Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1857-09-17

My child" began the old man, "my
child you do not begin to wayer: you
would not now have the noble patriots
1 lay down their arms and submit? Nav,
sooner than this would see those dear.
es: to me, even you Miriam, lying cold
and dead before me glorious martyr to
your land, than living traitor to this
country, drenched even now with the
blood of her noble patriotsl'
Father at length spoke the maiden.
her dark eyes flashing and her pressed
lips curling, would thatI were a man
to assist our country in her hour of need,
as truly as you do believe we will tri.
umph. Yes, America shall see her sons
victorious, but not until she is deluged
with noble blood"
You are true as steels my daughter;
know your frmness sid wrong even
to imply a doubt" And the old man
drew her closer to him, and pressed kiss
upon her brow.
Let me see, tonight Lieutenant Starr
will be here, will he not?"
Il believe SO" replied the maiden, col
oring deeply.
Never blush to hear his name spoken,
Miriam; you are surely not ashamed to
own him as lover?"
(" No, oh no.
He is good asfhe is brave; all could
desire for you, Miriam"
And as true, as generous and noble"
Your are right, Miriam
Hark!" that is Harry; now I hear
horses hoofs on the bridge and the maid
en- arose and went to the window, a mo-
mtnt more and she staggered backward
pale and trembling.
What is it?" asked her father.
The British was the reply.
ChapteJIIT.
+ Mr.. Ha&ey ss easy chair,
and tottered to tie whndow. At first a
deep palor oyerspreaa his countenapce
with surprise and anger, not fear, for the
brave old man was too proud to fear.
Ascending the little hill leading to the
broad gate of the mansion, rode proudly
a score or more ofmen wearing the Brit.
ish uniform: their muskets cleaned in
the setting sun, and their swords dangled
at their sides. Their leader was man
of about twenty five years with sandy hair
and beard, light grey eyes twinkling out
from behind his shaggy eye brows, a short
figure, heavily set, and of strong muscu
lar power. 1t was William Merwick, the
once rejected lover.
Miriam said the old man, at length.
: bring me my old musket, and do you
prepare to defend yourself; and Miriam
while you live, allow them not to place a
fetter upon you; remember our motto"
AS he spoke he loaded his musket,
while Miriam bolted the door and taking
from drawer aoapleves ssissals, pro-
ceeded to place theai in readiness. There
was no trembling now, all the palor was
gone, and courage and determination was
stamped upon her countenance.
A part of the horsemen dismounted,
and heavy footsteps were heard in the
hall, together with the cries of the terri
lied servants; then laundering knock
at the door.
Open in the name of the kingp shout,
ed Merwick in a stentorian voice.
Open or we'll break down the doorl''
cried another.
Break it down! down with the rebels,
down with the reblsl' shouted others.
Miriam" a2aid the old man drawing
the beautiful courageous girl to his bosom.
Miriam kiss me once more, it may be the
last time; shall never be bound by those
tory dogs. And now swear to me my
child, swear eternal hatred to these trail
tors to their God and country"
Miriam raised her ksaaasolemnly, Ny
father | swear i'll NJ egansry's enemies
shall ever be NINE"
As she spoke the door gave way and
the tories entered.
Why did you not open to us, as l
commanded, sir?'
| never open my door in the name of
King George was the reply.
Surrender your musket, You are nv
prisoner"
/, your prisoner? permit me to tell
you sir, you are in my own house, and
you will oblige me by Withdrawing your
men immediately"
| repeat it you are my prisonerl seize
the REBEL seize him this instantl'
Whoever approaches me, dies" ex-
claimed the old man, selling his musket.
Crush him! crush him. rush upon him
and secure him yelled Merwick.
A start was madeand the forward man
fell bleeding to the floor.
"Nowl now he il disaEmodl"
Ha! hal do not come step further, or
you are dead men!' exclaimed Miriam,
raising her pistols in each hand, (" do not
come near or you Diet
Cowards! yelled Merwick, will you
be vanquished by woman! seize her,
seize them both!"
With firm, untrembling hand the aged
patriot proceeded to load his musket.
Shoot him. shoot himT exclaimed the
leader.
a musket was raised, but the next mo-
ment the arm that held il hung useless;
Miriam was 2 good mark paaRl