, 1841-07-24

the General. She started to her feet, drew
a small tomahawk from her belt of wampum,
and initiated the act of scalping an enemy
then again waving her hand or forbiddins
HIM to advance, she started into the bushes.
leaving him lost in Amusement.
"There is danger" sasd he 10 himself. after
q short pause, and recovering from his sur.
prise. "That Indians manner betokens me
no good, but my trust is in God; he has new.
er yet dserted me-" and resuming his path
he shortly reached the mansion Of Rufus
Rugsdale.
His appearance was the signal for Joy
among the party assembled, each of whom
We'd with the other to do him honor. Al
though grave in council,and bold in war, vet
in the bosom Of domestIck bliss, no one knew
better how to make himself agreeable
The old were cheered by his consoIiiory
words-the young by his mirthful mnnner;
not even in gallantry was he wanting, when
it added, to the ~virtuous spirit of The tour.
The protestation of friendships and welcome
were warmly rendered to him by the host.
Fast and thickly the guest were assembling,
the smile, the laugh. and the mingling music,
around. The twilight was fast merging in
to night, but a thousand lamps of sparkling
beauty gave a brilliancy Of day to the scene.
all was happiness-bright ewes and blooming
faces were every where breathing. but alas!
a serpent was lurking among the flowers.
In the midst of the hilarity a sound of can
non burst suddenly upon the ear startling the
guests, and suspending the dance. Washing
ton and the officers looked at each other
with surprise. but their fears we're quickly
dispelled by Rursdale, assuring them that it
was only n discharge of ordinance. in honor
of his distinguished visitors. The Joy Of the
was again resumed, but the gloom
Of suspicion had fallen upon the spirit Of
Washington, who now sat in moody silence
apart from the happy throng.
y slight tap or his shoulder aroused him
from his abstraction, looking up he p~erceiv-
ed the person of the Indian standing in the
bosom Of a myrtle bush by his side.
sHal again hereI" he exclaimed with as
constituent. but she motioned him 10 he ST.
lent. and kneelinc at his feet presented him
with a boquet of flowers. Washington re-
ceIved il. and was about to place 1t in his
breast. when she grasped him firmly by the
arm, and pointing TO IL she SAID in 4 whisper.
SNAKE Snake!" and the next moment min
glei with he company. who appeared TO re-
~cornise and welcome her as one well known
and esteemed.
Washington regarded the boquet with
wonder: he saw nolhin, in II TO excite sus2i-
cion; her words and singular appearance had
however sunk deeply into his heart. and look
ing closer upnn the nosegay. TO his surprise
he saw a small piece of paper in the midst OF
the flowers, hastily he drew il forth, and con-
founded and horror stricken, read. "Beware!
You are bctravedr' 1t was now apparent
that he was within The den Of the tiger, but
10 quit it abruptly might only draw the con-
summation oftreachery the speedier upon his
head. He resolved, therefore to disguise his
feelings and trust to that power which had
never forsaken him. The festivities were
again renewed, but almost momentarlly In
~terupted by n second sound OF the cannon.
The guests now hogan to regard each other
with distrust, while many and moody were
the glances cast upon Rugsdale, whose coun'
tenance began to show symptoms OF uneasl'
ness. while ever and anon he looked from the
window out upon the green lawn which ex'
tended to the rivers edge, as il in expecta'
ton of some ones arrival.
aWhat can detain them,"he mutlered to
himself. "Can they have deceived mel
Whv answ e they not the %sisnal?"
At that moment a bright fame rose from
the liver, illuminating for a moment the sur
rounding scenery, and showing a small boat
filled with persons, making rapidly towards
the shore.
.Alrs WELL" he continued, Sin three min
utes | shall be the possessor OF a coronei'-
and the cause of the Republic isno more.
Then gaily turning TO Washington, he
said. sCome General, pledge the success o
our arms"
The eve of Rugsdale at that moment en-
countered the scrutinizing look of Wash
ipp,on: his hand trembled violently-even Sc
great a degree as partly spill the contents o
the goblet. With difficulty he conveyed
to his lips, then retiring to the window ht
waved bis hand. which action was respond
ed TO by a third sound Of the cannon:-a
the same moment the English anthem OF Coz
save the King burst in full volume upon tn
ear, and a band Of men: attired IN Brltls'
Uniform with their faces hidden by marks en-
tered the apartment.
Tn. American officers drew their swords
II o,l ~olarfad- CtN0f