutenant MacCullum; she did reject me, and she
shall yet repent the step she has taken."

“ I learn that she has a lover in the rebel ranks, to whom
she probably has tied.”

“I know all about him. Harvey Osgood is the man. Mac-
Cullum, come here.” The captain drew the subordinate aside,
and said :

I “ It is my wish to capture that woman, and this very night.
That I love Laura Meredith you well know, for you have
been my confidant. That I shall not give her up without a
struggle you may be assured. I must compass her capture—
must get her in my power. If I could only get the mother
charged with being a spy, I am couvinced—forl have thought
the matter over well—that L‘nura would accept my hand to
savesher mother. You have served me before, and for that
service I bought the commission which you now hold. If
you will successfully serve me in this, I am about to purchase
a major’s commission, and I will secure you suflieient funds
to buy the one I vacate."

“But, how can I serve you? Mrs. Meredith is no doubt
safe in the very heart of the Continental camp.“

 

oat-’5

 
 

    

lghtez

their

med
; in-

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wo

he

an

TEE csr'rnm’s PLAN. 88

“ Not so. I have been into the very lines of the rebel army
a dozen times. The post you see before you, just at the foot
of the hill, is commanded by Osgood in person—that I know.
I met him on the hill, three days since, and in the disguise of
a farmer, obtained much information of little things about the
troops, their supplies of food, etc., but confounded little about
what l'most desired to learn. My plan was to secure Osgood
and Frank Meredith, and so to force the girl to wed me for
their safety. I know that young Frank is in Osgood’s com-i
pony, and that when on picket-duty, they will be together.
If both‘ are at the outpost beyond the hill-road from the city,
you may be sure the mother and (laughter are there too. Their
combined presence is a good fortune I did not anticipate, and
I must see that it is improved to the very utmost.”

“ Do you intend to capture the entire party?"

“ Yes, as soon as it is fully dark.”

“ Well, and how do you propose that I should assist you i’”

“ My plans are these. Of course there will be a guard
thrown out in this direction, as it is quite dark now. We
must reconnoiter a little, and then make a sudden dash upon
that post, capture the ladies, the son and Osgood, if possible,
and make our escape, by this beaten road, back to the city.”

“But, you might accomplish this without my special as-
sistance.” .

“ N o. The woman is accused of being a spy, and you were
sent to track her. Report to head-quarters that she was not
a spy—that she had merely gone to visit some friends over the
river, when she was seized a prisoner by the Yankees, under
the suspicion that she was a British spy, and was conveyed by
them to their camp.”

“I confess I can not see the policy in this.”

“ Why, it is clear enough. If I can secure the hand of Miss
Meredith, under the promise that her mother shall be free, I .
must keep my Word. And, if the old lady once gets into the
hands of Howe, with such a charge hanging over her, it will
ue no easy matter for me to save her, as you must see. I
want you to seize the dame. Detail your men to help you,
and attend only to that; to the daughter, I will attend. Ser-
geant Willis shall attend to thehoy.” r

“ Had we not better let him alone? - If he is taken he can

 

.34

TEE SCHUYLKILL RANGERS.

not so easily be disposed of. And, should he suffer= either in

the conflict, or in prison, of course there would be an eternali n
P3 “

hatred in the heart of both sister and mother, against you.”

“That is true, so never mind him. Indeed, he had better
not be taken.”

“ What other instructions '2"

“ When you have the dame in your possession, take her to
the city, at once, and to my own house, or the one I occupy
occasionally. Deliver her into the hands of Mike Duggan,
with especial charge that she be well treated by him and wife;
but give particular orders that by no means shall she be per-
mitth te- go outside of the house, or Confer with any one in-
side 01' it. She must he kept out of sight, or my whole scheme
might miscarry, and place me in a pretty scrape."

“ And yourself ?”

“I shall go in a different direction with my prize, where I
already have provided a safe place for her. She will, of course,
be treated with the utmost respect and kindness. Further
than gentle persuasion, through her sympathies for her mother,
I shall not even press my suit for her hand; but that, I be-
lieve, will suffice.”

It was now quite dark, and the two officers started forward
on their reconnoiteriug expedition, while the dragoons drew to
a place of concealment among the heavy trees which crowned
the hill. '

The result of the reconnoissance was unexpectedly satisfac-
tory, and demonstrated the fact that the outpost had all been
withdrawn to the picket head-quarters, that there was no more
than twenty to encounter, and that the two ladies themselves
were indeed present!

Blaisdell could scarcely refrain from expressing his joy over
the happy prospect before him. lIastening back-to the point

where his troops were concealed, he detailed half a dozen .-

men who were to act with him, and half a dozen more to as-
sist MacCullum; but, so excited was he, that he entirely over-
looked giving instructions with regard to Frank Meredith.
With cautious step the dragoons Set forth. They reached
the brow of the hill. Before them was a gentle slope of half
a. mile, at the foot of which was the picket-post, with its cov-
ering of dead boughs, and the huge fire. which emitted m

 
   

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A com mom-ms. 86
thousand sparks, seeming to fill the air for a considerable
space around with glistening gold. Here set the poor patriots
partaking of their New Year feast-as rare a feast to them as _
was the feast of manna in the wilderness—all unconscious of
approaching danger. Mother and son, long parted, were
seated side by side; near by, sat the daughter and Osgood.
Around were gathered, in picturesque groups, the Continental
guards. [t was a pleasant picture, so clearly limned by that
clear tire that the dragoons could almost read the language of
each face.

The dragoons, covered by the darkness, and their horses’
footfails deadened by the snow, were upon the camp before
an alarm was given. In a moment, however, the unequal
struggle was ended. Mrs. Meredith was seized, as had been
arranged. as was also her daughter. They were separated,
and the fate of each was unknown to the other. The patriot
soldiers were secured in a body, and hurried forward toward
the city with a celerity which spoke well for the discipline of
the Britons. All this had taken place with the discharge of a
single gun. Even the rangers, usually so alert and ready, were
caught “ off guard "—their arms stacked, and their attention
wholly absorbed in the feast before them. The first informa-
tion was given by Osgood the next morning after watching
head-quarters.

I

CHAPTER IV.

A Barron’s war or woomo.

/

POOR Laura Meredith could not, for a long 'liine, oompre
bend her position. A moment before her heart was almost
wild in its delirium of joy. _ Seated beside her chosen one. she
was lost to every other thought than present bliss and future
hopes. But the scene had changed so suddenly. Now she
was whirling along over the glistening snow, seated upon a
spirited horse, while, beside her, on either hand, rode strangers.
They were evidently solicitous in her behalf, for they studied
every art for her comfort during that cold night-ride. On. for

 

  

  

 

96 THE sour/rum mnenns.

many miles, they went. She began to feel the cutting '11“! m
and the keen frost, and unconsciously she murmured: 
“ I am very cold." ‘ ‘3!

“ Halt i” cried a voice. which she at once recognized, and I m
which aroused her from her stupor. The speaker continued:

“ Let me wrap you in this blanket, Miss Laura. The night
in a bitter one, and we have yet some distance to ride.” ,

“ Captain Blaisdell l" exclaimed the captive, in surprise. ‘
" Ymt my eaptor l'" l I‘

“ Yes, dear lady,” was the kind reply, “ and your most do-
voted friend, also. Wrap this blanket-shawl around you.”

The captive did as requested, and then spoke, as if echo-
ing the words just uttered by Blatisdell:

“Devoted friend, you said?”

“Yes; all that, and more than that! Do you not believe
me P"

“ I do not see that your conduct is such as to gain my re-
gard or to prove your friendship."

“ And yet all that has been done is proof of my consider»
tion for you and yours."

“ How can you justify this seizure of myself?"

“When we reach our destination, I will explain all. In
the mean time, believe that I have acted from regard for you
_ and your mother. Look behind you. What do you see ‘2”

“ Some dozen of your men."

“ Yes; and do you not understand it i"

“ No; unless it means that I am a prisoner."

“ ’No. It means that you are not a prisoner. If such was
the case, you would he with the larger party, whom we have
distanced, and who are now on their way to Philadelphia.”

“ Oh, in mercy tell me, is my poor mother a prisoner?"

“ lle calm," replied the horseman, soothingly. “ If such 1':
the case, I shall do for her all that I can for your sake, if not
for her own."

“ Oh, it would kill me if harm should come to her i” sobbed
the girl. 

Blaisdell smiled, for he now realized how fully she was in '
his power. That she would consent to marriage, for MM~

'r’a sake, he believed but a question of days only. And might
’ he not win her love? She' was quite young; her infection

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hr Osgood could not be deeply rooted; and if she felt grati~
tude for saving her parent, might. it nothin time, turn to love.
its nearest kin? His reflections were pleasant, and, for a long
time, he remained silent, apparently lost in thought. He was
aroused at length.

“ Here we are, captain 1’”

He started, and gazed around him.

“By Jove, it is so, sure enough. How is it with you, Miss
Laura ?”

The girl did not speak. Blaisdell sprung from his horse,
and caught her in his arms. As he did so, he cried:

“ My God, she is frozen 1"

He appeared to he really agonized, and bore her into a
small log dwelling before which the party had halted. Plao
ing her upon a bed which stood in one corner of the room, he
returned to the open air and gave orders for his companions
to return at once to Philadelphia. '

Returning to the room he found that Laura was conscious,
but had become so benumhed with cold as not to be able to
speak. She had not been entirely unconscious, and had wit-
nessed the evident feeling exhibited by Blaisdell when he
thought her senseless, and it made afavorable impression upon
her. He approached, and spoke in kind tones, telling her she
was safe, and that, as soon as she was sufllciently recovered, he
would explain all to her.

The building and the room she occupied were the abode of
poor people, evidently. The apartment was perhaps twelve
feet square, and appeared to be the only one. On one side was
a rude fire-place, in which a cheerful fire was blazing, diffusing
I genial warmth throughout the whole room, spite of the bit-

‘ terness without, and which also furnished the only light. On ’

the opposite side was a rude traw-mat, and a number of
woolen blankets. .A small table, a stool, and a log, sawed to
the length of about eighteen inches, and 'stancling upon end,
thus forming a Seat, and a few working utensils, appeared to
form the entire furniture, save the bed upon which Laura was
resting. This seemed to be much out of place, as it was of a
Very comfortable character. .

When Blaisdcll entered with his charge, an old woman arose
hen the straw-couch and rags, and tottered to the block which

  

  

TEE SCH UYLK I Ll:

RANGERS.

was~near the chimney-corner.
the slightest heed to the intruders.

began putting away.

Laura saw the old woman, and asked, of Blaisdeli:

“ Who is this, and why am I brought here ?" _

“ One moment, and I will tell you.” Then, addressing’tho
aid crone, he asked: “Nancy, has the wine arrived ‘3"

The old woman remained silent fora moment more. Then
she drew forth a pair of old iron spectacles and placed them
upon her nose. Then slowly raising her head, she asked, in a
coarse, guttural voice:

“ Don’t the young lady like smoke ‘2”

“Presume she has no serious objections.
wine 1’”

“ It’s all gone up chimney.”

“What, the wine ?”

Nancy appeared to be one of the kind who think twice be.
(ore she spoke once, for this time her pause was long, and,
evidently quite provoking to the captain.
her finger, and made the sign of smoke curling up, like the
wreaths which were ascending from her own pipe.

“ Oh, yes, I understand you,” said Blaisdell; “ you mean
to signify that the smoke has all gone up the chimney, and
will not offend the lady. That is well. But, tell me, where
is the wine ?”

Nancy pointed under the bed upon which Laura was now
sitting. Blaisdell found it there. He drew forth a bottle and
poured some of its sparkling contents into a glass. This he
handed to Laura.

“ Drink; it will enable you to listen to me calmly."

Laura took the proffered glass, and drained its contents. It
really appeared to revive her. Then she looked steadily into
the eyes of Blaisdell, and said:

“ Go on--—tell me of my mother and my brother." .

“ Will you pardon me if I address you by a title I one day
hope to have the right to use? I intend no offense, but hope

But, where is the

to establish my right, even by this. night‘s experience, to call
you my more than friend—my own beloved Laura."
“I told you, Captain Blaisdell, when you called at my

 

She did not appear to giva‘j
But, taking an old pipe j
from a niche in the wall, filled it with tobacco, lighted it and 2

At last she raised ‘

 
   

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mnmc’nrroxs. 89

; mother's residence, only a few days since, that I couid never be
. more to you than a passing friend, and my determination is

l unalterable.

I am the betrothed of another, and have no right

‘ even to permit endearing terms from you."

“ Be not so sanguine upon that point. \Ve are all apt to
change. And now that Lieutenant Osgood has tulle-11F”

“ Osgood fallen l" shrieked the poor girl. “ Harry Osguol
fallen, did you say ‘2”

“ Yes. He fell during the fight of last evening."

“ And by your hand ‘2"

“ No _; I did not strike a. blow. My only thought was now
I should save you and your mother. You are safe for the pre~
sent, and I hope to save her.”

“ You hope to saw. my mother!
once."

“ I will, dear Laura, but you must nerve yourself to bear it.
You need not mourn the death of Osgood, for he was a trai-
tor, even to your cause.”

“ Osgood a traitor! Oh l no, no! This is a wretched time
to slander a brave man, and one so true as he has been to the
deer cause of my country.”

“ A double traitor, nevertheless, Miss Meredith.
to the cause, and to you and your poor mother i"

“ In heaven’s name explain yourself."

“ Certainly. For some time past, Lieutenant Osgood, as he

Ohl tell me the worst at

A traitor

‘ is called, has been in constant communication with General

Howe. He has furnished the General with a plan of the Con-

1 tinental camp, its defenses, outposts, condition, and, in fact,

1 Swear it."

with all the important information he could- obtain.”

“ I will not believe it—no, not if Howe himself was In
“ You will believe it before I am through explaining. Did
he not know of your mother‘s intended visit '1’" ‘

“ I believe he did.“

“Who informed him?”

“ A person called Zeke Hunter." _ V

.. “Yes. The man with the iron hand or hook. He that was

engaged for a week collecting poultry for the rebel camp."

“How know you of this it”

“Oh! it was all known at head-quarters. The movements

 

   

    

 
    

40 Tim scnu‘umm. mxeeas
of your mother have been watched for the past two weeks,
night and day. Did you not observe a party mllowing you,
after you crossed the river ?"

, “Yes. But if my mother was suspected, why was she not
arrested then ?"

“ It does appear a little singular, does it not ‘2”

“It does, if you supposed my mother to be a spy, as I sup-
pose you did, by keeping that studied guard over her, going
and coming.”

“ She was so supposed, and her arrest was ordered, but not
at that place. And yet we knew you were both going to the
rebel camp.”

“ You surely did not hope to reach us there ?”

“ We did reach you, nevertheless, as you must confess.”

“ That was by‘merc chance. We were at the outer picket-
post, and all the guards had been withdrawn, so the alarm was
‘not given as you were approaching.”

“ Ha! hal hal Excuse me for laughing, but you are a
credulo‘us young lady. However, you will see it all clearly in
I few moments, and doubtless will act as becomes your noble
nature. ' Your mother was supposed to be a spy, but the proof ‘
was not positive. We had only the word of one man for
this—and he of doubtful character—aside from her own acts.
It became necessary to see her visit Washington's camp, and
.10 arrest her while there. Then, of course, the proof would
be positive. You say it was by chance that you were on the
picket-line, and that the guard were all withdrawn. It was
not by chance but by design 1”

“ What do you mean ‘2” »

“ Mean just what I say. I have frequently been the mes-
senger from General Howe to Osgood, near the Continental
lines. I met him three days since, on the hill adjoining the
ramp. Of course I was dressed as a farmer—a character I
nan well assume. He informed me at that time, that you;
mother would'visit camp yesterday, and that she came with
'infOrmation to the General. He stated that he would with-
.‘dmw all the outer guard to the main post, so that we would
find no dimcnlty in approaching. He also said that your
[brother Frank would be at the post, and, as it would be

quite as comfortable as any within the camp, no doubt your

 

 

AN Minn-m. ROGUE. 4!
mother would remain there with her son during the night, or
at least during the evening. A party was to be sent to cap-
ture her at the post."

“ And. all this was arranged by Harry Osgood?”

“ It was, entirely by his own act and order.”

“ What could possibly have been his motive -

“ He said that he wanted the ‘old woman' out of the way,
n she would only be a burden to him after he had married the
daughter and her fortune! And that, after having secured the
fortune, he could go to England and enjoy it, with or without
you, as he pleased."

“ Oh ! horrible!” groaned the heart-stricken girl, as she
burst into tears.

“ Do not weep, dear Laura; I deem it best that you should
know the man as he was, at once, or I should not now have
wounded you by a recital of his perfidy. But he is gone to
his last account, and you must now give yourself no pain
about him.

The poor girl raised her head and asked:

“ Do you not profess to be our friend '9”

“ I did so profess, and now so protest—your devoted friend."

“ Then why did you not come at once and apprise us of this
plot? If this had been done, my mother would not have left
the city.”

“ You shall know the truth, Laura. I intended to have
come direct to your house to put you on your guard. But, on
my return, I met a squad of men in command of an officer
superior in rank to myself. I was compelled to go direct'to
head-quarters and report, as my mission was known. You
know that I am bound by oath, and I could not report falsely.
It grieved me to make the statement, but I thought I should
even then be able to warn your mother of her danger.”

“.And why (lid you not do so {7”

l “ Because'l was immediately detailed for duty, which spared
me not a moment's time, until it was too late. I could not.
Send a messenger with the information, for your house was
watched, and I feared if I wrote, the letter might be intercepted.
I could intrust no one with so important a verbal message.”

‘ “ And yet you were in command of the troops who attacked
the post, were you not i” ' "‘" - " ' >
\

\

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fl, run: “15611anme menus.

. ,“ ¥el, I sought this special privilege}.y
<“» You sought it. For what reason, pray ‘3”

“You shall know. I went personally to the General, tell:
ing him that I was familiar with the ground, and solicited the
command, which was readily granted. Can you not conceive
my motive for this i” y ' .

“ I can not,I confess. It surely “as not a duty 3 MM
should like to perform."

“ And yet, my dear Laura, it was a friendly service I per.
formed, toward you, at least, whom I have saved. I wished
also to save your mother.”

“ Why could you not also accomplish this?”

“ it was impossible at that time. The order was only for
the arrest of ,one female—Mrs. Meredith. I knew you would
be with her. Of course it became necessary, after the arrest
of your mother was made, to convey her to head-quarters. If ’
this was not done, I would be held to account. Had you,
also, been taken before General Howe, you would have been
held upon the same charge with your mother.”

“ It matters little. If she suffers, it will kill me. 011,
would that I were with her new i" '

“ I intend'to save her yet."

“ You do! Oh! may God bless you for those words. But
is she now in Philadelphia ?”

I“ She must be before this time. I know she was seized and
placed upon a horse, the same as yourself, but we rode on in
the advance.”

“Will not those soldiers who came with us here report the
fact of my own arrest ?"

‘ “Not necessarily. But it matters not, for I intend removing
you to more comfortable quarters in the city, as soon as I can
do so with safety. In the mean time, I have engaged old Nancy
here to care for you. I have provided a few comforts, which
I trust will be satisfactory under the circumstances.”

‘ “ But how can you save my mother, now that she is a mi»
, oner in Philadelphia? Will she not be tried ‘1’"

“ Yes, I suppose she must go before a court-martial at once,
for Howe is not lenient toward rebel spies. The city is full
0‘; them, of high and low degree. They come in every imag<

inable and unimaginable guise, and Howe is thoroughly

 

 
   

 

 

 

m mom mono. ll

hoensed against them, especially persons of position, like your
mother.” '

“ Then she must be convicted.”

“ Yes. I myself must appear against her as a witness."

“ Oh i you will not do this 1’"

“ I shall be eoinpelled to do so. But it would matter little
lt'I did not; for there is sufficient evidence to convict her
Men without mine."

“ And is it possible they can condemn her to death ‘2"

“ That is the penalty, and the laws of war are inexorabe.”

“ 011! save her, Captain Blaisdell, save her," cried Laura,
passionately, “ and 1 will be your slave for life," and the un-
happy tnaid moaned, in the bitterness of her agony.

“ You would he but a sorry slave, dear Laura,” said the
captain, as he tool; her hand. “ But listen to me. In saving
her I must sacritiee every thing. If I am detected-and no
doubt I shall be—I should be cashiered in disgrace from the
army, and banished forever from my country. But I would
bear even this, it‘ your love repaid me. I would brave any thing
for you. I will open the prison doors and set your motherfrce,
and then I will convey you both beyond the reach of harm,
if you will promise, in presence of the angels, that, when I
have done so, you will become my wife 1"

Laura shuddered but did not speak.

“ Think i” cried Blaisdell, “the man upon whom you lav-
ished your pure affection was a man unworthy of a thought,
Were he living. That ail‘ection you will, as an honorable wo—
man, banish from your heart, or you would be unworthy of
your patriotic mother. A new love will take its place; and
where will it be more fittineg lit-stowed than upon the one
to whom you are indebted for your mother's life, and one who
is willing' to sacrifice all for you '3“

“ Captain Blaisdell," and Laura turned her blue eyes upon
the man. Her face was pale as death, and her lips bloodless,
tu she spoke; “ it' you bring my mother to me in safety, and
all you have told me is true. I will be your wife.”

‘* Will you solemnly swear this t"

-“ Before my Maker !" -

The Briton pressed his lips to her own. But. they were
sold, and there was no returning pressure.

 

M I THE $HUYLKILL RANGERS.

The young girl gazed around her, as if half unconscioul,
and then asked:

“ Where am I ?”

“ This cabin is directly across the Schuylkill from the fort.
Itis a safe place for you, as no person would think of looking
into this hut for spies. It is directly under our guns.”

‘ “ And who is this old woman?"

“ Oh 1 she is a harmless old creature, called Nancy. I don't
know her other name. She sells fruit in the city, sometimes,
and her husband saws wood, and such like menial employ-
ment. They are very poor, and will willineg keep you here,
as long as it is necessary, for the compensation they will
receive. So, fear nothing. Avoid the Yankees—it is your
only safety—and remember your mother and your oath! I
must go to the city now.”

“And my mother t"

“Sitallbesaved. So,fearnothing. Iwill visit you again,soon.”

The oilicer left the house, apparently as light of heart as
one conscious of a good deed. Baht what disguises human
nature can assume! That smiling face covered a heart as
perfidious as Satan. '

“ Now then, for the letter to General Washington,” he mut-
tered, half audibly, as he hurried away. “Scene Number
Two. Good! Plain sailing, now. I tapped him on the
head, but the hurt would only serve to keep him at his post
for a few hours. He shall swing for it——tbat‘s the planl and
then there will be no obstacle between me and my hopes—not
one ! The mother is in my power. I can return her to tho
daughter when I like. But'I must first make her believe that
she is to be brought up and tried as a spy, and that I rescue
her. This is good—this is glorious! Who says that Captain
Dick Blaisdell can not surmount any difliculty, when he once
sets about, it? Hal ha! ha! It’s all rhgood joke, really, and
it‘s too bad it must be kept secret. Secret? Ay, that’s the
Word; secret, even from my best friend. Only MacCullum
must know, and he dare not speak t” . -

The man crossed the river, and rode rapidly along the
streets, toward the quarters of General Howe. It was now
hood daylight.

     

  

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m m nonn‘s Pom

CHAPTER V.
IN, AND our AeArN!

Tn! British dragoons, fearing that their presence might be
discovered, made all possible haste, as already stated, to secure
their prisoners. The post had been surrounded, so that not a
soul escaped, excepting Osgood, and himythey supposed to,be
dead. Mrs. Meredith was placed upon a “me, while the two
rangers, Frank and the other, were firmly ied, and made to
march between files of men. After a weary journey, they
arrived opposite Philadelphia. N at a word was spoken during
the march, by any but the British soldiers, and these were
jubilant over their eapture, and would have been wild with
delight had they known that they held in their keeping two
of the most intrepid spies and scouts in the American service.
Happily, however, so well had the rangers always masked
their true characters before the enemy, that they entertained
but small fear of detection. Still, they were, as Frank after-
ward said, in the tiger's power, and that fact seemed to impress
treat with a. sense of danger, which they had not often felt.
Ma Cullum had made several attempts to draw Mrs. Meredith
into conversation, but she gave him no heed. Her thoughts
were divided between her daughter, her Qn—who was a
prisoner with her—and her friends. She did not think of
herself, or, at least, she did not presume she would be charged
with being a spy, as she had never acted as such. Her crime,
as the British would term it, could be nothing more than
“giving aid and comfort to the enemy."

Her chief anxiety was for her (laughter. She saw Captain
Blaisdell during the attack, and her child had almost instantly
after disappeared. He must have seized her, and borne her
away. She had not seen Osgood fall, and that afforded her
some consolation. He was not a prisoner, and perhaps he had
rescued Laura. All the agonies which could wring a mother's
heart were her own; but she determined to bear bravely up,
at least until she knew the worst. She was somewhat sur-
prised, however, when the party had reached the city, to see

 

 

‘6 THE scnunmn RANGERS.

MacCullum take the horse she rode by the bridle, and, without
so much as a single attendant, take her away down Broad
street, while the remainder of the party kept directly onward
toward the City Hall. As this building came to View, Dan
spoke:

“ I say, Zeke, do you see that shanty ?"

“ What shanty do you mean?” asked Zeke.

“ Why, that brick ’un, jest ahead.”

“ 0b ! you mean the Capitol.”

“Jest so. ' That’s goin’ to be the meetin’-plaee of men who
will declare America free from the rule of tyrants.”

“Take care what you say, you old dog; that‘s treason l"
exclaimed one of the red—coats.

“Oh! that’s treason, is it? Wal, as one of the big guns
said, when he was talkin' about these red beauties that rule
this city, ‘If that‘s treason, make the most of it ‘—and be
danng to ye, ye stipendiary beggar—if ye knows what that is."

“Dan,” said Frank, “we are in the tiger‘s power; it is not
best to irritate him. Discretion is now the better part of
valor.”

“ \Val, you may be right, Frank. But, ye see, it’s difl‘erent
with you and the rest of the boys, from what it is with us
two rangers. You are only prisoners of war, while we are—"

“Hold your jaw. Can‘t you keep that clapper of your’n
still ?" VAnd Zeke gave Dan :1 stroke across the face with his
stub arm, whicl fairly made his teeth rattle in his head, and
came near knocking him 03‘ his feet. Zeke added:

“Forgive me, Dan. I didn’t intend to hit you so hard, but,
ye see, ye came near blurting our secret right in the ears of
the inimy.”

Dan looked up with a frown upon his face, but it instantly
changed into a saddened expression, as he answered:

“Yes, Zeke, I‘ll forgive ye. And if you had intended the
NOW. still, I would forgive you, for it won’t be more than two
or three (lays before you and I will both be glad to find our-
selves forgiven, there i" and Dan pointed to the skies; “ for I
believe these red puppies knows all about us. But let ’em
know—the seoundrels—who cares '3" I

These words were spoken in a tone so low, that they were
not overheardhy the British soldiers. Zeke answered :

 

 
   

 

    

 

A cum on norm. 4'!
ers, Dan, if we do go before Howe, it’s all up with us.

‘ Unless whnt ?"

“Unless we can outwit the onion—skins, and pull the wool
over their eyes, you know.”

Zeke. evidently, had caught sight of something which
uriux‘cstcd him, for he paused suddenly, made a significant
sign, and then added:

“ And that is half done, already 1”

" W hat’s up, old fellow ?"

“ on, nothing, much, only I was afraid we would be taken
to some outlandish hole, and that none of our friends would
know where we were. Then, of course, we could not hope
for n rescue, and would have to depend entirely on our wits,
which, you know, are none of the brightest."

“ Look here, old fellow, you’ve see’d somethin‘.
this coon. Any of the boys lurkin’ around?”

“ J es‘ so, Dan. Keep yer eyes skinned, nn’ yer mouth shut.
I caught a glimpse of—”

These w u'ds were cut short by the voice of the sergeant,
calling:

“Here you are, you rebel dogs. The captain will be here
in an hour, and you will have a fair prospect of hanging the
next. How do you like that, old hook ‘3” he added, address-
ing Zeke. ' '

“I had rather hung than be in your place,” retorted Dan.

“ Oh! you'll sing a difl‘erent song when the rope is around
your neck."

“ Yes, I’ll sing the tune you were never born to hear but
to your sorrow ”-——and he at once commenced whistling “ Yan-

,kee Doodle,"_ with a trumpet-like shrillness, which arrested
the guards bullying at once. Any thing but that tune for
British ears. An Iroquois war whoop, or scalp-howl, were
preferable.

Our friends were taken into a cell in the basement of the
Capitol, and for some time were left to themselves.

“ Zeke, who was it you saw in the street ?” asked Dan, as
soon as they were relieved of their gunrds' presence.

“ It was Sim Morris.”

“ Yes, and if Sim Morris don‘t keep his eyes open, he’ll,“

Can't fool

v

 

 THE BCIIL‘YLXHLL RANGERS.

himself in the same fix we are in.
more information to Washington it‘ he once gets here—that's

He won’t carry much

my‘npiniou, without pay. Give us a chew of tobacker,chief.”

Zeke extended the inevitable plug of “Virginialwist,” as
he added:

“ Don‘t be alarmed, Dan. Sim has as many disguises as
there's hairs in your head. The messenger of St. Peter would
have a. hard time to make up his account, ’cause the fellow
isn’t the same chap two hours at a time.”

“ What is his last one ‘9”

“ His last? Ha ! ha! It might have been General Howe’s
body—servant, or it might have been a grenadier of the Royal
Guard, or it might have been a fish-woman.”

“ How then did you know it was Sim, when you saw him?”

“I didn‘t see him, at all.”

“Then how the dogs and cats do you know he saw us i”

“ Dan, you are growing dull, of late; your ears are not as
sharp as they were a year ago. Guess you’ve chawed too
much mean tobacker.”

“ Oh ! I understand. You heard him i"

“ Jes’ so I Hark !"
A voice was heard without. It was evidently that of an
Irishman. He was singing in a half-guttural voice—a portion

of the words being distinguishable, while others were entirely
lost. After the song had ceased, Dan said:

“ That is Sim, sure enough, for he‘s got the rangers’ alpha-
bet, which Beelzebub himself couldn’t understand. He tells
us that he will keep watch of us, and that Brandon has learned
our situation.”

"‘Jes‘ as I expected. A pretty ranger he would be to let
us come in as prisoners, an’ not know all about it. \Ve’re all
right, for Brand is as full of devices as a Hessian is of lice,
and he can jes‘ beat a Yorkshireman in lying—so take another.
twist at the plug."

“That may all he," growled Dan,’ “ but Brand '11 have to
stir his pegs- to get us out 0’ this. I should not be surprised,
Zeke, if they hung you and I in half an hour—the Jed-rotted
Ineaks and women-witippers.”

“ 0h, hush sich talk. We wasn‘t born to die by a royal
m -‘ Jes' keep a stifl‘ upper lip; and leave all to the fortune

  

   

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swarm us: 40

of war, like a true blue. If we do die, we can have this con—
solation: that we have served our country fitithfully. Com-
bine that with the snrtin circumstance that we are getting old,
I think we can afford to die—swing, if needs be, but with
blessings for our poor country, and a prayer for its brave de-
fenders, and its chief, George Washington.”

. “ Amen l" was the response of every tongue.

1 “ That’s the talk, blast their eyes! Three cheers for glory l"
sumtted Dan; but the cheers were cut short by the sudden
drawing of the heavy bolts.

The prison-door opened, and a sergeant with n. tile of men
stepped in, while a small squad of red-coats were visible
through the open door. The oflicer held a paper in his hand,
which he opened, glanced at its contents, and then read aloud:

“ William Miller and Daniel Dishrow."

Dan sprung to his feet and said:

“ Here, sergeant. I am Dan Disbrow, but old Bill Miller
is not here."

“ Where is he ‘2" demanded the sergeant.

“ He has just escaped.”

“ Escaped! That is impossible. There is not a hole in this
room large enough for a rat to crawl through.”

“ Ohl he didn‘t come into this room at all. He slipped
away while the rest of us were being stowed in here."

The sergeant called one of the men to enter, for the purpose
of recognizing Miller, if he should be present. The men
glanced around the party, and at length his eyes fell upon
Frank Meredith. .

“ I think this is the Yankee,” said the soldier, as he pointed
to Frank.

Hunter was about to reply, when Frank touched his am.

i “ Don’t speak. In heaven's name be quiet,” the youth said,
in a. whisper. ,.

“N0,” answered the ranger. “It is me they want. I rep-
resented myself as Bill Miller, and that is the reason they have
my name down as Miller. I will not be quiet and let you
sufl'er‘in my stead."

“There is not the slightest danger. There will be plenty
at my trial to sweer I am not the man. Blaisdell himself will
have to do that, and, if they can be made to believo that you

   

  

50. 'rn'E scnerimm. nwasns

have escaped, they may not make any further examination,
and you will, in time, be rcleasod.”

“ Don’t deceive yourself, my lad.
the rogues I fooled yesterday, and must be recognized as soon

I am too wel- known to

as this arm comes to the light of day. Besides, I will
not desert Dan at such a moment. We are bound by oath
to stand by one another, through thick and thin, and I won’t
pay sneak now.” -

“You can do him no good if you are by his side. But, if

you could only gain your liberty, you might help him. Now

be quiet, and do your best as a Yankee. Get loose, if you
can, and we shall rely on you for help, at the right time."

“Come, be quick," called out the sergeant, impatient at
their long undertone conference.

Dan and Frank stepped forth, the latter asking:

“Where are we to be taken, sergeant ?"

“ You two before the General."

“ And the others?”

“ To the prison-ship in the river."

" How soon ?"

“ Now—at once—under this guard. 80 get ready, all of
you." . _

Zeke was reflecting over young Meredith‘s suggestions.
They were good ones, but how to render them available, was
the question. If he was taken to the ship, there might be
some chance of escape. Once free, he felt that he could be
of great benefit to his friends, if it was not then too late. He
knew that the vessel used as a prison-ship was an old hulk,
then frozen fast in the ice at the lower end of the-island in
the Delaware, now known as Shiith's island. He determined
to remain silent, and await results.

Dun and Frank stepped into the hall, and, as they passed
along, saw the others brought from the cell, and escorted down
the street toward the Delaware. Just as Frank was about to
enter the main hall of the Capitol, an old woman, who held a
basket of apples upon her arm, exclaimed :

“ Oh, holy St. Patrick! Look at that! Is it sich a young
lookin‘ boy as that, as ye’ro goin’ to hang up by the neck?
on, murthert Here, child, take an apple from the ould ,wo-
mn- . Yeel Wiloom’ to itl intirely.”

  

  

 

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m nxmmsrxon‘. ' , 61

Frank took the apple profl‘ered him, and placed it in his
pocket. He passed on, and thought no further of the incident,
and only at the time recoived it simply as an exhibition of the
old woman’s kind heart, or her pity for his youth.

The party at once were ushered into the presence of the
General. He glanced at them, and then asked:

“ Why are you here ‘2”

“By permission of your royal servants—these men in red
flannel,” answered Dan. L

“And you, young man; why is it that you do not wear‘the
Yankee uniform ‘2”

“ Simply because I can not afford such a luxury,” replied
Frank, in a manly voice. '

“Then you do admit that you are a, rebel ?”

“Yes, sir. I belong to the patriot army." ,

“ Indeed! You are accused of being a spy.”

“ The accusation is false, sir. I have never been near your
lines since I entered that army to which I am attached, ex-
cepting when I have met you in battle. I was seized last
night at Valley Forge. I have never left the Valley during
the winter. There is a mistake. They call me Miller, and
one of your men pointed me out to the sergeant as such ; but,
I dare say, the oiliccrs who captured me can tell you that I
am not the man you think. ‘I am told the man called Miller
has made his escape." * ,

Captain Blaisdell now entered the room, to give an account
of the affair in which he had been engaged. He gave his
statement at once, but carefully avoided making any mention
of the ladies he had seized. This somewhat surprised Frank,
but he was also highly gratified, for he feared his mother
would also he charged with being a. spy. When the report
was made, the General asked:

“ Did you not bring in several Yankee spies, among your
prizes?" .

“ General, I brought in one whom I know to be 'a .spy.’
Miller is his name. He has an iron hand or hook. You have
seen him often here."

“ Yes, I remember him well, and he is a great rascal, as,
indeed, all these Yankees are." _ t
, “ Very true, sir; he deceived our men yesterday, and it was

D i .

   

  

 

 

52 THE BCIIUTLKILL RANGERS.

/ ,
through his means that we lost those cattle. Few persons
could have accomplished what he did with his efl‘rontery and
hazard.”

“ Neither of these is the man, I infer.”

The General pointed to Dan and Frank. Blaisdell gazed
at them for a few moments, and, pointing to Frank, said: . I

“ That young man is not one with the rogues, by any ‘
means."

"But, he was captured in the rebel camp."

“ True, General; but I learn that he was persuaded there
by those who ought to be ashamed of themselves. His family
are most respectable, and, I believe, thoroughly loyal ; else I
should not consent to make his sister my wife, which is to be
the case.” ' ,

Blaisdell cast a significant look at Frank, which the latter

did not at all understand. He never had heard the name of
lllaisdell mentioned in connection with his sister. The cap-
tain continued :
' “ General, I wish to have some conversation with this boy.
I have no doubt I can counteract many of the bad influences
which have been brought to bear upon him. I will be answer-
able for him.” Turning to Frank, he continued:

“ Young men, in one week from this time, I shall be the
husband of your sister. Your mother gives her consent,
deeming it her best course. Your sister has also consented,
for the same reason. Now, if you will pledge me your word
of honor as a gentleman, that you will not leave the city for
one week, and that, after my marriage with your sister, if you
still refuse to join us, or at least not to return to the rebels,
you will again present yourself to the General for his decision,

,you shall be free to go where you like, as a citizen of Phila-
delphia.” ‘

"Come a little aside with me," said Frank. This was done.

The thought had flushed through the mind of the boy in an
instant, that his mother and sister had consented to the mar—
riage to save him, and that it was Blaisdell‘s intention that
they should not be arraigned for inquiry, or trial, as cmissariel
of the patriot leader. He determined, as tar as possible, to
turn this to account. He therefore said:

“ My sister marries you to save me i”

k.

  

 

 

 

 

 
 

nacamno A aneurysm 88

" That is‘one reason, although I can not but feel that she
weds me for myself alone.”

“Very Well, I will give you my word of honor. But, I
must see my mother and sister in the mean time."

“ That will be impossible.”

“ Then I refuse any parole or limited release."

“ Very well, if you will have it so But you had better
think again.”

.Frauk was thoughtful for a moment, Perhaps he might,
find his mother and sister. He felt satisfied that something
Was not right, for Laura had appeared In happy in the com-
pany of Osgood only the day before. He resolved to fathom
the mystery. He could, perhaps, gain another point by giving
his consent, and by deceiving a deceiver secure the cobpera-
tion of the ranger. He spoke firmly at once:

“ Captain, that man,” pointing to Dan, “ is not a soldier;
neither is he a spy. He may/be friendly to mu- cause, and
once or twice has visited our camp. But, lm has not been
playing the go-between, as you seem to infer."

“ But I have seen him here in the city." »

“ It is not possible, I say. He is a countryman knows mo
of corn and cabbage than of fight, and ought not to be held
here as a prisoner—much less as a spy. It is not creditable
to your discrimination to put such a man through as a spy.
You‘ll make nothing of it, rest assured."

“It shall be as you say, young man, if you know of what
you speak.”

Blaisdell then stated to the General that Frank had given
him the required promise, and that he would answer with his
commission for the fulfillment of that pledge. He also stated
that Dan was not the suspected party, and that he was assured
he was an honest, hard-working man, although evidently tines
tured with republican notions. But, he thought him to be a.
harmless clod-hoppcr. At that moment Lieutenant MaeClult
lum came into the room. A Wink from Blnisdell sufficed- to
give him to understand how matters stood, and, in answer to.
the captain’s adioit questions, he continued all that that- either
had stated. '

‘7“ But, where are the spies ?" asked Howe. “Why has. I_
been advised of their seizure, if they are not produced?” ‘ “ '

 

  

 

s; m nonunan mutants.

‘91 run of the opinion that they could not have been cap-
tured, but escaped during the confusion of the fight.”

After it wanting and a. few words of advice, both Dan and
Frank were permitted to leave the room. They reached the
street free men, where one of them had expected death, mad
the other a long imprisonment. It was unaccountable, even
though the mystery had been partially explained. But, ‘i‘u
anger was free, and now to action!

0 H A P 'r E R v I.
BLAISDELL ON A MISSION.

WHEN Lieutenant MacCullum left the dragoons, he made
the best of his way, in company with Mrs. Meredith, to n
small house situated on Broad street, which, at that time,
was in the extreme suburbs of the city. He nlighted,and then
assisted Mrs. Meredith to do the same. MacCullum said:

“ You will enter here, Mrs. Meredith. I_must return to
head-quarters."

“I am not a prisoner, then i" exclaimed the lady, with
some degree of surprise. ,

“ Not exactly a. prisoner, but you must remain here."

“ But why not permit me to return to my own house?"

“Because you would be at once arrested as a. spy. Your
Ihfety consists in your remaining concealed."

“ I do not understand all this.”

“ It will be explained at a proper time by the captain."

“ Is my daughter within ?”

“I do not know. If not, you will soon receive a visit from
Captain Blaisdell, and he will give you all the information you
require."

“ Is this dwelling occupied at present ?” '

“ It is occupied by two people, Mike Duggnn and his wife.
They are servants in the pay of the captain. They are ex‘
treating you, and will treat you well.” '

Muse 1:1an vaunted his horse, and rode rapidly sway}

    the house.

Al;'.‘ hunt;

 

 

 
  
 

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 
   

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monr, ALIAS 81x. 55
She was met at the door by a good-natured looking woman,
whose tone and manner at once proclaimed her a native of the
Emerald Isle. Behind her, and peeing over her shoulders,
Were a pair ol‘smnll, twinkling eyes, which evidently belonged
to at small nntn, for they were upon an exact level with the
won‘.:m‘s shoulder. As Mrs. Meredith entered the hell, the
‘enmle ex claimed : t
l “ Come in, darlint, come in! If ye .are in any throu'ble,
Mickey un’ inc—that‘s my husbnnd, sure—sthand up, Mickey,
un’ sphake to the illigant lady, like a man—ye‘ll find Mickey
nn’ me as ’lll do ye all the good we can. Sit down, darlint.
Ye look c’enn‘most froze. Mickey, sthur up the fire 1”

“ Were you expecting any person ?" asked Mrs. Meredith.

" Is it n. ’spectin' anybody that I am? Sure, we’re always
'spectin’ somebody, 2111‘ sometimes can help a body a bit.”

Mickey now found his tongue. He came forward and asked:

“ Sure, mum, an' nr’n't ye Mishes Meredith ‘3"

“ Whist, Mickey~hold yer gab! Don‘t be axin’ questions.”
And the wife gave him a poke in the ribs.

“ Yes, I tun Mrs. Meredith,” was that lady‘s reply.

“ The un as sends so many good things to poor Washington
and his starvin' boys, God bless ’cm l” and Mickey made a cross
of devotion, while he wiped his eye with the sleeve of his coat.

“ Whist—hold yer gab, and don‘t be talkin ;” again put in
his wife. “ P'rnps the walls have cars, or the air has tongues
—-so be whist wid ye i" '

“ But I will be afther talkin’, Biddy durlint, when I meets
sich as this. If ye he’s in any throuble, Mrs. Meredith, jea’ let
Mickey Duggnn know it, an’ he'll give his life to serve ye, or
to hilp the good cause, ye know," he added in a whisper.

“ Then you sympathize with \Vushington, do you, Mr.
Dnggnn ‘3" asked Mrs. Meredith.

“ That I do, mum, body and sowl; both Bridget nn‘ moo—
don‘t we, darlint ?” and his Irish thee beamed with Irish grati-
flcnlion.

“ And how is it that you are here, serving such a man as
Captain Blaisdell ?”

“ Ouch, an' ye see—~”
’-‘ Mickey, )1ch score! It'll not do, me boy, to talk iverythlng'
tint hers."

 

  

    

. 56 - ' THE scnUYLanL nmonne

“ Oh, darlintl I know who I urn spakin’ to. ch see,
Mrs. Meredith, the captain he hires me to do his dhirty work
for 'em, and savin‘ yer prisence, I sometimes make a botch of
it; do it the wrong way, bednd, un’ things don‘t come out al-
ways at the right door, may the red—coats be hanged l”

“ What do you mean ?"

“ Did ye iver hear 0’ Sim Morris ?"

“Yes, often. He is a faithful fellow, and true to the cause
at liberty—true as steel.”

“Don‘t spake so i” and Mickey wiped his eyes again, and
so did Biddy.

“ Why should I not speak so ?”

“ Yees may, and God bless yces. Well, ye see, when the
cant'n wants any dhirty work done, he comes to me to do it.
So Mickey Duggan does it precious bad, and Sim Morris, the
sphulpeen, he sphiles it altogether."

“ I suspect that Sim Morris and Mickey Duggun are one and
the same person i" said Mrs. Meredith, with a smile.

“ Mum, ye‘re a, witch at guessin’ l”

“ But how do you avoid detection, Mike 1'”

“ If there's any thing ye wish me to do, mum, jes’ say the
word, an’ I‘ll be after showin’ ye how I do it."

“Well, Sim—”

“ Call me Mickey, if ye plase, here, mam, ’cas ye might be
either making a mistake when the eupt‘n was around, an’ that
would sphile one of Washington’s mail-begs, and make me
chief of the dead-letter ofliee sure, Wid a rope round me
nick." ‘

“I will remember, Mike. Now I will tell you whatI wish
you to do, if you can without\ too great personal danger.
Some of our friends were captured last night, and they are
now being taken to prison as I suppose. My own son is
among them. I wish you would go down and ascertain what
in to he done with them.”

“ Whoop ! l'll do that same i“ and Mickey hounded into the
street in an instant, without uttering another word-

He had scarcely left, when another step was heard in the
hall, and then a tap at the parlor door. Biddy opened it, and

Goptnin Blaisdell entered He bowed in a very polite man )

net to Mrs. Meredith, and that lady returned it coldly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A warm mom nmnv. 57

p ‘f Are you well after the fatigues and exposure of last
night?" he asked.

“ As could be expected. May I ask the business of Captain
Blaisdell with me?"

“ Business! Why, you are my guest 1”

“ This is your house ?”

" It is, for the present, at least.”

“ Then may I ask why I am forced to become your guest ?"

“ I will answer that question by asking another: Would
you not prefer to be forced to become the guest of one who
feels for you the utmost kindness, and is not without the hope
of one day becoming allied to your family, than be forced to
appear before General Howe, upon a charge so grave as that
of being a rebel spy?”

“I do not know that I fully understand you ?"

“I received orders to arrest you. I was compelled to
do so."

“ Were you not equally compelled to deliver me over to your
superiors after that arrest? You hesitate, Captain Blnisdcll."

“Iam equally bound to do it. But I shall not; for this
breach of duty I shall lose all I possess in the world; I shall
be driven from the service in disgrace, without doubt.”

“ And why do you make so great a sacrifice?" ‘

“Because I love your (laughter, Laura. I could not hear
that she should be charged with crime, and I determined to
save her. Then I pictured to myself what her feelings would .
be when the knowledge of her mother’s fate came to her ears,
and for her sake, I determined to save both."

“You have my thanks,” said Mrs. Meredith, as she extended ‘
her hand. . ‘
I “ Don‘t you belave a word he sez," whispered Biddy.
“ He’s lyin’ like the very imp, that he is l”

" Bridget," said the captain, “ you may go into the kitchen."

" I know I may, sur. But, if ye plaze, I‘d jist as lave sthuy
here.” '

“ Go into the kitchen 1" I

This was spoken in a tone not to be mistaken, and the wo-
man obeyed.

“And now, Mrs. Meredith, I have something more to tell
you. It was by the planning of Harvey Osgood, that the.

 

  

    

58 - THE SCHCYIRILL RANGERS.

picket-guard was captured, together with yourself. Osgood ll
a traitor l” i

“ That is a serious charge for you to make, unless you know
it to be true i"

“ 1 will bring you the proof in two hours, which shall be
no less than his own handwriting. Will that suffice ?”

“ If I see aught to prove his guilt, he shall at once he ‘ dis-
cardet ."

“He is discarded now. I have convinced Laura of his false-
hood, and she has sworn to be my Wife ii’I will save you and
her brother. No, she did not speak of her brother, I believe.”

“ Where is my daughter '1"

“She is perfectly safe. My first duty will be in the city—-
that is, to save your son. My next, to restore you to your
daughter, and then the marriage ceremony shall be performed,
and together we will all seek some place of safety until these
troubles are at an end."

“ Sir. you speak like a man who sincerely feels that which
he speaks. If my child “has, without force, consented to be-
come yours, you shall have a mother‘s blessing with her.
But, should there be any mistake with regard to Lieutenant
Osgood, I believe she will still cling to him.”

The Briton knelt at her side, took her hand and pressed it
respectfully to his lips, and then left the house.

“ There is some mistake with regard to Osgood; but I do
not think it will be easily discovered. My plans, when
thoroughly laid, do not so easily miscarry. One more stroke -
and the work is finished.” So he muttered as he hurried
along the walk.

Blaisdell walked rapidly through one of the fashionable
tharoughi‘ares, and at length paused before a plain but neat
dwelling, which had no claims to aristocracy other than its
genteel appearance. Ascending the steps, he rapped loudly at
the door. For a long time there was no response, and the
captain grew impatient, but continued his knocking in a most
violent manner; so much so, that residents in the adjoining
dwellings threw up their windows, and gazed out with con-
siderable curiosity. It was known in the neighborhood that
Mrs. Meredith, who owned and occupied the dwelling at which
“1‘ captain was applying for admhsion, was favorable to the

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

59 ,

 

nor on nocxnz’

patriot cause. Her absence had not been noted, and the presence
of a Bn'tish officer at her door, and the long delay in ad-
mitting him, as well as his own persistent manner, which
amounted to rudeness, aroused expectancy and interest to a
considerable extent.

“ Curse them, for plebeians that they are l” muttered Blais
dell; “ why don’t they keep their heads inside? Iwouhl like
to send a shot through one of them, just to teach them civil.
ity to a. British officer." A

At this moment the sash above the head of the captain was
thrown open, and a. woolly head, and a face 31an as night,
were thrust out.

, “ Wha‘—wha’ ye want dar’, massa soger man i” were the
wcrds spoken.

“’Let me in, Dinah," answered the captain.

“ Couldn’t t’ink ob it, niassa soger man."

“ And why not? Don’t you know me, Dinah ?"

“Oh, goily, yah! Know ye berry well, and dat‘s de berry
reason I don't let ye come in. So,’jis’ stop dat knockin’ at de
de door, an’ go off wid yerself, massa soger man."

“ Why, you are not afraid of me, are you, Dinah 7”

“ Don’t know ’bout dat are. Ye see, I’s all alone by
myself, an’ I don’t t‘ink it am altogedder propper to let gem-
men come in de house whar‘ dar’ am an unprotected female
like dis chile. Yahi yahl

A burst of laughter from the adjoining dwellings followed
this, and Blaisdell, ’finding himself the center of attraction and
ridicule, grew excessively irritated. He did not dare to ex-
plain any thing to the negress, lest some loyal person might
be within hearing andJeport his words to General Howe. He
did not know what to do, and, in his passion, gave the ‘door
three or four violent kicks with his heavy riding-boot.

“ Take car’—take car’ what ye are about down dar’, or ye’ll
git somethin’ on yer head dat will spile yer ’plexion! 'Inke
car’, chilei Dinah isn‘t safe w’cn she‘s got her nigger up—so
jis’ behabe yerself, massa soger man." I

This was the signal for another laugh.

Blaisdell had now become so excited that he could scarcely
contain himself, and he shouted:

“Open this door, in the name of the king i”

 

  

    

so rm; BCEUYLKILL manna.

“ An’ who do world am de king ?" asked Dinah. ’ Some
Oder 50g”, I 8’1)Ose, W’at swears. an’ wears red-flanne. outside
his wesket ‘2"
~ By this time some dozen or more urchins, attracted by the
unusual noise, had gathered in the street in front of the dwell-
ing. They soon became satisfied What the trouble was, and,
notwithstanding the awe felt for a British uniform, they set up
a series of treble yells, more significant than musical."

“ Don‘t let him in, cuffy i” cried one. “ He’s onlya hossifer
with too m’uch rum in his head!”

“ Guess he’s come a-courtin’ l” chimed in another.
him a taste of your leather lips l"

“Bah! bahl black sheep l" put in a third.
some wool l”

“ Douse him with water 1” yelled a fourth.
water as ye’ve got 1"

One or two of the little persecutors ventured to throw dirt
at the discomfited OfllCer, and then would seamper otl‘ like a
flock of birds, screaming in very glee, whenever the captain
made any movement which indicated an intention of pur-
suing them. Then, again, they would return to the street.
All this comedy was enjoyed hugely by the lockers-on,
who, at' every sally of’ the tormentors, almost convulst
themselves with laughter. As for the negress, she re-
mained at the window, grinning in the most aggravating man-
ner, nor was she sparing of her words of advice and threats.

But the case was becoming desperate. Blaisdell could not
endure this ridicule. He dared not leave the steps and walk
down the street, lest the boys should follow him with their
jeers. Determined, at all hazards, to gain admission, he
finally said: *

“ Dinah, the life of your mistress is in danger, and she has
sent me here to give you instructions how to act." ,

“ Don’t belche ye. Go way. No more truf in you red-
omts dan in de old bellowscs. Go way, soger man I"

“ Give
“ Give him

“ Spankin’ dirty

“Dinah, I tell you that your mistress has been arrested as a.

spy, and will be executed to-morrow: and so will Master
Frank, unless something can be done to save them. They
have sent me here on an important mission."

The negreae had little idea what the word “ spy " signified,

    

 

 

 

 

    

A BLACK ms. . 61
but she did know that her mistress was in constant fear of
some trouble; therefore she bounded to the lower hall, opened
the front door and admitted the Briton without hesitancy.

“ I have a great mind to strangle yon,you she imp of dark-
ness !" growled the captain, as he entered.

“Look a-heah, massa cap'n, paws off. If ye isn't ’spect—
ful,1‘ll call in dem chil’en, or, if ye don’t like (lat, I‘ll'jis'
un ye t’rough wid a shobel, dnt I will, if ye gits my nigger
up. So jis‘ behabe yerself!" 1

This sufficed to quiet Blaisdell. He had important matters
.before him, and he wished the assistance of Dinah; therefore
he said:

“ Well, well; no matter. It was very annoying; .butI will
forgive you, and we will be friends. I wish to talk with you
about your mistress. Come with me into the library.”

“ Yah, massa cap’n. Dat’s de bes’ place to confab ’pon de
matter.”

Blaisdell led the way, and, as soon as he had seated him-
self, said: 7

“ Dinah, your mistress is sentenced to be hanged to-mor-r
row 1"

“Oh, do good Lord sabe us! To be hanged—a woman,
tool Lord, but you is a pretty set, isn‘t ye? 011, do Lord—
de Lord 1" and Dinah's face expressed heartfelt agony.

“ The good Lord won‘t interfere, Dinah; but, perhaps I can
save her.”

“Oh, sabe her, massa cap’n, sabe her, an’ I’ll lub ye all my
life!” and the negress threw her arms around the captain’s
neck in an imploring manner. The Briton didn’t appear to
relish this demonstration, for he sprung to his feet, shook ofl’
the embrace, and shuddeer as if he had been enfolded in the
coils of a snake. But he soon gained his wonted composure.
and continued:

“ Dinah, I can not save her alone; but Iam going to write
to Washington, and have him bring up his army and rescue/
her. Mrs. Meredith requested me to address the letter to'
Harvey Osgood—"

“ Dat‘s de young missus‘ luber.

“ Yes. But she had forgotten just how the letter must be
directed. She told me to come 'here and you would get me

"A

,‘

 

 
 

92' THE scrwmrm. nsnanns

some letters which Mr. Osgood had written to Laura, and I
could find out by them how to direct.”

“ Well, massa cap'n, I don’t ’zactly comprehenshum wha’ ye.
mean; but ye is gwine to sabe missus—is dat yer honorable
Christian purpose ‘3"

“I am going to try to save your mistress—that's my pur-
pose.”

“ An’ ye wants de young missus’ letters for to complete your
Christian purpose ?“

“Yes. I am directed to obtain them.”

“ Is ye gwine to tuck ’em away wid ye '2”

“ No. I am merely going to look at them, and then write
to ‘Washiugton for help. I will do it all here.”

The negress went to a book-case, opened a drawer, and
drew forth a small package of letters, which she handed to
Blaisdell. He seized and examined them eagerly. and, at
length, appeared to find just what he wanted, for a smile lit
up his face as he drew the document from the bundle and
read it with great care. Then, taking up a pen, he wrote a
few lines upon a blank sheet, and compared it with the letter.

' He shook his head as if dissatisfied, and threw the paper upon
the floor. Then he wrote upon another slip; but, although
he appeared better satisfied, he took up a third blank leaf and
wrote upon it with great care, as if endeavoring to execute it
in a certain style. This time he appeared to be satisfied, and
threw the three slips aside. He did not observe that Dinah
picked them up and put them in her pocket.

rBlaisdell then, with every attention to his work, wrote a
letter. After he had finished it, he wrapped it in a separate
sheet, and directed it:

' GEORGE WASHINGTON, Major-General and Commander—in—chief

of the Federal Army, Valley Hwy.
., When he looked up, he found Dinah bending over his
shoulder, with her eyes iixed upon the superscription.

“ Can you read, Dinah 1?” asked the captain. ,

“ No, massa But dat looks like de way missus write on
her letters. Let me see ’em.”

‘ Dinah reached forth her hand for the document, and, in do-
ing so, knocked over the inkstuud, and the fluid ran across one
homer of the folded letter, tanking, however, but a small blot.

 

 

 

 

 

  

coexrnnrnrrma. 63

“Yahl yahl” laughed the wcnch, “dat is my direcshuns.
" Look jis’ like a nigger‘s work—~liiaek as a kettle.”

Blaisdell gave no heed to this, but drew some papers from
his own pocket, opened them, and spread them upon the table
before him.

“ I gollyl Dc chickens mus‘ hab been walkin’ on (lat yer
paper. It am checkered, an’ crost, an’ blotted all ober.” ,

The captain appeared to he too intent upon his writing ta
heed the negress. He wrote upon the top of the sheet a few
lines, then upon the bottom and sides, and then lines and single
words in every direction. Each line and word was compared
with the letter he found in the package. At length he ap-
peared to have finished his task, for he carefully folded these
papersand addressed them as the first. Then, rising from his
seat. he exclaimed: r

“ That is perfect—that will fix the business 1”

“ Wha’ is it, massa cap‘n ‘3”

“ The letters for Wash—for Osgood."

“ An’ will he come an‘ save missus, an’ dear young missus,
an’ Massa Frank ‘2"

“ Yes. I hope so."

Blaisdell left the house. The boys had disappeared, and he
passed on without molestation toward the Capitol.

“ The first thing will be to prepare a pass for my servant
and send him across the river on an errand for me.- Once upon
the other side, he will have no trouble in reaching the outer

. picket line of the rebels. These papers shall be in the hands
of Washington to-night.” These were his mental orders of
proceeding.

After Blaisdell had left the house, the negress retumed to
the library and drew the bits of papers which the captain had
Written upon, and then thrown aside, from her pocket. Slit
scrutinized them closely, turning them over and over, but her
face wore a. puzzled look. At. length, she said:

“ De eddicashum ob dis chile am berry much neglectui.
But it would take de berry Old Nick to make out dose hard
words. Perhaps little Lucy can do it.”

Dinah went into the back yard, and opened a gate com.
mumcating with the place adjoining. She called:

~ “ Luqyl Little Lucy i"

\

 

 

    

    

04 .. 'mE SCKUYLKILL RANGERS.

A little girl, perhaps twelve years of age, who was appar-
ently a resident of the next dwelling, answered the summons,
and accompanied the negress into the library. Dinah handed
her the first slip of paper, saying:

“ Read (lat, chile, if ye ken.”

The little girl took the paper and read :

“ Camp Valley Forge, Dec. 17th, 1777.
‘4 DEAR GENERAL: 1

“ In reply to yours, I would state that I always have hecn
loyal. I came here for a double purpose. ' I accept with gra-
titude the commission. The plans I will send—curse it i"

The little girl looked up in surprise:

“ That’s a funny way to finish a letter. He swears, don‘t
he i’” ' ,

“ New read dis un, chile." The darkoy handed her a second
slip.

The little girl took the paper, and after examining it, said :

“ Why, here are two great big Us And there is B-l-a-i-s-
d-e-l-l—that spells Blaisdell."

“Ychi Dat was de name 01) de man (lat wrote it. But,
honey chile, wha’ does the two big B's mean t“

“ Why, they look just like the marksI make when my pen
is not Very good, and I am trying,r it. Only I always make
big L’s because my name is Lucy. I guess he was clearing
out. his pen so that it would make a good mark."

“Is (lat all dat‘s on do paper, chile 1'”

“ No. \Vhy it‘s just like the other one, only the swearing
ain’t there, and at the end of it there is a great lotof little m's."

“ Wha’ does dem mean ?”

“Well, Dinah, when [go to write a letter, and I don't get
it to suit me, I scribble a lot of big L’s and little t‘s and m’s,
or a long string of little marks, which look like them, but
don‘t mean exactly anything. i suppose that’s just what the
gentleman meant that wrote this."

“ De Lord bress do chile. Wha’ a great t’ing it am to hab‘
lick it splendiferous eddic-u-shmn ! Now, chile, tell me wha‘ do
are odder paper say, an’ I won't bodder ye no more.”

‘ Lucy took the paper as before. She gave it but a glance,
and then added : ,
“The words are just like all the rest, only there ain‘t no

 

 

_-;_.-

'~ 3

 

 

 

    

A m AT THE FRONT won. 65
lwearin’, or big B’s or little m‘s, and the writing is not the
same.”

“ It was all wrote by the same man,” said Dinah.

“ VVns it? Let me see." i

The little girl compared the three papers carefully, and shook
her head as it' in doubt. Then her eyes fell upon the letter
which Blaisdell had drawn from the packet, and which lay
open b‘efore her. She took it up and compared it with the
third slip, saying: ' .

“The writing is more like this letter. And see, on this let;
[er there are two big B’s and the letters, B-l-a-i-s. He don‘t
spell his name out in full, here.”

Dinah took the letter and the slips, and folded them carefully
together. She placed them in her pocket, saying:

“ De good Lord only knows what it all means, but I’s
gwun’ to keep dese any how, till de missus eum’, an’ den see
if it can be unl‘abbled. I ’spec’ it am not altogedder right, but
mus’ wait :tn’ see. Rader guess ole Dinah been in bad com-
pany dis duy—dnt’s w'nt’s de mistake.”

The old darkey was aroused by a rap at the front door. She
opened it, and Frank Meredith entered.

' “Oh! de Lord—dc Lord—is ye safe, Chile—vie ye safe t”
sobbed Dinah, as she caressed her young master, whom she
had not seen for so long a time. ‘

C H A P T E R V I I .
THE PRISON-HULK ESCAPADE.

WHEN Frank and Dill) Disbrow found themselves in the open
street, after having been released by Blaisdell, they paused for
a time to consider how it was best to not They knew where
their friends had been taken, but they could do nothing for
them until night came on. Even then they could not’ hope to
accomplish much without further assistance. It. was therefore
decided that Frank should visit his home, to ascertain if his
mother and sister were there, and if they were not. to devote

  

 

 
 

86 m senunxm. means.

the entire day in searching for them. , Dan was to find as
many of his friends as possible, and prepare for a night’s work;
They were to meet opposite the old prison hulk soon after
dark, to decide if any thing could be done. Frank took his
way to his mother‘s house, and was, ere long, clasped to
Dinah’s motherly bosom.

lie could learn nothing satisfactory to his own mind from
the negress, but the more he thought of the matter, the more
he felt convinced that his mother must be a prisoner at some
place where Blaisdell could have the especial charge of her,
and that Laura had been constrained to consent to marry the
villain to save her life; hence he feared that the marriage
would take place even before his mother was released. These
thoughts filled his heart with agony, for he felt that he would
sooner die than that his sister should make so great a sacrifice.
Still, if this was the only way to save his mother, it must be done.

Of the strips of paper which Dinah showed him, he could
make nothing. At first he was led to believe that Blaisdell
had written to Washington, offering to serve in his army, and
that this action was induced from the fact that the family into
which he was about to marry was identified with the interests
of the patriot army. But then the slips bore date at Valley
Forge. Still, it might be a blind. '

The day passed slowly away, and the patriot' boy failed to
gain any intelligence of those he loved so dearly. Night came,
and he took his way toward the point where he had promised
to meet the rangers. He arrived at the spot, but not a man
was visible. Out over the water, or rather over the ice, he
Could just distinguish the black outlines of the old hulk, where
his friends were confined. He was quite disquieted, and was
unable to account for the state of utl‘uirs, when he was startled
by a hand being laid upon his shoulder.

“ Youngman, you should be more watchful. Keep your
eyes about you while you are in this city." It was Dan who
spoke.

“ I confess I was absorbed in what I deemed to be a bad
case,” replied Frank.

“ Thinking about your mother ?”

“Yes, and my poor sister, and of all our friends in British
hands” : ' ,

 

  

 

v—w‘u

 

 

  

WORK IN HAND.

“Your mother and sister are both safe."

“ Tell me where, my Mom .”

“ You would fly to them at once, I suppose 1’"

“ Of course I should ; so tell me Where ti .ey are !”

“And you would leave your friends in that old hulk to die 9"

" I will return to their asm‘stance after I have seen my 1110-.
they and Laura, and know that they do not require help, first."

“ You are a brave boy. Quite right. Alvays give your
mother the first consideration. But your relatives are perfectly
euro, and as soon as we rescue our friends here, we shall return
to them. We shall want every man here, to-night, for the
work in hand will demand all our help.”

“ Well, I will remain. But you will at least tell me where
mother and Laura are t" ' ‘

“ Certainly. You have heard of Sim Morris ‘2"

“ Yes, very often.”

“ Ever seen him ?"

“Not that I am aware of.”

" Here, Sim i" called Dan, and that worthy came forward.

“ Sim, tell Mr. Meredith, here, about his mother.”

“ I will, sure. She’s the likeliest woman in America, bedad,
savin’ me own wife, which is Bridget, to be sure.”

“No, no l" cried Frank, with some impatience, “tell me
where she is."

“In my houSe, sure.”

“ How come she there?"

“Sure 1121’ Captain Blaisdell brought her there, the black-
guerd." -

“ Frank," exclaimed Dan, “Sim is in the service of Elois-
dell, thnt precious rascal thinking him true. He is known to
the captain as Mike thiggan. Your mother is only awaiting
our inStrm-tions how to net, and, if I am not mistaken, we will
all be safe in \Vashington's camp before to-morrow night."

“ I rejoice at the prospect. But I can not go with you, Dan."

“ Why not, my young lark ‘3"

“I have pledge! my word to return and give myself up to
General Howe, or to join their cause and forego my own.”

“ You made no such pledge, Frank.”
“ Ay, but I did." ' '
“ And I say you did not. You pledged yourself that, qflor

 

  

    

    

THE BCHUYLKILL RANGERS.

the marrtage of Blaisdell with your sister, you would come
back. And, as I take lt. the marriage never will take place;
therefore you never will be compelled to return.”

“This is a mere quibble But where is Laura 2/”

“ At the house of old Nancy, or rather at the hut of Cap-
tain Brand, upon the opposite side of the river. She is safe,
«0 now to work?"

“What is your plan ‘3” asked Frank.

“ You shall soon see what a General I am at planning a cam. l
paign,” smiled Dan. “ Sim, I want you to go down the river
some distance. Then gradually work your way up toward the
old hulk. You must creep along upon your hands and knees,
but. be careful and not come within range of the sentinel‘s
musket. I want you to attract the attention of the guard by
your antics. Bob up and down; roll over in the snow. They
will ~think you are a hog or a dog. or somethingr else. All I
want is to have the attention of the guard drawn in that di-
rection, so that we can come up from the other side. They
haven’t kept any of our boys on that old hulk before, so they
are not very careful any way.”

“All right,” replied Sim, as he started off. “ Jist consider me
a dog “'ltl a hog's snout and a fish‘s tail, sure.”

“ Come, Frank," and-Dan took the opposite direction.

“Are you armed ?” asked Dan

“ Not even a knife.”

“ Then take this. You may need it to defend yourself "—
giving him an ugly-looking knife.

Frank took the weapon, and the two friends proceeded very
r'autiously. Presently Dan stepped upon the ice, and bent
his course toward the island. When they reached its shore
Frank asked : -

“ Ilow many of the boys are here?"

5‘ Twenty, il' Nance has done his duty. Nance is one on
'em. I tell you I”

“ Who gives directions? Yourself, I suppose.”

“ No ; Captain Brand is chief cook of that vessel, and some
mighty hot stuff he’ll brew to-night, I’m a—thinkin’.”

“ Who did you say? Captain Brand, the famous scout?”

“ Exactly, nn’ nothin’ surer.”

“ Is he on the island now?"

 

“WV

 

I the ice.

FEMALE manner. 69

“ Yes. You will see him in jist about five minutes, if you V
keep your eyes peeled."

“ That I will, you may be assured, for I want to see this
remarkable man. It has always been a mystery to me how
Brand has escaped detection so long. His work is dangerous
in the extreme, yet he pursues it with apparent immunity,
even where you rangers would not dare to venture.”

“ The mystery will be solved to you to-night. Did you eat
that apple the old woman gave you at the door 01 the Capitol
this morning ‘3"

“No. I have not thought of it since."

“ If you had, you would have found within it a bit of paper.”

“ Ahl then she was one of us ?"

“Upon the paper was Written words, which would have
informed you of the safety of your sister. Captain Brand
had seen her, early as it was. But, here we are."

In a rude shed, which haul been erected us a kind of shelter
for fishermen during the season, was’heard the sound of voices.
They grew silent. Dan came up, at once, and entered as one
familiar with the place, saying, as he did so:

“ It’s all right. Frank is here, and Sim has gone down on
I think we can move in hqu an hour. The moon
will be down, by that time.”

“ Too soon," exclaimed one of the party.

“Not a bit,” answered another. “I sold apples on that old
hulk to-day, and, I tell you, there ain‘t twenty men upon it,
besides the prisoners, and two-thirds of them are asleep or
drunk half the time. I have agreed to bring them ovur
another supply of whisky, as soon as it is fairly dark, and I
could do it with safety. They will be expecting me soon.
Gad, the pettieouts are convenient things, sometimes; but,
confound me, it' I should like to wear them always! Young
man, how did you like the apple I gave you this morning?”

“ I thought it was an old woman who gave me the ripple
this morning; but I’ll be hanged if your voice sounds like that
of a seventy-year—old.”

There was a general laugh throughout the party, and the
person addressed added :

“I see you are not up in the scouting business."
the old woman‘s voice!

79 3

It was

 

    

    

70 'nm scuvvmna. marinas

“ Who are you ‘8” asked Frank, not disguising his astonish-
ment. _

“ Well, I’ll be hanged if I hardly know. I‘ve been so many
difl‘erent persims, male and female, it‘s hard to decide just who
I am. I was once Captain Brand—a long time ago, however;
but I hope to become myself again, one of these days, when
Washington can spare old Nancy."

“Captain Brand in petticoats,” exclaimed Ft‘ank, laughing
in spite of himself. '

“ No. Captain Brand, when he wore the Continental uni-
form; but, latterly, I‘ve been old Nancy, the apple-vender;
and all the time that I could spare from the city and my trade,
I have kept a little post-office for Washington, just over the
Schuylkill, in a log-cabin."

“Is my sister at your cabin ?” asked Frank.

“Well, I must say, young man, that I received a choice
little parcel of goods, early this morning, from one Captain
Blaisdell. But I fancied it didn’t belong to him, but had been
stolen from Lieutenant Osgood, of the patriot army. So I
concluded to return it undamaged.”

“You have not lelt her at your cabin alone?” exclaimed
the latter, with considerable earnestness.

“ Oh i she’s watched. But I must dress and be off.”

The captain, or rather, old Nancy in character, soon left
the hut. He walked out upon the ice, and down toward the
bulk. The remainder of the party followed, but took good
care to keep themselves concealed by the thick evergreens and
small trees with which the island was covered. To have
exposed even one of their persons, would have been to arrest
the guards attention in the wrong direction, at the wrong
moment.

They finally reached a point within a few yards of the
hullc’s stern, and listened. The voice of Nancy was disguetly
heard, but its tones were so changed that none but the initiated
would recognize it.

“Is that you 1*" called the guard.

“ Yes, it’s me, in course. What a question to ex."

“ Well, who is' it? Give yer name.”

“ Old Nancy, trying to turn an honest penny.“
‘f Have you got it ‘1”

 

\

   

 

    

/ “ The Whisky ?"
“Yes.” .
“Yes, I've got it, an’ somethin' else, I reckon.
knows my trade.”

“ Well, come aboard, and show your wares, old gal.”

“Sure there ain’t no ofllcers on board that will take at
truck away from me ?" *

“Not an otlicer here. The jolly dogs find better quarters
ashore, and leave guard duty to us poor fools.”

“ And you will surely pay me ‘2"

“ Of course we will. Come, be in a. hurry. I am
as a salt-barrel, and as eager for some old rye as an
leech is for a boy’s bloot.” ‘

Nancy ascended the steps which led to the deck
bulk, and then said to the guard:

“ Turn your back, now, while I take the jewels from their
place of concealment." ’l‘hen half a dozen bottles were pro-
duced. The guard took them, and at once went into the
cabin. He had scarcely disappeared, when the other, and
only sentinel remaining on deck, said:

“ I say, old Nancy, are your eyes good ?"

“Putty good, for an old woman,” replied Nancy. “ Why it”

“Come here, and see if you can tell me what kind of an
Animal that is on the ice, down yonder.”

Nancy went forward, as requested, but, seizing a musket
from the deck-rack as she passed, came up behind, and, saying,
“ Where is it ‘3” struck him a blow upon the head, which ren~
dered him senseless. Quick as possible, she ran back to the
entrance of the cabin, and called in a. loud voice:

“Quick ! friends, quick 1"

The soldier who had received the whisky of the supposed
old woman, had been busy with his comrades, helping them-
selves. He heard the voice, and, supposing it referred to him-
self and companions, replied:

“ We'll bring you the money in a few moments, old woman.
Just you keep Jim company on guard, and-~" herc he
gobbled down more whisky. _.

The flow of the spirit was arrested, however, quite etl‘ectu-
lily, and all in the cabin looked at each other in astonishment
lndr alarm, for overhead was heard the tramping of the

lguess!

as dry
empty

of the

 

 

 

  

{‘18 THE set m'nxrm. RANRERS.

rangers, as they came pouring over the sides of the vessel.
The British guards paused but a moment, and then attempted
to gain the deck; but Captain Brand, new in his true char.
actor, presented the muzzle of his piece dow'n the companion-
wny, exelniming:

"We don’t wish to harm any of you. We have merely
come after the prisoners who were brought here this moming.
There are twenty of us here, fully armed, and we have the
upper—hand, and mean to keep it. If you submit quietly, all
will be well. If not, we shall make short shrift of the whole
comboodle.” '

“ That’s the talk,” chimed in Dan.
for supper.”

There appeared to be a short consultation below, and then
one of the soldiers asked:

“ What will you do with us, if we yield ?"

“ Simply tie you, so that you can not give the alarm before
morning.”

“ Then we will surrender; as there seems no alternative."

“Then come up, two at a. time; and, remember, the first
attempt to give any alarm, will be the death of him who
makes it.”

Two by two, the men were brought from the cabin, and
bound,.nntil the last man was secured.

“ What is your purpose, now ‘9" asked one of the prisoners.

“ To release our men. Where are they ‘1’”

“ In the hold, below.”

“ And are the hatches closed ?”

“Yes; and all is dark below.”

“ Have our men no fire ?”

' “ Neither beds, nor fire, nor lights 1"
“ Monsters! And by whose order is this so ?"

“ I’d like a Britishcr

" The Provost-Marshal’s," replied the sergeant in Command. v v

“ I would have given them both bed and fire, if I had dared;
but Ishould have been shot or flogged if I had done any
thing of the kind.”

“ Those words have saved you from sharing the same fate 1 -
that was meted out to our men. Quick, boys; take 011’ the ~

finches."
' It was soon done, and ow: {rim/s of the exerting were

 

wry—44H

  

13'
g.
)e
.11

le

31

 

‘-..

, to the deck.

A JOIJA' exam. 7!

delighted to find themselves at liberty, and in the company of
congenial spirits. The meeting between Dan and his chief
was characteristic.

“ How are you, Ezekiel, my daddy i"

“ Clever! How are you, Daniel, my son ?”

“ Dubious i Give us yer fist.”

And seizing both the hand and hook of the ranger-in-chin,
Dun shook them heartily.

“ Come uloit, old boy, out of this British parlor. Whew ! Is
it smells some, I swow. Zeke, somebody in here hnrgot bad
breath, or I’m a jews-harp."

“ Git out, Dan ; you’re always grumblin' nt somethin'.

. You’d find some fault with your granddaddy’s way 0‘ dying,

I s'pose.”

“ Never had such a. thing, as I knows ou,old feller; though
I does remember that there isa tomb-stun‘ in the old Potts-
ville church-yard, as says somethin‘ about Career Absalom
Disbrow, who died, covered with respect, at the age of one
hundred and three. But, blame my skin, of I believe the
stun’ 1”

And thus the two men chatted, as they made their way to
the deck. Two brothers could not have been more united-—
heart and hand.

The British prisoners having been taken into the cabin, and
made secure, Captain Brand suid to them :

Tell your heartless Provost-Marshal that, if he was here,
we would retaliate by hanging him. But we do not wish to
wreak vengeance upon his poor tools and slaves. I should
like to have him pass but a single night. in that ice-hole, and
1 think it would tench him mercy toward others. But, come,
boys, here is some fine stuli‘. Let us drink. I’ll give you the
toast: ‘ Washington and his Army.‘ "

“ Quick, boys, quick i" cried Sim, springing into the cabin.
“ The red-emtts are coming across the lee in n pertict swurm,
and at a run. They will be here in u. minute."

The patriots did not wnit for further intbrnmtiun, but sprung
Surely enough, not. twenl y rods distant came A
company of not less than one hundred British infantry.

‘ “Boys,” exclaimed ,and, speaking in a. quick but 0001'
tone, “ spring over the side of the vessel. and make the but

 

 

  

'\

, 7‘ Tim scnmuum. RANGERS.

of your way to the Jersey shore. Then take the circuit of
Camden village and the city and join me at the earliest poesi~
ble moment at Miller's farm, the other side of He Schuylkill."

Quickly and silently the brave men sprung front the Vessel,
3nd swiftly ran for the opposite shore, covered by the dark-
“('83.

They hnd scarcely disappeared, however, before the British
ml-liers eume dashing up the steps, and leaped upon the deck
“2' the vessel. They caught a glimpse of the fugitives, while
they were yet within shot, and had it not been for the point
of the islztnd which intervened, they might have sent a volley
into their midst with some effect.

As it was, the infuriated commander cried:

“ Fire upon them -fire upon the rebel dogs I”

A volley was given, but of course without etl‘eet. Its echoes
rolled over the hills and up and down the broad Delaware
and then :tll'wgts silent.

“ Are we pursued ‘3” asked one of Davis’ party, us the ranger
came up, having fallen behind for observation. w

“ I think not. We can all remain together. That volley
has been heard for and near, and every post within a circuit
of five miles will be on the alert. We had better go down the
river and cross below, and, so around the city. It is a long
journey on Rt cold night like this, bays, but it’s the only course.
So push on.”

The party kept on together; but, as the distance was far,
and they had to avoid encounters with scouting parties, it was
late in the morning before they arrived at the Miller farm.

CHAPTER VIII.
A coon CASE AND A nAnn RESULT.

To return to Lieutenant Harvey Osgood. r
After his examination before the Commanding-General, he
returned to his own tent and threw himself upon his rude. bed,
Iflnd it could be called. For a long time he mused. Ha

 

  

 

 

A sumo mvnwn. 75
thought over his past services, and tried to call to mind any
willful breach of duty. lie endeavored to examine his own
heart. Two loves were there, earthly, and two heavenly.
Of earth, his country and his atlianeed Laura; of heavenly,
his God and those earthly parents who were ntarshaled among
Ills hosts. With thoughts like these, he fell into a quiet.

, sleep.

The sun was shining brightly when he awoke. He started
up, and gazed around him. Standing by his side was the
fellow, Johnson, who had made an attempt. to swear his life
away the day before. Osgood regarded him for a moment,
and then asked:

“ What do you want here, fellow? Did you come to stab
me while I was sleeping? Who are you, any how—a knave
or a spy '3"

“.Oh! there's no occasion to be so cranky. I only told
the truth, or what I thought to be the truth; but, as the
General thinks it‘s all right, I suppose it must be, and I ax
yer pardon.” Then handing the lieutenant a folded paper,
he said :

“There‘s something the General sent ye."
prisoner a sealed envelope, he left the tent.

Osgood took the paper, opened it, and glanced at its con;
tents. He sprung to his feet with an exclamation of joy.
Then he read aloud:

“ Headquarters Continental Army,
Valley Forge, Jan. 3d, 1777.
“ To HARVEY Oseoon, Lieutenant, Co. 1%., 4th N. J. U. 1.:

“The GeneralCommanding feels the deepest regret at the
unfortunate circumstance which compelled him to order the
examination of an officer whom he believes to be faithful and
patriotic. As an atonement for the wrong (not. intended) done
a brave officer, the General—C:unmanding hereby grants to
Lieutenant Osgood a leave for the space of one week, that he
may use all diligence to ascertain the fate of those friends so
dear to him.

“(Signeih

Handing the

Gnome \VASIHNGTON,
“ Maj.-Gen. and Com'nander-in-Chiefl
“ By the A. A. General.”
Osgood was nearly beside himself with joy. Here was.“

 

  

. committed by his thoughtlessness.
_ some plan to rescue his friends!

76 {an scnmxrm. RANGERS.
opportunity to redeem, to some extent, the wrong he had

Perhaps he might devise
He could not decide how it
was to be done, but he was free, and that was the first step
toward the accomplishment of his purposes.

“I will first proceed to the house of my friend Miller," he
Bait, “ where I can thoroughly disguise myself, and then enter
Philadelphia. I must ascertain where my friends have been
conveyed, and, if possible, secure the release of the rangers.
They will be of great assistance. But that, I fear, will be a
very diflicult task. They can not escape recognition by Howe.
If they are recognized they certainly will be hung, at once, as
spies. And all from my neglect 1 Poor fellows! They have
braved dangers a hundred times, but, so long as they were
on the look-out for themselves, they passed safely through.
But,— when they depended upon me, and were in anticipation
of no trouble, they were seized. If they perish, I shall almost
feel as if their blood was upon my hands. And what will be
the fate of Laura and her mother? I shudder to think of it.
Now for action."

Osgood left his tent, and took his way toward the outpost
where the night capture had been made. Passing through the
camp he met/the Commamler-in—Chief, who was engaged in
conversation with some of his officers. -. Osgood did not Wish
to interrupt him, but simply saluted, saying:

“ General, my actions shall speak my thanks.”

The Commander smiled, gave a nod of approbation, and
the lieutenant, with a heart full of gratitude and hope, pass
ed on.

Since the surprise and capture of the post, the picket had
been doubled and the strictest orders given. Osgood was,
therefore, compelled to show his pass, before leaving the lines.
Ile observed Johnson standing near him as he approached the
outer post, and thought there was something suspicious and
malicious in his eyes. But, he deemed it nothing more titan
the natural hatred which a man entertained for the person
whom he had endeavored to ruin, and he gave no heed to the
look, but passed on.

Taking the beaten track over which the cattle-drove had
posted, he found little difliculty in making rapid progress.

I

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

 

 

    

TAKEN IN AND DONE FOR. 7?

He had accomplished about one half the distance betweer ‘2
camp and Miller‘s, when he saw a party of horsemen approach- --
ing from the direction of the patriot camp. These he at once
recognized as his own comrades in arms. As they came up,
Osgood exclaimed:

r" Well, boys, what's up now ‘2”

“ Where are you going, Lieutenant Osgood ?"

“ It is my ultimate intention to go to Philadelphia.”

“ Have you a leave of absence from the Connnandei ?”

“ I have. Why do you ask? I showed it to the picket.
guard as I left camp.” ,

“So the General was informed. Will" you permit me to
see it ?"

“ Certainly. Here it is. But, what do you mean by ‘ so
the General was informed’ "’

The officer took the paper and examined it closely. He

\ then said:

“Lieutenant OsgoodI the writing of this leave very much
resembles your own, but the signature of the General is almost
perfect."

“ Almost perfect!” cried Osgood. “In heaven‘s name, what
do you mean i” '

“ That that paper is a forgery, and that we have been sent
to arrest you and bring you back to camp."

“ Oh i my God i" groaned Osgood. “ Caught! Deceivedi
Rninedl Fool that I was, why did I receive it from such
hands, without at once ascertaining if it was genuine or not i"

“ From such hands 1” echoed the officer. “What do you
mean i”

“ That pa: er was handed to me by Philip Johnson, pur-
porting to come from Washington’s own hands. I am sure I
never suspected it of being a forgery."

“ Johnson could not, certainly, write such a hand as that.
But come. You must return with us. It is my duty to place
you in irons; yet, as I have not been positively ordered so to
do, I will not."

’ Poor Osgood was mounted upon a spare horse, and the
party headed for camp. Oh, what a change in matters a few
moments had wrought! He was nearing Philadelphia, happy
in the thought that he might be able to do some thing for his

    

    

    

THE SCHUYLKILL RANGERS.

friends, and in bright anticipations of again meeting the object
of. his heart's devotion; and happy, too, that he enjoyed the
confidence of his General to such an extent, that he could
Wen overlook so great a breach of discipline as had been
committed.

BUR now, he was returning, again a prisoner, and in a more
embarrassing position than his former neglect had broung
upon him! He had a forged paper in his possession. “'ould
it not be thought that bevas deserting, or perhaps even goings
over to the enemy! But, how (lid Johnson become possessed
of the paper? Surely, some so utterly ignorant as he appeared
to be, could not perform such a piece of work ! He concluded
that he must have some bitter and secret fee in camp, but he
could not conjecture who it could be.

, I At length they reached the picket-line.

The news that Osgood had deserted to avoid a trial as a
traitor—that he had forged a pass to enable him to leave the
camp, and that it was his intention to go back to the British
army, now that he was found out, had spread rapidly through-
out the army. Johnson made himself very ollieious and
prominent in declaring what Would be the sentence of such a
traitor. Therefore, when the party arrived, Osgood was re-
ceived with bisses, groans and anathemas of every description.
He moaned in the very agony of soul, but said nothing, and
his, bearing was that of dignity, which was mistaken by many
for insolcnce or bravado.

The prisoner was conducted to the guard-house, and imme-
diately placed in irons. Here he was left alone to his reflec-
tions. What were to be the charges made against him?
Certainly they would be of a serious nature. First, breach of
duty—then a false, perhaps purposely forged pass—then an
attempt to reach the British lines; ah, it all looked bad 1

He spoke to the guard who was pacing in front of his
door, but that person only gave him a glance of anger, and
did not reply. Several times those with‘whom he had been
intimate passed, and upon their faces rested either a look of
cbntempt or reproach. On not one face did he detect pity o?
the interest of a well-wisher. ‘

There .are circumstances under which a sensitive person
can live an age in a single hour—when a lifetime of misery is

 

 

 

 

'mE counr-mnrran 79

condensed in the sutferings of a moment. Such was the case
with Harvey Osgood, in the interval between his arrest and
that in which he was brought forth for trial. He read in
every circumstance design—proniedituted, subtle and over
whelmiug design to destroy him. Who could be his enemy?
Certainly none of his comrades in arms, for none would envy
him his arduous duties that they should seek for his rank.
llad he a secret enemy on anybody else’s account? He
thought long and seriously. Laura, his beloved, might have
arrested attention; but, as she had not been in the camp until
that fatal evening, it was impossible that any of the Continental
gallants could have become envious of the young lieutenant.
Who then was the man at the bottom of the scheme? Not
Johnson, for he was too evidently ignorant to play so desper-
ate a game; but that he was some person’s agent in the mat-
ter, was clear. He would watch and wait; but, the ways of
military justice are swift, and the gallows might do its hideous
work ere the truth could be known.

It was about three o'clock of the same day that Osgood was
conducted from the guard-house to the place where his trial
was to take place. As he entered, he glanced hastily around
him, but each eye was cold, and each lip scornl'ul. He felt
that his fate was sealed. Pity, there was none; and if evi-
dence could be adduced which could impeach his honor, he
must fall of extrication from the web around him. He sunk
into a seat, and despite a desperate effort to appear calm, he
trembled violently, and bowed his head upon his hands.

There was a short delay, a rustling of papers, and then a stern
voice exclaimed :

“ Harvey Osgood, stand up."

c He obeyed—his resolution and sense of injury giving him
strength for the crisis.

“ You are charged with being a. spy and e. traitor! What
is your plea to this charge? Guilty or not guilty 1'"

” Not guilty i” came the emphatic reply.

“ The charge against you, you have heard, and have made
your plea. I will now read to you the specifications:

“ First specification—That on or. about the 27th day of De-
cember, in the year of our Lord 177?, you dit‘. secretly hold
mable converse with one o! the enemies of your country

 

    

    

80 THE BCIIUYLKHL RANGERS.

and an emissary of the king of Great Britain, and that you
then and there concocted a plot to deliver up such patriot sol-
diers as were under your command! To the first specification
what is your plea? Guilty, or not guilty ?"

“ Not guilty /" 7

“ Second speeitieation—That, on or about the same date, and
at the same time and place, you did place in the hands of said
enemy or emissary, documents, among which were plans of the
position of the Continental army, now in camp at Valley Forge.
To this second specification, what is your plea ?"

“Not guilty I"

“ Third specification—That you did forge the name of the
Commanding-General to a paper setting forth that you had per-
mission to absent yourself for the term of one week from your
(:onnnand and from camp. And that the motive of this forgery
was to enable you to pass the lines of this army, and to reach
the city of Philadelphia. What is your plea to this third spe-
cification ?"

“ Not guilty I”

“ You are now to be tried upon the foregoing charges and
specifications. I am not to act as your advocate, but to con.
duct the trial. I am bound to give you the benefit of any
favor that can, in justice, be extended.”

The first witness called was Johnson, who swore that he
was standing near the outer picket-post upon the Philadelphia
road, about nine o‘clock that morning. when he saw Lieuten-
ant. Osgood approaching. He saw him hand to the guard a
paper which the latter read and then returned. When Osgood
had passed on, he (Johnson) questioned the guard as to the con-

:nts of the paper, and that it was a leave of absence, signed
by Washington. He (Johnson) did~not think it all right, and
so he mentioned the {act to one of the General’s aids. This
was all he knew of the matter.

The second witness was the piekct-guard, who swme to
having examined the leave, and permitted Osgood to pass the
lines upon the strength of it. 110 identified the paper shown
as being the one presented by Osgood.

The third witness was the officer who had arrested Osgood
While on his way to Philadelphia. The witness identified the
We? then in coon as the one he hatd received from Osgood

 

!

 

 

  

THE usr s'nuw. 81
Johnson was then recalled, and his testimony taken with
regard to the meeting of Osgood and a stranger upon the hill
beyond the camp, and the transfer of papers from the hands
of the former to those of the latter. Osgood questioned the
scoundrel closely, but he lied so decidedly and so clearly that
the prisoner's guilt only appeared the more apparent. It was
then that he noticed Johnson‘s true character, and he, ex-
claimed : ’ '

“ I pronounce this witness an infamous liar and a low-hearted
wretch, who is swearing away my life for his own, or some
other assassin's purpose. He is not what he seems. I say
before God, that I am utterly innocent of any of these speci-
fications, and that, as I hope for Heaven’s mercy hereafter, I
believe this man is a most dangerous spy and emissary of the
enemy."

Johnson only smiled, and added: “’Twon’t do, leftenant.
I knows ye for what ye are, and the court has had the truth.”

The testimony now appeared to be complete, and these de-
tailed upon the court—martial conferred together for a short
time. At length, the J edge-Advocate said:

“ Remove the prisoner to the guard-house.”

This was about being done, when an officer entered and
handed the General a package of papers. He opened them,
looked carefully over their contents, while a frown rested upon
his face. As the prisoner was about to depart, the General
said -

“ Stay, Harry Osgood."

The prisoner returned.

“Read aloud ;” and the General passed the papers over to
the J udge-Advocate. That person read as follows : '

(Private) “ Philadelphia, Jun. 2d, 1778.

“ To MAJ-GEN. GEORGE WASHINGTON, commanding Continental

Army, Valley Forge .'

“The exigencies of war often necessitate the employment
of spies and scouts; but it is not in accordance with my sense
of honor or justice, knowing the fact, to permit a man holding
the high position of lieutenant in your army, and enjoying
your confidence, to remain unexposed and nnpunishcd for his
thry.

- The accompanying papers were intercepted by me while

 

  

    

 
 

32 THE scrrm'mmn. RANGERS.
on their way to General Howe. It was a breach of duty upon
my part to negléct forwarding them to him, but the means by
which they were obtained was so dishonorable that I could not
do it. I return them to you, with my best wishes for your
personal welfare. I am, General, your ob‘t scrv’t,

Rxcmuu) BLArsnELL."

Paper No. 2 was next taken up and read. It was as fol-
lows:

“ Camp Valley Forge, Dec. 17th, 1777.

“ DEAR GENERAL: In reply to yours, I Would state that I
always have been loyal. I came here for a double purpose. I
accept with gratitude the commission. The plans I will send
to-morrow. They are correct, and I have no doubt if a vig-
orous attack he made upon Valley Forge by five thousand de-
termined men, the army of Washington can be captured or
mmihilatcd. Further information Iwill give on my arrival in
Philadelphia. I will arrange for the capture of the picket-
post on the Philadelphia side of the camp. This will lead
them to expect any attack which may be made, to come from
that direction, while the other and weaker side, as you will see
by the accompanying plan, is the point against which the
main assault should be made.

‘_‘ Most truly yours,

“ (Signed) HARVEY Osooon.
“ To MAJ-GEN. LonD Howe,

“ Commanding His Majesty's troops, Philadelphia."

Had a. bolt of lightning stricken the young man, he could
not. have sprung to his feet quicker. The blood rushed to his
face until it became a living glow, and then receded, leaving
him pale as death. Great drops of perspiration started from
his brow, and with a groan of agony almost unearthly, he
staggered back and fell to the earth. \ But he did not entirely
lose his consciousness.

lie was raised up and placed in his seat.

Then came the examination 1f the plans of the camp. They
mere found to be correct. T hey contained full details of every
thing. . .

The next step was to procure the company books to which
Osgood was attached, and compare the writing. They were
Mm, .be identical. r The evidence was conclusive, and a

   

 

 

 

 

 

  

THE ssxrazccs. 88

more connected chain of circumstances proving treachery and
crime, could not he recorded. There was but one thing more
for the court to do, and that became simply a formality when
the proofs of the wretched man’s guilt were considered. This
one thing was to pronounce the sentence of death upon the
culprit—death by hanging.

Osgood was removed to the guard-house. Heavy irons were
placed upon him, and a double guard over him.

On being left alone, the wretched man sat down as calmly;
as one in his condition could be expected to do, to review his
situation. He now realized that Blaisdcll was his evil genius
-—the principal in all that dreadful scheme of dishonor and
murder—but the web of circumstances was so tightly woven
that there was no hope. The victim must die a dishonored
death.

In an hour after the court adjourned, the Judge-Advocate
came to the guard-house. Osgood asked the question, not be-
cause he had any doubt as to what his fate would be, but from
a. natural desire to know the worst at once:

“ Major, what is to be my fate ‘3”

“ Mr. Osgood, pens, ink and paper will be furnished you,
and you can write to your friends. It will be necessary for
you to do it at once. You will he waited upon this evening
by the chaplain. You can speak freely to him, and he will re«
gard your last wishes.

“As the sun sinks to rest tomorrow afternoon, you will
swing from the gallows.” ‘

  

C H A P T E R I X.
'ro-uonnow.

AFTER Blaisdell had dispatched his messenger to Washing-
ton with the package of papers, he threw himself back in the
arm-chair in which he was sitting. and gave himself up to
thought. He mused for an hour, while he pufi'ed away at his
cigar, watching the white wreaths of smoke as they curled
over his head. At length he gave utteruoovto-his thoughts:

 

   

  

    

 

u ‘ m SCHUTLKILL moms

“It is accomplished now. She is mine, sure, for nothing
stands in the way. But wh y was it necessary for me to send
that poor wretch, Osgood, into eternity? I could have made
her my wife without first seeuring his death. But then, she
loves him, and I would not have the man live on that account.
If she should ever discover that he was not a traitor, she would
, turn to hate me, and I really Wish to Win her love. But have I not

the blood of the fellow upon my conscience? Conscience?
. Pshaw! He is only a miserable rebel, and might have been
killed in the next battle. But I must visit my pretty bird to-
day, and prepare her for our nuptials, for they shall take place
tomorrow morning. Why 'should there be any delay in the
matter ? There must be no delay—shall be none 1”

Blaisdell rung a bell, which was answered by a ser-
vant.

“ TelLChaplain Goodwin I wish to see him on especial
business I"

“ Yes, sir,” answered the servant, and he disappeared.

In a short time after the chaplain referred to made his ap-
pearance.

“ Sit down, my Mead," said Blaisdcll.

“You wished to see me, your servant tells me," said the
chaplain. I

“ Yes; I‘am going to get married."

“Indeed! And who, pray, is to become the happy Mrs.
Blaisdell i"

“ Oh ! an angel, of course; at least in my own estimation,
and I presume no one who knows her thinks differently. But
the matter may appear a little strange to you unless fully ex-
plained."

“ Go on, air; I am all attention."

“ The lady who is my intended is the daughter of a Mrs.
Meredith. The mother is a violent rebel, andof course, would
object to my becoming her daughter’s husband. But, as this'
is the only objection she could raise, of Course I do not heed
It. The daughter loves me, and wishes the union consum-
mated at once. She is now in a rather singular place, but it
Is from her own choice. I wish to he married tomorrow
morning, and then, of course, shall return at once with my
NH. to her mother's home. When she finds with is too

 

 

'ro-smnnow momma. OI

lute, she will, of course, forgive us, and perhaps I can convert
the mother.”

“If the young lady is willing, I can’t see that there can be
any serious objections. Certainly, no family in Philadelphia
could object to Captain Blaisdell from any luck of social
position.”

“ And you will be ready to accompany me to-mom‘ow moru‘,
ing, at nine o‘clock ?" ‘

" I will be at your service at that hour.” ,

The chaplain left the apartment.

“ So far, so good," exclaimed Blaisdell, as he rubbed his
hands in satisfaction. “ Now, to visit my bird.”

He descended the broad steps of the hotel where he was
stopping, and, mounting his horse, rode rapidly toward the
Schuylkill. The ice being so hard, he found no dimculty in
crossing, and soon reached the cabin. Dismounting, 110
entered.

.Laura was seated by the fire, entirely alone. She was read-
ing a book as the conspirator entered, but she dropped it, and
sprung to her feet. A gratified look overspread her face, and
she started forward to meet the man whom, only the day
before, she had so detestcd.

Bluisdell took her hand, kindly, and said:

“ You smile upon me, dear Laura, and it makes me happy;
for it gives me hope that you will some day truly love me."

“ I hope your kindness will win my love,- if I am to become
your wife.”

“ You are to become my wife, Laura; and that to—morrow
morning.”

“ So soon !" and she started, while a death-like pale-nee:
overspread her face.

“ Yes. Why should there be any delay ? Every hour that
intervenes, detains your dear mother in confinement."

“ And have you seen my mother ?"

“ Yes. I saw her only a short time since.”

“ Did you speak of our marriage?"

" Yes. That was the one object of my interview.” '

“ And what was her reply ‘1’" ,

“ I informed her of the treachery of Osgood, Ind ll.
believes it I proposed n union with you, and she gave her

 

    

 
 

86 am: scnmmu. manna.
consent, if lt. is your choice. I showed her the sacrifice it
would be necessary for me t?) make, by releasing her; she
expressed her deepest gratitude, and gave me her hand,udding,
that, when we were married, we should have her blessing.”

“I feel gratitude for you, also; and, for your kindness, I
shall do every thing in my power to make you happy.”

“ And you will love me, won’t you, Laura ?"

As the lover spoke, he drew the unresisting form of tht
gentle girl close to his breast, and encircled her with his arms
She dropped her head upon his bosom, and replied :

“ I’ll try to be all to a. husband that a wife should be."

“ Bless you, Laura. I will strive, in every possible way, to
bring you happiness.”

“ Where is old Nancy i” asked Blaisdell, suddenly.

“ She left me, soon utter your departure.”

“ Did she say any thing especial to you, before she left i"

“ Nothing. She scarcely spoke to me. She merely warned
me against any attempt to escape.”

“ And you did not intend to make the attempt, did you ?”

“ Make the attempt! Why, where could I go ?”

“ True, Laura. No place like home, though; and that you
have not, until I can give it to you." .

“ You bring me news from, my mother, but say nothing of
Frank. ' He is a prisoner, is he not 1'” asked the maiden.

“ No, he is free, and at large in the city.”

“ Free! and at large ?"

“ Yes. I released him.”

“ Ohl I owe you so much.”

“ Will you be ready to become my wife to-morrow mom
mg p” V

“ Yes, if my mother is. brought to me."

“ Laura, you must permit me to be the guide in this matter
The moment I open the prison doors to your mother, it will
be necessary for me to escape, at once, with her. That is, i
think it will. You and your brother, if he will go, will
accompany us. You must go as my wife. After leaving
Philadelphia, it may be difficult to find the proper person to
perform the ceremony. We might be compelled to defer the
marriage for a long time, and this would be very embarrassing
79-day i shall arrange every thing for our escape. To—xnorxo'

    
     

  

  

mu son ‘KO’l‘BING. 87

 

  
 

  

    
 
 

 

 

at halflpast nine, I shall visit you, in company» with our
chaplain and two witnesses, when we will be married at once.
Then I shall return, release your mother, and bring her to you
here. Of course, it will be necessary for us to take an imme-
diate departure, as the discovery of your mother‘s escape
would certainly follow in a few hours, at most." ,
I “ But, it seems hard to be married when mother is not.
,ucsent.” t -

“ I know. But it is unavoidable. Your mother consents
to this course. And I am sure you have sufficient confidence
in me to believe that I would do every thing for the best 1”

“ Yes, oh! yes. It is not because I doubt you. Only the
proceeding appears so very unusual—so strange."

“ Circmnstances render it so."

“ As you will. I shall be ready.”

The otlicer tell the cabin, after having pressed his lips to
those of his pledged bride. Mounting his horse, he rode
rapidly away.

After a time, he arrived at the door of the dwelling whom
Mrs. Meredith was remaining. He was received in a kind
manner by that lady.

“ I have hope, dear lady," said Blaisdell, “ that I can pro-
cure your pardon, or rather, prevent you from being brought
to trial."

“ You are very ltind, sir, and have my warmest thanks."

“ Your son I have already rel *ascd. He is free to return
to his comrades, and to visit you as soon as your matters are
settled, which I trust will he done to-morrow."

“ I thank you from my heart," exclaimed the grateful
woman, as she arose and gave the man her hand.

“ I trust, madam, that you will always find me considerate
in your behalf. It' I can procure your pardon, a few weeks
will make Laura my wife, I trust. If I can not, we must all
fly from this place. In that event, I shall expect the marriage
to take place before 1 start, for I sacrifice all in doing so—all
but the jewel‘I love, which more than repays all.”

“ I trust matters may be arranged, and I hope for the
best.”

Bluisdell leit the house. ,
“ Biddy,” said‘Mrs. Meredith, as she watched the retreating

  

  

88 THE scmn'nxxu. mnom

form of the captain, “ I wish you would go to my residence,
and tell Dinah to come to me here." '

“ Sure, Mrs. Meredith, an’ I‘ll do that same.” And Bidd’
left the house upon the message.

It was, perhaps, an hour before Biddy returned. Dinah
was with her. The negress could scarcely contain her joy at
meeting her mistress again. After her first ccstasies were over,
she began to give the details of Bluisdell‘s visit to the house.
Her description of the scene in front of the door was truly
ridiculous. She also confirmed the fact of Frank’s release, as
he had visited her. But whither he had‘gone, she did not
know.

The negress then took the slips of paper from her pocket,
and handed them to Mrs. Meredith, saying:

“ IIeah am some t’ings which (lat cap’n lef’ behine. Dun-
no as dem is ob any use, but I fotched dem along, jis‘ fur your
conspection.”

Mrs. Mcredithexamined the papers. It was all a mystery

. to her, and she could but feel that all was not right. When
she took into consideration the fact of the pains Blaisdell had
taken to procure the letter of Osgood to Laura, her woman’s
instinct told her that there was conspiracy in the matter, and
her mind at once became greatly alarmed. She could, how-
ever, only await the course of events.

It was after midnight ere the anxious mother retired to rest.
The negress was sleeping upon the floor, and Biddy was rest-
ing in a large arm-chair, near the fire. Mrs. Meredith retired,
but not to sleep.

There were others who passed a sleepless night, but she
knew it not. She could not imagine so dreadful a. fate for
one who had been so dear to her as .Harvey Osgood, although
she found her mind resting constantly upon him, in spite of
her soliciuulc for her children. She was not a believer in
prosentimcms, but she felt troubled.

Morning dawned. It was bright as a winter’s morning
muld be.

It was, perhaps, half-past eight o'clock, when Sim Mon-in
came rushing into the house, sayino‘:

“ Comes—quick! Follow me i”

“ Where should we go?” asked Mrs. Meredith.

    

  

    

 

 

  

mm MARRIAGE moms. 88

“ To your children, an‘ to freedom! Don‘t ax another
question, but come J"

Sim and Biddy led the way; Mrs. Meredith and Dinah ('01-
lowed. They took their course toward the Schuylkill.

CHAPTER X.
men'r IN mamas.

, Tm]: day dragged wearily along for Blaisdell. He repeated
to himself a. hundred times the words of the old adage,
“there‘s many a slip ’twixt the cup and the lip.” He was
extremely restless. Not from any especial reason; but, he
felt a presentiment of evil, or, perhaps, his own guilty eon-
science conjured up images of terror. Conscience should
have painted the World in blood, but his conscience was not a
troublesome one. He really loved Laura as much as such
a nature as his was capable of loving. Still, it was not that
pure love which exalts, dignifies and ennobles—that love
which is ever self-sacrificing and seeks the happiness of the
object of its regard.

On account of this uneasiness, the captain was astir early
on the morning of his proposed marriage-day. It was not
more than eight o'clock when, in company of the chaplain and
two officers as witnesses, he set out for the cabin where Laura
was awaiting him.

The party were met at the door by the poor girl. A smile
was resting upon her face, but it appeared to be forced. She
extended her hand to the captain, and asked:

“ How is it ‘6‘h my mother ‘2”

“ She will be with you in an hour, or two at the most.”

“ And is it not possililefor her to be present when the
ceremony takes place '3"

“Do not speak of your mother before these gentlemen,
Laura. If they knew all the particulars connected with this
atl‘nir, they might interfere to prevent her escape, Let the
ceremony proceed without question, and rely upon my doing

 

  

80 THE‘ scncnmu. naxonas.

all for my wife that I promise her before she beocmes so. Are
you ready ‘9"

“ Yes, as much so as my disquietude will permit.”

The chaplain and the witnesses entered the cabin.

“ Who givelh away this woman ‘2" asked the good man.

“ I do."

The speaker was old Nancy. She raised herself from her
bed of rags, and came tottering forward. She took the hand
of Laura and passed the unresistiug maiden to Blaisdell.

The ceremony went on, until the question was asked :

“ If any present know aught why this marriage should not
take plaCe, let them speak now, or ever after hold their

- peace.”

Old Nancy replied :

“Perhaps the mother of the girl might object. Look !"

Blaisdell could not Conceal his surprise and annoyance as he
saw the mother enter the room, accompanied by Sim and his
wife, and the negress, Dinah. But, he extended his hand in
a. cordial manner, exclaiming:

“ I rejoice that you have arrived, Mrs. Meredith. But, I
had hoped to reserve to myself the pleasure of releasing you.
But you are safe now.”

“ I think,” replied Mrs. Meredith, and her manner was firm,
but pleasant, “ that, as I came in, the question was being asked,
“ if any present had aught to say against the marriage.”

“ That question was asked,” replied the chaplain.

“And how do you answer it, my child?” asked Mrs. Mere-

. dith. “ Come, speak frankly."

    

“ That my heart objects.
must keep it!"

“ You gave your word that, if yOur mother was released by
the influence of Captain Blaisdell, you would become his wife,
did you not _?"

“Yes, mother; that was the condition.”

“ But I have not been released through his influence.
Therefore, you are not bound, even by that promise."

“ You did not give me time to effect that release," said the
captain, the blood mounting to his face.

“Could you not have brought me here with you, in order
that I might witness the marriage of my child ?"

But, I have given my word, and

    

 

4" '.x
H

 

 

    

A sun in mmnnevrron. 91

Blaisdell hit his lips, and answered:

“Perhaps I might have done so. But, you are' even now
running a great risk.”

“ Hach ever been charged with being a spy? Has such
a cl'ary/e been lodged against me, with the proper authorities ?"

“ No. I gave in a wrong report, but that can not long shield
you.”

“Have I not been your prisoner, and that without the
knowledge of your General 1’” .

“ Yes. I did it to save you.”

“ Then I insist that this marriage shall not take place. You
have forced my child to it, under the shallow pretense that
you would save her mother from death. She has saved her-
self. But if not, I will return and submit. to trial, sooner
than my child shall become the victim of such a villain l”

“Then let it be so," cried Blaisdell. “ I arrest you at once
upon the charge of being a spy 1”

“Oh! no, no, mother! I will become his wife to save
you !"

“ No! I’ll be blowed if you do! Whoop i" and Sim leaped
into the air and whirled his shillalah in the most approved
Tipperary fashion.

“ Golly, massa capt'n, you jes‘ shut up, or ole 'Dinah will
gib ye goss i"

“ Stay i" said the chaplain. “ I understand this lady is
charged with being a spy, and that Captain Blaisdcll has not
only screened her, but aided her to escape. It will become
necessary to arrest her, and also to call the captain to account.
It will be necessary to return at once to head-quarters, captain
Are yo; ready ‘3”

“If I will not go ?"

“ Then force must be used."

“ W710 will force me ‘1”

“Myself and these two officers."

“ Then you will take my dead body only i"

“ Don’t throuble ycrself,” said Sim. “ We're goln' tohavo
the hul of yees 1” ~ I

“ What do you mean, sir ?" asked the chaplain, in surpfiae.

“ That you are all prisoners."

“ Prisoners l"

  

 

 

m scmmmm. “some.

 

    

“ Yes. Every mother's son of ye. Whoop l" and Sim
clapped his heels together in the air.

“ And do you think to capture us ?” exclaimed an officer,
with a sneer. “ You, the only man present 1"

“ Don’t shlnnder my Biddy, and be blowed to ye! She is
n hetther man than either of yees. An’ if ye don‘t like
Biddy, what do yees think of Captain Brand ?"

“ lapmin Brand l" echoed the officers in astonishment.

“ Yes, Captain Brand,” and the supposed old N uncy threw
aside the old wig, spectacles, and dress, appearing as his verit-
able self.

“ There are but two men against four i" cried Blaisdell, “ so
down with them.”

“ Here am anodder man 1" shouted Dinah, “ an’ dnt makes
free. An" I speck free Yankees am equal to four red-coats
any day."

“ Upon them i" yelled Blaisdell, as he made a movement to
that end himself.

“ No, you don't i" cried another voice, and Zeke and Dan
entered the apartment, accompanied by half a. dozen others.
“ Huzza! for the right boys, and into ’em like hungry dogs
alter a. breakfast,” added Zeke, us he displayed his hook
tln'euteningly. ‘

“ Betrayed i" cried Blnisdell.

“Reckon ye are. Now, jest keep quiet, for you are goin‘
to Valley Forge, jest as sure as preachin’, in double-quick
time.” ,

Blaisdell saw that resistance would be folly. So with the
others. But the chaplain had placed reliance upon the word
of the captain, believing that the daughter was a willing bride,
and that the mother raised lienohjection because she sym-
pathized with the patriots, and could not consent to receive as
her son-in-htw, a person connected with the British army.
He had come with the otlicer simply to perform the ceremony,
for from imagining that he was participating in any wrong.
This he frankly stated to those who had so suddenly appeared.
He also stated that the two officers had come as witnesses,
simply, and upon the especial request of himself and the cap-
tain. .
“ If this is mic," said Zeke, “ and I new no doubt tint is in

 L .. e- “w”..-

  
  

  

  

  

.JEH-A _. .-,n...~_

 

  

 

A WEDDING SPOILED

   

so, you can go free. That is, if Dan and the rest J the boys
don‘t have any objection.”

“ Not a hit,” said Dan. “We only want this scoundrel l"
and he drew a rope from beneath his coat, and commenced
binding the arms of Blaisdell.

“0h, thar’ ain't no use kickin'," said Dan. “You’ll do
it a great deal better to-morrow, when you are strung up at
the Valley for the crows to eawl cawl over.”

“Are we free to depart ?” asked the chaplain, indicating,
his two friends with himself.

“ Yes," replied Zeke. “ But, I want you to do one thing.”

“ \Vhat is that ?"

“ Wal, you see that big gun p’intin’ rite at‘us across the river 1’”

fl 1763.”

“ Wal, I want you to walk very careful along until our
party get out of range. It don‘t care for myself, but it might
damage the women, you know. Dear creatures. I should
hate to have them hurt atler all they‘ve went through.”

“ We will do nothing to indicate that you are enemies,
since you are generous enough to release us. And, if I were
to speak just what I do feel, I should say that the captain
deserves to be captured, and to receive the punishment which
will follow, for the double part he has attempted to play.”

“ Enough said. Come on.”

Zeke drew a pistol and placed it to 'the head of Blaisdell,
saying:

“ If you make the least attempt to escape, or give an alarm,
you will go to your father, Old Nick, 'het‘ore you can draw
three whili‘s of heaven‘s air. Remember I”

Blaisdell was taken from the house by Zeke and Dan.
Laura and Dinah followed. The others determined to re-
main behind for a short time, in order not to attract atten-
tiun by so large a number leaving the cabin at once.

They took the horse which had been ridden by Blaisdell,
for the use of Laura. She was helped into the saddle, and
the friends, with the captain prisoner, set out at once for
Valley Forge, knowing that the others would follow on im-
mediately. As they progressed, Laura said:

“ I had a strange dream last night. It was of Osgood.”
“ What was war dream 1’” asked Blaisdell. /

    
  
 

  

    

94 m scnurmru. annexes

“ That he was dying. I saw him, pale as the snow over
which we are riding, and around him stood angry men. There
was no pity on any thee. I strove to reach his side. The
crowd gave way, and I did so. But when I touched his hand,
it was cold. lie was dead."

“ Let us hasten to the camp," said Blaisdell, in an excited
manner. ‘

“ Wherefore ‘8" asked Zeke. “ What‘s up ‘1’”

“ Because there has been a charge of treason made against
Osgood. If the accusation is proven, he will suffer
death.”

“ Who made that charge ‘2”

“ General Howe.”

“ Not yourself, eh '2"

“ No."

“ It is Well you did not. For, if you escaped punishment
by a regular court-martial, I would have torn your heart out
of your breast, if you had done aught to harm Lieutenant
Osgood, for he is as true and brave a man as ever livet ."

“ I believe you.”

“ Let‘us hasten,” cried Laura. She urged forward her horse
so rapidly, that it was impossible for those on foot to keep
pace with her. ‘

It was approaching the hour of evening. The sun was
fast sinking in the west. The nearer the ardent girl came to
the camp, the more excited she became, and the more rapidly
she urged on her steed. Dinah had made the greatest effort
to keep pace with her young mistress, but had not been able
to do so.

The sun was, perhaps, an hour high. when Laura dashed
into camp. The negress was half a mile behind, and the
others, who held Blaisdell, were perhaps another half-mile to
the rear.

As the troops saw the approach of Laura, they welcomed
hr: with a cheer, and one of the number said:

“Quick, Miss Laura, ride to the General’s head-quarters.
You are just in time.” 1'

The night dragged slowly along for Osgood. No friend
came near him. He was, as he felt, indeed alone.

     
    

 

  

   

 

SA VET). w

Daylight came. The day crept on. Several tunes he heard
voices without speaking of his execution, and no one appeared
to feel the least pity for his wretched condition.

An hour before sunset he was called for by the guard, and
emerging from his place of confinement, he saw the army
drawn up in line, and beyond, the scali'old upon which he was
to suffer. He glanced around. Each face was cold and stem
——thcre was no hope—death was before him, and a death if
the most ignominious character.

But he walked firmly forward.

Upon a sudden he heard a scream. He recognized the
voice. He had barely time to turn before Laura sprung from
her horse, and was received into his arms. The poor girl had
comprehended the state of things at a glance, but why her
lever was to sufl‘er she could not tell. She clung to him with
all the intensity of her soul, and begged for his life.

There were few who did not weep as they gazed upon the
stricken girl; but it was for her that tears fell, and not for her
lover. .

“ You must take yourlast farewell," said the officer in charge,
in a kind voice. “ We pity you, but the decision of the court
must he carried out." .

“ Oh! no ! lie is not guilty of any crime,” shrieked
Laura, “1 know he is not.”

But the poor girl could do nothing. The prisoner was
taken forward and mounted the scatfold, while Laura was ,
home apart, fainting.

The charge was read to the prisoner and then the specifi-
cations, the letters, and the findings of the court. As the let-
ter which was sttppoSL-d to be from Osgood to General How:
was beingr read, Dinah came up. She listened a moment, and
then cried :

“Massa Cap‘n Blaisdell wrote dnt. letter. I see’d ’em/"

“When ?" asked the commander.

“ Yes‘erday, at missus’ house. See—see"—:md Dinah pro-
duced the slips and the letter of Osgood, upon which the name
of Blaisdell had been scribbled. This produced an instant
change in the matter. The words were the same and the
writing so different, being apparently an imitation, that} the
Gmeral asked:

   

  

 

96 Tim scnurmnir. museum

“ Are you sure that Osgoan did not write this letter 1"
“ Sartin shu‘! De British sogcr captain—he did it all.fov
“Ire!” ‘

“ You saw it written ?”

“ Ynhl An’ dar‘ comes de man (lat done it. Ax ’em "

Blaisdell now came up. The proof was so strong against
him that denial was folly. He therefore confessed the author-
ship of all the correspondence produced before the court. This.
remarkable evidence at once so changed the aspect of affairs
that Osgoodwas removed from the sentfold and surrounded by
his friends.

“ But how came you by the chart of our camp ?" asked the
General of Blaisdell.

“ It was furnished by him i” Blaisdell pointed to Johnson.

“By Johnson,” echoed a some of voices.

“ By the one who calls himself Johnson, but he is no other
than Captain Brown of the British army, as you will see if
you remove his disguise."

This was indeed true, and the scaffold prepared {hr poor
Osgood was used for that villain, and Blaisdtdl was returned
under guard to l-lowe, to suffer the penalty of his crime by
disgrace and expulsion from the army. He did not await the
ordeal7—being found dead by his own hand, in the guard-
nouse, on the morning after his return—a pistol-shot having
done its work. How he obtained the weapon was not
Known.

Our hero lived long and happily. Laura became his wife.
Our other friends are among those few immortal Revolutionary
names, “ who were not porn to die."

        
    

  

 

 

  

 
 

    

\

 

 

 

 

,IDIBIE

STANDARD

DIALOGUES
For School Exhibitions and Home Entertainments.

Nos. l to '.'l lnelniive. l! to ‘55 Pop-ulnr Dlnlnzull nnrl Drum“ In ouch bank. Each volumu 100
Hun page», mu pou-puul, on [c.ulill- of price, lull cums.

Beadle & Adams,'Publishe1-s, 98 Vfflliam Sf... N. Y.

'l'hm vnln-nM Inn-o been pmpnrml with upnelnl rah-mum lo lholr Arallnblllty for Exhlbltlnm,
being ndnphnl m sl‘llnu‘! tlud vnl’luffl \vuh or wllhnut thu lmnlllxrn . l n Mum-,mnl lulled unfit}th
All» AND YOUNG PEUP E or every “39,1th nmln nn-l lcmnla. lt itlnlr to lullmu |hnt no'
Otlmr hunks in llm mnrlwt, nt unv prim, contain lalnln)’ uul’ul nud .nvnilnblu dluloguu n-ddnwnl
at “it, palms, Mama! and uullmuut. .

DIME DIALOGUES, N0. 1.

.‘lnllng ofthn Mum. For nlnoyuung hull-.1. thnubhlng. Forllvo “ken.
Mailing a Live Englinlnnnn. For t urea km) . 'l'lw SI-crut n! Succeu. cur three “milieu.
’l‘nnn‘n Connnliun. ' o and {emlm \‘nun Ann-rim. 'l‘hroe muln and two iomnlll.
I‘uhlnn. Fur lwn lnrl' Josep nin I lh-stllly. anr lelnnlu, onnnmle.
’l‘hn Relwnnnl. l-‘n ban. The Full) of the Duel. For thn-u mule upeuLu.
\"hlch will you Chonul For lwohnyl. Dognmlinxn. Fur lhru IIIllle lpenkt‘l'l.
Tue Queen nl' 1143'. Fur two llulu mth The lxmurnnt Conlnnndnl. Fnr lu'o bnyl.
Th- Ten‘l’urty. For [our ll||ll¢b Tho FAN. Young Mm. lr‘nrtwn mnlvl.

S‘ - «n in Wuddwl L‘I‘ Mnlund fomnlu. Thu Yunr'n Ruckonlmz. 1‘) l'unmlu mu] 1 mnlu.
I. n’ Cunhsniun. l 1- male nn-l l‘mnulu. The Villngu with Onu Goutlcuuu. For night {0-
Tho )llnluu of tth Splrith Flu» young mm. xnnlun Ihul on male. :

DIME DIALOGUES N0. 2.

Th: Gonlno nfLTherlv. 9 mil l nnrl l (amnlo. film to Vrita ‘ I‘opnlnr' Starla. Two mm
(.‘ianlornllu or, 'l'hu Hulu (El; Sl'mn-r. The Now mnl the (IN. Fur two mulu. ‘
Dulng Um. nml 54H": Bud. SL A Sensnllnn at La“. Fur lwonulu.
'1‘ Golden Rule. 'I‘u-onmlc nnul two lmnulcl. ’l'ho (ix-eonhnru. Fur two mnlel.
'1: Gift ohhe Fuln Queen. urnl femnlu. The Tum Men of Selenru. For {our main.
'l‘u-n l I nnd D 4 For lwn thmvtura. The Old Lml)‘: \Vill. For {our mnln.
Tho Country Aunll \ 1| t to tho City. For uv- The Lima l'hll In mm. For two Hula glrb.

oral clmmrlurn. New In l-‘llnl uh I ulr. For llvo mum.
The Twu Rn'umll. For two mnln. The Virlnu. FM nix younng
Trylnz tho Chm-Mun. Fa ‘ lhru mnlen. A Cnnnnhlnl Eclouuu. ,
Th: llnppv F‘nlnllv. For lax-urn] ‘nnl hfllI.’ Tho l‘nhllu :nullng. Flvomnlunnd nnofomlllt
'I‘ln Rainbow. For Iuvornl chm-noun. The Eugl'uh Tuvalu. For two ml".

DIME DIALOGUES, N0. 3.
Th- an Qnoon. for an enllro school. Tho Gn-nleal Cook. For two mnlel. .
.Dm. mm... (‘onvongiuyh 142.: um femu‘gl. Nluslerplm-o. For two mule: nud two {on-ho. 1
Kunlng lhd Company. A Farr-I. Fur flva InnlM. Tho Two llomnnl. For two nmlrl.
Cnnrllng Under DiMculliuI. a mnh-I, l l‘unmlu. Tho Sumo. Svcnnduano. l-‘urtwo mnlol. -
Nntionnl Ruprnunmtlrrl. A Burlesque. 4 mnlul. Showing the Whllu anlhor. ‘ Innl-vnI l term-lg
Edwylug tho Dml't. For numeruuq mnlol. Thu Bulllu Call. A Hucltntlu. Put an.

DIME DIALOGUES, NO. 4.
Thu le REM. For (H! or more rpnonl. The Stnhb‘elon-n YolnnlM-r. 9 mnln. l tumult
Starling in Life. 'I hreu mulra nn-l lwn lo-nnlrn. l. rnc {mm “ l'nul l‘ryfl' For lonr maln-
Fllth, H“ a and Churily. lF-ur lln-uu Iiulu girll. |‘2.u mu. For Ihruc mnlu and on. hnnnlg.
l’nrr-v nu Joan. Fur mo mulu un-l awfunmlc. 1!”, (t rk and Broom. For thrre Iinlo glrln.
'l'lu Muy. A Final Fancy. For nix Int 0 girli. l'lm lihzht \"n". ACullnqny. For Iwo Luyu.
'l'he Enull'lnlud Prlucau. 9 nmlmmurcrnl l’rnmh-n \l lmt lhu ll-rdgrr Snyl. For two mul-u.
."nnnr to Whom Hon rr lo Duo. 7 males. 1 fuJInln Thu (‘rhnu «(Dr-en. A Colloqny. Furnish-)1,
Th» (lrnllu Cli-ml. Fur-ovum! nmlosmno n-mnlr l" o vaur-l of Benevull‘m‘e. l-ur {our null-4g
l'eruoiogy. A Dl-tunlon. For lu'enly nmlus. Thu Lullvf. For two ululcl.

DIME DIALOGUES, N0. 5.
TM "hug Gnu-u. FM :elwd or nrlnr. 'anno: on Ah". A (‘nllnqmn 'lv'vr W0 lulu.
lelment. A " 'I'hfoo l’ursnn r' " . .Thn leulll M rli- F"""‘:"“"“1 "'3‘ "
I d the f‘nrlnln. ll‘ur nmlm and f o. ’l‘u-o hlmn 01 Lily. A Cnllnquy. l-or um filth.
Fm l‘l Soclvly. Flvn hm ‘ nlul n n- ‘I‘lu-r. ll-‘xlrm-t {nun Mnrlna Fuller".
ulin v Dav. l‘orwvnnl h-‘Il lll‘ churuutl.‘ n-In-Jlnnnv. An Ac 1 u “Mm”;
M Six \‘lrtnu. For ..lx \munulndxrl.
Tim lriohnmn u Homo. Fur twn mnlu.
1- lm‘" Tnnruo. Sun-ml mum m-d fauna». FMMMHIMN Requlu um. For thruylrll.
Haw Sui to (lot In Amour. For two fumnlu. A Buvy of PI (Eyel . For olzhtorluulnmglfll

DIME DIALOGUFS, N0. 6.
Thaw“ 'l'hI-y KO)“ ISM-vet. Mala nnrl hmnlu. The Two Ponnnelm. For tlmo mnlol. _ -
Tho Pud‘ und'r mmmn- F", m. ml“. The Vnurlu of Fully For n number cumulus
\Vlllluu Tr“. For n I. I‘M], \nnt nutly'l Bunn Funr hmllu Ind Iva mules.
“'umnn’l Right- Be‘un nurl 1w» mnlu. Thu leel Sult. Folr two {amulet and on. In

 

         
      

 

 

 

    

   

 

 

 

 

    
 

 
   

      
 

l

 

r
ya 'l‘rlbun.|l. Fur ton buy‘,

 

 

 

. l I
All I: not Gnld.thnt mull/$34- . um kinda. fluntn Clnuo. For g nnmlver urbm-n.
Chrl-tvnu delu. For mural llltloglrll.
Tl» Thu Ill-ago. Fur two lulu.

The Gun-tou- Jew. For le "I’ll"-
lh-pplug. For the. unk- nml m M

  

 
  

 

Dime School Series-Dialogue“

’ !
Y.

r DIME DIALOGUES No. 7.

Tl“ two mm. For ruurtuu {elm l‘
The earth—child In fairy-Du .d. For girls.
Twenty your; hence. Two females, one male.
Thu “my to Wiudnnlu. For two mules.
Wumm. A peak pun-u at words. Two ‘uoys.
Thu ’Olnkirl. A Collouuy. Fur two lllfllth
How to gut rill ot‘u lune. For seven-ul Imys.
Hoarding-school. ’l'wn Hullrl and two l'enuulut
Pica for tho lllmlgo. For twu mulu.

Tin.- ills of drum-drinking. For three boys.
’l'rue pride. A colloquy. For two t'umulu.
The two luuluun. l‘ur uumcrolu mule».

 

 

Two views arm». Colloqny. For two land.
The rights ofumlic. For two {Mn-MOI.

A hopeless case. A query in verse. 'l‘woxlrls.
'l‘hu would»b¢ Ichuul-tuucher. For two nnlu.
C nun to life too won. For xhroo luulul.

Eight o‘clock. For two littlu giril.

'1'ru-: dignity. A collnquy. For two boyl.
Griol' two expensive. For two umlus.

llululut and tho ghost. For two persons.

thllu rad rluiug hand. For two leumlel.

New nlnlniiuutiuu of nu nhl rule. Huy- unll glrl;
Colorul uoulus. A calluuny. For two unlu-

DIME DIALOGUES No. 8.

Tho fairy School. For n numbur ul' girls.

Tim emailing ufllcer. ’l‘hruu girls uml two boys.
‘l'hu lune bulluuthushlt. For threu lmya.

The wirl at tho criud. Fur thruu girli.

Thu luvrl rebel] un. 'l'wo lllllll'l 1|le nun female.
Slaw hutwure. Several mulol nml lwu femules.
Cuudla'n vuluclpede. Onu mule und om tumble.
Thedgum. For sm'erul mnnll chil-lrgn.

The trial of Puer Slupor. For novau boys.

 

 

Getting It phutogrnph. Mules and familial.
Thu society for uuuurul im n-ovsnmnt. For glrlt
A nubhumn in disguise. hrua girls, six buys.
Url-ut expectation». For two but I.

[1.131ng IclmoL Five femulel and {our malts.
Cluthul fur tlm heutheu. Una mulu, an: M110.
A hard cune. Fur tixrao boy I.

Ghost». For ton funnies and on. lush.

DIME DIALOGUES No. 9.

Advartlslrg 'u'r btl . For n numhux' of females.
Amuricn tn Evyl'm , greeti n1. F -r twu buys.
Thu oh] and the new. Four tumult-s mu mule.
Cholcuut‘trulul. Fur twulw Hqu boys.

'l‘h-J lnp-dug. Fur twn fuxnnlcs.

The victlm. For fuur I'm-mid: undone malt.
The Iluellll. F r twy; h .31.

The tnm llllnwnph‘y. Fur femalns and males.
A 304d 0 ucutiou. For two l'umules.

The 1qu ni‘humun kindness. For two fumnlu.
Spoilml chlhlrun. For I mixed school.

Brutus Itml Culsius.

(luriulnnus surl Aufinlius.

Ths naw schnlur. For n numbor of g'rls.

The self-muda umn. Fur lhrnu mules.

The May 1 union (No. 9.) For n Ichuul.

Mrs. Luck nml'l aconomy. 4 boy; Md 3 zlle-
Should womuu bn Klvcn ths baulutl For boys.

DIME DIALOGUES No. 10.

Mrs. Mnrl: 'I‘wnln’n llmr. One umlo. nnereumlo.
Tm uhl flux. School festivnl. For than boys.
The court allnliy. Fur muuy girls.

Grunt llvel. For le buys mnl sixzirls.

Semulul Fur numeroun mules nml [unthin-
Tha light ol'luvu. Fur twn lmu.

Tho flaw-w children. l-‘ur twulvs “lull.

Thu dun! unclu. For threw! buyn.

A discussion. For two boys.

The rehennnl. For n school.

The true way. For lllrce boys and one glrl.

A pructiml life lessuu. Fur threw girls.

The muuk uml tha widlav. For two buys.
llflHBiG. Schnul feltivul. For two girls.
Lnrll Dumlrt-ary’s Visit. ‘2 mulol and ‘1 tumult;
\Vitches iu the rnmn. FM 8 girls and .‘l buys.
Frenchman. Chnruda. Nuxnuruul chm-nun.

DIME DIALOGUES No. 11.

A ponmncu srs vary dortllful. For six hnvs.
T m conundrum (mu 1y. For male and limnle.
Curqu Mat-y. Tum mulul and four famnlol.
Jock Ind luu bean-talk. For flue characters.
The w; tn 0.“ ltnml not to do it. Sfamalcl.
How to vcnme health}. etc. Mule nndt‘cmnlc.
Thu oaly true life. l‘ur two all-IL
Classic culloqulvl. Fur two buys.

‘7. G-Isluvus VXII'I un:l (,frintluru.

n. ’l'umcrluue and quuzet.

Fdsllionnllle dluipntion. For two lilth girls.
A Ichnul nimrudu. For two boys nml two llrll.
Juun Illgolmv’l “ Songs u! Swen." Swan [it‘ll-
A llubllltf. Fur fnur boys.

Rugged Dick's luwm. Far thrso boys.

Sch-:01 churmlr, wlth tnhlouu.

A wry quustl-muble story. For tvn. boys.

A null. lt‘ur ihr a mules.

Tho ruul gautlunmu. For two bays.

mm: DIALOGUES no. 12.

Ynnlme nuwrnnnr. For lever“ ch u-nrturs.
Buur Inf‘ wanted. For unrul rhnruttul'i.
Whuu l WM young. Fur two girls.

Tho umst yvruclous lwrituzu. For two hoyl.
Tim .luuhlu curu. ‘l‘wu mnlus "ml I‘uur (annulus.
The (lawn-Kurds“ I'nirl . Fur five little uirht.
Jumlm n‘n n Ivul. 'I'hr-:c1wtluuml lwu (amulet
Damn-u of the whim”. 1’0. thruu girls

 

A In-m at to pattern After. Ten chan
[law to I I mum. Au noting chm-Lulu.

'l‘hu rue-Itqu crupmlu. Fm lln_\'~) mid tench".
'F‘iut naughty bm'. Throu uuulus mu] I hula.
Mull-cup. An untlmz rluu'nda.

All Is nut L’Villl (hut ulilturs. Actluz proverb.
Sh; trumit glwriu muunll. Acting churudu.

 

DIME DIALOGUES N0. 13.

Two o'clock In the mornln . For three mnlu.
Au ilullgnutinn mentlug. filo! several l'eulnlul.
Baton nud behlnd tho stones. Suvarnl chlmct’s.
Th. Iohlut boy. A num ber of boys and teacher.
Bliss Dun). A dress plans. For glrll Ind bnyn.
Not so hsd u it seems. For Iovernl chsrutors.
A curb-tone moral. For two main and {um-lo.
Isu- ' pub: ’ ‘

 

n. In

Worth. nnt won'th. For Four boys nnd a touch».
No such word us lull. For sun-ml um‘u.

The sleeping beauty. For n Iclmo'.

Au innocent intrigue. Twnmllu nudnfsmllo.
Ohl Nably, the fortune-teller. For thru ‘hlg'
Wy-htfilk‘. dli'odr uvorsl llttla‘blmh m.

l at or s an‘. nrmsm g .

A, ' 'tll F' Fortwoba’o-d‘hi

 
  
 
 
  
   
    
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
   
 
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
 
  
   
   
  
    
 
   
   
  
   
   
  
    
   
   
  
   
 
   
   
  
  
 
   

 

 
 

 

  
 
 

    
   
  
  

 
  
  

   
  

 

   

 

   
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
 

   

Dlue school Holden—Dillon.-

 

DIME DIALOGUE? No. 14.

. Jamil .lrmal. Three gen!- and twu lulu.

Th. born genlua. Fur iuur guutl.

Mora timu om: llutulwr. For m: gent: and ludy.
I Who rn vurih in he! Fur “U‘Gi' girls.

[The right nut to be u ynulier. For two bnyl.
'\Vonmu nutme wili out. For n gi-la' school.
Ikneuict mud h-iclmlur. For two buyl.

The cu»! nl u drum. Fur tin: tit-noun.

'l'lm Impriw puny. l"unix in. in girll.

A practical dumwntrutiou. t’ur tlnw bog'l.

DIIIE DIALO

The (iiiiel’ esrnpmle. Numerous x-Iiuruclarl.
A lumt'n perplgmtinn. For six “untleluuu.

A llumu ium. Fur luo buiiul umi mm gem.
'l'hu Knoll “M! in bi midi. A number 0] hoyl.
Gnlllicluell new-uley. For two ha; I.

The lum- pilflhauplitr.‘ For two mil. girll.
Auut i’oliy'nli‘wiu. For fun: hulk“.

A uiml-i ll Ait‘ma churan Furluumber.
Will it in) I For two boys.

DIME DIALO

P lly Ann. For fuur Inrllen mnl uni: m-uliuuum.

'l‘ha Immlill‘; of the u null. iiar u tchuol.

Thu gnml they iiill. For six Luih-a.

The boy who \\ im. Fur nix gentlemen.

Good-by il 9'. A rulluquv. Fur thru: girls.
'hu I k we“ mun. Fur three lit-3|.

The iuvustiguting committee. Fur uiun indict

A “ corn" " lu rnguu. Fur fuur bu) l~

 

 

‘wflueuwnt. Actingchnfide. Serernlrhnw
Camden“, lhn arbiter. Fur lmly und gem.
How |u make mother: bu ry. Fur Iww Wyn
A coucluuivn nrgmueut. Eur twu girll.

A woumn'. blindness. For lill'u- prim.

Ruin’n work ('l'empurunce) For l‘nur “an”.
'l‘lm lutui minute ‘or two 50m.“ inilln.

E) u qul none. For (he gent It’lli on. ltdy.
ltuuibutiou. Fur u number 01 buy!-

GU’ES No. 15.

Tni, lirir ut-luu. Fur numeroun mnlu.

Don't helluva what you incur. l‘vl' thru lullol.
Anuiutx rule. For tlirvclmiiel.

’l'hu chlel‘l rulolw. Exiruct. For two male.
Testing her lrieuill. For L'nvrul clmmcten.
'l'lw Iurelgunr’u l. nut-it‘s. For two lldi
'l he cut \viihout uu nwuz-r. Sm'rrul uh: uchll.
Nuturui ulcctmu. Fur thrn gautluumu.

GUES No. 16.

Tim imp: ol' the trunk room. For five girll.
The Miners. A Culluqlly. For two muuglrln.
Kitty'n lunel'tli. For n.- el'fli “er gil’il.
Slrulnurlu. Charmle. For uurerni rhurnctem
Testing her Acholuru. Fur uuluznmn «ht-inn.
'l'hu \wrid ii \vliut u'u Inukt' it Tm- gull.
'l‘lm old and tlm new. For gentlumun and lady.

 

 

DIME DIALOGUES No. 17.

1.1an lumxs’ h'l’h‘lci

To be happy you must bl good. Fur two little
gi In and uuu boy.

Evuue-cunt glory. For n bevy of hn_\'l.

'l'ha liule penn-Imilter. For tum little girls.

Wi-ut pnrts iliulltll. For mo little girl».

Murtlm \Viuhingwn ten party. For in littl'
girl: in ohl-timv cuutumu ‘

Thu uvil than: I- In It. I-‘ur tvm young ban.

“'1” uud i'uulith llufc girl. For tum iris.

Aphilil'l inquiriu. For mmllchilu um tucker.

The counting club. For twu girl! uiul othom

Him tn d.: it. For two boys. ‘

A humlvmi yean tu coma. For boy nnrl girl.

Don’t trust (new. For Iavuul Imuii boil.

Above the skin. l-nr twu Inn-ll girls.

The true hrromn. Fur time littiu imyl.

Ilvu u: litll-e ho.” a chuucu; ‘l‘hu utnry ol‘ the
plum pudding; ['ll bun mun; A little girl'-
tighu Ilwflbh; Julmny’l opiuhm of gruml-

,mvlhnn; ’l'hn harming hen; HI knnwn liar
nu; A small bo)’l VIUW of coma; Robb)":

DIME DIALO

Fairy wlnliu. For several churnctun.

No rune \vi haul. n thorn. 9 male: uu-i l famlla.
’l'uu grimly hy hull. For than mulgu.

Ouu until] tum xluvrvu nuuther. l-nr 6 ludian.
Cunning )lgliudu. Fur 3 lmyl nml l lmly.

Thv new schulur. For m-veml buyl.

The iilll: inturmnnr. Fur {om lxuilnl.

Annie. dunk, For it gentlemen mu] 3 Indian.

DIME DIALO

\
An swful mythrv. Two («mules Ami twu xuulan.
Cuntuutment. For five iittlo ho ‘
\l'ho Ire thu luiutnl Fa: Ihrwu yuan: I I'll.
Culifunxll unclu. Thru mulu nuul'llweu (lulu.
Be kind to tha pocr. A little Lilla" lay.

How [maple nra luturoui. A “ dual.”

Mayor. Acting elm-mic. For {mu shut-curl.
Thu wicks fiend. For four boyu.

 

his ANII DIALOGUE!!-

Icrmuu; Nubmiy’l child ', Nuttlnglt lzrnndpl
Gray in; Little tmy‘n View of hmv (.‘ulumhul
discurch Alumni-u; Iilllu girl'u \l ' L“.
Li; hm ’5 Ilwwh on than; A “Hit: in- v
at; Thu Illldlilfllll munlrr; ltomvy Rub a lac-
nou; llnw tlm buby ulna; A hoy’l
'iiuuul; The new ulnle: A mnllmr’l
luv»; Thu crenwuin' glory ; Bxby Lulu ; Julh
liiiiiugl on the humhlu I‘I‘I1WI'UD‘MIHKU‘N'T}
D)in yuntnrfiuyk‘fhe rhictm‘o lllllhllixfl; Tho
he” App.r\-il-¢~Wrfl u: from mil; ilnu’t
Iznut u. he Lu: Onlv a drunk»: lelluw;
’.l he twt hula rollinn: h Iluw ta condemn;
Anon-anus ul : LN! y'ndeulunmlmu; A
oldiil'n duulrn; Begun; a whim mt: Rub-
I-duh; Culumny; Liulu vimttorhox; When
nru they; A boy": vinw; Tho tweutv lmm'
Golng t‘u nchuol; A morning lmth: ' ho r
01' “and: A l'uucy; in the sunlight: ‘hI
‘ho llitlv musiciun; idle Bun;
Pottery-nun ‘lwn and now.

GUES No. 18.

Give A ling n bllli unmo. For lnur “Million.

Spring-Ilmu wiaher. For six little girl

Lmt Charlie; or. lhu gipsy'u rcvvugu. Far I;
nmmurh 'nulrrn.

A little lrump. [Fur three little hay;

“lll’il (hm-.3. Far ‘2 nautiuuru and «l hull".

'l'ht- lt'llllll wn-li wuth inarniug. Fur mo mule!
unit l\\'n temnlnl.

GUES, NO. 19.

The refini-il Iimylatonl. For {our hull“.

R- nuunhur llanwn. Far thm- main.

Mmlarn mlucutlon. 'l‘llreu mult'l IInd nm femnlo.

Mud with luu much/lam. For time mulch.

‘l‘ho fair'y’l warning. Dre" piece. For two girl...

Aunt Euuico’l experiment. For uvvrul.

The nn'tterioul 0,6. Twahnnln And one mnl‘

We'll no to mortpgn Una mm. For on. u
and two {amnch

  

    

 

 

  

 

 

3|:an dial a. For: Chrhflnu Fu—
tlnL WW 1 mu char-eun-
flou- d’udr. Fur that [th-

AJI old-{uhhmod duet.
L13. man. in

   

  

nun. School. series—Maren“. *

w—

Tlu wrung mun. Time palm nn-l thm Maul-o
Aiterlloun culln. For two Iittlu girls.
Ned'u pwuut. For hurt» a.
Judgs nut. For touch" nu. mun-xi Icholnn.
Telling dmum. For (our litilu full.»
Saved by love. For two tun I.
Mismkun lilemlty. ’l‘wu mule: nml three {mini 1.
Couldn’t read English. Fur 3 mule! mull "mule.
A little Venn-ins. Fur Ii: littlu git-ll.

/ “ Sold.” Fur throo buys.

mmz 13113331123. 2%.. 23. .I

An Mr cutie. Fur five male: and thru farmla-
City mnnnrn uud country iuuru. For “I”. fit!

untl am; he,

The Billy Ilium o. For two girls lfld taunt.
Nut nne there For fun! nqu uliuucun.
Foot-yrint. Far Immeroun .Irurt-r .
Kin-ping bonnie“. ’l‘wn l'ei Ilt‘! mid thm Ila-in.
A cure Iur gmnl. One lutlynuil two gentlemm
'l‘lm creduluul win-urn. For two Hula.

 

 

  

 

mmi muonvm. No. 21.

A Incas-{ill Jonathan ymrty. Eur let'ttl’di.

Ont nt‘duht nut 01‘ dungur. Far tin-«u mm Ind
three l‘umnlu.

Little Red Riding Hood. For two chlhlron.

Huw 1h- Inmla him swam-e. A duct.

The home on thu hl. . Fur (our (minim.

Evidsucu enough. FM two malul.

“huh and wraith. Fur [our Kauai“.

Wuturlull. For uvcruL

The Dark Cupid: or, thn mismku of a morning.
For three unntlumu Ind twu ladies.

That Na’nrvdo-wall: or, n brothel”: lenon. For
two male: and two fumulul.

Hint art; nr the new umuin. For two girll.

Strung.) mlveuturen. For two boyl.

Tho king’u lupper. For fun! girls.

Il prm-timl exunplificutinn. For two boys.

bluntiuur 'l'hiu I in America; or, Yank-e VI.
Freuclnnnn. Fur lunr Inn‘l.

any’l diplomacy. 3 l'numlu Mid ‘ incldentnln.‘

A l’rnnchmnn; or, thu outwittud nuuL For two
mu: nut and gentleman.

iMm‘h Hultinp’reinm. FM {our main.
Cilulielln. For lev nlchildren.

‘l'nn much for Ann itildn. For threr {mulch
Wit and It wi‘ hm {cumin and our: nul-
A sudden remvu A . For three um I.
'l‘hunlunhl- strntngem. Forluur (c. el.
Counting chick“). bnful’l they turn hutch“.

For luur mulu.

   

    

mm: mucous, No. 22.

l'itnllin'l bnnqlut. For a number of zit-II.

Buys will bu bays. Fur two bay! and one glrL

A rniny dny; or, the animal-girl yhilolophorl.
For three young ludiel.

find in 10\'n. Fur A number ohchnlm.

The way in managed. For ') main. it tannin.
h‘xili4lxuuigo. V'nriuun clulrucl-rl,whito ud atlur

WI‘G.
The little doctor. Forlwn tiny girll.
A I\\'L‘I”. revenue. For four ho.
.‘luyx ,y. For three little 1. .
an the llllliinw lo the ridll'ulotn. For M m
lianrt nut fut-o. Fur fiVc boil.

 

‘a

   

DIME DIALOGUES, No. 23.

Rhndn Hunt}: remedy. Far 3h nuln,‘ mule.
H llll Schmidt/n rucummrnil. Fur two malol.
Clxurv and Grnmhla. For two Ltllo bm‘I.
Th- phantum don-:hnutl. Fur nix ftmulu.

A bvnr canton. Fur three mnin. two tannin.
Thu luury twu. For four l.ttlu girls.
Clicckuiute. For uunmmns chnructefl.

School time. Fur two Iittlu girll.

 

Dan it ply! For Ii: main.

Coulpuuy nmnmrl nnd homo impolilnnrn. ‘, For
two union. two funnier aml two children. '

The aim! Iluyn. FM two little linyi.

Unrnnunntn Mr. ltruwn. For 1 mth funnier.

I'll. mil cont. For tun girlt. ;

Druth scene. 9 prinripnl chm-uter And adjuncts
Drnn nml gold. Sovurnl churutrn, mule and for

mulo.
Containle Mllle'. For three main, two hulk.
Ignorance vn.£iuticn. Fur alum union.
l’mlnutn all. ‘ur l'our (vandal.

DIME DIALOGUES, No. 21.

The Indrlm o! libertv. For nim- ynnnu lndlu.
The thrn gnu-u. Fur thrcu imiJ mill.

'l'hn llmiic :iiuctur. Fur leveu mulu.

A "rung. Incrut. lv‘nr threu girl].

An unjust mun. For i'onr uI-ilea.

'l'hu Iltup girl'n victury. l nmle, 3 fmnlns.
Thu psychmnntiur. Q unltlozuou. 1‘ ludicl.
Mnun in no word for it Mr lonr Lulltrl.
\Vhinuicnl. It It un nt'chnrnct’a, lmth l9! .
Dicou urn tlu yawning“. Seven young 'rll.

 

   

 

The nix have men. For Iix hoyl.

lim'o you 'lilfl‘d the unwll

'l h-- tin-3 er . Two young Kirk. '

A sum: nuiutnke. 4 main, 1 luuuaia, I!!! up
vrul nuxillnriul.

Imy Mld bury. Ten little fellcwl.

Th» old nrul young. I gentltmnn. l mu. girl.

That push] Mini. 3 ln-lirlund l nautlrmun.

Muller (inmu nml liar hnlllrhnld. wit
culiuol lxuxt'y drms dinlu,uu nud tannin.

 

‘ DIME DIALOGUE}, No. 25.

1'th wolatita nflha (lei-cubic: and in minor-
nhlal. Fm two lailiu uml two pullout-q).
Wlutuuch would huvu. 6 little hnyi & bun-her.
Bun him: through the eiuuds. Fur [our ludiu.
i i'riund in numl. Fur four main.
Thu houra. For twelve little call.
In door: Inil out. Fur fin litilc bnys.
Dlnubntl. For and main und fuur remain.
The pound nf flelh. For three born.
. Baum oftho pnddlon. 'I mixed clmnchn.
(10ml worda. For a number nf lioyl.
A (rind. For n numb" al' llttiu girln.

 

Tha trno use rf wealth. For n whle Ichool.

(tunic. tar. er nm'uerwuu clinrurtnra.

I‘nt yonrueifin his place. FM two h‘rl.

Lint» wise llv'mil. Fur fnnr litllu girl-i.

The ruzrnrrntnu. Eor live b'n'l.

Cruhlree‘u waning. Savernl ehnrnclorn.

I'uuxrlty the bum ni'nll Inecau. Two main.

A cranked wm‘ made straight. Oua gunman-
nnd nnn ludv. '

now to " break in " yuung hmln. Two lull.
and on. gtwamnu.

9' The urban booh are laid by Nawndanlan orerywlmo, or will b. tent. Mud. h u!-

dduu,» mom of pnu, 10 mm Inch.

Wu J: Axum. nun-hm. as Winn-n as. x. r.

 

 

     

 

 

ha, ,

+.-r.»..,<,..m,./, .w ' . A

STANDAfin DIME MAKERS-50 to 80 Piece! in Bach Volume.

 
 

DIME AMERICAN srnmn, No. 1.

Young America,

Birthl any 01 Weehlngton
Plan for the Maine lnw,
Not on the brittleliullt,
Thu Ilhllnn struggle,
Indelmxnluuce,

Our country,

The equality nfmnn,

( lurm-tur ol the ltuvo’n
'l'hu [mi 2‘ uf the wnr,
The gnawing-machine,
True mammal],

'l'Iw mystery of life,
'l'nu up: nndd mud,
The Lmly grunt,

 

 

Enrlv maturing and rie’g,’1. Juboom’e oration,

A. \t’nrd’n oration,

l'rue nntionnhty,

Our nnml day,

Sulf inc, |
lnlulllicnce the bnnls o!‘
l he \vnrY

Altar thn hnllic,
i‘im glxui rniir ul,
lime ul Mir. Mnf n
l’rul‘. on new 0; ',
Ammhelpl‘ee, ’
\Vnehingto-l'l nn'nn,
l‘nu Ihlol‘ huy’e hymn,

 

DIME NATIONAL

Union and ill resulte,
0n: conntry’e future,
The etnmmnn‘e htiwrr,
True nnnwrtnlity,

Let the childlese weep.
Onr country’e glory,
Union I house olrl,
Independence hell,

The echolnr’e (llgnlty,
The cycch of rogresl,
A Christmne c nut,
Slehility ofChrlItinnily,
The true higher lnw,
The one grunt need,
The AMI) and the bird,

DIME PATRIOTIC SPEAKER, No.

meat, llilstnrv of mtr ling,

America to the world,
Love of cannuy,

Right or wit-preserva-
Onr cenee [tion.
A Kentnelrinu'e Appeal,
Kentucky stendi‘nut,
'l'imidlty is "won,
The nlernm,

- rll “£11.13”.

1‘ e epirlt of ’6].

The predate heritage,

Klebeymee on lire wnr
Age bluntly considered,
Early rieing,

The weep end the bee.
Comic Grammar, No. I.
I'm note Iingle men,
A. Werd’e ndvice,
Drain: on Pick wick,
Romeo and Juliet,

Tecurnsuh’g upcccll,
l‘urriturinl expansion,
\lnrthn ll.) films,

The brnlri'ul nnn'e etcry
The mnttar—of-l'uct luau,
Rich nnd prior,

Seeing the eclipen,
Bunuliee of tliu inn!I
Gu-lnnzl git up,

The ml: of lllu,
Creownlng glory of U. S.
‘l‘hree (null,

\thingtun

Oar grunt in’heritmlcn,
Eulugy on llcnry Clay,

 

The [rich eln
' rnin‘: I lug .
CllrisLy’e spa ’ll,
Int me nlune,
Brignnrl-ier General,
 1 "4 " h

n on “I uan oc CI.
The Unit“, we
Our cmmtry‘e cnll.
The elm-y ohm oak tree,
Lung on my leg,

 

A Dulch cure,

" e wenther,

l in! llnnlmi turn,

1’: llosop r_\‘ applied
An olJ n ..l..n, '

  

 

,Uhnrgu 01' light UHKMV, l‘l‘ncclannllnoxx, [L51],

'~;|L'\l'y nigln'u clljny’le,‘

“ ln njnet mule,”

No. pence nun appra-
ll nu,

ll Lilo of It mnnen,

,\ thanksgiving sermon,

Ah» wet 9i ennui,

SPEAKER, No.

Ohio,

Oln‘cf Hazard Perry,

Unr dmnnin,

Systems ul' belief,

The Indinn chief,

The independent farmer

Mrs. Grnmumr'e bull,

lime the xnnney canine,

Future of Lhu l' ehiuue,

lmyulty tr- liberty.

Our cuunlry um, last,
And n

Brigish lnllu
u: no or Jnclison,

Nutiunni hntrudn,

 

    

5

 

. F. l‘rIenzhcr’e milirele,
Wu owe in tin: Unlull,
Last run-och of Stephen

A. Donglne,

Lincoln'e nu‘ence.

G rent livee imperiehnble
The prophecy [or the 3"!
Unfinished problunu,
donor to the dead,
lmmortnlity of putrinh,
\V" hntlr’epolit‘l a} Ean

[liberty,‘l’o n3- win», pound fool- it vltiun in the Karma,

Thu pron,

\Vumnn’a rhzlrir,
Right of lllu invented.
lly in‘lricr,

Wmnnn,

Alunn, '

l'nu rubelllon of ram,
Hfiuulufle

2.

Murder will one,
Strive fur the heel,
[Lu-l? rising,

Den e at Lilith-ID",
Gate: of deep,

The bn 1in,

A Hun ish gem.
Purity of m ptruule.
Old age.

lhenntifnl rind true,
l'ho \vurm at the uni,
Mun And the Illflllit‘
Lnnunnge M the Eagle.
'tVusmnuL-m,

‘l'hu D.in;u.

8|

Framimn the whichwcml

Crush uf our nnliun,

Duty «1' Uht'ietiw pun
trintu,

Turkey Dnn‘e orhtion,

(A fenrlcu

    

 

Grunt llell Rolnml,

The New Year and "in
Kin: Cotton, [Uniom
Hattie anthem,

'l‘hu nude 0! pence,

DIME COMIC SPEAKER, No. 4.

Pug,

A ‘exen Enlonlnm,
Haw tn he n lireznnn,
The United Sink-I,
PIIlFe ncc’t of hlrnwlf,
Pmctlcnl phrenolo‘y,
Benntil'nl,

Cribbage,

Dimzreenble people.
What i: n hnuhelor‘ likel

 

Huppineee, ‘
Dot»

Funny follte,

A long: of wne,

Wnni'e ll'lp to Blchm'd,
l’nrudy,

The mountebnnlr.
Campaan interest,

A sermon on tin feat,
Old do: luck,

The ilrhes' toilet,

llrinn O‘Linn.

Who in my owonenti

 

DIME ELOCU'I‘IONIST, No. 5.

The cum 0 u-err.
A i‘ureimmv‘ e tribute,
The little lonzu'e.
Cuthnl ic cuthedrnl,
The “ Spennlntore."

Polltlnel linmp spreeh.
Cnniu (lmmnntr. No. 2,
Farewell to tho huttlu.
The cork leg.

The Imnck l l Ichonl.
Slink’e definition oi wife,
'l'nln o! ulnit,

The debating club,

A Dutch eernmn,

(‘rnclrctt tn olllce-eeelceu Luetnre on lucumotilm

Mranudle on Unltr ll.

 

“EC. ll.

 

Inc. I. Pancreas or Tune Exuxrurmx.

-—Fanlle in unuucintlnn; haw to Haiti them.
5 ecinl mice and oburvntlnne.
Tul AM or 0nnonv.—Sherldnn'e
Llet n! [he Pnuiane. TrunquillitLCneorful.
neee,ertll.Rnillery.Bnflounery J» ,Delinht,
Gravity, lnquiry Attention, Mo net , Per-
petin Pity, rlef, Melancholy, 1329mm,
eer, éhmne. Remane. Courage, Banning,
Pride, Ohetlnncy, 'Authnrltv, mun-lending,
Forbiduling. Alfirmmw, Do, lnz, Dimer-n e,
Agraelngfixhartinz,Jud' .fipprnviupllc.
nittlug, (tnn‘iamninn. .. Pnrdnulng,
Xrgnlnz, Dimming. Run»: '1, Granting, 1)J—
patience, Venn-Lion, H J» Delire, Lou. Ila-
1

 

  
   

Di

=
1

 

w
e t,leing.Wnn:ier,A nlrntlon,Grntltnde,
mum. Penuuinn, Tempting Promising,
Mm. Sloth. Immune-r. Angst. an.

SEC. 111. Tim Conmnrrr Emmum or n!
Qumran—linked Composiliun fliliplllllfll tr
“'ords and PhrueeV vial: Purity, I’ruprlo -

Precision. A: applied to Selienn-l. vi
Lengthoi'Sentence.Clenmou,Unity,Strcn
Fl‘nrel of Speech; the Exordin-n,tim N:
tlan, the Propmltlun, llm Cunllrumtlon, the
Rufutntion. the Perm-Minn.

SEC. IV. Herman-ruin Enumeanan
AND Veneer—‘Trnneltion: A Plan further-
inlntnif'e Solllo ny nn Honor: the “urn! at
Lincoln; the On [And Rn-npunen ; the Bnynnut
Chnrge; History of it Life; the Burlc; the
Bells: Byron: Mncheth and the Dnzrcrra
Hnlnlet’s Salli n ; 0M Thing-g Lnok Up.
warn; Kim: W ll em Rui'm; the Eye; u
Erie mate Mneik; Discover-lee o! Gnllleo.

SEC. V. Onenumsew uocn Mum

     
 
  

 

 

    

‘ m SCHOOL SEBI‘ES.-”poakers and Dialogues.

 

 

DIME DIALECT SPEAKER. No. 3.

Pat’s wnl'a do matter. All About a hoe, Lulu! Chin": oulruge,| My nelxhbor’l don,
The Min ulppl mlruclu, Scanlinl. Tlm Iunmlvr. llusully ol Condequ Mythology,
Van ls Ilda comm in, A «lurk nld 'aw, the llinlllnun, Plclus.
vale lmnl vol. Many hnf Tn esser \ v. Fe; \Il Cuuu. The Nun-id“,

gm Un cumin: Garmnn, ‘5] r: A from Jul: Bil ‘ bzh‘llt‘ll lfAnlcn,
Pu! (’l‘Flnhern an wo~ In)": shumll vile lamb! lxngi, Thu now-pi m lrnmlly

 

 

 

 

 

   

v mnu‘n righu. A lmulthy disunurn, De ein-ulmtnncn ob de A doktm :rulnhlu
This lmuu rulurl. how l‘owlun. tnrlpcllli, ‘ n‘liwullon. {111 CH ugumu. '

:lm "ipnkc:,” !)l«l .\er. Uri-nu, 7Dur'n uulllu mw uudufl‘hu illiL m ninlr nl
lleznkl lll Dawson nu - purudy. ‘ de nun, I Mulul. nu'n.

Mullu—ru iu-luw, \lurs uml on”, ;I\ Negru rellglmu pocm,"
H: lliulu’x wll 1h» {urm hll Uu-lerwoml, pllnl, l’l'iml violin,

'I'uu lruw awry of Fruuk» )ld Grnuley, ‘l’icuic llvliglus,

rluu llllla buby round
lhv: cornul‘,

 

A Kelluu'lllfl in rennin,

llu’: kite. l'hu pill pelldlar‘l an» ()urn: u<ll.lu|a‘~ Vicwl, Au inn-Hull m to the
I would 1 w". n he; lion, ‘Dumllnury‘u \vmdum, bird ur lllm-ly,
again, Vllhlur Grun'l lnal l’luin luugung. hylrullr Th: crow,
A pulhvtic nary, wardl, l lulJuuo, Uul. run.

 

DIME DIALOGUES No. 26.

Poor eoullnl. Thul- ladle: nud mo nullumu. lTho l» on ulmercy. Two vuy mull zlrll.
Mouulnlmuurlmull-hilla. Six l Idle: and uvarnl Prm- ' u'lml ynu preurh. Four ladiel.

luau-Ila“. l’ollllcmn. Nuumruul clmrnclern.
A ml. that dld "at fulll Slx born. The running ngeul. ’l'wo umlel Ind hr.
Twn mu- ol uulug thing]. Two lilllo glrll. fuluulu.
Duu’l count your chicken: befuro lhzy are Gruh. 'l‘wnmnlel.

hutch: l. Four lu-liu und n lmy. 'A night sure. Three Yemnlu 1nd mu mal.
All it I'uuvl n love and war. 3 India, 7 Whllemvn. ‘Emlwdlrd mmhine. Ther young lulu.
How uuclu Jolh go: rill . f the legacy. Twu mules, ‘llow Jim l‘uun llled. ’l wo lulu.

wllh Inverul Irnunhrmnllom. l

DIME DIALOGUES No. 27.

Puluy O'Doml’l cumpnlgn. For three luulu The Ilrrel ulrl'n good ungel. Far two lndlu and
lllhl 0H0 (rm lle. two llulu uhlo.
Hutly luluroucu not alwnyn in". Nuumroun "'l‘llul llllurululul llllh- nlgglr.” For lwo nu)".
b0 ' ll'l hull lhl- mom-y. For lhru lllllo xlrln.
.Dlw-u nukd Aunlo. For leverulzlrls. Appruvuncu arc drcelllul. For uvend lulu
. A dunblu Iurprim. Your male: and an. lemule. mud ollu ueullemuu.
\Vluu mu ltl For five lmllnu. Love's pron-n. For two liltlo zlrll.
“'lluL wlll tun lheml Fur a lndynnd two boyl. Au zulurcrd cure. For uvenl'hlmtlerh
Ilulnp-emlauL For uuluerom churnchn. 'l'lu-ru wlm preach Ind Illqu who ytrluru). to:
Eucll numu llm but. Fur fan! boym llm-u mulu.
Tried uud l'uuml \vnullug. Fur rewrnl mnluo. A xuullu couquon. For lwo young glrh.
A boy‘l plot For uveml churuclen.

DIME DIALOGUES No. 2B.

A tell that told. For le young lmllol und tu'nlxo room for lho drum. For lhru lllllo bofl.
pullrman. Arm-rhnir. For uumernm vhnnu-uu.

Orzuulziuu n Ilebnlluz Incluly. For four bog-a. Mauluru l'ur manure. Fur l'oul flrll.

The nn'ukonlnu. l-‘or l‘nur lull» zlrlu. Sun-d Ivy n dremn. For two male: and t"

The rrlulko proper. For 3 mulluulru. ‘2 lm l-smuln.

Ex-nrcitluu uu evll uplrlt. Fur I'x luullul Au iul‘ulliltln alga. For faur bnyl.

llulh Did"! uf Ilm rum. For fuur llmlul. [A good In» fur umun'. Fur le lilllp llrll.

Thu .‘pll'lll ul' lhu wood. Fur lulu Iroupuof glx-ls. Au ngruouhlu profuuiuu. For unrul ulmncten

‘ DIME DIALOGUEB No. 29.

Who Ihnll hnvu Hm (ll llonnrvl Fur nix tylllrnl lid

 

 

. mpl- Sluum. For {our llllla Mu.

umlo t‘lmruclurn and two fv-umlu ‘ ml lluln. lv'ur {uur "lulu. up. fuunlol.
The m: - Ibmwn. Fur l‘uur 1mm and conch". ‘Thu I“ "ml llmught. For luur liml- girln.
l-‘oruluu’n whrul. For fr'ur llmlr cllurrlvlul'l. fi'l'h» mhmnnu manner. 6 lmllel. l gulllcluun.
J'lm linln lbllmlel. Fur nlx llulr, pirla. ‘Thme liulu look. For four Imnll hm s.
Thu u- Ind no of Imolm For llnee lilllo lhyl. Bun am 0! llm dog! Fur lhru luLliL-n and thru
No fefrrellcel. SIX gunllumeu ulul three ladle“. "uh-Jpn.”
An mnuxlnu good hov. One lllnlu', nne fvlmllu. Jon llunI‘s hunt. For two boy: and lwa glrln.
Wlml I vl-ilnlon dlll- Fur uvurul ludiu. Run. For le mulu.

  

a' The ll)on )oolu Are wld by Nawulnhu ovcrgwhoro, or will b. unl, pout-pull}, to An,
Aldrin, on molp: ol prlu, lo mm such.

WEE é: ADAMS, Pain-hon. 98 William St... N- ‘-

    

  
 
   
  
    
   
   
    
  

}.r l rw<

 

 

 

DIME POCKET NOVEIJS.

PUBLISHED SEMI-MONTHLY, AT TEN CENTS EACH.

1 Hawkeve Harry.
3 Dead Shot.
I The Boy Mine".
4 Blue Dick.
5 Nat Wolfe.
6 The thite Tracker.
7 The Ontluw‘l Wile.
8 The Tall Trapper.
9 Lightning .10.
10 The Island Pirate.
11 The Boy Ranger.
19 Been, the Trapper.
13 The French Spy.
1‘ Long Shot.
is The Guumaker.
16 Red Hand.
1'! lien. the Trapper.
18 Wild Raven.
19 The Specterchief.
,0 file ll‘ar-Killer.
21 Wild Nat.
9‘) Indian Jo.
28 Old Kent theflenger.
9d One-E ed Trapper.
25 Gedbo d, the . py.
26 The Black Ship.
‘17 Sir: le Eye.
'28 Ind an Jim.
29 TheISrEnt.
30 e ye.
31 Thg Mystic Canoe.
32 The Golden Harpoon.
33 The Scnlp King.
34 Old Lute.
35 Rainbnlt. Ranger.
:46 The Boy Pioneer.
:51 Car-nu. the Guide.
38 The Heart Eater.
119 Wetzel, the Scout.
~10 The Huge Hunter.
ii Wild Nat, Trapper.
12 I.ynx«:np.
43 The White Outlaw.
N The an Trailer.
‘5 The Elk King.
45 Adrian, the Pilot.
(7 The Marrhnnter.
48 The Phantom Tracker
49 Mecca-in Bill.
50 The WuiiQueen.
51 Tom Hawk. Trailer.
l2 The Mad Chief.
53 The Black \Vol{.
54 Arkansas Jack.
55 Blackbeard.
56 The River Riflel.
51 Hunter Ham.

 

hfl (‘luudwuurL

59 The Texua Hawka.

60 Mercilels Mat.

61 Mad Ant'uny’s Scout!
0? anklesa Trapper.

63 The Florida Scum.
M The Island Trnpper.
65 Wolf-Cup.

66 Rattlin Dick.

67 Sharp- ye.

68 Iron-Hand.

69 The Yellow Hunter.
70 The Phantom rider.
71 Delaware Tom.

72 Silver Rifle.

73 The Skeleton Scout.
7-! Little Rifle.

75 The Wood Witrh.

7| Old Rufl‘ Tra per.
11 Scarlet Shani era.

78 Border Riflelnan.

79 Outlaw Jack.

80 Tiger-Tall, Seminole.
81 Death-Dealer.

82 Kenton, the Ranger.
83 S cater Horseman.
841‘ e Three Trappera.
85 Kaleolah.

86 The Hunter Hereulea.
87 Phil Hunter.

88 The Indian Scout.

89 The Girl Avenger.

90 The Rcd Hermite".
91 Star-Face, the Slayer.
92 The Antelope Boy.
93 The Phantom Hunter.
94 Tom Plntle. Film».

95 The Red Wizard.

96 The Rival Trappera.
‘37 The Squaw Spy.

93 Dually Dick.

99 Colonel Crockett.

100 Old Bear Paw.

101 Redlaw.

10‘) Wild Rube.

103 The Indian Huntera.
104 Scarred Eagle.

105 Nick Doyle.

106 The Indian Spy.

107 .10!) Dean.

108 The Wood King.
109 The Sculped Hunter.
110 Nick, the Seout.

ill The Texan Tiger.
11': The Crolsed Knivee.
113 Tiler-Heart.

11.1 “Mixed Avenger.

' m

 

115 The Pearl Piratel.

116 illnck Panther.

117 Abdiel llchi anger.

118 Cato. t ie (‘rue er.

119 Two-Handed 5

120 Med Trail lluni .

121 Blnck Nick.

19‘1 Kit Ilird.

123 The S ecterRidere.

12% Giant ‘ete.

1'15 The Girl Captain.

1‘16 Yankee Eph.

127 Silverepur.

1‘25 .‘ nutter Dick.

129 T e Child Spy.

1.70 Mink Coat.

131 Red Plume.

139 Clyde, the Trailer.

133 The Lott Cache.

18‘ The Cnnnlhal Chief.
Knralbo.

136 Scurlet Moecalln.

1:17 Kidnapped.

138 Mnid of the Moun-

in

ta .
139 The Sclotn Scontl.
11-) Border Renegnde.
The Mute Chief.
Boone, the Hnnhr.
Mountain Kate.
The Red Scalper.
The Lone Chief.
The Silver Bugle.
Chiuxa, Cheyenne.
The Tangled Trail.
The Unseen Hand.
The Lone Indian.
The Branded Chief.
Billy Howie .
The aniey gout.
Red Jacket.
The Jungle Scout.
Chernliee Chief.
The Bandit Hermit.
The Patriot Scouts
The Wand Ranger-
The Red I-‘oe.
Beautiful Unknown.
Cauehrake .‘iioae.
Hank, the Guide.
164 The Border Scout.

“'ild N at.
168 Maid of Wyoming.

The Three Captives.
188 The Lott Hunter.
16! Border Law.

170 The Lifted Trail.

142
143

 

171 The Trader Spy.

179 The Forest Specter.

173 The Border Fuel.

17‘ Border Vengeance.

175 Border Basic.

176 The Son: of Liberty.

1'17 The Lent Bride.

178 Keeteea.

179 The Tonhawa Spy.

180 The Prairie Scourge.

131 Red Li htning.

182 Brave Elaart.

183 Nightllewk Kit.

18‘ Mustang Sum.

18! Hurricane Bill.

186 The Red Outlaw.

187 The Swamp Smut.

181'! The Shawnee’a Foe.

189 Mohawk Nat.

190 Old Jupe.

191 The Prairie Hillel.

192 Old Kyle, Trailer.

193 Big Foot. the Guide.

194 Red Brntherhnod.

195 The Mun in Green.

196 Giana-Eye, the Great
Shut.

191 The PrelrieTrappera

198 Black John.

199 Keen-Knife.

200 Mad Skipper.

‘101 The Young Spy.

90‘} The Indian Avenger.

5'03 Rival Lientenante.

‘ZN The Swamp Rifles.

‘106 The Balloon Sc/uta.

206 Dncotah Seoul‘s.

907 The Twin Seoutl.

108 Buchakin Bill.

909 Border Avengers.

910 Tim Bnmhle’I Charge

'1” The Shawnee Scout.

‘21? The Silent Slnyer.

'lei The Prairie Queen.

‘21! The Hackwoor'unen

215 The Prisoner of La
Vintreaee

716 Peleg Smith.

'217 The Witch of ihl‘
Wallowlah.

Q18 The Prairie Pirates.

‘219 The Hnaaar Captain.

9:0 The Red Spy.

‘lill Dirk Darling.

9‘29 Mil-tang Hunters.

193 Guilty or Not Guilty

9'14 The Outlaw Range].

THE FOLLOWING “'lIJ. BE ISSUED IN THE ORDER AND ON THE DATES INDICATED:

225 The Schuylkill Ranger-e.
11y aner Starbnc .

226 (In the I)

eep.
22? Irona.

22K The Mountaineyr.
229 The Iiunter’a lav-cave.
Belt.
281 The Swamp Ride".

230 The Golden

232 Jubcz lluwk.

238 Mueslenit’a Daughter.
Ilunter.
The Reefer of ‘76.
236 Antelope Abe, the Buy Guide.
he Hunter’a ‘uw.
2831 The liunter'a Pledge.

23 t» Th
235

e Mud

23? T
239 Ilultlupute.

By Edward S. Ellie.

By Cnlin Barker.

3 r the author of “ Quindaro.”
Ready February 90th.

Ready March 6th.

By Edward “'illett. Ready March Nth.

By Edward S. Ellia.

Ready April 3d.

Ready April 17th.
By Gemge D. Gilbert.
Ry C. Dunning Clark. Ready May 15111.
By A. J. H. Dnganne.
Br Mrs. Mary A. Denleon.

By ilnrrv Cavendieh. Ready June 96th.
By “'ill Dexter.
By Lunia Le Grand, M. D. Ready July Nt
By Edward Willett. Rendv August 7th.
Bv Scott R. Sherwood. Ready Augult ‘Ilst.

Reudy May ht.

Ready May 29th.
Rendy June 12th.

Read y February 6th.

Ready July [Oth-
i.

'24" The Prairie Bride. By lira. Henry J. Thomas. Ready September 41th.
F..r ~um n,- :1“ Neimieaiers; or rent poet—paid: Iingle numberl, ten centa; six months (13 Noe.) $1.95

one year (Q6 Nun.\ $2.50.

BEADLE AVID ADAMS, Publisher» 98 William Street, New York.