Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1874-11-10

posed and affsble mood, though somewhat
more inclined to lapse into that cold dignity
of which so much has been uuduly said, than
was usual with him on such informal and
friendly occasions. The manner of his host,
however, seemed accouutably constrained and
embarrassed. He asked questions, then
jumped up and went to the window without
waiting for an answer, and manifested through.
out that something had occurred to make him
excitable and nervous
When they entered the dining>room and
took their seats alone at the table-all of Mr..
Bullion family being absent, as he averred,
on visit-Wa Washington, for the first time,
gave slight start
'ls it not very early for green peas, my
friend y he said, in a somewhat severe tone.
"Yes-I believe-it is" stammered his
host, ''But, and he recoVed himself with a
strong effort, 81 had heard that your Excel>
leucy was particularly fond of them. and had
them procured down the river"
''They are very nice when good but some
times when brought from distance. say as
far as New York-this latter was said with
slight emphasis-"they lose their freshness
Why even these have peculiar look about
them-as If they were not quite wholesome" :"
And Washington bent penetrating look upon
the table cloth
'I-think- Excellency-will->find
-them-very fresh-indeed," gasped out his
entertainer.
81 may be. but in order to keep my brain
in good condition, have to be very careful
of what eat" replied Washington. ..Here,
Carlo. do you like green peas p and he called
to little dog that was playing about the
room.
The dog speedily dispatched two or three
spoOnfuls of the peas, which Washington put
on plate for him. Then he lay down, gave
a short, sharp bark and rolled over on his
side, either dead or in astupor
81 do not think those peas are suitable to
be put before guest" said Washington,
sternly. "Mr. Bullion, you are a traitor
and would be also murderer w
Forgive mel cried the detected tory,
sinking on his knees, as Washington rose, and
put his hand on his sword
''Justice is for traitors and murderers, not
forgiveness. Prepare at once to accompany
me to headquarters.
"No-leave not this room :" continued
Washington seizing him by the collar, ms his
false host was about passing to the door
'1-wish- -to-gct -my-hat-a a
few-clOthes."
"Order them, then, to be brought to you
| shall not trust you ont of my sight until we
reach the fort Aud beware you attempt
to escape, will kill you on the spot. But
you shall have fair trial. will not condemn
you; the laws of your country shall Judge
you.''
The Tory glanccd anxiously out Of the vim
dow. Suddenly his eyes lighted up-his
whole demeanor altered He laughed aloud
Would not your Excelleucy as leave 90 to
New York with me, as have mo 60 to West
Point with you ?" cried he, jocoscly.
''1ou will find this too serious a matter for
joking about, sir"
''You think so, my dear General. do you
Well, now it seems to me one of the very best
jokes in the word-look there !" and he
pointed through the window to the lawn be-
fore the mansion.
Washington looked, and beheId the red
coats of party of British dragons. who had
just dismounted, and were preparing to sur
round the house
"You are my prisoner, General;" ex-
claimed Mr.. Bullion triumphantly "and tho
war is over ~
Washington smiled coldly He did not
seem at all discomposed-neitherd did he make
any effort to escape.
= AT TINS moment the captain and lieutenant
of the Dragons entered the room.
''Glad to see you, gentlemen" cried the
Tory. ''You are early, hut as things have
turned out, not moment too soon. There is
your man"-pointing to Washington-"and
all our fortunes are made"
But the officers stirred not.
ARREST that double dyed traitor ~ thun>
dered Washington. 'and take him to head.
quarters
"Why-wby-what do you mean ?" cried
the Tory, his face bIanchiug again, as the
captain of Dragons laid heavy hand upon
his shoulder
ut means That yor caunet al,gIiys y n q. n
by thelcnlnr II II iaaii,.... 5. .li.-i -.