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

and not being known as deserter, no sus-
pcion had attached to him. Walden knew
nothing ofhis participation in the defence at
Lees, or of his subsequent enlistment ut the
fort, and being equally ignorant ofhis intima-
cy with Dudley, never doubted his loyalty
He had therefore easily procured an interview
with Miss Welles, us an acquaintance g. for
mer neighbor. The perfect secresy of his
movements had been prompted by his hab-
itual caution, and by the great danger of any
runlors following him TO the British camp,
which would result in his trial and conVic-
ton as n spy. He cared little for the tempo
rary odium of n deserler mt home, while he
retained the confidence ofDudey,w he be-
lieved would rightly conjecture his designs.
How little his confidence was misplaced will
appear.
CHAPTER TX.
The rereating army returned as they had
ceme, 10y the way Of Oneida Like, and he
who had watched the large hoiilla as it APP
pronchcd the western bound of that beautiful
sheet nj water, on the evening of the second
day after the raising of the siege, might also
have seen, like speck upon the wave, a sin
gle boat, tieetly following IN the distunce-.
The position preserved by the solitary vessel
was such as TO preclude observation from the
fleet, unless it might be that ofan eye search
| ing for such an object. Ii need scarcely be
said that it was Dudley who thus daring
| y followed the hyng host. His first unwor-
thy doubts Of Rogers had already yielded TO
almost full conviction that the latter was in
the British camp only as his friend and ally;
and he INDUCED the faint hope of now at
tracing his attention, and by some means es-
tablshiug communication with him. When
therefore, the enemy encampcd at dark on
the borders ofthe lake, lie retained, as be-
fore, n position in which lie would be
visible only TO n close observer. Long
and anxiousiy did he remuin, watching
the distant lights of the camp, and 'hoping
against hope for some signal that he was seen
and recognized. He knew wei that any at
tempt personally to enter The British lines,
without the password wonld result in his
detection and in an ignomnious death. Ru-
mnaiing painfully upon his prospects, he sat
for two long hours gazing towards the shore,
during all which time his Indian companions,
with Blended heads, seemed to be buried in
sleep. Bur simultaneous start from each
now proved that they had rather been holding
Il most vigHant swatch. Oheyng their pan
tominic instructions, Dudley listened long
and earnestly, until he thought that he heard
the distant fall Of oars. A few minutes con-
vinced him that lie was not mistaken; but al
| though the sound grew more distinct, it was
! impossible To tell from what direction it pro-
ceeded. Nothing could be seen, and as the
darkness would prove an equal obstacle TO
MS OWIl DOSHlOIl lelUn fllScOEereC, ne TcSON-
ed upon the hazardous experiment of display
ing light. This was effected by means of
a Hint and finder, with which he was proVid-
ed. and after II monienlary exhibition of the
flame, it was immediately cXtinguished. The
quick and emphatic dash of oars which sue
ceeded met with response in his fast beat
ing heart; nearer and nearer came the invisi-
BILE vessel, nor paused until apparently with
in few rods of the other. a momcntary
silence, and the low, cautious interchange
otthe words Dudley aud Rogers establish
ed the certainty of the anxious hopes of each.
In II moment more the boats were side by
side, and the cordial grasp and the ialterng
aud choked voice of welcome told the faith
| fnl deserer that he was appreciated aud I'M
derstood. few minutes sufficed to put
Dudley IN possession of all the important
facts in relation TO Ellen's situation, and it
was no small qualification TO know that she
was yet well, and free from any harm save
| That OF the most narrowing anxiety. Long
and earnestly did the two friends confer up
OH their future movements, and their plan,
when finally concocted, was one that involv-
ed such imminent peril, that the concurrence
| of their Indian confederates was considered
n matter of serious doubt. But they had
mistaken the vaioF of their companions vino,
when the details were submitted 10 them,re-
sponded only by their quiet and expressive
ejaculation 'goodp
1t would have argued but little forehought
on the part of Dudley, fine had entered up-
on an expedition in which skill must neces-
sarlly he his principal reliance, without pro-
vldlng himself with some of the ordinary re-
sources of strategy. 1t is well known to the
historical reader that the allied army, i'm their
hasty departure from the walls of Fort Stan
wiX, lett behind them, not only their artillery
and many OF their tents, but large portion
OF their stores and camp equipage. IL was
an easy matter for Dudley to procure apparel
from these sources, both of the civilized and
savage soldier, which might serve as disguis-
es, if necessary, for himself and companions,
nor had he neglected so obvious an aid to his
enterprise. To transform the Indians by n
change of dress. from the republican One-
das into the royal Mohawks, was no difficult
operation, and Lieut. Dudley, with equal ce-
lerity, was converted into a private of Sir
John Johnson's regiment of American loyal
lists. Bound on an enterprise involving mo-
mentous interests, and conscious that detec-
ton would be followed by certain death, the
minds Of thGe braye men rose with the emer-
gency, and in one breast Mt least, that of the
generous and daring Dudley, the last und
least ofihe whole catalogue of emotions was
that of personal fear. All things being in
readiness, the boats slowly and silently alp
preached the shore, taking direction that
would bring them to land few rods below
the camp As they drew nigh, the sontinels
could be distinctly seen, and the countersign
was carefully impressed upon the minds of
each Of the party. 1t required no repetition
in the ear ofthe Indians, for the word was
| sBrant.' .....
CHAPTER X.
Reclining, not sleeping,in her guarded tent,
] the unfortunate Ellen DaSsed the slow which