Delaware inquirer. (Wilmington, Del.) 1859-18??, 1859-08-06
CHAPTER VIII.

CHAPTER VIII.
Edith, Fanny, and Joshua, are seated 10
gether in a cozy little parfor at Edith's resi-
dence, in Wilmington. Joshua oksfatigued
and careworn. The ladies are asking him Q
thousand questions, and the young man is
answering them as fast as he can. But the
impatience of Edith threw Fanny complete
ly in the shade; the latter asked several ques-
tions, but SO intent was the young man lis.
tening to and answering the einterrogatories ol
the venerable person by his side, that they
passed by unheeded.
s'Thee has been to the great battle, Joshua,
and in thy eagerness to serve thy country,
have worn the uniform that designates the
men-of-war2''
81 have" replied the Spy laconically,
:. Didst thou shed blood, Joshuaf"
"No," was the answer.
"Well, thou hast done right. Be careful
Joshua, and do not let thy zeal run away with
thy better judgment, and shed that blood
which may haunt thy conscience for life"
Joshua replied "I am decidedly averse to
taking life, but if one of these miscreants
were to cross my path, would hardly be re-
sponsible for my conduct"
The idea of her grandson taking an active
part in the field of battle, did not exactly com
port with her notions of right and wrong.
She was willing that Joshua should take the
part of the spy, and convey tidings to the pa
triot army for that, she considered, would
save the etfusion of blood, but she could not
reconcile her conscience to his entering the
contest to kill a fellow being, under any cir
cumstances.
Ifthere ever were any circumstances under
which her conscience would warrant winking
at mortal combat, it was the conduct of the
British officers who were prowling about and
abusing the families of the patriots while the
heads Of them were away serving their coun-
try.
Fanny was anxious to hear Joshua describe
the battle and the incidents he saw while en-
upon every thing excepting the topics he was
interrogated upon. After partalSing of some
refreshments he retired to take few hours
rest. Edith and Fanny busted themselves
in making such preparations as they thought
would be necessary to make the young man
comfortable and aid him in his future enter
prise. Nothing was leftundone that their in
genuity could suggest, to prepare him for his
journey. His every wish was anticipated and
a hundred things prepared for his comfort
that it was, after investigation, found too
cumbersome to carry.
Joshua awoke from his sleep very much re-
freshed and busted himself in making prepa-
rations for rejoining the army. Not a voice
was raised in objection to this course. The
whole family seemed anxious that he should
be off,
X "
Let us turn to different quarter. But a
few hours have interviewed since Joshua was
making; preparations for his journey, and we
find him Alone on horseback, on the highway
lea,'.ing from Philadelphia to New York. His
b orse is fatigued and worn out, and he, him
self. appears to have travelled long distance
Ever and anon he urges his faithful ANIMAL
but fatigue seems to have overcome his ener'
gies and he jogs along very sluggishly. as
he approaches farm house, the animal, as
FLY ir4tinct, stops before the door. In yair
Il lie /. ged to proceed; he stands perfectly
still. Joshua alights and enters the house
A middle-aged woman, sitting in ahigh-back
chair, mods her head slightly, but does not at
attempt to rise. Joshua addresses her thus
"Friend, / am weary and tired; canst thou
furnish me with some food for myself anc
beasti"
| 81 would rather kick that straight coatant
broad-brimmed hat into theroad, 4" repliedth'
woman without moving from her seat.
! stIt seems that thou art in a very bad NOOK
friend; it appears to me Iwould not turn ava,
traveller from my door, who was weary ant
hungered, without giving him some refresh
ments."
| Refreshments p mused the woman bit
terly. &C Have not the accursed enemy takei
every thing from about the premises in tn
shape of refreshments Have they not drivel
oil all our cattle and left us without means T.
help ourselves let alone tory who come
along after the robbeq has been here and crave
for more. 1t is not an hour since the Re
Coats were here, and now suppose we are
be robbed again by the tories"
Joshua saw at a glance the drift OF tn
woman, and no doubt wonld willingly haV
relieved her mind of any apl'rehensions on nc
account, but from the danger that might ei
sue. He saw at once that there was very Il
tie to be gained by talking to her on suple'
of such painful import he mad preparation
f to leave, at the same time not otknoWng wheth'
his 1aded horse would move or not. Wi'
weary steps he gained the door, nd was ]u
about taking one last lingering look at the y
hospitabe woman he was leaving, when u
tread Of horses was heard he looked down u