The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1877-02-13
THE TWO PRISONERS.

4 in tranquil beauty, the silver rays of
the moon revealed each nook, and the
mossy dell, while fancy might summon
up elfin fairies from their dreamy homes
in some flowers fragrant cell, to sport
beneath the moonlight on the green
sward or il. sportive play, bathe in the
dew-drops that seemed distilling from
leaf and flower.
The scenery in the back ground added
the sublime to the beautiful in the pic
ture. The mountains rearing their
heather-crowned tops, which had bat
tied with the storms of past ages, now
canopied with the mantle of night
their forms in graceful outline, gradual
ly receding in the distance, like frown-
ing shadows of the past while the most
finished work of man might stand
shadowless beneath the perfect pencil
ling of nature.
The Connecticut river, at a distance,
resembled sea of sparkling diamonds
rejecting on its broad bosom the count
less eyes of night, that from the COM
mencement of time have watched over
the sleeping earth.
Far across might be seen the dim
shores of Long Island, where lay en-
camped foreign foe. The white can
vass of their huts rejecting back the
moons rays--not sound disturbs the
stiffness, the drowsy sentinels seem to
have caught something of the general
quiet, and are nodding at their posts.
In tent, which seems the principal "a
light burning, round table are seated
men in earnest conversation, whose uni
form bespeaks them British soldiers -
The death of the gallant Major Andre,
and the treachery of the traitor Arnold
formed the topic of their discouse. At
length it was proposed ,ifcarried through
with success, to obtain the person of the
gallant General Silliman lin command of
the Connecticut side, and hold him pris-
oner in retaliation for the death of
Andre.
1t is hazardous project, but four bold
men pledged themselves to undertake it.
John Hartwell, brave young officer,
was selected their leader.
Soon as arranged, they proceeded to a
boat, and made the best progress they
could across the river; on gaining the
shore, they made for small clump of
underwood, where they lay concealed,
until they noted what direction it is best
to take.
Here too may be seen the tents where
repose the brave men who have sworn to
protect their homes and country, or die
in its defence against the invaders, who
seek to control their free rights. Near
may be seen a spacious farmhouse, the
abode of General Silliman-the brave
soldier and faithful friend-who now
slept unconscious of danger. Through
some neglect, the sentinels on duty had
wandered from their posts, never dream
ing it possible that any one would risk a
landing, or could pass the tents unob-
served. BY circuitous route they gain
ed the house, and here the faithful watch
dog gave the alarm; blow soon silenc-
ed him and, ascending the piazza, Cap
tain Hartwell opened the easement, and
followed by his men, stepped lightly
into the sitting room of the family.
They now struck a light, and with
caution proceeded on the search - they
passed through several apartments
while, strange to relate, the inmates
slept on, unconscious of this deed Of
darkness.
They at length reached the Generals
room-two of the men remained out
side, while Captain Hartwell, with an
other officer, entered, and stood, In 81,
lence, mnsing on the scene before them
A night lamp burned in the room
dimly revealing the face of the sleepers
whose unprotected situation could no
but awake a feeling of pity even in thei
callous hearts.
Jack whispered his companion
"by Heaven, I wish this part of tn,
business had been entrusted to some ON
else-I could meet this man face to face
life for life, in the field of battle = bu