Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1907-07-16
CHAPTER XXI.


er. after his sentence was received. in
the bosom of his family. Mr.. Wharton
wept in hopeless dependency over the
untimely fate of his son and Frances, al
ter recovering from her insensibilitN ex-
perienced an anguish of feeling to which
the bitterness Of death itself would have
been comparatively light. Miss Peyton
alone retained a vestige of hope. founded
n kind of instructive dependence on the
character of Washington. He was a
native OF tba same colony with herself.
He was known in Virginia a consist
ent, but Susst and Ienient, master; and
she felt kind Of pride in asSociating in
her mind her countryman with the man
who led the armies, and in great meas
ure controlled the destinies of America.
But even her confding hopes were DOOM
ed TO meet with a speedy termination.
Toward noon, regiment of militia, that
was quartered on the banks of the river
moved up to the ground in front of the
house that held our heroine and her fam
lily, and deliberately pitched their tents,
with the avowed intention of remaining
until the following morning, to give sol
emnity and effect TO the execution of
British spy.
Dunwoodie had performed all that was
required of him by his orders, and was
at liberty to retrace his steps to his ex-
pecting squadron. which was impatiently
waiting his return, to be led against a de-
tachment of the enemy, that was known
to be slowly moving up the banks of the
river, in order to cover a party of forag-
ers in its rear. He was accompanied by
a small party of Lawton's troop, under
the expectation that their testimony might
be required to convict the prisoner. But
the confession of Captain Wharton had
removed the necessity of examining any
witnesses. The major, from en- unwili-
ingness to encounter the distress OF Hen
rvs friends, and dread of trusting him
self within its influence, had spent the
time in walking by himself, in keen
anxiety, at a short distance from the
dwelling. While laboring under constant
ly recurring doubts, enlivened by tran
sient rays of hope, Mason approached
accoutered completely for the saddle.
Thinking that you might have forgot
ten the news brought this morning from
below, sir, l have taken the liberty to or
der the detachment under arms" said the
lieutenant. John Bull is out in West
chester, with a train of wagons which,
if he fills, will compel us TO retire through
these hills in search of provender"
Where did the express leave them?"
ION the heights above Sing Sing" re-
turned the lieutenant.
"0h that the courier was returned
from headquarters 70 exclaimed Dunwoo-
die. This suspense is insupportable."
You have your WISH" cried Mason !:
'sawe he is at the moment, and riding
lika The bearer of good news"
Dunwoodie leaped the fence and stood
before the messenger.
What news?" cried the major, the
moment that the soldier stopped his horse.
"Good," exclaimed the raan; and feel
ing no hesitation to intrust an officer so
we'll known as Major Dunwoodie. he plac-
ed paper in his hands.
Dunwoodie paused not to read, but
flew, with the elastic spring of joy, to
the chamber Of the prisoner. The senti-
nels knew him, and he was suffered TO
pass without question.
''Oh Peyton," cried Frances. as he en-
tered the apartment, you look like a
messenger from heaven! bring you It'd
ings of mercy?"
Here. Frances-here, Henry-here.
dear cousin Jeanette" cried the youth.
as with trembling hands be broke the
seal: here is the letter itself, directed
to the captain of the guard. But listen
All did listen with intense anxiety: and
the pang of blasted hope was added to
their misery, as they saw the glow of
delight which had beamed on the counte-
nance OF the major give place to a look
of horror. The paper contained the SEN
tence of the court. and underneath was
written these simple words:
"Approved-Geo. Washington"
Hes lost, he's lost I' cried Frances.
sinking into the arms of her aunt
My son my son :" sobbed the father.
there is mercy in heaven. il there is none
on earth. May Washington never want
that mercy he thus denies to my innocent
child!"
Washington :" echoed Dunwoodie. gag
Ing sround him in vacant horror. Yes.
tits the act of Washington himself: these
are his characters: his ver- name i here.
to sanction the dreadful deed"
Cruel, cruel Washington :" cried Miss
Peyten: "how has his familiarity with
blood changed his nature 20
Blame him not" said Dunwoodie; sit
Is tie general, and not the man: my life
ON Il he feels the blow he is compelled
to Intiict.'
At have been deceived in him." cried
Frances. He is not the savior OF his
country. but a cold and merciless tyrant
nh Pewter, Paxton how have you mis-
led me in his character"
Peace. dear Frances; use not such
language. He is bur the guardian of the
law"
You speak the truth. Major Dunwoo-
de- said Henry. II. who en- 20 suffer,
olame him rot. Every indulgence has
been granted me that can ask. On the