Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1876-11-15
Earning Of the willows.

ol tnO roads, and a brook Doe front, the bank
covered with willows. This place meets
the description exactly. Order the men to
dsmount with the exception Of couple Of
patrols on each road
The British were dressed In the blue and
scarlet uniform Of the British light horse,
corps that was formed after tle landing of
the English troops ia New Jersey as soon
as the horses could be had % mount the
men. lie was an officer of some rank, evi-
IDENTIFY, who spake the above words, and his
carriage aud dcmoanor was both naughty
and aristocratic iu the highest degree.
why not-he vas the eldest son Of Brit
ish earl.
"'rhe house appear, 10 be deserted. Colo
mel lIalcourt,' said his junior officer as he
dismounted
We viii see. This way, dozen Of you"
he said To- bis men. Try the door youder
If it is fastened, break IL open, aud report If
any one is inside. ii there should be and
they attempt to escape, shoot them down.
but give them warning 10 surrender"
The men advanced to the door which they
found 20 be fastened, and after demanding
admission, 10 which they received no answer,
they proceeded 30 break it open, which de
layed them some time, for the door was
strong oaken one. This done, they entered
Do YOU know that man by sight, lieu
tenant 2" asked Colonel llarcourt, while the
men We're busy ansaoking the house
No, sir, but there is fellow ! picked
MP on the road, now in'the rear, that knows
him we'll"
"Order him to the front"
The countryman had not a very prepos-
sessing countenance. There was bold sur
illness and cruel expression OF features eX-
tremely displeasing.
What is your name 2" said Colonel llar-
court, in his quick military manner
John Classen."
"po you know Peter Van DYKE"
Very we'll"
-" is this his dwelling 2"
Yes, though since hi, mothers death
and his sisters getting married, ITS hard to
say where he keeps himself"
Does he bear the name of being great
rebel and dangerous man to those who IA
yor the king in this neighborhood 2"
les. from the Passaic TO the lackensack,
and thirty miles around. If I'd my way
he'd been hung long ago, and his house
burned over his head he is the leader of
every rebel gang from the army, and points
ont the honest farmers homes who stand by
their king, whose barns they plunder and
carry away the grain"
why, you tell bitter story about him
has he ever injured you 2"
"ujured me ? lie, and parcel Of rob
bers like himself, came one afternoon to
burn my house and hang me before the door,
which they would have done but for the
timely arrival of a number Of friendly neigh
bors, well armed, when they were off in
double quick time"
Does hcnot venture into New lork, some
times in disguise 2" inquired the Colonel,
I've heard so. lie was slippery from a
boy up, aud DISCUSSES himself any way.
Hes precious scamp, and you'll do favor
to this part of Jersey if you hang him the
minute You catch him"
This conversation had been held near
stone wall on the outer edge of which was
an old garden, but the troubles of the times
had left uncultiyated, and the gooseberries
and currant bushes had grown up rank and
untrimmed, and the brars stretched over
the walls, covering the ground from sight.
Under this and within ten feet OF the
Colonel and Classen, lay crouched the very
man they were talking of. lie had barely
| time TO escape from the house and conceal
1 himself upon the approach of the horsemen,
whom he did not suspect of being within ten
miles of him. Twice or thrice on hearing
/ the base lies of Classen, he was on the point
Of rising and confronting him, but little
| reflection was left, and he thought that was
not the occasion to put his life in jeopardy,
| which he would certainly do since the party
of troops had come expressly to take him.
DO you know with certainty, Classen,
[ how long since Van Dyke has been seen in
/ the neighborhood -
81 have heard he was seen last night two
miles from this, in a by path through the
woods, coming in the direction of his housef'
That is the information ! received and
am determined to capture him sooner or
later, II you can poiut out his whereabouts,
or arrest him yourself, you shall receive a
reward of fifty guneas."
Classen was as ayarcious and fond Of
money as he was wicked Fifty guineas
was a large sum indeed, particularly in those
days when gold was rarely seen.
will catch him, Colonel, before he is
three days older | know one of his haunts. +"
Why not lead us there, then
1t would be of no use this time Of day.
Besides he may not be there for day or
two, and shall have to he cautious in look
ing out for him"
"Well, secure him, and the fifty guineas
shall be yours"
Several of the soldiers now came from
the house aud stated that they had searched
it from top to bottom, but found no one, al
though from appearances some one had been
there recently. The Colonel, followed by
Classen, passed on TO the house, while Tia,
fugitive lay quietly in his coucealment.
1t was plain house, Of middle size, bull
plainly of stone in the old Dutch style, an,
yery comfortable within. There was bn
little fnrniinre-a few tables, chairs an,
cooking utensils. The better part. as Cla.
sen said. bod been taken away ON the occa
~ sion of Van DYKES sisters marriage. a yea
hefore as her mart
+. Here il COAT sir 50 said one Of tbe sol
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