The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1907-06-20

turning to Harper. he had resumed
book in silence. She took some of the
ribbons in her hand and, bending over the
goods, so that her hair, falling in rich
curls. shaded her face. she observed,
blushing with a color that suffused her
neck:
Il thought the southern horse had
marched toward the Delaware"
1t may be So" said Birch; Il passed
the troops at "a distance"
CHAPTER III.
On the afternoon of the succeeding day
the party were assembled in the parlor
around the tea table of Miss Peyton,
when change in the weather occurred
The air was mild, balmy and refreshing;
in the east clouds, which might be likened
to the retreating masses of a discom-
flied army, hung around the horizon in
awful and increasing darkness, while in
the west the sun had broken forth and
shed his parting radiance on the scene
below, aided by the fullest richness of a
clear atmosphere and freshened heritage.
What { magnificent scene :" said Har-
per. in a low tone; .'how grand how aw-
fully sublime. May such quiet speed
lily await the struggle in which my coun-
try is engaged, and such glorious even
ing follow the day of her adversity"
Frances, who stood next to him. alone
heard the voice. Turning in amazement
from the view to the speaker, she saw
him standing bareheaded, erect, and with
his eyes lifted to heaven. They were
lighted into something like enthusiasm.
and slight flush passed over his fea-
lures.
There can be no danger apprehended
from such a man." thought Frances ;
''such feelings belong only to the virtu-
GUS"
The musings of the party were inter
rupted BY the sudden appearance of the
peddler-
Fine evening"" he said. saluting the
party; quite warm and agreeable for
tie season.
The valley in which the residence of
Mr.. Wharton stood ran in a direction
from northwest to southeast. A small
opening, occasioned by the receding of the
opposite hill and the fall of the land to
the level of the tidewater, afforded view
of the sound over the tops of the distant
woods on its margin Some dark spots
were to be distinguished, occasionally ris-
ing into view. and again sinking behind
the heightened waves They were unno-
ticed by all but the peddler. He glanced
his eye with marked uneasiness on Har-
per. and then said. with great emphasis !:
'sThe rig'lars must be out from be-
low"
why do you thing so:''- inquired Cap
tain Wharton, eagerly. God send it may
be true: | want their escort in again."
"Then ten whaleboats would not move
so fast unless they were better manned
than common"
alarm, .they are-they are continentals
returning from the island"
Harvey seemed to be soliloquizing. as
he said in an undertone: They came
out before the gale-have laid on the
island these two days-horse are on the
road-there will soon be fighting near
u.s."
As Birch concluded Harper turned to
his host. and mentioned that his business
would not admit of unnecessary delay: he
would, therefore, avail himself of the fine
evening to ride few miles on his Jour-
hey. Every preparation being completed.
Harper proceeded to take his leave. To
Sarah and her aunt he paid his compli-
ments with ease and kindness: but when
he came to Frances. be paused a moment.
while his face assumed an expression of
more than ordinary benignity His eye
EXPRESSED a blessing and the girl felt her
cheeks glow, and her heart beat with a
nuicker pulsation- There was a mutual
exchange of polite courtesy between the
host and his parting guest: but as Har-
ne,- frankly offered his hano to Captain
Wharton. he remarked, in manner OF
great solemnity:
The step you have undertaken is one
Of much danger, and disagreeable conse-
ouences to yourself may result from it
in such . case, may have it in my power
20 prove the gratitude l owe your family
for its kindness"
.Surely, sir" cried the father, you
will keep secret the discovery which your
being in my house has enabled you to
r Harper turned quickly to the speaker
ard then. losing the sternness which had
begun to gather en- his countenance. he
answered mildly: Il have learned nothing
in your family, sir, of which 1 was ignor-
ant before; but your son is safer from
NV knowledge of his visit than he would
be without it."
He bowed to the whole party, and with.
ont taking any notice of the peddler, 9th
err than by simply thanking him for his
attentions. mounted his horse and. riding
steadily and gracefully through the little
gate, was soon lost behind the hill which
sheltered the valley to the northward.
Captain Wharton. do you go in to
cight?" asked the peddler.
.sMr Birch, would you have me leave
such company so soon:''
II rather guess" continued the ped
der. coolly, now the storm is over the
SINNERS may be moving; you hid better
shorten your visit, Captain Wharton"
..Oh ~ cried the British officer, "a few
euipeas will buy off those rascals at AM
time. should / meet them. No. no, Mr.
Birch. here / stay until morning."
sMoney could not liberate Major An
DIRE" caid the peddler, dryly.
II brought myself out. and can take
myself in" said the captain, positively
our bargain went no ldTlner imam tt
procure my disguise. and to let me know
when the coast was clear and in the lat
ter particular you were mistaken, Mr.
Birch"
II was said the peddler, with some in
terest, land the greater is the reason why
you should go back tonight; the pass
gave you will serve but once"
Cannot you forge another?"
The pale cheek of the trader showed an
unusual color, but he continued silent
until the young man added, with great
positiveness Here / stay this night
come what WILL"
Captain Wharton" said the peddIer
with great deliberation and marked en-
7bssiA beware tall yirsiniaD. -