Maryland free press., 1866-12-13
VOLUME T.

| forward. s.. ..r....a. Pc ..r -.. +. f.
Suffering much bodily pain, and wearily drag
ging one foot after the other, he saw a light
twinkling in the distance, which indicated the
proximity of the lowly dwelling. He did not
know whether the occupants were wings or to-
ries, but be trusted in Providence and went for
ward more hopefully.
He approached the cabin, but paused at hear
ing the sound of voices. Taking few more noise
less steps he was enabled to glance through rude
window, and perceived two men and two women
sitting within. The young officer was about to
knock at the door, when the word "spy' reach
ed his ear, causing him to forego his intention,
and listen to hear more.
~ am quito confiient we shall succeed" said
| one,
"The reward is worth trying for at any rate,
returned the other.
"What will be done with him if he should be
captured?" asked the youngest of the two fe-
males. .
"Ns matter!' said the elder of the two men
abruptly.
"rhey won't be likely toilet him go any more"
added his companion, with significant shrug Of
the shoulders
"lIe'll be treated as spies usually are, proba-
bly," remarked the middle aged woma, who
had not yet spoken.
The younger shuddercd and looked thought
full.
~ wish this unnatural war was ended, 1t so
brutalzes the human character" she said earn-
estlr, after pause. ...r,.
"The sooner the rebels are conquered the quick
er it will be ended" said one of the men, SO YOU
see it is our duty to catch this spy, who is said
to be very cunning and useful in his way. He
can't be a great distance off, and as soon as we
get rested We must take TO the woods and hunt
him down.
The other gave his hearty consent to this pro-
posal, and talking over their plans together both
men left the cabin and passed so near to our hero
that ny raising their hands they might have
touched him; but the darkness which had sue
ceeded the moons departure favored Eim, and lie
remained undisturbed. .
Waiting until he could no longer hear the foot
steps nor voices of the retreang figures, he step
ped softly to the door and tapped.
The latch was raised and a voice demanded.
''Who's there2' ..
'A f.iend, one, atleast, who has not the pow
or TO injurc yon," was the reply.
The door opened wider, and the pale hagcard
lace OF the applicant was exposed to the womln,
who scratinized him steadily and closely.
"Come in she said briefly.
81 am in distress, said Hastings apply to YOU
because you are woman and | cannot forget
that woman was first at the sepulchre of Jesus.
am sick, weary, hungry and sorely pressed by
my enemies. l nm the American spy for whom
a reward is offered. You can save me or deliver
me into the hands of your husband or those who
have gone in pursuit of me.''
Tie woman who had opened the door now
signified by motion of the hand that he should
enter. He did so, and a scat was placed for him
beside the daughter, whose sympathics were OBJ
viousiy enlisted. She glanced sympathi zingly
at his detected eountenance and noted his f;llter-
ing steps and limbs trembling with weakness
owe can give you food, bit our protection
will avail but little after my husbands return"
said the woman.
"Can you not conceal me? asked Hastings
earnestly. Heaven will reward you for the
dced'
The mother looked at her daughter, and the
two conversed in n low voice.
'We will do what we can, said the former,
briefly, as she placed refreshments before him and
significd to him to eat
Do not stop TO talk, she added quickly as the
young officer .endeavored to express his gratitude
There is no time to lose, and food will do you,
more gcod than anything else
Hastings did not wait for second bidii ng,
and the nuricious beverage soon had the elfec t
10 renew his strcn- AMI inspire fresh courage
His head felt less giddy, the cheerful Ere warmed
his stifened limbs and he would certainly have
have fallen asleep in his chair had not feeling of
dread lest the men should suddenly return, caus-
ed him to look often anxiousy toward the win
| dow
"They will be gone two hours" said the
youngest female, as if to rc-assure him on that
point.
Hastings signifed his thanks, and locked at
the fair speaker so attentively that q crimson
glow stole over her expressive countenance, max
ing her look more interesting than before. He
forgot for the moment himself, his illness, the
danger he had incurred, the risk he now run,
everything in contemplating her symmetrical
figure regularity of features, and the benevolent
kindness that beomed from her eyes. lie was
stratcd from his reverie by the barking of dog.
''You arc lost' she exclaimed. "Fathcr is near
| by p
| Hastings started to his feet and looked hur-
riedly about for some mode of egress besides tho
door by which he had entered. ..
The young girl shook her head, and her cheek
pa,ed with terror. Hastings knew that discovery
was inevitable if be remained where he was, and
that the result would be equally fatal if he ven
turcd TO leave the cabin.
The young girl stood minute as spcll-bound,
when the voices came nearer and nearer. Sud
| denly she sprang towards door which opened
| into dark closet.
t'Go in" she whispered, "and secrete yourself
behind those clothes"
The officer mechanically obeyed, and the door
was quickly closed, and fastened upon him, while
his doliverer, with uncommon sclfpossessien,