The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1841-07-09
C II A p l. x V.

to the southern States to cooperate with
the forces of Gen. Green, Mr.. Courtney
went thither also with his family, for tho
double purpose of beneiting his health,
and enjoying the occasional visits of his
son Edward.
One evening in the month of May,
Lieutenant, then Captain Courtney, was
proceeding TO the temporary abode of his
father, when the report of gun reached
his ear, and looking toward thick wood
he bcheld a man in British uniform stoop
to secure the game he had brought down.
Apprehending a surprise, Courtney's first
impulse was to prepare for defence, when
the stranger raised his averted head, and
exhibited to his bewiIdered gaze the feat
ures of Fitz-Roy-him who had excited
his first romantic dream Of friendship,
and destroyed it. Checking his horse
suddenly in the establishment of the mo-
ment, he sat like one petrlied, with his
eyes riveted on the young soldier, who
regarded him with equal intenseness.
Their glance met, and Filz-Roy sprang
forward with extended hand, while his
features were illuminated with pleasure.
Edward was irresolute as to the course
he should pursue, but involuntariIy bent
to greet him, as Filz-Roy pronounced his
name. Ere their hands clasped, however,
Courtney withdrew his, and said coldIy
Before can meet Mr.. Fiiz-Roy as a
personal friend, must inquire in what
relation he stands to my country"
"The same in which | always Stood"
he proudly replied, while his face flushed
deeply, and adding reproachfully, "couId
you doubt me, Edward :" Without no.
ticing or appearing to notice the last re-
mark, Courtney said still codIy, "your
answer is equlvocal, Mr.. Fiz-Roy; cir
cumstances are strangely altered since
we last met"
"Do you think my heart has changed,
Lieutenant Courtney ~
"Ir not your heart. your Judgment has
singuIarly misled YOU" returned Edward,
but more gently, and with increasing in
terest.
"If | have gone astray, more hearts and
heads than one are responslble,' said the
young man with emotion, "did you.
could you believe, Lieutenant Courtney,
| that man could encounter disgrace,
death. and even infamy without a mo-
tive ?"
mo Fitz-Roy, but it was the inexpli
cableness of that motive which perpIexed,
| might say, tortured me. Could my
eyes deceive me! Did you not desert!'
81 did"
"And wherefore ~
"You never knew then ;" inquired
F;z-Roy with thoughtful earncstness,
"and for this long period you have deemed
me traitor, while have lived upon The
hope that you at least would Judge me
generously. | might say justly. But
how could you have formed any other
opinion ?" he added still more agilat'd,
eyes, all, all must link my name with
obloquy,-even ShC."
"Wouid that understood YOU said
Edward gravely, "if | have wronged you,
Heaven is my witness, the suii'elilg |
have experienced in suspecting you has
been sufficient to cXpiale the offence.
But whittier are YOU going, Fi'z-Roy"
40 Major Lee, if you will direct
me-"
"In British uniform p! your life will be
endangered. You know how the army
regards you"
IL am not to accompany Lieutenant
Courtney, ,hn!' he proudly replied,
"but it matters not After dwelling so
long among enemies, need not fear to
encounter those who ought to be my
friends. Farewell, Lieutenant Courtney;
when next we meet, you will have lealnt
to be more just"
"You shall not 60 thus, Charles" Ed
ward cried hastily dismounting, and seiz-
ing his arm, 81 must, will believe you
innocent in defiance of all"
, "And your sister, exclaimed Fitz
, Roy grasping his hand, and looking into
} his face with an expression Of intense
! and concentrated feeling, sis she we'll
unmarried"
: Both" was the reply, "and excuses
if she does not justify you
b. "Whcrc is Emma! must see he
!, Instantly" cried Capt. Courtney few
: hours after the above related adventure
S as he entered his grandmothcr's chamber
# His sister instantly appeared. "Do no
: turn pale. have joyful news. No,
tell me of whom you thought when you
s color changed so," and he passed hi
h arm aneclionately around her waist, an
;. drew her to a sofa.
st "Of Lewis" she said iauleringly.
], "Of Lewis, only"