Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1855-09-26

and their numbers IN and arOunG tHe city.
at EliRabethtown and Newark, one thou
sand. General Clinton leaves soon for
| Charleston with five thousand. Why,
4 these documents are indeed ofimportance.
/ Who can play the spy so thoroughly in
our camp? This is the most dangerous
character to be abroad. Men, he said
aloud, and you, Classen, search every
hole and see if any more papers can be
/ found"
Nothing could give Classen greater de-
light than this order. Curiosity and
other reasons had long urged him to enter
the house during Van Dykes absence for
that very purpose but the dread that
Van Dyke might return while he was
thus engaged, had heretofore prevented
him from undertaking it. lie was now
armed with proper authority, and protect
ed.
What he found or discovered, he did
not report to Col. Halcourt, but made
the same reply as the soldiers, that moth
ing of Importance could be found. Very
WE'LL we will now leave the place ard re
turn to quarters at Powles' Hook
Hodgeson, place some dry wood in the
middle of this room, and when give the
word apply the match"
Whatl Are you going to burn the
willows, Colonies" said Classon, his face
cleaning with satisfaction.
Yes, | will burn the nest of this rebel
carrion 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 a regi-
ment of rebels in an open field"
Little did the British commander imag-
inc the young man was then almost with
in sound of his voice.
To horse, men, all except Hodgeson.
By this time Classen and the Colonel had
approached within hearing of Van Dyke,
when he halted with his troopers.
Now, Hodgeson, apply the match
mount and fall in"
1t was with anguish Van Dyke heard
the order from his hiding place. The
Willows, as the farm house was called,
had been the birthplace of his ancestors,
and there he had passed all his life. But
what could he do? Nothing.
Presently thick black smoke arose
and burst from each door and window
This was followed by a brilliant fame,
that shot far into the sky, and the crack
ling of the well-seasoned timber, dry with
a century's preparation, could be heard
at great distance.
There will be one rebel shelter less
tonight 1t is pity that they were not
all burned down then the king would
have more friends this side of the water.
These rebels are like dogs-a good whip
ping makes them better natured The
house is nearly consumed, for the embcrs
are beginning 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.
Yes, fifty guineas."
I'hen | will leave you here and keen
a watch around. He may return here
before great while. Where shall you
halt ~
" AT the Oaks, five miles off, and stop
for an hour or two for forage party.
If anything should occur within that
time you know where to find me" The
officers and troops rode away.
Classen fingered around, and gradually
approached the building, which, with the
exception of the walls, was heap Of
ruins.
So, John Classen, you have glutted
your vengeance upon me, and this is your
work, wretch !"
Classen turned and beheld within six
feet of him, Van Dyke leaning on his
Emusket.
You know, Peter" the wretch NUT
tered trembling as he spoke, it was the
British officer; you know that l wouldn't
injure YOU
Speak not another word, liar, or
shall forget myself and blow your brains
out. | heard all. You are to have fifty
guineas for apprehending me. I am ev-
erything that is bad | came to burn
your house down, but fed when your
neighbors approached. Wretch, saved
your dwelling and your worthless carcass,
and these ruins are my reward"
Peter, dear Peter!"
"Scoundrel, do not apply the word dear
to me. 1t sounds worse than the hiss of
snake. Listen, John Classen; 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 unarmed, but when next we meet, be
it in town or village, forest or road. at
wedding or funeral, it isyour life or mine.
Cop
Classen waited for no second bidding,
but disappeared in the direction taken hy
the soldiers in double quick time, 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 scound
rel will bring some of those horsemen
back, for he will imagine that / may ling
er two or three hours around this old
place. Yes, yes, will after some twenty
of our lads-have prepared an ambush for
them. Fifty guineas will draw Classen
anywhere, coward as he is, especially
when backed by the red coats"
1t 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
unnarcaivnd For +ho rYooo of