The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1869-02-18

JOHN PUTNAM. THE SPY.
CONCUUDED.

JOHN PUVNAHs THE SPY.
ooNoIuDED. q ~
John Putnam, who had SO easily duped
his pursuers, at the deserted hotel, deserted
tack upon 1t by the British, was indeed hur-
rying along the turnpike, with q pack upon
his shoulders and staff in his hand. I'm
der the lining of his clothes were secreted
descriptions of the English forces lying in
the vicinity, which it was necessary to place
in General Washington's possession. before
he could make any decisive movement.
Putnam's mission had thus far been sue
cessful. and upon his safe return reposed
the equal success of his commander. There
fore, knowing himself pursued, he had
already assumed and doffed several dis
gulses, in the course of 100 miles travel,
and at length, in his original costume,
hailed with Joy the familiar spots that in
dlcated his approach to the American out
posts. = %
'"Thank Heaven!' he exclaimed, 'that
these weary limbs are near home. But
thrice the distance would / walk, and, ayl
even let myself be hanged to the door of
an inn, to further Wushington's glory and
save the lives Of my countrymen. God"
he cried, looking upward, ''Thou who
watchest this struggle for liberty, smile on
our last effortl Save from tyranny thy true
believers
s'But the sun will be up, anon; I must
quicken my gait; already those troopers
may have discovered my deceit, and are
following me. Fearful is the apprehen-
sion. But, never finch, Jack Putnam,
this stick shall not let thee die without an
effort.
'Ah! did hear football? Hist! Nay,
it was the futter of some bird, or the dawn
awaking of some beast. Stay, an I'm cap
tured or killed, who will-oh! the torture
my wife and child! But, have it'll Gen
eral Washington promised to 'act fathers
part toward my children, if I should fall
doing my duty It's all right-it's all right,
old fellow-halloa! this is Hickory Hill, and
I'm not far off the lines. Now, feet of
mine, walkr' In this soliloquising manner
he muttered, until suddenly the Gathering
of horse-feet became too distinct to escape
his notice.
Thunder! can they be so close? And
yet I cannot hide in the brush wood.
Washington must have these papers by
II o'clock this day; haven't time to hide.
But hang me if do hide. like cowardl,
red-coat. I'm no coward, though dozen
Hessians be on my trail, like blood hounds.
III go on, an if my tongue save me not, by
the mighty Hercules, this club shall!''
So he continued his journey, and camo in
view of the beautiful Hudson, that in the
distance was dotted by the white canvas of
several fishermen, but these foated on their
way, unnoticed by him. who strained every
nerve. short of running, to gain the Cont
Mental headquarters. But nearer and closer
came the horsemen, and he could recognize
their gruff voices in boisterous converse
Putnam turned curve in the road, that
ran up the hillside, surrounded by hugo
trees and massive rocks, everything com
bining to render the spot romantic. While
climbing this eminence, and for the hun
dredth time, boldly resolving not to secrete
himself, he heard, with an emotion of ex-
element. the dragons within fifty yards of
him; and having just rounded the bluff,
they discovered him. Both shouted with
Joy. .a
CONCLUDED IN OUR NEXT.