Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1917-10-25

lVbSA AihNB Aoh WV WSSoo va e1OAot
but, unfortunately, my papers and
memoranda were all taken from me
when l was captured. have had a
narrow escape from hanging" And,
as / had done before simcoe, told
en- apparently straight story, answer.
ing the questions he put to me with a
promptness that surprised myself.
was breathing easier then.
"sir," he finally said, fixing me with
his black eye, II understand that you
have had no hint Of any plan leading
toward the the capture Of - of my
person"
II have not, general" ! answered,
letting go the lie with straight face.
And did you chance to see the-the
commender-in-c chief?"
II saw Mr.. Washington number of
times-at a distance"
Arnold dashed his hand violently to
the arm OF his chair as If the name
had aroused him. "A most overrated
person, sir!" he exclaimed in loud
voice. ......
"A Jealous, opinionated, self-seeking,
and thapkless man, who thinks Of lit
tie gave his own gloryl By God, sir,
the people should know him as he is; (;
then they might better appreciate my
own motivesi He has tried to humble
me! he has even publicly reprimanded
me before his staff. He drove me to
desperation"
He stopped for a moment. was
hardly astonished; but did the man
think / was an idiot not to know that
Washington's reprimand. given the
year before. was ordered by Congress,
and that It had been made as light as
the great commander could make It?
l stood without replying, and present
ly Arnold went on in an astonishing
manner:
IL have been misunderstood and
maligned, but my conscience is clear.
My greatest wish has been for peace
for my distracted country, and my act
was the sincere outcome of that wish.
Had been. successful-had West
Point fallen, sir. the war; would now
be over. and England would be show
ing generosity to her prostrate colo.
nies. They would have gained all they
have been fighting for. But the plans
miscarried at the last instant and"
He stopped abruptly, and rising to
his feet, limped back and forth across
the room in genuine agitation. II do
not know why speak to you in this
way, Sir" he said kindly, "unless It be
that you are countryman of mine
and that you have impressed me ia.
vorably. am not prone to be 30 open
in speech, though ! am selfsacrifc-
ing" He halted before me. sir" he
said, 81 even struggled in prayer be-
fore ] undertook the thing that ruined
me-"
stared at him. Curse him!
could have struck the hypocrite in the
face. 1t was all could do to contain
myself as ! realized that here and in
my power was the man I had been
sent 10 help capture. But I masked
my feelings. He suddenly changed his
tense manner to one of more ease.
Lieutenant Melton, what / have
said must remain in your bosom. ]
forgot mvself Now, sir, have you
reported?"
"Only TO General Simcoe and your.
self, sir" i..
II understand. 1t is unfortunate
that Colonel Durand and the Seven
teenth are gone to join CORVALLIS.
VIII you follow your regiment"
II intended to apply for leave OF
absence. sir. l think deserve It," !
answered modestly.
II agree with you and ! myself will
seH that you get it," he returned with
cordiality ! did not think he pos
,sessed; then he hesitated, and some
thing like feeble smile softened his
saturnine countenance.
Lieutenant Melton, wish to tell
You that you have been very remiss.'
NJ rising spirits fell. What was
coming now? "In what manner, gen.
eral?"
an not reporting to your betrothed
for ] know you have not seen her.
1t was not formidable accusation
but as it was one for which had not
been looking, l could not make no re
ply. And he evidently expected none
for he reseated himself and went on
speak,: smoothly: You were proba
bly, told that ] had surprise for you
IL you came within an hour. Lieuten
ant, you will be pleased TO know that
Miss Barrow is in the house and Wis
ting my wife at this moment. ! vii
send for her and give her shock.
happen TO be aware that she is moi
expecting your return fol. some time.
"Agnes?" was my involuntary eX
clamation as the room began suddenl,
TO whiIl. 'r.
"Agnes. Who else?"
AS he spoke he reached forward an
struck the bell standing on the table
At once the orderly entered.
"You will go 10 my wlfes apar
mcnt, present my compliments to Mis-
Barrow, and ask her to step to the !