Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1856-07-18

something of the sort? Doubtless he is
well enough pleased to amuse himself on
his travels by playing with the affections
of trustful country girl like yourself"
Emma seized her cousins hand, and
bursting into tears, rested her hand on
his shoulder.
Nathan" said she, "you wrong me,
cruelty wrong me, | do not despise you,
nor am ungrateful for your kind offices.
But / cannot give you the love which |
acknowledge that entertain for another.
He loves me. Do not be harsh, pray
you, in your thoughts of me, or in your
surmises in regard to him. I own that
there is mystery about him. He has
hinted as much to me, and in manner
which showed that he himself was OPP
posed to the necessity of concealment.-
He told me, when we parted, that it
would be long before we should meet
again, very probably not till the close of
the war. l fear that your surmises are
in some part true. Yet do not be unjust.
Honorable men have disguised them
selves as spies ere now, and at all events
/ cannot believe he is dishonorable
man. Rely upon it, if even in arms
against our cause, he surely entertains
no i'll design against US. But he knows
as well as yourself, that I would never
marry an enemy to my country. Do not
then, be unkind to me, Nathan, nor take
advantage of what / have told you.
will love you as sister would, and let
that suffice, since / can go no further in
my regard"
"Say no more, Emma" replied her
cousin. al see it is vain to reason with
you. will take no unfair advantage,
though [ wish the day had never shone
which brought his unlucky visage TO our
house."
The summer passed on, and the rou-
tine of the farm was scarce interrupted
by the sound of the distant war But
about the middle of August. and past
monday, horseman gaIloyed up to the
field near the roadside in 6hich the dea-
con and his son were st work. The RI
der took off his th,ee-cornered hat, and
waving it shouted,
"Deacon, the time has come. Stark
baz ardorru out all the militia, every one
that can carry gun. The British and
Hessians are marching towards Benning-
ton. To camp, then, to camp
So saying, he dashed off to spread the
alarm, which, before midnight, had flown
hundred miles. In less than half an
hour, the deacon and Nathan were on
their way towards the encampment which
Stark had formed not far from Benning-
ton village. On their arrival they were
Immediately assigned their places, and on
the following morn were under march to
meet the enemy. They fell in with ad-
vanced parties of the latter, consisting for
the most part of Indian auxiliaries, and
sharp skirmishes continued during the
rest Of the day, resulting much to the dis
couragement of these unstable savages
The next day storm of rain poured
down, and both parties remained inactive
for the greater part. But the morrow
arrived, the eyentful moment when Stark
in the pithy and homely speech whiel
I has made bis name immortal, nerved hi
rude levies to the fatal charge. Tn,
word was given, and with a single chez
the motely colored ranks swept steadiI,
but with aecelerating speed, on the en-
), trenchments of the enemy The deadl,
cannon swept through them, but not
heart wayered. Once more, and with
: wild huzza, the mountain men poure
over the breast-work grappled with thei
foes. The contest was desperate one
; Farmer Hawley and his son were ser
I, arated from each other at the commence
: ment, and in the hand-to-hand struggl
which ensued, the former was closel
: pressed, and would certainly have falle
t by the bayonet of a Hessian, had not Ii
q deadly thrust been warded off by tt
: sword Of an English officer.
: Lewis" exclaimed the deacon, as h
# musket dropped from his hand in amaz
e ment. AT this moment Nathan rushc
e up.
"Take that, you traitorous spy"
J shouted, discharging his piece at Lew
1t His bullet passed through the cap of Il
y latter as he bore back with the troops
? vainly sought to rally. He was seen
Z wave his hand with a gesture of deprec
70 ton, while an expression of pain Aitt
a across his stained features.
m "Hold, Nathan said the old deacc
re laying his hand on his sons arm.
I'd Whatever be his deserts, remember ii