The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1848-01-29

and with two Indians, and one of his fellow
privates, constituted his full company. The
vessel which had been selected for Ellen was
OF fanciiul construction, and had received
from Walden the name of the gon-
dola.' 1t was much smaller than the bntteau
and was propelled by only two pair of oars.
Walden, himself fearful perhaps ofhis cap
tive's reproaches, and knowing the impossi-
hty Other escape, had contcnted himself
with occupying the boat next preceding III
the line. The hustle and stir without nj
length announced TO Ellen the approach of
day, and the note of preparation for depart
IRE fell with dismal foreboding upon her ear.
She was Immediately in readiness, and al
though there were yet no signs of light, she
pulled aside the canvass door of her telII and
looked out. She knew that she was closely
guarded, but she was not prepared for the I'M
civil command which ut once forbade her O.
gress. Il second speaker, in Il voice still
more grun, approached the door, aud utter
ing some well disscmbled words of reprooi,
contrvcd to slipa paper into her hands and
Immediately Withdrew. by the faint light Of
n taper, Ellen trembling with excitement, pc
rused the following words: Make every pos
sible delay in leaving your tent and embark
ing. Minutes are worth millions. BE watch
full and discreet Utering heavy eiacua-
ton of thanksgiving for the indefinite hope
thus held out TO her, she Instantly burned the
paper, and hastily divesting herself of part Of
her apparel, retired 10 bed. by feigning n
sleep, sound and difficult to dispel, when
summoned to arise, by tnrdincss in dress and
many ingenious resources, she succeeded IN
obeying the injunctions of her mysterious
vster.
The part 10 be performed by Dudey's par
~ on obtaining enterance into tile camp was
of'the most difficult mature. They were rot
only to nau the boat which was designed
for Ellen in their assumed character, hut IL
was necessary in some way TO get rid ofthree
of its former crew. Lastly, and almost equal
ly important was the necessity ofdelaying lis
departure, so that it might he in the rear of
the whole line. Success in all these prelml-
nnries was essential to attaining even TIE
Tnresflituiti VI escujje. Simultaneous with
the first movements III the camp, they pro
ceeded to take possession of the boat, and
Rogers, having instructed his disguised COM
panions how to assimuIate MS nearly as posi-
BILE the department of its former occupants,
stepped upon the shore to await their APP
Droach. In the mean tine the hustle and
stir incident to the breaking up and departure
of the camp was rapidly increasing. Many
ofthe boats were already filled, bHt Walden,
WHO had charge OF that division of The ilorilln,
had not yet arrived. AS the two Indians
who formed part of the gondola's crew APP
preached, Rogers FASTENED to meet them aud
said
The light is breaking on the hills,
and the deer are already abroad. There
will be gold for him who brings game for the
pale faced maiden. Go quickly and meet us
an hour hence by youder bluff
The Indians were ready armed, either for
war or the chase, and needed no second bid
ding TO so agreeable task. Their ideas of
discipline were too lax to admit of their ques-
tioning the authority of Rogers, and readily
signifying their assent, they disappeared in
the forest. For his fellow soldier, who soon
arrived, the sergeant WAS prepared with an
equally ingenious device. you complained
Yesterday he said, 'of illness and fatigue
Mr. Walden has sent us another oarstnan,
and you are 10 go in either of the large bat
teauX.' The fellow unsuspecting, gladly
turned away and joined crowd who were
| filling up some of the largest sized bouts
Thus far events looked promising, but it was
not yet light, and the scrutiny of Waldon's
eve was still to be undergone. IL was not UNI
| iii many of the foremost boats had started,
and the others were rapidly forming in line,
that he arrived upon the beach, accompanied
hy the trembling Ellen. lie had been de-
tained in waiting for her and appeared in great
| i'll humor
u think will take seat in your boat this
morning, Mr. Rogers he said. 'Our fair
ally here exhibits alarm, and may need my
personal attention.
sThe gondola draws much water, the SER
geant quickly replied, 'and rows heavily;
but ifyou choose TO take my oar, | can go in
one of the batteauX.'
BY no MEANS said Walden laughing, the
day promises to be too warm for that but
keep MS near in position as possible, aud II
any thing goes wrong, shall he in easy hail
ing distance. Hasten now, or we shall be the
yarv Inst tn embark
He handed Ellen to the boat and was about
to depart, hut suddenly pointing to one ofthe
Oneidas, exclaimed
'How's this, sir? Have you changed your
crew, or who is this broad shouldered saw
age" Instantly continuing his inspection,
before the sergeant could reply he called out:
"a light quick, light-we have strange Wis
tiers here
Rogers stood with one foot in the boat md
one upon the beach, and Walden, standing
upon the shore in STOPPING posture was
peering into the vessel. A thrill of horror
shot through the company, and instant detec-
ton seemed unavoidable. There was no
time for reflection. Dealing silent but
staggering blow upon the Bonded head of his
companion, the sergeant sprang into the
boat, and seized an oar, whispered Pull
now, for your livesn
CHAPTER XI.
The movement had been so instantaneous,
the noise was so light, and the blow upon
Walden so stunning, that nearly minute e.
lapsed before any ineligible alarm was CIV
en-. Shouts and eXecrntions were then heard
from the shore, with the dash of oars and all
the signs of quick pursuit. Shots were al
so fired, but the arrowy flight OF the boat had
already carried it too far into the ohscurity
that yet rested upon the waters to admit of
nny distinct aim Faster and farther, under