Des Arc citizen., 1858-12-04

turn of the road, hundred yards luther, they found small detachment formed across their path. As the Americans knew the road forked on the other side oi this force, and their chances of escape were good, if they could reach the leit hand road, which was mere path, to be ridden by only one horseman at . time, they charged sword in hand.
 Three of the troop managed to break through and escape, but Marks, and a stout trooper by the name oi Gahl, from Bucks county, were intercepted, and obliged to cross sabres with the enemy It proved useless to contend with superl.. or numbers, by this time reinforced by others from the farm house; and after q short and severe contest, resulting in the death of one of the British troops, the two Americans were taken prisoners, and car ried back to the house of MIlyalne.
 Marks was filled with .chagrin, partly at his folly in taking the most dangerous path, and partly at his inability to convey 10 the commander in chief the valuable lntor- nation he had picked up in the city. lie yelled his modification, however, in cool and careless demeanor and in reply to the lieutenant commanding the British de- ,achment, said that he had been out on a foraging party, had lost his way and man aged to get almost in sight of the city be- fore he discovered his blunder. Priscilla, who with the res, of the family was now awake and dressed, saw, but apparently did not recognize Marks. Alter some more questions were answered Tn what seemed to be an open manner, the lieu tenant directed the Americans to be placed i, securely bound and guarded, in an upper room of the house, there to remain until morning. By way of comfort he gave them the assurance that they would both be hung as spies. a aa, s,fa ze Marks with his companion passed a |seepless night; it was not alone the pros pect of an ignomnious death which troub- led him but he had learned enough in the city to know that surprise movement similar to that attempted on the previous 4,h of Dec, against the American forces, was set down for the following day, and was aware that it was entirely unexpected. He revolved various plans of escape in his mind, none of which appeared to be practicable, and finally concluded to dis miss any prerneditation on the matter, and he merely prepared to take advantage Of unexpected circumstances. As for Gahl, he took matters like a philosopher, and snored away all night in happy uncon- sciousness of the past.
 At day light the prisoners were brought down and placed upon a porch, while Lieutenant Draper and the men under his command took breakfast in the house. The horses of the troopers, with those of Marks and Gahl also, were all saddled and hitched to the fences. under charge of little Sco,chman named McPherson. Priscilla, accompanied by Lieutenant Dra- per came out, the former bearing some food. After it was partaken of, Priscilla lad the dishes, knives and forks upon a bench on the porch, and listened with ap- parent interest to the questions put by the Lieutenant. The latter by way of en- couragement, assured the two Americans that if they gave true statements, their lives would be spared otherwise they would certainly be hanged. Helhen Jeff for short time, to digest the information Priscilla remaining behind
 The Quaker girl, still appearing not to recognize Marks, said to him, loud enough to be heard by the soldiers who were passing to and fro. 0intae .sai
 I would advise thee, friend, to tell all thee knows. Friend Draper will keep his word with thee, am sure. She then added in low voice, keep still, John and will save thee. Answer what 1 say i, but pay no heed to what I do.'
 Marks caught her intent words in a moment, and replied aloud: '.o- f eN
 1 won't turn scoundrel, Miss, for fear of death, even if had surety the captain there would keep his word.' asa
 Other conversation followed, and Pris- cilla, who had concealed sharp case kn fife in her sleeve, managed to cut the prisoners bonds. without observation. eau tioning them at the same time not to move too soon. She told them that the Lieu tenants horses one of which was ridden by his servant, and both standing near the gate. were the swiftest of all, and then went out and exchanged some light obser- vation with McPherson, batting and ad- hiring the various horses, one by one. Marks kept close watch upon her, and noticed that she passed something under the saddle of each horse; but she did not lay her hand on the two horses of the Lieutenant. Priscilla returned presently, and with significant glance at the cap lives, entered the house and engaged Lieutenant Draper in conversation.
 McPherson in the meanwhile, had no- ticed that some manGuvring was being made, and came on to the porch to inspect the fastenings of the prisoners. As he did so, Gahl, who was powerful man, struck him between the eyes with his full force, and the Scotchman fell backward from the raised floor to the ground, striking his head against stone so severely as tc take away his senses for the time. Be- fore the alarm could be given, Marks aud Gahl were mounted on their horses, and
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