The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-04-12

cred the bald head of old Reynrad, as he was called
py the Patriots, alias Reynolds, celebrated tory,
VINO had long been suspected Of favouring the Brit
ish secretly; though he had not been detected He
was slippery old blades one ofyour lean and ank
Characters, like Cassius, who could not look man
In the face; dressed sovenly, though wealthy, and
whose love or hatred or opinions, no one knew,
save those who touched the master spring of his
heart, which was avarice. The other two were
emssaries sent outby Sir Henry Clinton to negoti-
ate with old Reynolds They were now making
offers to the old tory to deliver General Washing
ton into the hands OF the British. Ten thousand
pounds was the first offer, but he rejected it with
dsdain; then twenty, thirty, forty and fifty thous
and were successfully offered, but with the same
success. Al length he agreed to take double the
sum last offered, and deliver up the hero of Amer
lea. La Trappe heard the proposition and chuck
led at the idea. The stratagem being devised, and
the prelmlnaries arranged, they arose and depart
ed. Old Reynolds lived but a few miles from the
spot, on the boundary between the colonies OF
New Jersey and New York. Our hero had often
been at the house the old traitor, but he had new
er succeeded in discovering whether he was in fa-
your of the patriot or the royal cause. Attended
by Constance, La Trappe Immediately repaired to
the house of Reynolds, and startled him with the
declaration thathe knew all concerning his PROPOSE
ton with the British
GOOD Heavens" cried the affr;shted tory,
'thenI am eternally undone," and he paced the
floor rapidly.
"Nay, fearnot," returned La Trappe, "we are
both engaged IN the same enterprise; but am not
yet acquainted with the time and place at which
the leader of the rebels is TO be seized"
"You shall know" said Reynolds, lifting his
eyes inquringly for the first time to the face of La
Trappe; "to morrow is the day appointed, when
General Washington will be here to dine. After
dinner, while amuse him on political topics,
band of British soldiers will arrive and seize him
ere he has warning"
"Ifno one should turn traitor" said La Trappe
buttoning his coat which was made in such man
ner that he could wear the American or English
uniform, by merely turning one or the other side
out.
"And death to the villain who may" retorted
Reynolds.
Gay, death to the traitor" repeated La Trappe
turning on his heel to view picture of the kings
coronation.
General Washington was now in New Jersey,
and, though he had long suspected the treachery
of Reynolds, he still visited the house and was on
sociable terms. Reynolds had already invited his
~, ap1h ha6
pressed him to be there precisely at one O'Clock,
two being the hour the British soldiers were to ar
rive. 1t was agreed between La 1rappe and the
traitor Reynolds, that the former should go and
lead on the party of British soldiers La Trappe
departed; and the next day came. Precisely hall
an hour before the time, General Washington, with
out single attendant, was seen vending his way
to the splendid mansion of old Reynolds, The old
traitor bad often bantered the General on his bring
ing troop of soldiers with him, though he sus-
pected the honor Of his host, and now he had come
alone The old bald-headed traitor was In high
spirits and expatiated fuently on the colonies and
the tyranny of England After dinner, they walk
ed out upon the balcony of piazza, from whence
they had a full view Of the country. Washington
observed that the eye of Reynolds was constantly
directed towards the southwest, and while he ex-
pressed his pretended fears that the colonies wonld
be compelled to submit the General in vain endea-
voured to draw him into conversation on the a.
postacy of General Arnold and the consequences.
"The colonies, fear, will be compelled to sub
nit" again observed Reynolds
"No," said Washington, spiritedly, "und eve
ry hope is lost, every means is tried, and every
power is Frustrated, will the brave patriots of A
merica consent again to wear their chains. For
my part, the hour ofdeath preferable to the hour
of bondage"
"True," returned Reynolds, still gazing in the
distance, 'but there are so many who secretly aid
the British under the mask of patriotism
"And what think you should be the reward Of
such traitor!" cooly asked Washington.
"Death upon the rack" muttered the deceitful
tory as he turned his eyes towards apoint of woods
in the distance.
."Death upon the rack" repeated the General,
while he endeavored to catch the eye of Reynolds,
but wiho ut effect.
At this moment party of horsemen were seen
winding their way round another point of woods,
about quarter of mile off. Reynolds observed
that Washington had his eyes upon them, but
showed nosigns OF fear. A few minutes brought
them so near that tn cir red Goats could be seen.-
REYNOLDS seemed agitated, and walked rapidly
backwards and forwards by the General, who was
still perfectly composed
sis that party of British soldieTs" inquired
Washington, with smile
"Ay,"sa. ID Reynolds, trembling, "and the down.
all of Amer icAn liberty is at hand"
81 hope not, - said the General, as the horse
men galloped int o the yard.
"You are my risoner at any rate, for plum
u un,dS Low; No hands on the G. sneral's shoul-