Marshall County Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1855-1859, 1856-03-13

and thickly the guests were assembling; the
smile, the laugh, and the mingling music
rose joyously around But alas! a serpent
lurkcd amid the flowers!
In the midst of their hilarity, the boom
of cannon burst suddenly upon the air,
startling the guests and suspending the
dance. Washington and his officers look
ed at each other in surprise; but their fears
were quickly dispelled by Rugsdalc, who
assured them that it was only a discharge
of ordnance in honor of his distinguished
visitors.
The joy of the moment was again resum-
ed; but the gloom Of suspicion had fallen
upon the spirit of Washington who now,
in moody silence, sat apartfrom the hap
py throng
A slight tap upon his shoulder at length
reused him from his abstraction, and look
ing up, he saw the person Of the Indian
girl standing in the bosom of a myrtle bush
close by his side.
Hal again here!' he exclaimed with as
tonishmcnt; but she motioned him to be ST.
lent, and kneelng at his feet, presented him
with boquet of flowers. Washington re-
ceived it, and was about to place it to his
breast, when she grasped him firmly by the
arm, and pointing to it, said in whisper,
Snake! Shaker and the next moment
mingled with the company, who appeared
to recognize and welcome her as one well
known and esteemed.
Washington regarded the boquct with
wonder; he saw nothing in it to excite sus-
picion; her words and singular appearance
had, however, sunk deeply into his heart,
and looking closer upon the nosegay, to
his surprise he saw a small piece of paper
in the midst of the flowers. Hastily he
drew it forth, and, confounded and horror
stricken, read: 'Bewore! you are Jctroyedi'
1t was now apparent that he was within the
den of the tiger; but to quit it abruptly
the spccdicr upon his head He resolved
therefore, to disguise his feelings, and trus,
to that power which had never forsaken him
The festivities were renewed, but soon
again disturbed by second discharge OF
the cannon. The guests now begun to re-
gard each other with distrust, while many
and moody were the glances cast upon
Rugsdale, who showed symptoms of unea-
siness, while ever and anon he looked from
The window upon the broad green lawn
which extended TO the rivers edge, as If in
expectation of some ones arrival
What can detain thcm?' he muttered to
himself. Can they have deceived me?-
Why answer they not the signal?' At this
moment a bright flame arose from the ry-
or, Illuminating fora moment the surround
ing scenery, and showing small boat, fill
ed with persons, making rapidly towards
the shore. 'All's well, lie continued; in
three minutes more | shall be the possess
or of a coronet, and the cause of the repub-
llc be no more Then, turning to Wash
ington, he said:
Come General pledge me to the sue
cess of our armies The eyes of Rugsdale,
at that moment, encountered the scrutini-
zlnS look of Washington, and sunk to the
ground, his hand trcmbled violently-even
to s" great a degree as to partly spill the
contents of the goblet. With difficulty he
conveyed it to his lips; then returning to
the window, he waived his hand, this ac-
ton was Immediately responded to by a
third discharge of the cannon, and the En-
Slish anthem of God save the King, burst
|, in full volume upon the ear, and a band OF
men attired in British uniform. with their
faces hidden with masks, entered the apart
ment. The American officers dlew their
swords, but Washington, cool and collect.
ed, stood with his arms folded on his breast
and quietly remarked to them BE calm
f gentlemen, this is an honor we did not an
ticipate.' Then, turning to Rugsdale, he
said, Speak, sir, what does this mean?'
1T means,' replied the traitor, placing
. his hand upon the shoulder of Washington
, that you arc my prisoner. In the name o
King George, i arrest youp
Never! exclaimed the General. I'VE
may be cut 20 pieces, but surrender We
will not; therefore, give way!' and he waiv
| ed his sword to the guard, who stood Will
their muskcs leveled, as if ready to fire
should he attempt to escape. In an instan
were their weapons reversed, and dropping
their masks, to the horror Of Rugsdale. ant
, the agreeable surprise of Washington, hi.
own brave party, whom he had left ii
charge of the barge, stood revealed bcfor,
himl
, Seize that traitor!' exclaimed the com
mander. In ten minutes let him be a spec
) taclc between the heavens and the earth.