Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1857-11-05

| the first time his keen eye took minute
survey of the half-hidden features and in
them recognized Captain William Berks-
curc. He also started backward, and drew
his own cap closer over his forehead-yet
little dreaming that the Captain had already
recogn zed him--tne discovery had been
mutual--siiIl they were neither Of them
aw are of it.
"Ha. thought heard the rus,ling of
rattle-snake under my feet!" at length said
Berksford in well feigned fear; and as he
spoke, he stepped forward again reassured
Henry glanced instinctivey beneath his
feet to where the Captains eye had been
directed, but he saw nothing that should
alarm them.
ii did not precisely understand you as to
which Of the armies you belong" suggested
Berksford, sfter moments silence.
"Oh, never minJ-it's just as we'll"
"But you do not fear to TELL!
Mot at all. cannot say that belong
to any army al preseHi."
"Ah, yes.-I understand You have not
as yet pledged yourself to either side." con-
tinued Berksford, slightly netlled, for he had
evidently expected different answer.
at would appear So"
"But il you were to choose, which party
should have your aid!'
"WelI, must say that | never have
thought much Oh that"
"And you would have no choice!"
al might-possibly there are advantages
possessed BY one that are not within the
reach of tine other,'' returned Henry, deter
mined to prolong the conversation, for he
was anxious to know the Captains object
in thus questioning him.
Berksford was delighted. He thought
the woodsmun had become sick o; his hard
fare, and now was the time to take him.
"Ah, yes--I can easily understand you
and appreciate your good judgment. You
would probably give your arm to the power
that is best able to reaumerate yOu-Ihat is
as it should be. Now 10 the point-aeould
t0u JOIN the British army"
This rather startling query was entirely
unlocked for by Henry. for although he was
aware that Berksturd was man of care less
principles, he was surprised to see him open
his character SO bold y when surrounded by
enemes-and it WIS no wonder that he did
not Immediately reply.
"Sir! you are entirely mistaken in your
man. you have been LED to believe that
| am favorat ie to King Georges cause, you
have done SO through your own inferences.
told you belonged to neither army, and
| spoke the truih-stil my leader is all
enemy to the British King. He is daring
patriot who stands by hlmself-he asks
neither the American, nor the English COM
mander Tor aid OF protection--5ut gives his
strong arm to project the weak. His name
| is james. Have you ever heard it belorer'
Heard his namei" reiterated the Cap
tain with bitter mingling of contempt and
sarcasm. AVE, | have often heard his
name 81 who has not! The man who prowls
around the Kings highway at ight, to
pounce like cowurdly wolf upon an unsus-
pecting scouting party-~ho intercepts a
stray courier, and prevents him from dl-char
ging his duty--the man who keeps himself
secreted in mountain fastenesses by day
where power and stratagem are alike un-
successful in reaching him--the man who
dare not face an open Zoe, but uses all the
" ily arts of necromaRcer 10 effect his de-
signs, is not likely 10 go unheard OFF,
4 sHold, Captain Berksiord. You have
said enough-perhaps too much!"
"Ha. You know me, doyout Now by the
Gods, you shall be taken to our camp, and i
need be, made to serve against your will
/, And as the Captain spoke, he lesped for
: ward and seiz the young man by the arm
| "Will you take your hand from mel" SAT-
4 Henry in calm, unruffled tone. Ills frs
impulse had been TO strike the ruffian to hi
feet, but second thought determined hin
p in a different course. He waited moment
I but Berksior did not seem inclined to com
n ply with his request.
!. "Will you release mel" again said tn
= Young man in the same uuexcited tone.
v sNerer-until you are safely inside tn
British lines!"
: As the Captain spoke he placed his fin
s gers 10 his lips and uttered low, pecula
whistle. A rus,ling among the leaves an
IS Sigh sound es though OF an apProachln
+ tread was borne along the evening air
). their ears; and Henry saw that if he expei
n ted to save himself he must take 1t while
II and the Captain were alone.-The ofticer
l. eve was turned towards the place froI
/. whence he expected assistance. and Will
D he was thus standing off his guard. Henr
,e placed his left hand upon the CAPITA in
r shoulder, and then as quick as though
n. seized the knee of his opponent with tn
d, other, and with almost supcrhuman streng'
ly darted him forward nto the lake.
eli The moment Berksford touched the wat
a the victor withdrew within recess formt
is in a neigh5oring rock, aud there awaited Il
lh nights adventure.
N Soon q couple Of burly men, dressed
at scouts, made their appearance from Il
OF forest, and approached to where they hi
heard the CAPTAIN utter signale few m
in ments hefore Although Captain Berksio
he had represented to the Major at Meado'
iy dale, that he would despise the idea OF pr
ks curing assistance in the event of meeuI
ii RAYMOND, it was evident that he n
,st changed his mind, under the sage concl
is sion that it would be well 10 have some o.
As nea:, should the want of assistance oeeor
he imperative. And when he came to surv
ed for a second time the well-khit form OF
led successful rival, he concluded he would
i'm rick the matter alone, and SO gave the s.
ed nal that would place STARE of the risk
tn other hands.
3D. He arose to the surface Of The water,
red seeing his two accomplices upon the ba
ne. before him, swan 10 the shore.