The Woodstock age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1844-1845, 1845-02-20

cell of Alice, and release her. I'm cas-
they failed in any Of these arrangements
they were still to porsovere in their at
tempts to release Alice. 1t would ncve
do to dcsst, as lang as a ray of hope re
manned, that they could accomplish thcil
design. If they failed, steps would Ger.
tainly be taken to place Alice boyonc
their reach, and owing 10 war and IT.,
causes attendant upon it, it would be ru
tile to undertake to bring the doctor t.
Justice, They were to force the asylum
doors, in case they failed to get possession
of the keys. In case they obtained Alice
they were to fee to the river, where
Mcrvae had secured several skills, tina
had been obtained at the settlement few
miles above. Once arrived in Albany
all was safe. They were all convinced
that, from the circumstance of the tory
band quarterod close at hand, the enter.
prise was fraught with eminent danger
1t required cool and determined courage
and the utmost care and prudence. A
slight indiscretion, and all was lost
A moments faltering-thc slightest de-
parturo from their concerted plan, and
Alice Van Loan would be lost forever,
and in all probability their lives would
also be forfeited; for the tories, ever
ready to wreak vengeance upon their op-
ponents, had more than usual reason
for cruelty; from the piquo their captain
had already acquired for Schuyler.
After they had completed their arrange
mcnts they retired to their beds, but not
to sleep, All of them were wakelul pom
dcring upon the probable termination Of
their truly desperate undertaking. To
Reginald Mcrvale, it was time Of aw-
full suspense, Of woiglty eXpcctation-
The odds, in the coming encounter, it
was clear to him, were frighttully against
them. True. he was compelled to &C
knowledge the existence Of possibility
in the case, but he hardly dare say prob,
ability. Under any other circumstances
he would not have looked a moment at
the danger, or rashncss ofthc attempt,
but now, he could not refrain from weigh
ing them well, and he was also forced to
acknowledge that his reason refused to
coincide with the undertaking.
A little past midnight Jacob arose, and
opened window that overlooked the lit
tie street ofthc village, Not light WIS
to be seen, in any direction, and no voice
could be heard save the occasional voice
ofsomc wakcfnl animal He cautiously
lowered the sash, and whispered to his
comrades that the hour had come. They
slowly left the chamber and emerged in
to the open air,
Now boys' said Mervalc, Goodness,
courage, and perseverance are ali VIC
have to depend upon!
They halted moment before the door,
when Schuyler raped for admittancc.-'
No answer came to his summons. Just
at that moment, Jacob cspicd a light at
the door ofthc tory's barracks.
IEush!' he exclaimed, and silence en-
sued. In moment the light disappeared
and Merva!e exclaimed in a whisper to
Schuyler-I had hoped they had retired
wonder if they keep sentinels;' Be-
fore Schuyler had time to reply, hoarsc
voice issuing from a person utterly in
visible, cried out-'Whos thcrcn
sHushn whispered Meryale.
who's theren again sounded in their
cars, more cmphaticOIly spoken than at
first,
Stop cried Jacob, 'and leave it to
me-
The little band oboyed him, and Jacob
approaching the door of the doctors res
ldencc, repied-'Who wants to know" |
'rhe sentinel of the night replied the
voice.
'Where the devil are you:' asked ia
cob.
'Hero' and slowly emerging from
corner of the asylum, came the va
lorous tory, whose cowardice had caused
hlm to conceal himself. Jacob, fearful
that he would discover his STOPPING COM
radcs, marched boldly up to him and said
Il am after the doctor, but | guess he's
dead or absent, Cor can't wake him at
allH
Whats the matter;' grully inquired
the sentinel.
'Why I'll tell YOU said Jacob np-
preaching him, closely. DO you see my
arm herc;'
'The Sentinel inclined his head towards
Jacobs extended left arm, which brought
it into fair view Oft worthy rangers
eye. While he was intently looking at
The arm, Jacob gave him tremendous
blow, with his right one, which lelled
him to the earth, senseless. In mo-
ment, Jacob crammod his mouth with a
large cotton handkerchief, and calling to
his comrads, proceeded to loosen the SOL
dier's belt. In moment his arms were
securely pinioned, and Jacob raising
him in his arms, carried him to fence
close beside which he laid him
whats the matter?' asked Schuyler,
who with Jacobs comrads, had just ar
rived on the spet,
'AIl's right said Jacob coolly; now
call up the doctor, and we'll proceed!'
They again returned to the door, and
knocked louder than at first. Doctor
Morton, at length came to the window,
and injured what was WANTING