The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1899-08-10
CHAPTER V.

and returned dejectedly into the cavern.
CHAPTER V.
MAsQUERADING AS 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 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 popularity 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 y 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 to Newburg he dev-
astated 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
to his strcngholds 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 plumber 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 out
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 keenest
anxiety, which was greatly augmented
by the precautions he had taken for
their safe detention during his absence,
for shortly after his going a band Of his
outlaws arrived at 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. lit seems that
have escaped from the Goshen jail only
to be imprisoned here. 1t is eviden'
that I am doomed to be captive fo'
the remainder of my days.
To which Polly would reply:
"Don't despair, Edward. You viii
gain your freedom yet, and then we cal
get married and live happily together
In the meantime we may be able t.
turn our captivity to the advantage O
A our country. Let us pretend to sym
3 pathize with these Tories and win thei
e confidence. Then we may be able t
s gain knowledge Of their designs an
I thwart them.
To this plan her lover readily agreed
q and Immediately began masquerade
s as Tory. He cursed the Wings, II
: Weighed against the Continental COZ
gress and scattered threats of wreal
q ing vengeance upon the patriots SO lii
e orally that he soon won the admiratio
of his captors. Yet although they b.
Il ieved in his sincerity they did not r.
o lax their vigilance, and his acting W.
l. futile so far as affording him an
: chance to escape was concerned.
& In the meantime Richard Smith ha
taken violent fancy to Polly. He pc
l. secuted her with his attentions, and {
is her giving him to understand that the
A. were not agreeable endeavored to il
'e timidate her with threats. Towa1
I'd Robin he began to exhibit a spirit
l. savage jealousy. The latter did not a
re tempt to conceal his own adherence
in the outlaw, and it seemed likely tn
es their enmity would result in a fer
quarrel. when the unexpected return
Claudius Smith to the camp put a ne
ou aspect on affairs.
AS he appeared suddenly among
tn men it could be seen that his eyes we
ny heavy with fatigue and his garner
travel stained. It was evident that
IL had returned from long journey.
ne the joyous greetings accorded him
IT. replied with a savage scowl, grumblin
lot "Cowards! Poltroons! To let J
'ty captain lie SO long in rebel Jail wi
lze out coming to his rescued
"What! You have been prison
Mt ali this while, father?'' asked his s.
ap- advancing to salute him.
ca faye, and would have been one s.
Tor had / not employed my own wits to
"a cape"
Ell Then he explained how he had fal
into the hands Of the Americans wi
her on his way to fetch the parson and
the been lodged in prison at Kings
my ever since. =
o. "And now he said YEARLY, IT \
an lie down for wink of sleep. In
his meantime, he added, throwing a fie