Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1848-05-05

ne oheT was promptly ana gralelulty accept
ed by the almost desPairing Englshuan. Be-
fore he put foot in stirrup, however, Andre was
prevailed upon, much against his beuer judg-
ment, TO exchange his uniform for palmer and
more peaceful habilimenls. AT length, bidding
the traitor adieu, the British Major, under the
assumed name Of John Anderson, passed, with
out hindrance or molesialion, the out-posts OF
the American army, ,and soon congratulated him
self upon having easily conquered the difficult
ties which al first appeared TO him so lormida-
BILE. Bui the drama, in which he was playing
so conspicuous a part, was not yet concluded;
the last act remained to be performed and other
scenes TO be represented.
On, on he rode, with slackened rein and busy
whip. The magnificent scenery which lay
around him in the soft attraclyeness Of sairy-
land scarcely claimed u single glance; for his
active and ardent mind was occupied with
thoughts Of fame and her thick-cuslering hon
ors. He was young, brave and ambitious, and
had much to accomplish in his professional Ca
reer. Unlike the wretch whom he had but re-
Gently left, his heart was honest and his princi-
Plies Immaculate. Devoted TO his country and
his king-and signally maniiesng that devotion
in his present perilous adyenture-whaI might
he not hope, what might he not achieved
Atlenglh, the village of Tanytown, in its ru-
ral and quiet beauty, lay before him; a short
distance beyond which heknew were the advan-
ced posts of the British army. This thought
infused into his weary frame a new vigor, and
his stout charger, as if affected and impeled by
secret sympathy with his rider, bore him zap.
idly and gaanlly forward.
"Elalt, sir" said ami itia-man, suddenly emer-
ging from little thicket which skirted one side
Of the road, and directing the point Of his bayo-
net towards the breast of Andres horse. The
first impulse of the Engishman was 10 rush fear
lessy past the man, and run the hazard of his
shot; but the instantaneous appearance Of Two
others caused him TO check his excited animal
Immediately.
"Excuse u.s." said the first speaker, shut we
are desirOus of looking at you passport, if you
have one: if not, you must consider yourself
our prisoner" Andre, although a brave man,
manifested at first considerable trepidation; but
quickly rallying his feelings, with great COOL
ness of manner drew the required document
from his pocket and presented it as desired.
81 see it is signed by General Arnold" spoke
one of the men, after it had been closely scrut-
nized by all three; "youmay, therefore, proceed,
sir"
Smiling graciously, Andre bade them adieu,
and hurried forward, rejoced at having escaped
the keen scrutiny of their earnest eyes, HIS
horse had not gone thirty yards, however, ere
one of the militia-men, more suspicious than his
companions, remarked, in low and rapid tones,
whilst he gazed after the rerealing form Of the
young Engshman-
"Hang me, Paudng, if liked the manner
of the man! Van Vert here, as well as my
self, noticed how his hand trembled when he
presented you his passport"
"Nonsene, man." returned Paulding, 'the
signature was unquesuonably Arnold's, for |
have seen his autograph repeatedly"
"l'Il call him back, at all eventsl" said Will
liams, determinedy.
"Do it quickly, then, for he will soon be be-
yond the compass of your voice. urged both of
his companions, beginning 10 grow disrustlul
also.
Upon hearing the voice of the miltia-man,
Andre brought his restive horse to a stand. Al
though considerably intimidated when first ques-
toned by the men, chiefly by the suddenness of
their appearance, he now felt convinced that,
from their vicinity to the British army, they
were loyalists. Upon approaching the second
time, he asked them
"Where are you from, my men?"
"From down below" answered Williams,
evasively.
"And so am /" he Immediately returned, too
frank to suspect snare.
"Ha what did tell you, boys?" eagerly
spoke Williams, at the same time grasping tight
ly the bridle-rein Of Andres horse; 81 thought
he did not tremble for naught."
His two companions were confounded. A
deathly hue stole over Andres handsome and
INTEL ectual features and thrill Of anguish, ra
pid as an electric shock, passed through his
frame. All four were silent, gazing one upon
another in mute surprise. At length, with a
painful effort, The pssoner said
81 am British ofIicer make this avowal,
relying upon your humanity and generosity for
my life and safety" He then drew forth a
purse of gold and valuable watch, both of
which he offered to the men, but which were in
dgnantly refused. Compelled to admire this
flmness and patriotism, he at length addressed
them in most persuasive tones:
"You say you are poor and obscure; take this
gold, therefore, and become rch-thousands
shall be added to it! By accepting my offers,
you not only relieve your present embarrassed
but preserve the life of fellow being.
| am yet too young and full of life to die, and
the gibbet has around it dark and fearful horrors"
"By OBTAINING you, sir, we save, perchance,
The republic. If we were to suffer you TO 60 at
liberty, we should be culpable in the eyes of the
law, as we'll as of the nation. We desire TO be
just and honest to our country"
"Return, then, to the allegiance to your king.
Believe me, my good men, that is the only way
10 become just as we'll as honest. This thing of
liberty, for which the Colonies are striving so
mady, is mere phantom-a creature of the
brain-without form, without substance! They
must and will ultimately return tothe sovereign
ty of the mother country. Accompany me to
the headquarters of Sir Henry Clinton, and rich