American Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1855-1860, 1855-08-09
NEW SERIES---V0L. 3 NO. "A
LANCASTER, OHIO THURSDAY MORNING. AUG. g. 1855

door Wnlch tney would nave done but Tor
the timely arrival of number of friendly
neighbors, well armed, when they went
off in double quick time
Does he not venture into New York
sometimes in disguise?' inquired the Co.
lionel.
pve heard so. He was slippry from
boy up, ana disguises himself any way
He's precious scamp, and you'll do ia
vor to this part of Jersey fyou hang him
as soon as you catch him.
This conversation had been held near
stone wall, on the other side of which was
an old garden; but the trouble of the times
had left it uncultivated, and the goosberries
and currant bushes had grown up rank and
untrimmed and the briers stretched over
the walls, covering the ground from sight.
Under this and within ten feet of the
Colonel and Classen, lay crouched the
very man they were talking about. lie
had barrel time to escape from the house
and conceal himself upon the approach Of
the horsemcn, whom he did not then sus-
pect to be within ten miles of him.
Twice or thrice on hearing the base lies
of ClasSen he was on the point Of rising
and confronting him; but little reflection
was left and he thought that was not the
occasion to place his life in jeopardy, which
he certainly would do, since the party Of
troops had come expressly to take him.
DO you know with any certainty, Clas-
sen how long since Van Dyke has been
seen in the neighborhood?'
Il have heard he was seen last night
two miles from this, in a by-path through
the wood coming in the direction of his
house
That's the information received, and
| am determined to capture him sooner or
later. If you point out his whereabouts,
or arrest him yourself, you shall havea re
ward of fifty guineas.'
Classen was as avalciouS and fond of
money as he was wicked. Fifty guineas
was a large sum indeed, particularly in
those days, when gold was rarely seen.
Il will catch him, Colonel, before he is
three days older; know one Of his
haunts.'
why no; take us there then?'
IL would be of no use this time of day.
Besides he may not be there for day or
two, ,and | shall have 10 be cautious in look
ing out for him
well, secure him and fifty guincas shall
be yours
Several of the soldiers now came from
the house and stated that ;hey had search
ed it from top to bottom, but could find no
one, although from appearances some one
had been there recently. The Colonel fol-
lowed by Classen passed on to the house,
while the fugitive lay quietly in his con-
cealment
1t was a plain framed house of middle
size, built partly ofstone in the old Dutch
f style, and very comfortable within, There
was bat little furniture-a few table chairs
and cooking utensils. The better part
Classeu said, had been taken away on the
occasion of Van Dykes sisters marriage, q
year before as her part.
Here is great coat, SIR said one oI
the soldiers, that was found on the floor o
the kitchen near the brick door, 1t mus
have been dropped in hurry
Feel if there are any papers in the pock
+ cts, said Col. Hartcourt.
Yes sir, here is a bundle of EN-
The Colonel took the package, looked al
the subscription, broke the seal, and going
to the window commenced reading them
TO himself, with counlenance of surprise
so, so-heie is a list of our troops, anc
their numbers in and around the city A
Elizabethtown and Newark, one thousand
Gen. Clinton leaves for Charleston witt
+ FIVE thousand Why these documents are
/ indeed of Importance. Who can play the
spy SO thoroughly in our camp. This is the
most dangerous character to be abroat
, Men, he said aloud and you CIassen
sea, ch every hole, and see If any more pa
pers can be found.
. Nothing could give Classen greater de
light than this order. Curiosity and 9th
er reasons had long urged him TO enteI
the house during Van Dykes absence fo
, that very purpose, but the dread that DYKE
might return while he was thus engaged
, had heretofore prevented him undertaking
: it. He was now armed with proper au
thority and protected.
What he found or discovered he did no
l.. report to COL Hartcourt, but made thu
4 same reply as the soldiers, that nothing
9 more ofimportance could be found.
Very well; we will now leave the plac'
: and return TO quarters at Powle's Hook
Hodgeson, place some dry wood in th'
middle of this room, and when l give th'
word apply the match
what! Are you going to burn the will
lows, Coonel?' said Classen, his fac
4 cleaning with satisfaction.
i Yes | will burn the nest of this rebe
carrian bird 1t is we'll he is not within
+ my reach-he would swing for it, On
o such fellow with his spying and finding
out is ofmore injury to us than regimen
: of rebels in an open field
A Little did the British commander imag
$ inge the young man was then almost with
o in sound Of his voice.
TO horse men all except Hodgeson.'-
= BY this time with Classen, the Colonel ba
: approached within the hearing Of Va
= Dyke, when he halted with his troopers.
Now Hodgeson apply the match, ,moun
It and fall in
1t was with anguish Van Dyke hear
!. this order from his hiding place., Th
| III. Al. r.. oil