Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1893-08-08
THE SPY.

Night closed upon the American encamp
ment. A solemn stiffness dwelt around
No sound OF mirth or jollits was heard, for
the patriots OF America, the conquerors OF
Burgoyne and Cornwallis. without food
and without shelter, looked forward to
that gloomy period as not far distant when
they should he compelled to submit to the
power Of the oppressor.
1t was the night of Dec. % that young
officer Of commanding figure was seen slow
ly approaching the camp Of his general. He
soon arrived at a log hut, the headquarters
Of Washington, and was Immediately ed
mitted into his presence After the usual
salutations they began business, which,
however, was carried on in such tone as
rendered 1t impossible to be overheard ex-
cept when carried away by the feelings of
the moment they so far forgot themselves
~ to disregard this precaution-
"A spyp exclaimed the young man. "Can
an officer descend to the performance OF
such dutyi"
do you love your country" was the calm
reply Of Washington
God knows l do. I will do anything
consistent with my honor. But to enter an
enemy's camp as a spy-to be discovered
TO suffer an ignominious death on the scaf-
foldi I fear not death. have courted 1t In
battle, but IL fall must fall with honori
AS spy l shall only be remembered with
indignation and contempt"
This Is true" replied the general. II
will force no man to undertake such duty
against his will But this Is the hour of
our country's peril A moment may decide
her destiny. You are an officer, and there
fore ought not to be required to undertake
this Office. but you alone are qualified, and
on your decision the fate of your country
may depend. Reflect. and II the cause Is
worth the sacrifice of your life depart and
take such precautions as you may deem
necessary"
He bowed and left the apartment. The
officer stood transfixed. When, having
slowly recovered, he returned to his quar-
ters, his cheek was flushed, his step hasty,
and he was evidently In great agitation OF
mind. On reaching his tent he threw him
self on his bed and gave way to the torrent
Of his emotions, but comforting himself
with the consoling reflection that 1t was for
his country he risked his life and that In
the camp of the enemy, as well as on the
field of battle, an Almighty God was his
protector, he took such precautions as were
necessary for his success, and with one COM
panion Immediately proceeded on his per.
ilous duty. using great circumspection to
prevent his person from being discovered
by the scouts of the enemy. who occupied
the road.
They had not proceeded more than mile
before the sky became overcast. the wind
arose in its strength and blew with such
force that nothing could be heard but the
groaning OF the forests rs their huge trunks
bent to the blast. From a storm IL soon be
came hurricane. Vast branches were torn
from the trees and hurled into the air; the
giant oaks, with crash, were thrown to
the ground; the thunder roared, the light
ming CLEANED, and nature seemed as II In
the throes of death.
Steadily they proceeded on their way,
congratulating themselves upon the uproar
of the elements, as most likely to favor
their purpose Mile after mile did they
traverse the country. and they began to
fear they had lost the road, when, on turn
ing q corner, they found themselves di-
rectly before large watchf1re Many men
were hanging around. Some were sleep
ing, others talking-but all too busy to
notice our heroes Fortunately for them,
the sentinel had not returued at the time,
and before he again performed his round
they had concealed themselves In harrow
trench dug for agricultural purposes, which
ran nearly parallel with the encampment
Here the officer, whom we will call Alfred
Post, directed his companion to remain
concealed and gather what information he
could, while he resorted to the other side
for similar purpose, but charging him by
no means to leave the place till his return.
Having given these orders, he proceeded
up the trench upon his hands and knees
now, upon the approach Of the sentinel,
II It'll IT,. I&l l.sl..
upon his way In this manner he per-
formed the circuit Of the camp, noting the
position and the strength Of each regiment
this important information, he returned to
his comrade, desiring him to hasten with
all his speed to deliver 1t to Washington
while he intended to penetrate into the
camp itself, IL possible, and gain more ac-
curate information. The storm, which had
gradually abated, now wholly ceased, but
still the heavens were concealed under q
thick mass of clouds. While In the trench
he accidentally overheard the watchword.
He hoped that, with this and the darkness
of the night, he might with safety pass the
outposts and penetrate into the camp, and
be therefore Immediately proceeded to the
execution Of his project He reached the
sentinel, gave the word and was about IT,
pass when the moon, bursting from under
the clouds, shone down upon the scene
''Stand or diei' was the prompt demand
of the sentinel as the American uniform
met bis eye.
Escape was impossible. The grenadier
had loaded musket to the breast of Post.
which, upon the least sign of resistance,
would have been discharged into his body.
In word, he was soon q prisoner and on
his way to the tent Of Colonel Rawdon.
The commander of the British army was
sitting In his tent, in company with several
of his highest officers engaged In arrang-
ing the future movements of the campaign.
On the entrance of the prisoner the conver.
sation ceased, and after q short interroga-
ton orders were issued for court martial
to sit the next morning.
Post was conducted to another tent and
a guard placed over him, and notwithstand-
ing his dreadful situation on the very verge
of eternity he soon fell into deep sleep,
from which he was aroused by his jailer to
conduct him to his trial The trial was
short. The prisoners guilt was manifest,
and verdict Of guilty was returned by the
court.
Colonel Rawdon arose and was about to
address the court when the shrill report Of
500 rifles rung ON the air, and the next mo-
ment the whole American army advancing
charged with An Irresistible force. The en-
smy was driven from the field, and Alfred
Post, through the timely interference OF
his friends, was once more restored TO his
friends and country.-Exchange.