UC-NRLF B 3 Sfll 523 "^ 7" -N .V-: »>'~><'* -»'-- NO. 4. TALES OF THE REVOLFTir. U^^ nnCE, ONE SIIIIUNG. ASPEB CROWE. BY JOHN H.> MANrUR CHRISTINE,' ""ALDA GREY,"— "THE DESERTER, "HENRI QUATRE; OR. THE DAYS OF THE LEAGUE," &c.. &c., <fec. ia^ iSTiJir YORK; WILLIAM H. COLYER, No. 5 HAGUE-STREET. BURGESJ^ '^-. STRINGER, No. 2Vi Broadway, corner of Ann-street. SUN <^FFICE, Sorulh Wet I corner of Nassan a->d Fulton strttts SAXTON «& MILES. 203 Broaiwtij GI< A HAM & CHlvISTIE, Asior Hou.fe, Broad.way G. B. ZlEBER & Co.. J.'J?. rOi.'>N, Philaddjtkm. C H BRAhNAKD & Co., SAXTON, PHIUCE, & \'u , J>)RDAN «t (Jo.. ,in<i REDDING di Co., Bostcn. N. HICK^ MA.NV »n<l WiLIa'AM TAYi.OR, HaUimore. 18 4 3. iy*.'>^<;i^ii>inttf"' ■■*':^'-?'i^4e-^-5ri'yu# !li^ f^m NOTICE. The favour wiih which *' Christine,"' and "The I^osi :!er," have l. >; received by the Piil)lic, induces the Author to persevtrti ia his original de- sign of issuing a series of narrratives ilhistrative of the Rkvolltion. Each number will complete a narration ; though for the convenience of those who may be desirous of binding the series, the pages will be numbered conse- cutively, and a general title-Jiage furnished with tlie concluding number. [Enthbed, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1643, by William H. Colter, in the Clerk's OHice of the Southern District of Kew York.] JASPER CROWE. CHAPTER L C.PTUN J.B..ONSKY, a Polc by birth, commanded a company in^^Xs.an veganem of ^-P-^!' ^j-^;^/^!^::::! „iliprs in the town of Trenton, on the Dclauare. lie vva> a 5 , ,. .howy officer, a year, or ttiore, on the jnventle ..de of to "lU- thl generaht/of hi. oonntrymet, an excellent itn- ffaiJ-brave, hamlsome, and somewhat reck.es.. At the neriod when our narrative opens— early on Chl^.s,- 1 , '^^f the vear of Grace, one thousand seven htindred '"'l'""°v ,;,v sx a^id of Independence, the primal year-lhe ^Ite^rSiTn^cVlly^halte..^ S;:K:^X Sa:; t^^afv^s or n.;e ,mf«.nce to ll,°siro,iger party-without tnconvemctce to, or c>oud.n„, the ,«iohty men-lf-war «'"> --'"'-^J?:^ Knipslatch, an msmmm ^™ lt:r;,\*d :7ew coppeTcolns, on ccnd.tion of he.ng show. would save hi the way 16 95564.8 194 JASPER CROWE. ■•Thfey- p'&'SsdJ 'tl.'C fpiirket-place, where ihe Hessian nrlillery was deposited, under proteciion from the weather, and turned down a street on the left-hand. Tlie roar of water was now audible ; pleasant to llie ear on a wairn, snmmer night, bnt dis- mal in the extreme, in winter, to a stranger uncertain of the way, uncertain of lodging, or enlertainment. " Is what you call — old Crowe the miser—rich ?" asked the captain, growing weary of the cold, dark street. " Yes, sir !" replied the boy. " And plenty of good Christmas-store in the house?" " No, sir," answered the urchin: "he keeps it so long, that he's obliged to throw it away. Uncle borrowed two score of eggs, and they weie all rotten. Old Crowe wanted the same number of good ones back, and Uncle vvouldn\ do it — so tliey went lo law " " Has Old Crowe any children ?" demanded Jablonsky, lo whom the prospect was gloomy, and who began to waver in his desire of l)eaiuig np the miser's quarters, and to entertain a desire of returning to the guard-house for a guide toKnipslalch's location. " There's Mary Crowe," said the lad ; '' he has no other chil- dren ; and I have not seen her for many days.'* 'J'he prospect of seeing Mary Crowe was rather enticing, as by farther replies, which he drew from the boy, he learned that she was accounted, in the neighboiyhood, a beauty, and that her age did not exceed seventeen. Meanwhile the noise of rushing waters grew louder ; it pro- ceeded fr()m the Assanpink creek, whose stream, after turning a mill, discharges itself into the Delaware, forming a boundary — on the east — to the town of Trenton. Jablonsky now knew his position, as the bridge over the creek was guarded by sentinels from his own company. The boy turned sharply to the right, down a retired street which ran parallel with the Delaware, the murmur of whose rapids, breaking over rocks, near the opposite shore, came feebly lo the car. " That's the house, sir," cried the young guide, pointing to an ancient stone edifice; and runnin<j off home, he left the captain to make the most of th^ information. Jablonsky could trace, through ihe gloom, the outlines of a large homestead, occupying two sides of a square, or quadran- gle : the gable end of one fronted the street. A piazza, or covered gallery — or to use the old Dutch term, stoupe, extpnded along the walls of both angles of the building, with a flight of steps into the area, which was laid out as a garden. Behind ran the broad river, at the distance of a rod or two; the old house standing on an elevation not many feet above the surface of the stream. There appeared several avenues through which admittance was gained. One approach led up to the stoupe, another under- JASPER CROWE. 195 neath it, a door in the basement of the gablc-fiont promised a tliird ; but unfortunately for our captain, liie outer gaiden gale was locked. " Now for it!" cried Jablonsky, "Knipslalch or no Knipslaich! — Mary Crowe or no Mary Crowe — supper, or — the devil !" And siezing, witli both hands, the gale, lie shook it so violent- ly, that — miser's gate as it was — it parted irom ihe old rusted hinges, Tlie noise of this procedure brought forth, from beneatU the piazza, an old woman, exclaiming — " Tuusend teufeln ! wer isl da /"' Recognizing the voice of Diana (iroots, camp-sutiler to Knip- slatch's regiment, and an especial good cook, he knew the house lo be his friend's quarters, and replying to the beldame's invectives in her native language, bade her hold her tongue, bring a ligiit, and lead him to the count's apariment. Jablonsky found every thing prepared for his reception. A blazing fire on the hearth, a table on which stood several kinds of wines and liquors, a rcjw of large-bowled pipes, or meerschaums, a vacant chair, and a trio of mililary companions waited on l)y a regimental servant. All these appliances lo liilarity — in ihe ab- sence of Mary Crowe, witli whose charms he had been teazing his imagination — were very consolatory. ( )f the guests, by whom he was cordially received, the chief in rank shall have first description. Major Count Knipslatch, of the Rahl-regiment of Hessians, was an impoverished German nobleman. His person, like his forlunes, evinced premature de- cay; though numbering scarcely fifty y^ars, his hair was blanch- ed, his frame atienuaied; finocrs lon^ and bony. Of his face, the strongest peculiarity was a pair of large prominent grey eyes, gleaming at times rather wildly, which, in addition to thin, v\hite locks which from his lempk^s (instead of, as locks ouoln to do, hanging smoothly down the clieek), siitfened and projected, as though under electric influence, and gave our count an odd, eccentric, even affrighted aspect. Next him, nearer the fire, sat Captain Fagel, whose features were intelligent, but cold and self- ceniered ; a striking contrast to the frolicsome, mischievous (though not malicious)-looking face of his opposite companion. Ensign Schulz. Jablonsky took his seat at the table, opposite Knipslatch, and remarking the melancholy Gaze of the latter, rallied liini on his temperament. Why not (he asked) have in Mary Crowe, the young beauty ? Surely slie would drive away every trace of sorrow. "Mary Crowe!" echoed Capt. Fagel, with a start, "who is she?" "Oh ! oh !" uttered Jablonsky, with significant tone and ges- ture, "then I am free to the claret and cognac, but this little peach-blossom, Mary Crowe, you keep simg to yourselves! The secret is well preserved for three of you ; but it is strange yon have not quarrelled, and made the jewel known." 16* 196 JASPER CROWE. " Jewel ! jewel! nonsense," rejoined Fagel, " we liave no bid- den jewel here, unless our scientific, visionary fiiend lias dis- covered ihe philosopiier's stone." *' Our hos;*s name is Crowe," observed Knipslatch, with a quiet, hesitating tone, which convinced Jablon^ky ilial the maid- en's existence was unknown to his friends ; " but surely he has no daughter or niece ; indeed, there is no woman in tlie house.'* " Why, v.iiat's ])iana (Jroots ?" ciied Ensign Schulz. "Ah! Dian," observed Knipslatch, with a melancholy smile, " she was christened as one of the softer sex, and is one, I sup- pose ; b\itlet her alone, we ouirht not to disparage any one who can dish up a good mess in these barbarous wilds." " Disparage her I" eclioed Jablon^ky, " none here would do that, though I thought just now she would have broken my head for making free with ihe gale. It's odd you have never seen Mary Crowe. I'll describe her. She's seventeen years old, rather short, but with a beautifully proportioned figure, nimble and rather mischievous, as light bodies often are. Complexion and colour of the hair I know not, for in truth, gentlemen, 1 have not seen her, and my informant ran away too quick for me to learn." "... 'i'he grave, deliberate shake of the head with which Knip- slatch accompanied his confession of ignoraiice of ]\lary Crowe, set every one laughing. " Franz, have ?/ow seen such a being?" demanded Fagel, ad- dressing the soldier, who sat smoking in one corner, at a respect- ful distance from his superiors. " No lady in the house, raeinherr, but Frau Groots," replied the man, who, on hearing the question, started up, removed ihc pipe from his month, placed his hand to iiis forehead, uttered .what he bad to sav with precision, and then reversing the afore- mentioned operations, sal down again. "The ffirl is no ilouljt hidden in the house," remarked Fagel. "The old fellow knows that none of us can speak his cursed tongue; but with you here, Jablonsky, we'll give him an aleit. Confound the rascal ! Franz, go you and lead up the old man, and after you have brouglit him in, icturn, lock up al! the outer doors, and fetch a lantern." The man put down his pipe and departed. "And now wc have an interpreter," said Knipslatch, " ITcrr Crovi'e shall give me a sufficient reason why he cantrnt substi- tute a piece of glass, in the broken casement, tor the old worsted stuckinu. I cannot understand the customs cif these Americans. The slocking is convenient in summer, to let in air." " Nevermind the stocking," cried .laMonsky, interrupting him, "you shall join us in the search after Mary Crowe." JASPER CUOWE. 197 CHAPTER IL Fr\nz presently relurned, leading by the arm, an old ma , who appeared to have been broiighi much against his will, and wbose looks betrayed alarm and agitation. In the clutches of these tyrants of the hour, Jasper Crowe nriight deserve our pity, but in other respects, lie was far from being entitled to it. He Iiad been left, by his father, possession of a fair fortune, and — though an old-fashioned — one of the largest, and best, houses in Trenton- His fortune, by extreme parsimony, had increased three-fold, but the stately stone edifice — one oT tlie most inter- esting specimens of the earher Dutch style, of the more substan- tial kind — he had suffered to fall partially into dilapidation. The garden and grounds were one overgrown nest of weeds and rub- bish ; a row of poplars, on the mjvrgin of the Delaware, which once lent both shnde and picturesque effect to the homestead, and which threw their long shadovvs on the rippling wave, had successively disappeared beneiith the strokes of the axe, merely to save the expense of carting fuel from more distant woods and enclosures. The house now stood bare and lonely ; within, the plastered walls and ceilings, crumbled daily, momently — like the sand of an hour-glass recording Time's passage — without, the wooden stoupe, or gallery, for lack of paint, was changed to the colour of sandstone; for want of repair, was rickety and peiilous- Soon as his daughter v.^as of an age to undertake household afftxirs {her mother had been dead many years) Jasper Crowe sold his female slave, made his daughter perform (wuh occasional aid) all the menial labour, and congratulated himself, that there was ono mouth the less to provide for. Mary with attractions, personal and mental — such as were reported to the chance ear of Jablon- sky — excited the syn^pnihy and consideration of neighbours, and had she heen gifted with a lesser share of filial obedience, or weaker notions of dutv, would have accepted one of many offers to quit the desolate house, and harsh serviiwde, for a pleasant home, and congenial society. But other reasocs apart, she knew that if she fi)rsook her faiher, he would take no one in her stead; and she feared that in his loneliness, he might fail sick, and lan- guish without help, or perchance become the prey of robber or assassin. Deprived of all claim to our sympathy, by his conduct, neither did his appearance — even in the grasp of Franz, in the hands of mercenary spoilers, who sold their blood to one country to enable it to perpetuate the servitude of another — create prepossession in his favour. There was a lurking cunning in the expression of the face, together with an affectation of extremity of ft>ar, which the occasion did not warrant — for he knew not tlie object of the •summons — which excluded every lingering sentiment of respect from the breasts of his military inquisitors. 198 JASPER CROWE. At ihe command of Kiiipslalcb, he was led to ihe bottom of the table. " Ilerr Crowe !'* uttered the count, in a solemn tone of adju- ration. '' Heaven preserve yon, sir !" exclaimed Jasper, forgetting that his language would nut be understood by the party to whom it was addressed. " I could not help it. J am a poor man — a very poor man. l^el the woman say what she will, 1 had no potatoes in the house, nor had 1 luonev lo buy any." Jablonsky bursl into a fit of laughter, in which ihe others joined, afier lisiening to an interpretation. There had been — as was made known to the Pole — a mighty quarrel that morning, in the kiichen, between Diana Groots and Jasper. Diana found means to make the old miser understand that she must, and would, iiave a supply of jjotaloes for the officer's table ; a demand which Jasper, wMih all the dumb eloquence i)e was master of, encea- •voured to convince her, he was unable to meet. To save his head, as well as end the dispute (for the chaste Dian was as nim- ble with her hands as with her tongue), he forsook the field of battle, and sought refuge in his chamber. The mess was con- sequently served without vegetables — for our Hessians were not fond of buying, if by any means they could avoid it ; perhaps they had been taught that laying out money among the rebels was strengthening the enemy. Fagel, who was apprehensive tiiat Knipslatch would put Ja- blonsky on any scent but the right one, immediiitely proposed that the latier should endeavour to wrest the old man's secret from liim. Jablonsky willingly undertook the task. " Mr. Jasper Crowe," began the captain in a serious tone, " I am sorry to find you are a most consummate rogue." The old man started, and changed colour, on hearing himself addressed in his own language ; but recovering self-possession, replied with a deep show of liumdily, and affected earnestness, that what he had spoken was the truth — he was a needy man. " And you would have me believe," continued the Pole, "that you have no secret storehouse, where what is reqttired for the table of my friends might be found in plenty, if we knew where lo look for it?" On his honour (the old man affirmed with solemnity) every- thing he had was at the service of the gentleman, and he had no- thing concealed ! " And you arc too poor to replace the broken casements, by which my friend is pinched with cold, even while he lays in bed ?" Look at the house, inside and out, rejoined the culprit, the garden, the dilapidated walls, and rotten fences; rdl U)us! con- vince the honourable fjcnlleman, (if he mistrusted words) how indigent were his circninsiances ! "Now, on the contrary, I believe," leplicd Jablonsky, "that • JASPER CROWE. 199 if we tried, we should find a store of potatoes; and in the search we should discover tlie hiding place of your daughter, Mary Cro\^e!" This severe, unexpected stroke staggered Jasper so completely, that he fell back several paces ; changing from pale to red by turns, and staring stupidly, the while, at the imperturbable coun- tenance of Jablonsky. The latter kept his eye intently fixed on ihe miser, determined to afford no respite. " You do not answer," said he. "I — T — T could borrow a few bushel from a neighbour, may- be," observed the old man, in a hesitating voice, as though lie were not quite certain that he could accomplish what he hinted. " Damn the bushels," uttered Jablonsky quickly, "you shall borrow a whip, and Franz shall use it." "If there's a storekeeper in Trenton who will credit me for the glass," cried Jasper, affecting the utmost despair, "I could put it in with my own hands." " Not while ihey shake so, you giriit-conscious rascal," cried Jablonsky, rather at a loss for an epithet in English. "So you will not sav where we can find your daughter?" The miser, whilst answering aside from the main question, was all the while cudgelling his brains how to parry the attack ; and now that the question was put in a direct shape, replied, with apparent candour, that the geiuleman must be much mistaken in supposing that he had any reason, or desire, to conceal where his daughter Vv-as staying : since the commencement of the troubles which agitated the province, she had taken refuge with a kins - woman, in Philadelphia. " Do not deal too harshly by the old man," remarked Knip- slatch, who judged by the trembling of Jasper, atid the stern voice of his inquisitor, that they were at issue. " Point out the enormity of which he is guiky, in the miserably shabby style in which lie conducts his house. Nothing fit for a genlletnan to eat, not a room fit for a gentleman to sleep in ! Tell him, in the name of us all, thai if he will reinstate this little damsel at the head of his establishment, we will freely forgive him the past, for srike of the prospect of future comfort." "You miserable skinflint! hear what I say," cried Jablonsky, addressing the miser, " if in fifteen minutes from the present- Mary Crowe, with her own hands — for I know she is cor.cealec^. in the house, or close by — puts on the table a broiled bone or mutton, all your past ofTences shall be overlooked." " Good Heavens, sir!" exclaimed Jasper, with clasped hands, " what can I do or say, to convince you that my daughter is in Phil.idelphia ?" " :,. " Help us in searching the house," replied Jablonsky, rising, "and in good time, here comes Franz wiili a couple of lanterns." Having explained to his friends, that he could draw no con- fession from the culprit, but that he was nevertheless satisfied, 1^ 200 JASPER CROWE. from the replfcs, and more particularly from die manner of Jas- per Croue, ihal his daughter was much nearer Trenton than he affirmcd her lo be, he proposed insiilulinff a rigid search. " I enlirel\' ajrree in the propriety of it,"^ said Knipslatch, "for should I meet the damsel unawares at night, I might mistake her for a ghost or spectre. Our family, for eleven generations, have been gifted, or cursed, with the sight of visions." " But xMarv Crowe, if you should be fortunate enough to meet her, is a warm reality, not a vision," cried Schulz. "I would raiber not meet anything wne.^cc/erf,"' remarked the Count, in a lone which insinuated more than met the ear. It was agreed that exploration should commence from the basement upward. Jasper was con&igned to the n)orc particular charge of Fran3, ahhon'gh he was under the general surveillance of all. The cehars, and kitchen, were what is termed under- ground ; the former exhibited a sad array of empty and broken flour-barrels, with a few — and but a few — well plenishcd. A miserable stock (under straw) of partially dried apples, wiihercd cabbages, grisly and forlorn, suspended by strings from, the roof, typical of a wretch's fate, but no Mary Crowe ! Jn the chimney- corner of the vast, stone-paved kitchen, sat Dian, of dubious sex^^ chattering to herself. The adjoining closets, and offices, every nook and corner, "buttress and coigne of vantace," were searclied for the lost Mary,, in vain. The oracle in the chimney-corner ■was next applied Iso, but no response, either enigmatical, or other- wise, was elicited which threw any light on the search. There "were strange noises, it is true ; strange j^hadows oft flitted across the eye, in the sombre realm over which Dian presided; but huge rats which souaht change of scene from their holes, on the banks of broad Delaware, in an occasional " passage-at-arms" with a pair of fierce cats, which Jasper did not. keep, but gave a sort of permission to occupy the " hunting grounds" in the basement of Crowe Hall, fully,, in the opinion of the sage Groots, accounted for pvery variety of noise^or vision, she heaid, ©r beheld. The floor above — the principal floor — opening on the piaz?^,. was next explored. The ordinary mess-room, which they had just quilted, needed no inquisition ; the adjoining apartment (the conni's sleeping chamber) would have been likewise passed, as gratuitous waste of time, by the noble occupant, had not his com- panions remonstrated. Their own rooms were to luidergo in- spection ; why sht'uld he claim exemption for his quarters ? A nian, loo, whose family, and probably himself, saw visions in the night tinne \ There was, IfoU'cver, no vision of Mary Crowe — at least to the inquisitors ; and they were fain, after a few more insinuations (for ihey Ibvcd to p?ay on the peculiar fancies of the Count), to give <ip search in liis apartment. Ere they quitted it, JCnipslatch takiiij; Jaspor l)y the ear, lugged hiiu to the broken caseiuonts^ poinicd out the apertures, and read a lecture which, unfortunate- JASPER CROWE. 201 ly, was uniiilelligible, as Jablonskv liad no patience to inter- pret it. Two other rooms, on the same floor, occupied by Fagel and k^chnlz, were successively explored, with similar result ; from whence ihe party ascended above. After inves- tigating several unoccupied chainbcrs, with closets, they came, at the end of one angle of the building, to the apartment of Jasper Crowe, who was the only one sleeping on that floor; for Diana would not mount beyond her peculiar region, and Franz, as an out-post to prevent surprise, slept in a closet near the hall door. The miser's room underwent thorough scrutiny ; there might be, it was surmised, concealed closets, or pantries. iSome old- fashioned, staring portraits were displaced, but disclosed naught behind save the hard wall. As Fagel closed a cup-board door, whose interior he had inspected, he accidentally caught the eye of the miser, whose face exliibiied a remarkable change. There is, then, a mysiery in iliat cupboard, thought the Hes- sian ! He made kno'vn his suspicion, and the circumstance which gave birth to it. The cupboard, which was very spacious, was again inspected minutely. "Ah!" cried Jablonsky, from the interior, "I see the villany!" From beneath a heap of old clothes, he turned out a loi of apples, egfTS, a botile of wine, the cork undrawn, and a cooked fowl, of which only one leg had been eaten. This secret depo- sitary of provender was, then, the cause of Jasper's agitation. " Here is ingralUude and shameful inhospiiality," cried Knip- slatch ; " the man who pleads such dire poverty, that he cannot furnish his guests with potatoes, can aflord, in secret, to feast in this style ! Herr Crowe ! Herr Crowe ! you do not deserve to have gentlemen quartered upon you !" Spite of the imputation, it is more than probable, that Mr. Jas- per Crowe would have been content to bear any degree of moral degradation, in the eyes of his visitors, on condition of their tak- ing umbrage, and taking themselves away. In fact, he appeared more cheerful after the discovery of his secret larder than before; and accompanied the guests to the floor above, with a step of alacrity which rather surprised his conductor, Franz. The region into which they now ascerided, was one vast loft covering the extent of both angles of the buildinfj. The floor was of rough planking, the rafters overhead unceiled, but the roof sloping from the centre, carried off" the rain, and the walls at each extremity were lathed and coated with plaster, to protect the in- terior from the weather, as also were the side-walls, which, ow- ing to tlie slope of the roof, rose scarcely three feet from the floor. The furniture cf this uarret reminded the Hessians of the cellar and its contents, of which, indeed, it was a coimterpart, or to particularize a slight variety, we may remark sundry ropes of onions, of which none were oliservalile in the lower regions. "Our search is ended," said the Count, with a melancholy gaze around the drear waste ; " let us descend; I am quite ready for what Diana may liave prepared." 202 JASPER CROWE. " Stay ! stay !" cried Fawel, who was excessively displeased that the exploration provcti bootless. A libertine in his own country, a lawless proflioate in the land lie was overninnin;^, the liope of discovering, in his own quarters, such a damsel as fame rejjorted Mary Crowe, was exciting, in the extieirie, to his vitiated imasinalion. " Stav ! gentlemen," he continued, " a dove-cot on the roof would hold such a bird as we seek. Who knows what may be above ?" And he glanced kpcnly at Jasper, to observe the effect of his remark ; but tlie miser bore the glance unflinching. A ladder was at hand, and our inquisitive adventurer ascending, stood with head an! shoulders above the outer roof. " What saw you ?" asked Jablonsky, with a smile, when Fa- gel descended. " Noihing but the American camp-fires on the hills beyond the river," was the reply. " Then let's away, gentlemen," cried the Pole, marshalling his friends down stairs. " Fai^el's trap has admitted a most spite- ful zeph3'r. I feel its icv wing ever and anon brushing the tip of my ear. O ! for a draught of Rudesheim ! and tlien — Ich gehe, rauhe winde wehn ; VVillst (Ju mit mir ins hullchen gehn 1" His companions seizing the chorus, clattered down to the mess- room after llieir leader. CHAPTER HI. The Hessians were forced to acknovvledge their host honora- bly acquitted ; there was not a shadow of evidence to sustain the very grave charge — in their estimation — of secreting a more than ordinarily pretty girl from unhallowed gaze. Jasper was there- fore allowed to escape, for the present, on condition of dividing with Franz — in fee for his trouble — the bottle of wine, and fowl, discovered in the closet. Supper passed olf in the mess-room — in comparative silence, for the discussion of either dinner, or the evening-meal, is ever a serious affair with Germans. Jablonsky, whose volatile temper- ament could not long brook, either the habitual melancholy of llie count, or the sullen moodiness of Fagel, (disap|)ninted of Ins prey) otTered a hand at the compounding of a huae bow 1 of " bishop" — a warm lucious bever.ige, in which red wine, and s;)ice, forni the most essential condiments ; aficr drinking which — he declared — Kmpslatch would be in condition to behold visions, as palpably as any of his ancestry, or even — if he were so inclined — lo raise JASPER CROWE. _ 203 his ancestors from the dark world to which their spirits had flit- led ; Fagel be sent to bed, to dream thai he was no long- er disappoinied, and friend Schulz should be so thoroughly " in- forit)ed" with my!«tic influence, that merely donning his nightcap, would confer tlie gift of seeinir, even in such a hag as Diana Groois, the charms of the famed goddess (her namesake) of the heathen world. Jn fine — concluded the Pole — he would, that night, outdo himself, and transport his friends to the third heaven. Talk of conjurois and wizards! the only true necromancy lay in the knowledge of combining ingredients, in such rare proportions, as created a potent compound, whose mystic spell wafted the souls of aien to a serener world ; imparted to their speech, a fa- cility, and eloquence, which struck the ignorant novice with awe and wonder. " Franz," added the speaker, tnniing to the orderly, " bring me the bottles, the phials, tiie spice-jars — and what you have not, obtain from head-quarters." Fortunately, vviihaut aid from the cuisine of Colonel Rahl, (commandant of Trenton) the bowl was prepared without omis- sion of a single, essential ingredient. Its flavour, and fragrance, was applauded even by the dreamy, specuhitive Knipslaich. " Confess now," said Jablonsky, " it must have beei? undert he influence of sf)riies which lurk beneath the surface of that dark fluid, over which the blue vapottr wreaths so fantastically, that your ancestors beheld their visions. " Why should I confess against firm belief?" demanded the count; " deride it as you may, but I do assure you, that I have both seen, and heard that, which I pray, I may never see; or hear, again. The influence which haunts me, may be friemlly — I believe it is — fori never meet with accident, or casualty, but I remember its l)avingbeen preced- ed bv some extraordinary appearance or token." " But how happens it," aslied Fagel, with a sly glance at the Pole, which he took care should not be perceived by Knipslatch, "that you never profit by these tokens — indeed, never recall them till after the disaster has occu.rred ?" " I have often asked myself that question," replied the count with an air of deep seriousness, " and I can only account for it by my extreme terror, which disgusts the influence, and repels it, ere full revelation has been made. My ancestors were firmer- minded, and were stonier of heart, and by listenino; to the dread oracle, profiled. But I ! craven that I am ! flee from it — shud- der at its approach — disgust and vex it. And behold ! I am wast- ed both in bodily strength, and fortune. Our house is fast sink- ing since its destinies have been coinmitled to a degenerate scion 1" As the count, with a deep sigh, concluded his lament, he re- sorted, byway of consolation, to his snnfl'-box. It was a hand- some gi)ld-box, with armorial !)earinss on the lid. Glancing for a moment at the insignia, he shook his head despondingly. 204 JASPER CROWE. " See,^ coniimied he, poinling to tlie effigies, " on that canion, five spolSjOr marks ! They represent, as nearly as can be depict- ed, by die imperfect symbols of heraldry, the impression of bloud- stained fingers on a cuirass. 'Tis now five centuries since my great ancestor, lay wounded on the field of battle, his head re- clining against a tree. Me was, till that day, only of knightly rank, but his sovereign passing near the spot, grateful for servi- ces rendered in the fray, placed his open hand on the warrior's breast, saying, ' Tlianks ! sir Baron ! ihanks for this day's work.' The king's lingers being gory, left their bloody impress on the armour, which my ancestor, from thai lime, assumed in his es- cutcheon, as a distinct charge. — Alas ! with me, the glory of our race will expire." " Then I presume," remarked Captain Fagcl, " if this guardian angel, or demon, be consistent in its conduct, your ancestor — who was so remarkably fortunate — showed more courage than his descendant, on Us visits." Neither Jablonuky, nor Schulz, could determine — j'ldging only by the tone in which this was uttered — whether it were spoken sneeringly, or in earnest. " There runs in our family, a tradition — in compliance wiiJi the unbelief of tlie present age, I will use no stronger term — " ob- served Knipslaich, who was too deeply absorbed to remark the sneer, if one were intended — " that on the night previous to the battle, he beheld the spirit approach, and awaited in deep, re- spectful silence, the token. The spirit held aloof a baron's bald- rick. " Seek it," uttered the spectre, " beyond the wood of Un- terwalden," and disappeared. Next day, my ancestor was posted with the thicket of lliat name, on his flank ; he recalled the words of the oracle, and wiih his troops penetrated through the wood. The warning was prophetic : he fell in with, and routed an am- buscade, which WHS lying in wait — till the general engagement of both armies should commence — in order to fall on his rear. lie was wounded in the melee, but lived to enjoy the honours confer- red by the grateful monarch." " And why, faint-hearted man, should you despair !" asked .Ta- blonskv," are you not in the high-road to future honours — arc you not — like your ancestor, in the field where honour may bewon ? Here sit we on Christmas-night, around this jovial bowl — but ere many weeks are past — nay days — one of us," and the Pole glanc- ed at Knipslaich, " may belisienirifrio his good Cieniushow lo lurn the dank of Washington, and lus rebel-crew, and restore the wither- ed laurels and honours, of an ancient family." " 'Tis too late !" almost shrieked the count " too late ! He came last night — T averied my head, and fled from the spot, but I saw his spiteful, angry glance. He warns of approaching dan- ger, or poiiUs the way to fortune, lo those who dare stand and lis- ten, but the coward who flies, he threatens. I fear my doom is fixed." JASPER CROWE. 205 FciEjel, who had been listening attentively, sometimes smih'nc inwjiidly, sometimes in deep cooiiaiion, suddenly exclaimed — " Count ! you are but a coward ! — a poltron !" " 1 I'ear no man — least of all — you !" replied Kinpslatch, rising in nnr^er. " Nay — but will you prove it, Herr von Knipslatch V " Now — or at any lime," answered the German noble ; " Jablon- sky arrange this matter for me, though I think we ought to pre- serve Christmas-niwht sacred from brawl, or bloodshed." " To-morrow, Captain Fagel, to-morrow, we will satisfy you," responded Jablonsky, " sit down, count. xA.nd now that a truce is concludeJ, I would fain ask our young friend, Herr Schuiz, why his eyes have been so intensely lixed on our mysiic cauldron ?" " Why, in sober trulh — if I must confess my folly," replied Schtdz, " the count's awful revelations have set mv imaf^ination astir. My disturbed brain cannot fancy that bow! of blue liquid other than one of my native lakes 'midst tlie mountains : the smoke which curls from its surface is like the mist at sunrise. The longer I gaze, its shelving sides seem to grow sleeper and steeppr — " " Not a shadow of doubt on that point," said Jablonsky, inter- rupting him, " wlulst four awful gulfs continually exdiaust it." " But what chiefly riveted my eyes," continued ^^chulz, " was the expectation I could not rid myself of, of seeing some sprite lift Mp its head above the surface of the lake." " ('ount,"said Fagel, who had been wailing an opportunity of speaking, " when I asked, if you wei-e willing to prove 3'our courage, I did not mean on myself, or any mortal — and as I just- ly gave offence, I ask your forgiveness." A murmur of approbation broke from both Jablonsky and Schiilz ; and Knipslatch, rising, extended his hand to Fiio-e], the quarrel was consequently at an end. " Where J would task your courage," continued the captain, " is in confronting beings of the other world. Would you not gladly recover the cpporfunity of seeing again this awful influence from which you fled ? Of list- eniniT to his omens of future fortune ?" ^"The being never comes twice on the same errand," said Knipslatch, " I doubt not, its visit was friendly till I anaered it." " Not without propitiation, will it come again — not in anywise at your call, for it is offended," continued Fagel, in tone of in- creased solemnity, " but you shall yet see once more, this dread bein2, for I have the power to raise it !" The seriousness with which this was uttered, struck awe, if not terror, in Fagel's companions. The count looked at him with a disturbed, anxious eye. " Kave you courage, Herr Von Knipslatch, to undergo the or- deal ? demanrled the captain. Jablonsky, and Schuiz both srr.iled incredulously at this ques- 206 JASPER CROWE. lion, but the count answered seriously — as llioiigh he never for a moment doubted the f^ood faith of the questioner — that he liad been ever (lo his misfortune) afraid of hstcning face to face, and he knew not that he could summon more courage on the present occasion. Fa^el declared that he had no personal motive in pressing him ; his object solely regarded the court's interest. He dcscanied on the antiquity and foimer iinportance of Knipslatch's family ; and. urged with much earnestness, that as — according lo his own con- fession — the decay of the family was entirely owing lo the un- manly fears of its present chief, he should make an effort (ere too late) to retrieve its honor. What was more likely — he asked, than that the visit of last night was lo point a path to fortune ? i n January, thev would probably cross the Delaware, which must bring on an action, if Washington had any troops left, in camp, lo make fight with. Who could deny, that between Trenton and Phihdelf)hia, there hung a laurel-wreath to encircle the coronet of Knipslatch.and that the Genius came with intent to maishal the way ? Fagel perceived that he had made an impression ; the pale face, and eye, of the count beamed wiih wild ardor. " But whence this strange power you possess, Captain Fagel?" asked Knipslatch, " I never before heard of it. You are the last man I should have suspected of practising mysterious arts ! You who have ever derided what vuu have been pleased to term " fancies" !" " Aye — truly have I," replied the captain, "whilst I deemed them only idle fancies, I discouraged the idea, and tried to laugh down your belief. But I now see distincily, from your confes- sion of this evening, that the fortune of your house — perhaps your life — hangs on the chance of hearing what your visitant had lo im- part." Knipslaich urged that it was more than likely, that the influ- ence would disobey the summons, or ifforced to obey, would mis- lead, out of of sheer spite, at the compulsion. But Fagel, who as the reader will perceive, had brought his novice lothe point of believing — not only that he spoke wiili good faiih, but that he possessed the power he claimed— found but lit- tle trouble in removing the count's suspicions of the spectre's hos- tility. 'I'o strengthen confidence, he related a strange history of his childhood, how, and by whom, he had been taught to practice the suiumoning of the mystic beings who live under, al)ove, and on the earth, invisible to the human eye. On what occasion he had made trial of his powers — the unhappy result lo a kinsman, which had decided him to bury for ever, in his own breast, the fearful knowledge — and only departed, in the count's favor, from a fixed resolve, ihrouch desire of reinstating in their former splen- dour, an ancient and honored family. So earnestly, serious]}'-, and with deep impassioned utterance JASPER CBOWE. 207 did Facrel deliver his sentiments, that— not merely Ivnipslatch, xvho believing in the existence of his family-fain.liar exeried but Ihtle stretch of faith in crediting the power of 'l|e other to sum- monit,butevenJablonskv,and!Schnlz,v\'eredumb-foundea. How far successive potations from the blue lake which simmered be- fore their eves, mystified the understanding, we cannot undertake 10 determine, but neither could bring himself wholly to a behef of FacTel's trickery. Whether he himself credited his own power to compel the attendance of sprites, the sequel of our narrative must determine. ^^ . , , j • After much musing, and pondering, Ivnipslatch arose, and seiz- ing the captain's hand, dechired his readiness and desire, of sub mming to the oracle. At this instant, a loud crack, astounded the party. . , , , , . "What's that?" exclaimed Schulz, m sudden tremor, letting the class fall from his hand. "Why, Franz," cried Jablonsky, turning to the corner where the veteran sat, " if vou frighten Ensign Schulz after this faslaon, YOU must make friends with Diana below." , ^, . , It appeared the incident which so much alarmed bchulz, vvas the veteran's dropping his pipe at the moment that he heard his master, the count, make the compact. Facrel intimated, that as Knipslalch was willing, he should com- menc? initiatory proceedings in the upper floor, a few minutes before midnight. " Alone "? shall I be alone ?" asked the count. " W^e will remain with you, til! ihe line of protection is com- plete," replied Fasel, " but before the spirit approaches, we must felire, but will sta> within reach of vour voice. We may talk, if you Drove faint- hearied, but we must not be seen. "Th'is is a strange affair, Captain Fagel," remarked Jablonskv, " most strange that the secret should have been so long buried in your breast. But come ! genilemen— ere Schulz's mountain-lake grows cool, let us bathe our spirits in its dew. I am chilled _ 'I'he glasses were replenished, and the party renewed their libations. CHAPTER IV. Leaving Jablonskv, and his friends, around.lheir bowl of nectar, we must take up with one, with whom the readers of " Alda Grey are familiar— Francois Girard, the former barber of Trenton, now fulfillinft ihe perilous duties of spy, in the employment of Gen- eral Washington. Since the occupation of New Jersey by the British, and Hessians, they had committed ravaoes of a descrip- tion which remind the siudent of history of the cruel warfare wacred acrainst the Albigenses, and at a later period, by Louis the 208 JASPER CROWE. Fourlecnlh against the Huguenots. The Briiish commander, and his brother, Lord Howe, his Majesty's commissioners, on erec- ting the King's standard at New Brunswicii, issueii a proclama- tion, on ihe thirtieth of November, promising safely and protec- tion, both in person and property, to every inhabitant of tlie province (notvvithsian(iing lie might have carried arms against his lawful sovereign) upon taking an oath of allegiance. tSo des- perate appeared the palriol-cause, near the close of the year, that a considerable number, even of that party which had sup[)urted Congress with their sword, joined thetoiies in receivinfi the oalh adnuiiistered by llie king's officers, and went home, rejoicing in the written protections which they carried in their pockets. But during December, the conquerors spreading through the province, left scarcely a sohiary farmhouse unvisited. The entire district groaned under the scourge of murder, robbery, and rapine. Defenceless females, in lone neighbourhoods, fleil to the woods to shelter them from insult, but were tracked, and dragged from ihence by the ruthless spoilers, guided by fires kindled l)y the half frozen fugitives. These facts, which are picserved by affidavit, and formal testimony, in the records of Congress, we would fain — at this lale period — burv in oblivion, but as our object is — even in tlie form wfiich these narratives assume — to throw light on the character and working, of the great struijgle, we cannot wholly suppress ihem. In excuse for ijiilisli and Hessian offi- cers, gentlemen we may presume, by birth and education, it may be stated, that infinite pains were taken, hoth in England and Ger- many, to instil into the minds of the troops, ere they sailed from their own shores, that they were employed to put down a crew of ungrateful, rebellious colonists — who without cause had flown in the face of their sovcreign-rulcr, and offered him every insult, and who merited, by their conduct, wiiatever treatment they might meet with. Apart from all considerations of humanity, how inconsistent, and impolitic, was the conduct of the British ! On the one hand, the Royal Conunissioners were inviting in the smoothe?t, most conciliating tone, all classes to partake ttie proffered amnncsty, on the other, their canlonned troc^ps were'ravaging the property of those who had submitted. When a Jersey farmer, or townsman, whose house was being plundered or his family insulted — exhibi- ted his written protection, it was "damned" by the British who could read it, was laughed at by the Hessians, who could not. As December drew loward a close, one universal feclinfj of indiirnation, and disgust,-reigned through the province. The militia-man, who had abandoned Washington in his retreat, and refused to turn out to his aid, inspirited by wrongs wiiich cried for redress, from his own hearth, from the bosom of his family, repolished his arms, mustered in secret with his fellow-men, and awaited, with impatience the signal of havock ! to sweep from the land the scourge which infested it. JASPER cr.owE. 2C9 Meanwhile (and we solicit \\\g reader's palience for so long wiiiiholding him from an iniioduclion to our old acquaintance, Girnrd) let us glance at the condition and prospects of the British army. In the good old limes — of tlie last centnry — when the art of warfare was conducted with clo-str reference to piecept, and precedent, than in the present era of innovation, the term " win- ter-quarters" was int-erpreted to iiican, nearly total suspension of hoslihlies, coupled witl) a pleasant sojoiirn for four, five, or even six months in a well sheltered town, or neighbourhood, with leisure for bdliards, quarrelling and flirtations. These pasiimes continu ed — with the occasional interlude of a turn-out, in small detalch- ments, merely for collection of forage — till the spring was lar advanced, and our gallant captain, or major, remorselessly for- saking the fieart which lie had flattered or deluded, marcheil his p^Ttoon, or battalion, into the field. As with regimental officer, so with commander-in-chief. The latter (if wintering in large European city, or capital) having lost — not his heart — but half his fortune, in play, lured into the ambuscades of whist, picquet, or ombre, by the fascinating wiles of some biight-eyed (yet needy, finessing) duichess, or marchioness, was glad — when the season opened — to escape from the toils, and seek, in the occasion of a new victory, to restore his shattered finances. /• After Sir William Howe had overrun the province with a d*IS- posable force, of from eiglit to ten thousand m^en, part, the flower of the British army, part Hessians, (whose natne, foreign language, and habits alone, struck a terror into the country) his career was stopped by the Delaware, and his march to Philadelphia imped- ed. On the heights wliich sloped to the opposite bank, lay General Washington with about one thousand regular troops, and at his command — though not always in camp — perhaps fifteen, or two thousand, Pennsylvania militia. How interesting were the secret thoughts of Sir William recorded on beliolding his adver- sary's camp ! W'^ashington's small force, and the river, were the only obsta- cles to Howe taking possession of Philadelphia, not thirty miles distant. But how cross — the American commander had seized every boat? Bui did Sir William, when he quitted New Yoik, expect the contrary — did he imagine Washington would leave be- hind, the means of being overtaken ? The British general was in possession of New Brunswick, on the Rariian-river, a naviga- ble water passage open to New York, and his Majesty's fleet. Between New Brunswick, and the Delaware, by land, is but forty miles, and the route, the regular highway, stage road be- tween Philadelphia and New York. We are certain that in the present century, an enterprising general so circumstanced — whatever the place of his birih, the country he served — wiih the purse-strings of a powerful and wealthy nation in his hands, an army, a fleet, immense stores---everything which a commander 17 210 JASPER CROWE. could desire — would have found means to transport boats, a dis- tance of forty miles, over a well-travelled liighway. Tiiol il was feasible, is very evident from the well-grounded fears of Washing- ton (expressed to Congress in his dispatches,) that the plan was being put in execution. In crossing, the patriots, might have at- tempted — as in duty bound — to oppose a landing, but the pow- erful play of a large park of artillery, covering the passage, un- dertaken, at the same lime, at different fords, and the weight of columns three times outnumbering the foe, must have rendered defence vain. " Let well alone" — was probably Sir William's motto. He had neglected to provide boats, and it was now too late to remedy the fault, as ice already began to float down the stream, and would daily become a more forinidaUle obstacle. But when the surface froze solidly, the ice would stand in lieu of boat, or craft. The tories, and his spies, did not fail informing him, that the term of service, even of the poor remaining thousand regulars^ would expire by the first of January, and the men being worn out with suffering, were determined to leave the defence of their country to the Pennsylvania militia, ai^d — to chance. As matiers stood, why even let the rebel force, crumble to pieces ef itself? Such we may reasonably conclude were Sir U iliiam's views, and reasoning,and that having taken a peep, through his telescope, at the patrioi-cainp, pocketed the glass, and giving orders to can- ton the troops, returned to the delights of the faro-table in New York, and the fascinations of his mistress on Long-Island. His illustrious co-adjutor, and second in command, the Earl Cornwallis, seemed equally desirous of seeking temporary repose from tlie fatigues of war. With six thousand choice troops, (in- cluding the Guards, the Royal Highlanders, the Queen's light-dra- goons, and other crack corps,) he puisued Washington through New Jersey for nineteen consecutive days, from the twentieth of .November, to the eighth day of the ensuing month, and duiing that period, had driven the retreating army the distance of ninety miles, from C'loster-landing on the North river, to Trenton on the Delaware ! The fugitives (at first) numbered three thousand (daily diminishing by desertion) ; they had lost tents, artillery, and baggage, and flight could be readily tracked over the snow, by the blood which oozed from the wounded feet of the shoeless rebels. After this wonderful exploit, he also, like the comman- der-in-chief, acted on the motto of "let well alone." At his re- quest, Sir Wiliam granted the Earl permission to spend the win- ter in Europe, that he might, as we presume, display his laurelled brow at court. And yet, spite of the dilatory manner in which the war was con- ducted by the British commander — the many advantages lost, as for instance, whilst Cornwallis was forcing Washington to i-e- Ircat, if Howe had pushed a division from New York, through Aml)oy and New Brunswick, he would have caught the Ameri- SASPER CROWE. 211 cans in the rear, between two fires, and they must liave surrendered — an omission which was both at the period, and since, repealed dierae of comment — yet spile of these and similar drawbacks, boih Howe and CornwalUs, were, inconJeslably, able generals. The fine movements by which Howe surprised his adversaries, and gained the victory both at Long-Island and at Chad's ford, eniiile iiim, as a soldier, to {h-e highest praise. There must have been fault somewhere; but ou.r scope will not allow us to pursue ihe argumeni further, and we reiurn — tnuch perhaps to the romance- reader's relief — to our more immediate subject. The position of Washijiglon, and consequently, of tlie cause for which he fought, was critical. In a few days, he felt that he should be left without an army ; yet he felt also, ihat the time was arrived when he could count on the aid of the New Jersey miliiia. " I flatter myself," he wrote to Congress, " that the many injuries they have received, will induce some to give their aid. If what they have suffered docs not arouse their resent- ment, they must not possess the common feelings of humanity. To oppression, ravage, and deprivation of property, they have had the more mortifying circumstance of insult added; after be- ing stripped of all they had, without the least compensation, pro- tections have been granted ihem for ihe free enjoyment of their effects." Flushed with the hope of co-operation from Jersey, he resolv- ed, as the final week's engagement of his army commenced, lo strike one blow for his counlry, while he had the power. To steal from village to village, from cantonment to canton- ment, was the work of the fearless (iirard. He found the troops widely scallered, careless, and unsuspicious of surprise. Chiefly from his report, the American commander resolved to make an attack on Trenion, where were quartered the three regiments of Hessians, and a troop of British light-horse. Christmas-night, when it was, with good reason, imagined, that the mercenaries would be drowned in festivity, most exposed to the effects of a sudden surprise, was selected. Whilst the Americans were preparing to cross the Delaware, Girard was in- structed to elude the vigilance of the sentinels, and enter the town, ]y'\ns^ [here pfrdu till the approach of the army; or should aught unusal, or adverse to ihe success of the expedition, occur in the Hessians' quarters, to make limely report. Girard, as we have elsewhere described, was a tall, comely fellow, of thirty or more years, capable of underooing almost any amount of fatigue or privation ; generous and obliging to a fault, reckless of life in protecting and serving his friends Careless of the ends for which most men strive, he appeared to love dan- ger for its own sake, or for mere excitement, and glided over the surface of existence with a happy, haimless buoyancy of mind. Bred a barber, he had followed the calling on both sides the Atlantic, till his restless disposition led him into a more active 17* 212 JASPER CROWE. and perilous career. His ostensible pursuit (of laie) was express- rider lo his Excellency, carrying letters to and Irom Congress; his secret avocation was procuring itiielligence of the enemy's designs and movements. Though serving the patriotic cause, it may be doubted whether he did nut ri.-^k the doom which menaces the person of a spy, more tliroiigh love of adventure, and dis- inclination to settled pursuit, liian for the sake of his adopted country. On Christmas-night, then, to return to the course of events, Gir- ard, by wading up to iiis knees in the chilling stream, succeeded in eluding the out-picket, and found hicnself, lo his exceeding gra- tification, once more in Trenton. Why he should be so much gratified by the visit, was in consequence of a passion which over- mastered even llie roving disposition of the express-rider. He was in love, and with that smart little body, whose cruel destiny every one so much pitied — Alary Crowe. Unknown lo her fa- ther, she had framed many an audience to the Frenchman in the deserted loft of the old house, lo wfiich the adventurous lover clambered, in the first instance, by means of the shaft, or support, of the piazza. Frotn the roof of the latter, it was easy lo gain the roof of the main building, from whence — ihe trap-door being left without bolt or fastening — he slid quietly, by means of a short cord (which he carried, for the occasion, in his pocket), to the floor of the garret, and the presence of Mary Crowe. V^'hen an individual undergoes secret and extraordinary labour, to effect entry into a house, it may be judged that he has good reasons for not entering quieily by the usual approach. The miser loved his daughter, even while subjecting her to menial offices so far beneath her birth and station. Girard was obvious- ly a very objectionable suitor; if fault be found with Mary for lis- lening to his addresses, it may be pleaded, in extenuation, that t'le loneliness of her situation — excluding her from clteerful, unrestrained intercourse with persons of her own station — and more especially of her own sex, from whom she would have acquired knowleilge of the world — exposed her more readily lo be captivated by the dashing, off-hand attentions of a man like Girard, who, in addition to other accompli.ihmcnts (spite ol a li- mited education), " the gods had made poetical." His brokeii English, broken verses, snatches of song, impromptu effusions, and at rare intervals, when the old man was iar away, the light jingle of guitar-strings, were iirt^sistible. In face" of the whiskered Hessians, and the provost-marshal's cord, Trenton, with all its perils, had a fascination for Girard. Conceive, then, iiis vexation, on learning from a townsman and neighbour of Jasper Crowe — one who, well affecied to the pa- triot cause, he knew would not betray him — that MaryCrowe had disappeared, gone, as it was said, lo Philadel[)hia, or at least, across the Delaware, lo avoid ihe troubles with which her native town was threatened. It was, he could not help confessing, both JASPER CROWE. 213 natural and praise-worthy in old Jasper, to send his daughter where she would be safe from insult; and his own affecliou for the maiden extorted approval of tlie proceeding ; yet (he could not help it) he was disappointed, grievously disappointed ; Tren- ton had lost its charms. Spite of vexation, he did not forget the (hities of his post. He made visits to several parlies well affected to congress, by whom he was faiihfuUy iufunned of every event which liad occurred. As matters stood, everything promised success to the attack; any military operation on the part of Washington was not dream- ed of, as it was believed his force was crumbling away, and that he was totally unable to lake the field; and he, nioreover, lay behind a broad river, now almost impassable, on account of the drifting ice. Being Christmas-night, both officers and men were indulging themselves after the fashion of their country, though the commandant, Colonel Rahl, who was a vigdant officer, did not ncfrlect proper precautions at the out-posts, and the interior of the town was also p.-itrolled. It happened, unfortunately, that the spy, whilst crossing from the northern to the southern quarter of Trenton, dreanung of Mary Crowe, and forgetful of matters nearer home, came unex- pectedly to llie market-place, where were ranged the field pieces attached to the Hessian brigade. He was challenged, as cus- tomary, by the setuinel on duty, and being thrown off his guard by the unexpectedness of the rencontre, instead of submilting himself to the soldier's inspection, who being a foreigner, igno- ranl of the language, would have speedily dismissed him, in full confidence of his being a townsman, took to his heels, and fled down a side street. The report of the sentry's firelock convinced our express-rider of his error ; but it was now too late to change his tactics. Alive to ihe peril, he was cautious of flying to the out- skirts, lest he should fall upon the guard ; yet to remain in the town, after the alarm was given, was equally dangerous. If he could but reach ilie banks of the Delaware, he was sure, he ihouirht, of extrication by the same path through which lie gain- ed ingress. The discharge of the firelock caused a driun to beat al the guard-house. It was about as dangerous a pedicament as Fran- cois Girard had ever fallen into. To flee from the town was in vain ; it was environed by sentinels : the Delaware was then the only resort, anti thither he fled, determined, if no better chance presented, to trust himself on one of the drifting islands of ice, rather than fall into the hands of the enemy. As lie ran, he could hear the sounds of pursuit. His route to the river-brink led him, by chance rather than design, ne&r the dwelling of Jasper Crowe. The view of the miser's dwelling changed the current of his thoughts. Why should he trust his limbs to the chilly waters, when less hazardous refuge were at hand ? He called to mind the miser's old garret ; he might, if he reached it unperceived, 2\4 JASPER CROWE-. lay a while amongst tlie nibbjsh till piirsnit was over, and tlien descend by the way he entered. A further inducement to this course was the refleclion, that as affairs siooti in Trenton, he was, according to instructiojjs, to tarry in it till warned of the army's approach ; whereas,, should the alacrity of his pursuers oblige him lo trust to the ice, he would, even if fife were preserved, be car- ried away from the scene of impending action. As he neared the garden paling, he was still debating which course to pursue — whether scale hisoM Irvsting-phcc, or sliike thr^ough the mepdow to the water's edge, when tlie open gate (which Jablotisky had noS replaced) decided the question. He ran into the yard, up the steps of the piazza, clomb the shaft which supported the covering, crawled up the shingle-roof of the house, and behold F the trap-door was wide open, Wl)at could this mean? Neither himself, nor Mary, he was certain, were ever guilty of the negligence of leaving it open ; so careful had 5ie been in everj^ matter which related to the stolen visits, that he had removed the fastening from die tra:p, lest Jasper, by chance, should bar the lover's approach. As he pondered over the strange event, hesitating whether he shonld descend — more especially as be had no cord wherewith to lower himself, without noise, till his feel touched the floor, as he had practised heretofore — several patrols came to the garden-gate, Cauliously, and noiselessly, he stretched himself, at full length, along the roof, and had the satis- faction of liearing them pass through the garden, ai the rear of the house, and thence toward the Delaware, Nov/ must he risk a jump, which might alarm old Jasper, whose bed-room was in tlie floor beneath the loi'"t, or choose the alternative of lying, with- out cover, in the freezing air, till he was himself stiffened and in- animate F " Look before you leap," is an old proverb ; perhaps Girard had forgotten the wise saw, but instinct prompted the praciice. With head peering over the aperture, he cauifonsly looked down on the region below; it lay in darkness, but the head of a ladder was visible, within reach. Was old Jasper fond of gazing at the stars ; or had Mary, ere slie qtfitled home, received the visits of another lover? He could not believe Mary unfaith- ful, vet his feelings were strongly roused, and he descended, step by step, with the soft, cautious treatt remarked in the predaiojy approach of the feline tribe. CHAPTER V, When Girard reached the bottom of the ladder, he found the gloomy garret, as of yore, untenanted save by articles of lumber and store. On listenins:, he heard a confused sound as of people talking on the lower floor. Who were the visitors of Jasper JASPER CROWE, 215 Crowe? surely no one ever came by invitation ? We would ob- seive, that Girard's aUaclimenl to Mary Crowe bad, for special reasons., been kept a profound secret; to preserve it inviolate, he had cautiously refrained from making inquiries of his friends in the town concerning Jasper and his family, lest it should awaken guspvcion.; which will account for his being entirely ignorant^ ihat ihe old house was hurihened with foreigners, or he might have been more chary of selecting it for his refuge. Perhaps — he surmised — robbers had penetrated by the same w^ay as hinn- self, arvd were now ca.rousing, or dividing spoil. He ventured, however, to strike a light, and by aiil of his lantern, proceeded to iex[)lore the old quarters. The only trace of depredators was the ■ladder uplifted against the open trap. As he gazed, he became ^conscious of some change, or alteration, in the garret, though in what respect he could laot determine. A laugh fiom below re- called attention to more urgent mailers. He went to the head of the stairs and listened. There was no mistaking the German •dialect. Hessians were then quartered in okl Jasper^s domicile! " Hah ! dat is one good joke," said Girard, indulging in a quiet iaugh ; *' How I do pity de poor German bodies who be obliga- ted to live in dis house !" Tiie Hessians, like their countrymen elsewhere, where keeping op the festivity of the season, which was fortunate — there was the less danger of their discovering his retreat. But then, old Crowe's sleeping-chamber was beneath — and, walk as cautiously as he might, there was considerable risk. If the miser heard him, he would assuredly alarm the Hessians, and then — but why an- ticipate evil ? A quiet half-hour passed in the garret — and the baffled patroles, now seeking through the streets, for the stranger w^ho had evaded the sentry's challenge, would give up profitless pursuits, and our released adventurer might descend in safety. " All ! vat is dis — a rai-racle ?" exclaimed the Frenchman, holding alofi his lantern. The object which excited Girard's astonishment was a fresh coat of plaster on the walls. " Dey did want a new jacket, sure enough," muttered the Frenchman ; " but it cost de monie — and de old man's pockets are like vun deep veil — he do put in, but he cannot draw out." Here was food for meditation ! The new coat of plaster was as great a mystery as the standing ladder, and open trap. I'pon wdi;it compulsion had Jasper Crowe gone to the gratuitous ex- pense of repairing walls, in a part of the house, untenanted ? The Frenchman could scarcely believe the evidence of his own eyes. On closer inspection, lie found, that each side of the garret, where the sloping roof approached very near the floor, had been simply whitewashed, but at the gable-end, immediately over the miser's bed-chamber, the wall — which was not pierced for a window^ — was entirely frcshcoated with piaster. " De old man must have found vun grand money-bag," mur- 216 JASPER CROWB. mured Girard, as lie fc^lt ihe wall with his knuckle ; " but he be vun grand fool afier all." \.Vl)ile inspecting the renovation^ his thoughts recurring agaif> and ag:!in, with breathless wonderme-nl, to liie extraordinary outlay — wondering the while whether the old man had not gone crazed through having the Hessians qunriered upon him — he Jieard footsteps. Life was dear, though courage stood hijih ; while his hand sought a pistol Jie turned to con.front the inlrudei'. Did his sense of fiearing play truant ? He stood alone in the long gairet f With noiseless tread, and shaded lantern., he crept lo the hidden half of the loft, which occupied a space over the other an- gle of the building. (Opening the lantern suddenly, to scare the concealed visitor, he fcund cdy hiuisclf, and his long shadow. " Uis d — d place be haunted!" said the Frenchman, with a shght tremor, for although nearly insensible to the perils of flood and field, he was not proof against supersiitiotis fears-. His acute car again detected the sounds of footsteps at th.at end of the loft which he had just quitted. One moment bcni on discovering the mystery, the next, much inclined lo beat a retreat, he izlided back lo his former station. The sound of voices was now as distinctly audible, as lieforc, were the tread of feet. Whence came they? From above or beneath ? The charm was only partially broken by his hearing disiincily the following ejaculation,, in the voice of Jasper Crowe : — " It i.s all gone„ I tell thee, child — the wretch drank it all." " Well ! Father," replied a voice, whose tones caused a palpi- tation in the heart of the listener — " we have had a narrow es- cafie, and ontrht to be thankful." " 'I'hankful I" screamed the old man ; " By G — d, ?.Iarv,uhai have r to be thankful for? The rascally German carrion ! vvhet> he saw how dissatisfied I was — he smashed the empty bottle be- fore my eyes." This dialogue between Jasper and his daughter, coming from he knew not where, caused the Frenchman, after farther minute inspection, to make discovery, that the miser had with wonderful ingenuity (of course not without help of an artificer) walled oil a narrow slip from the loft ; and that to avoid detection, the whole had been whitewashed, to be in keeping with the new lathe-and-plaster. Still listening — he learneil from the old man's imprecations on Franz for having eaten his fowl, and drank the wine ; atnl also from the attempts of Mary to assuage her father's anger — a tolerable notion of what occurred {furin^ the evening. The only avenue lo this stronghold in which were stored con- siderable tre isiire, and ]:)rovision. wasbv a secreidoor in Jasper's closet — the very closet from which Jablonsky produced the hi'lderi viands. Fortunnte, indeed, as Marv more titan once repeated, thai Fagel and his companions had mistaken the cau.3C of her fulh,cr''s JASPER CROWE. 217 emotion when the closet w;i.s undergoing search : still more for- tunate, that the viands had been deposited there, as iheir discov- ery misled the sharp-wiited soldiers, and induced ihem to give iipfaiiher investigation in that dangerous quarter. Yet spite of the narrow escape, the old man could not lielp harping upon the loss he sustained, and what was above all, a sore thought, the catastrophe of the broken bottle. In order to rest liimself, and, at the same time, listen Vviihout inconvenience, the Frenchman took seat on the floor, with his ear applied to the wall. "All dis is vera strange," thought Girard, "vera strange ! I be one fool to be frightened by de old man, and de young lass. If de general hear, he would say — " Frangois Girard, you be no longer fit for my officer ! Dc little lass, to fright one tall fellow with four pistols in de pocket, and de lantern ! Bah ! but I vill have de grand revenge." After farther colloquy between Jasper and Mary, by which the Frenchman learned the names of the Hessians, as well as t!ie circumstance (-f tluMr visit lo the loft. — which fully accoimted for the position of the ladder — the miser declared he must look after Franz, and the female devil in the kitchen. He wished his daughter, good nighi ; and his footsteps were heard descending the secret staircase. " Now den — here we be," said the Frenchman to himself; "Mary and I, once more alone in de old room." But the wall between, prevented farther comparison with old times. How make the maiden hear without alarming her — to an extent, perhaps, which might cause her, in terror, to make known her hiding-place to the foreigners ! This consideration, for awhile, withheld him fiom speaking: he heard her light foot- step moving rapidly over the floor, and. opined that she was about retirino to rest. " Mary !" said our Frenchman, in a whisper, putting his lips to the plaster. There was no reply. " Mary !" repeated the lover, in rather louder strains. f" Still no repl3\ " De note nuisl be high and shrill," muttered Girard, adding in as loud, and high tone, as he dare venture ; " Mary ! " " Come in, father — Vm not asleep," said the maiden. " I can't," cried Girard. " Why frighten me?" said Mary laughing, "it is quite bad enough to live in this dreadful hole." "If dis cursed vail vere down," said Girard in his ordinary tone, " I would ask Mary Crowe why she frighten me ?" "Mercy! who spoke then?" cried the maiden. Her words were accompanied by a noise, as though she started from her couch. "Father ! father ! is it you?" 218 JASPER CROWE. The Frencliman heard her walk— as he supposed — toward the door of llie prison chamber. "Jt is me — Francois Girard," cried our lover, alarmed lest her father should be summoned. " Where ? where ?" exclaimed -\I:iry, in a lone which betray- ed fright and astonishment. "PiityoureartodevaiI,andIvill tell," rejoined theFrenchman. " You wicked wretch ! (Tod forgive me — how you iiave scared me," cried Mary, panting with alarm; "how came you in the house? Vou will be killed." " Dat is vat de bullet, which de sentinel shot, vispered in mine ear, as it flew along;" replied Girard, "but 1 did turn de corner and laugh. Mary, dis is Christmas-night." " Yes," said the maiden sharply, " and there have been rare doings, what with you, and the Germans, and it won't end, till Mr. Girard comes by someihinfr he will not like." *' Spoke like de oracle, Mary ;" remarked her lover, "de festival has scarce begun. I vas one little hour too late, to see de game of blind man's buff." "You will not be too late for mischief, I can tell you, Mr. Girard." " Mary ! Yen dey did look under de old gcntelmon's bed, it vas cold, vera cold — -ven dey went near de closet, it vas varm, varm — ven de door of de closet vas opened, and Yab-lnnskee did go in, it vas hot ; it did burn de hole bodie very much." " You wretch !" exclaimed Mary, " you have been listening to our secrets." " Mary — der be plenty of vine de odcr side. I vill not break de bottel." " You shan't have the chance, Mr. Girard. But tell me — how came you in ?" " After de old fashion, Mary ;" replied the Frenchman ; "de ladder was in dc scuttel, and de trap was open — and I did fancy — O ! horre-ble things." " What were thcy'like, Mr. Girard ?" " Uey vere like viui pretty maiden talking to de brave gallant — and de man vas iiot jue." " Are you not very cold, Franoois ?" " Are you not vera warm, Mary ?" " I ought to be," replied the maiden ; " for there are three feather-beds heaped under me." " Ucn lie down, and I vill sing you to sleep with a vera fine Christmas carol : 1 have de guitar wid me." "The guitar," exrlaimed ]\Iary, "the guitar! For heaven's sake, Mr. Girard — if you love me — I mean, if you love 3-ourself — be not so foolhardy. Do comfort me, by going away while your life is your own " " Ah ! never minJ, Mary, dc guitar vas only a foolish idea of mine head." JASPER CROWE. 219 " I wish I could reach that head will) father^s cane/* uttered the girl. " Jt is vera near," rejoined the Frenchman; " dcr I vcr I da make de noise, der rests de head against de cold vail. Now, if I had de guitar, I would sing \onjolie chanson." 7'o tease her, he began humming a doggrel verse : " O, friends, gire ear unto de lav, I'll tell you how I pass de day Wid Mary Ciowe. But his punishment was at hand, nearer than he dreamed of. As he had foolishly indicaied the exact spot where rested his head, Mary, with cane, or other insirumeni, struck liic slender wall, a smart blow, the vibration of which was felt by her lover more severely, than slie perhaps intended. " Dat is vun bad way of beating tiiue to de music, Mary," cried Girard, " bwt 1 will try anoder song : O ! Christmas-night he come at last, While Mary Crowe — " But the threatened effusion was suddenly cut short. (jirard, though indulging his wild humour, was too wary to forget the peril. Whilst one ear was employed in listening to the replies of Mary Crowe, and measuring the cadence of his own stanzas, the other whs vigilant to detect the slightest occasion for alarm, in the realms below. It was the sudden opening of the door of the apartment where the Hessians were assembled, and the confluence of their voices, which caused the Frenchman to cease abruptly. "I wish de promise, Mary." " What is it, Mr. Girard, that I am to promise ?" asked the girl. " Dat you do hear all dat be said and done, and you speak no word, or cry," " I promise," rejoined Mary, " but you alarm me ; do you hear anything ?" " (^ood-night ! de deyvils be at foot of de stairs, and I must go hide. Yen dey be gone to bed, I vill come again." Withotit waiting to hear more, Girard went straight to a group of empty barrels, and getting into the largest, drew over the top, a small hamper. Although this moven)ent was effected with the utmost celerity, yet it was the result of forethought ; he had pre- viously, in his mind, selected the barrel as place of refuge, should circumstances require it. Scarcely ensconced, he heard footsteps on the stairs ; ignor- ant of the quarter in which the Hessians selected their dormito- ries, he surmised that they were departing to their several sleep- ing-chambers on the floor beneath the garret, and as ihey had doubtless drank freely, would very soon fall asleep, and afford the opportunity of ^nolher confabulation with Mary Crowe. tl20 JASPER CROWE. It \va?, however, rather a trying moment, when he heard iheni ascend to the garret ; he blamed himself for not seizing the lost opportunity of making a good retreat, when it was in liis power. " Dey must be going to have anoder peep at de stars,'' he mur- mnrcd in soliloquy. " J was vera wrong not to get de first peep by the ladder, ^^importcl N'i?nporte , it was de fate of Marc Anthony to lose all through de fair lass, and Francois Girard be not von jot de viser. But vat vill become of de poor General if I fall — de grand nation may be lost by mine folly." Po^terily will not give so large a measure of credit to Francois Girard, as he gave himself, in imagining that the forlmies of the nascent reptiblic depended upon his lying undiscovered in the barrel. Highly as individuals serving in the same capacity as Girard, value the importance of their services ; momentous to the interests of a slate as their intelligence oft proves ; yet our adven- turous Frenchman, looking only on one side of the picture, did not take into consideration, that "de poor general," always made some provision against the loss, or non-return, of scouting parties, or individuals. The invaders of the gallant's solitary domain were Knipj^latch and his friends. Potations deep had somewhat staggered ihem all, their step was unstcad}', their features (with the exception of Knipslatch's) flushed. ];Ut the couni's face was one of unvary- ing paleness; drinking did not redden it; late hours, or wild mirth, did not change its pallid hue : it was what the French term a tete mart. His earnest, and ofi-tinies, fearful gaze at Fagel, was in strange contrast with the collected, self-possessed expression of the latter. An object of scrutiny not only to the count, but to Jablonsky and .Schulz, who were (both of them) mystified and bewildered by his manner, which defied penetraiion, and left them in glorious uncertainty whether he were in jest, or earnest, he demeaned hinriself with the solemnity of one about to perform a feat, to which he was indeed equal, but which severely tasked courage, and faculties, to accompli.sh. " Do vou require to construct a horoscope, or ca.*t mv nativity ?'' asked Knipslatch, as he gazed aroimd tlie desert-loft. " To a poor mortal who undertakes to predict the destiny of his fellow-man," replied Fagel, " such coiuse may be necessary, for whence oiherwisc should lie obtain knowledge, but from .sources beyond his limited ken ? But I pretend to nothing of the kind, my dear count, I jjave no more rightful pretension to pre- dict future events, than the old hag below. But I can summon those who have the power — and there my art ceases !" " But you spoke of protection," remarked Knipslatch, who it was observable, was becoming more agitated, as the hour of trial approached; "a line of protection! What did you intend, or mean ?" " To protect you from the possible effects of my own act. — I have but two charms. Que to summon the being whom JASPER CROWE. 221 my palieni desires to behold ; the other lo ensure him from un- happy consequences, should lie incur the anger of the being in- voked." " But excuse me one moment, gentlemen," continued the adept ; "' I mns>t look on the face of the heavens." Fagel ascended the ladder, and after several moments' survey^ came down. "You will stand thus," said he, leading TCnipslatch to the centre of the garret, and placing his face in a particular du-ection. " Why so, my good Fagel V asked the count, r-ather nervously, laying his hand on the captain's arm. *' Welt! if you must be informed," rephed the Hessian, as a faint smile spread over his countenance; "it is necessary that you stand due north and south, your face being northward. My object in going aloft was to ascertain the position of the polar- star." Taking from his pocket a piece of red chafk, he commenced drawing round the noviciate a circle, but paused when he had described a small segment — muttered several unintelligible words, and then recommenced. After this mode, with six nitermissions, the circle was completed. *' As far as you may be endangered by the summons," uttered Fagel with cold solemnity of voice and rrjaruicr ; " so far, are yon now protected. Have you aught mare to say ere I impress the influence ?" " Promise me — and do you join in the promise, Herren, Jab- Jonsky, and Schulz," said the tremulous count; "that you keep within hearing. If you will not, I feel I shall have no courao-e jor the essay. " We will all remain on the landing of the floor beneath," re- plied Fagel, in a tone of quiet rebuke ; " we may not be seen, but the slighiest word which you utter, wdl be heard by your friends.'^ "Then I am prepared,''' exclaimed Knipslatch ; " and may the issue of the interview be as prosperous to me, as it has been of yore, to my foreft titers.'* Fiigel motioned Jablonsky, and Schulz, to stand at the head of the stairs, thai they might be prepared to descend. Soon as they had taken the statioi^ pointed out, the adept placed himself on the outer edge of the circle, with his back to the count, his face being in the exact line of the patient's. After declaiming several mo- ments, in some unknown <lialect, he paused, and turned toward a distant part of the long garret. To the astonishment of Jablonsky and Schulz, and the extreme terror of Knipslatch, whose knees trembled, and whose hands shook, there proceeded from the quarter whence Fagel gazed, several sounds, or words, resembling the tones of the human voice. " It is our signal to descend, Count," exclaimed Fagel, with lofty sublimity of utterance, " be qiuck-witted, and courageous, and stir not beyond the circle ; we'll listen for your call." 222 JASPER CROWK. Il is more Uian probable, but for ihe reileralioa, not to venture beyond the circle, such was ihe awe and terror of the count, that he would have fled down stairs, widi his friends. The trio, taking with them their lanterns, descended, leaving poor Knipslatch in darkness. Gazing in each others' faces, they waited, after reaching the landing — one, two, three, perhaps four eeconds — Fagel preserving the appearance of as much awe as his companions. Suddenly, a confused heavy tread was heard ; there was a noise of falling, or rolling, bodies; a loud prolonged cry from Knipslatch ; a vivid flash of light, which they all beheld ; a loud crash; and all was again silence and darkness. '' Man or demon," cried Jablonsky, darting a furious glance at Fagel, " we will summon fhee to a reckoning." Lantern in hand, Jablonsky rushed up stairs followed by Schulz — Fagel lagging slowly behind in evident trepidation. On ^ain- jng the loft, the count was seen lying with his face on the floor, across his shoulders was flung the ladder; several barrels were upset, and had rolled from their station, " How is this. Captain Fagel ?" exclaimed Jablonsky, pointing to the body of the count, " is this your boasted protection ? if there be justice, it shall be meted to whom it is due." With assistance of Schulz, Knipslatch was carried down stairs to his apartment, and placed on his bed. He remained insensi- ble, but the pulse siill Ijcat, and he gradually gave otlier indica- tions of life. CHAPTER VL As we stood lately on the banks of the Delaware, at McKon- kcy's ferry, wc endeavoured to transport ourselves, in ima- gination, to the period of llie great struggle, of which we write. The eddying current searching each corner, and nook of its banks, glided as swiftly then as now ; but liow different, in com- plexion and character, from the present, peaceful, healthy pur- suits of commerce and aiirieulture, which it daily witnesses, to the scenes of martini strife, and predatory rapine, then enacted on its shores. In the evening of Christmas-day, soon as it grew dark, there was extraordinary bustle in the American camp. Head-quarters, at the village of Newtown, was thronged with officers of the patriot-army, with messengers, and express-riders, condng and departing. In the iricadows behind the ferry, the soldiers were paraded in military array — the artillery stood ready for embar- kation, and the craft prepared to carry over the troops, and the cannon, were laimched on the current. The commander-in-chief was in consultation with his generals, JASPER CROWE. 223 at his quarters, in the villau-e. Greene and Sullivan, and Reed the adjutant-general ; Colonels HaniiUon, and Baylor of the staff, and Harrison, the zealous, and indefatigable secretary, were among the number who surrounded their chief. Throughout the month of December — gloomy both in season and prospects — the officers in communication wiih iiis Excellen- cy, could not fail noticing, that his aspect — always grave and thoughtful — appeared at ihat time pensive and solemn in the ex- treme. In addiiion to the discouragement arising from so many untoward events, which marked the close of the campaign, his mind was farther depressed in being obliged, by the force of cir- cumstances, to brood over ill-fortune without chance of remedy- ing it. But now the case was altered ; the sense of security in which the foe indulged, pointed the way to action. Though care siiU furrowed the brow, the eye beamed with the fire of en- tliusiam, cahn yet deep. Afier issuing final instructions, and taking separate leave of each officer, he rode out, with his suite, to direct personally, the embarkation. Ami tedious was the passage beyond calculation ! It had been estimated, in council, that both artillery, and men, would be safely landed on the opposite bank, by midnight; but the slowly moving ice was wedged so closely, and gave passage to the crafl so reluctantly, that it was three o'clock, in the morn- ing, before all the artillery was disembarked. By four o'clock, the troops took up their luie of march. After midnight, comirenced a storm of snow, and sleet, which added much to the difficult}'' of the passage ; and, indeed, the delay was so great, that the general began to despair of surpris- ing the town. The march through the heavy snow under foot, and beneath the fall of sharp, arrowy sleet, which almost blinded the troops, he well knew — though the distance v/as but nine miles — would occupy, at least, four hours ; and that he should not reach Trenton before day fairly broke. ^ But this reflection he wisely kept within his own breast ; he was certain there was now no possibility of making a retreat without being discovered, and harrassed, on repassing the river, and he determined to push on at all events, and at every hazard. The army, which consisted of two thousand four hundred men, with twenty pieces of artillery, was formed into two divisions ; one under General Sullivan, to march by the lower, or river-road, over the bridge at mouth of Jacob's creek ; the left division, un- der General Greene, and his Excellency in person, to take the upper, or Pennington-road. As the divisions had nearly the same distance to march, and would (barring accident) arrive at the same time, he gave orders, that immediately on forcing the out- guards, his troops were to push directly into town, that they might charge the enemy before they had time to form. It was arranged, that Generals Ewing, and Cadwallader, with the Jersey and Pennsylvania militia, occupying stations below the ford of 224 JASPER CROWE. Trenton, should, durinjr the night, cross the river, southward of the town, and uiake attack on ihal side ; or if arriving too late, 10 join in the assanh, prevent the escape of the enemy. it was about eight o'clock, when the advanced guard of Ge- neral Greene's division arrived in llie vicinity of Trenton. So deeply anxious was Washington in the issue of the expedition — so momentous the effects either of faiUue, or success — tliai on this occasion, the comuiander-in-chief, wiih his aids, accompanied the march of the out-guards. It was of the highest importance, that the enemy sliould not suffer alarm previous to attack, and this charge his Excellencv took on himsel! personally. The snow, and sleet, which dm-ing the night proved so disas- trous, was now of service in obscuring the approach. At a juncture, when the sharpest look-out was preserved by the ad- vancnig party, an individual suddenly threw himself in the mid- dle of the road. He was instantly surrounded, and his person secured, that he might neither escape, nor give alarm. " De safety of Congress" cried Girard. " Release your prisoner," said the subaltern in comruand of the guards, " he is a friend." " Well, Mr. Girard, cried Washington riding up, " lime presses. In a word, how stands it in TreiUon ?" The spy replied briefly, that the Hessians were sleeping after their carouse — and the troop of British light-horse were in the some pri'dicanient. "But the guards — and pickets?" exclaimed Washington hastily; " is good watch preserved at the oui-posts ?" Giraid answered, that as far as his scouting went, though the troops had been indulged, yet discipline was maintained, and the out-guards regularly relieved. " Whereshall wefind iheirpicket ?" demandedhis Excellency. Perhaps two hundred yards hence — maybe a greater distance — was the reply. The certainty of being taken, or shot, prevent- ed the scout ascertaining the spot with more exactitude. He did not fear the danijcr — he added — it was the dread of being unable to serve his Excellency, which made liim keep aloof. " Hand him a fire-lock, and let liim fall in," said the general. The march recommenced. At a short distance in advance, at an angle of the road, stood a cottage ; llie owner was at the door, chopping wood. On seeuig the guard approach, the man attempted to retreat within doors, but was secui-ed, ere he could effect his purpose. " Where is the Hessian sentinel ?" asked the general. The cottaiier, ihrougli fear, or other cause, made no reply. " Speak — and quickly, my good fellow." cried Colonel Bay- lor, "iliis is General \^'ashingtorl." " God bless your Excellency," said the man finding speech, "the sentinel is under that large oak — he is sore driven by the storm " JASPER CROWE. 225 A push was iinmedialely made to surprise the Hessian, ere he could give alarin, but unlorluiialely, he espied his foes in lime to retreat, after dischargintj his fiie-lock. There was now no resource but in a rapid movement to pene- trate ihe town. Tlie picket, to which the fugitive sentinel was attached, made no stand, as iheir number was but small, but they nevertheless behaved very well, keeping up a constant re- treating fire from behind houses. Soon as his Excellency came within view of the interior of the town, and saw that ihe inain body of the enemy was forming in ihe streets, he ordered his artillery-men to advance with three light pieces. The firing now heard in another quarter, proclaiming the ar- rival, and engagement, of ^iiullivan's division, cheeied and en- couraged the troops under Washingion. His artillery in advanc- ing were met by a heavy galling fire which struck down many a brave soldier, but being supported by light troops under the coin- mand of his Excellency, who marched at their head, the cannon were brought to bear, and speeddy swept from the streets, the half-formed Hessian ranks. The enemy's cannon was seized after a short and severe resistance — and they fled on ail sides. The British light-horse, and many of the German infantry, es- caped by a bridge over the Assanpink creek, (which forms a boundary to the town, eastward,) and as the Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, militia, were unable to cross the Delaware, and in- vest the cantonment on fhat side, they made good their retreat to Bordentown. The main corps of the Hessians being hard pressed, attempted to file off" by a road on (heir right, (near the banks of the Assan- pink,) leading to Princeton, but his Excellency perceiving their intention, threw a body of troops in their way, which immedi- ately checked the design. Finding themselves surrounded — re- treat cut off — that they must inevitably be cut to pieces, if they made farther resistance, the drum sounded a parley, and after a short conference, they agreed to lay down their arms. *' Where is Colonel Rahl '^" demanded the commander-in- chief. " Your Excellency will receive his surrender in a few mi- nutes," replied Baylor, " but I fear he is wounded beyond re- covery." Even while he spoke, the Hessian commandant was borne by a file of his own sergeants. He had scarce strength, as his sword — in token of surrender — was handed to Washington, to exchange salutation with his conqueror. He had demeaned him- self bravely, in ihe vain attempt to form and rally his troops un- der the sweeping fire of the American aridleiy, and was carried off to quarters, bearing with him the sympathy, and respect, of his enemies. " This is a proud day, gentlemen, both for the army and for IS nB JASPER CROWE. Congress," exclaimed his Excellency, glancing around on his victorious troops, *' but our task is not complete, till we secure what we have won." As it was supposed — with much probability — hat many of tlie Hessians were concealed in the houses to which they had fled, either for shelier, or to escape capture, a strict search com- menced which resulted in a great increase of prisoners, both of- ficers and privates. ISix lirass fieliJ-pieces — about a thousand stand of arms, and ihe same number of prisoners, Avere the results of the surprise at Trenton. But to estimate the importance of this lucky hit by the number of captives taken, or arms secured, was far umJerrat- iug its advantages. In the low ebb to which the mililarv af- fairs of the Republic were reduced, the successful issue of the enierprise was calculated to inspire, with renewed courage, the wavering spirits of the nation — to give it more thorough confi- dence in Congress and the army, and to stimulate it lo fresh ex- ertions for the common weal. The merit of the enterprise Iny in the plan and conception, and the perseverance with which it was completed ; in the trarispoit of the army across a river blockaded with floating ice —ill marching soldiers, destitute of shoes and other essential clothing, through a pitiless, relentless storm, in the depth of win- ter, rather than in the actual conflict. The engHgement, from the commencement, was entirely in favour of the assailants, who out-numbered the foe, and had the advantage of taking them by surprise. General Ewing was to have crossed, before daylifiht, at Tren- ton-ferry, and taken possession of the bridge over the Assanpink creek ; but the quantity of ice was so great, that although he did everything in his power to effect it, he could not accomplish the passage. The same difficulty also hindered General Cadvvala- der, with the Pennsylvania militia, froin crossing ai Bristol-foid. If either, or both, of these officers had succeeded, the surprise would have been more complete, the nutiiber of captives, and arms, taken, much larger. CHAPTER VH. In connecting the severed links of our narrative, it is necessary tliat wo return to our acquaintaince at Jasper Crowe's old man- sion. When tlie coimt was borne senseless to his bed, the most assi- duous attention was rendered both by Jablonsky and Schulz. The presence of a surgeon was needful, and it was debated wliether the rejiimental functionary should be sent for; but the JASPER CROWS. 227 extraordinary, and unaccountable manner in which Knipslalch canae by his ml^hap — the impossibiliiy of explaining whai liad •accrued by human agency — rendered his friends exiremelv aveit-e not only to summoning the surgeon, but even calling in the aid oi Franz, or Diana <jroois. His pulse vibrated, and his breath dimmed the surface of a mirror which — in ilieir deep concern for his faie — they applied \o ihe mouih of the sufferer. That he was alive was evident — that he would be soon rest()red to a state of consciousness, and relieve them from the consequences of a most disagreeable di- lemma, was their confident liope. The behaviour of Fagel was almost as extraordinary as the event which his agency originated. All former confidence, and self-possession, seemed to have deserted him. Unwillingly — will) fear and tremblinij — he had followed into the loft, to ascer- tain the fate of the count. He was too much overcome with ■emotion, to assist in the patient's removal; and now sat by the bed-side, a concerned, ihough helpless, spectator of the condition into which he had brought his victim. When Knipslatch at length opened his eyes, and beheld by whom he was surrounded, he turned a reproachful gaze on Fagel. " I predicted this result," he uttered with difficulty, " and I dreaded it." '' What result my dear count," said Jablonsky, taking hk hand, *' what was it that you belield ?" Knipsjatch shook his head, intimating by gesture, that he was yet too weak to hold discourse. Ardent spirits, mixed with water, were administered with hap- py effect. He gradually recovered from the double effect of the severe nervous shock, and the blow struck by the falling ladder. The account he was enabled to give was as follows : His friends had scarcely left him in darkness, when he beheld, by ilie faint glimmer of the stars, and the indirect rays of the lanierns on the landing below, the awful influence which Fagel had sum- moned, rise ttu-ough the floor to a colossal height. In its pro- gress, the lumber with which the garret was encumbered, was Avhirled about on all sides. The direful being, v^hich for so many centuries either favoured, or tormented, the family, deigned nut to confer with its present degenerate representative. To testify iis anger, a sudden flash of liglitning was flung in the eyes of the bewildered nobleman — and, with a horrid screech, the spectre flew through the roof ! " I saw the flash," said Jablonsky, " my eye could not be de- ceived." " Nor my ears," added Schulz ; " it was an awful noise — and God help me ! I hope the season is very distant when J shall pass such another evening." " How happened ii,Captain Fagel," asked Knipslatch, rising, 18* ZZS JASPER CROWE. from his pillow, " did you omit what you ought to have per^ formed ?" "No! no! Herrvon Knipslairh," replied Fiigel, " the omis- «ion would have been a virtue. 1 have practisied deception " " How ? how, sir ?"" demanded the count, " what 1 saw was- leal." " Who will accompany me to the loft ?" asked Fagel, looking alternately at Schulz and Jablonsky, "if 1 ca.inot satisfy my fears, I vvdl at Jea>i! reveal all I know." Schulz looked exceedingly blank at this proposal, but Jahlon- sky beina determined lo fathom to the bottom, ihe mystery, both of the apparent supernatural event, and his fellow-officer's suspi- cious behaviour, agreed lo accompany him. Whatever wcie the nature of FageTs agency,, it was impossible for the Pole lo be- lieve otherwise ilian^ that the Hessian was now as terror-siricken- as Knipslatch had shown himself previous lo the ceremony. He suffered Jablonsky to lead the way. On arriving at the loft, he gazed around with an expression in whieh f«ar antl astonishment^ strove for mastery. "• See f the trap has fallen, or been &hut. Who, or what could have done that ?" asked the captain. "Aye ! you may well ask that question," replied Jablonsky,, **"and who rolled thpse barrels? Now none ou^ht to be able to- afford an explanation so well as yourself!^ " On my word of iionour. Captain Jablonskv," cried Fagcl, laying hrs hand on the Pole^s shoulder ; the latter felt his hand treml)le ; " 1 am guiltless u{ necromancy. My only crime was- practising on the count's feais to an improper extent. I was- maddened that we eould not discover the girl we s^Jpposed hidden in the house, and was ripe for any mischief which presented. Our friend's foolish fancies gave too ready occasion. I am truly sorry for what has happened." "You astound me, Facrel," said Jablonskvr changing colour, " both ydmlz, and myself, believed you were fooling, till the re- sult convinced us there was more than mere trickery. Do you affirm. Captain Fagel, that the voice we heard,, before we left lliis spot, was not a response to your cull ?" " It was my own voice counterfeited, so as to appear coming from a distant part," replied Fagel, "there is no- magic in ihal.'^ " Maybe,"^ observed the Fole^ " I have heard of such decep- tion. But the flash of light — the rolling barrels — the falling lad- der. Had you an accomplice?" "Of these matters, C^iptain Jablonsky," exclaimed the Hes- sian, with much emotion, " I am entirely innocent. I know not how lo account for them, and though a foolhardy man, almost believe that an evil sprite obeved my rash summons." "'Tis strange," observed Jablonskv, pondering, "for credit you, or not, I do not see how you could find the opporlimity of JASPER ^nowE, 229 (Concerting with an accornpline. BiU aid me to replace the lad- •der, and I will take a glance above." 'I'he Pole naonnted, hfted tlie trap, and looked over ihe sides of ihe sloping roof. The snow, and i^leel, fell thick and fast, and ^he soon descended. " h must have been a good genius after all,'" said Jablonsky, trying lo piu asmilingface on the event, *" for seeing that a storm was coming on, he took care lo close the trap. Idu not see ifiat ihe has left any vestige behind; not even a bad odour; so let's away, and console poor Knipslatch." " Do you break iilo him !'' whispered Fagel, as they descend- ed the stairs, together. Both liie count, and Schuk, w^re on'the str-elch of expectation, when their friends reappeared, " Why, Count, you look quite a different man," cried Jablon- €ky, gaily, "from what you appeared iifieen minutes ago; and our friend, Fagel, has made a confession which will nodoubtset your mind<iuiie at ease."" 'J'hereupon, the Pole related wiiat they had seen, and what Fajiel lind confessed. The relation had certainly an cxtraordinar}' effect upon the count. His face ciiafiged to an expression of deep and sullen anger; aiul his strength seemed perfectly -restored. He arose from bed, arranged his disordered apparel, and confronting the Hessian, told him in a few wcrrds, tlxal there was but one mode of wiping off the disgrace and ridicule, which had been ilung on himself, and his family; and he would have satisfaction before "daybrcaii. " I have too often shown my cnud-age-. Major Knipslatch, for even yt^'i to dispute it," said Fa<iei, cajnily, " but I would pre- fer not meeting v»u. '* I iiave done yau wrong, and regret it — accept my acknowledgments and apology." " I cannot, if I would,'' replied the count, after a moment's consideration, *' the affair trmst go farther, or 1 shall become — %vlien the whole story gets wind— the ridicule and laughing-stock of the army." "No! no!" said Schiilz, interposing, " as the c?iptain apolo- gizes, what more can he do, or what more can be expected ?" " As far as regards him,"" rejoined Knipslatch, "the argument applies. Hut you know niy feeling>; j'ou know to what secret cause [ attribute tfie misforiunes which have befallen mp. 'J'here •shall be, Captain Fagel. for my insulled honour, a -deeper feeling than ridicule excited in the breasts of those who hear the story, and the comments passed on it. Captain Jablonsky, I must again tax your friendship." " Herr von Knipshueh," exclaimed Fagel. gravely, " I am only adding to my wrong in meeting you hostilely. I pray vou ta think of some other mode. The occasion does not justify my actintf." 230 JASPBR CROWE. "Thai I can remedy, Captain Fagel," cried Knip.slalch, sirik- ing ihc oilier a blow, wiili ilie open liaiid, acioss liij- mouih. " There is now indeed, I am afraid, no help (or ii," rejoined the Hessi.in, *' H.e^r^^chn!z will, I hope, arrange everyihmg with Capiain Jablonskv, and I shall be found in niy own quarier^." Saying ihis, Kagr^l qiiiued the chamber ; and Schulz piesenily followed. When Jablonskv, and Knip.slalch, were lefi alone, ihe laiier asked ihe Pole lo leil liim, candidly, wiieiher he had acted right in forcing a meeiing. Jablonskv repln d ihal lookmg onlv to the consequences which affeelcd himse.lt, and die service to which ihey were boih attach- ed, he would say the roiuil dui wmno ; bul considering the pe- culiar feelings, and sit'vation of his friend, and sympathizint; with }iim, he conid not affirm, bul what he sbouhi have acted the same way himself, '' Tlini ij* spoken like an honest man and a gemleman," ex- claimed Knip>Iatch, shakijigthe other warniiy by the hand; "yoii are indeed my h'iend." CHAPTER VIII. Apper preliii>inarie& were arranyed bv the seconds-, they took their princip'ds lo the intendeil scene (f action — the long garret on the upper floor. 'I'o fiiihi out of d<w>rs.. in midst of the chilly storm, was impracticable ; to postpone the event was contrary to the wish of Kiiipslaich, amf even of Fagel, since he found il im- possible to decline tlie meelini;. It was agreed, as the reoinien- tal surgeon was quailered in the vicinity, lo defer sending for him till occasion should require his services. The old loft broiioht assoeiations to each party, poweifiil ei'.omih to divert the inind even from the intended rencontre. Knipslatch was confiruied, bv the extraordinary occurrence in hereiiitary sn[)erslition, thouuh no man was more sensibly alive lo ridicHle, of which he felt he shouM h«}ve his fni'l share, when the mysiilicalion [iraciised bv Fagel yoi wind. Bclievii g in the existence of a famiJiar, v\hich haunted his race, he found it difficult to reconcile its appearance wi^h Fagel's confession of deception. k could only be soived on the sup[)osilion, that the Hessian had, like a child in an armoury unwitiini/ly played with weapons of which he knew not the powoir, or the use F.igel himself stooil ill almost .similar predicament, with respecl> to his fiiih ; he had smmnoned the evil one in joke, and behold I he ha<i appeared. Of i^early ihe same complexion were the ihoughts of Jablonskv and 8chuJz ; soniPthinii supernnfural had intervened, thongh whether tlnouizh ihe agency of FafjePs invo- cations,, or at Knipslalch's silent appeal, tliey could not determine. JASPER CROWE. 23-1 Jahlonsky, the most sceptical of I he party, could not in anv wise reduce ihe phenomena to the probabilities of natural experience. Possessed wiih these feelings, ilie momentous occasion which brought the parlies logetfier, was rendered more grave and se- rious. The li^ditness, or nonchalance, which ordinarily charac- terises, or which is assumeil, by ihe mditar}^ characier, under circumstances such as atiendcd the quarrel of Kuipslalch and Fagel, was subdued to a solemn gravity • At the instance of Fagel, one more attempt was made to com- promise the mailer, but Jablonsky and his princi[)al buih declareil, that friendship coidd not possibly be riinewed till shots had been exchanged. Without fur?her delay, the distance was then mea- sured, and the combatants phiced. Knipslatch sto^Ki near the wall which divided the lofl from the miser's private apartment ; Fagel was placed opposite, at an interval of fifteen paces. The weapons chosen were pistols. Preference wonld have been given toeitiier the broad, or small sword, hu\ the infirm stale of Ktiipslatch's health, in addition lo the severe shock his frame had experienced, dictated the more equable substitute of fire- arms. " (s vour friend prepared ?" cried Jablonsky. Schulz answered in the affiimative, "Then let it be understood, as we have agreed," rejoined the Pole, " tfiat both parlies fire at the instant that I drop the scarf." 'flip Pole stood midway between the combatants, though far beyond the line of fire. Schulz was on the otlier side. The eyes of the principals were fixed on Jablonsky: he held aloft the red scarf for a second ; it then fell from his hand, and both pistols were discharged together. Neither party fell, but the double report was followed by a most terrific crash, which to ordinary ears might resemble the smashing of glass and crockerv-ware, united with the screams of a female voice ; but to the asiounded officers, whose minds were already beset with superstitious fears, the sudden avalanche of sound bade i.hcm prepare to behold the spectre which before frighted Knipslaich. " My hour is come, Jablonsky — shield me — I cannot bear the sight I" exclaimed t'le Count, dropping on his knees, and placing both hands before his eyes. Fagel looked aghast ; the pistol fell from his hand, and he stood on the spot where he firi-d, cowed and stricken with i error. " When will this end, gentlemen ■?" he exclaimed. "I ix ly you, let us cease our quarrels, and seek relief from this h* ' sh spell." The seconds were almost as iimch amazed and j:)etrified as their principals. Meanwhile the t^creams coniiiuied, intermingled with aji oc- casional clatter of disl<»dge<l, or fallincr, pieces of glass. "The spirit still ihreatens," uttered ihe terrified Count. v>''h- out daring to open his eyes. 232 JASPER CROWK. " Murder! thieves ! robbery ! help !" shouted a maTe voice. "Come, rouse yoursell"^ my friend," cried Jablonsky, laughing,, and seizing Knipslatch by ilie arm ; " up, man, aud casi away terror ! This is not your devil, but an AiiKTicaii iiend, who speaks English with ;he accent of a native. He was born here,. I do assure you," " Do not }e&i with my infirmity, Captain Jablonsky,'* said the Count, rising and looking fearfully about. •' Gentlemen," remarked Jablonsky, "I suspect we have beet> fooled, or fooling ourselves ; but stay — Schulz, your friend is wounded." "No, no !" exclaimed Faget, "the skin of the arm torn; no- Ihing more, I do assure you,'' The wound, on inspection, proved as slight as he intimated. Returning to the former subject, Jablonsky translated the words uttered by the unknown, and suggested that they should break down the wall, as he suspected it would turn out that iheir host, Herr Crowe, had some secret closet or store behind. '* Here is the aperture made by Fagel's buFiel," cried Schulz^ pointing to a hole in the plaster, "I am thankful it took that, rather than another direction," ob- served the Hessian. Knipslatch, who had partially recovered from his terror, sug- gesied, that before the wall was cast down, they had better sum- mon the garrison; he certainly heard a whispering; perhaps^ Captain Fagel could yet explain the whole manoeuvre. Fiigel asserted his innocence, and proposed that Jablonsky should adopt the Count's hint. 'I'hus appealed to, Jablonsky applied his mouth to the aper- lore, and demanded that whoever were behind,, should njake himsnif krvown. There w^as no reply or signal, " Summon the garrison agahi,'' cried Schulz. Jablonsky repeated the summons, with addition,, that if no an- swer were made, he woidd force an entry. The Pole detected, or fancied, he heard a slight whispering, and a hasty negative in reply : but the sunmions was tinheeded. " Now I will try the third lime," cried Jablonsky, and then we'll vary our pleasant Christmas pastimes, by an assault," The third summons met with the same fate as the second and first. *' Depend upon if, Count," said Jablonsky, as Schu!z brought wp an axe, " we shall discover your fanu'liar." The first blow shaiiered the planter, laid bare and broke the bathes. It was arcompnnicd by loud shrieki-ng within. Half-a- dozen vigorous blows made a breach wide and high enough to- afford injzrcss to the fortress, Ou cnterinfT. they discovered a chamber, piled from floor to ccihng, with boxes, beds, and miscellaneous articles ©f every JASPER CROWE. 233 description. In one corner, half-dressed, in ihe state in which he li.id rushed np slairs, on hearinii; ihe report of fire-arms, stood Jasper Crowe, pale and trembling, yet wiih resolute eye, and pistols in hand, keepintr guard over a leatlier trunk. Wear him crouched a young maiden, with apparel disurdered, and hair fal- ling wildly over her shoulders, the very picture of terror and despair. The display, on every side, of rich furniture and provisions — hams, in rows, without number; wine, in casks and botiles — drove from the minds of the Hessians every trace of supersti- tion. " What has he in the trunk he stands guard over so firmly?" cried ISchulz. " Here is our prize, and a fair one she proves," exclaimed Fa- gel, cazing at the damsel. " We have a sirotig curiosily, FTerr Crowe, afier all the trou- ble we have undergone," said Jablonsky, advancing, "to have a peep at ihe interior of the trunk. Is there more cold fowl and wine hidden ?" •' Stand oflf, men ! stand ofT !" cried Jasper in a shrill, tremu- lous tone, with one foot on the trunk, a pistol in each hand, point- ed at the intruders, and which shook in his nerveless grasp; yet he stood determined to part with the treasure only with life. " Stand off! I say," continued the old man, as Jablonsky con- tinued to advance, " J'U fire both pistols into ye." "Go not near him, sir, he's desperate," cried Marv, flinging herself between her father, and Jablonsky. "Use us, sir, as you would have vour own sisters and parents used, and we'll submit to your will." " iNo, no !" gasped the old miser, " I'll surrender nothing ; it's mine, all mine." Meanwhile Fayel, after casting a glance round the chamber, made free with a handsome fowling-piece, of antique cousirue- tion, inlaid with silver and ivory. " It is mine !" cried Jasper, making a spring at Fagel. Drop- ping one pistol, he grasped the fowling-piece with one hand, and pointed the other weapon at the captain's breast. Mary, alert to [)revent bloodshed, and its fearful cf>nseqiiences, had barely lime to dash aside the barrel of the pistol, as Jasper, in his phrenzied passion to protect his property, pulled the trig- ger. The ball pissed harrrdess into the wall. Fagel, enraged at the attack, seized the old man by the throat. In the strusgle, they fell together on the floor. *' Part them ! part them !" cried Knipslatch. Jablonsky and Schulz, with difficulty, succeeded in rescuing Jasper from the grasp of the Hessian. •' Protect us, sir — do you protect us !" exclaimed Mary, falling on her knees before Knipslatch, " \^'hat in reason you would have, we will give. My father is an old man and passionate ; his goods he loves better than me — better than his life." 234 JASPER CROWE, " What does this poor s'nl say, Jablonsky ^" asked the Count, as he hfied her from ihe floor. The Pole comtiiunicated ihe substance of her appeal. " h is but reasonable," said KMip>lalch. " My friends," he continued, "let us make a treaty with this lilile maiden ; her fa- ther is a blockhead and an ass, and we need not heed him — tho'igh look lo him close." Fagel was snlJen, and muttered dissent; the land, he said, was capiive, and all thai was in it belonged to the conqneiors. Hut on Knipslalch requiring his forbearance, as the only terins nn which he would consent t .. forget the past, and renew' friendship, the 1. liter pronjised acquiescence. The Count ihen i-istrucied Jablonsky to propose, tliat ihey should be supplied dady with a fair quantity of what Jasper pos- sessed in such profusion, and in consideration of such supply, they would refrain appropriating any nionev, jewelry, or other article of value, or of apparel ; re^tricling their demand lo rations of wine, hams, and other eatables. These conditions were translated by Jablonsky, and very cheerfully agreed to by Mary Crowe, though with many a half- suppressed snarl of dissent from Jasper, " What is the maiden's name ?" asked Knipslatch. " Mary Crowe," answered Jablonsky, On hearing lier name meniionefi, Mary looked with an inquir- ing glance, both at the Count and his friend. " Then tell the fraulein Crowe," said Knipslatch, returning her glance, "how happy I, and all of us, will be, if she woi'ld favour us by resuming the management of the house. Her fa- ther (though this you need not repeal) is no better than a turnip, and besides, he qnariels daily with Dian, and withholds the com- monest supplies." M iry's eye sought the floor on hearing this proposal : she would consult her father, she replied, and obey his will. " And now that we have l)rought old skin-fliint to the rod," ad- ded the Count, '' let ii not be f ryot ten that I must have l!ie win- dows in my bed-chamber repaired " Mary, with the faintest smile, promised assent on her father's behalf. " Who passes there ?" demanded Fagel, on hearing footsteps in the loft. Ft was Franz, who said he came up on hearing ihe report of fire-arms "And he comes in good time," cried Jablonsky; "it is too la'e, — ;it least f think we are ma disposed for bed. Franz, you must untomb Diana; let her boil a couple of hatus ; take with vou this string of sausa<fes, thai net of lemons, and return for a few bottles of claret. We will close Christmas-night with tlie rarest bre d<fast since we landed on these shores." As Franz was on the point of unhooking the suspended hams, JASPER CROWE. 835 Jasper interposed his services, which speedily brought about a wraigiinjj, as he pahried on ihe German two of the smallest. The " Frau/ei?!," as Knipslaich called her, ended the dispute, by- pushing aside her father, and allowing Franz a free choice. ''And ere we go," said the Count, " I must apologize to our hostci^s for the damage done by Fagel's bullet, though belter as it is, than if it had winged its way to her bosom." From her account, which she gave with limid reluctance, to Jablonsky, it appeared she suffered rather a narrow escape. As s!ie lay in bed (which was close to the wall of pan ii ion) she hoard the Hessians disconising in the adjoining garret, but not under- standing the language, knew not the danger sh'^ ran, till the bul- let, flying over her liead, struck against a heap of plates and glass on the opposite side, the noise of which brought up lier fa- ther, who, with singular obstinacy, refused to answer the siun- mons, or allow her to do so. J.isper's military guests now retired, to talk over their adven- tures, whilst waiting breakfast, leaving father and daughter to their own company, " All, all gone !" exclaimed the old man, with a deep sigh, sit- ting down on the trunk; "and you, Mary, wojld give every- thing ! I wonder you did not propose to the old marauder to carry off this trunk." " I don't know what you think, father," said the inaiden, with asperity, " but after firing a pistol at one of these foreign officers, I think you have escaped very easily, and I beheve I am not far from the truth in saying, that you owe vour life, and the safety of that trunk, to that same old marauder." " I'gli !" grunted Jasper, " and in gratitude for their matchless generosity, in not leaving me enlirelv destitute, I presume you intend to make breakfast for these plunderers, and serve up thrir dinner. Perhaps vour generosity may carry you to the extent of accompanving them to Philadel['hia or to h — 11, if the whiie- headed old rascal should ask it. — us a favour T Mary burst into tears, and flinging herself on llie bed, wept bitterly. CHAPTER IX. About seven o'clock, our military carousers left their claret to sit down to the substantial breakfast which Diana Groots had been summoned to prepare. The board was lavishly supplied with hams, sausages, tongues, tea of rare quality — which ov\ ing to the contest with Great Britain was exceedingly scaice and dear — chocolate and many o'her luxuries. Eggs there were in plen- ty, but we are sorry to record, mostly unfit for table, having be- come antiquated during sojourn in Jasper's store-room. 23^ JASPER CROWE. A hearty breakfast was aboul ihe best prescription the hon-vi- vans co\.\\& partake of, to wash away the eflccis of their bacchanal vigil. The evenics of the night were discussed with freedom and temper, and with remarkable courtesy to Knipslatch's peculiar fancies — and with good reason — for the mystery of the flash of light, and the falling ladder, was a spell, wliich haunted, and puz- zled, the mind of each. Fagel was the most thoughtful ; he was also the first to leave the lable, before the otiicrs had finiohed their prolonged meal. Meeting Franz in the hall, which he contrived purposely, on his return from the kitchen— he told him that as breakfast was near- ly over, his services would not be required ; and he himself had occasion for them. The orderly fulluwed the captain to his quarters. " Franz," said the oiTicer, " you have a close tongue — a ready hand, and a prompt wit. These aie good qualities, if you knovv how to put them to iiood use." *' 1 have been promoted, Meinherr, from the ranks," replied the soldier, '' to serve the honorable mess." " That is but small promotion in itself, Franz," rejoined the cap- tain, " if It were not, that it put von in the way of serving others, and by so doing, serving yourself." '* How can 1 serve Meinherr?" " You have seen the old man's pretty daughter — that little body whom we unearthed so oddly this morning?" FVanz replied in the affirmative. " I have a notion of taking herto spend a few days at Princeton, or New Brunswick," said Fagel," it will be a pleasant change af- ter being so long immured amongst sausages, and old clothes." " Very pleasant, both to the lady, and Meinherr," observed Franz. " And to yourself — I suppose, if [ pay you liandsomely for help- ing ns off?" remarked the Hessian. The soldier observed that, certainly, payment would make con- sidei-Hblc difference in his feelings. But would not llerr von Knipslatch,and Ensign bchulz, take it very ill ? He might suffer from their anger. " That is as much as to say, Franz, that yon susppct they would be jealous of me, and visit iheir reseminent on yourself." *' I hope ^Icinhcrr will protect me," replied the soldier. "Make yoursell easy, Franz," said the captain; " I have the best claim to her society, if it be only in recompense for the dan- ger I ran frcnn her father. If it had not been for the daughter's arm. the old brute would have slint me." " That proves her affection for Meinherr," observed Franz, with a broad vuloar grin. As the parlies now understood each other, it was arranged, that Franz should immediately procure a light country wagon ; and af- ter receiving further instructions (with permission to absent himelf JASPER CROWE. 237 from duty) and being furnished with nrioney, he departed on his unscrupulous errand. Captain Fagcl immediately went to iiead- quarters, and procured from Colonel Hahl a fori night's leave of absence. Relurnmg to Jasper Crowe's, he found his friend, still lingering idly over the breakfast-iable. " Why yuu look as bright as a newkreutzer, Herr Fagel," cried the count, eyeing his late antagonist, " may I ask your recipe for good looks after a nights debauch ?" " The prescription, 1 followed this morning," replied Fagel, "was ten minuies' walk through the sleet and snow." " Billiards would be a good substitute," cried Jablonsky, " and belter tlian a parade through ihe snow — What sound was that?" " The crack of a rifle," said Schulz. " An excellent idea !" cried the Pule, '' but let us go aloft. 'Tis a famous shooting-gallery. We'll club tea dollars, and the steadiest hand takes the purse." " Add a kiss from Mary Crowe, and it's a compact," said Schulz. The Ensign had scarcely uttered the words, when ihey heard the report of a scattered tiring. " What can that mean ?" ex- claimed Knipslttch, appealing to his friends. I'he druvn im- mediately beat to arms, and the firing momently ^rew louder and nearer, and more frequent. "To arms, gentlemen," cried Knipslatch, "the outposts are attacked ; whether I survive, or fall — remember that I predicted, from the aspect of my secret monitor, that a change was at hand." There was no time for further parley, or discourse. Arming iheiriselves hastily, Knipslatch and his friends issued forlh to join their respective corps, amidst ceaseless discharges of musketry. Soon as they were gone, Jasper Crowe crept forlh from his chamber, and ventured into the officers' mess-room. Sad to the miser, was the scene he contemplated ! Such a goodly array of provisions — which under his penurious management would have lasted several weeks — squandered, in profusion, in one moniiiig's meal. " The d d rats !" exclaimed Jasper, eyeing the remains of breakfast. " See, here, Mary," he continued, as his daughter entered the apartment, "both hams cut at the same time ! The cursed lo- custs ! may their own throats be cut, even as they sliced tlic hams. But half-a-loaf is better than none — so help me, Mary, to take up stairs what remains, or it will fall into the hands of tii'at toad below." Mary, ever obedient to her father's command, save when his life, or property, was imminently endanojered by his obstinacy, began removing the half-consumed viands as she had been bid- den. Meanwhile Franz returned with the wagon. From the dis- charge of fire-arms, and other movements, he comprehended the real posture of affairs : but as Fagel had granted leave of absence 238 JASPER CROWE. from military duty, he did not deem ii incumbent to join his regi- nieni. J)rav\iiig up ihe wngon under shelter of the slal)le, he en- tered the lioui^e, and found, as he expected, ihe officers liad quit- led. Peepmg slyly into ilie mess-room, lie beheld the work in which Jasper was so earnestly absorbed, but retreated without showing himself. [lurrying next into tlic kitchen, he was met by Diana Grools, armed with a formidable bar of iron. " VVh}^, whom do you lake mo for, Diana ?" cried ihe soldier. " Mow fares it with the Anspachers?" demanded Diana, " do we make prisoners, or strike tents V '■ Tlie battle's scarce begun," replied Franz, " and your trade is a long way otf." '■ My trade !" exclaimed Diana, in a tone of mingled scorn and derision; " my trade, indeed ! and what have I made of it ?" '' Why, not much, perhaps," replied the oiher, " yet 1 have seen two gold- watches, and I will nut say how many brtiad gold-pieces, to say nothing of silver dollars." " Why curt^e the poverty-stricken wretches," exclaimed Diana, *' if one meets witli a pair of epaulets, there is nothing in the pockets but a roll of paper money, not worih the weight in to- bacco." " You have not yet learned y^our trade, Diana," said Franz with a sneer. " What is it, ye mean, ye prowling thief!" rejoined the sut- tler " tav.send teufeln! ihis bar shall teach ye how to behave." " Throw asifie the beam, mv good Diana, and listen to ine," said Franz, " and I'll point out the wav, by which you shall make more money in five minutes, than you would have done in two campaigns." Seeing that lie was in earnest, Diana became an attentive list- ener. Franz related on what mission he had been employed by capiain Fagel ; he also gave a description of the store-chatuber in which so much wealih was, confessedly, de[)osite{l. There were but two beings now in the house, in custody of the treasure; a feeble old man, and the young girl just come to liiiht, his dautrhter. What prevented Diana and himself, he asked, binding Jasper Crowe, and cnrrving off, in the confusion occasioned by the en- emy's assault, both the treasure, and the young d.imsel ? '^ Himmelsh/ast ? wfiy, the girl — is not the gold enough ?" " Aye! for you and me," replied Franz, " but there is only one road we can travel — backward, the way we came And if we take the girl to either of the places, the captain named. I shall make my peace with him, and stand clear of deserting I" " Well ! and we go halves?" cried Diana. " On my honor," exclaimed Franz, laying his hand on his breast. " And the old man, do you splinter him ?" "No, Diana, I have a conscience," observeil Franz; "let u« fasten him in the cellar." JASPER CROWK. 239 Providing themselves with a rope, and large sack, they made fast the door leadmg from the basement into itie gardt- n, and then stole quietly up stairs. The hall-doors, both front and back, were next secured without obi^ervation. Jasper's weak footsteps were now heard descending the stair- case, and to prevent being seen, the worthy pair retreated into ihe clot^et in which Franz usually slept. Soon as the old man pas- sed into the mess-room, they crept after him, and ere he was aware, the mouth of the uplifted sack was drawn over his face, and body, by Franz. Diana Groots, who held the cord, wound it several times round ihe sack, enveloped in which, the old inan was strugfrling, and kicking to get free. But his arms being now fastened by the rope, and his cries stifled in tlie sack, he was borne neck and heels, into a cellar which opened from the kitch- en, and in which was usually deposited the winter-fuel. Having bound him securely to a post, from which there was no possible escape, by his own unaided efforts, a hole was cut in the sack, large enough to admit the passage of his head. " He'll not die for want of air," said Franz, casting a last look at his victim as he quitted the cellar. " Wretches ! will ye starve me to death ? mercy ! mercy ! yon mean it not ! Loose me, and I'll give you gold, all I have ! Ma- ry — help — Mary— help. More he may have uttered, but the door was closed on the un- fortunate Jasper — the key turned in the lock, and withdrawn. Harsh was the grating of that key in old Jasper's ear ! Often h.id Mary ridiculed the idea of his affixing a lock on a cellar into which there was need of constant access, and in which nothing of more value, than fuel was stored. But the slave, (his former menial,) he affirmed consumed by far too rancfi wood, so he bought a lock. Did he feel how bitterly his niggardly penu- riousness recoiled on himself? That lock in whose safe binding maa;ic, he so much exulted— -which he had procured at— as he said — a heavy cost, after the plan had so oft failed of counting the number of sticks, and blocks! His own weapon turned on him- self! " Now we must silence the ]']H\efraulpw, while we peep into the closet where all the gold and silver pieces be stored — and so, frau (iroots, take off your shoes, and tread lightly. Those little vixens have shurp ears, and shrill chippers." And so saying, the adroit inarauder led his companion in quest of their victim. 240 JASPER CROWE. CHAPTER X. When Franz and the siitller crept inlo llic loft, ihey found the broken wall blockaded with fiirniuire, artd other cumbrous articles, impeding further progress. It was a main pouit with the rascal to surprise the girl and stifle her cries, ere she liad lime, or chance, to raise alarm. As he heard, through the con- versation at the breakfast table, that the secret stairs to Jasper's stronghold led into a closet in his bed-chaiubcr, he proposed to frau Groots, that she should remain sentine! in the loft, to pre- vent escape in that direction, whil?;! he relurncd to the floor below, and approached through the miser's ap;irlment. But lids prudent arrangement met with unexpected opposition from the sage Dian. '' Nem ! «em/"was her whispered protest. More by signs than by words, she gave the fellow to understand, thnt she would not trust him alone in the treasure-chamber — they were to share equally, and division should be made when boih were present. Cursing her, in his heart, for a selfish old hag, and for every- thing else that was bad and opprobrious, he found opposition to her wishes both useless and dangerous, as lime was already lost in discussion. Retracing ihcir steps, they entered Jasper's bed-chamber, passed into the closet, and from thence upward. The temporary and hastily arranged stairs, cieaked as llicy as- cended. "Father," cried the maiden, " this is all labour in vain. Wc shall have to carry everything down again, when they have re- turned from fighting." Hearing no reply, nor yet seeing her parent, for Franz paused in doubt how to act, she ran to the stair-head, and beholding the unwelcome visitor, shrieked loudly, and ran to possess herself of a gun which Jasper kept loaded. But the wary ruffian, second- ed by the female fiend, were too nimble for the courageous at- tempt ; the weapon was wrested from her grasp. Spite of her cries, her hands were tied, and by signs which there was no mistaking, she was threatened with instant death if she resisted being blindfolded. Frighted with the horrid menaces of the female fury wiio stood over her, and knowing but loo well from the stories which she had heard related of the brutality of the camp-women, when excited by hope of plunder, that the threats would be put in execution, she submitted to her fate. Thus far were the marauders successful. Their next exploit — an easy one — was to commence ransacking the long-hoarded stores of the miser. In its pr<^gress, however, it proved more dif- ficult than they contemplated ; there was such an cmharras de richcssc, that ihev knew not either how to act, or what to take — or what they conld make up their mind to leave behind. On forcing open the trunk, for whose safety Jasper displayed JASPER CROWE, 241 such desperate courage, it was found to contain an immense bulk, in bags, of dollars in specie. Oilier bags, of lesser size, were filled with gold coin — a treasure which llie miscaiculaling old man had been afraid to put away from his sight,* and bury in the earth, as most of his neighbours had done wiih their valu- ables ; for whicli short-sighted policy he was now doomed to suf- fer most bitterly. To carry ojfif ihe trunk, enlire, was the discreet wish of both robbers ; but it proved loo heavy, and ihey were, besides, in mo- mentary fear of discovery. As often as Frauz withdrew his mind from the absoibing contemplation of tlie riches by which he was surrounded, he heard the commingling sounds of battle, and knew from experience, that llie contest was growing severe, and the issue doubtful ; and in whosever's favour it was decided, he must away with his plunder, before victory gave leisure to the conquer- ors. " What hast there, fool ?" cried he, on beholding Diana ap- propriating a very rich dress, probably the wedding apparel of Jasper's mother, or deceased wife, and whose briglit colours and woven gold, attracted the woman's fancy, not deadened to what gratified her sex. " Throw it down," he exclaimed, snatching it from her hand, and flinging it aside ; " and those silver pieces, leave them for our superiors. Here is gold, which will buy every thing, fill thy pockets with it." Not without much ailo-, Dian was persuaded to relinquish the more gaudy, for tlie more substantial, and portable, wealth. Hav- ing laden himself, and companion, with as much as they could both carry on their persons, of the precious metal — as to encumber themselves with boxes or trunks, was inconsistent with the line of proceeding which he meant to adopt when he arrived at the Bri- tish head-quarters at Princeton or New Brunswick, he left the trembling captive in charge of his accomplice, and hastened be- low. Time was precious. As he gazed from a window in Jasper's bed-chamber, he beheld many of his straggling countrymen re- treating toward the bridge over the Assanpink Creek. The day- was then inifavourable to his masters I Should he, or should he not, persevere in his design of carrying off the old man's daugh- ter? If he did not, his conduct would be viewed in no other light than desertion, and as lie must follow the same road by which his countrymen retreated — vvi;hin the British lines — to escape from the service (ignorant of the language of the country, and branded as a robber), was impracticable. But by carrying off Mary Crowe, he was fulfiUing the orders of his superior officer, on whom alone the blame must fHll, and who, for sake of his own character, must screen him from the consequences of being ab- sent from his regiment, and for his mal-practices (if ihey should be complained of) in Jasper's house. The flight of Diana Groots 19 242 JASPER CROWE. he could justify on the argun-jent, that he had been forced to seek her aid in accomphshing the captain^s designs upon the maiden. He was the more incHued to the latter ahcriialive, as tliere ap- peared every probability, from ihe expected issue of the engage- meni, that the Hessian brigade would he forced to retreat on Princeton, and his officers would arrive there nearly as soon as himself. The wagon was accq^^Boly brought from the stable, and Mary (her cries partially s^pniered by a ch)ak wound around her head) forced into it. She was laid on the bottom of the vehicle, Dian following to prevent her rising, or attempting to escape. Locking the outer door, Franz put tlie key in his pocket, and ap- plying the whip to his steed, he drove rapidly down the street, and over the Creek-bridge, refusing to listen to the call of several fugitives on foot, escaping in the same direction. Not ten minutes elapsed after his flight, when Girard came to the house. Often, during the engagement, had he thought of Mary in her lone prison-chamber, frightened at the horrid din, which from every side, greeted her ears. He knocked — there was no answer. Every door was locked — every shutter fastened. It was natural, (he thovight,) whilst the fate of the day was uncertain ; but how convince old Jasper that he might unbar his doors with safety? He called to him by name ; declared aloud that the town was in po.ssession of the American forces ; still no response. " Den I go in after de old fashion, and make Mr. Crowe give me vun good breakfast for de news I bring. O ! I will have de rare fun wid de old man, and wid Mary, if I can see her.'^ And so, without more ado. Girard clambered to the roof, and lifting up the trap, lowered his firelock by the belt, and dropped after it himself. CHAPTER XI. The floor shook with the heavy weight of Girard, yet the noise brought no one forth. Great was his surprise on beholding the shattered wall, and the repaired breach. The retreat of Mary was no doubt discovered ; perhaps the very means which he adopted to frighten the old German, and encompass his own es- cape, had proved the cause ! With this reflection rankling in his mind, he hastened to Jasper's chamher, with in'ention of penetrat- ing to the secret store, and of fathominjr the mystery of the strange, and unaccountable silence. On the floor of the bed-chamber, he observed several pieces of money, which increased his suspicion of fuul play. Rushing up stairs, he bclield sad evidence of rob- bery ; if no deeper crime had been perpetrated. Money, apparel, letters, and parchments, were scattered about in s^ad confusion. JASPER CROWE. ^ 243 Lifting from a heap, a licb, antique dress, trembling at ibe tliought thai beneath, lie might behold the lifeless form of the liiile piquant Mary, his eyes rested on — a cooked and half-consnmed hain. FJad Jasper, with his dau^jhier, (let! ? no! no! ihe idea was in- capable of reconcilement with the old man's character. He would never abandon his wealth ! Flad llie Hessian committed murder ? Were such the case, they would hardly have left, undivided, the spoil. After inspecting the priming of his firelock, he descended again to Jasper's bed-chamber : seaiched each apartment on that floor, then passed to the rooms below, the mess-room, and the sleeping- quarters of the Hessian officers. With lightest tread, lest he should unawares encounter more than he could manage, with his single arm, he crept softly down the basement stairs, but the kitchen, and adjoining passages were as solitary as above. Returning to the hall, on the principal floor, he espied on the staircase, which led up stairs, a shoe. By the size, and shape, it was Mary's. Strong proof, this, he thought, that she had been carried away by comfjulsion. In refleclmg on the horrors to which she might be exposed, it was but poor consolation, that the idea of her murder was lessened by the discovery of the shoe. It were well, and advisable, he conceived, to prevent farther de- predation, that he should lock up Jasper's chamber, till the key could be restored to the rightful owner, or placed in legal custody. He had scarcely locked the door, when a noise at the garden- gate, caused him to descend. It was follovv-ed by a loud knock- ing at the hall-door. On opening it, he beheld on the piazza, the same officer whom he had seen standing (whilst concealed in the barrel,) within the red-chalk circle. But how diff'erent now his condition ! He was borne, v/ith aid of several American soldiers, by his companions, Jablonsky and. Schulz, and was carried straight to his former quarters. Without inquiring who or what he was, the services of Girard. were readily accepted by Jablonsky. After the Count's wounds were dressed, and the surgeon had departed to attend another oflicer, the Pole, pleased wiih the alacrity of the Frenchman, put several questions respecting ihe service to which he belonged, and tlie character of General Washington. Girard, who had been ruminating how to act — whom to apply to, under the strange mystery whicl) overhang the fate of Jasper's household, Vv'as delighted to "find liimself addressed in the English language. There was an open military frankness in Jablonsky's countenance which won confidence, and our spy made confes- sion how he had discovered the house locked up, and that on gaining access, found it untenanted. He suppressed, however, the particular mode of entry, lest he should incur the resentment of the officers whose strange vigils he had so unceremoniously disturbed in his previous escape from the loft. Jablonsky was astounded. Gone ! all gone ! — Herr Crowe — 19* 244 JASPER CROWE. his danglitcr — Franz (ihough he was possibly shot or made cap- tive) — Diana Groots — surely shewns beh)\v"? " Not vim soul in de house!" exclaimed Girard, emphalically^ "and de shoe I find prove vera much wrong done.'^ " The sutller," remarked the Pole, ihoughlfully, " would not slick at murder, if there were store of gold to tempt her eyes, but she alone could not carry off lier victims." In coniinuation, Jablonsky said he was also templed to believe there had been foul play, for, from what he had seen of his host, not all tiie peril of the late fray, would have made him abandon wealth, on vvhici) his affections were so deeply fixed. The Polc'.s attention was suddenly recalled to Knipslatch, who reminded his friends, that even as lie predicted, so it had fallen out, that a change of fortune was at hand. Had he possessed the courage to face his awful visitor, he would, doubtless (like his ancestors), have been forewarned of, and taught how to evade, the peril. " Poor Fagel is dead," continued the Count ; " he did not sur- vive his fall, many s-econds ; he fixed iiis eyes on mine, and I fan- cied he wislied to communicate some request, but the power was denied. The surgeon promises me better fortune, but there is one in whom I have greater confidence, did T dare see him." His fiiends listened in silence ; recent events made the sub- ject too interesting to be treated with levity ; and yet Jablonsky, after a pause, could not help observing, that he wished some fa- miliar would communicate to him whether he should be speedily exchanged, or whether it were his destiny to undergo a long cap- tivity. Even as he spoke, there issued, as from beneath, a noise re- sembling cry, or groan. " Heilige gcisf /" exclaimed Schnlz, changing colour, " I shall be glad when the American Commissary orders our removal. This old house is haunted from cellar to garret." The groans or cries were repeated. " What think you of this, Mr. Girard ?" asked Jablonsky, look- ing significantly at the Frenchman. "I do link i will make vun grand search below," replied Gi- rard, pointing downward with his finger. " 1 quite agree with the American officer," observed Schulz, who saw Girard's motion with the finger, though he did not un- derstand the words ; " the evil one is at work sure enough, but I hope he'll not appear." " Our new acrjuaintance," said Jablonsky, laughing, " is a Frenchman, though in the service of the States. Will you accom- pany him, and myself, to the realms beneath ?" - Hcrr A^on Knipslatch may not prefer being left alone," replied the Ensign. " Go, Schulz," replied the Count, "the weaker I grow in body the more courage I feel to possess." JASPER CROWE. 245 The Ensign, lliough very loth lo accept ihe challenge, scorned further subLerfuge, and, pulling on a cheerful cuunienance, ex- pressed his willingness to join in the adventure. The strange noise ceased for the interval, perhaps, of one mi- nule ; but as ihej crossed tlie stone flour of the kitchen, it was re- newed- " I do know dat cry," said Girar.d, stopping sudtienly. " What does he say, Jablonsky ?" asked Schulz, looking from one lo the other. "He says," replied the Pole, with solemn gravity^ " ihat he knows the being who made ihat noise." " Der teufel! he does!" exclaimed Schnlz., widening the dis- tance between himself and the Frenchman, " ihen I do not wish ihe acquaintance of3''Our new fiiend" " Whom do you suppose the cry lo proceed from ?" asked ihe Pole, turning lo Girard. " Oh ! it IS old Crowe, I be sure." "Old Crowe !" ejaculated Jablonsky, " nut .the hlack crowe — the devil, as my friend believes." " Old Crowe be vun deyvi],sure enough," replied Giraid, "but den he be fader to de litile cherub., Marie Crowe." Meanwhile, old Crowe, or the devil, aware that he was in the vicinity of good company, beg:in vociferaling most lustily. Schulz, who had not the advanlagc, like Jablonsky, of confidential inter- course with Girard — ignorant of the revelations made by the Frenchman — participated 'u\ all the superstitious belief of Knip- slalch, without possessing a particle of ihe laltcr's subdued cou- rage and resignation. Ashamed lo display fear, yet too much terrified wholly to conceal it, he watched tlie proceedings of the others, without aiding them. Several holes and corners were searched before they came lo the right spot, but as soon as they began handling the cellar door,, all doubt ceased. The prisoner, thuu.gh nearly exhausted with previous efforts, redoubled his cries. The door was forced open, and ihe old nian discovered. At another season., the ludicrous aspect of Jasper — his head iseeming to resl on the sack which enveloped his body — would have excited daughter ; but the mental torture he had undergune, claimed the sympathy of his rescuers. " It be very cold here, Mr. f^rovve,'" cried Girard, pulling out his case-knife to cut the rope which bound him. " Untie it," cried the miser, faintly. It was his oivn rope ! Ere released, he fell into a swooii, and was borne by Girard and the others, to his chamber. 'Leaving him to lli,e caie of the Frenchman, the officers retired to acquaint Knipslalch with the rc- .'sult of their search, and ihe disappearance of Diana Groois. " Where is Mary ?" cried the uld man, opening his eyes. The Frenchman, in the feeble condition of Jasper, was afraid io communicaie the truth ; lie lold liim tint she had been forced m leave the hause^ but was in a jplaoe of «afeij. 246 JASPER CTIOWE. "Where? wliere is ihe " but the miser slopped shorty and looked wisi fully at the closet door. (iiiard took the old man's hand. Though but sligh/ly known to each other, he trusied ihat Mr. Crowe had confidence m his good inteniions. He was in the service of General Washington, who was now master of'l'rcnion, luivmg totally routed the Hes- sians; the officers in his house were prisoners, and would shortly be removed to a place of safety beyond the Delaware. Yet be- fore they departed, an invedtigaiion ought to take place. " What? what ?'' exelainjed Jasper, shuffling ofi'lhe bed, "have I been robbed? Stand aside — let me go — I can walk — I'll have justice — ril pursue them to the end of the world !'*" But his strength faded him,, and he fell into the arms of Girard^ On (iirard demanding by whom he was bound and cast into the cellar, he replied by staling what had occured. The French- man said that both Franz and the woman had disappeared, and he was afraid — indeed he was convuiced — they had been up stairs- riflmg his property. "Carry me up, Mr. Girard," said the miser, breathless and fainting, "carry me up; I will see my loss, if I die." (liraid bore him up stairs, and seated him on the bed. " Ruined !' ruined !" ciied old Jasper, gazing around, wliilst the tears fell fast down his (cheeks, "and Mary deserted me !" " No ! no !" exclaimed Girard, " say not dat thought;" and he related the circumstance of his eomins; to tlie house to bring the glad tidings of deliverance from the Hessians — how lie was un- able to make any one hear — that he forced an entry, and found the premises untenanted, and ahhough he looked into the kitch- en, he did not hear Mr. Crovve''s outcry, (which might arise from his creeping down softly, unheard by the poor old irian,) that he found one of Mary''s shoes (which he now produced) on the stairs, above the hall, from whence he surmised that she had been carried off against her will; and in conclusion, from adding his own experience to Mr. Crowe's narrative, had no doubt that Franz and the camp-woman, in the tumult which raged in the town, had borne her away, that she might not raise an alarm, and frustrate carrying off ihe spoil. Here was frcc^h misfortune for Jasper Crowe ! Flis spirits ap- peared quite broken with the loss of his daughter and his gold, added to the cnfceblement sustained by his frame, during the lone terrors of his prison-house, and the probability of being starved to death. Tiie coin and treasure lay ^scattered about; but he had no heart to investigate the extent of the los&, but aai on the edge of the bed, his mind stupified, his eyes dimmed with tears. Girard endeavoured to console him with oft-repeated assurance, that as soon as Jasper was in condition to take charge of the scaitered property, and resume the manacement of liis house, he would make every possible search after his daugjilcr. Her re- lASPER CROWE. 247 covery, he added — though he did not himself feel assured of the fact — was, beyond doubt, certain ; for the German could not cross the river, and he would be forced, not knowing the lan- guage of the country, to lake refuge in the British lines, where he would at least be obliged to set at liberty his prisoner, even if the gold were irrecoverable. After this strain, tlie Frenchman succeeded in soothing in some degree the wo-begone miser ; and having suggested the neces- sity of putting his money and valuables in order, and seen him commence t[)e melancholy task, he hastened below with inten- tion of conferring with Capiaiii Jablonsky on the probable route of the fugitives, and the steps proper to be taken to arrest ihem. Jablonsky communicated to his friends the treatment which Jasper had received from Franz and Diana, which fully confirmed suspicion of their villany, and forced conviction that they had also carried off Mary Crowe. Whilst Girard departed in quest of in- formation which might throw liglit on the nefarious proceedings, Knipslatcli dictated a letter lo General de Heisler, commander- in-chief of the Hessian forces, deiaihng particulars of tlie robbery and abduction, and requesting his good offices, and co-operation with the British authorities, in restoring the daughter to her fa- ther's artns, and if possible, recovering the gold and valuables which the accomplices had stolen. The intelligence picked up was but scanty. From a boy re- siding in the street in which Jasper's house was situate, Girard was informed, that the lad, whilst peeping through the grating of the cellar, where the family had taken refuge against tlie flyi'ig balls and bullets, he saw a light wagon drive rapidly by, in which were a Hessian and a female. From a woman living close to the Creek-bridge, and who, from an upper window, beheld the escape of the more fortunate Hessians, he gathered, that she saw the wagon driven over the bridge, and there appeared a third individual lying at bottom, whom she imagined was wounded. Her mem.ory was clear, inasmuch as she was struck with the selfishness and brutality of the driver. A pour disabled fellow, in the same uniform, made appeal to be taken into the vehicle, but was met with a heavy stroke of the whip, as he attempted to 3av hold of the reins. This evidence was at least sufficient to confirm belief in the abduction of the young maiden. On his return, Girard found the old man v/ilh Knipslatcli and his friends. He had received the letter to De Heisler, as well as one from Jablonsky, to a British officer of rank, in New Brunswick, on the same subject. They were interrupted by a visit from the Atnerican Commis- sary-General of prisoners, who was accompanied by his Excel- lency's staff physician. The laitercame with a poHte message from Washington to Count Knipslatcli, and an offer of the doc- tor's services; the former to announce intention of removing all prisoners, who conld bear transportation, across the Delaware, 248 JASPER CROWBT. without delny. If Ilerr Von Knipslatch were unfit for removaT, he \v;is inslrticted to take his parole, ihat he would, as soon as convalescent, surrender himself to the nearest American outpost. The condition of the Count's wounds — severe if not dangerous, made ihe offer very acceplable, and parole was given accordingly. The parting between Knipslatch and his friends was afiection- ate and sincere, as between men who had shared the perils of war, and the society and pleasures of the mess. The same day, the twenty-sixth of December, witnessed the return of Washing- ton to the Pennsylvania territory, vifh liis prisoners, and ihe rich spoils of war. Colonel Baylor, chief of ihe staff, was despatched to Congress, carrying with him the standard of the regiment of Anspach, and his Excellency's narrative of the action. The retrograde movement of the American commander was dictated by sound policy. At New Brunswick, Ambov, and other cantonraenis, were six thousand British and Hessian troops, whilst Washington's forces were bur iwentv-fonr hundred, pre- vious to the engagement. To repass the Delaware, in view of a supprior arriiy, was impossible ; to secure the prisoners and cap- tured artillery and ammunition was, therefore, a primary object,, and this movement was effected without loss or accident. CHAPTER XIJ. Very mucti to his satisfaction, Girard was ordered to remain in New Jersey to procure inte41igence of the enemy's motions. He was prepared to run the risk of goina, in disguise, to Prince- ton, in hope of tracing the flight of the Flessian and his victim; but Jasper Crowe, who testified mttch gratitude for the French- man's services, absoluiely forbade him risking llie inevntable fate of a spy, by passing, for such a purpose, so near the British head-quarters ; and our adventurer, having special regard to con- ciliating tlie old m^-rn, was prompted to obey. At Jasper's sug- gestion, the more open and direct course was adopted, in respect to the documents fiu-nished by Jablonsky and Knipslatch. Ad- vantage was taken of a ffag gomg witliin the British Tines, to forward the letters to their destination, accimipanied by another from Jasper, with a more mrnute account of the alidnction and robbery, and descriptit)n of the figure and age of the accomplices. He was advised to add the offer of a reward for the recovery of his d.uigluer, or apprelrension of Franz and Diana, but this pro- position was rejected by the thrifty Jasf)er, who alleged, very speciously, that as it was known the Hessian had carried off a eot\siderable sum, in gold, there needed no stronger indncetrjcnti to cause the scoundrel to be arrestetl wherever he showed his^ face. JASPER CROWE. 249 " I have said that iheir pockets were crammed wilh guineas and doubloons," observed Jasper, " and depend upon it, Mr. Gi- rard, for sake of tiie gold, the British will keep a sharp look-out. I have put my mark upon the thieves as effectually as if I had branded their foreheads with hot iron. Mary may be restored, but the money," added the old man, wilh a deep sigh, and an awful shake of the head, " will be sequestered as belonging to an enemy. And where's the use, I would ask, of throwing more after it, by offering reward ?" The renewal of hostilities by the patriot army, was destined to continue. The peculiar distresses to which Washington's troops were reduced by the severities of rain, cold, snow and storm, the charge of the prisoners and artillery they had captured, in addition to the difficulty of crossing the river, under any circum- stances, and of its impracticability if harrassed by the enemy, forced him, as we noticed in the last chapter, to return whilst re- turn was in his power, without pursuing the advantages his army had gained. Bill after repassing into Pennsylvania, he discovered that nu- merous corps of militia — the entire detachments under Generals Ewing and Cadwallader, and several regiments from Philadel- phia — had crossed over to new Jeise)% at various fords. Cheered and flattered by the reviving courage of the militia of both pro- vinces, he prevailed on the regular continental forces, whose time expired on the first of January, to stay with him a few weeks longer, for which condescension he agreed to pay a large bounty. After two days' rest, the army again passed into New Jersey, and effected a junction with the militia assembled there. But the British commander-in-chief was now roused to the necessity of making a vigorous effort to prevent his forces being driven shamefully from the district they had overrun. Lord Cornwallis, on the pomt of embarking for Europe, was countermanded into Jersey, to take command of the army, and drive back the Amer- icans beyond the Delaware. Howe followed, with all the rein- forcements he could with safety draw from New York. From these preparations of the British, it will be apparent, that the renewed zeal and alacrity of the militia (which had lain dor- mant when most needed), drew Washington into a serious di- lemma. Anxio)]s to give their courage scope whilst at its height, he had thrown himself into the province, with intent to follow up the victory at Trenton ; but through the activity of Howe and Cornwallis, and the strength of the reinforcements they brought, he stood exposed to a highly disciplined enemy, superior in num- bers, in front, and the broad river in his rear, over which hasty retreat was impossible. After skirmishing on the road between Trenton and Princeton, he found himself, on the afternoon of the second of January, ob- liged to retreat into the former-named town (the scene of the re- cent engagement). The best, and indeed, only tolerable posi- 250 JASPER CROWE. tion, was ihe eastern bank of the Assanpink creek, a small stream, which, aficr turning a mill-wheel, flows under a bridge, and loses its waters in the Delaware. The eastern bank presents a per- pendicular rise of some fifteen feet, with a level surface above; the opposite maroin is a continuation of marshy meadow ground. Seizing and fortifying the bridge and i he njill, wiiich proicctcd his left flank, Washington planied artillery along the bluff, with full command of the low meadows opposite. Occupymg this position, he awaited tlie attack of Cornwallis, and a severe can- nonading commenced, and lasted till after dark. The river was but a shallow fordable stream, and it were an easy affair for the British to cross higher up, and turn his right flank. Sir William Erskine proposed to Cornwallis that this movement shouM be effected wiihout delay ; but his lordship replied, that the men were excessively faiigued ; the Anierican general was in toils from which he could not escape, and after a few hours' rest, he would be easily beaten on the morrow. '* If Washington is the man I take him lo be," rejoined Erskine, " we shall not find him here on the morrow." The event justified Erskine's sagacity. The American camp- fires were lighted, the sentinels relieved and paraded, and there was every appearance that the troops were bivouacking. Ii was agreed in council, in the patriot army, that the heavy baggage should march toward Burlmgion, tlie guards remain on the field till day-break, whilst the main corps retreated in silence and in darkness. By midnight, the baggage was far on its march, its removal un- heard by the Biitish ; ilie ground being soft and ihe wind blow- ing from the south, having induced a partial thaw. Renewing the camp-fires, and leaving guards at the biidge and other passes on the stream above, the army commenced its retreat, A sud- den change of wind to northward, refroze the ground, and facili- tated the march of the troops over the clayey roads. To avoid the appearance of retreat, which would have depres- sed the spirits of the iniliiia, Washington determined on a cncui- tous march to Princeton, with intent to fall on the rear of the British army, which, he had been informed the same evening, by the ftithful (Jirard, lay ihere encamped. The general reached the town by sunrise, and found three regi- ments of British infantry, two of which, under command of Co- lonel Mawhood, were already on the march. They made a most desperate resistance, which extorted the adiniralion and respect of Washington, but the gallant colonel, with the entire American army in his front, was obliged to retreat; he fled toward the di- vision tuidcr Cornwallis. 'J'he- remaining regiment, which occu- pied qtiaricrs in Princeton, retreated hastily, and the Americans entered the town. Three hundred prisoners were the fruits of this surprise, in addition to several hundred more slain in the en- gagement. To bring our military illustration to a close, though JASPER CROWE. 251 rather out of order in point of time, we may add, thai Cornwallis, on finding, in the monimg, the Americans flown, was so much alarined for the safely of fSevv Brunswi(k, where he had left the military chest and stores of every description, that he marched ihitlier with all speed. It was, indeed, Washington's intention, when he moved from Trenton, to tiave pushed on to Brunswick ; but the harassed stale of his troops, many of whom had had no rest for two nights and a day, joined to the danger of losing ad- vantage gained by aiming at too much, induced him, with the ad- vice of his officers, to reluiquish the attempt. To return to Girard. Though strictly forbidden by Jasper Crowe to risk entering the British lines, he had, nevertheless, with his usual temerity, returned to the neighbourhood of Prince- ton, and from inhabitants on the roadside, as wt-U as from parlies within the town, succeeded in tracking Franz thither, and learn- ing that he still sojourned in company with the suttler. Of Mary he could gather no tidings. Pursuit of this object enabled the spy to afford very accurate information to the cotnmander-in-chief ; and he gained credit for diligence and love of his adopted country, which, in truth, should have been attributed to love of one of his adopted country's fair daughters. However, we must not look loo closely at motives, which at most, can only be imperfecily known. During the short occupaiion of Prmceton — which did not ex- lend beyond two hours — (iirard made the best use of time. He discovered the lodging of Franz, and was fortunate enough to surprise Diana Grools. During the engagement, she was aban- doned by the Hessian, who fled lo New I3runswick, leaving to her fate his accomplice, and what proved more fortunate, a con- siderable portion of the stolen booty. Under threat, Diana con- fessed, through an interpreter, to her share in the villanous ex- ploit. For Ivvo days they succeeded in keeping Mary Crowe a close prisoner, in a cottage near the town, through ihe mstru- mentahty of a Hessian surgeon, to whom Franz carried a letter from Captain Fagel. The surgeon was employed in tending a barrack hospital, in the vicinity of which was the cottage. On the evening of the second day, watching her opportunity, whilst Franz was in the town, and the woman was in the hospi- tal — whitlier she went daily — the prisoner, unable to force the chamber door, broke the fiame of the window-sash, and lowered herself to the ground. What hecaine of her. Diana could not tell. On return from the hospital she found Mary fled, and the Hessian in a lowering rage, cursing his victim, his partner in guili, him- self, and the whole world. After rage had cooled, he informed Diana that he had just learned, from one of his countrymen, of the death of Captain Fagel, and he was afraid that if the surgf on did not stand his friend, he should have no evidence to prove that his absence was connived at by the captain ; he had nothing to show for it, but the letter to the Hessian surgeon, and as the af 252 JASPER CiiOWE. fair, altogether, was a black one, and ihe principal was dead, it was more ihaii probable that liis friend would deny all knowledge of ihe iransaclion, and leave Franz lo the doublefaie of a deser- ter and robber. He was relurnnig to the collage with inlcniion and hope of making a comf)roniise wiih his poor victim, by set- ting her free on condition thai the affair was liushed r.p, when he had the mortihcalion lo find himself foiled by her unexpected es- cape. The best chance of safely, as he lold his accomplice, was 10 remove into the town, and wail ihe opponunity of rejoin-ng the shatiered remnant of his own l)rigHde, or oiher corps, or what- ever course presented. They accordingly took the lodgings in which Diana was discovered. Franz had turned out to aid m de- fending ijie post, and dreading — as his partner imagined (for she had not seen him) — lo fall into the power of the victors, lied with what gold he boie on his person, into safer quariers. The gallantry of Girard would not permit him lo act v.'ilh the severity which the cainp-woman deserved : she was dismis- sed, with a litile silver coin; and the Frenchman, with a sorrow- ful heart, and more than two-thirds of the stolen gold, returned to head-quarters, to demand leave of absence, in order to pursue the invesiination, and trace ihe present refuge, or faie, of poor Mary. In his way through ihe main street, near the college, he found his skirts in the grasp of some one who tugged violently, Be- lieviiig, at the instant, that an attack was meditated on the booty, he turned sharply on the intruder It was a shoemaker, with whom he had a slight acquaintance, and who requested him to step wiihin his dwelling, as one of the inmates, on seeing him from the window, testified much anxiety for an interview. Great was the surprise, intense the delight, on beholding Mary Crowe ! On her escape, she had claimed the proteclion of the tradesman, and been received into his family. On hearing her sad history, he judged il prudent that she should remain a while secluded, the town" being in possession of the British and Hes- sians. Though ihe Encrlish generals no longer permitted the ravages which had disgraced the arms, and injured the cause of royally, which thoy sought to establish; ycl it was very proba- ble that the Hessian ofBcer who had assisted Franz in keeping her a prisoner in the cottage, would, if he knew where she had taken refuge, make an attempt lo carry her away. This reasoning [)revailed, and Mary staid till the successful at- tack on Princeton afiforded her — more than she ever dreamed of — llie presence of her friend and lover. Having obtained the permission from head-quarters asked for, Girard returned to the shoemaker's, ind leaving with him a gra- tuity which, he trusted, Master Jasper woidd not begrudge, he departed with the little Mary, in a wagon, by a circuitous route throui-h Sandtown) to her own home. It was not till after dark that Girard ariivcd, with his fair charge, at the miser's residence. JASPER CROWE, 253 *' Dere ! go in, ]\Iary, and make de old man happie," cried the Frenchman, Jifiing the maiden from the wagon, "and 1 will put de horse in de stable." To avoid being present at the meeting between father and daughter, he sent Mary, as herald of her own escape and restora- tion. The same motive induced him to linger over the olfices of the stable, lillJasper himself canoe in search. " Come into the house, Mr. Girard," exclaimed the miser, grasping the Frenchman's hand ; "come into the house ! It will do me good to look at your honest face." Girard felt the old n)an's hand tremble. The lantern which the latter carried, betrayed his furrowed cheeks wet with tears; his utterance was thick and indistinct. On the hearth, in Jasper's chamber, was kindled a glorious fire, such as liad not been seen in the house for many a year, thourrh as yet, it was only in embryo. A few smouldering slicks satisfied the exigeticics of the miser's lone vigil ; but on the joy- ful and unexpected return of his daughter, a huge pile of fuel was heaped over the decaying embers, and flame began to shoot through the mass. During her father's journey to the stable, Mary spent the interval in several trips to the store-room above, and the result was a well-furnished supper board. "Empty glasses, Mary ! how is this?" cried Jasper, his eye glancing the while over the table ; "the air is chilly for an old man, and even Mr. Girard's hand is cold. It is true, the glasses were empty, and so was the pitcher. The old man was in such excellent spirits and temper, that his daugh- ter, afraid to hazard a reverse, by a display of hospitality wliich might awaken his dormant avarice and moroseness, wise]}' left choice of beverage to Jasper. " There is the old ale. Father ; will you have that warm, with spice ? " Ale !" exclaimed Jasper, " hang ale ! have I no Bursundv left?" ^ > o o y Mary uttered no reply, but went in quest of the wine. Per- haps a consideration of his extravagance caused an inward twinge, for scarcely had she left the chamber ere he attempted to call her back ; fortunately for the honour of his nascent hospitality, she was out of hearing. "It was a good thought of Mary's," he remarked, turning to Girard ; " spiced ale, on a winter's night, is better than cold wine." " Has Mary told you of de gold I did rescue ?" demanded Girard, who saw how matters were going, and was anxious to retain the old man in good humour. "Gold? no!" cried Jasper, starting from his chair; "she said the rascal fled to Brunswick before your friends entered Prince- ton. Where did you get it ? How much have you ? The silly wench said nothing about the money, and I gave it up for lost." " Den feel here," cried Girard, displaying the exterior of one 254 JASPER CROWE. of llie large pockets of his overcoat, and compressing, with his hands, tlie ctin into a lieap. Jasper's eyes sparkled with delight, as his fingers felt the shape of the gold pieces. '•' Broad and thin, I know them ; th.ey are my own bright dou- bloons !" " Now de oder side," said the Frenchman, displaying the bulk of the opposite pocket, which was equally well lined. " Mercy ! mercy !" cried Jasper, there must be . How much money, Mr. Girard, do you imagine is here?" *' I. did never count it," replied the other, " der may be, in dc two pockets, perhaps, vun gal-Ion. I did fear dey vud break." At this instant, Mary returned with the wine, and Jasper com- menced a sharp fire of invective for her utter heedlessness in not acquainting him with Mr. Girard's recovery of the stolen gold. She had no objection, he affirmed, to fine dress and good living (neither of which, by the bye, poor Mary had ever experienced), but, like her sex, knew not, nor cared not, whence came the means of procuring ihem. Perhaps, coniin\]ed the old man, in his testinesss, she deemed her own return to home such an ines- timable blessing, that the restoration of gold were not worthy a thought in comparison ! " Veil, Mr. Crowe, 1 did bring back de little daughter, and de big monie; and I do deserve de one or de oder. for de trouble. '•' Vich shall I have for mine reward ?" Clary's face and neck were flushed with crimson on her hear- ing this bold attack. Jasper, in amazement, looked altcrnaiely at the Frenchman, and his datighter. The latter sei/ed her father's hand, and kissed it, the tears starling to her eyes. " Did you know Mary bcTore she was carried away?" demand- ed Jasper, with a shrewd glance at the Frenchman. Girard confessed an affection, which he trusted was mutual. The old man declared that what he now heard explained what to him had proved unaccountable — the extreme solicitude of Mr. Girard for the recovery of Mary. " But supper waits," he added, and I make it a rule to sleep once before I decide on any matter so important as the parting with money, or the alternative you propose, Mr. Girard." On the morrow, after along conferrence with Mary, he inform- ed the impatient Frenchman, that as he was now growing very aged, he was not insensible to the aid he might derive, in the management of his afl'airs, from a son-in-law ; nor was he indif- ferent to the claims of one who had behaved so honourably as Girard. But there was an obstacle : Although he himself lived secluded, perhaps ignobly, in the eyes of some people, yet Mary was descended from a race of gentlemen ; and i\Ir. Girard's oc- cupation, as he understood, though confidential, was far from honourable in estimation or standing. The Frenchman hastened JASPER CROWE. 255 to remove the impediment by inquiring if objections would cease on his obtaining from General Washington a commission in the continental army, to which lie was at present only irregularly at- tached. Ja«per made the lovers happy, by giving his assent to the un- ion, on the condition specified by Girard; thelaiter had no diffi- culiy in obtaining — what his important service well entitled him to — a captain's commission. In possession of this rank, he was united to the daughter of Jasper Crowe ; and from the obscure station of an emigrant barber, found himself heir apparent to a large estate, and — what he valued infinitely beyond riches — guar- dian of the happiness of the young bride committed to his pro- tection. From this date he served faithfully and zealously the cause to which he was attached, though we hear no more of hair- breadth escapes, nor perilous adventures, v/ithin the enemy's lines. For the remaining term of an extended life, the character of Jasper Crowe underwent but slight change. He hoarded his mo- ney and effects, and denied himself the comforts of existence, even as he had done hitherto ; but as age crept over him, he was forced to delegate the management of the properly to his son-in- lavv, and his eccentricities were confined within a narrow and harmless range. ]\Iary, by exchanging her name, had no I'eason to regret her choice. Her sole fear of the future arose from the recklessness which her husband's career had hitherto exemplified; but she was charmed to discover, that lier persuasions, joined to the self- consideration, which the possession of properly and station im- parts, made Francois Girard place higher value on his life than be- fore marriage. For the term of two months, Count Knipslatch, attended by a German nurse, from the Hessian head-quarters — an allentiou which he owed to General de Heister — continued an inmate of Jasper Crowe's domicile. He recovered and lived to return to Germany. No change occurred in his superstitious fancies, or belief; and as Girard — out of respect to Mary — did not divulge his midnight adventure in the loft, explanation of the extraordi- nary phenomenon was never afforded the Count. His familiar — as he always affirmed — had followed him even to the regions be- yond the Atlantic. When his assertions were doubted, he ap- pealed to the testimony of Jablonsky and Schulz, who both sur- vived the war, and they could not deny that they had been wit- nesses to an agency inexplicable and mysterious. The family belief, through the strange occurrence, has gained rather than lost strength, and remains unimpaired in the house of Knipslatch, as we presume, even in the present enlightened century. As Diana Groots, and Franz, were never again heard of by 25G JASPER CROWE. the family of Jasper, and both were lost sight of by the Hessian officers, the villany of Fagel was not disclosed till mnny years afterward. His premature fate was cerlainlj^ not undeserved- ^ "F 11 1 m K E A TALE OF NEW JERSEY. : Bv JOHN H. MANCUR, Aiiil^.^r of '•' Christine^' — " The Deserter,^'' — '♦ Henri Quatrc ; or, the Days of the League, <^c., <^-c, vrey ss the title of No. 3 of this series, which improved wiih each tale issued. 1 he book iJ v riniew describes —in a style which creates breathless inicre.st — the perilous adventures which pel a New Jersey family during the Revolution Whilst attention is rivetted by the io;nance of the jideiits, toe imagination of the reader is dejighled with the touches of poe.try and eloquence with lich I ^ work aiiounds." — N. Y. Plclieiart. " Thi. :^ c^ titrilling narrative of the dangers which environed two sisters, while their native pro- K \ ' . Jersey, was in the hands of ttie British and their German mercenaries. It is a lale of intorost, sustained with remarkable power, and enlivened by a style which letiects the V and imagination.'' — ..V. Y, Trtlune, SiLATHIEL. \ STORY OF THE PAST, THE PRESENT, AND THi FUTURE. i: T«s Rkv; GEORGE OAOLY, Author of "Life and Times of George IV.," Ac One volume, ]2mo., stitched. Price, 31 1 cents. vtraordinR.^y story — the production of a great man of genius— cannot be classed with any h". w, r!c.s of imagination which have been put I'orth in these times so fertile in romance : it in fectly original in the general conception, as well as in its spienJid and powerful eloquence. The Bt striking peculiarity is the combination of lofty thought, expressed in a style which, fur its richness, iuusness, and vigour, is almirst unrivalled Indeed a strain so exalted could not be judiciously d, if the subject were tiot far above those which are usually selected for works of fiction But ere the story is that of a being supposed to be under th« immediate and constant infliction oi Div-ne wrath — driven through some of the most wonderful scenes and situations that the world produced — the stately and sustained dilution of this work corresponds with the dignity of the sWl is truly a magnificent fiction ; ii is the tale of the Wandering Jew: and as its hero is ong life and to much variety of fortune, his story is of the destinies of naijons as well as frtelings, experiences, and sorrows. The story commences at iliat.momerit when the mo- rable ^.:;-:-=e was pronounced upon the Jew, ^Tarry thou iill I comc.^ The horrors of this infliction, I the ii-erplicaWe conviction of his crime, are most powerfully depicted. Then come the more I' ar.C' iv fji visitations of the earthquake and darkness which attended the crucifixion. We cannot, tempt to trace the progress of this wild and wonderful laio, which, from its manoer, defies i'uin If abounds in descriptions on which all the splendours of fancy and language are I'tie only faults which can be attributed to it proceed from the unabated loftiness and sweep- style wnicii is continued throughout. It is true, as we. have remarked before, that this is consi»- t with ihe elevntion of the subject ; but we could almost have wished for occasional parts in a more iple, sinf>t)ih, and easy strain It is astonishing that, without the relief of any such p.irts, there is hing ti c'/iiiplain of in the shape of ridiculous pompousness or affectation. The most obtrusive wbac:: :i, the impossibility of sympathising with the adventures of one who suffers to fulfil a rurse, ' — '• life, stretched on the rock of evil fortune, endures for centuries. We feel with Salathi«l oars and odd : and at the close of the usual term of hunian life shut our hearts, and com- pering." — Boston Spectator, I !i - urk: is one of the most powerfully written and brilliant productions of it« glftfJ author, and eals, .- in a mirror, the most striking images of events of former times. The h»?ri> is ihat scoffer ;he y ' iour who is supposed to be doomed to a preternatural existence, wandering from clime to tie, tf ■ isred by the undying memory of guilt ; in short, the Wandering Jew, the hero of t:>any ialeg I poei 3 but of no work so thrilling as the one before us." — Boston Paper. 'in S' u'i of the close print and fine type, which oppresses the eye, we read these pages, and dwelt h str:-,r.g',-, indefinite emotions upon the philosophic?,!, highly wrought, an«J well-told » Story of Exi;" whose path has for a thousand years been m the brier and the thorn.' A work of great vet ar; \ imagination, though imbued somewhat too strongly vuiih wild, mysterious romance to po«- s any of the claims to reality which would be likely to convey impressions of profit or utility. This I ulili'nrian age, and we think the higher and better of the writer who keeps that |»oint in view;- n amid his wild dreams or strange vHj^auee."— Pliiiadelphia Saturday Museum. ' Thii* is a thrilling narrative of the wandering Jew, \viio has appeared in Europe from time to tima irlg 'he last thousand years — & mysterious individual — a soji)urner in all lands, yet a citizen in le. Many histories have been invented for him, some purely fictitious, others founded on ili-un^ ■toQ($ records ; bat the present work has the supreme merit of truth. It will richly repay a peru^- "•—•I'hiUtdeJfhia Mercury and Evewng Jourmil. chk; BLI CATIONS LYF^n. .. .-. aAGUE-SlKKET, NKW \<}\: ,wtP- »,>rk>«. I7 the mo<it ;>'.;.>. la- lit: i^'^.I^« A Till Oi^ THE M^mm. 1^ By JOHN ft. MA •• fitinri Qiiatfc ; or, The Dp; " TLiisii.'l.t:.iwdi tide is by t! ' 'i autLnr ui -Ih^n^Uj .^. ur'I the Leaeue, which, until th>w. ■ nlly 3ttrlbut«,^\to Mr James. .:.il ♦©find thai such a wtiier i. ,r has tumei) !•..■ iHeniL-fi t. i of our iriumiihant Rftoluiii>,i. Ti»« .st«^nd of the ule !■ nciilrnts occur about the pe'.iod of »he battle fi)U:iht iv >• -icral Sullivan, and the Hessian mercrnarics ot »- . y Sir W. Howe. TbelocaliMes nf Long Islanij, am. am «le8crit)f(l with graphic accuracy, in a siyl*" as t i-^ n;arm of fine wniing is ease, and n>"> strorH- ' •■ ■< .r.,.,. orks of Irrino and S,coit, of whom the author " ifKkrstand thai this tale is to be fniltv ed up hy ; .ri the Revolution, and we are fjlad th.t ■- - i.. .<«. : of our youth, in so (deasing a manner. ' lie scene of chis hiohly interesting roman ■^ nk that has yet attempted to delineate 'u crrrn*! in ary part of nur country do' h Days We I,. »r^d t« thC'Sn'ij l.ttlr ^1: ff^aT if our troops, the , amid scenes - General \Va .V, and effect e. hii r.' )t been lost or :>, Uere related, and its perusal will repay the Unne deVotpd to it." — i#f^' iHE DESERTEfii LEGEND OF MOUNT WASHINGTON- •W of "Chr.stine:' - -^ — League" JfC. 4<- <^, .r's livfly and insirucliv.- 'r,\!c« of ■ i!; ■ tact are heauifuilv blt-.n.led with a love .1 W*.SRiNGTOs cnvtroMfd vnh j' ^iOr,. III and firmness cmild h!i\ nen il was thrt-aiened by 1: r.-„ v,:.,P„, .rr ..-.n.-flhe • •3 are dcicf itie'j ^S iCll tliiitll 16 :;JfclUj ical doconwiii!'. the use > >.f wbi«t jihor Our only obj.-ciion to ihi .ippeurs to he the inlfiiii lun of th lie, *; Christine,'" haNinc liren em .v/ — Ill ., ■ ;i,rtiiM e phrasroioj^y — " to bear fioi 1. ).im tb ' A. 4BBfnMRtMZ «-»4»4MM isiynn ^B sillHSli^ bsnh WKm Binder Gaylord Bros., Inc. Makers Stockton, Calif. PAT. IAN. 21. 1908 14 DAY USE RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED LOAN DEPT. This book is due on the last date stamped below, or on the date to which renewed- Renewed books are subject to immediate recall. 90cr62WAr ^■-REC'D-iXb Mft^Af^. 3 bl9E3 subyect to recan sher-^ ^m^ i'r> q ?y BECTllD ft ^ " , 1 ri -i \'^\ 4 3 LD 21A-50w-3,'62 (C7097slO)476B General Library University of California Berkeley