Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1907-08-06
CHAPTER XVI

The commencement of the following year
was passed, on the part of the Americans.
in making great preparations to bring the
war to close. New York was the point
that was threatened by the allied armies:
and Washington, by exciting a constant
apprehension for the safety of that city,
preventing such re-enforcements from be-
ing sent to CORVALLIS as would have en-
abled him to improve his success.
At length. as autumn approached, ev-
cry indication was given that the final
movement had arrived. The French
forces drew near to the royal lines. pass
ing through the Neutral Ground, and
threatened an attack in the direction of
Kingsbridge, while large bodies of Ameri-
cans were acting in concert. By hover
ing around the British posts and draw
ing nigh in the Jerseys. they seemed to
threaten the royal forces from that quar-
ter also. Sir Henry Clinton rested Sc
curely within his lines and cautiously dis
regarded the solicitations of CORVALLIS
for succor.
1t was at the close of stormy day in
the month of September that large as
semblage OF officers was collected near
the door of building that was situated
in the heart of the American troops who
held the Jerseys. To one in particular
was paid Difference and obedience that
announced him TO be of the highest grade.
Many hat was lifted as its owner adj
dressed this officer and when he spoke,
profound attention was exhibited on
every countenance. At length the general
raised his own hat and bowed gravely to
all around him. Dismounting, he stepped
back few PAGES, and for a moment view
ed the condition of his horse with the
eye of one who we'll understood the ami
NAL, and then, casting brief but express
i've glance at his aide, he retired into the
building, followed By that gentleman.
On entering an apartment that was APP
parently fitted for his reception, he took
scat and continued for long time in
thoughtful attitude, like one in the
habit of communing much with himself.
At length the general raised his eyes, and
spoke.
HAS the man whom 1 wished to see
arrived, sir?"
HE awaits the pleasure of your ex-
oellency."
II will receive him here, and alone, If
you please"
The aide bowed and withdrew. In a
few minutes the door again opened, and
a figure. gliding into the apartment, stood
modestly at a distance from the general.
His entrance was unheard by the officer,
who sat gazing at the fire, still absorbed
in his own meditations. Several minutes
passed. when he spoke to himself in an
undertone
Tomorrow we must raise the curtain
and expose our plans. May heaven pros
per them"
A slight movement made by the stran-
ger caught his ear, and he saw that he
was not alone. He pointed silently to the
FIRE. toward which the figure advanced.
4 second mild and courteous gesture mo-
toned to vacant chair. but the stranger
refused it with modest acknowledgment.
At length the officer arose, and opening
desk, took from il small but apparent
~ heavy bag.
Harvey Birch" he said. turning to the
stranger, 'the time has arrived when our
connection must cease; henceforth and
forever we must be strangers"
The peddler dropped the folds of the
great coat that concealed his features,
and gazed for moment earnestly at the
/ face of the speaker; then dropping his
head upon his bosom. he said, meekly:
IF it be your exceliency's pleasure"
at is now my duty to pay you for
| these services: hitherto you have post
poned receiving your reward. and the
debt has become a heavy one. Here are
hundred doubIoons you will remember
the poverty of our country and attribute
TO il the smallness OF your pay"
The peddIer raised his eyes TO the coun-
tenance of the speaker; but, as the other
held forth the money. be moved back. as
| if refusing the bag.
Does your excellency think that have
exposed my life and blasted my character
for money!"
IF not for money. what Them"
what has brought your excellency into
the field? For what do you daily and
hourly expose your precious life to battle
and the halter? What is there about me
to mourn. when such men as you risk
their all for our country? No-no-no-
not q dollar Of your gold viii touch ;
poor America has need of it all ~
| The bag dropped from the hand of the
officer, and fell at the feet of the peddler,
where it lay neglected. The officer looked
steadily al the face of his companion,
and continued
There are many motives which might
govern me, that TO you are unknown. Our
situations are different: I am known as
the leader OK armies, but you must de-
Scend into the grave with the reputation
OF foe TO your native land. Remember
tnat the veil which conceals your true
character cannot be raised in years-per-
haps never. Take enough to secure a
support 10 your age. Remember your
risks and cares. have told yoq that the
characters of men who are much esteemed
n lie depend on your secrecy what
pledge can I give shnn q EUR saAliu r