The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-03-22


house of one Of his old and valued friends to which
he, and several other American officers had been
in vited 1t seldom he had participated in
festivity, especially at that period when eve.
ry moment was fraught with danger. Neverthe-
less, in respect old acquaintance backed by
the solicitations ofRuby Rugsdale, the daughter of
the host, he had consented to relax from the toll
OF military duty, and honor the party for few
hours with his presence.
Alter continuing his path for some distance
along tho river side. he struck off into narrow
road, bordered thickIy with brushwood, tinged
with a thousand dyes of departed summer; here
and there crag peeped out from the foliage over
which the green ivy and scarlet woodbine hung in
wreathy 6alliance; at other places the arms of the
chestnut and mountain ash met in lofty fondness
and cast gloom deep almost night. Suddenly
crashing among the trees was heard, and like
deer an indian girl bounded into the path, and
stood full in his presence. He started back with
surprise ,lad his hand upon his sword-but the In
dian girl only fell upon her knee, placed her finger
upon her lips, and by sign of the hand forbade
him to proceed.
'What seek you, my wild flower said the Gem
eral She started TO her feet, drew a small toma-
! hawk from her belt Of wampum, and initiated the
act of scalping the enemy; then again waving her
hand, as iorbiddng him to advance she darted in
to the bushes, leaving him lost in amazement
| There is DANGER said he to himself, after a
short pause, and recovering from his surprise
| 'That Indian s manner betokens me no good but
my trust Is in God; he has never yet deserted me-
and resuming MS pat ,he shortly reached the lam
sion Of Rufus Rugsdale.
| His appearance was the signal of Joy among the
| party assembled, each of whom We'd with the 9TH
| or 10 do him honor Although grave in council
! and bold in yet in the bosom of domestic bliss
no one knew better how to render himself agreea-
BILE. The old were cheered by his consotory
words. The young by his mirthuI manner; nor
even in gnllantry was he wanting, when it added
to tho vrtuous spirit of the hour. Tho protesta-
ions Of friendship and welcome were warmly ten
dered TO him by the host. Fast and thicEly the
guests were assembling, the laugh, and the ming.
ling music, rose joyfully. The twilight was fast
emerging into night; but thousand sparkling
lamps of beauty gave brilIiancy of day to the
scene; all was happiness bright eyes and blooming
faces every where beaming; but alas! SER
pent was lurking among the flowers.
Ia the midst of the hiiarity, the sound of a can
non burst suddenly upon the ear, startling the
guests and suspendng the dance. Washington
and the officers looked at each other with surprise,
but thoir fears were quickly dispeed by Rugsdae,
assuring them it was only discharge of ordnance
IN honor of his distinguished visitors. The Joy Of
the moment again resumed, but the gloom Of
suspicion had fallen the spirit OF Washington
who sat in moody silence apart from the happy
throng.
| silent tap upon the shoulder, aroused him
from his Distractions, and looking up he perceived
tho person of the Indian girl standing in the bosom
of n myrtle bush, close to his side.
| ella. again here he exclaimed with astonish.
men-but she motioncd him to De siienr, ana
kneeling at his feet presented him with hoquet
of flowers. Washington received it, and was a.
bout place it ia his breast, when she grasped
him firmly by the arm, and pointed to il, said in
Whisper Sn0hc! Sake" and the next moment
mingled with tho company, who appeared re-.
cognizo and welcome her, as one we'll known and
esteemed.
Washington regarded tho boquet with wonder
her words, and singular appearance had, however,
sunk deeply into his heart, and looking closer to
the nosegay, to his surprise he small piece
OF paper in tho midst of the flowers. He hastily
drew it forth. and COMPOUNDED and horror. STRICKEN
read, 'Be,oare you are betrnyed!' 1t was no W ap-
parent that he was within the den of the tiger; but
10 quit abruptly, might only draw the consnmma-
| ton OF treachery the speeder upon his head. He %
resolved, however, to disguise his feelings, and
TO that ROVER tnat hdd never torSafen him.
The festivities were again renewed but almost mo-
! mentariIy interrupted by the second sound of the
cannon The guests now began to regard each
other with distrust, while many, and moody were
the glances cast upon Rugsdale, whose counte- 8
nance begau to show symptoms of unoasiness,
| W lille 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. AL. ~ s.rt s,-,..k efrt5s, c.rs 81
sWhot can detain themf he muttered to himself
sCan they have deceived me? Why answer they
not the signa3' AT that moment bright fame
rose from the river, illuminating for moment, the
surrounding scenery, and showing small boat
filed with persons making rapidly towards the
shore. 'Al's WE'LL he continued; sin three min,
utes shall be the possessor of coronet, and the
cause ofthe Republic be more.' Then gaily
turning to Washington, he said, 'Come General,
pledge me to the success Of our arms The eye
Of Rngsdale encountered the scrutnzng look Of
IVashinotOu. and sunk 10 the 0round-hiS hand 3