Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-07-06

Has the man whom I wished &c
see arrived. sir?"
He waits the pleasure Of your ex-
cellency."
Il 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 apart
ment. stood modestly at a distance
from the general. without speaking.
His entrance was unheard by the Off
Ger. who sat gazing at the fire. still
absorbed In his own meditations. Sew
eral minutes passed, when he spoke
to himself In an undertone-
Tomorrow we must raise the cur
tain and expose our plans. May.
Heaven prosper themi'
A slight movement made by the
stranger caught his ear, and he turned
his head and saw that he was not
alone He pointed silently to the fire
toward which the figure advanced. al
though the multitude Of his garments
which seemed more calculated for
disguise than comfort, rendered its
warmth unnecessary. A second mild
and courteous gesture motioned to
vacant chair but the stranger refused
IL with a modest acknowledgment
Another pause followed, and contin-
ued for some time At length the Of
hcer arose. and opening a desk that
was laid upon the table near which he
sat. took from it a small, but appar-
/ emily 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 spt dKer then, drop
ping his head upon his bosom he
said. meekly;
"If It be your excellency's pleas
ure"
1T is necessary. Since have filled
the station which I now hold, II ha $
I become my duty to know many men,
who, Ike yourself, have been my in
strumcnts in procuring intelligence
You have I trusted more than all:
early saw in you a regard TO truth
and principle. that. | am pleased to
say, has never deceived me-you alone
I know my secret agents In the city
and on your fidelity depend, not only
their fortunes but their lives"
He paused, as II 10 reflect in order
that full Justice might be done to the
peddler and then continued:
Il believe you are one Of the very
few that / have employed who have
acted faithfully to our cause; and.
while you have passed as a spy Of the
enemy have never given intelligence
that you were not permitted 10 d.
vulge. To me. and to me only OF all
the world, you seem to have acted
with strong attachment to the lib
critics Of America"
During this address Harvey grail
uallv raised his head from his bosom.
until It reached the highest point Of
elevation; faint tinge gathered iU
his cheeks, and as the officer con-
cluded, II was diffused over his whole
Countenance in a deep glow, while he
stood proudly swelling with his emo
tions, but with eyes that modestIy
sought the feet Of the speaker
1T ts 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--I wish
not to undervalue your dangers; here
are a hundred doubloons; you will
remember the poverty Of our coun-
try and attribute to 1t the smallness
Of your pay"
The peddler raised his eyes to the
countenance of the speaker; but, as
the other held forth the money, lie
moved back, as If refusing the bag.
1T is not much for your services
and risks, I acknowledge" continued
the general. but it is all that have
TO offer. at the end of the campaign
Il may be in my power to increase it,"
Does your excellency think that
have exposed my life and blasted my
character for money!"
If not for money, what them"
What has brought your eXcellency
into the field? For what do you daily
and hourly expose Your precious life
to battle and the halter? What IS
there about me to mourn, when such
men as you risk their all for our
country? No. no. no--not dollar Of
your gold will 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 during
the remainder of the interview. The
officer looked steadily at the face Of
his companion, and continued:
There are many motives which
might govern me, that to you are I'M
known. Our situations are different
am known as the leader of armies
but you must descend into the grave
with the reputation Of a foe TO your
native land. Remember that the veil
which conceals your true character
can not be raised in years-perhaps
never
Birch again lowered his face, but
there was no yielding Of the soul In
the movement
You viii soon be old; the prime Of |
your days is already past; what have |
YOU to subsist on?"
THESE" said the peddler, stretch |
ing forth his hands, that were already |
amhrowned with toll.
But those may fail YOU; take |
enough to secure a support to your |
age. Remember your risks and cares. |
have told you that the characters
II men who are much esteemed in life I
depend on your secrecy; what pledge |
,an I give them of your fidelity?"
Tell them" said Birch, advancing !
and unconsciously resting one foot on
the bag, tell them that I would not
take the gold."
The composed features OF the on
GER relaxed into smile of benevo-
ence, and he grasped the hand of
the peddler firmly.
Now, indeed, I know you; and al
though the same reasons which have
hitherto compelled me to expose your
life viii still exist, and pre-
vent by openly asserting your char
4rter in private I can ALWAYS he yplr !