Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-07-06
THE SPY :: By ]. FenimOre Cooper

nobIy. and acts so well. If sickness
peace once more smile upon our eff
forts, seek the gate OF him whom you
have so often met as Harper. and he
will not blush to acknowledge you
in his true character"
1t is little that | need in this life"
said Harvey. so long as God gives
me health and honest industry, I can
never want in this county: but to
know that your eNCeliency is my
friend is a blessing that l prize more
than all the gold Of Englands treas
ury."
The officer stood for a few moments
in the attitude of intense thought
He then drew to him the desk, and
wrote a few lines on a piece Of paper
and gave it to the peddler
That Providence destines this
country to some great and glorious
fate ! must believe, while | witness
the patriotism that pervades the bos-
oms Of her lowest citizens" he said.
1t must be drea dSll to a 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 justice now, but / fearlessly in
trust you with this certificate; should
we never meet again, it may be ser
viceable 10 your children"
Children" exclaimed the peddler,
can | give to a family the infamy
Of my name?"
The officer sszed at the strong
emotion he exhibited with pain, and
he made a slight movement toward
the gold: but Il was arrested by the
expression of his companions face.
Harvey saw the intention. and shook
his head as he continued more mildly:
1T is, indeed, a treasure that your
excellency gives me; it is safe, too.
There are men living who could say
that my life was nothing to me, com
pared to your secrets. The paper that
l told you was lost l swallowed when
taken last by the Virginians It was
the only time l ever deceived your
excellency, and it shall be the last;
yes, this is, indeed, a treasure to me;
perhaps" he continued with a melan-
choly smile, 1T may be known after
my death who was my friend; but if
1t should not, there are none to grieve
for me-"
Remember" said the officer, with
strong emotion, that in me you will
always have a secret friend but
openly / can not know you"
Il know 1t, l know It," said Birch;
Il knew II when I took the service.
It's probably the last time that l
shall ever see your excellency. May
God pour down his choicest blessing
on your head" He paused, and moved
toward the door. The officer fol-
lowed him with eyes that expressed
deep interest. Once more the peddler
turned and seemed to gaze on the
placid but commanding features Of
the general with regret and reverence,
and then, bowling low, he withdrew
The armies of America and France
were led by their illustrious COM
mander against the enemy under
CORVALLIS, and terminated a cam
paign in triumph that had commenced
in difficulties. Great Britain soon
after became disguised with the war,
and the independence of the States
was acknowledged.
AS years rolled by 1t became a sub
ject Of pride among the different ac-
tors in the war, and their descend
ants, to boast of their efforts in the
cause which had confessedly heaped
so many blessings upon the country
but the names of Harvey Birch died
away among the multitude of agents
who were thought to have labored In
secret against the rights of their
countrymen. 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 a peddler of a diff
ferent name, but similar appearance,
was tOiling through the naW Sat+1a
ments that were springing up in ev-
cry direction, and that he was strug-
Cling with the advance Of years and
apparent poverty Death prevented
further inquiries on the part of the
officer, and long period passed be-
fore he was again heard OF.