Litchfield enquirer., 1855-11-15
3" Yes, sir, there is a bundle of 'em."

| to himself with counienanee of surprise
| :" So. so-here is list of our troops, ane
their numbers in and around the city. A
| Elizabethtown and Newark, one thousand
General Clinton leaves soon for Charleston
with five thousand. Why, these doeu
ments are indeed of Importance. Who car
play the spy so thoroughly in our camp
| This Is the most dangerous character to BIZ
abroad. Men, he said aloud, 'and you
CIassen, search every hole and see if any
more papers can be found -
Nothing could give Classen greater de.
| reasons had long urged him to enter the
house during Van Dykes absence for tina,
very purpose +; but The dread thai Van Dyke
might return while he was thus engaged,
had heretofore prevented him from underta-
King il. He was now armed with proper
authority, and proceeded.
What he found or discovered. he did not
report to Col. Halcourt but made the same
reply as the soldiers, that nothing of i,npor-
lance could be found. every well, we will
now leave the place and return TO quarters
at Powels' Hook. Hodgeson, place some
dry wood in the middle of this room, and
when | give the word apply The match.
What! are you going to burn the will
lows, Colonel - said Classen, his face
cleaning with satisfaction
"Yes, | will burn the nest of this rebel
carbon bird. 1t is well he is not within
reach or he would swing for it. One such
fellow, with his secret spying and finding
out, is Of more Injury to US than regiment
Of rebels in an open field -
.t,ta sk<, Dr,t r.
gihe the young man was then almos: with
in sound Of his voice.
"ro horse, men, all except Hodgeson.
BY this time Classen and the Colonel had
approached within hearing OF Van Dyke,
when he halted witt, his troopers.
Nov, Hodgeson, apply the match
mount and fal! in"
Ii was with anguish Van Dyke heard the
order from his hiding place. The Willows,
a the Ia IN house was called. had been the
birthplace of his ancestors, and theie he had
passed all his life But what could he do |!
Nothing.
Presently thick black smoke arose and
hurst from each door and window. This
was followed by brilliant flame. that sho,
far into the sky, and the crack ling Of the
-StdSuhCu VI Will d CeHtuTS
preparation, could be heard at a great dis.
lance.
"There will be one rebel shelter less to-
night. Ii is pity that they We're not all
burned down; then the king would have
more friends this side of the water. These
rebels are like dogs-a good whipping
makes them better natured The house is
nearly consumed, for the embers are be-
ginning to Fly before the evening breeze
by files, to the right face, trot!" And
the horsemen wheeled into the road.
Fifty guineas, you say. Colonel, if
take Van Dyke" asked Classen again.
"ies, fifty guinsas"
"Then will leave you here and keep a
watch around He may return here before
great while. Where shall you halt I"
AT the Oaks, five JniIes off, and stop
for an hour or two for a forage party. II
know where to fad me" The officers and
troops rode away.
Classen fingered around, and gradually
approached the building, which, with the
exception of the walls, was "a heap of ruins.
$50. John Classen, you have gluited
your vengeance upon me, and this is your
work, wretch ~
CIassen turned and beheld within six
feet of him, Van Dyke leaning on his
muskeL
"Iou know, Peter" the wretch NUT
tered. troubling as he spoke, it was the
British officer; you know tina, wouldn't
injure you"
"Speak no, another word. liar, or shall
forget myself and blow your brains OUT
heard all. You are to have fifty guineas
for experimenting me lam everything that
is bad. | came to burn your house down,
but fled when your neiehbors approached.
WRETCH, saved your dwelling and your
worthless carcass, and these ruins are my
reward"
a" Peter, dear Peter ~
Scoundrel, do no, apply the word dear
to me. 1t sounds worse than the hiss of a
snake. Listen, John CIassen; the chief
reason Of your animosity to me is because
Kate Vessels preferred my hand to yours.
Thank God She and her father are now
safe from your persecution. for they are
now within the American lines. Now hear
me spare you this time, for you are un-
armed, but when next we meet, be it in
town or village. forest or road, at wedding
OF funeral, i, is your life or mine. Col"
Classen waited for no second bidding,
but disappeared in the direction taken by
the soldiers in double quick lime, his hair
standing on end, for, like all rogues, he
was as cowardly as he was bad.
Van Dyke paused moment, and thus
pondered in his own mind" that seonnd-
rel will bring some of those horsemen back.
for he will imagine that may linger two
| or three hours around this old place. Yes,
, yes, will after some twenty OF our lads
| have prepared an ambush for them. Fifty
gnineas will draw Classen anywhere. cow
ard as he is, especially when backed by
| the red coats"
II was not long before Van Dyke re-
turned with his party, whom he gathered
by signal: and as night had fallen, they
took their station where they could remain
| unperceived. For the space Of an hour all
! was still, when the disianttramp of horses
was heard on the road.
| Here they come" said Van Dyke
"a Each choose his man, but leave Ciasser
TO me. You will know him by the coal
he wears. will give the word when tt