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

house on Second street, opposite
Christ Church, in the city of Phil
adelphia. The dimly haring light
of a 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 convcrsed seemed to agitate
them greatly. The old man was
especially nervous, and while he
was speaking there suddenly came
a great dash of sleet against the
window, and the startling crash of
banging shutter, that caused him
TO start with n look of alarm, aud
lose the thread of his speech
When he resumed he said, tremul-
ously:
God be merciful to us oil. These
are evil times. Methought | heard
the rattle of drums and musketry.
May the good God defend US"
"Amen," said the young soldier,
reverently.
$50 on, daughter" continued the
old man, addressing the girl. Tel
us what this sou Of Belial hath said
to thee"
IL will tell thee ALL answered
the young woman, with tears in her
eyes.
This man, Robert Estelecl, hath
been my cross for years. He hath
tortured me with his attentions
claimed my heart and hand, al
though spurned and despised him,
and logged my steps everywhere.
Have / not told him that was thy
betrothed?" laying her hand softly
on the soldiers. THE wife of thee,
the brave Joseph Stamford. He
knows not honor. But to-day, to-
day he tulleth me, unless | become
his wife, he will bring disgrace and
ruin upon me and mine. He taunt-
ed me-said to me, beware of me,
if thou rouseth me- Heaven pity
me. What can | do 10 avert his
pursuit, his calumny! To-day he
hath even spoke to Inc the evil"
"Say no MORE" calculated the
soldier, grinding his chair back up
on the polished floor, and shifting
his sword-hilt with the palm of his
hand. "Peace, Alice, peace, in
Gods name. l have heard enough.
/ know all. This maddcns me-
This man, this monster of Robert
Esteleck shall not escape me. He
shall not live. No, 10y 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 Of
peacel Prithee, let me have no
more Of it. Leave the wicked man
to God. Vengeance is Mine, saith
the Lord"
The rebuke brought a spell OF
silence upon the place for moment
In an instant afterward there was a
great knock at the door.
'It's the wind cried the old
man, with face of terror.
The knocking continued louder
and louder.
Alice and the young soldier run
ming 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" answered
the old man, peering at the new
corners; then continuing, cart no
thou Captain Tamper9'
THAT is my name, and presen
you to Corporal Best, at your ser
vice."
"And your name is Abraham
Shipper, if | mistake not!' sal
the officer.
"True, true" said the old man
"and Captain Tamper and Corpora
Best are welcome to shelter, Go
knows. Draw near the fire, friends.
"I'm sorry to say, it's bad night
and bad business brings US" sal
the officer. "There was a larg
meeting at the Indian Queen Hote
on Fourth street, respecting imme
date action against spies, Torie
and friends Of the king. Anon
others, the Committee of Safet
give us the name at this house c
one Robert Esteleck."
"Ah," broke in the young soldier
"And one Joseph Stamford"
A scream from Alice. A sudde
outburst from the others. "Josep
Stamford 2"
The young soldier rose up, an
bowling to the officer, said excited
ly: "At your service, Captai
Tamper; Joseph Stamford is pres
ent. He salutes his superior o
fcer."
"You are suspected of being
friend of George the Third"
"That for George the Third
swapping his fingers. George Wasl
ingtou for me-"
"You are accused of siDgiD
God save the King, in this house
"This is strange" broke in Alic'
ave are true patriots all, heaye
be our witness"
"Does this look like loving th
king 2" said the young soldie
touching his military coat an
sword. "Ah, hal It's a good jok
Captain. A good joke"
aFriends," exclaimed the o.
man; "I'm q man Of peace, an o.