Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1849-03-21
them to himself, with a countenance Of

them to himself, with q countenance Of
surprise.
so, so-here's list of our troops, and
the numbers in and around the city. AT
Powel's Hook $780, AT Elizabethfown
and Newark, 1OOO.' Sen. Clinton leaves
soon for Charleston with 5000 who
can play the spy so thoroughly in our
camp! This Vandyke is most danger
Gus character to be abroad Men, said
he aloud. .and you Claasen, search every
hole and see if any more papers can be
found
Nothing could give Claasen greater de-
light than this order. Curiosity and 9TH
er reasons had urged him to enter the
house during Vandyke's absence. for this
very purpose; but the dread that andyke
might return while he was thus engaged
had heretofore prevented him undertaking
it. He was now armed with proper au-
thor;ty and protection.
What he found or discovered, he did
not report to Col. Harcour,, but made the
same reply as the soldiers. that nothing
more of importance could be found.
.Very well, we will now leave the place
and return 10 quarters at Powels Hook.
Hodgson, place some dry wood in the
middle Of this room. and when i've the
word. apply :he MATCH
what. Are you going TO burn the
Willows, captain!' said Claasen, his face
cleaning with satisfaction.
Yes, | will burn down the nest Of the
rebel carton bird. II is well he is not
within my reach--he should swing for it.
One such fellow with his secret spying
and finding out. is OF more injury to US
than a regiment Of rebels in an open field.
Little did the British commander mag
inc that the young man was then almost
within sound Of his voice.
TO horse, men, all except Hodgson.
By this time, with Claasen, the colonel
had approached within hearing of Van
dyke, where he halted with his troopers.
Now, Hodgson, apply the match,
mount and fall in
1t was with anguish Vandyke heard
this order from his hiding place. The
Willows as the farmhouse was called,
had been the birthplace of his ancestors,
as il was his own, and there he had pass
ed all his life. But what could he do
Nothing.
Presently thick, black smoke arose
and burst from each door and window
This was followed by a brilliant flame that
shot far into the sky, and the cracking OF
the well seasoned timbers, dry with CEN
fury Of preparation, could he heard at a
great distance.
.There will be one rebel shelter less to-
night 1t is pity they were not all burn
ed down; then the king would have more
friends this side ofthe water. These reb-
els are like dogs, good whipping makes
them better natured. The house is near
Iy consumed, for the embers are begin
ming to fly before the evening breeze
By files. to the right face trot!' and the
horsemen wheeled into the road.
Fifty guineas, you say, colonel, If
take Vandyke!' asked Claasen again.
Yes, fifty guineas.'
Then | will leave you here, and keep
a watch around He may return here be
fore great while. Where shall you
haltp
AT the Oaks FIVE miles off, and STOP
an hour or two for the forage party.
anything should occur within that time
you will know where to find me-. lhe
officer and troop rode away.
Claasen fingered around, and gradual
ly approached the building. which was
with the exception of the stone walls q
heap Of ruins.
so John Claasen, you have gluttet
your vengeance upon me, and this is YOU
work. viper wretch!
Claasen turned and beheld, within 81,
feet Of him, Vandyke, leaning Oh mus
ket.
No. no, Peter the wretch muttered
trembling as he spoke, 1T was the BRITISH
officer. You know wouldn't injure you
| Speak not another word. liar. or shall
forge, myself and blow your brains out
! | heard all. You are to have fifty gum
cas- for experimenting me. am ever,
thing that is bad. ! came to burn you
house down. but fled when your friend
approached! Wretch. saved your dwell
! ing and your worthless carcass, and thes
ruins are my reward
peter. dear Peter!'
.Scoundrel! do not apply the wor'
dear to me- 1t sounds worse than tn
hiss of a snake. Listen, John Claasen
the chief reason of your luminosity TO m
lis because Kate Vessels preferred IN
hand to yours. Thank God! she and he
father are both safe from persecution. fc
they are now within the American line:
Now hear me. lspare you this time fe
YOU are unarmed; but when next we NEE
. be it in town or village, forest or roa,
wedding or funeral, il is your life or min
Coz
Claasen waited for no second biddin!
6 but disappeared in the direction taken b
the soldiers in double quick time. his ha
!, standing on cnd-for, like all other rogue
he was cowardly as he was bad.
Vandyke paused a moment. and tn,
: pondered in his own mind-'That scoul
drel will bring some of those horseme
for he will imagine that may linger tv
or three hours around this old place. Y
: will go after some twenty Of our lat
, and prepare an ambush for them Fiji