Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1847-09-17

III command 10 approach.
'Remand the prisoner to his cell" he said,
"thp execution must be deferred"
Before explaining the cause Of this sudden
change in the aspect Of affairs at the fort, il will
be necessary 10 travel back short period, and
take up another clew Of this singular history.
CHAPTER TX.
Miss Gansevoorl's week Of dreadful expecta-
tion had passed away, and the day Of her expec-
ted sacrifice arrived. Her father in the mean.
lime had used every means both 10 persuade and
brighten her into a peaceabe compliance with
his wishes. Fancying he pcrceyedan increased
dociIily in her conduct, he relaxed portion Of
his severity, and tried the effect Of kindness
Although closely watched, she was no longer
confined to her room. When the appointed day
arrived without bringing Sir Philip, she felt u
temporary relief; but she then had the additional
agony of suspense 10 endure. Hope, vague and
Indefinite began TO dawn in her breast; but its
light was scarcel Y more than sufficient 10 reveal
the depth of her despair Every football alarm
ed her. Every voice quickened her pusation.
In this state Of mind, she was astonished and
delighted by the unexpected reception Of letter
from her brother. 1t was delivered in the even
ing TO a servant al the door, by man cloaked and
muilled, who Immediately departed. 1t inform.
ed her that having heard of her situation, he had
provided means for her immediate rescue; that
at the hour Of nine in the ensuing evening, a car
riage would be in attendance at the corner of the
street, displaying single light in ronr and that
if she could escape her fathers Surveillance long
enough to reach the vehicle. she would be safe.
A confidential friend of her brother would there
receive her, and convey her before morning 10
the fort. Every thing, he said, was arranged to
avoid detection or arrest upon the route.
There was no bounds 10 the ecstasy Of Miss
Gansevoort on the receipt Of this letter. She
resolved 10 brave every danger, for the purpose of
escaping the one which she dreaded most
Never did time travel SO slowly as oHthe ensuing
day. Every moment was an ageof fcaraud SuS.
penSe. Could she manage 10 make her escape!
Would not Sir Philip arrive! Would there be no
failure or mistake on the part of her brothers
friend! Who waS that friend! These, and
thousand similar questions, continually passed
through her mind, and kept it in state Of the
most violent agitation. She was obliged 10 con-
fde her secret to one of her maids, who readily
sented TO be the companion of her flight
Through her agency, when the appointed hour
arrived, she was enabled TO transfer few nds-
ponsabe arllclcS to the carriage; and when she
herself trembImgIy prepared to depart, II was
without an article of dress about herwhich could
create "A suspicion of her design. As the clock
struck nine, she rose from her seat in the draw
ing-room, and with careless air approaching the
outer door, suddenly opened it, and DARED, lawn'
! like, down the street. She heard the alarm be-
hind. She heard the clattering steps of her pur'
suerS; bat she saw The signal-ight at hand. The
carriage-door stood open, and cloaked stranger
at its side. Without a word he lifted her in
GoIlowed-cosed The door-and the cracking o
the coachman's whip, and the rafting of thC
wheels, mingled with the shouts and execraton
of the pursuers.
"My maid! my maid" exclaimed Ellen, Ssh
is leG'
"Sience! it is too Iate" was the answer in {
low voice. The noise made by the rapid motor
of the coach, for some time etiectuay debarreC
anv further attempt at conversation; but thlnkln!
only Of her escape, Miss Gansevoort easily post
.poned her curiosity, convinced that her prcsen
velocity would soon carry them beyond the dan
ger of pursuit, and admit of more mOderal
speed. Worn out with fatigue and anxiety, sh
fell into an uneasy sleep, but was soon awakened
Iby the stopping of the coach. Confused noises
were heard without. Angry questions and reptile
were followed by demand TO open the door,
Her companion suddenly let down window an
looking out, uttered few words in a low tone.-
I"Oh, its you, is it," was the reply; and wlthou
further questions the carriage was allowed TO pre-
coed. Ellen strove hard, but in vain, to catch
glimpse of her mysterious companions Iace.-
She again sunk 10 sleep, and was again awakene
to witness a similar scene. Every thing present
ed itself 10 her mind in mystihed and unnatu
raj manner. Darkness and drowSiness, commr
ged dreams and realities, passing light, strang
voices, half understood sentences, beginning clos
at hand, and dying away in the distance, all con
lrbuled TO complete her confusion, and preven
the obtaining of one distinct idea. 1t is not sur
prising that she yielded herself again and again
, conlentedy to sleep. for the one dominant hop
, of her waking moments became glorious Ger
tainty in her dreams, and she smiled IN securIt.
under the assured protection ol hum 10 whom, un
| awares, she had long since yielded up the price
, less treasure of her heart.
Once, on awakening, The gurgling, ripplin
, sound of wafer reached her ears. They wer
crossing the river at ferry. The vehicle bein
stationary, it was a favorable moment to addres
her companion, which, with trembling voice, sh
fastened to do. The long, hard breathing of
sleeper was her only reply. Abashed and alarm