The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1907-10-10
CHAPTER XXvI.-(Continued.)


The composed features of the officer re-
Taxed into a smile of benevolence, and he
grasped the hand of the peddler firmly.
Now, indeed, / know you: and al
though the same reasons which have hith-
erto compelled me to expose your valuable
life will still exist, and prevent my open
ly asserting your character, in private L
can always be your friend; fail not to
apply to me when in want or suffering,
and so long as God giveth to me, so long
will l freely share with man who feels
so nobly and acts so well. If sickness or
want should ever assail you, and peace
once more smile upon our efforts, seek the
gates of him whom you have so often met
as Harper, and he will not blush TO &C
knowledge you in his true character"
The officer stood for few moments in
The attitude of intense thought. He then
drew to him the desk. and wrote a few
lines on piece of paper, and gave it to
the peddler.
'sThat Providence destines this country
to some great and glorious fate l must
believe, while I witness the patriotism
that pervades the bosoms of her lowest
citizens" he said. 1T must be dreadful
to mind like yours to descend into the
grave branded as a foe to liberty; but
you already know the lives that would be
sacrificed should your real character be
revealed. 1t is impossible to do you JUS
6ce now, but | fearlessly intrust you
with this certificate; should we never
meet again, it may be serviceable to your
rhildren."
Children =" exclaimed the peddler, "can
l give to a family the infamy OF my
name?"
The officer gazed at the strong emotion
he exhibited with pain. and he made
slight movement toward the gold: but it
was arrested by the expression of his COM
panion's face. Harvey saw the intention,
and shook his head as he continued, more
mildly:
at is, indeed, treasure that your ex-
cellency gives me; it is safe, too. There
are men living who could say that my
life was nothing to me, compared to your
secrets. The paper that told you was
lost, 1 swallowed when taken last by the
,,Virginians. 1t was the only time / ever
deceived your excellency, and it shall be
the last; yes. this Is, indeed, a treasure
y
melancholy smile. sit may be known after
my death who was my friend; but if it
should not, there are none to grieve for
me-"
Remember" said the officer, with
strong emotion, that in me you will al
ways have a secret friend; but openly
cannot know you"
The armies of America and France
were led by their ilustrious commander
against the enemy under CORVALLIS, and
terminated a campaign in triumph that
had commenced in difficulties. Great Brit
ain soon after became disguised with the
war; and the independence of the States
was acknowledged.
AS years rolled by. it became a subject
of pride among the different actors in the
war. and their descendants. to boast of
their efforts in the cause which had con-
fessedly heaped so many blessings upon
their country; but the name of Harvey
Birch died away among the multitude of
agents who were thought to have labored
in secret against the rights of their coun-
trymen. His image, however, was often
present to the mind Of the powerful chief.
who alone knew his true character; and
several times did he cause secret inquiries
to be made into the others fate, one of
which only resulted in any success. By
this he learned that peddler of differ
ent name. but similar appearance, was
toiling through the new settlements that
were springing up in every direction, and
that he was struggling with the advance
of years and apparent poverty. Death
prevented further inquiries on the part of
the officer, and a long period passed before
he was again heard of.