Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-12-12


ing he bowed his head upon his breast
and returned dejectedly into the cavern.
CHAPTER v.
MAsQUvRADISa As A TORY.
OF all the Tory leaders who ravaged
and terrorized the country around New
York during the Revolution Claudius
Smith was the most fearless and ag-
gressive He was q man Of powerful
physique and commanding presence. Of
great personal bravery and keen pene-
tration.
In reviewing his tempestuous career
We find that he possessed many OF the
characteristics populsrly attributed to
Robin Hood. Acts Of violence were offset
by deeds Of charity. hatred and ferocity
by gratitude and mercy. and treach-
cry TO his foes by answering loyalty to
his king He robbed the rich to bestow
upon the poor. and concluded his life
In true bandit fashion-at ropes end.
From Fort Lee 10 Newburg he dew
sstated the region west Of the Hudson
like a consuming scourge. descending
into the valleys with fire and sword.
and before a sufficient force could be
mustered TO assure his capture escaping
10 his strongholds In the mountains to
plan another raid The topography OF
the country in which he resided and
the times in which he lived were emf
nently favorable to his peculiar mode OF
warfare. while he found ready market
for his plunder among the British sol
diers stationed at Stony Point and Fort
Lee
Such was the man whom Edward
Robin had agreed TO serve
A month had passed since the ont
laws departure for dominic to marry
the runaways. Yet he had not returned
from his mission His failure to keep
his promise caused them the ksenest
anxiety. which was greatly augmented
BY the precautions he had taken for
their safe detention during his absence.
for shortly after his going band OF his
outlaws arrived ut the cavern under the
command Of his son Richard. and a
close watch had been kept upon them
ever since. Robin fumed and fretted
under this enforced captivity.
Fate is against me. Polly. he
would say TO the girl 1T seems that ]
have escaped from the Goshen jail only
to be imprisoned here II Is evident
that ! am doomed TO be captive for
the remainder Of my days
To which Polly would reply.
Don't despair. Edward. You will
gain your freedom yet and then we can
get married and live happily together.
In the meantime we may be able to
turn our captivity to the advantage OF
our country. Let us pretend to SYM
pathize with these Tories and win their
confidence. Then we may be able to
gain knowledge Of their designs and
thwart them "
To this plan her lover readily agreed.
and Immediately began masquorading
as Tory. He cursed the Wings in
weighed against the Continental con.
gress and scattered threats Of wreak-
ing vengeance npon the patriots so lib
orally that he soon won the admiration
of his captors Yet although they be-
lieved in his sincerity they did not re-
lax their vigilance and his acting was
futile 40 far as affording him any
chance TO escape was concerned
In the meantime Richard Smith had
taken violent fancy to Polly He per-
secuted her with his attentions. and on
her giving him to understand that they
were not agreeable endeavored to in
timidate her with threats Toward
Robin he began to exhibit spirit OF
savage jealousy. The latter did not at
tempt to conceal his own adherence of
the outlaw. and Il seemed likely that
their enmity would result in a fierce
quarrel. when the unexpected return OF
Claudius Smith to the camp put new
aspect on affairs
As he appeared suddenly among bis
men 1t could be seen that his eyes were
heavy with fatigue and his garments
travel stained Il was evident that he
had returned from long journey. To
the joyous greetings accorded him he
replied with savage scowl grumbling
"Cowards! Poltroonsl To let yer
captain lie 30 long in . rebel jail with
out coming to his rescued
"Whatl You have been prisoner
all this while. fatherf" asked his son.
advancing to salute him
AYE. and would have been one still
had. I not employed my own wits to e.
cape.
Then he explained how he had fallen
into the hands Of the Americans while
on his way to fetch the parson and had
been lodged In q prison at Kingston
ever since.
"And now. be said wearily. II will
lie down for q wink Of sleep. In the
meantime" be added. throwing fierce
glance upon his men. "do ye prepare
for raid into the valley. for am de-
termined to have vengeance for my
wronga"
This threat was overheard BY Polly,
who did not fail to recognize It's signiA-
canoe. Il meant that the bandit chief
tain was about to swoop down upon
the defenseless inhabitants Of the val
ley to plunder. ravsge and burn. But
upon whom would bis vengeance fallf
In what direction would be strikei II
she could only assure hsssslf on these
important question: Il might be pos
ible to thwart his design. While she
was rejecting In this wisa the bandit
strobe into the cavern.
eve come hack without parsoo,
- ye zee; my pretty birds" be said
with . grim smile. ''but III keep my
promise yet Ye must wait awhile
however. - have moro important
sRairs on hand Then, turning 10 Rob
lin. he added. ''hold yerssk In readi-
nsss to start out within few hourA ]
intend to lead IN sxcuruion into the
plain, and YEN have chasnce 70 show