Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1858-08-26
JOURNAL AND
!. J. ID

FREEHOLD. N. j.,
might. knowest thou me and burst
thou ask my shelter? / know vou not,
but take you for an honest mani am an
honest man-and no honest man need
fear another" :" But what d. people
call me?" People cali you old Nick.
but you are not he, for if there be such a
one, he'd never live within rocks, when
he can have palaces, nor would he allow
his servants to waste their time amid
trees and catamounts" Well and
brayely spoken if thou hadst trembled
thou hadst gone enter. and peace be
with thee and grasping his hand he led
him to rude seat. el1
The interior of the cave to say the least,
was curious, not very large, every foot
was put to use. a crevice in corner of
the roof answered as chimney, and af-
forded exit for the smoke of the fire he
had made. He made him supper of
dried venison and bear steak with water
for drink.
After the repast they engaged in con-
versation, and while the student was sur.
prised to find him So sociabe, though
blunt, Old Nick (as we shall call him for
want of better name} was evidently
pleased at the vigor of the young Virgin
ian.
They discussed the topics of the day.
aud the young man was surprised at the
information he was possessed with but
he observed he carefully avoided politics
and when that subject was approached
artfully turned from it, though once when
he mentioned King George and Parlia-
Inent," he thought scowl crossed his
features. Among the contents of the
cave was omitted the mention of large
rock in one corner, which seemed to serve
no earthly purpose other than to be in
the way. After several hours converse
ton. during which each became exceed
ingly well pleased with the other. Nick
went to this rock, moving it as easily as
if wood, displayed stair down which he
invited the student. A step and short
turn brought them to wooden door
which opened, showed a good sized room
adorned with many (for those days. and
choice books in Greek, Latin French
and English. There were classic, scien
ti6c works and modern literature, writ
ing material was abundant, with limited
supply of philosophical apparatus. Be
sides these there were a hammock one or
two rifles, keg or. two OF powder, q
huge claymore or Scotch broad sword, a
pair of horse pistols, and various other
warlike weapons, together with plain
but comfortable furniture. A huge iron
bound sea chest stood in one corner. To
the surprised look of the youth he answer
ed, This is my study and sleeping apart
ment." Thanks to the respect. or awe
with which l am honored, have been
able to construct this unmoested, and
here spend my nights, and the Sundays
which understand the good people can
not account for. There was Vulgate
Bible and several Catholic religious books
among the others. He strung an extra
hammock, ndthey soon slept 4 By dawn
Of day both rose up; the youth was about
going, MIR. Madison" said Nick, and
his manner was almost courtly ~ am
exceedingly gratified that it has been in
my power to be Of service to you, and
though my hospitality has heen inferior,
yet it was heartfelt. trust | shall again
have the honor Of your company. but may
| beg Of you never to mention what you
have seen or tldile. 4 Sir,p said the
youth, though Iregret my intrusion on
your quiet, for your sake, never have
passed so pleasant and instructive night;
your desire for secrecy shall lie most
faithfully observed, and I trust
may again visit the Book House, to whom
I am under great obligations for this
kindness ?" Nay sir, you may call me
still old Nick" They parted. Many
visits Madison paid tile stranger during
his College course, it was noticed he be
came more studious and ambitious PEG
pie said he was afflicted with the Evil
Eye (for he had never been seen to enter
the haunted house. He never called his
entertainer by any other name than
Nick.
Itis in the winter of 1877. Wash
Iingtonais in Pennsylvania near the Della
ware. He wishes information of the enc
| my and the exact state Of. the country
| more perfect Information than the few
country people who came into camp ere
able to give of central New Jersey, ther
completely oser-run by the British. He
sent for Col. Madison, his aide de camp
b" Colonel" said the Chief, "you were
graduated at PRINCETON ?" Yes, sir. p
You know the country and the people
Tolerably well. sir, +" How many
roads lead from Trenton to Princeton 2
E One sir-called King Georges road.
u hear new one has been laid out dc
you know oft y No SIT" How cal
/ procure reliable information Of thu
country and the enemy ?" Madison re
aected he thought of the friend of hi
College days. 9 General can l llav,
leave of absence three days 2" c Why
81 know a man who can tell US all, if b,
will am the only one who can or dar,
find him." "Yo GU may go sir report b,
THE evening gun the third day
| 1t was then Eve clock in The evening
by six it was dark and Madison with al
orderly were on the way to the river
labout twelve miles above Trenton. Send