Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1845-04-10
NJ i s. % u u u a II & O
From the Ladies' National Magazinc.)
TIL e REFUGEE;
A THRILLING TALE OF THE REVOLUTION
BY JAMES ii. DANA.


During the war of the Revolution, The low
er counties of New Jersey were infested by
set of desperadoes, passing under the name of
refugees, who, in the absence Of the Ameri-
cans in camp, plundered and insuled their
delenceless families. A band of these men
became particularly notorious on little Egg Ri
yer and that section of the country is vet rife
with legends of their misdeeds. A party.
equally numerous and even more lawless, for
a long time devastated the settlement along the
Maurice river. Our story relates 10 this lat
ter.
It. was at the close of beautiful dav. in the
early part of October, that an athletic Young
man, whose frank and good hundred counte-
nance was passport to the acquaintance of
strangers, approached clearing not far from
the present decayed village of Dorchester.
The house was of but one story, built of thick.
hewn logs, and surrounded by scanty fields.
IN which the stumps of the original forest
trees were yet visible. But every thing about
the place had an air of neatness, which was
increased, when pushing open the door, he
entered the large, comfortable kitchen, with
It's nicely secured floor, and its dresser, on
which were arrayed in bright rows the pew
ter plates. His footsteps had scarcely sound
ed on the floor, before light figure sprang to-
wards him, and the next instant was locked
in his arms.
God bless you, Nary he said, as he part
ed the hair fondy from her forehead, and
STOPPING, kissed the fair brow.
The girl looked up into his face, and said
half inquiringly, half positively
you have come to stay-have you not !?
Do now, give up running your sloop until
things become more settled. You will be
captured YETI she continued, as her lover
shook his head, 'and then, if thrown into those
dread prison ships of New York, YOU will
never get back
Notwithstanding the imporing tone in
which she spoke, her lover still shook his
head
NAY, dearest, your woman's fears alarm
you, without cause. There is no danger.
The English ships have left the Delaware, and
must make the old sloop pay me now, for
your sake
She buried her face in his bosom to hide
the bushes at his allusion. He continued
cheerfully-
Now, can you find me supper You boast
of your housekeeping, you know; and vet
I'll bet we're almost as good cooks on board
AT any rate we are little more hospitable
when we see visiter who has come miles to
meet us, and walked all the way
lie said this in playful tone, and the girl
Immediately fastened to set the supper table.
His eye followed her graceful movements, and
they conversed together, as lovers only con-
verse, during the half hour in which the pre-
partitions for the meal were going on. AT
length the other members Of the family came
IN, and the conversation became general.
1t was yet early, however, when the Young
man rose 10 go. The girl followed him out
Of the door.
why SO soon J? she said
'1t is high tide; and have already over
stayed my time,' he said. But in few DAYS
shall be back and il may be will be SO sue
cessiul that there will be no necessity for 90
ing again.
God grantit may be So she said fervent-
~. u feel presentiment of some danger imA
pending over you. There is Hogan the refu-
gee
lie owes me i'll will, know said the low
er' ever since you preferred me 10 him. But
ne mas lett this part of the country, and
should never fear him in fair night
But he was always stealthy and mean; and
would attack you secretlv.'
Oh! but there is no fear Of him. gaiy said
the lover. Believe me, shall be back in less
than two weeks, and then,'-
lie pressed the blusbing girl to his bosom,
kissed her again and again, and then with
hurried embrace tore himself away. When
ne had crossed the road aud was Just entering
'ne woods,he turned and waved his hat The
g,rl was still standing there on the watch
one Kissed her hand to him, and the mex. in
S'aB' ne had vanished from her sight
but Tor MANY noinntn. rL. elr. I'll L. ----.-