Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1847-04-02

massive tables and chairs, with slabOrarsly cary-
cd feet. A couple Of fine portraits adorned the
walls-one a picture Of the deceased Mr.. Blake.
ley, the other likeness Of Mr. Mowbray.
Major Lindsay cast bis eyes from the cornice
TO the floor, and from The manilepiece to the por-
traits, and az length sealIhily turned them 10 the
direction Of Kate, who sat on the sofa, her color
rapidly changing, equally constrained and EN-
barassed. That young and almost inexperi-
enced girl should want perfect self-possession
was less singular, however, than that praciised
man the world like Major Lindsay should be
without il. But the ruth was that be scarcely
knew how TO introduce his errand to Kate.
When his eyes, however, met those Of the
iairgirl, there was an expression OF surprise and
inquiry at his silence, not to be misunderstood;
aud he thought il best to refer at once TO the pur.
pose Of the interview.
''lt pains me exceedngly-you cannot imag-
inc how much--my dear Mrs. Mowbray," he be-
gan, ''to come here without ihe unconditional
pardon Of your father. But there are two cir
.cumsances which prevented me from succeeding
TO the extent of my wishes, and thus having the
honor aud pleasure Of bringing you such welcome
news. In the first place, Mr.. Mowbray is not, as
you suppose prisoner to Col. Watson, that Of.
fcer being on his march to join Lord Raw1on
at Camden; but on the contrary, is in the hands
Of Lieut.. Col. Campbell, who now holds the post
Of fGeorgetown, and who besides being gentle.
man of more inexorable nature, is personally
unacquainted with your father. Now, had it
been Col. Watson 10 whom Mr.. Mowbrpy had
been surrendered, indulge the hope that, diff.
cult as the task would have been, his intimacy
with yourself aud Mrs. BIakeley, to say nothing
Of my own solicitations; would have procured the
release of your parent. But with Col. Camp.
bell the case is different. He is not only a
stranger to you all, but he is nearly an entire
stranger to myself. There does not exist be-.
tween us those terms Of intimacy that, in the
case of Col Watson, would have justified me in
asking for the release ofyour father as q person.
al favor"
Here Major Lindsay stopped, as if expecting
Kate TO answer; but she only bowed. 1t was ev-
ident also from her look Of continued surprise
that she could not yet make out the speakers
purpose.
"In the second place." continued Major Lind
say slowly, "there is nothing in this case to dis
tinguish it from others-nothing, mean to justi-
fy Colonel Campbell in his own eyes for pardon
ing your parent, when SO many others, also ta-
ken with arms in their hands, are executed
Lord Rawdon's orders are explicit. Every man
who, having once signed the protection, is after
ward captured fighting againt the king, is to be
punished with death. This command hitherto
has been rigidly enforced. Nor is there in Mr..
Mowbray's case, as before said any thing to
take him out of the general rule. On the con-
trary, as Col. Campbell assured mo, there is ev-
cry reason why he should be proceeded against
even more rigidly than others. Your father is
rich and has great personal influence; and his
pardon would lead the gentry generally to sup
pose that they could revolt with impunity. To
suffer the leaders to escape-these were the
words of my superior-yet punish their deluded
followers, is neither justice nor good policy
These considerations induced Col. Campbell TO
whom hastened at once as an intercessor, be-
ing fortunately in Georgetown, to refuse my
suit, though he kindly condescended to explain
the reasons, as have recapitulated TO you."
Kate clasped her hands at these words, and be.
came pale as corpse.
"Then he is to die!" she gasped. at is thus
you would break the news TO me-"
"Nay, not so, as hope in heaven" cried Ma
ior Lindsay, earnestly, springing forward TO sup
port the fainting girl. "Your fathers life may
yet be spared-Co. Campbell himself assured
me how"
Kate's eyes were eargerly turned to the speak
er at these words, though by motion of he
hand she waved offhs assistance.
"The colonel said" continued Major Lindsay,
seeing she waited for him TO speak, "that it wa
only necessary to give proper pledge TO the
royal government for his future neutrality, ant
Mr.. Mowbray might be saved. He himself hint
ed at the character of that pledge, or else shoul
have remained in doubt. 60 to Miss Mowbray
he said and tell her that with her it rests 10 pre-
serve her fathers life. have heard of you
suit in that quarter; obtain her consent 10 spec
dy marriage, and then to the father-in-law o
one of his majesty's most faithful subjects car
grant that life which | must deny to rebel il
arms These were his words. And now, dear
Miss Mowbray, think not come to take advan
tage of you," said Major Lindsay, speaking rap
idly and eargerly, as he saw her avert her face
"God knows nothingi is further from my thoughts
But it is the weakness of love to be selfish, ant
when the way by which might win my sui
was thus pointed out to me, had not the strengt
TO resist. Besides, knew should never forgive
myselfifI refused 10 come, and your father los
, his life in consequence. My very love for you
by making me anxious for his life, would hav'
f forced me hnher, even if knew before hand tha
you would spurn me-"
Surprise and indignation chased each ohe
$ through Kate's mind at hearing these words.-
5 The embarrassment of Major Lindsay was nov
a explained, for well might he hesitate to avow hi
baseness in making her fathers life the price {
, her hand. Kate was firmly persuaded that h
I. might have saved her parent if he would; an
! her bosom heaved with indignant feelings. Bl
had she known all; had she known Major Line
. say himself had planned her fathers capur
d and instigated his superior TO dictate the onl
9 terms of pardon-how would she have turne
: from him with horror and loathing inexpress
lhlel M-L .--.L -