Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1849-03-21
SELECT TALE.
OF TIE WILLOWS.

Of two roads, and brook in front, the
banks covered with willows. This place
meets the description exactly. Order the
men to dismount, with the exception OF a
couple Of patrols on each road
The speaker was dressed in the blue
and scarlet uniform of the British horse, a
corps that was formed after the landing of
the English troops in New Jersey, SO
soon rs horses could be obtained 10 mount
the men. lie was an officer Of some rank.
evidently, and his carriage and demeenor
were both naughty and ari.tocratic in the
highest degree. Why not! he was the
eldest son Of a British earl
THE house appears TO be deserted, Col.
lIarcourt,' said the junior officer as he dis
mounted.
I'VE will see. This way, half a dozen
Of yOu,' said he to his men. TRY the
door yonder. II it is fastened, break ii
open, and report if any one is inside. II
there should be, and they attempt TO es-
cape, shoot them down, but give then,
warning to surrender
The men advanced 10 the door, which
they found to be fastened; and after de-
manding admission, to which they receiy-
ed no answer, they proceeded to break it
open, which delayed them some time, for
the door was a strong oaken one. This
done, they entered.
DO you know the man by sight. lieu
tenant?' asked Col. Harcourt, while the
men were busily ransacking the house.
NO, sir; but there is a fellow l picked
up on the road, now in the rear. that
knows him well. lie does not appear to
owe him much favor
1Order him To the 'front.'
The countryman had not progresses
ing countenance. There was bold sur
illness and cruel expression Of features ex-
tremely displeasing.
what is your name?' said Col. Har-
court.
John Claasen.'
do you know Peter Vandyk!'
Very WE'LL
as that his dwelling!'
'Yes-though since his mothers death
and his sisters getting married, it is hard
to say where he keeps himself
Does he not bear the name Of being
great rebel, and dangerous man to those
who favor the king in this neighborhood'
Yes, from the Passaic to the Hacken-
sack, and thirty miles around. 1fl'd had
my way, he'd been hung long ago and his
house burned over his head. He is the
leader Of every rebel gang from the army,
and points out the honest farmers houses
who stand by their king. whose barns they
plumber, and carry away the grain and
cattle
why, you tell bitter tale about him.
Has he ever injured you'
Injured me! He, and parcel Of rob-
bcrs like himself, came one afternoon to
burn my house and hang me before the
door, which they would have done, but for
the arrival Of number of friendly neigh
bors well armed, when they went off in
double quick time
Docs he not venture into New York
sometimes in disguised inquired the colo
mel.
I've heard so. He was slippery from
q boy up, and can disguise himself in any
way. Hes precious scamp, and you'll
do . favor to this part Of Jersey, if you
hang him a. soon as you catch him.
This conversation had been held near
Q stone wall, ION the other side Of which
was IN old garden; but the troubles Of the
times had left it uncul.vated, and the
gooseberry and currant bushes had grown
up rank and untrimmed, and the briars
stretched over the walls, covering the
ground from sight.
Under this cover and within ten feet OF
the Col. and Claasen, lay crouched the
very man they were talking Of. He had
barely time to escape from the house and
conceal himself upon the approach Of the
British horsemen, whom he did not sus-
pect to be within ten miles Of him.
Twice or thrice on hearing the base
lies Of Claasen, he was on the point of ri
HIM. h,,t 1;ttl,
Election was left, and he thought that was
not the occasion to place his life in jeopar'
dy, which he certainly would do. since
the party Of troops had come out express
ly to take him.
DO you know with any certainty, Claa
sen, how long since Vandyke has beer
seen in the neishborhood!'
Il heard that he was seen last night twt
miles from this; in a bye path through th'
woods, coming in the direction Of hi
house.
This is the information received, an,
am determined to capture him soone
or later. Ifyou can point out his where
abouts, or arrest him yourself, you sha
have = reward Of fifty guineas.'
Claasen was avaricious and found {
money Is he was wicked. Fifty guinea
was large sum indeed, particularly j
those days when gold was rarely seen.
Il will catch him, colonel, before he
three days older. ! know one Of hi
haunss.'
why not lead us there, them"
ut would be Of no use this time Of da,
Besides he may not be there for q day c
two, and l shall have to be cautious j
looking out for him.
well, secure him, and fifty guinea
shall be yours
Several Of the soldiers now came fror
the house, and stated that they ha
searched II from top to bottom, but coul
find no one although from appearance
some person had been there recently
The colonel, followed by Claasen. passe