Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1907-06-11
TIE PT
BT ]. FENr1ORE COOPER
VA STORY OF THE REVOLUTION

Captain Wharton TO the first post above
under the escort Of a body of dragons
These instructions completed the sum of
Dunwoodie's uneasiness. The despair and
misery OF Frances were constantly be-
fore his eyes. In obedience to the COM
mands of his superior, an officer, with a
small party, was sent to the cottage to
conduct Henry Wharton to the place di-
rected; and the gentleman who was in
trusted with the execution of the order
was charged with a letter from Dun
woodie to his friend, containing the most
cheering assurances of his safety. as well
as the strongest pledges of his own I'M
ceasIng exertions in his favor. Lawton
was left with part of his own troop, in
charge of the few wounded; and as soon
as the men were refreshed the encamp-
ment broke up, the main body marching
toward the Hudson. Dunwoodie repeat
ed his injunctions to Captain LAYTON
dweit on every word that had fallen from
the peddler, and canvassed, in every pos
sible manner that his ingenuity could de-
wise, the probable meaning of his mys-
terious warnings. Suddenly recollecting
that no directions had been given for the
disposal of Colonel Wellmere, instead of
following the rear of the column, the
major yielded to his desires, and turned
down the road which led to the Locusts.
As be was plunging into the bottom lands
ne caught glimpse of Henry Wharton
and his escort, defiling through a pass
which led to the posts above This sight
added to the speed of the anxious youth.
who now turned the angle of the hill that
opened to the valley, and came suddenly
on the object of his search. Frances had
followed the party which guarded her
brother at distance; and as they van
ished from her sight, she felt deserted by
all that she most priced in this world
The unaccountable absence of Dunwoodie,
with the shock of parting from Henry
under such circumstances, had entirely
subdued her fortitude, and she had sunk
on stone by the roadside, sobbing as
If her heart would break. Dunwoodie
sprang from his charger, and in a mo
ment he was by the side of the weeping
girl.
'F'rances-my own Francesi' he -ex-
claimed, why this distress? Let not the
situation of your brother create any
alarm. AS soon as the duty / am now
on is completed will hasten to the feet
of Washington and beg his release"
Major Dunwoodie, for your interest
in behalf of my poor brother, l thank
you," said tie trembling girl, rising with
dignity; but such language addressed to
me is surely improper"
Improper are you not mine, my sweet
FrancesP
vtch V1nf hi =
terfere with the prior claims that any
other lady may have to your affections"
said Frances, struggling to speak with
frmness.
None other, l swear by heaven none
other has any claim on mew cried Dun
woodie, with fervor
You have practiced so much, and so
successfully. Major Dunwoodie that it
is no wonder you excel in deceiving the
credulity of my SEX" returned Frances,
attempting a smile, which the tremulous-
ness of her muscles smothered in its
birth.
Am / villain. Miss Wharton, that
you receive me with such language?
When have / ever deceived you, Fran
cesT'
why has not Major Dunwoodie hon
ored the dwelling of his intended father
with his presence lately? Did he forget
it contained one friend on a bed of sick
ness, and another in deep distress? Has
it escaped his memory that it held his
intended wife? Or is he fearful of meet
ing more than one that can lay claim
to that title? Oh, Peyton-Peyton, how
have l been deceived in you'll"
Frances, l see how you have deceived
yourself" cried Dunwoodie, his face in
glow of fire; you do me injustice l
swear by all that is most dear to me that
you do me injustice"
Swear not Major Dunwoodie," inter
rupted Frances; the time is gone for me
to credit oaths."
Miss Wharton, would you have me a
coxcomb-make me contemplate in my
own eyes, by boasting with the hope of
raising myself in your estimation?"
Platter not yourself that the task is
so easy, sir" returned Frances, moving
toward the cottage; we converse togeth-
er in private for the last time; but
possibly-my father would welcome my
mothers kinsman."
NO Miss Wharton. cannot enter
his dwelling now. You drive me from
you, Frances, in despair. l am going on
desperate service, and may not live to
return. Should fortune prove severe, at
least do my memory Justice: remember
that the last breathings of my soul will
be for your happiness" So saying, he
had already placed his foot in the stirrup.