The National tribune., 1901-02-07
AARON BURR A PRISONER.

As the dying often rally, only to sink
lower than before. until the moment OF
dissolution, so the feelings of Harry Gran
ger fluctuated between hope and despair
In vain Burr sought TO assure all that they
would not be long detained at Bayou
Pierre but that they would proceed to a
conquest that exceeded the fondest dreams
Of all. The conQuests of Pizarro and Cor
tez would be small affairs compared with
his promises.
1t was early in January when they
reached BaEou Pierre, and as but few
boats were provided with freplaces or
Stoves, most of the cooking was done on
ehore. Here their campfires burned bright
ly, while sentries posted to guard against
In hostile country. Among the men in
the expedition there was much comment as
to when they would again resume the
march. A few were respondent, and eI-
pressed fears that the expedition would
at last prove a failure, but a great ma
iority were buoyed with hope.
I'VE will be on the advance again in
two or three days at most" declared Com
fort Tyler.
Ewered. I'VE have only met disaster from
the beginning, and it seems as if we are
becoming entangled in network of diff
fculties from which we will never extri-
cate ourselves"
Burr, who had been on q short expedi-
tion to the country, returned late on the
afternoon of Jan. Il, and went to Blenner-
hassett's tent, where Harry Granger and
several of the men were assembled.
Il have glorious newsI" said Burr
What is it? What is itF' all asked.
''Yes, what is it?'' drawled a sleepy
voice, and on glancing in that direction
Asa Jarvis was discovered seated on some
straw, with his back against box, his
eyes closed and his hands in his pockets
The information | have is of a nature
] dare not reveal at present." continued
Burr. But can assure you that all the
country is with US, and when we have
the country with US, what have we to fear
from few chronic grumblers and biggot-
ed Office holdersF'
Are you sure the country is with us?'
Biennerhassett asked, doubtingly.
Certainly am"
What assurance have you"
The solemn assurance by word Of
mouth from the most influential citizens
and planters. The great planter, Andrew
Gordon, gives a bali next week in honor
of ourselves"
Are We only waiting for that baIl?"
asked the impatient Harry.
Not exactly" returned the chief of con-
spirators. I'VE must not decline the hos
pitsIIty, however, as it will place us on
more favorable footing with people in
the country"
Biennerhassett sighed. He saw in his
Imagination only his ruined home. A ma
Jority of Burr's followers were young men
from New York, possessing many accom-
plishments. The strains of the violin
hlled the camp, and songs by trained
voices frequently cheered the drooping
spirits Of the Respondent. They were not
hardy race calculated for conquest, and
1t is sometimes doubted that they would
have succeeded even had they not been
hindered by the Government. A society
man is seldom a good soldier. and Burr
and most of his followers were society
men. There was too much reyelry, too
many balls. for the expedition 20 be sue
cessful.
Burr was still trying to cheer the droop-
ing spirits of some of his men, when q
strange noise in the tent suddenly caused
him TO pause and ask:
is anyone saving gourls?"
No; it is Asa Jarvis snoring" Floyd
answered.
"Rouss him just enough to check those
mellifuous nasal exhalations," ordered
Burr.
wake up, Fattyr cried Floyd. seizing
the snsipid youth and giving him hearty
shake.
"Ma-ma-" cried Asa, starting up with
O snort.
Don't completely rouse him." eau
TONED Tyler. His parrot-like repetitions
are more disagreeabIe than his snoring"
This little incident caused ripple of
laughter, which tended TO relieve the minds
of the men from the cares and anxieties
by which they were surrounded
Harry, with hope once more renewed
entered his boat and went to his bunk.
He slept so soundly that night that not a
care was upon his mind. He dreamed of
triumphs and such golden cOnuuests as
must have been the dreams of the steel
clad warriors of PizaFro and COrtez. He
saw Maude Livingston seated on a great
golden cloud, which had assumed the
form of a throne, where all the stars of
heaven had clustered in a coronet about
her head, making her face radiant with
splendcr. kneeiing at her feet he said:
All this have j done for you"
And what ask you in returnE'
Love"
She smiled, and was about to answer
when the illusion was disBelIed with some
thing like a thunderbolt, and he felt
hand seize his shoulder and give him
shake.
What is the matter?" Harry asked.
starting up and rubbing his eyes.
There be trouble, Master Harry. and
the Colonel he call for every man to seize
his gun and go ashore"
Harry donned his clothes, slung his
powder-horn about his shoul Ter, thrust his
pistols into his belt, and seizing his rife
went ashore. Nearly all the conspirators
We're on land.
What is the matteri" he asked.
said: '--1
News has just reached US that Poin-
dexter and Maj. Shields, at the head of
some militia, are advancing to attack u.s."
ColoRei, do you intend to resistT" Har-
~ asked.
"CnieSs we can get terms to suit" he
answered.
wall, eensarn ct, let's resist" said a