Eastern times., 1851-05-01
All is ready--call Bartonr

All is ready--call Bartonp
The Captain applied small whistle to his
lips, and figure came from its concealment in
the garden.
Mount the ladder said he, and stand upon
the second round from the top
The man ascended the ladder as he was d.
rected, and paused upon the spot specified.
A wild piercing scream echoed from the
chamber, as the ruffian Bromly dashed to the
window with the fair Amy in his arms, and de-
posting her in the grasp Of the man who wait
ed at the top of the ladder, she was rece, 'ed by
the Captain on the ground.
'QuickP cried the Captain, quick Brom-
ly, leap from the window
The ladder had fallen to the ground, leaving
Bromly inside the chamber.
Now them he shouted as he sprang to the
EARTH the horses.'
And with bounding steps be made for the
covert that concealed the horses, beyond the
garden gate. The Captain mounted, and re-
ceiving the insensible Amy in his arms, he put
spurs to the steed, and dashed across the mea-
dow, out into the lane followed by his compan4
ions; and as they entered the thick wood the
aged parents were seen rushing out into the
road, with wild disheveled locks, and clasped
hands, screaming for the child.
On-on-faster = shouted the Captain, as
he buried his sharp spurs deep in the sides of
his feet steed, and the animal, obeying the
seeming impulse, sprang forward with renewed
swiftness.
by heaven!' he cried, as he looked back,
they have fred the barn! see-,he blaze will
| bring the whole troop upon u.s.
As he spoke, broad lurid glare burst out
from behind the white cottage, and the clouds
suddenly became illuminated with a crimson
hue. 1t was the signal for rescue and the
British officer knew it. His blanched, livid
features become fearfully convulsed and it was
with difficulty he kept his seat upon the flying
steed. But still on-onward he went-and
brighter and broader grew the signal light,
tinging the forest tops with its luridness
Spare US. spare us y cried the Captain, as
they suddenly dashed in among body of SOL
diers, and reigning in his horse, he leaped with
his fair burden TO the ground and fell upon his
knees.
A loud mocking laugh came from the SOL
diery, and the Captain found that he was with
in his own camp. He sprang to his feet with
a flush of modification, and bade them prepare
10 retreat toward the main body, as the whole
American force would be down upon them in
an instant. The camp consisted of abont two
hundred men, with score of prisoners, which
were soon set in motion upon the Captain
alarm, and making rapidly for their confederate
force.
Still flashed the beacon light from the white
cottage solitary horseman came dashing
furiously and foaming down the open road, and
springing from his steed at the op~ gate, rush
ed into the house.
Amy. Amyn cried the young patriot pa
cling the wide apartments with rapid strides
Amy! where is she1'
No answer came from within the house,
the back garden. There was the aged moth
er, and the decrepid father, heaping fresh
piles of dry grass upon the blazing heap,
with a desperate energy aud supernatural
strength. They saw not the approach Of
the lover in the intensity of excitement with
which they supplied the burning signal,
until his hoarse voice shouted 10 their ears
'Amy-where is she I?
The old man turned at the laundering
tones, and cried out
Lost losl.' and fell senseless to the
earth, and would have perished amid the
burning cinders had not Frank dragged INN
from the smoking ashes. The mother had
strength to point towards the forest, and she
sunk exhausted.
lie had heard enough-and dashing thro
The house, and out into the front garden he
l-apt upon his srced aud sprnng forward to
hasten on his companions. Scarce had he
spanned a mile, when his quick ear caught
the loud tramp of the Night Rlders-and ere
another minute he was in their midst.
Follow follow he shouted lranticaly,
as he joined them. 'The British have rob-
bed old Nathan Walters os his dearest
treasure, and the wrongs Of helpless inno-
cence shrek for vengeance?
A simultaneous hurst Of indignation came
from the troopers-and the commander,
advancing TO Frank, said
'Can'st trace their route, young man p
Ay, every foot Of it. They have taken
the forest path and will cross the stream n,
the old ferry
Then lead on ! was the reply and the
whole body, thirty in number, dashed for
ward and as they passed the cottage and
the still! smoking barn. cry of suppressed
hate came from The clenched teeth ofevery
man.
Faster = cried Frank, lei not The morn
ing sun see Amy Walters in the hands of
her caprors.'
The dark, long wood was passed, and
they snLderly came to spot where the
British were recently encamped. The sight
re.auimated them, and the full heart OF the
vouna leader seemed bursting from its hui
man tenement.
.Ho! ho cried he, he laughed from
intense excitemeni-'w we get on bravely.'
Fear NOT, Amy, there are stout hearts abroad
| Il .