The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1907-10-03
CHAPTER XVI.

was passed. on the part of the Americans.
in making great preparations to bring the
war to q 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 ard 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 a stormy day in
the month of September that a large as
semblage Of officers was collected near
the door of a building that was situated
in the heart of the American troops, who
held the Jerseys. To one in particular
was paid a Difference and obedience that
announced him to be of the highest grade.
Many q hat was lifted as it's owner ad-
dressed this ofice& and when be spoke,
a profound attention was exhibited on
every countenance. At length the general
raised his own hat, and bowed gravely to
oil oroupI him niomoupt;rc he .ta,oo1
back a Jew PAGES. and for a moment view
ed tts condition of his horse with the
eye of one who well understood the ami
NAL, and then, casting a brief but express
i've glance at his aide, be retired into the
building, followed by that gentleman.
On entering IN apartment hat was ap-
parently fitted for his reception, he took
a seat and continued for a long time in
a 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 / wished to see
arrived, sir"
He awaits the pleasure Of your ex-
cellency."
II will receive him here, and alone, II
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.
A second mild and courteous gesture mo-
toned to a vacant chair, but the stranger
refused it with a modest acknowledgment.
At length the officer arose, and opening
a desk, took from it a small but apparent
ly 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 a moment earnestly at the
face of the speaker; then dropping his
head upon his bosom. he said, meekly:
IF 1t be your excellency's pleasure"
1T 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
a hundred doubfoons; o will remember
the poverty Of our country and attribute
to it the smallness OF your pay"
The peddler raised his eyes to the coun-
tenance Of the speaker but, az. the other
held forth the money, he moved back, as
II refusing the bag.
Does your excellency think that I have
exposed my life and blasted my character
for money!"
IF not for money, what then?"
What has brought your excellency into
the field? For what do you daily and
hourly expose you precious life to battle
and the halter? What is there about mi
to mourn, when such men as you risk
their all for our country? No-no-no-
not a dollar of your gold will 1 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 at 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 of armies, but you must de-
scend into the grave with the reputation
of q foe to your native land. Remember
that the veil which conceals your true
character cannot be raised in years-per-
haps never. Take enough to secure q
support to your age. Remember your
risks and cares. 1 have told you that the
| characters Of men who are much esteemed
In HE depend on Jour secrecy; what
pledge en- I give them Of your Rdsliyr'