The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1869-02-19
JOHN PUTNAM. THE spy.
CONCLUDED.

lastl' cried the ruffian Wolf. 'Hallon,
there-7stop, or, by George, we'll make
minced meat of thee-halloa-a-aH
"In the Kings name, haltl' commanded
Captain Dick. or rather Captain Richard
Moles, q man superior, in some respects, to
his companion.
h'Shall 1 be deaf, or stupid, or Dutch?"
queried the pedlar to himself. "Open de-
fiance is last resource" But he quickly
decided, as Wolf called out, "Haltl thou
base, low, peddling coward! or I'll crop
thine ears with my sabre" Nerving his
arn:, he suddenly stopped, and turned to
meet Them
l''The same. by the godsl" exclaimed
Dick, on observing the pedlars brave face.
"Huzzal five hundred pounds! down on
thy marrow-bones, and beg thy ife!''
l"What want ye with me?" demanded the
American.
...Want? Ask our Colonel--ask the glib
bet on to-morrow's dawnl Want? why,
down, spy, on thy knees and surrenderl'
'.That will I not!' shouted the other,
with sudden energy, that startled both
the soldiers. Flinging off his burden, by q
quick motion, he caught up his club, and
with the first blow shivered to pieces the
sword nplifted by the Captain to arrest
him. ~"
s'fThy steel, Wolf he's broken mine.
Traitor! by Heaven, thou shalt die''
ss'Nay, nay, it taketh two to make bar
gain, coolly snid Putnam, and while the
Captain was grasping his pistols, another
blow from the staff discharged one of them
in-the Fir, and so discomftted him that for
ainoment he remained inactive.
Welt struck the spys shoulder with his
weapon, but made no dangerous wound,
and boldly seizing him, the latter, by main
strength, dragged the burly fellow from his
saddle. "a thousand furiesl' shrieked he,
II believe thou art Satan"
Let this convince thee!" cried the face
tious pedlar, grasping the rascals long
sword, and, by o powerful exertion, wrench
ing it from him. and dropping his stick
But by this time Dick had recovered, and
firing his remaining pistol, its ball entered
the pedlars leg, causing him for an instant
to tremble with pain.
'Help!' screamed the conquered bully,
as he fell under O severe blow from his own
sword; and then, as the Captain leaped
from his horse to assist the scene became
thrilling to excess. b.
The sword proving useless in this close
conflict, Putnam dexteronsly broke it in
pieces with his foot. and kicking the pros
trate soldier at the same time, grappled with
Dick, who was equal to him in strength and
''St. George for mel" cried the latter.
"God and liberty for mel" shouted the
Continental.
"Dogl I have thee nowl' muttered Dick,
clutching the others throat. .Up, Wolf
up and aid mel am choking him!''
Boast not yet, gasped the other, reco-
vering his hold.
''Take thatl" said Wolf. picking up the
spy's stick and striking him with it.
''And take thou this, and may God par
lifted his right arm, and drove his heavy
fist against the soldiers head, reddening it
with blood and brains. The unfortunate
man fell down dend, like an OK before the
butchers axe.
At this awful sight, the Captain was ap-
palled, but by strong efforts maintained his
position. The pair fought like athletse.
struggling, striking and grooming in the
ferceness of their combat. At length the
spy fel on the grass, paralyzed BY the
might of his powerful antagonist. 20,
Washingtonl Washingtonp he moaned,
''must [ fail at length? Nay-nay-"
Course Thy doomed Washing gton!" ex-
claimed the other.
Sab! this for thy foul malediction," re-
torted the patriot, once more regaining
strength sufficient to return fearful blow,
yet held tightly to the spys throat, exc
Grating Washington and his rebels to the
uttermost.
But while h!s senses were recediDg, and
his eyes be, on ing filed with blood, his
latent strength re-gathered itself. With an
embrace that might have smothered a bear,
he caused such excruciating pain, that Dick
was compelled TO relinquish his grasp.
Then he struck the soldiers temple, and
both fell down.
Fatigued, but not insensible, John Put
nam recovered in half an hour sufficiently
to catch one of the steeds so lately crossed
by his enemies. and mounting, he galloped
to the headquarters OF Washington. who,