Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1877-01-18

tHHL pItCeIeu on tile paneS OF ner
window, when the darkness Of the
chosen night fell over the city like q
pail. The thunder rolled about the
houses, and now and then flashes of
lightning revealed glimpses 0f the
carnival of rain.
In the hidden room stood Captain
Tempest, the shGdow " of his formerself
but strong la the desire for liberty.
He waited for Miriam who came at
last and showed him rain drops on
her.
"The elements are assisting u.s."
she said, joyfully. "The doctor is
waiting like u hero, under the elm,
aud he has the password"
"Good ' Are they asleep ?"
"They retired two hours ago"
said Miriam II an satisfied the
coast is clear"
Then the soldier picked mp his
sword with pride that caused his
eyes TO flash, and Miriam was smil-
ing upon him, when q vnice nade
both start and hold their breath.
A step nn the secret stair !
Tho twain exchanged startled
glances and the girl turned to the
door, which opedei suddenly, and
revealed the face of Col. Campbell.
Over his shoulders flashed the chief
of-staff's triumphant eyes.
This unexpected event threw the
lovers off their guard, and as the
British officers leaped into the room
with swords half drawn, the highest
in rank exclaimed:
"A rebel nest 50. so ! Surrender
at once or l will rob the rebel troops
of one sEeaking officer -
His last words were addressed to
the Continental captain, whose ans
wer was kept back by Miriam Hol-
ly's tction.
Shrinking from the British officers
she reached the bed whereup0n
pistol lay, aud moment Later she
held 1t tightly grlpl'ed In her hand.
"Gentlemen, it may be the kings
cause that will lose in this game, -
she said, addressing Col. Campbell.
"Iou will sheathe your swords and
obey me -
Campbell and his chie-of-s;aff ex.
changed giances.
At Mirism's command they step
ped from behind the door, and sue
looked at her lover.
"YOu know the wav," she said.
"These soldiers will not pursue in
such storm. will be responsible
for their safety, for they wouldn't
have bullet in their uniform for
the world. ca Marvin, and let
every blow that you deliver be
blow for freedom.
He said ''good-hy." as he stepped
10 the door /; he bade the disconftt-
ed officers good night in q sarcastic
tone that made them vince, and
then passed down the staiis.
The officers forced confinement
was irksome to them, and the min.
utes passed. slowly away. By.and-
10y Miriam Holly laid the pistol on
the bed, and told the story Of her
lovers sickness. Campbell and his
chief of-staff listened with delight
TO her voice, forgetting that they
were prisoners no longer.
When they at last went down the
narrow stairs, Miriam's eyes follow.
ed them, and her good night. so full
of triumph, made Campbell CRATE
his teeth.
olC . 'VrICl INC HC Sdlu u Ills
brother-officer.
'I've lost the prize. Well 60
back to the old quarters to morrow"
lie WAS aS good as his word, and
few persons ever knsw why the
colonel sn hastily quit the Holly
mansion, aud returned to his first
quarters.
Capt. Tempest escaped and re-
turned to Savannah at the head Of
regiment, when the British hAg was
lowered to delivered nation.
Then he claimed a bride, and
everybody was made acquainted
with the story of the Hidden CONT
mental.