Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1864-11-30

men were concealed at jennings house,
and at the proper time marched towards
their destination. Under cover of night
they had proceeded to the next station ON
the road, when their advance was suddenly
checked.
4 sharp rattle of musket balls, which
seemed to have been designedly fred 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, Immediately gave orders
for countermarch, and in less than ten
minutes the whole body was in retrograde
position.
We can hardly venture to describe the
feelings of chagrin entertained by the ori.
ginal plotter OF this expedition, when in-
formed by Trevor of the unsatisfactory re.
suit. 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 he would murder the in
former, whoever it might be, that had thus
defeated his hopes. In vain the kings of.
6cer stroVe to calm him the darker pas.
sions OF his nature were reused, and would
not be exercised. While he was thus
storming and invoking maledictions upon
the head of the culprit, fair girl entered
the apartment. There was look of intel,
iigent frmness upon her pale countenance,
as her eyes met those of her father and
quailed not.
"Come hither, Hester w he cried. "Do
you know aught of this matter? Can you
tell me who sent word to Washington, re-
spectiug this expedition ?"
Hester cast an appealing look upon the
officer, who however did not interfere be-
| tween them.
Did you hear my question ?" roared
Jenning. Tell me, do you know aught
of this"
81 do" replied the girl, in low tone.
Il thought so !! Now, tell me the per-
sons name"
1t was w
You! Serpent! You betray me-"
"Father hear me. | did send word to
our general that the enemy were to make
an attack upon the fort, but your name was
not mentioned as being party to the ex-
peditlon. No harm can come to you. |
knew how ardently and long our country
men had struggled against oppression; how
nobly they had contended against superior
forces; how true was their devotion to the
| cause in which they were engaged, and
could not quietly look on and see their de-
struction attempted. | sent word of this,
but in saving them / did not betray you"
" Enough that you have come between
me and my revenge! This be your re,
ward ~
He drew from his pocket pistol and de-
liberately aimed it at his child She moved
not-did not even tremble-but Trevor,
shocked beyond measure at the horror of
the meditated deed, sprang towards the
wretch and raised bis arm. The ball
grazed her head, and was buried in the
wainscot.
"Shame on you, manw cried the officer
with indignation. "Would you have her
blood on your hands! Of what are you
composed Is she not your child"
"No! cried Hester, with startling en-
phasis, 81 am not, or at least shall not be
for the future. will not own a parent
who to the crime of treason can add that
of murder. [ did expose your villainy,
and would do it again. Nay, you may
frown, | fear you not. This last base act
has frozen up the natural current of my
heart"
Then in calmer and more feeling tone,
she continued:
Father-'tis the last time shall call
you sol bid you farewell forever. Your
malediction may be hurled against me, but
never again will you look upon my face.
Ere another day has passed, Washington
shall know of your treachery. Your only
safety is in fight. In England you may
enjoy the fruit of your baseness, but here
you cannot remain. Farewell, forever v'
She passed from the room, as the tears,
which she could no longer control, coursed
rapidly down her cheeks She repaired at
once to the bedside OF her mother, in whose
body the last chickering's of life were fast
failing. She knelt beside her, and even as
she prayed the worn spirit was released
from bondage.
"Alone! an orphan! God help me p'
she exclaimed, as she pressed her trem-
bling lips TO those which had so often met
hers in love.
Jenning fingered not long. Soon after
he was on his way to England, where he
lived, as traitors should, in splendid dis
grace. Hester became the wife of young
Revolutionary officer, and lived long enough
to give to her descendants the valuable ex-
ample of the Christian and patriot mother.
Estate Of Jno. Miller, sem, deceased.