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

answered Captain Hartwell, "perform
your part of the play, or let some one
else take your place; you forget the
scrape we are in, at the least alarm. We
might happen to salute the rising sun,
from some of the tallest trees on the
Generals farm-an idea far from pleas
ing"
:" For my part, could wish myself
back on Long Island-but our General
expects every man to do his duty-let
yours be to prevent that female from
screaming, while secure her husband"
The ear of woman is quick, and from
their entering the room, not word had
escaped Mrs. Silliman. At first she
could scarcely refrain from calling out,
but her uncommon strength of mind
enabled her to master her fears - she
scarce knew what to think, her hus-
bands life, herself and family were at
stake, and her courage rose in proper
tion as her sense of danger increased.
1t is ever SO with woman in the hour
of danger or afIliction; her weakness
will become her strength, and what ma
ture has withheld in her physical Or
ganization, is fully made up in her
mental powers; her devoted love will
hallow the object of its affections, and
enshrines him in her hearts pure sane
tuary.
She scarce dared breathe, and even the
infant at her breast seemed to partalse of
its mothers anxiety, and nestled closer
to her bosom.
The curtains partly shaded where she
lay, and breathing a prayer to Heaven
for protection, she silently stepped from
the bed, scarcely knowing how to pro-
ceed.
Her woman's tact led her to appeal to
their sympathies, If sympathies they
had-if she died, she but risked her life
for one dearer than herself, whose ex-
istence to his country was invaluable
and perhaps by this means enable him
to escape. In an instant she was before
them, her pale, beseeching face implor-
ing what speech refused to utter.
The officers started-this sight was un-
expected-the least hesitation, and all
would be lost.
Captain Hartwell threw aside his
heavy watch cloak, and said
Madam, let this uniform be the war
rant for our honor-our object is to take
your husband alive, If possible-that de-
pends, however, on your silence"
At that moment Gen. Silliman awoke,
and finding his wife in the hands of
men whose calling he knew not, his
good sword was soon in his hand, but a
strong arm wrested it from him-hand-
cuffs were placed on his wrists, and he
stood their prisoner.
He inquired by what right they en-
tered his housep"
"Our object, SIR" replied the officer,
"is to convey you to Long Island-the
least expression of alarm from you, that
moment of breath your last-if peace
able, no violence will be offered"
Mrs. Silliman threw herself before
them, and entreaties for mercy gushed
from her agonized heart.
ooh spare him--take what money
is here, but leave me my husband, the
father of my children. Think, if you
have wives or families, what their sense
of bereavement would be, to see some
murderous band tear you from their
arms, and they left in horrid uncertain
ty as to your fate. Take all that we
have, but leave him.
A sneer of scorn curled the officers
lips, as he coolly replied;
Madam, we are neither robbers nor
assassins--the compliment on our part,
is quite undeserved. We are British
officers.''
"Then, sir" exclaimed Mrs. S. start
ing to her feet--her eyes flashing; her
proud form trembling, as her own
wrongs forgot in those of country
"Shame on the cause that sanctions
such deed as this-in the silence OF
night to enter peaceful dwelling, and
take an unoffending man from the arms
Of his wife and family. Truly, such an
act las this would well need the covering
of darkness. You may well call your.
! selves servants of Britain-that is your
fit appellation. Take him-anothei
victim is required for my country. But
the vengeance of Heaven is abroad, and
ere long, the men who war for the price
Of blood, will find the arm of him who
fights for his fireside and liberty, nervet
by the stronger consciousness of right. ;
Madam interrupted the officer
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