The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1852-05-13

1t was now apparent that he was within the
den of the tiger, but to quit it abruptly might
only draw the consumation of treachery the
speedier upon his head He resolved, therefore,
to disguise his feelings and trust to the power
which had never forsaken him. The festivities
were again renewed, but almost momentarily
interrupted by the sound of the cannon. The
guests now began to regard each other with mis-
trust, while many and moody were the glances
cast upon Rugsdale, whose countenance began
to show symptoms of uneasiness, while ever and
anon he looked from the window out upon the
broad green lawn which extended to the river
as If in expectation of some ones arrival
'What can detain them ?" he muttered to
himself" ''Can they have deceived me! At
that moment bright fame rose from the river,
illuminating for moment the surrounding see
merry showing small boat filled with persons
making rapidly towards the shore.
''Alfs well he continued; in three minutes
shall be possessor of coronet, and the cause of
the republic be no more" Then turning to
Washington he said, Come General, pledge me
the success of our arms :"
The eye of Rugsdale at that moment encoun-
~ NAiS OH utiiIZIllS IOOh OF washington, ana
sank to the ground, his hand trembled violently
even to so great degree as to partly spill
the contents Of the goblet. With difficulty he
conveyed it TO his lips, then retiring to the win
dow, he waved his hand, which action was i'm
mediately responded to by third sound of the
cannon, and at the same moment the British an
them of God save the king, burst in full volumn
upon the and q hand of mo OFT rod Rr;t
ish uniform, with their faces hidden by masks,
entered the apartment. The American officers
drew their swords, but Washington, cool and col
lected stood with his arms folded upon his breast
quietly remarked to them, ''Be calm gentlemen:
this is an honor We did not anticipate" Then
turning to Rugsdale, said-''speak, sir; what
does this mean?"
sit means" replied the traitor, placing his
hands upon the shoulder Washington, s'that you
are my prisoner. In the name of King George
l arrest you Newer :" exclaimed the General
''We may be cut to pieces, but surrender we will
not. Therefore, give way - he waved his sword
to the guard, who stood with their muskets lev
eled, as II ready to fire, should they attempt TO
escape. In an instant were their weapons re-
versed, and dropping their masks, to the horror
of Rugsdale, and the agreeable surprise of Wash
ington, his own brave party, whom he had left
in charge of the barge, stood before him ''Seize
that traitor exclaimed the commander. ssIn ten
minutes from this moment, let him be a specta-
Gle between the heavens and the earth The
wife and daughter clung to his knees in suppli-
cation, but an irrevocable oath had passed his
lips, that never again should treason receive his
forgiveness, after that of the miscreant Arnold.
For my own life" he said, while tears rolled
down his noble countenance, at the agony of the
wife and daughter, Il heed not but the liberty
of my own land-the welfare of millions-dem-
ands this sacrifce-for the sake of humanity
pity him; but by my oath and now in the pres
ence of Heaven, / swear will not forgive him, -