The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1885-05-30
TOWNSEND'S FATE.
Gconcluded.l

Rose, who stood by her fathers side, saw
now and then the red uniforms Of the Brit
isn soldiers. %
1T is the army, father" said she. "They
will not hurt you, will theyp
Il trow not, my child, for am old and
feeble. Nor do l think they will annoy you,
for, il my eyes see Alright, there is an officer
of high rank at their head 1t is Tryon him
self, doubt not"
The troops were now in the highway, |
directly before he farm house in which |
Esquire Bush dwelt and where the road |
seemed to take an abrupt end at the brink
Of the precipice Here they were halted,
The commanding officer sent an aide to |
the agel farmer, with the request that he
give opportunity for some inquiries.
as il so,n asked the commander, that
that rebel Putnam went over this precipice,
horse and all, this morningp
an truth, l did not see it sir, but so |
have been told"
"Well, they either lie who say SO, or else,
he's at the bottom with brokea neck
Where's his armyF
al know not"
"If thought you did, and were giving me
a lie I'd send you to the prison ship
Colonel" he added to a handsome young
officer who at that moment role up, ait is
useless to pursue further II Putnam TO
turns with any force hell not attack US on
this eminence. Let the business for which
we came be done at once, and see to it that
some one is found to- guide some troops to
the powder-house to blow it up"
With a graceful salute the young colonel
retired to carry out the command, and soon
the troops were hurrying to and fro in
squads, making speedy destruction of cattle
and such other necessaries of life as vera
found. Now and then the flashes of light
told of the havoc of fire, and once in while
the report of musketry was heard.
Meanwhile the spirited young colonel and
the commander, having ridden leisurely
along the edge of the precipice, bethought
themselves that it was many hours since they
had eaten.
This old rebel shall give US dinner" said
the commander, pointing in the direction OF
Esquire Bush's house. "Oblige me, Delan
cey, by ordering it"
In moment Col Delaney was within thu
best room, where he amused himself with
loud and frequent knocks. Irritated tina;
no one answered, he strobe through The great
entry into the kitchen, and was prepared to
make himself terrible to whomsoever he
found there. But when he saw the slender
figure and the brave and handsome eyes of
Mistress Rose, he became at once suppl
ant rather than tyrant
II beg your pardon, mistress" said he
with gentle courtesy. But did you not hear
my nockp
"ln truth, who but deaf man could fail
to hear it,s she said .
It pleased him that the girl was brave,
and that her bravery was tempered by her
beauty. Said he: my knocking was, it
may be, unseemly, but the truth is Gen.
Tryon and are very hungry"
Had you stayed below at your homes you
need not have suffered"
"Yet that recollection will not relieve our
hunger now. We would like a bit of dinner
The maid did not move, and the young
colonel being still amused and pleased and
therefore disposed to humor her, said, with
great courtesy, though with a sportive sus-
picion: Il pray you, mistress, have such
compassion on two hungry though mis-
guided soldiers that we may stay our crav-
ings" And he added, after a moment:
@Homely fare is all we ask, and if served by
you, mistress, it will be relished beyond any
feast" T u ~
"No hungry man ever begged food here
and was turned away" said she with sly
smile at the thrust, and then continued. "If
you will leave me in peace for half hour
you shall be fed"
So it happened that before very long this
young daughter Of a patriot found herself
doing that which she had never contem-
plated, for she was serving two British of.
ficers of great repute with food; and being a
woman of no little pride she desired the com
pliment Of their satisfaction with what she
set before them Nor did she fail to notice
that though Gen. Tryon ate rapidly and in
silence, the eyes of the handsome young col
onel furtively followed her, at times in
deed, bestowing still holder glances of ad
miration
When hunger became somewhat sated
Tryon spoke: "Did you find some one, col
onel, to guide the men to the powder house?
"Indeed, general not man is there in all
this village except the old and sick"
Il tell you some one must be found. Girl
what man is there hereabouts who know
the country"
II beg your consideration, general, bu
surely the maid cannot know who is her
and who away"
"Who is here, girll Come, tell me-" sait
ryon without needing the suggestion of thu
younger officer.
"If / knew wouldn't tell you," said the
girl bravely; and as she stood there erect
with flashing eyes, young Delaney though
he had not seen such beauty in all New
York
well, know if you do not" continued
Tryon. "Send your father here. Quick, o
there'n be worse trouble for him."
The girl hestated, not for herself, blu
fearing greater harm for her father if sh
refused to comply. However, catching a
encouraging and assuring glance from De
lancey, she went in search of him.
"Do you know where the powder maya
zine Isl" Tyron asked of the old man whe
he appeared.
II don
"Then guide file of my soldiers to it, an
IL you betray them you'll be shot without
moments delay"
"But am old and feeble, SIR"
Don't banter words. Start at once"
II will not do it."
Tryon jumped from his seat and scenes
about himself to assault the old man. bu
he was gently restrained by Delaney, VIII
who said: General, l will see that som
one is found at once This man is too fee
BILE for march y
well, do it quickly or this man goes,
said Tryon, with terrible oath.
ITO saveyour father, Mistress" said d.
lancey when he had called the maid aside
prevail upon some one to do this thing. ]
is hard, know, but this is war. I will prt
tect your father, il can"
She thanked him ana started away witt
out special purpose to find some young mar
if so be it were possible A cracking SCUM
in the briery path caught her ear, and sh
knew that Nathaniel was approaching. Sh
pushed the bushes aside and entered th
path.
aWhy, Mistress Rose, have they done 20
harmp said the young man, when he sa'
her frightened, agitated face.
Not me, but my father, Nathaniel 70
can save him, Nathaniel Do, do for m
sake.p
She looked up pleadingly at him, an
rested her hand upon his sleeve. He locke
down into her face, and when he perceive
the agitation and terror there, he with
touch of perfect gentleness rested his han
upon her forehead, as though to sooth her
and he said: "Have no fear, Rose; the