The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1878-04-16


ret, and blazed with lights on the eve
ming appointed for the assembly, while
the band of the garrison dscouised
sweet music to the assembled crowd.
The entertainment was at its height,
when the crowd near the door suddenly
parted, and young man came forward
hurriedly. He was tall and splendidly
formed, and carried himself erect with
proud, martial air. He was dressed in
the uniform of the tory legion, and his
general appearance was that of man
who had ridden far and hard during the
day. AS the widow saw him, her face
flushed and then grew deadly pale, and
sprung forward with cry of alarm.
What are you doing here ?" she
asked hurriedly.
&C You will see," he answered in a low
tone. "Only, for Heavens sake, swear
black and blue to what L may sayl"
Then he added, calmly, and in loud
tone: You see, my dear cousin,
have come back to my allegiance"
&C am delighted to see ii, i" she replied
warmly, taking the hint at once. Il
never thought your heart would cling to
the rebel cause"
I" Faith,'' he said laughing, " if my
heart had clung to it, my stomach would
have driven me from it. / am not fond
of starving, my fair cousin, and King
George lives well you know. Hereafter,
Thomas Wilson lives and dies loyal
man."
Colonel Watson had been standing by,
during this conversation, watching the
couple closely. Now he stepped forward
to the lady's side.
Who is this gentleman ?" he asked,
somewhat sharply. "He seems Won
derfully familiar"
"Oh, replied the lady, laughing, he
is my cousin, Lieutenant Thomas Will
son, and, as you will perceive, is in his
majesty's service"
g You seem rather careless of your
dress, considering the occasion, sir"
said the colonel, tartly. He was annoy
ed at the great interest which the lady
had shown to the newcomer.
"My business must be my excuse,
colonel" said the young man, respect
fully. I" 1 am the bearer of letter
from Major Gainey, and my orders are
to lose no time in delivering it. l have
ridden hard all day, sir, and upon reach
ing your headquarters, learned of your
presence here. This lady being my
cousin, felt no hesitation in coming
here at once, trusting for pardon to the
urgency of my mission"
AS he spoke he handed the colonel a
sealed letter. Watson took it hastily
and broke the SEAL He read it while a
smile of satisfaction overspread his
features.
"This is very good," he said, gleeful-
ly. Gainey is picking up recruits by
the hundreds. Wants four hundred
rifles, fifty sabres and some ammunition
at once. Will send them To be sure
L will. Have you wagon, lieuten-
ant 2"
No, sir" replied the young man,
Major Gainey was afraid to send
them down. There's no knowing when
or where one may meet that cursed
Swamp Fox and his sneaking cut
throats."
Very good" said the colonel I'll
furnish you with four wagons, and a
guard of fifty mounted men. You will
start at sunrise in the morning, lieuten.
ant. Call at my quarters at midnight,
and you shall have the necessary orders.
Now, sir, you had better take rest, as
you will need it."
First let me offer him some refresh
ments," said the widow " He is tired
and hungry, 1 know, and no guest must
leave my house in such state"
"Return quickly, then," said the col
onel. "I shall be miserable while you
are gone"
The young man offered his arm to the
lady, and they left the ballroom; but
instead of going to the dining-room she
led him direct to her chamber, and then
locking the door, said anxiously:
" For Heavens sake, Charles, what
is the meaning of this ?"
The young man did not answer YER
bally, but catching her to his breast,
kissed her passionately; and, to be
frank the young widow did not resist
him.
"It MEANS" he said at last, in reply
to her repeated question, ''that we want
arms, and have come for them.'
What else thew said matters not now .