The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1838-08-22


as darkness increased rapidly upon then
and many were the muttered exclamation
of Robert as he followed his masters patl
which had become more dangerous an
difficult to keep, except when the lightning
red glare revealed TO them for a ,nomer
their way, aud then again all was dark ucs,
making their road seem more gloomy fror
the contrast. The rain now began to dc
scend in torrents, aud warned them TO Sc
cure some retreat from the storm, which
now ragged at Its utmost fury; when sud
denly n blaze illuminated their path, ant
they discovered to their left on the brow o
the hill log hut which offered some pros
pect of shelter. With the suppositiou ths
it was some peasants cottage, Robert wa
about to dash furiously up TO the doo
and demand adInittance, when he fel
the hand of his master on his ara
-" Hold," exclaimed he, be cautious
you stay with the horses while reconnoi-
tire and see whether the co,tagc contain.
friends or enemies" Suiting the action to
the word, he dropped his bride rein into
the hand Of his attendant, and proceeded
10 inspect the premises. Voices were heard
from the hut, and perceiving "A glimmer OF
saw, seated by the fire, person clothed in
the habiliments of an American general Of
ficer, in close conversation with an Indian
in his war belt, feathers, and other nsig-
mia sf Indian royalty. Impelled by curios-
ity the stranger applied his ear to the
crevicc, and heard the following words in
low voice from the American general: 81
will deliver the fools into thy hands, to re-
venge myself upon my countrymen but
what surety have that thy promise of safe
ty will be kcpt'"-" Doth the eagle s,oop
to meanness l"-replied the other as he
drew up proudly his form to n towering
height, and his slittering embossed dagger
sparkled brightly by the frc-light-" doth
the eagle steop to mcanness Thou hast
the word of Chief-that is never
hroken-but here" he continued, sis my
signet; if thou art in danger from my peo-
pie. show this and you shall be safe" :" In
n few days." continued the other, appar-
emily satisfied with his sincerity, 81 shall
receive dispatches from Congress relative
to sending detachment Of troops for the
more sure defence Of the fort but previous I
To this will cause the cannon to be dis
odged as if for repair and then, great
Chief, is thy time then the fort shall be
into thy possession" Seeing the II
conference wns about ended, aud fearful he 6
should be surprised by them, the stranger c
hastily withdrew from the hut, and telling
his servant that the storm was over, they '
put spurs to their horses and dashed down I
the road ut rapid pace. A few hours f
hard riding brought them to the fort where ,
they were destined, and seizing the horn
which huag n the gate, Robin sounded n
call, which seemed to shake the walls to
the very foundation. Presently the wardcr
and with a light in his hand
Sent over the walls, and scanned eagerly
for n moment our travellers /; but seeing
nothing TO npprel.nd from their number,
he unlocked the gate and admitted them.
Riding under the porch our travellers found
in q spacious courtyard inside |
the walls, and numerous attendants ready
to receive commands, but putting the rein
into the hand of his servant, the young
stranger dismounded and stepping back
n few PAGES scanned with an experienced
eye his beautiful steed. Seeming satisfied
with The survey, he mentioned to Robert
that Tempest would require careful trent
rnent after his hard days journey, and fol-
lowed the wardcr, who conducted him to-
wards the room Of the commanding officers.
In answer to the inquiries Of the stranger
the warder stnted that General Hull had
been absent several days, but wus expected
back that night. Seating himself by the
fire, the stranger threw aside his over-coai
and par,ook freely of the refreshments ten
dered him by the servants. lie had but Just
flushed his meal when Gen. Hull was an
nounced. Rising and advancing TO meet
him as he entered, he started back with
surprise, for the person who entered as com
u,ander was the same he had seen in con
versation with the Indian Chief at the hu,
but assembling his surprise, he approach
ed aud after the usual greeting, he tender
ed to the General in the name Of the Con
tnental Congress, the dispatches entrusted
to his care. FIinsing himself on chair,
the stranger rested his head on his hand
and seemed lost in deep thought. Hours
passed away and he still maintained the
same position, and the same nbstracted air.
but at length recovering himself:-"l 1t must
he So, he murmured to himself, /" it must
be SO he is n traitor entrusted with the
fthis fort by Washington he
is now plotting to deliver it into the hands
of the enemy, but he knows not the 'preci-
Pice over which he hangs" So saying the
youth flung himself upon his couch and
was soon lost in deep slumber.
II was some nights after the above mar
ration, that the stranger, invited by the
beauty Of the evening, s,rolled out TO enjoy
n promenade upon the Notifications of The |
fort-it was beautiful evening.-The
moon sailed brightly OF in her varied courss,
and the keen air of the forest gave the stars
a still deeper brillancy, which glistcned
more brightly as if rejoicing in the peace
ful caIm-far as the eve could reach to the
north and south lay the ever beautiful val