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

1t was nearly hundred years ago, on a
bitter December night in the dark year Of
1776, that three persons were earnestly en-
gagged in conversation, in a small room of a
house on second street, opposite Christ
Church, in the city of Philadelphia. The
dimly tlarng light of wax candle revealed
the group as they sat by the table-an old
man, beautiful young woman and youth
attired in the Continental uniform. The
topic upon which they conversed seemed to
agitate them greatly. The old man was
nervous, and while he was speak
ing there suddenly came great dash OF
sleet against the window, and the startling
crash of banging shutter, that caused him
to start with a look of alarm and lose the
thread of speech. When he resumed, he
said tremulously
God be merciful to us all These are
evil times Methought l heard the rattle
of drums and musketry! May the good
God defend us ??
Amen said the young soldier. reverent-
ly
Go on, daughter" " continued the old man
addressing the girl, Tell us what this son
of Belal hath said to thee p
Il will tell the all, answered the young
woman, with tears in her eyes.
This man, Robert Esteleck, hath been my
cross for years He has tortured me with
his attentions claimed my heart and hand,
although ! spurned and despised him, and
dogged my steps everywhere. Have I not
told him that was thy betrothed o laying
her hand softly on the soldiers. The wife
of thee, the brave Joseph Stamford He
Knows no honor. But to-day he telleth me.
unless become his wife he will bring dis
grace and ruin upon me and mine. He
taunted me-said 60 me, beware of me, if
thou roueeth mev Heaven pity me! What
can do to avert his pursuit, his calumny :?
To-day he hath even spoken to me the evil
Say no more ? calculated the soldier,
grinding his chair back upon the polished
floor, and shifting his sword hilt with the
palm of his hand. Peace, Alice, peace, in
Gods name | have heard enough Il
know all This maddens me This man,
this monster of Robert Esteleck shall not
escape me He shall not escape me He
shall not escape me? He shall not live
No, by heaven
what is this {? broke in the old man, with
an expression of anger Mad words and
malice Man against man Is this thy
talk? Prithee, let me have no more of it
Leave the wicked to God Vengeance is
mine. saith the Lord 2
This rebuke brought spell OF silence up
on the place for moment. In an instant
afterward there was great knock at sbe
door.
IT'S the wind cried the old man with a
face of terror.
The knocking continued louder and
louder.
Alice and the young soldier running with
one impulse to open the door, there entered
two dripping figures.
"A bad night ? said one of the men, as he
entered the room.
Yea, verify, friend p answered the old
man peering at the new comers then con-
linuing, Art not thou Captain Tamper?'
That is my name, and present you to
Corporal Best, at your service
And your name is Abraham Shippen,
mistake not p said the officer.
True, true said the old man and Cap
ain Tamper and Corporal Best are welcome
% shelter, God knows. Draw near the fire,
rrieuds.
I'm sorry to say it's bad night, and bad
business brings us 7 said the officer. There
vas large meeting to-day at the Indian
Queen Hotel, on Fourth street respecting
immediate action against spies, Tories and
friends of the king. Several were implicated.
Among others, the Committee of Safety
give Us the name of one Robert Esteleck.
Ah broke in the young soldier.
And one Joseph Stamford
A scream from Alice. A sudden outburst
rom the others. Joseph Stamford =
The young soldier rose up, and bowing to
he officer, said excitedly: AT yor service,
Captain Tamper Joseph Stamford is pres
snt. He salutes his superior officer p
You are suspected of being friend to Geo.
he Third =
That for Geo, the Third /" snapping his
fingers. Geo. Washington for mep
you are accused of singing God save the
King in this house
what? :?
This is strange ? broke in Alice. we
are true patriots all, Heaven be our wit
nessp
Does this look like loving the King %
said the young soldier, touching his military
coat and sword, 'Ah, ha. It's good Joke
Captain A good joker
Friends ? exclaimed the old man ; Tm n
man of peace, an old Quaker, foe of foes
an enemy of blood shedding, yet am faith.
Iul to God and the American Union, and
et no one insult the flag of our rights in NV
house. will fight for my hearth, my country,
and my God We are friends of liberty
1ere, not spies =