Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1841-02-01
every son of rreedomp 1t was George Washing


landed, and uncovering saued their commander,
who returned their courtesy.
BY len O'Clock you may expect me-, said WASH
nglon. { be coutous,-look well that you are not
surprised. These are times for rifing.'
depend on u.s. replied one of the party.
i do he responded and bidding them farewell,
departed along the bank of the river.
That evening party was to be given at the
house OF one of his old Il valued friends TO which
he, with several other American officers, had been
invited. 1t was seldom that he had participated
in feslivy, more especially at that period when
every moment was lraught with danger Never
theless in respect to nm old acquaintance, backed
Ivy The solicitations OF Ruby Rugsdale, the dauah-
ter of the host, he hHd consented C relax from
the Tolls Ot military duty, and honor the party for
a few hours with his presence
A ter continuing his path for some distance a
long the rivers side, he struck off into narrow
road, borlered thickly with bushwoOd, tinged with
thousand dyes of departed simmer - here and
there gay crng peeped ont from the foliage, ov-
er which the ~ een ivy and the scarlet woodbine
hung in wreuhy dallinnce; at other places the
OF the chestnut and mountain ash met in lofty
tondness and cnst gloom deep almost as night.
Suddenly crashing among the branches was
heard, and like deer, young Indian girl boun-
died. into the path, and stood full in his presence.
He starred back with surprise, laid his hand upon
his sword-but the Indian only fell on her knee
placed the finger upon her lips, aud by sign with
ller hahu, forbade hun 10 proceed.
| What seek you my wild flower q said the Gem
era. She started to her feet, drew Il small tona-
hawk from her belt of wnnpum, aud initiated the
art of sea- ping the euemy-tlien again waving her
hand as iorbdding him to advance, she darted
into the bushes, leaving him los; in anazement.
here is danger said he to HIMSELF ate: a
short linuse, aud recovering from his surprise
'Thut Indians manner betokons me of no good,
hut my Il ust is in & oil he has never yet deserted
me- and resuning The 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. Although grave in coun-
Gil, and bold in war, yet in the bosom of donestic
bliss, no one knew better how to render himself
agreeable. The old were cheered by his consol-
utOry words. The Young by his tnirh.ul manner
-nor even in gallantry was he wanting when it
added 10 the virtuous spirit ofihe hour The pro-
tcstalions of friendship and welcome were warm
y rendered 10 him by the host. Fast and thickly
he guests assembng-the laugh, and the
miusng music, rose joyously around. The twi-
Hight was fast merging into night; but thousand
sparkling amps oil beauty gave briancy Of day
to the scene-all was happiness-bright eyes and
blooming faces were every where beaming; -but
alas serpent was lurking among the flowers.
In the midst OF the harly, the sound of "A can
non burst suddenly upon the ear, startling the
guests, and suspending the dance. Washington
and The officers looked at each other with surprise,
but their fears quickly dispelled by Rudgs-
dale assuring them it was only a discharge of ord
nance in honor Of his distinguished visitors. The
Joy ofihe moment was again resumed, but the
gloom Of suspicion had fallen upon the spirit of
Washington, who sat in moody silence apart from
the happy throng
A slight tap upon the shoulder aroused him from
his abstraction, and looking up, he perceived The
person OF The Indian standing in the bosom OF II
myrliebush close to his side
lla again here = he exclaimed with astonsll.
ment; but she mooned him to be silent, aud
kneeIing AT his feet, presented him with boquct
of flowers. Washington received it, and was a.
bout to place it in his breast, when she grasped
him firmly Wy the arm, and pointing to it, said in
whisper, Snake Snake y and the moment
mingled with the company, who appeared to re-
cognize and welcome her us one well known and
esteemed.
Washington regarded the boqaet with wonder
her words and Singular appearance had, however,
sunk deeply into his heart and looking closer up
on the nosegay, to his surprise he saw small
piece OF paper IN the midst OF the flowers Has
lily he drew it forth, and coniounded and horror
stricken read, Be,care! you are betrayed" 1t
was now apparent that lie was within the den Of
the tiger; but TO quit abruptly, might only draw
he contamination Of treachery the speeder upon
his head lie resolved, therefore, 10 disguise his
feelings, and trust 10 that power which had never
forsakeu him. The festivities were again renew
ed, but almost momenturily interrupted 10y sec.
Onu SOunu OF the cannon. He guests now DeSai
10 regard each other with disrust, 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 lawr
which extended 10 the rivers edge, as if in expec
iatlon OF some ones arrival
'Wlat Gun detain them 2 he mutercd 10 him
self Can they have deceived me? Why an
swer they not the signa?' AT that moment brigh
fame rose from the river Illuminating, for mo
menr, the surrounding scentry, and showing
~ small boat, filled with persons, making rapidly TO
wards the shore 'All's WELL me continued iii
. three minutes shall be the possessor of coro
net and the cause of the Republic be no more
Then gaily turning to Washington, he said, Com
General, pledge he to the success of our arms
The eye of Rugsdale at that moment encounter
ed the scru,inzing look of Washington, and sun
De- 10 the ground; his hand lrembled violeny-eve
he 10 so great degree MS partly spill the content
OIL of the goblet. " ith difficulty he conveyed TO hi
10 lips then retiring to the window, he waved hi
cir hand, which action was Immediately responded {
len by third sound of the cannon, at the same me
BUS ment the English anthem of God sare The Kins
M burs; in full volume upon the ear, and band
of men, alfred in British uniform, with their face
tie hidden by masks, entered the apartment tn
Did. American officers drew their swords, but Wusl
t. ington, cool and collected, stood with his arm
re folded upon his breast, quietly remarked to Then
ILL., Be calm gentlemen, tins is All honor we did M
Oft anticipate Then turning TO Rugsdale, sald,-
eli Speak, sir, what does this mean ::
no 1t MEANS replied the traitor, (placing his han
cay upon the shoulder of Washington,) 'thut you al
len. my prisoner. In the name of King George a
cen rest yon.'
the Never exclaimed the General, We may
i've, cut TO pieces, but surrender we Will not Their
at fore give way, and he waved ms sword 10 III
' no guard who stood with their muskets leveed rs
il to ready to fire, should they attempt TO escape
In an instant were their weapons reversed, and dro
of ping their muskets, to the horror Of Rugsdae,ar
lew the agreeable surprise OF Washington his ow
we're brave party, whom he had lett IN charge oil II
was barge, stood revealed before him.
liz Seize that traitor = exclaimed the Commando
h in In ten minutes from this moment, let him be
es- spectacle between the heavens and the EARTH