Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1861-03-14

| 1ne Volonel look the package, looked at
the superscription, broke the seal, and 60
ing to window commenced reading to
himself, with countenance of surprise.
$50, so; here is list of our troops, and
their numbers in and around the city. At
Powle's Hook, three hundred and fifty; at
Elizhbethtown ard Newark, one thousand; !;
Gen. Clinton leaves for Charleston with
five thousand. Why, these documents
are indeed of importance. Who can play
the spy so well in our camp? This Van
Dyke is most dangerous character to be
abroad. Men, you and Classen, search
every hole, and see if any papers can be
found"
Nothing could give Classen greater de-
light than this order. Curiosity and other
reasons had urged him TO enter the house
during Van Dykes absence for this very
purpose; but the dread that Van Dyke
might return while he was thus engaged,
had heretofore prevented him undertaking
it. He was now armed with proper author
ity, and protected.
What he found or discovered he did not
report to Col. Harcourt, but made the same
reply us the soldiers, that nothing more of
Importance could be found.
"Very well, we will now leave the place
and return to quarters at Powle's Hook
Hodgeson, place some dry wood in the
midle Of the room, and when l give the
word, apply the match.
"Whal are you going to burn the Will
lows, Colonel?" said Classen, his face
cleaning with satisfaction.
"Yes, 1 will burn down the nest of this
rebel carrion bird. 1t is well he is not
within my reach-he should swing for it;
one such fellow, with bis secret spying and
finding out, is of more importance to US
than whole regiment of rebels in open
field"
Little did the British commander imagine
that the young man was almost within
the sound of his voice.
"To horse, men, all except Hodgesonp
By this time, with Classen, the Colonel |
had approached within the hearing of Van
Dyke, when he halted with the troops.
"Now, Hodgeson, apply the match, and
fall in"
1t was with anguish that Van Dyke
heard this order from his hiding place
The "Willows," as the farm house was
called, had been the birthplace of his an
cestors, as it was his own, and there had
passed his life. But what could he do?-
Nothing.
Presently thick black smoke arose, and
burst from each door and window. This
was followed by bright fame that shot
far into the sky, and the cracking of the
well seasoned timbers, dry with a century
of preparation, could be heard at great
distance.
"There will be one rebel shelter less TO-
night. 1t is pity they were not all
burned down; then the King would have
more friends upon this side of the water.
These rebels are like dogs; good whip
ping makes them better natured. The
house is nearly consumed, for the embers
are beginning to fly before the evening
breeze. By file! to the right face; trot"
and the horsemen wheeled into the road.
"Fifty guineas, you say, Colonel, if l
take Van Dyke?" asked Classen again.
"Yes, fifty guineas."
"Tben 1 will leave you here; and keep
a watch around. He may return before
a great while. Where do you halt?"
"At the Oaks" five miles of, and stop
an hour or two for the forge party. Ifany-
thing should occur within the time, you
know where to find me-" The officer and
troop rode away.
Classen fingered around, and gradually
the building, which was with
the exception of the brick walls, heap of
ruins.
$50, John Classen, you have glutted
your vengeance upon me, and this is your
work, viper! wretchr'
Classen turned, and beheld within six
feet of him Van Dyke, leaning on musket.
mo, no, Peter" he muttered, trembling
as he spoke; sit was the British officer, and
you know l wouldn't injure you."
"Speak not another word liar or 1 shall
forget myself and blow your brains out. l
heard all. You are to have fifty guineas
for apprehending me. am everything
that is bad. l came to burn your house
down bnt fled when your friends approached.
"Wretch! 1t was | who saved your
dwelling and your worthless carcass, and
these ruins are my reward"
"Peter! Dear Peterp
"Scoundrel! do not apply that word
'dear" 10 me. 1t sounds worse than the
hiss of snake. Listen, John Classen,
lhe chief reason of your animosity to me
IS because Kate Vessels preferred my
hand to yours. Thank God she and her
iather are both safe from your persecution,
ior they are now within the American lines.
Now, hear me-for you are now unarmed
but when we next meet, be it in forest
Or road, town or village, wedding or funer- Z
u, 1t is your life or mine. Go"
Classen waited for no second bidding,
out disappeared in the direction taken by
he soldies, in double-quick time, his hair 7
standing on end; for like all other rogues, I
,e was as cowardIy as he was bad. I
Van Dyke paused moment, aud thus I
,ondered in his own mind
"That scoundrel will bring some of those
,orsemen back, for he will imagine that l r,
nay linger two or three hours around il
his old place. Yes, yes, 1 will; after S,
ONE twenty Of our lads can prepare an A
mbush for them. Fifty guineas will draw B
;lassen anywhere, coward that he is, Ii
4 IL