Berkeley and Jefferson intelligencer. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va.) 1802-1810, 1803-05-13
Iwno'1s No. als.l

and was met At the door BY his son. The
old man shook with transport, and clasp.
ed Albert in his arms, ealing him by the
tcnderest names: when his feelings had
subsided h said, ssVhat have You 10
tel me!
!. But little, father replied Albert,
1--WE are vanquished: nothing remains
for us now but to live IN slavery, or suf-
fer death. /"
The latter is preferable, cried Ba-
sil; "but we viii FIRST conyince our foes
that we are not to belconquered without
resistance. Come, ENTER the cottage,
and see your dear LAURA let her smiles
for 1 moment dissipje the anxiety which
fills your breast. Alas! We shall not
long be able 10 car this delightful resi-
dence our own. ~ 80 :.
The meeting ofkhe two lovers after so
short IN absence was very afeetionate 49,
but their recollection soon turned TO the.
future, and they knew not but this was
the lat time they might see each other.
Tfeir approximations were not without !.
foundation, for before the, day closed,
news arrived that the enemy were within
an hours march Of the valley. The IN. :
habiants were abandoning their cottages
for refuge il the woods, and Basil could
recommend nothing else for the safety Of
his children Albert proposed 10 fy I'M
to Italy or some foreign country but the
French troops had unfortunately taken
possession Of all the passes and their en-
deavors to escape would have been fiuit-
less. In consequence, they followed
the example oftheir neighbours, and took
shelter in Oh adjacent forest.
Early on the following morning they
heard the clash Of symbols die along the
air, and accompanied by some more FL.
gitives ventured out Of the thicket where
they had concealed themselves, to the
skirts of the wood. They perceived vo-
hmes Of smoke issuing from their iittls
habitafions, which the sictoricus bandit-
d were Destroying by fire. Shuddering
with fear, they again returned 10 their
hiding place, and being overcome with
fatigue and hunger, and the tedious anxi-
ETY. experienced during the night, made
o scanty meal on the wild fruits which
the forest afforded.
Laurass delicate constitution was not
able 20 bear the inclemency Of the open
air. Albert and his father set TO work
for her convenience, and formed . kind
Of shed Of the braneh Of trees, which
she reposed under when weary. L was
. poor shelter, but in her eyes preferable
70 ravishment and slavery under an unre-
lenting foe. ! Z
Several days elapsed without any thing
particular, tih, one morning, Basil hay.
ing penetrated Little distance into the
wood for The purpose Of gathering fruit,
Albert seated himself pensively afthe en-.
trance Of the shed, and was Watchingthe
lovely Laura whileshe enjoyed thesWeets
Of sleep. Suddenly he heard . rushing
among the bushes, and = low murmnring
that seemed to proceed from behind the
thatch; he lid his hand on his sword, but
ere he could draw il, : band Of French
soldiers advanced, and disarmed him
His struggles awoke Laura, she ran to-
ward the officer who Commanded the de-
tachment, and on her knees fmplored his
mercy he was for moment moved &C
her tears, but quickly conceived the dia-
bolical design of securing her to himself,
and ordered the soldiers to conduct her
to the camp. Laura resisted, and endea-
vored to free herself whilst Albertmade
a motion to assist her, but was felled to
the ground by blow from the oiEcer.--
Burning with rage, he rose, and break-
ing from the soldiers who tried TO with.
hold, drew forth pocket pistol which he
had concealed IN his belt, and shot his
adversary dead. The guards stood amaze
cd az this piece Of desperation. Albert,
flushed with success. forgot his danger,
and was embraeing his dear Laura, when
soldier stabbed him in The back with .
bayonet. The wounded youth fell CO.
- 18th hlnSl .v,,4 sffnv !. fAx.S .hort