The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1861-08-08


officer was concerned, the meditated plans
men were concealed at the house of Jen-
ming and at proper time marched to-
wards their destination. Under cover of
the night they had proceeded to the next
station on the road when their advance was
suddenly checked.
A sharp rattle of musket balls which
seemed to have been designedly fired
above their heads, brought them to an
immediate halt. A second discharge gave
them to understand that their further
progress would be dangerous Captain
Trevor who was in command, Immediate
ly gave orders fer countermarch, and in
less than ten minutes the whole body were
in a retrograde position.
We can hardly venture to describe the
feelings of chagrin entertained by the
original plotter of the expedition, when
informed by Trevor of the unsatisfactory
result. As that officer handed him the
gold which had been promised, he threw
it to the ground with violent gesture and
with an oath swore that he would murder
the informer, whoever it might be, that
had thus defeated his hopes. In vain the
kings officer strove to calm him; the
darker passions Of his nature were aroused
and would not be exercised. While he
was thus storming and invoking maledic-
tions upon the head of the culprit, a fair
girl entered the apartment. There was a
look of intelligent tirmness upon her pale
countenance, as her eyes met those of her
father, and quailed not:
''Come hither, Hester" he cried. ado
you know aught of this matter? Can you
tell me who sent word to Washington, re-
specting this expedition ?''
Hester cast an appealing look upon the
officer, who, however, did not interfere be-
tween them.
"Did you hear my question ?" roared
Jennings "Tell me, do you know aught
of this 2"
81 do" replied the girl, in low tone
81 thought so. Now tell me the persons
name"
at was ~
"You! Serpent! You betray me-" !"
"Father, hear me. l did send word to
our general that the enemy were to make
an attack on the fort, but your name was
not mentioned as being party to the ex-
peditiou. No harm can come to you. [
know how long and arduously our country
men had struggled against oppression
how nobly they contended against superb
or forces how true was their devotion to
the cause in which they were engaged,
and [ could not look quietly on, and see
their destruction attempted. l sent word
of this, but in saving them [ did not be-
tray you.'
Enough that you have come between
me and my revenge! This be your re-
ward ~
He drew from his pocket pistol and
deliberately aimed it at his child. She
moved not, did not even tremble, but Ire
vor, shocked beyond measure at the horror
of the meditated deed, sprang toward the
wretch and raised his arm. The ball
grazed her head and was buried deep in
the wainscot.
"Shame on you, man ~ cried the officer
with indignation. "Would you have her
blood on your hands of what are you
composed? Is she your child?"
"Now cried Hester with a startling
emphasis. 81 am not, or at least shall not
be for the future. [ will not own pa
rent, who to the crime of treason, can add
that of murder. | did expose your viii
lainy, and would do it again. Nay, you
may frown, | fear you not. This last
act has frozen the natural current of my
heart"
Then in a calmer and more feeling tone
she continued
'Father-'tis the last time l shall call
| you sol bid you farewell forever. Your
maledictions way be hurled against me,
but never again will you look upon my
face. Ere another day has passed, Wash
ington shall know of your treachery.-
Your only safety is in flight. In England
you may enjoy the fruit of your baseness,
but here you cannot remain. Farewell,
forever!'
She passed from the room, as the tears
which she could no longer control, coursed
rapidly down her checks. She repaired
at once to the bedside of her mother, III
whose soul the last chickering's of life were
fast failing. She knelt beside her and
even as she prayed, her worn spirit was
released from bondage.
"Alone! an orphan God help me"
she exclaimed, as she pressed her trembling
! lips to those that had so often met hers il
love.
! Jenning fingered no. long. Soon aftel
he was on his way to England, where h,
lived, as traitors should, in splendid dis
s-=.., - =. .