Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1880-04-01

y
to God and the American Union. and let no
one dare insult the flag of our rights in my
house. | will fight for my hearth, my
country and my God! We are friends of
liberty here, not spies
Zone can't tell friend from foe, these
times, MASTER said Corporal Best.
1--WE but do our duty" said Captain
Tampcr. ave have orders to hold our
men until the Council of Safety decides.'
But am friend of independence. |
go to join Washington tomorrow said
Joseph.
$50 might the gallant Robert Esteleck
allege, answered the captain.
Captain" said. Joseph, "know = you
this man ESteleck?'
Not |, comrade."
Then" returned Joseph, "let me tell
you what he is like. He is like any other
sneaking, smiling, smooth-faced little viii
lain you ever saw; wears his own red hair
tied up with black ribbon and powdered.
Only he limps little. A bullet wound
they say. Oh know HIM"
''Where is he2" asked the captain.
"Everywhere;" answered Joseph, land
in all disguises-but captain, on my parole
of honor as a soldier, | promise to appear
tomorrow before the Council and take
oath, of allegiance if need be. Leave me
alone for tins night"
$50 be it," said the captain, "but we
must find Esteieck. The town is incensed
against traitors and spies, and will mob
your house if you harbor him. Can you
point him out3"
''Good, sir.f said Alice, 'the man you
seek hath often visited this house, but will
dose no more. Though hate him, | will
not SANDER him, he is a true patriot and no
spy" 49,.
Tut, tut" blurted Joseph, "a patriot
forsooth-a Tory scamp! renegade. Art
thou mad, Alice!'
1--WE have no time to lose," said the of
ticer bfusquely. Lady. farewell. Sol
der, remember tomorrow. Good night,
master" So saying, Captain Tamper and
the corporal left the room abruptly, fol-
lowed by Joseph, who opened the street
door for them.
''Ha, hal exclaimed the captain as he
looked across the street. ''Did you mark
that"
A muffled figure sank into the shadsw of
the great church opposite. 1--WE must keep
our eyes open.
$50, SOL" cried Joseph. There is some
mischief afoot tonight. Captain, stay in
the neighborhood, for Gods sake. That
looks suspicious. Good. night to ye"-and
Joseph slammed the door and ran shivering
into the room.
, 't'Haste thee, while hide myself behind
these folding doors of the ROOM"
Alice opened the door to tall man wrap
ped in wet cloth and wearing long horse
mans boets-with faint cry SHE recog-
nized him and strove to keep him out. He
pushed her aside gently and entered the
parlor. Abraham Shippen glared at the
intruder moment and then cried, EVIL
on evil! Hath the wicked night brought
thee to punish US? Away wretch, or old
as | am | will myself drag thee forth
Away Robert Esteleck; | will not harbor
thee"
Robert Esteleck smiled. He was always
smiling, always smooth-voiced. He threw
off his cloak, and said
Peace, good sir. Listen to me- am
your friend, and you will find it out. Do
YOU know the danger you are in2 The
British are even now at the threshold of the
city. They will say all! revenge and death
await us. But see way to escape, L
e0me-to rescue you and your daughter"
stop" interrupted Alice with u de-
fiant gesture. ''Robert Esteleck, thou hast
sought to dishonor me-do not insult me
further forgive thee all. Yet beg Of
thee leave us instantly Thy life Is in dan
ger. Already have the officers been here
in search of thee. Stay not a moment.
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
go, my beauty, care not for myself
nor care for your devoted father there. |
want you! will have you-Come!" !"
He seized her hand She withdrew with
a scream, and the old father clasping his
hands, cried, "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
aimed it at the soldier. Fortunately the
flintlock missed fire. In an instant more
the old man wrenched the weapon from the
rascal's grasp.
II arrest you as traitor and spy,
cried Joseph, drawing his sword and rush
ing on Esteleck. ''Give me your sword
The coward yielded the weapon without,
a word. His face became livid. =
''AIlce, let in the officers," cried Joseph,
and shortly afterward Captain Tamper and
the Corporal, who had been waiting in all
alley way re-entcred.
''Here's your man." continued Joseph,
breathlessly. GA spy, villain keeping up
communication with the enemy-carTying
on illicit trade! Numbering, thleving, dis
guising himself. Take him off, have all the
proofs. Tomorrow the Council shall hear
me- Strip off his uniform, he disgraces
the holy cause of Liberty! Away with
him!"
And they took him well-guarded to the
old Walnut street prison.
81 did not tell thee. for fear Of irking
thee" SAID Joseph, pressing the beautiful
Alice to his bosom, and kissing her fair
forehead, "that this man fired twice at me
on High street"
'Dld he hit thee?".she asked with
face of fear. ....'' ~
'tNo, beloved Thank God, escaped his
shot: - have known him long as a spy.
He will meet his desserts now. He has
been designing great evil here. | have all
the papers, all the evidence necessary to
send him swiftly to the gallows There