tration of mind and a decision of character far beyond | Oh tempora! Oh mores! Oh nature! how art thou outmy years. The weak and ridiculous points of aunt raged! when not even a dog can walk in his own bona Rachel's character afforded me infinite amusement, and fide person, but is so bedizened and transformed by gave rise to many ingenious tricks of annoyance. folly, as to make it doubtful whether he be a canine Though already rather passée, she assumed all the airs brute, or an evil spirit. I tell thee, child, if it were not of girlhood, and her vanity was flattered by the very for those blue eyes, and that arch smile, which make it persons who elicited, and then ridiculed her folly. She doubtful whether Venus or Minerva presided at thy wished to be thought altogether exclusive in her prefer- birth, I would abjure the sex." ence of everything British, and her utter abhorrence of American manufacture. This extended to even the smallest articles of comfort or traffic, and was a constant vexation to my amor patriæ. I remember one occasion, in which I felt a good deal of exultation, in seeing this spirit of haughty predominance checked in a ludierous manner. The excellence of various wines was debated at table, and Sir John, having extolled the cup, in his usual classic vein, from the time of Ganymede to the present, my maiden aunt took occasion to express her surprise, that the culture of the grape had hitherto been neglected in England, when it was so evident that in the manufacture of wines, as in everything else, they might excel every other nation. "Only think," she continued, "of the perfection to which the single matter of snuff-making has been car ried. Positively, nothing would tempt me to take a pinch of that article, which had not the signature of 'Fintalaton Cushaw, snuff-maker to his sacred majesty.' Have you a box at hand, Colonel ?" she said, addressing a British officer next her.

"No ma'am," he replied, with a sarcastic smile, "I have given up the use of it since poor Cushaw was hung."

"Hung!" shrieked aunt Rachel.

"Yes, by one act of disloyalty he lost his office, and his life; he suffered under the game law, poor fellow; he was suspected of shooting deer in Windsor forest." "To be sure!" exclaimed she, affecting the sublime, "how inflexible is justice in England!"

These incidents will give you some idea of the pecu liarities of my maternal relatives, Sir John and his sister. I was not neglected by my uncle Marion he frequently called to see me, and to direct my education, which was conducted under the best teachers in the city-so that by the time I had attained my fifteenth year, I was said to have arrived at great proficiency in the accomplishments of the day, to which were added in set form, the graces, as practised by my maiden aunt. A great change was now to come over my future prospects. The disastrous fall of Savannah, was soon followed by the capture of Charleston. This seemed to prepare the way for the subjugation of the whole southern country, and it was only a few bold spirits who dared to think of resistance. Marion was one of them. Joining several other zealous patriots, they travelled northward, beating up for recruits to oppose the enemy. But while our heroes were mourning over the state of things, and some of them gone to petition assistance from the sister states, our city was invested by the Bri tish army, and converted into the theatre of fashion and gaiety. The whig officers, nearly all prisoners of war, were sent out of the town, to the prison ships, or to St. Augustine, while the British officers, now masters of the surrounding country, spared no expense in the splendor and luxury of their entertainments. The loy alists, of which there were numbers in the place, joined in these festivities; but the noble feelings of the whig ladies, revolted at this degradation, and even foreign splendor and arrogance were often obliged to cower beneath the frown of indignant beauty. I do not mean to include all the British officers in the charge of presumption; there were some noble exceptions-some gentlemen of feeling and delicacy, who would have spurned the idea of wounding the national pride of even a lady. Among these, several visited at Sir John's; for aunt Rachel literally worshipped whoever wore the trappings of loyalty, and Sir John allowed all to enjoy the hospitalities of his mansion, who did not cross his prejudices or opinions; but he was pre-eminently a man of peace, at war with whatever interrupted the pure stream of Helicon. I was the only discordant string in the general harmony; I did not disguise my sentiments, which were warmly enlisted on the side of my oppressed country, and my earnestness in the cause gained me the title of the little rebel. Aunt Rachel endeavored to satirize my fervor, by throwing contempt on the military

Sir John was a loyalist, more from habit and affection than principle. The fountains of ancient lore, the Pyrean springs of Oxford and Cambridge, were in old England-a galaxy of ancient authors adorned her literary horizon; his heart throbbed with joy in claiming citizenship with them. The old gentleman would sometimes unbend from his stern mood, and indulge his natural turn for witty conceits and satirical innuendo. These he bestowed lavishly on aunt Rachel, whose outre decorations and fantastic manners afforded too good a mark to be missed; but me he encouraged to speak with all the artless freedom of childhood, without censure or rebuke. I often fled from the starched formality of female domination, to the library, where I was always welcomed by a smile from the old antiquary, whose harshest words were, "Have you come again, my blue eyed maid, to spread confusion in the ranks," looking at his books overthrown by my heed-resources of the rebels; while Sir John, teazed with an less movements. "But I suppose it must be so-your sex have ruled the world, from the time that Juno raised a din about old Jupiter's ears, to the present. But where is that thing compounded of pomatum, starch and loyalty, that you are so soon let off from the attitudes ?"

"Puff, do you mean, uncle? He is lying in Mr. Posey's lap, who is fanning aunt Rachel."

argument which ran not in his own vein, would exclaim-"Child, child, your head is turned with that phantom-honor. What saith that prince of poets, the ingenious Cowley, addressing this illusion of the brain: 'Noisy nothing, stalking shade,

By what witchcraft wert thou made, 'Empty cause of solid harms?'

And then again, how admirably he changes the meta

"Not the dog, child, but the woman, I alluded to phor:

'Should I fame's trumpet hear,
'I'd march the muses' Hannibal.'"

And striding in dramatic style, he would disappear be-
hind the curtains of his library.

I said there were some generous and noble sons of Britain engaged in this direful contest; but entering as I did into the warmest feelings of the whig party, I regarded with prejudice, amounting to aversion, every one who espoused the other side. Such was the cold and haughty spirit with which I first met Col. Webster. I had heard of his noble bearing and courage in the field, and thinking of him as one of my country's dreaded foes, I saw him with the flush of resentment on my cheek. I shall never forget the moment, for it was one of complete triumph on his part-the triumph of the calm and generous feelings of our nature, over the proud and vindictive. Instead of the arrogant victor, I beheld a countenance full of benignity and grace, accompanied with a courtesy of manner so sincere, that even my disdain was softened, and I was compelled to regard him, though a British officer, as a gentleman of worth and feeling. That he did not ever afterwards view me as a supercilious and narrow-minded being, is a proof of his amiable and forgiving disposition. Soon after our introduction, I expressed my sentiments without the least reserve, and expected to meet fully as much warmth on the side of loyalty. On the contrary, he spoke with deep sympathy of the evils of war, and lamented that the spirit of discord and hatred should be kindled between kindred nations, whose sons were born to be brethren by blood and friendship; "and while this," he smiling said, (touching the bright steel that hung at his side,) "forbids me to say that my king's rebellious subjects have justice on their side, I sincerely wish them a happy issue out of this disastrous contest."

a tear, "would both be content to relinquish any honors your gift, Capt. Dawkins."

in

"Certainly ma'am, certainly I wouldn't wish to He was interrupted by Colonel Webster-"Forgive me, Miss Marion, nothing was farther from my thoughts than offering the slightest injury to your feelings. I would die sooner; but I had imagined that our acquaintance, our friendship, may I say, if it is not too late, would have allowed an innocent jest. But I see that I have offended you, and wounded those sensibilities which though the charm of your sex, are too delicate to be appreciated as they deserve by ours."

Before he was done speaking, I felt the impropriety of my resentment; and, covered with confusion, hid my face in my handkerchief, while tears of unaffected remorse flowed down my cheeks. Capt. Dawkins had retreated at the first flash of my temper I suppose, for when I had gained sufficient courage to look up, I found myself alone with Col. Webster. I was attempting to apologize for my conduct, when he seized my hand, and pressing it to his lips, said, "Let us both forget what has just passed, or remember it only as the time when a mutual fault and mutual forgiveness cemented the bonds of a friendship as enduring as life."

I could only reply, "Your generosity is heaping coals of fire on my head; I had much rather you should resent, even defy my unpardonable petulance."

"Who could fail to admire that ardor of disposition that knows no cold medium? and how happy must he be, who wins the first place in such a heart, too proud to stoop, too noble to disguise-too true even to deceive, and may I not add, too generous not to forgive?" "Add whatever is necessary to complete the climax, and make me perfect, however foreign to the truth."

"Then let me utter what my heart has long confessed, that there is an irresistible charm around you, and that by those bright pearls which strive vainly to dim the sweet azure of your eyes, I do confess its power over this heart of mine."

Not long afterwards, the king's birthday was to be celebrated in Charleston, with great pomp. I suppose the design was to charm the loyalists, and dazzle the whigs, by this pageant. Aunt Rachel was more than a month busily engaged in rearing a triple crown with which to decorate her temples on the occasion. I could not help being amused at her folly, while I despised the spirit she evinced in the affair. Having completed the head-dress, the ultimatum of her wishes was to surmount it with some loyal device. She first applied to Col. Webster to confer the honor, but he, casting a furtive glance at me, declared there were so many rebels among the ladies of Charleston, that he feared not only the crown, but the wearer, would be torn to pieces, if it appeared at the ball. Nothing daunted, she turned to Capt. Dawkins, who after much circumlocution, produced what he called a lion rampant trampling the eagle. She was charmed with the execution, and walked off in triumph, while Col. Webster and myself were nearly choked with laughter at the ridiculous effect. To conceal his diversion from the company, he turned to me and asked, if I was waiting to see the eagle triumphant before I engaged the services of Capt. Dawishing the sentence, by the fortunate return of aunt kins in the same line. In a moment I experienced a complete revolution of feeling, and my cheeks burned with resentment, to be put in comparison with such a compound of folly and presumption, but worst of all, to have the true American eagle so vilified and degraded. “The eagle and myself," I replied, trying to suppress

"Who would ever suspect Col. Webster of speaking nonsense to a girl of sixteen, and she too a rebel, and the niece of the arch-rebel, Marion ?" I said, endeavoring to turn what he had said into jest.

"My dear Miss Marion, the heart seeks not its conquests in the battle field, but in the bower of love. However, you speak truly; it is nonsense for a soldier, an adventurer whose life hangs on the fortunes of war, to aspire to the smiles of beauty, or the return of affection. Accident has betrayed me into the confession of a passion which I have vainly striven to smother in my own bosom, until a more propitious hour should arrivea time when even Constance Marion might hear with honor the fervent expressions of my love.”

"The time will come," I replied, "when Col. Webster will find what he so richly deserves, a heart as warm and true as his own, which will respond to those feelings which it is impossible I ever can”

Here I was relieved from the embarrassment of fin

Rachel with the tiara on her head. I hoped to escape observation, and retreated behind her, not without her remarking as I passed, that my cheeks were this evening what she should call "vulgarly red." I made no reply, or even looked up, until I reached my chamber, where I threw myself down, heartily vexed with my

self for having forced Col. Webster to the declaration | never met Heyward afterwards without shrinking. of a passion in which I could feel no interest, except From this time he practised less freedom, but more that of being the cause of unhappiness to a mind so noble and disinterested. I had never thought of love as associated with Col. Webster, though his society afforded a feast of the highest intellectual entertainment, which fascinated my mental taste, yet it moved not the spell which, long ere I saw him, had been spun around my youthful heart and fancy.

assiduity, to make himself agreeable. I tried to conduct myself so as to keep up the appearance of friendship, while I kept as little of Heyward's company as possible in the position I then occupied. Kate Sweeney was my only confidential friend; to her I communicated the disagreeable circumstances in which I was placedobliged to bear the attentions of a man whose prinThe grand birthnight ball passed, and none of the ciples and manners I began to detest. She prudently whig ladies attended. I heard, through my aunt's gos-advised me not to irritate the passions of one who, she sip, that Col. Webster, though the "observed of all believed, would revenge, if it were possible, every observers," was not in his element, and retired early. | slight offered him. She then told me that Sweeney had From this time his calls were less frequent, and his heard from Gen. Marion, who had joined the northern manner towards me reserved, and almost cold. army coming to the assistance of their southern bre

I have dwelt thus long on the conduct of Col. Web-thren, and that they were marching to the defence of ster towards me, to contrast it with that of another Georgetown. person, who was destined to be the persecutor and bane of my life. This was Thomas Heyward, the only son of Sir John-who being sated with the pleasures of foreign courts, returned to America; and obtaining a commission in the British army, sought excitement in the stirring scenes of a camp. His conversation was brilliant and entertaining, though interlarded with too much of the court slang; but making due allowance for the fashionable extravagance of the continent, the gallantry of his manners might pass for the height of bon ton. His knowledge of the world, and insight into character, amused me; and attributing the freedom of his deportment to his having mixed much with the world, I gave him credit for that artlessness and sincerity in his intentions, which experience had not yet taught me to suspect. I pitied him too, for it was evident his society was the aversion of both Sir John and aunt Rachel so that I was his only refuge in the family, and regarded him, perhaps on that account, with a more favorable eye. While awaiting his commission, he mixed in the gaieties of the city, and was the beau ideal of the loyalist ladies. He affected perfect indifference towards the flattering tokens with which his presence was greeted in the halls of beauty and festivity; and declared, on returning from these gay resorts, that simplicity was now his beau ideal of all that was lovely in woman; and this he would say in a way to make me suppose he was contrasting my manners with the heartless beings, whose life was spent in weaving attractions for the other sex. I remember the first time I believed Heyward in earnest in the flattering expressions he used towards me. We were looking at some prints, in which love and pleasure are represented under the same figure.

"This is too good news to be true," I exclaimed. "My uncle Marion, from whom I have not heard for six months, coming with an army to deliver me from a thraldom worse than death! I am transported, Kate, at the very thought. I will seek his protection, even in the embattled field."

"Not so fast, my little mistress; he'll do his bestbut God only knows, whether our little handful of men can prevail against these dare devils, helped on as they are by the tories. Bless you, child, Sweeney was off as soon as he got wind of it. I think as how the General has work for him; but you know he's no blabtongue-so I never says a word, because I know he's doing his best for the General and the country, for a poor man as he is. He'll likely be home in a day or two, and then I'll step round and bring you down to see him."

"I once wooed them as the same,” he said, “but now I feel the deception. Do you know why, Constance?" "No, I cannot imagine."

"Mammy, a thought has struck me, that under Sweeney's protection, I might reach my uncle's quarters. I do not believe the soldiery would molest me; indeed nothing could terrify me more than the thought of being in Heyward's power."

"God send you, my sweet mistress, speedy help; but don't be too rash: your uncle an't ignorant of the snare set for you, and he'll consider of the matter, and I'm pretty sure, send some word by Sweeney. He has enough friends in the country to take care of you and keep you out of harm's way, if he does but speak the word, and so Sweeney said when I was a grieving over your situation."

"Well, mammy, your words have both reason and comfort; would that I could listen to them longer-but the evening shadows warn me to my prison again."

"Not with that tear in your eye, sweet one; I will go with you, if you will dash away that drop, that almost makes one come into my own, and think only of the pleasure in store for you, when you have the free country to bound over, and all the General's men to do you reverence. I'll tell you there's one of them an't forgot the blue eyes that shone on him that even

His glance was directed as if to search my inmost soul; even that impassioned look did not reveal to me the secret, until pressing my hand, he exclaimed: "I had not then seen love and innocence combined in ing he met you and Miss Edith stroaming out on the my own dear cousin."

"Oh! hush, Heyward," I replied, "I have never listened to the voice of flattery, and never will," tearing away and running up stairs.

I felt a chill of horror come over me, at the idea of being loved by him, that almost petrified me. It was an undefinable feeling, which seemed to forbode evil. I

sands. Ah! I see that tell-tale blush; so you remember it too, do you?"

"Ah! mammy!" I replied with emotion, "it was only past happiness returning for a moment that brightened my cheek." At the instant, I was carried back to other days, when hope scattered her roses in my path. "But, as you say, I will think of the future, and hope

it may be as bright as your love for me would picture | Charleston and come to me at my quarters, near

it."

Georgetown. I confide you to the care and safe conA fortnight elapsed, and still Sweeney did not return. duct of Sweeney, who understands, better than any I began to fear that in some fatal encounter he had one else, eluding the enemy. He and Kate will accomfallen. I felt lonely and desolate, and the wanness of pany you to our lines, where I will await you. I rejoice my soul was painted on my countenance. Col. Web-to hear that you spurned a man who is notorious for ster came―he had not called for sometime. He asked his gallantry; you will soon be freed from his presence, for me; and though I was too unhappy to enjoy society, and the embarrassing situation in which you are placed. I could not slight a friend such as he was, so I con- I am retreating towards the Pedee, where we hope to strained my feelings and went down. After a few lie covertly secure from the enemy, and ready to seize minutes' conversation, he came up to me, and inquired any advantage that may be in our reach. Fear not to if I had been really ill, that the bloom had faded from trust yourself to the courtesies of my brigade; there is my cheeks. not a man in it that would treat a lady with rudeness. I have many warm friends between the Pedee rivers,

"I should say," he continued, "that your looks mock the happiness that report says you are shortly to real-who will do you every hospitality until we see better ize, in an union with Lieut. Heyward."

"Good heavens!" I exclaimed, trembling at the idea, "could you believe it possible, from his knowledge of my character? It is only as a victim that I can ever stand at the altar with Heyward."

times. I wish you to observe secrecy in your movements, until you are out of Heyward's vicinity: I have no confidence in a man of his principles."

I considered a moment, whether I should accept Col. Webster's offer, or abide by my uncle's directions, and "I see, Miss Marion, that this is a painful subject. give myself up entirely to Sweeney's guidance. I apGod forbid that I should ever add to anything that dis-pealed to him to tell me sincerely, whether he thought I tresses you; on the contrary, what is there that I might venture to undertake the expedition with no dewould not attempt to relieve you from any embarrass-fence but such as he could render me. ment or cause of uneasiness? Hesitate not to tell me, if in any way I can aid your wishes."

He answered, "You know I am not a man of many words; but, God willing, I'll see you safe into your

"There is one wish, in the execution of which your uncle's arms. I've laid my plan,-we must get the pass goodness might possibly assist me."

of the British officer Webster; he'll do anything for

"Speak! only speak, and it shall be done," he said, you, Miss Constance; for his very eye dances at the with great warmth.

"I hear that Gen. Marion is approaching Georgetown; could I procure safe conduct to his quarters, my only wish on earth would be gratified. I see your astonishment, but think not that I resolve rashly. There, and there alone, can I look for repose and happiness." "Have you any attendants, in whose fidelity you can trust, in the expedition?"

sight of you. But my pretty bird, you must cover up that snow y face, that the blood seems to sparkle through, and dye them glistening brown curls, so as to look more like a blackamoor than a lady born as you are, for I tell you, my queen, beauty is a dangerous thing to fall among these English dogs."

"Would to Heaven, foster father, I had been gifted with something less annoying-less fatal to my happi

"Ah! yes, my foster parents, Sweeney and his wife, ness." who love me as their own souls."

"Then at such time as you may appoint, a sufficient escort from my own troop, shall conduct you safely into the American lines. In the meantime I will use every effort to ascertain the exact position of Marion."

"Thank you,” I replied, “your kindness surpasses words."

He made no answer, but pressing my hand to his lips, departed. With a lighter heart than usual I walked down to my nurse, Kate Sweeney's. She met me with a smile, telling me Sweeney had come, and brought me a letter from the General.

"A letter! where is he?"

"Jest making himself decent like, to see you; he's had rowdy work, poor soul, dodging through the swamps to keep out the way of the enemy; not for that he is afraid of one of the insolent rogues, when he's free, as you may say, to hold his own; but you know he's business on hand that requires him to keep clear of interruption." Sweeney now came with the letter in his hand. I pressed it to my bosom, and then opening it, read its contents.

"Don't discomfort yourself, child; I can manage it very well. Kate must take it upon her to play old Molly Drugget, the doctress, who is free to put her foot where she pleases; for the folks all believe she carries a God-send with her; and you, I ask pardon, must for the time go for her daughter,—both travelling to the help of the sick in Georgetown hospital. But as Molly and her gal Peg are both smartly colored with mulatta blood, you must "take part of the same," as the blessed scripture says, and I think I have the thing that will do it, having been driven to these shifts before this day.”

"And you, Sweeney, what will you do to escape detection? I shall fear most for you, as you must be well known in these parts."

"La, an't I tricked 'em before to-day, I reckon ? Why I can put on the devil's cloak, and not be hurt by it, if there's a need be? And why not pass for a raal red coat? It an't the first time I've slipped in and out of it as slick as an eel in its skin. Kate, show Miss Constance the raal thing there, none the worse for coming off the back of a deserter. And now let's set too, and fix by to-morrow evening, for remember we "My dearest Constance, I hear by John Sweeney of are night strollers. I've three as nice footed tackers as the painful circumstances in which you are placed. No-ever trod turf. Kate and I must both swing a wallet thing but the city's being invested by the enemy, pre- of necessaries on our beasts, not for that we shall want vents my hastening to your relief. I have considered much, but you must keep up the state to which you the matter, and think it best that you should leave was born, Miss Constance, its not fitting for the like of

befall me in this momentous undertaking, and that we might again meet in happier times; but this was said with a deeper cadence of the voice.

you to stint yourself. Let's see-first of all, get the permit of the Colonel, for you ken this place is a kind of devil's hole; none can get out or in without passing through the fire. You jest signify, my mistress, as We immediately set about assuming our different how you wish to come to the speech of him, and I'll disguises. After I was painted and habited, Sweeney underwrite you; he's sure as death; but wait here declared he should have no misgivings, unless he for him, for let but that glossy black-hearted fureigner caught a glimpse of my slender foot or hand. About get wind that you have any private talk with any gen- dusk we started, and found no difficulty in passing the tleman but him, and Beelzebub can't hold him. Here's sentinels around the city. Sweeney being well practhe bit paper, but steady that little white hand, or I tised in giving the countersign, no inquiry was made am afraid the Colonel can't read your chicken flutters." which his ingenuity could not answer. We passed all "I will try, Sweeney," I said, feeling the blush of the foraging parties of the enemy without molestation; wounded pride suffuse my cheeks, as I thought of being and Sweeney, thinking we had gained a secure resting about to solicit a clandestine interview with Col. Web-place in the dark morasses of the Santee, called a halt, ster. I transcribed a few lines, and Sweeney set off that we might refresh ourselves and horses. He struck for the British quarters, while I turned my steps to a light, and we were in the act of discussing our wallet wards Sir John's, to make arrangements for my jour-of provisions, when my guide sprang to his feet, and ney. What was my horror to see Heyward reclining intently listened to a distant noise, which his practised on the balcony, and watching me as I advanced. It ear soon ascertained to be the tramp of horses. His was impossible to pass without encountering him; so first action was to blow out the light; the next, to put I endeavored to assume a careless air as I entered the our horses in motion. piazza. As I was passing, he caught my hand, exclaiming, "How now, little Zephyr, did you think to flit by me thus, when you know my soul lives only in the beam of those bright eyes? I cannot endure this coquetry longer, or allow you to waive my suit, when every day increases the intensity of my passion." 'Heyward," I replied, with indignant feelings, more persecute me with this language, or I shall believe you mean to offend me. I can never listen to a tale of love from you, and I esteem it an ungenerous thing to press the matter farther, when you know it is impossible I can ever think of you otherwise than as a friend and relation."

no

"Remember, Constance Marion," he said, "that you are the first woman to whom I ever proffered my hand; and, by Heaven, you shall rue the hour you rejected it, if a thousand devils were to stand between me and the accomplishment of my wishes."

I was near sinking on the floor while he spoke. I saw the fell demon in his eye as he rushed by me out of the house. When he was gone, I crept softly into my own apartment, and with trembling hands arranged my apparel in a portable form. I could not trust myself to see poor Sir John, but commending him to the protection of Heaven, left the portals of a mansion where I had known the first throb of delight, and felt the first pang of sorrow. I reached Sweeney's humble abode, and had time to compose my spirits, before Col. Webster's arrival. He met me with emotion, and seemed deeply concerned at the resolution I had taken to commit myself to Sweeney's protection alone.

"My passport," he said, "will secure your party from any interruption from our regular troops; would to God it could shield you from all danger of insult and impertinence from the hordes of lawless marauders. You know how joyfully I would provide you an escort, had not you preferred the plan laid by Marion. My only hope is in the unrivalled tact of your faithful friend Sweeney, with whom I wish to have a few words in private."

He retired a few moments with Sweeney, and then returned with a more cheerful countenance. Day was near dying away before he departed; when he did so, it was with every expression of hope that no evil might

"These," he said, "must be the videttes returning to camp, or that devil Butler."

แ

"Not the marauder, I trust in Heaven!” I exclaimed. 'Never fear, lady; I got that will make him move backwards faster than he ever did forwards before. Sweeney don't travel without his pass neither."

"God preserve us! what can you do, dear foster father, against such a gang of banditti ?"

"Never flinch, dear lady; run your beast up between Kate's and mine, and say nothing, for I hear 'em coming right ahead."

They quickened their pace on perceiving us, and a rough voice called out, "Who goes there?"

"A servant of the king's, on duty bound," was the answer.

"By what warrant do you prove it? for I swear no cursed rebel shall escape the sword of Tom Butler." "And Tom Butler is the very man I want," was the ready answer.

"Why, fool, what can you want with him? You seem to be in no case to fight with him, or for him.”

"Why," rejoined Sweeney, "it's a long story, which as time don't wait, I'll try to make short. You see as how we English folks has a great notion of being comfortable."

"And what's that to the purpose?" rejoined the impatient ruffian.

"A great deal: it's the reason I'm fetching Molly Drugget and her gal Peg to nurse the men in the hospital."

"And who gave you permission to do this?” "Who, but my superior officer, Colonel Webster? Here's his pass, if you want to see it." "It may all be a lie, for what I know. Strike a light there, sergeant. Let me see the paper." "Well, here it is; but what's the use of cogitating on what no consarns you, man; when here's the raal scrip under the hand of Cornwallis, which he sent you by the safest hand he could hit on."

He fumbled in his breeches pocket, and presented Butler with a sealed paper, purporting to be from the British General, and warning Butler of the rapid movement of three detachments of the American army with the intention of surrounding him, and warning