Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1878-01-02

tain Tamper. "We have orders to
hold our men until the Council OF
Safety decides"
"But | am friend of Independ-
ence. l go to join Washington to-
morrow" said Joseph.
$50 might the gallant Robert
Esteleck allege," answered the Cap
tain.
Captain" cried joseph, know
you this man Esteleck {"
"Not |, comrade."
"Then," returned Joseph, 'let
me tell you what he is like. lie is
like any other sneaking, smiling
smooth-faccd, little black eyed vii
lain you ever saw wears his own
red hair tied up with a black rib
bon and powdered. Only he limpS
a little. A bullet wound they say
Oh, | know him ~
Where is he :" asked the Cap
tain.
Everywhere" answered Joseph,
"and in all disguises-but, Captain,
on my parole of honor as a soldier,
| promise to appear to- morrow be-
fore the Council and take the oath
of allegiance if need be. Leave
me alone for this night"
$50 be it :" said the Captain ;
"but we must find Esteleck. The
town is inceused against traitors
and spies, and they will mob your
house if you harbor him. Can you
point him out 7"
Good sir" said Alice, "the man
you seek hath often visited this
house, but will do so no more.
Though | hate him, | will not SLAM
der him, he is true patriot and no
spy"
"Tut, tut I" blurted Joseph, ga
patriot forsooth-a Tory scamp a
renegade [! Art thou mad, Alice y
ave have no time to lose !" said
the officer, brusquely. Lady,
forewell Soldier, remember to-
morrow! Goodnight, master" So
saying, Captain Tamper and the
Corporal left the room abruptly,
followed by Joseph. who opened
the street door for them.
"Ba. ha :" exclaimed the Cap
tain, as he looked across the street.
did YOU mark that ?"
a muffled figure sank into the
shadow of the great church oppo-
site. I'VE must keep our eyes
open"
$50, so !" cried Joseph. "There
is some mischief afoot tonight !.
Captain stay in the ueighborhood
for Gods sake That looks suspi-
cious. Goodnight to vel" And
Joseph slammed the door and ran
shivering into the room.
"Haste thee, while | hide myself
behind these folding doors, for the
ROOM"
Alice opened the door to a tall
man wrapped in a wet cloak and
wearing long, horseman's boots.
With faint cry she recognized
him, aud strove to keep him out.
He pushed her aside gently, and
entered the parlor. Abraham Ship
pen glared at the intruder a mo-
ment, and then cried: EVIL Oh
evil! Hath the wicked night
brought thee to punish usG Away,
wretch, or old as | am ! will my
self drag thee forth Away, Rob
ert Esteleck; | will not harbol
thee :"
Robert Esteleck smiled. III
was always smiling, always smooth
voiced. He threw off his cloal
and said: "Peace, good sir ! Lis
ten to me ! am your friend, ant
you will find it out. Do you know
the danger you are in! The Brit
ish are cen now at the threshold o.
the city. They will Stay all Fire
ravage, and death await us! Ru
| see way to escape! | come tc
rescue you and your daughter"
"Stop!" interrupted Alice, will
a defiant gesture. "Robert Estel
eek, thou hast sought to dishonol
me-do not insult me further!
forgive thee all Yet | beg the,
leave US instantly. Thy life is il
danger! Already have the officer
been here in search of thee Sta.
not a moment Forget thy wicked
designs and save myself! b
quick The town is alarme,
against thee !"
Robert Esteleck smiled ut hel
but his smile was the smile of ON
ger now
"Oh, my beauty! ] care not 70
myself-nor care for your dotar
father there! want you! wi
have you Come y
He seized her hand. She with
drew with scream, and the oil
father clasping his hands cried out
"God deliver us from this scourge
At that instant the folding door
few open.
There stood Joseph Stamford.
The villain did not forget b
smile He drew pistol from h
inner waistcoat and aimed it at tt
soldier. Fortunately the flint loo
missed fire. In an instant mol
the old man wrenched the weapo
from the rascaPs grasp.
: 81 arrest you as a traitor ar
! spy !" cried Joseph, drawing b
sword and rushing on Estelec
"Give me your sword"
= A.