The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1846-05-09

be almost inevitable; and all that induced
ple 20 escape when taken, was because my
vengeance was incomplete. Ohp continued
he, with fierce smile, that sat strangely on
his beautiful mouth, 'had / but reached his
heart instead ofhis arm, never would have
left my PRISON.
A strong expression Of disgust here burst
from Downer so young and yet so blood
thirstyp
Il have cause cried the youth, with start
ling energy; "a cause that is written upon my
soul, as with n securing ironp
what is it?' asked Downer who felt HIM
selfmuch affected by the youths manner.
Exhausted by his feelings, he had sunk up
on seat. you shall know ALL said he, in
faint but significant voice, after the first bat
tle' and then starting up wildly, he laid his
Thin hand on Downer's arm, and asked in a
low tone; 'On the evening of the nineteenth
of April, did you not meet band of Britons
fleeing, as from the ovenge of blood"
| did, said Downer, shuddering AT his own
recollechons.
'And did you note their leaderY'
| 4 could pick out every man in that band of
murderers from the whole British army lie
was short, thick-set fellow, with prominent
eyes and red fdce.'
'That was hep shricked the youth that was
the fiend Gordon! have seen his blood, and
by my prophetic soul, will have it from his
heart ere die
Had he a thousand lives cried Edward
| Downer, as the memory ofhis own wrongs
rose and muddened him. had he thousand
lives, he would owe them all to me-
! 'Then you ownrevenge is sweet said the
youth, and there is sympathy between ur.'
You are right; but how could he have in
iured one so young as you? Have you too
| lost a sister and father?
! 'Moren replied the youth shuddering as he
hid his face with his hands from the enquiring
but compassionate gaze of the young soldier.
He sat thus for minute endeavoriag to mas
ter lis feelings, and at length rose calmly and
said, Il will tell you all after the battle; mean-
while, have natural right TO iigit under
your banner, for | was born in Willow Val
| ley, and my name is Edgar
/ a double claim, said Downer taking him
! kindly by the hand, for that was the namc OF
my father. And now, my gallant friend, as
our sorrows have sprung from The same
source, we will make common cause against
the destroyer Of our yeace; and he that meets
/ him first on the battle field, shall avenge the
wrongs of both, What say you Edgar? The
young man looked him in the face a n.oment,
/ and tilcu muuurcd My brother and thrcW
himseifinto his arms and sobhed upon his
bosom.
Downer to hia surprise, found tears upon
his own cheek, when he released Edgar from
his embrace. There was something IN ihe
youths voice aud uianuer that had beguicd
him ofau emotion which his desolatc soul
had not known for weeks.
The month Of May was spent in various
petty expeditions for harrassing the enemy.
But the month of June was reserved for the
opening of the great drama. SGill, however,
sixteen days passed off in comparative re-
pose. But the dawn ofthe seventeenth was
ushcred in by the thunders OF Bunker Hill,
and demonstration of hardhood was made
on the part ofthe Americans, appalling 10 the
Veterans who had hitherto att6ctGdt TO dCspise
them. ii is NOT The province of our humble
tale TO enter uto the description ofthat mag
uiiicent action. The story has been repeated
! till every child can tell it. | would then
| merely uyi1e the readers attention Ia that
part of the liues defended by 'Downcrs vol
untccrs.' Here had been the hottest Of the
battle Well disciplined and admirably C.
Quippcd, and inspired with ten fold haired OF
| the British they did their work with nstunsh-
| ing GOODNESS and despatch, and every bullet
told one on the death roll When the lst
and decisive charge came on, they handled
their buyoncts like old cumpuGners and re-
pulsed the enemy with prodgious slaughter,
or, retreating, only because otherwise they
would have been left alone upon the field.--
| II was upon this third onset thar fresh com
panv of granadiers WHO with other reinforce
ments had Just arrived, advanced to assault
kDowner's section ofthe lines. In spite of n
tremendous fire, they passed on and ieuped
| the breastwork. Upon them cried the lead
en- no quarter to the rebels!
A cry of terocious joy burst from the lips
/ - -.
ofthe speaker, and he rushed forward, sword
in hand. But before he could reach his VIC
tim, who stood by the lrGast work, waving his
sword aud urging.hia men onward, q light
form bounded through the air passed him, "
! lighted upon the Briton with fixed bayonet.
The blow was sufficient to have beaten him
TO the earth, even without a weapons: but as
| it was, the steel passed through his vtals and
| pinned him to the slope of the enbanlment
! / have kept my vow' shouted Edgar.--
Wretch, know men
| As he spoke, he stopped and whispered
something in his ear. Gordon started as ifhe
felt another wound, and gazing wildly upon
the face which, advanced within foot hls,was
smiling upon him but with a dire expression
of a beautiful iiend,he attempted to rise, made
noise like one struggling, fell back and ex-
pircd. .s....,
q have kept my VOW again cried the youth
MS he drew out his weapon and turned TO
Downer, and, brother, we are both revenged.'
As he spalle, he drew off from his head wig
of straight black hair, and the rich resses ola
female fell upon his neck and shoulders.
lsabella!' cried Downer as the truth dawn
ed upon him, 'my sister!--can it be"
'Touchme not cried tho unhappy glrb
shrinking from his embrace. 'Fhere is
stain upon me which even the blood that
coveted has not washed away
But, Obj she continued, here flows heal
ing balm She pointed as she spoke to
crimson tide, that dyed her garments from