The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-06-18
CHAPTER XIV.

for II consisted or but cluster OF muses.
along one road. Yet did it boast general
supply store. and was proud in the posses
sion Of a house for travellers known as
Hollis Tavern. This house was no different
from any other in the town, except that
perhaps it was bit larger, and that 1t had
a sign swinging before the main door.
Twas older, too, than 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 been greater than the fear of Tories
to-day. This projection Of the upper story
was not more than a foot, but if. a you en-
tered by the front door, you cast a look
upward, there might you see holes at regu-
lar intervals which pierced the small pro-
lection. They were stuffed now with paper
to keep out the cold but there had been
time when our fathers had stood in the
upper chambers and fired good shots
through these same openings. sending
many a treacherous Indian to his own
happy or unhappy hunting ground.
Within, the house consisted, on the
ground floor, of hall running through to
the back. On either side were moderately
large rooms, and at the back of the hall
was a 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 II Of the night
large wood fire. Tables stood here and
there and at the back ran a bench, or bar,
behind which set fat old woman knitting
on high stool. so that she might sew and
still keep her bullying eye on all that TOOK
place within the chamber. BY the fire sat
two men whom l rightly guessed TO be
American soldiers, and in the corner, by a
table occupied in eating an evening meal,
which the officious innkeeper, bustling
about the room. had put before me, sat
my weared self, more anxious than l
| would nave 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 | had thought to leave it with Cur
tbs. but no opportunity offering. I was
forced to take Acton as the means, and
just before going 1 had left the generals
release for the two lieutenants at the
coloneTs headquarters. Twas an anxious
two hours. only brought to a close by the
entrance of John Acton in civilians dress.
He knew me at once. for Mr.. Argyle Bart
lett was safely slowed away in the woods
back on the roadside, tied up in bundle
of his own clothes.
l feared at first that the honest fellow
would come up to me and blurt out the
whole thing, but, as 1 afterwards learned,
Curtis had given him the best of lessons
in the 10 him, quite unknown art of decep-
ton. Thus he stepped into the room, or
dered mug of ale and. like myself, took a
cit
self near me. looked what he doubtless was
the picture of uneasiness and discomfort.
While the two soldiers talked quietly by
the fire, 1 turned TO him and asked:
Have you come from the Westward"
AYE, from the river
Have you heard what is to become of
Andrea
mo. there was naught given out when 1
left"
At the mention of Andre the two SOL
diers by the fire stopped their conversa-
ton, and one of them. turning toward the
table, said:
He was taken from here day before yes
terday"
us t known where he is confned?" 1
asked. The landlord here put in his oar
and ventured:
"They do say as they took him to Tap
pan for trial
.'Ah. no, Holt, tbs not likely So" said the
soldier HE went up to West Point am
sure"
1--WE cannot say word here said l, in
a low voice, in Actions ear at this moment.
.'And yet must talk with you as soon as
Curtis arrives"
well. but would he not go that way
sure?" asked the tavern-keeper. They'd
be afeared of a rescue down below"
Cant we go outsider" whispered Acton
Lord forgive him. his whispers were like
the rumbling of thunder.
"Outside" exclaimed the soldier what
is there to go outside Off"
Acton looked confused.
This gentleman refers to the frigate
Vulture, which has been lying off Teller's
Point Doubtless he is right. and mayhap
the escort was instructed to keep we'll out
side the reach of her guns"
20, aye. tbs likely So said the soldier,
"for | have heard she lies there
l caught Acton on the point of saying
something to wreck the whole business,
and had just given him jab beneath the
table when the door opened Every one
turned to see who else might be arriving at
this late hour. and 1 could not help a ST.
lent curse at the luck to see two strange
men enter. nod to the tavern-keeper, and
walk over to the fire.
"A cold night. sirs." said one of the new
corners.
AYE, the years moving on" answered
the big-voiced soldier.
Bad, Bad" said l. softly, but we must
wait for him "
Acton nodded. Meanwhile the newcomers
ordered a cold supper the landlord having
nothing else. and sat them down by the
table near us. They had scarcely settled 10
their meal when again the door opened and
Curtis entered Even the tavern-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
mad changed his uniform and was dressed
ike any well-to-do young New Yorker in
knee breeches of snuff color. top boots, a
double breasted waisteoat. with a frilled
shirt and a long buff coat. He threw of a
riding coat and discovered his pistols and
a long hanger.
The calm, serious face was as composed
as usual nor did the man disturb himself
TO look at any one in particular, but took
70 he reet