Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1842-05-06
upon her lips, and by sign with her hand,
| forbade hin, IN nroceed.

then again waving her hand, as fOrbidding
him to advance, she daried into the bushes,
leaving him lost in amazcment.
There is DANGER said he to himself,
after short pause, and recovering from his
surprise.
That Indians manner betokens me of
no good, but my trust is in God; he has
never yet deserted me- and rcsuming his
path, no shortly reached the mansion of
Rufus Rugsdale.
His appearance was the signal of 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, yet
in tho bosom of domestic bliss, no one knew
better how to render himself agreeable
The old were cheered, by his consolitory
words. The young by his mirthul manner;
nor even in gallantry was he wanting, when
il added to the virtuous spirit Of the hour
Tho protesiations of friendship and welcome
were warmly rendered to him by the host.
Fast and thickly the guests were assembling,
the laugh, and the mingling music, rose joy
fully. The twilight was fast emerging into
night; but thousand sparkling lamps of
beauty gave brilIancy of day to the scene;
all was happiness, bright eyes and blooming
faces were every where beaming; but alas
a serpent was lurking among tho flowers.
In the midst Of the hilarity, the sound of
cannon burst suddenly upon the ear, start
ling the guests and suspending the Dance
Washington and the officers looked at each
other with surprise, but their fears were
quickly dispellcd by Rugs'lale, assuring them
it was only a discharge Of ordance in honor
Of his distinguished visitors. The joy of,hc
moment was again resumed, but the gloom
Of suspicion had fallen on the spirit OF WASH
ington who sat in moody silence apart from
the happy throng.
A silent tap upon the shoulder, aroused
him from his distractions, and ing up he
perceived the person of the Indian girl
standing in the bosom Of myrtle bush, close
TO his side.
'Ha! again here!' he exclaimed with as
tonishment-but she motioned him TO be si-
lent, and kneeling at his feet presented him
boquet Of flowers. Washington received
it, and was about to place il in his breast,
when she grasped HIM firmly by the arm,
and pointed to it, said IN whisper" Snake,
Snake /" and the next moment mingled with
the company, who appeared to recognize and
welcome her, as one well known and es-
teemed.
Washington regarded the boquct with
wonder; her words and singular appear
ance had, however, sunk deeply into his
heart, and looking closely to the nosegav, to
his surprise he saw small piece of paper IN
the midst Of the flowers. lie hastily drew it
forth and, COMPOUNDED and horror-stricken,
read, Bcware, you are Jetraycdn 1t
was now apparent that he was within the
den of the tiger; but to qui. abruptly might
only draw the consummation of treachery
the speedcr upon his head. lie resolved,
therefore, to disguise his feelings, and trust
to tina, power which had never forsaken him.
The festivities were again renewed, but
almost momentarly interrupted by the
second sound of tho cannon. The guests
now began to regard each other with dis
trust, while many and moody were the
glanccs cast upon Russdale, whose coun-
tenancc began to show symptoms of uneas-
mess, 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 2 he muttered to
himself Can they have deceived me
Why answer they not the signal 2 At that
moment bright flame rose flom the river,
Illuminate G for moment the surrounding
scenery, and showing a small boat filled
with persons making rapidly towards the
shore. 'All's well,' he continued; in
three minutes shall be the possessor of a
coronet, and the cause of the Republic be
no more Then gaily turning to Washing
ton, he said, Come, General, pledge me to
the success Of our arms The eve of Rugs
dale at that moment encountered the scru-
tinizing look of Washington, and sunk to the
ground-his hand tremblcd violently, even
to so great a degree as partly to spill the
contents Of the goblet. With difficulty he
conveyed it to his lips-then retiring to the
window, he waved his hand, Which action
was Immediately responded to by third
sound of the cannon; at the same moment
the English anthem Of 'God sove tile King,
burst in full volume upon the ear, and band
of men attired IN British uniform, with theil
faces hidden by masks, entered the apart.
ment. The American officers drew thei,
swords, but Washington, cool and collected
S'ooN WV" ~ upOU ms UTeaSt
quietly remarked to them BE calm, gentle.
men, this is an honor we did not anticipate.
Then turning to Rugsdade, said, IS peak
sir, what does this meant
1t MEANS replied the traitor, placing
his hand upon the shoulder of Washington
that you are my prisoner. In the name o.
King George arrest you.'
Never exclaimed the General. wv.
may be- cut to pieces, but surrender we vii
no,-,lerefore, give way, and he waved hi.
sword to the guard who stood with thei
muskets levelled, as if ready to fire, should
they attempt to escape. In an instant were
their weapons reversed, and dropping ,hei
muskets, TO the horror of RugsdaIe, and the
agreeable surprise of Washington, his owr
brave party, whom he hud left in charge o
the barge, stood revealed before him.
Seize that traitor ! exclaimed the com.
mander. In ten minutes from this momen
let him be spectacle between the heaven,
and the EARTH The wife and daughter