The Orangeburg news. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1867-1875, 1867-06-01

Atterhc had protractcd his stay to what
seemed 'an intcrminable length of time, he
remarked that he was on duty, and quilted
ths9dwelling, much to tho satisfaction of his
hostess.
Israel congratulated himself on his fortu-
nate escape, and soon after took leave tof his
mother and brother. lie reached home safely.
butan hour aftcrward was arrested and made
n prisoner. The words Of his wife had proved
propkctic; his tory ncighbor had indeed given
hirljthe countcr-sign, but lie had also betrayed
lm@
TheToyal frigatc Rocbuck was then lying
in tthesDecware, directly opposite his farm,
andsIsrael and his wifc's brother were instantly
Conveyed on board to be tried as Spies
The farmcr was one of the :Conlmittcc of
Satefkyy5 and this fact being known his posi-
tio1Slnder:thc circumstances was most dan
eT3jiis geT3jiisonc. Mucl, severity aud hardship were
ussI Coward him; his watch, a.snall sum Of
money, y,and cycn his clothes, were taken from
hiniS his bed consisted Of coils of ropes on
hih5from the cold night air
lSrael considered his case hopeless one,
andauietly resigned himself to his expected
iatesS Ills tory ncighbors gave evidence against
hil1Sand repeated remark which he rcmcm-
Dcrsa having made implying tliat he woult
soonersdrivc his cattle as Il present to General
Washington, than to receive thousands Of dol
larssforS saS them in British gold, to supply the
royalships of war"
This speech was full Of treason, and speedily
cxcifod the ire Of the British commander Of
theship He ordered file of soldiers to pro-
cccdsfo the meadow. drive the cattle to the
watf9's edge, i'll full view Of the prisoner, and
slaughter them without hesitation.
The farm was ut the distance Of a mile from
theSIiycr, but the ground from the meadow
slope gradually down to the water, there was
Ent:hSSg to obstruct the view, and Mrs Israel
WHO Was -watchttl and anxious, saw every move
ment She observed the soldiers leave the ship
so on shore and proceed in the direction of the
meadow, where the cattle were quietly grazing
INSTANTLY divining their intention, she deter
i'll the attempt. Ordering Il small boz to fol
low her. She hurried to the spot lowered the
bars, and attempted to drive them through the
operiny. The soldiers shouted to her to dcsist.
threatening to fire upon her if she did not
The nndauntcd women needed them not, and
they put the threat into cxccuton The shots
did not harm. save TO make almost wild the al
ready alrigh,cd brucS who bounded in every
direction across The field, while :,irs Israel. to
the hazard of life and limb, succeeded in driy-
ing them into yard adjoining the barn.
Not daring to venture farther among the
tarm-houScs the disappointed assiilants re-
turned to the ship, and related to the elias
grincd officer the failure of their mission. This
incident happened ii should be remembered
in sight of the commander Of the Rocbuck and
his two prisoners.
Israel WAS treated much more vigorously than
his comlnion daily was his situation bccon-
ing more critical, iorthc time was fast approach
ing for his trial. He knew the character of
his judges we'll and expected no mercy at their
hands.
One night MS he was reclining upon his hard
bed, fricndly-looking sailor approached him.
II wish to ask you u question" he said in
low, but kind tone. IL am friend and wish
you we'll. so yon need not fear TO answer me
truthfully.'
lsral syniiicl his willingness to 30 so.
'.Nrc you lrcc-mason,' resumed the sailor.
81 am" replied Israel, much astonshcd at
the question.
''Thcn there is some hope for YOU" added
the sailor quickly. "'ro-morrow night there is
Il lodge held on shp-board, the officers who be-
long will assemble and in some way you may
be able to alter their opinions respecting you.
1t is your last chance for they will likely find
20" guilty of he'yyY SPY"
The countcnancc Of lsrcal Frightened up;
he expressed his gratitude to the sailor i'll the
warmcst terms, and laid himself upon the coil
Of rope with lighter heart.
The next day he was br' ught up for trial i'll
luc form; his tory noiyhb Is were examined,
nd their dcpoSitons told ic.,riully against him.
Contrary to the expectations of both, the prs
oncrs were permitted to speak for themselves.
Jsrool Lol1ly but rcsncctf,llly ,yowcI thc truth.