The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1875-05-15
Select Storp.
THE TORYS WARD,
on, TREASON AT HEADQUARTERS.
CHAPTER |.
MAJOR woLLERN.

Bright and early one hazy morning in
the brown leaf month, October, 1777, a
courier drew rein before General Howe's
headquarters in Philadelphia The coal
black eourser which he bestrode was
reeking with foam, and the man drew =
breath Of relief as he sprung to the ground,
and tossed the lines to stable groom who
made his appearance
Entering the grand colonial mansion
over which waved the flag of St George,
the bearer of dispatches found Howe con-
versing with several generals, and at the
same time, debating orders to his private
secretary who wrote at a handsome marble
table.
"Well, began the commander, sudden
ly starting towards the courier, whose face
declared him the bearer OF startling It'd
iugs; "What brings you thither so early
ia the day p
q / came from Saratoga, answered the
messenger, respectfully saluting the Cen
eral, "and have the regret to report that
General Burgoyne and his army arc pris-
ouers of war.
Howe started back, and an oath fell
from his lips.
"Ths Is an unlocked for disaster" re-
marked one of the officers. at must be
remedied, and that speedily
"By Jove it shall, cried Howe, like
a man suddenly and fully aroused from a
lethargy. IF we can keep our own Sc.
crets and effectually bar this city against
the rebel spies, we can retrieve our for
tunes and put speedy end to this rebel
lion"
But, General, can We keep their spies
out Of Philadelphia p meekly asked his
Adjutant- General, handsome smooth face
young man of six and twenty.
ave can If we will, answered Howe,
assuredly, and then his voice dropped to a
lower tone. eve must strive at once to
inspire confidence among the troops. |
will now teach our city rebels what it is
to secrete rebel spies, They are doing it
every day, and that before our very eyes,
Hereafter we will not correspond with the
enemy on the capture of a spy. We will
pull! him up, and acquaint Washington
with his DEATH Gentlemen, | summon
you to a council of war to be held in this
room tonight. | would have you all here
by eight; do not fail to act promptly
We must wipe out the disgrace at Sarato-
ga, and that, Knyphausen has said, speed
ily,'
A few moments later the general off,
GERS had departed, and Howe was closeted
with the fatigued courier.
Major Wollcrn, the Adjuiaut- General,
lighted cigarette, and enveloped in
cloud of snowy smoke strolled lesurely
from the room.
II wonder where Emma is this morn
ing he murmured, glancing about as he
stepped upon an elegant veranda. "No
doubt she is dreaming of her brilliant vic
tory of last night. Never before played |
euchre so poorly. Had been playing for
hearts, would have lost"
Perhaps Major Wolleru played for
hearts after all last night. .
The silvery voice caused the soldier to
start, and deep blush crimsoned his tenn
pies. He did not dream that the words
could reach ears save his own. Helooked
up quickly, therefore, and beheld young
girl gathering honey-suckle seeds at the
further end of the porch. She did not
appear to notice him but there was
mischievous smile about her deep, red
lips, which grew broader as he advanced
towards her.
SO, Miss Emma, you would taunt me
with my defeat" he said pleasantly, paus-
ing ut her side and looking into her laugh.
ing eyes. "Well, I argue that played
miserably last night, hence your victory"
However well Major wollerp plays, /
can euchre him, she answered boastingly.
"No doubt Burgoyne played well, but"
Then you have heard the news" he
said, interruptiug her.
Enfbar told mo hut :, F,u, ,ro,,an. 4.
since. II was quite unexpected"
eyes; we had expected much from
Burgoyne, and Clinton was marching to
aid. Miss Emma, weare not going to his
smart under defeat long, continued the
Major, growing excited; tonight mature
plans that will wipe out the disgrace"
All ! fear l shall lose faith in you as
prophet, she remarked, not seeming to
notice his last words. "This is the twen.
tieth af October you see
Major Wollern bit his finely -chiselled
lips, and his gaze sank beneath the maid
ems eyes
Yes, and Washington, the arch rebel,
is still at large"
Aud at the head Of an army
There lurked secret triumph in her
tone.
Trae, Miss Emma, / am not going to
prophecy again; but the rebellion will |
terminate before 81. Valentines