The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-07-06
CHAPTER XIV.
The Episode of HoIt's Tavern

CHAPTER XIV.
 The Episode of Holt's Tavern
 North Castle was hardly a village in 17S0, for 1t consisted of but a cluster of houses along one road. Yet did it boast a general supply store. and was proud in the possession of a house for travellers known as Holt's Tavern. This house was so different from any other in the town. except that perhaps 1t was a bit larger, and that 1t had sign swinging before the main door, Twas older too tnan many of the other habitations in the village, and the slightly projecting upper stories witnessed that 1t had been built when the fear of Indians had ben greater than the fear of Tories today. This pro- 1eetion of the upper story was not more than foot, but if, as you entered by the front door, you cast a look upward, there might you see holes at regular intervals which pierced the small projection. They were stuffed now with paper to keep out the cold; but there had been time when our fathers had stood in the upper cham bers and fired good shots through these same openings, sending many a treacher- ous Indian to his own happy or unhappy hunting ground.
 Within, the house consisted, on the ground floor O. a hall running through to the back On either side were mod erately large rooms, and at the back of the hall was small flight of steps going up to the second story, which In turn was divided into four or five rooms
 To the right of the door in the large room, burned now, at eleven of the night large wood fire Tables stood here and there, and at the back ran a bench or bar, behind which sat a fat old woman knitting on a high stool, so that she might sew and still keep her bulging eye on all that took place within the chamber. By the fire sat two men whom I rightly guessed to be American soldiers, an1 in the corner by table, occupied in eating at evening meal which the officious inn keeper. bustling about the room, had put before me. sat my wearied self more anxious than l would have confessed, waiting for the two friends. the fear growing on me that dear old Acton would never think to look in his pocket nor comprehend the message when he did. I had thought to have 1t with Cur tis, but, no opportunity offering. l was forced to take Action as the means, and just before going had left the Generals release for two leutenants at the co.o- nel's headquarters. Twas an anxious two hours, only brought to a close by the entrance of John Action in civilans dress. He knew me at once, for Mir. Argyle Bartlett was safely slowed away in the woods back on the roadside, tied up in a bundle of his own clothes.
 I feared at first that the honest fellow would come up to me and blurt out the whole thing, but as I afterwards learn ed, Curtis had given him the best Of les sons in the to him, quite unknown art of deception. Thus he stepped Into the room ordered a mug of ale and like myself, took a pipe and some tobacco, what he doubtless was-the picture of uneasiness and discontent.
 While the two soldiers walked quietly by the fire, turned and asked:
 Have you come from the westward?'
 Aye from the river.''
 Have you heard what is to become of Andre!"
 "No. there was naught given out when I left
 At the mention of Andre the two sol diers by the fire stopped their conversa- tion and turning toward the table said:
 He was taken from here day before yesterday"
 ''Is t known where he is confined." asked The landlord here put in his ore. and ventured:
 "They do say as they took him to Tappan for trial"
 "Ah, no. Holt, t is not likely so," said the soldier. He went up to West Point I am sure"
 We cannot say a word here" said I. a low voice. in Actions ear at this mo- ment. And yet must I talk with you as soon as Curtis arrives.
 Well but would he not go that way suIe?" asked the tavern keeper They'll be afraid to rescue down below.'
 Cant we go outsider whispered Ac- ton. Lord forgive him. his whispers were like the rumbling of thunder.
 Outsider exclaimed the soldier, what is there to go outside of?'
 Acton looked confused.
 This gentleman refers to the frigate ultureV. which has been lying off Teller's Point. Doubtless he is right. and may hap the escort was instructed to keep well outside the reach of her buns"
 70, aye, t is likely so," said the sol dier, flor I have heard she lies there'
 I caught Acton on the point of saying something to wreck the whole business, and. had just given him a jab beneath the table when the door opened Every one turned to see who else might be arriving at this late hour. and could not help silent curse at the luck to see two strange men enter, nod to the tav- ern keeper, and walk over to the fire
 "A cool night sirs' said one of the new corners.
 Aye, the years moving on," an- swered the big-voiced soldier "Bab! bad.' said I sorrly, but we must wait for him. Acton nodded. Meanwhile the new corners ordered cold supper, -ie land lord having nothing else. and sat them down by the table near us. They had scarcely settled to their meal when again | the door opened and Curtis entered Even the tavenr-keeper looked surprised to see | such a company so late; but a poke from | his matter-of-fact wife sent him about his | business. Curtis had changed his uniform | and was dressed like any well-to-do |