The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1882-07-29

tAuCoo % ah0 AeSN
were everywhere beaming but; alas sci
pent was lurking among the flowers.
In the midst of the hilarity the SCUM,
of cannon burst suddenly upon the eal
startling the guests and suspending tn
dance. Washington and his officers looket
at each other with surprise, but their fear
were quickly dispelled by Rugsdale assur
ing them it was only discharge of ord
nance in honor of their distinguished visi
tors. The JOY of the moment was agaiI
resumed, but the gloom of suspicion ha'
fallen upon Washington who now sat ii
moody silence apart from the happy throng
"Hai again I" he exclaimed in astonish
ment, but she motioned him to be silent
and kneeling at his feet, presented him witt
bouquet offowers Washington receives
it and was about to place it at his breas
when she grasped him firmly by the arm
and, pointing to 1t, said in a whisper
'.snakel snake + and the next moment
mingled with the company whom appeared
to recognize and welcome her as one vel
known and esteemed.
| Washington regarded the bouquet with
wonder; he saw nothing to excite suspicion
her words and singular appearance had
however, sunk deeply into the heart and,
looking closer upon the nosegfy, to his sur
prise he saw a small piece of paper in the
midst of the flowers. Hastily he drew it
forth and. confounded and horror-stricken,
read Beware you are betrayed !" 1t was
now apparent that he was within the den
of the tiger, but to quit it abruptly might
only draw the eonsummation of treaehery
the speedier upon his head. He resolved
therefore to disguise his feelings and trust
to that Power which had never forsaken
him. The festivities were again renewed,
but almost in moment interrupted by a
second sound Of the cannon. The guests
now began to regard each other with dis
trust, while many and moody were the
glances cast upon Rugsdale, whose counte-
nance began to show symptoms of uneasl-
ness. while ever and anon he looked from
the window out upon the broad green lawn
which extended TO the rivers edge, as If in
expectation of some ones arrival
s.What can detain them ?" he muttered
to himself ''Can they have deceived me?
Why answer they not the signal p At
that moment bright flame rose from the
river. Illuminating for moment the sur
rounding scenery and showing a small boat,
filed with persons, making rapidly toward
the shore. .All's well he continued in
three minutes / shall be the possessov Of
coronet, and the cause Of the republic be
no more Then turning to Washington
he said Come, General, pledge me to
the success Of our arms The eyes Of
Rugsdale at that moment encountered the
scrutinixing look Of Washington and sunk
to the ground; his hand trembled violently
even 70 50 great deErce as to partly
spill the contents of the goblet. With diff.
fculty he conveyed il to his lips then, re-
firing to the window. be waved his hand.
which action was immediately responded
TO by a third soufd 0f the cannon, az the
same moment the English anthem Of God
Save the King" burst in full volume upon
the ear, and band Of men attired in Brit
ish uniforms with their face5 hidden By
masks, entered the apartment Theoficers
drew their swords; but Washington. csol
and eoIlected, stood with his arms folded /
upon his breast, quietly remarking 70 them, I
8 Be calm, gersslemen" Then turning 70
Ragsdale, said, Speak. sir, what does this I
mean
SIT means. replied the traitor, placing
his hand upon the shoulder Of Washington, I
shat you are my prisoner IN the name Of /
King George | arrest you.
Never exclaimed the General We
may be QUITO pieces, but surrender We vii /
net. Therefore, give way, and he waved 4
his sword 70 the guard who stood With i
their mnskess leycled as If ready TO Ere
should he attempt to escape. In an instant
their weapons we're reversed and, dropping
their masks, 10 the horror Of Rugsdale and 4
the agreeable surprise Of Washington, his
own braye party whom he left in charge Of
the barge stood revealed before him.
s!Seize that traitor exclaimed the com
mander, I'm ten minutes from this mo-
ment let him be spectacle between the
hesEens and the earth.
The wife and daughter chung 10 his knees
i supplieatioR, but an irreyocable oath
passed his lips that never should tTeason
again receive his forgiveness since that Of
the miscreant Arnold
aFOr my own life, he said, while the
tears rolled down his noble countenance at
the agony Of the wife and daughter, for
ny own life heed not, but the liberty Of
my native land-the welfare Of millions
demand this saeFifce-for the sake Of hu-
manity pity him, but my oath, and in the
presence Of Heaven, | swear that | viii not
forgive him.
Like thunderbolt fen those words upon
Inc hearts Of the wife and daughter. They
sank lifeless into the arms Of the domestics,
and when they had recovered consciousness
Rugsdale had at0ned for his treason by the
sacrifice Of his life
Ii appeared that the Indian girl, who was
N especial faTorite and domessicated in
he family, had overheard the intentiOn Of
Rugsdale to betrsy the american general
md other valuable officers thateyening into
he hands Of the British, for which purpose
hey had been invited 20 this Feast Of Ju-
las Hating in her heart the enemies Of
America, who had driven her tribe from
heir native forests, she resolved to frns-
rate the design, and consequently waylaid
he steps Of Washington as We have de-
cribed; but failing in her noble purpose she
lad then recourse TO the party left in pos
'ession of the boat.
Scarcely had she impaired her informa-
ion and the shadows Of the night closed
Iround, when q company Of the British sol
liers were discovered mixing their way
apidly toward the banks of the Hudson,
within short distance Of the spot where
he American party was waiting the return
f their commander. Bold in the cause of
liberty and knowing that immediate action
ould alone preserve him, they rushed upon I
nd oyerpowered them stripped them Of their
informs and arms, bound them hand and
cot, placed them in their boat, and under |
harge of two Of their companions sent /
hem to the American camp at West !
Point. Having disguised themselves in (
he habiliments Of the enemy they pro- 1
eeded to the house of Rugsdale where, at
be appointed time and sign, made known. ,
) them by the Indian girl, they opportune-
: arrived to the relief of Washington and j
he confusion of the traitor.
Thus was the Father of his Country, by {
- Tnterr,osition of Divine Providence who 4