Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1851-01-09

TIL near nghtfall. On this occasion, the Gen
eral had been in search Of further evidence than
ne had yet had, and instead of returning direct
y othe Fort, he proceeded cautiously homeward
by circuitous route. On his way back he
chanced, on sudden to come within hearing
distance of the enemy's extreme outpost-where
he listened to brief coloquy between the senti-
mel and another British soldier
Yes, l tell you it's all fxed," said the first
speaker.
And for the morrow you say"
AYE tomorrow, at three. He has agreed to
dine with his friend, precisely at that hour. You
know the old fellows love of punctuality."
II have heard it said he is very precise"
"Well juSt about that time, a detachment of
British cavalry will happen that way, do you see
and the thing will be all up"
"Captal!'
AtmirabIe-couldn't be better And his
affecIionate host will realize handsome sum by
the operation, too"
$50 have learned"
"And why shouldn't he, pray? Many's the
good dinner the old Generals eaten at his ex
pense."
ayes. But the capture of Re great American
General will be great blows
"Yes, indeed, Wen be even with these
Yankees, yet"
"Who goes hers?" demanded the sentinel, alb.
rupty ut this moment, aad turning brskIy on
his heel, he darted quickly into a by path, where
his ear had detected, as he thought, the motion
of feet.
Within hundred rods, he just discovered the
outline ofa tall form, retreating rapidly away;
and raised his piece he wonld have fred-but
in the approaching darkness the intruder escap.
cd. Though their conversation had problby
been overheard they very well knew the conse-
quence it must be to themselves, to say nothing
o what had happened, and The untimeIy visit of
the stranger, whoever he was, they kept pro-
found secret so far as they were personally con-
cerned
Three days prior to this, the American Gener-
al had passed an hour or two at the mansion of
his friend, and when he arose TO leave, he had
been struck with the obsequious and pressing
manner of his host, and the earnestness with
which he urged hin to accept an invitation to
dine with him on the following Thursday, at
three o'clock. lie even insisted that the Gener
al should throw aside all formality and consider
iiirah a;
hint that The military guard who accompanied
him did not evince that the General confdcd
very deeply in his friendship.
"You mistake" said Washington blandy.-
"My guard accompanies me merely for FORMS
sake; and to show you how strongly | confde
in you, will come, and puncually, as you desire
alone"
"You are serious, General?"
"Why otherwise-assuredIy"
"True, true. Why continued the traitor. =
"At three, you said-I think"
"At three, precisely"
81 shall be prompt" said Washington and
passing the hand of the host he departed. He
lost no opportunity during the intervening time,
to ferret out the cause of this pressing and par
ticnIar invitation, and on the night OF Wednesday,
he had strayed to the British lines, and had
overheard the conversation las we have seem
between the wo British soldiers.
An hour before the time fixed for the dinner
on Thursday, Washington arose from an inter,
view with his confidential aid Ge camp, and went
out HIS favorte horse stool at the door, and
as he placed his foot in the stirrup, he remarked
to his junior officer
Punctualiy, Colonel, is a virtue, at all times
On the accession have named to you, let me a
gain urge its especial observance.
"You may rely on me, General" said the
Aid, touching his hat, and the American Com
mander disappeared alone amid the trees
which skirt the camp At early half past two,
he cached the mansion of the friend whose hos
ptality he had so often enoyed-but which he
now visited for the last time The General dis
Mounted at the door, the servant took his horse
and his false hearted host received him, in per-
son, upon the piazza.
You are early, General" he said, "but am
glad to see you"
:" love punctuality, my dear SIR said the
General, kindly" and he who is not prompt with
his friends may doubt him."
His entertainer looked nervously into the
Generals face, as il he would question this re-
mark, but the gaze met there, re assured him,
and he entered into easy conversation with him
at once. Washington proposed walk before
dining to which his host assented, and proceed
ing out upon the lawn, they assembled togeth-
er high mound near the house, f,om which
a fine view of the neighborhood was had
You come alone to.day-General?" said his
host, evidently embarrassed from some cause,
and lacking in his usual freedom of converse
ton
Did not promise you should7" said
Washington, turning full upon his interroga,
tor
"Yes-I had forgotten"
"The prospect here is beautiful" continued
the American General. Below, rolls the majes-
tic Hudson beyond, from the lofty Highlands
and upon the point stretching out into the
water, yonder, lie encamped my enemy"
ayes, see," remarked his host, exhibiting
an uneasiness of manner, and peenng around
him as if anticipating something he would con-
cea from his visitors knowledge.
clark I" said the General suddenly--"what
non was discharged, apparently at the enemy's
camp.
The attention of his friend was now attracted
to moving corps of Cavalry in British uniform,