The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1878-04-05

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seph.
80 might the gallant Robert Esteleck a..
lege,' answered the Captain.
Captain" cried Joseph, know you this
man Esteleck ?"
Not |, comrade.'
Then returned Joseph let me tell YOU
what he is like He is like any other sneak.
ing, smiling, smooth faced, little black eyed
villain you ever saw wears his own red
hair tied up with black ribbon and pow.
defed. Only he limps little. A bullet
wound they sayi Oh know him ?
Where is hep asked the Captain.
Everywhere, answered Joseph, and in
all disguises-but, Captain, on my parole Of
honor as soldier, promise to appear TO-
morrow before the Council and take the
oath of allegiance if need be. Leave me
alone for this night
so be it 7 said the Captain; but we
must find Esteleck. The town is incensed
against traitors and spies and they will mob
your house if you harbor him. Can you
! point him out p
Good sir, said Alice, the man you seek
hath often visited this house, but will do 80
no more. Though hate him, will not
slander him, he is true patriot and no spy.
Tut, tut 7 blurted Joseph, a patriot for
SCOTIA Tory scamp renegade | Art
thou mad, Alice p
I'VE have no time to lose 2 said the officer
brusquely. Lady, farewell Soldier re-
member tomorrow Good night, master ?
So saying, Captain Tamper and the Corporal
left the room abruptly, followed by Joseph,
who opened the street door for them.
'Ha, ha? exclaimed the Captain, as he
looked across the street. Did you make
that q
A mufled figure sank into the shadow of
the great church opposite. I'VE must keep
| our eyes open.'
so so !! cried Joseph. There is some
mischief atoot tonight Captain stay in
the Heighborhood for Gods sake! That looks
suspicious. Goodnight to ye'--and Joseph
slammed the tsoor and ran shivering into the
room.
Haste thee, while 1 hide myself behind
these folding doors OF the ROOM
Alice opened the door to , tall man
wrapped In wet cloak aud wearing long
horsemen's boot, with faint cry she roc
ognized him, and strove to keep him out.
He pushed her aside gently and entered til e
parlor. Abraham Shippen glsred at the In
truder moment and then cried Evil on
evil Hath the wicked night brought thee
to punish us? Away wretch, or as old as |
am l will myself drag thee forth Away
Robert Esteleck; will not harbor thee.'
Robert Esteleck smiled. He was always
smiling, always smooth. voiced. He threw
his cloak and ssid, Peace, good sir Lis.
ten to me, am your friend, and you will
find it out. Do you know the danger you are
in? The British are cen now at the thresh-
old of the city. They will slay all Fire,
ravage and death await us But see way
to escape, come to rescue you and your
daughter-J
Stop" interrupted Alice with defiant
gesture. Robert Esteleck, thou hast sought
to dishonor me-dO no ipsult me further
j forgive thee all Yet beg of thee leave
us instantly. Thy life is in danger! AL
ready have the officers been here In search
OF thee stay not S.oment. Forget thy
wicked designs and save thyself. Be quick
The town is alarmed against thee
Robert Esteleck smiled at her. but his
smile was the smile of anger now.
oh my beauty care not for myself
nor care | for your devoted father there, I
want you l will have you Come ?
He seized her hand. She withdrew with
a scream, and the old father clasping his
hands cried out God deliver US from this
scourge =
At that instant the folding doors flew
open.
There stood Joseph Stamford.
The villain did not forget his smile! He
drew pistol from his inner waistcoat and
siuea it at the soldier. Fortunately the
flint locA saSssed fire. In an instant more
the old man wrenchs.i the weapon from the
rascal's gasp.
i arrest you o. traitor and spy cried
Joseph, drawing his sword and rush ing on
Esteleck. Give me your sword
The coward yielded the weapon without
word. His face became liyid.
Alice, let in the officers cried Joseph :;
and shortly afterward Captain Tamper and
the Corporal, who had been waiting in an
alley way re-entered
Here's your man continued Joseph,
breathlessiy. "A spy, villain keeping up
communication with the enemy carrying
on Illicit trade Numbering. tbieying-dis.
gusing himself TsSe him of, have all
the proofs. Tomorrow the council shall
hear me. Strip off his uniform, he disgraces
the holy cause of Liberty Away with
him
Aud they took him, we'll guarded to the
old Walnut street prison.
ibid not tell thee, love, for fear of irkipy
thee said Joseph, pressing the beautiful
Alice to his bosom and kissing her fair fore
head that this man yesterday, fired twice at
me on High street.
Did he hit thee p she asked with a face
of fear.
No beloved Thank God, I escaped his
shot ! have known him long as a Spy. He
will meet his deserts now. He hath bseu
designing great evil here. | have all the
papers all the evidence necessary to send
MIN swiftly to the gallows. There are more
like him hereabouts Let his fate be A warn.
ing to all traitors!
wish him no evil save his own bite,
thoughts, murmured Alice.
For thy sake forgive him, love, said tn,
patriot but he must meet his punishment
The times are hard and need hard meas.
ures
| Not many days after tbis aya,, . L.