Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1903-10-16
AN INCIDENT OF
THE REVOLUTION
BY Mrs. NJ &. Robinson.

ton and condition OF the kings troops,
then quartered In Canada. He was a
brave and handsome young officer.
warmly attached to the American
cause. and willing TO sacrifie his life.
trymen who were fighting for liberty
and the right.
BE was fully aware OF the risk he In
curred-nor was he ignorant OF the
fate awaiting him should he be sus-
pected and taken. BY means of vari-
Gus DISCUSSES he had reconnoitered
pretty thoroughly. and had acquired
much Information of an important ma
ture. He had about resolved to return
to the American camp and report him
self to the commander-in-chief, when
the following incident strengthened
his determination.
While walking along one day. mus
ing upon the exciting events which
wore then transpiring he was met by
one OF the common soldiery who stop
ped to speak. The man looked ami
mated. and seemed pleased with his
thoughts.
"Halloo. comrader he cried. You're
going the wrong way"
II guess not" rejoined Hastings.
carelessly.
well. 1 s'pose you know best; but
you'd better go back to the camp with
me. I'm going to get a description Of
the chap that's been playing the spy"
added the man. Familiarity.
What about him? it's all news to
me-" replied the colonel. unconcerned-
Ixr III
quicker at the mans language; but he
had long exercised a severe govern
ment over the play OF his features and
not muscle expressed surprise.
''You must be deaf. then. for every
body Is talking about him to-day" con-
unued the other. His name is Tom
Jones. and he's been skulking round
here. listening TO what the officers say.
pumping the men. and trying to find
out what the next move Ia to be. But
they've smelt a rat. There's a bounty
offered for his head. and he's as good
as a dead man."
Good enough for him. exclaimed
the colonel. who still maintained the
same Indifferent demeanor. His life
isn't worth much, that's n fact. But
say. comrade." he added. slapping
the soldier Familiarity on the shoulder.
isn't hanging little too good for the
rascal2"
The man replied with a coarse laugh
and an oath. and then passed on his
way. leaving Hastings IN no enviable
state Of mind. Had the fellow been
acquainted with him de ection would
have been inevitable. He-Hastings-
hoI Ia - h. IL. II.
ing. noticing nothing unusual: but
probably his absence. added to other
circumstances. had awakened sus-
picion. Not moment was to he lost:
his life depended upon instant conceal
ment. as flight at that hour Ut being
about four in the afternoon would be
attended with extreme danger. The
soldier would hear n description of his
person. tell his story. the alarm would
be given. and a score OF enemies be
Immediately on his track.
The young officer hastily entered a
thick growth Of trees near by. and
looked about for some place of refuge
He could discover nothing which Of
fered the slightest protection but a
large brush-heap. but as no better
refuge could be found. he concealed
himself as we'll as possible beneath IT,
He heard the tramp OF horses feet
and the voices of men. in a very short
time. which was a good reason for con-
Guiding that he had not secreted him
a minute too soon. They passed the
spot where he lay without hating. and
Hastings breathed more freely when
the echo OF their shouts was lost in
the distance
Time dragged on but slowly The
ground was extremely cold and damp
from the effects OF a recent rain. and
added TO the unpleasantnes of his
situation. He dare not stir for fear
Of attracting the attention OF some per-
son who might be lurking in the vi
cinity. and his stiffened limbs began
to pain him considerably.
For several days be had not been
well. and he felt that he was rapidly
becoming worse. Cold chills ran over
him. his head was hot and ached
badly. and a general languor pervaded
his whole system. What should he
dof 1t was not quite dark, but un-
| fortunately for him the moon shone
brightly. and he feared being seen II
he attempted leaving his present
| position. SO for two more long hours
he laid there. benumbed with cold. and
| growing SO much worse that he feared
without assistance. ne should die. But
II 1t was dangerous to CO.. 1t was
equally dangerous to remain. To be
hanged for q spy was not a pleasant
idea to contemplate. and he groaned
at the thought of dying there alone
| At this moment he remembered hav.
ing seen a small cabin at a short dis
lance. He would seek it. throw him
self upon the mercy of the inmates
and beg assistance and protection.
He pushed aside the brush cautions
ly. and after glancing from side t.
side hurrtedly. crept a little way
upon his feet, and then gradually
raised himself to an upright position
This was not accomplished without
severe efrert; his limbs were weal
and cramped. and he tottered as he
walked Hts head felt 30 light anC
dizzy that II was some minutes be
fore he could recoliect in what direo
tion the cabin was situated; but his
mind hacama c0Ypavhaf olaor~,r a.