Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1841-01-09
FAYETTE, MISSOURI, sATURDA'-. JANUARY 0, Is4I

grasped nm hrmly by the arm, and pointing to
1t, said in whisper, ".Saahe snake :" and the
next moment mingled with the company, who
| appeared TO recognize and welcome her as Jne
well known and esteemed
Washington regarded the bouquet with won
der; he saw nothing in it to excite his suspicion;
her words and singular appearance had however,
sunk deeply into his heart, and looking closer
upon the nosegay, to his surprise he saw small
piece Of paper in the midst OF the flowers Has.
lily he drew it forth, and confounded and horror
stricken, read, "Be,oare! You are BETRAYED 20
1t was now apparent that he was within the den
OF The tiger, but to quit it abruptly, might only
draw the consunmation OF tIeachery the speedirr
upon his head He resolved, therefore. to dis
guse his feelings, and trust tn that Power which
had never forssken him. The festivities were
again renewed, but almost momentarily inter
rupted by second sound OF the cannon. The
guests now began to read each other with dis
trust, while many and moody were the glances
cast upon Rugsdale. whose countenance began
TO show symptoms of uneasiness, while ever and
anon he looked from the window out upon the
broad green lawn which extended to the rivers
edge, as If in expectation Of some ones arrival.
"What can detain them he mutered to him.
SELF "Can they have deceived me? Why an.
swer they not the signal?" At that moment
bright flame rose from the river, Illuminating, for
a moment, the surrounding scenery, and showing
small boat, filled with persons, making rapidly
towards the shore. Calls we'll he. continued;
"ln three micutes | shall be the possessor of
coronet. and the cause OF the Republic be no
more" Then gaily turning 10 Washington, he
said. Come. General, pledge me to the success
OF our arms" The eye OF Rugsdale, at that
moment, encountered the scrutnizing look of
Washington, and sunk to the ground; his hand
trembled violenty-even 10 so great degree
as to partly spill the contents OF the goblet.
With difficulty he conveyed it to his lips, then
retiring to the window, he waved hia hand, which
action was Immediately responded TO by a
third sound Of the cannon, at the same mo.
ment the English anthem Of God SAGE the King,
burst in full volume upon the ear, and band
Of men, attired in British uniform, with their
faces hidden by Masks entered the apartment
The American officers drew their swords, but
Washington. cool and collected stood with his
arms folded upon his breast, quietly remarking
10 them, "Be calm, gentlemen, this is an honor
we did not anticipate" Then turning to Rugs
dale. said, "Speak, sir, what does this mean?"
sit means" replied the traitor, placing his
hand upon the shoulder Of Washington, chat
you are my prisoner. In the name of King
George, arrest you y
"Never ~ exclaimed the General. ''We may
be cut to pieces, but surrender we will not
Therefore, give way" and he waved his sword to
the guard who stood with their muskets levelled
as if ready to fire, should they attempt TO escape
In an instant were their weapons reversed, and
dropping their masks, to the horror Of Rugsdale,
and the agreeable surprise Of Washington, his
own brave party whom he had left in charge OF
the barge. stood revealed before him.
"Selze that traitsr!' exclaimed the comman-
der. SIN ten minutes from this moment let him
be spectacle between the heavens and the earth.
The wife and daughter chung to his knees in
supplicaton, but an irrevocable oath had passed
his lips, that never should treason again receive
his forgiveness after that OF the miscreant Arnold.
"For my own life, he said while The tears rolled
down his noble connlenance It the agony OF the
wife and daughter, "lor my own life, heed not,
but the liberty of my native land--the welfare
Of millions demand this sacrfce--for the sake
of humanity, pity him, but my oath, and now
| in the presence OF Heaven, | swear will not
forgive him
Like lhunderbolt fell these words upon The
hearts OF the wife and daughter. They sank
feess into the arms Of the domestics, and when
they recovered 10 consciousness, Rugsdale had
atoned for his treason by the sacrifice OF his
life.
1t appeared that the Indian. girl who was an
especial favofite, and domeslicated in the family,
had overheard the intention Of RugSdale, to be-
tray the American General, and other valuable
officers, that evening. into the hands Of the
British, for which purpose they had been invited
to this feast ofJudas" Hating, in her heart
the enemies OF America, who had driven heI
tribe from their native forests, she resolved to
Illustrate the en-, and consequently waylad
the steps of Washington as we have described
but failing in her noble purpose she had then re
source TO the party left in possession OF the boat.
Scarcely had she impaired her information
and the shadows Of the night closed around, wher
a company OF British soldiers were discovered
making their way rapidly towards the banks o
the Hudson, within short distance Of the spo
where the American party were waiting the re
turn OF their commander. Bold in the cause o
liberty, and knowing that immediate action coulc
alone preserve him, they rushed upon, and over,
powered them, stripped them OF their Uniforms
and arms, bound them hand and foot, placed
them in their boat, and under charge Of two Of
their companions, sent them to the American
camp at West Point, Having disguised them
selves in the habiliaments Of the enemy, they
proceeded 10 the house OF Russdale, where. a
the appointed time and sign made known Il
them by the Indian, they OPPORTUNITY arrived Il
the relief Of Washington, and the confusion o
the traitor.
Thus was the father OF his country, by the in
terposition OF Divine Providence, who, in his
own words, 'neoer deserted him." saved from
captivity, and, but for which, America might t.
this day, have been pressed by the foot OF OPP