The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-04-01
The Spy.

IL was more than u hundred years ago,
Oh bitter December night in the dark year
of l776, that three persons were earnestly
engaged in conversation, in room OF Il
house on Second street, opposite Christ
Church, in the city Of Philadelphia. The
dimly tlaring light of a wax candle re-
vealcd 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 convcrscd
seemed to agitate them greatly. The old
man was especially nervous, and while he
was speaking there suddenly came great
dash of sleot against the window, and the
startling crash of banging shutter, that
caused him to start with look of alarm,
and lose the thread of speech. When hc
resumed, he SAID trcmulously:
"God be merciful to us all! These are
evil times Nlethought heard the rattle
of drums and musketryl May the good
God defend us |"
''Amen," said the young soldier rev.
crcntly.
'Go on, daughtcr!" continued the old
man, addressing the girl. ''T'cll us what
this son of Belia hath said to thce!"
81 will tell thee all, answered the young
woman, with tears in her eyes.
''This man, Robert Estclcck hath been
my cross for years He hath tortured me
with his attentions-caimcd my heart and
hand, although I sprrncd and dcspiscd
him, and doggtd my steps everywhere
Have l not told him that l was thy be-
trothed2' laying her hand softly on the
soldier. "The wife Of thee, the brave
Joseph Stamford! lie knowcth no honor
But to-day, lie tclcth me unless ! become
his wife he will bring disgrace and r,fn
upon me and mine. He taunted mc-said
to me, beware of me if thou rouseth me =
Heaven pity me! What can do to avert
mis- pursuit, his calumny7 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 smitlng his sword hilt with the
palm of his hand. "Pcace, Alice, peace
in Gods name! l have heard enough II
this monster of a Robert Esclcck shall not
escape me lie shall not escape me! lie
shall not live. No. by heavens !"
"What is this 2" broke in the old man,
with an expression of anger. "Nlad words
and malice Man against man Is this
thy talk2 Prithee, let me have no more of
it Leave the wicked to God. Ncn-
gcancc Is mine, saith The Lord.'"
This rcbuke brought spell of silence
upon the place for a moment. In m in
stant afterwards there was great knock at
the door.
OTIS the wind" cried the old man, with
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" snid one of them as he
entered the room.
"Yca, verify, friend!" answered the
man, peering at the newcomers then con-
tinulng, "Art thou not Captain Tampcr :"
''That is my name, and present to you
Corporal Best, at your service"
"And your name is Abraham Shipper,
If mistake not e. said the officer.
''True, true" said the old man; 'and
Captain Tamper and Corporal Best are
welcome to shelter, God knows. Draw
near the fire, friends"
IL am sorry to say It's a bad night, and
bad business brings u.s." said the officer.
''fherc was large meeting to day at tho
Indian Queen Hotel, on Fourth Street, re.
specting inWnediatc action against spies,
Tories, and friends of the King. Several
were implicated. Among others, the Com
mittee Of Safety gives ,,s the name OF one
Robert Esteleck."
"Ah!" broke In the young soldier.
''And one Joseph Stamford"
A scream from Alice. A sudden out
burst from the others of, "Joscph Stam-
fordi"
The young soldier rose up, and bowling
tothe officer, said excltcdly: "At your SER
vice, Captain Tamper! Joseph Stamford
Is present. He salutcs his superior OIL
ceri''
"You are suspected Of being friend of
George I'LL"
: "rhat for George the III ~ swapping his
fingers. "George Washington for mel"
'You arc accused of singing God save
the King in this house."
"What2" Ri ss,i NIX ES1lbea.Ea
'erhat Is strange" broke in Alice.
I'VE are true patriots all, Heaven DO our
witnessl" &
''Does this look like loving the King2''