The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1905-08-17
~ desertlon, more by the expire ton Of

situation, but ruin stared them in the
race, and unless something decisive
was soon accomplished the game
would be lost.
"Did you have a pleasant ride up the
river, Aatharine?' asked her father.
VERY, sir she answered, blushing
violently and looking involuntarily at
Seymour, who matched her blush with
his own.
There was a painful pause, which
Seymour broke, coming to the rescue
with counter question.
did you notice that small sloop
creeping up under the west bank of the
river, colonel, this evening? 1 should
think she must be opposite the house
now, if the wind has held"
why, when did you see her, Mr..
Seymour? l thought you were looking
at-at'- She broke off in confusion
under her fathers searching gaze He
smiled and said:
''Ah Katharine, trained eyes see all
things unusual about them, although
they are apparently bent persistently
upon one spot. Yes, Seymour, did no.
tice it. If we We're farther down the
river we might suspect it of being an
enemy, but up here fancy even Dun
more's malevolence would scarcely
dare to follow"
Katharine looked up in alarm. ooh,
father, do you think it is quite safe?
Chloe told me that Phoebus told her
that the raiders had visited Major
Lithcombs plantation, and you know
that it is not more than fifty miles
blown the river from US. Would it not
be we'll to take some precaution?"
''Tut, tut, child! Gossip Of the negro
servants" The colonel waved it aside
carelessly. Il hardly think we have
anything to fear at present, though
what his lordship may do in the end
unless he is checked I hardly like to
imagine"
''But, father,' persisted Katharine,
'they said that Johnson was in COM
mand of the party, and you know he
hates you. You remember he said he
would get even with you if it cost him
his life when you had him turned out
of the club at Williamsburg.
"Pshaw, Katharine! That wretch
would not dare. 1t is a cowardly black
guard, Seymour, whom I saw cheating
at cards at the Assembly club at the
capital. had him expelled from the
society of gentlemen, where, indeed,
he had no right of admittance, and I
scarcely know how he got there origi-
nally. He made some threats against
me, to which I naturally paid no at
tention. But what did you think of the
vessel?"
II confess I saw nothing suspicious
about her, SIR" replied Seymour. "She
seemed very much like the packets
which ply on the river. I only spoke
idly Of the subject"
''But, father, the packet went up last
week, the day before you came back,
and Is due coming down the river now,
while this boat is coming up," said
Katharine.
ooh, we'll, I think we are safe
enough now, but to relieve your un-
usual anxiety 1 will send Blodgett
down to the wharf to examine and re-
port. Blodgett do you go down to the
boat landing and keep watch for an
hour or two. Take your musket, man.
There is no knowing what you might
need it for"
The old soldier, who had stationed
himself behind the colonel's chair, sa-
luted with military precision and left
the room, saying: every good, sir. I
shall let nothing escape my notice,
SIR
"Now, Katharine, I hope you are sat-
isfed."
eyes, father: but if it is the raiders
Blodgett won't be able to stop them"
''The raiders" laughed the colonel,
and pinching his daughters ear he
said: Il suspect the only raiders we
shall see here will be those who have
designs upon your heart, my bonny
Kate. Eth, SEYMOUR"
"They would never dare to wear q
British uniform in that case, father"
she retorted proudly.
well, Seymour, L hear through an
express from congress today that Cap
tain Jones has been ordered to COM
mand the Ranger and that the new
hag-Te will drink to it if you please;
yes, you, too, Katharine; God bless ev-
cry star and stripe in twill soon be
seen on the ocean,"
1T will be q rare sight there, SIR"
said Seymour, "but it will not be long
before the exploits of the Ranger will
make it known on the high seas if ru-
NOR does not belle her captain"
II trust so. But do you know this
Captain Jones?''
''Not at all, sir, save by reputation.
But am told he has one requisite for
successful officer
''And what is that?'
"He will fight anything at any time
or at any place, no matter what the
Odds"
Colonel Wilton smiled. ''Ah, well, if
it We're not for men of that kind our
little navy would never have
chance
mo, father, nor the army either. If
we waited for onualitv hoforo frh+;no