Plymouth banner. (Plymouth, Marshall County, Ind.) 1852-1855, 1854-12-07

ing of the siege. might also have been
seen, like speck upon the wave, sin
gle boat. fleetly following in the distance.
The position preserved by the solitary
vessel was such as to preclude observation
! from the fleet. unless it might be that OF
an eye searching for just such an object.
1t need scarcely be said that it was Dud-
ley who thus daringly followed the flying
host. His first unworthy doubts of Kog.
ers haG already yielded to almost a full
conviction that the latter was in the Brit
ish camp only as his friend and ally; and
he INDUCED the faint hoPe of now attrac.
ting his attention, and by some means
establishing a communication with him.
When, therefore, the ene@y encamped
at dark on the borders Of the lake. he re-
ia -.el. as before. position IL which he
would be visible only to the close obser-
yer. Long and anxious!y did he remain,
watching the distant lights of the camp,
and ''hoping against hope" for some sig
nal that he was seen and recognized. He
knew well that any attempt personally
to enter the British lines. without the
desired aid, would result in his detection
and ignominious death. Illuminating
thus gloomily upon his prospects. he
stood for two long hours gazing towards
the shore, during all which time his In
dian companions. with bended heads,
seemed TO " v;S;::::ed in sleep But a
simultaneous star, from each now proved
that they had rather been holding most
vigilant watch. Obeying their panto.
mimic instructions, Dudley listened long
and earnestly, until he thought that he
heard the distant fall Of oars. A few
minutes convinced him that he was not
mistaken; but although the sound grew
momentarily more distinct. it was impos
sible TO tell from what direction it pro-
ceeded. Nothing could be seen. and as
the darkness would prove an equal OBJ
stacle to his own position being discov-
cred. he resolved upon the hazardous ex-
pertinent of displaying light. This
was effected by means of flint and tin
der with which he was provided. and af
ter momentary exhibition of the fame
1t was Immediately extingushed. The
quick emphatic dash Of oars which sue
ceeded met with response in his fast
beating heart; nearer came the invisible
vessel. nor paused until apparently with
in few rods of the other side; momenta- :
ry silence, and the low cautious inter
change of the words Dudley" nd "Rog-
ers." established the certainty Of the
anxious hopes of each. In a moment
more the boats were side by side. and
the cordial grasp and the falterng and
choked voice of welcome told the faith
fui desester iha. he was appreciated aud
understood. A few minutes suficed to
put Dudley in possession of all the i'm
por:ant facts in relation 10 Ellen's situa-
tion and it was no small qualification TO
know that she was yet well, and free
from any harm save that Of the most har-
rowing anxiety. Long and earnestly did
the two friends confer upon their future
movements, and their plan, when finally
concocted. one that involved such imi-
nent peril, that the concurrence of their
Indian c0nfederates was considered a
after of serious doubt. But they had
mistaken the valor of their companions.
who, when the details were submitted to
them. responded only By their quiet and
expressive ejaculation good
Is would have argued but little fore.
thought on the part Of Dudley, if he had
entered upon an expedition in which
skill must necessarily be his principal re-
lance without, providing himself with
some necessary resources of stratagem
1t was an easy matter for Dudley to pro-
cure apparel. both Of the civilized and
savage soldier. which might serve al dis
guiSes, il necessary, for himself and COM
panions. nor had he neglected SO obvious
an aid TO his enterprise. To transform
the Indians by change ofdress, from the
republican Oneidas into the roya. Mo-
hawks. was no difficult operation and
Lieut.. Dudley. with equal celebrity, was
converted into private of Sir John John
sons reg ment of American loyalists.
Bound on an enterprise involving mo-
mentous interests. and conscious that de-
lection would be followed by certain
death, the minds of these brave men rose
with the emergency. and in one breast at
! least, that o! the generous and daring
Dudley. the last and least Of the whole
catalogue ofemotions was that of personal
fear. All things being in readiness. the
boats slowly and silently approached the
shore, taking direction that would bring
10 the land few rods below the camp
As they drew nigh. the sentinel could be
distinctly seen. and the countersign was
carefully impressed upon the mind of
each of the party. 1t required no repeti-
tion in the ear of the Indians, for the
word was Brandt
CHAPTER X.