Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1904-01-22
AN INCIDENT OF
THE REVOLUTION
BY Mrs IA. & Robinson.

ton and condition of the kings troops,
then chartered in Canada. He was
brave and handsome young officer.
warmly attached to the American
cause, and willing to sacrifle his life,
II need be. for the good of his coun-
trymen 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 he be sus-
pocted and taken. By means Of ,ari-
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
geH to the oommander-in-chief. when
the following incident strengthened
his determination.
While walking along one day, mus
ing upon the exciting events which
were then transpiriDg. 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, comradep' he cried. You're
going the wrong way"
IT guess not" rejoinsd Hastings,
carelcssly.
"Wen. I s'pose YOU know best; but
you'd better 60 back TO the camp with
me. I'm going to get 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-
ly. though his pulse beat a little
quicker at the mans language; but he
had long exercised severe govern
ment over the play Of his features. and
not a muscle expressed surprise.
you must be deaf, then. for every
body 10 talking about him today" con-
tinued the other. His name Is Tom
Jones, and he's been skulking round
here, listening TO what the officers say.
pumping khe men. and trying to find
out what the next move is TO be. But
ehey've smelt a rat There's bounty
offered for his head, and he's as good
as a dead man"
Good enough for himl" exclaimed
the colonel. who still maintained the
same Indifferent depeapor. His life
isn't worth much, that's q fact. But
say. comrade.- he added, slapping
the soldier Familiarity on the shoulder.
isn't hanging little too good for the
rascal?"
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 detection would
have been inevitable. He-Hastings-
had left the barracks early that morn
ing. noticing nothing unusual: but
probably his absence, added to other
circumstances, had awakened sus-
picion. Not moment was to be 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 he found. he concealed
himself as we'll as possible beneath II.
He heard the tramp of horses feet
and the voices OF men. in q very short
time. which was good reason for con-
Guiding that he had not seereted 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 distc-oe.
Time dragged on but slowly. The
ground was extremely cold and damp
from the effects of a recent rain, and
added to the unpleasantness 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 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 a general languor pervaded
his whole system. What should he
do? 1t 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 ne feared
without assistance, he should die. But
If It was dangerous to CO., II was
equally dangerous to remain. To be
hanged for a 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 small cabin at 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. orept a little way
upon his feet, and then gradually
raised himself to an upright position.
This was not accomplished without
severe effort; his limbs were weak
and cramped. and he tottered as he
walked. Ills head felt SO light and