Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1903-12-04
AN INCIDENT OF
THE REVOLUTION
BY Mrs. NJ. E. Robinson.

SERVICES towards aScertaining the posi-
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.
need be. for tho good OF his coun-
trymcn who were fighting for liberty
and the right.
He was fully aware of the risk he in
curred-nor was he ignorant OF the
fate awaiting him should no be sus-
pected and taken. by means of yari-
GUS disgusos he had reconnoitered
pretty thoroughly. and had acquired
much information OF an important na-
tnre. He had about resolved to return
TO tho American camp and report him.
ven to the commander-in-chlef, when
the following Incident strengthened
his determination.
While walking along one day, mus
Ing upon the exciting events which
were then transpiring he was met by
ono OF the common soldiery who stop
ped TO speak. The man looked AMI
mated. and seemed pleased with his
thoughts.
"Halioo. comradeT no cried. You're
going tho wrong way"
II guess not" rejoined Hastings.
carelessly.
We'll. / s'poso you know best; but
you'd better go back To tho camp with
mo. I'm going to get n description OF
the chap that's heen playing the spy"
added the man. Familiarity.
What about himf it's all news 10
mo-" ropliod tho colonel. unconcerned-
ly. though his pulse boat little
quicker Mt the mans language; but he
had long exercised severe govern
mont ovor tho play OF his features. and
not muscle expressed surprise.
you must DO doaf. then, for every
body 10 talking about him today" con-
unuod tho othor. Ellis name IL Tom
yonos. and hos boon skulking round
hare. listening 10 what the officers say,
pumping tho men. and trying 10 find
out what tho next move IN TO be. But
thoy'vo smeit n rat. Thoro's n bounty
ofered for his hend. and hos as good
IA n dead man"
Good enough for himr exclaimed
tho colonel. who still maintained the
snplo indifferent demeanor. Ills life
Isn't worth much. that's fact. hut
I say. comradc." ne added. slapping
the soldier Familiarity on the shoulder.
isn't hanging n little too good for tho
rascal?"
The man replied with n coarse laugh
and an oath. and then passed on his
way. leaving Hastings In no enviable
state of mind Had the fellow boon
acquainted with h!m detection would
10. -.
had left the bnrrncka early that morn
ing. noticing nothing unusual: but
probably his absence. added TO othor
circumstances. had awakened sus-
piclon. Not moment was TO DO Loaf:
his life depended upon instant conceal
mont. as flight Mt that hour az being
about four In the aftornoon) would DO
attended with extreme danger. The
soldier would hear n description of his
person. tell hiE story. the alarm would
he givon. and n score of enemies be
Immediately on his track.
The young ofiicor hastily cntored q
thick growth OF troes 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 az no better
refuge could DO found. he concealed
himself az well as possible beneath IL.
lie heard the tramp OF horses feet
and tho voices OF men. In very short
timo, which was good reason for con-
Guiding that he had not secreted him
n minute too soon. They passed the
spot whore he lay without hating. and
Hastings breathed more freely when
the ocho OF their shouts was lost In
the distance.
limo dragged on but slowly. The
ground was extremely cold and damp
from the effects Of recent rain, and
added 10 tho unploasnntness of his
situation. He dare not stir for fear
OF attracting tho 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 he had not been
we'll, and he felt that he was rapidly
becoming worse. Cold chIlls ran over
him, his head was hot and ached
badly. and q general languor pervaded
! his whole system. What should he
dof II was not quite dark, but I'M
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. he should die But
| II II was dangerous TO CO.. 1t was
equally dangerous TO remain. To be
hanged for spy was not 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 to
side hurriedly. crept little way
upon his feet, and then gradually
raised himself TO an upright position.
This was not accomplished without
severe effort; bis limbs were weak
ana cramped. and he tottered as he
walked. Hla head felt so light and