The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1907-09-19
CHAPTER XXII.-fContipued.,

lowed by Frances. The subject of their
conversation was a wish expressed by the
prisoner for a clergyman of his own per-
suasion, and promise from the major,
that one should be sent from Fishkill
town, through which he was about to pass
on his way to the ferry to intercept the
expected return of Harper. Mason soon
made his bow at the door, and willingly
complied with the wishes of the landlady;
and the divine was invited to make his
appearance accordingly.
He stalked into the room, and giving a
stiff nod with his head. took the chair
offered him by the black, in dignifed ST.
lence. Mr.. Wharton led Sarah from the
apartment. His retreat was noticed by
the divine. in a kind of scornful disdain,
who began to hum the air of a popular
psalm tune, giving it the full richness OF
the twang that distinguishes the Eastern
psalmody.
Cesar" said Miss Peyton, hand the
gentleman some refreshment; he must
need it after his ride"
MY strength is not in the things of
life" said the divine, speaking in hol-
low, sepulchral voice. Thrice have l
this day held forth in my masters ser
vice, and tainted not"
Il apprehend, then, sir, that fatigue
will disable you from performing the
duties which kindness had induced you
to attempt
"Womanr' exclaimed the Stranger,
with energy, "when was / ever known to
shrink from a duty? But Judge not, lest
ye be judged and fancy not that it is
given to mortal eyes to fatEom the IN
tentions of the Deity"
Nay, I pretend not to judge Of either
events, or the intentions of my fellow
creatures, much less of those of Omnipo-
tence."
IT'S well, woman-'tis we'll" cried
the minister, waving his hand with super
cilious disdain: humility becometh thy
sex, and lost condition; thy weakness
driveth thee on headlong, like unto the
bosom of destruction
Surprised at tbs extraordinary deport-
ment, yielding to that habit which urges
US to speak reverently on sacred subjects,
even when perhaps we had better continue
silent, Miss Peytcn said:
There is a power above, that can and
will sustain US all in well-doipg. if we
seek it's support in humility and truth"
So saying. she withdrew, followed by
the landlady, who was not little shock
ed by the incorporate zeal of her new ac-
quaintance-
Henry had with difficulty repressed the
Indignation excited by this unprovoked
attack on his meek and unresisting aunt;
but as the door closed on her retiring ag
ure, he gave way to his feelings
II must confess, SIR he exclaimed
with heat, shat in receiving minister
of God i thought / was admitting a
Christian, and one who. by feeling his
own weaknesses, knew how to pity the
fraiIties of others. You have wounded
the meek spirit of an excellent womsn.
and I acknowledge but little inclination
to mingle in prayer with so intolerant
spirit
The minister stood erect. with grave
composure. following with his eyes, in
kind of scornful pity. the retiring fe-
males. and suffered the expostulation of
the youth to be given as if unworthy of
his notice. A third voice. however. spoke.
''Such a denunciation would have
driven many women into fits. but it has
answered the purpose well enough, as
ii is"
Who's that?" cried the prisoner, in
amazement. gazing around the room in
quest of the speaker:
1T is l, Captain Wharton" said Har-
vey Birch, removing the spectacles, and
exhibiting his piercing eyes. shining I'M
der a pair of false eyebrows.
Good heavens-Harvey
''Silence ~ said the peddler, solemnly;
"'tis a name not 10 be mentioned and
least of all here, within the heart of the
American army" Birch paused, and
gazed around him for 4 moment, with an
emotion exceeding the base passion of
fear. and then continued, in a gloomy
tone, There are thousand halters in
that very name, and little hope would
there be left me of another escape, should
l be again tak.n. This is fearful ven
ture that / am making: but l could not
sleep in quiet, ana know that an inro-
cent man was about to die the death Of
dog. when / might save him."
mo-" said Henry, with a glow of GEN
erous feeling on his cheek; IF the risk
to yourself be so heavy, retire as YOU
came and leave me to my fate Dun
woodie is making powerful exertions in
my behalf; and if he meets with Mr.. Har-
per in the course of the night, my liberia
ton is certain
Harper" echoed the peddler, remain
ing with his hands raised, in the act of
replacing the spectacles: what do Won
know OF Harper? and why do you think
be will do you service?"
Il have his promise-you remember
our recent meeting in my fathers dwell
ing, and ne then gave an unasked promise
to assist me-
"Yes-but do you know him? that is
why do you think he has the power? or
what reason have you for believing he
will remember his word?"
If there ever was a stamp of truth.
Or simple. honest benevoence. in the
countenance of man, it shone in his" said
Henry; besides, Dunwoodie has power
flu friends in the rebel army, and it
would be better that l take the chance
where 1 am, than thus to expose you to
certain death, if detected"
Captain Wharton" said Brit, look
ing guardedly around, and speaking with
Impressive seriousness of manner. "if /
fail you, all fail you. No Harper nor
Dunwoodie can save your life; unless you
get out with me, and that within The
hour. you die tomorrow On the gallows of
4 murderer"
The peddler beckoned him to be silent
and, walking to the door, opened it with
the stiff, formal air with which he had
entered the apartment
Friend. let no one enter" he said to
the sentinel; I'VE are about to go to
prayer, and would wish to be alone"
''You overact your part" said young
Wharton, in constant apprehension of dis
covery; your zeal is too incorporate"
For a foot soldier and them Eastern
militia it might be-" said Harvey, turn
Ing a bag upside down that Cesar now
handed him; but these dragons are fell
lows that you must brag down. A faint
heart, Captain Wharton, would do but lit
tie here; but come, here is black shroud
for your good looking countenance," TAX
ing at the same time a parchment mask
and fitting it to the face of Henry. "The